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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Hello Everyone,</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I've had quite a lot of response regarding this
issue, and thought it appropriate to continue to update the entire list.
My appologies for any inconveinence.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>As far as an update goes, I really don't have any
good news. I don't think the dredger has arrived yet, but it is due very
soon. The chances of stopping and or delaying the act are not good at
all. As I mentioned before, the US Military are not directly involved in
the process of dredging or piling (even though they are involved in other
aspects of the project), and have been actually invited by the SVG government to
assist in the construction of the base. They have therefore washed their
hands of the situation. </FONT><FONT face=Arial size=2>The local officials
are not willing to delay the project. Both the US Millitary and local
officials have stressed the need to stick to a very tight schedule, as any delay
(even a week) would prevent the project from being completed.
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I've pretty much talked to everyone I can think of
locally. The result being that I've been told point blank that there is
nothing that can be done. I can file an appeal with the planning board,
but that board doesn't meet until next month, and there was definitely no sign
that an earlier meeting might be called in this case. I don't have the
funds for a lawyer, nor are there any local entities which might take up the
cause. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>That's where things are at. They don't look
good right now. But, giving up is not something that we can afford to do
anymore, expecially in places like St. Vincent and the Grenadines. So, for
anyone who wishes to read on, I have included below an open letter sent to the
Prime Minister of SVG, and our Senior Minister. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I'd also like to thank everyone who sent
messages of support, suggestions and comments. It makes a difference to
know that people do care out there. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Again, many thanks, and I'll be sure to let
you know the final outcome. Cheers,</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Kurt</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial
size=2>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><B><FONT size=6>
<P align=center>Open Letter </P></FONT>
<P align=center>to</P><FONT size=6>
<P align=center>Prime Minister A. Eustace</P></FONT>
<P align=center>and </P><FONT size=6>
<P align=center>Senior Minister Sir J. Mitchell</P></FONT>
<P align=center></P><I><FONT size=5>
<P align=center>Re: Marine Conservation in SVG</P></I></FONT><FONT size=5>
<P align=center>2001/01/25</P></B></FONT>
<P>Dear Sirs,</P>
<P>It is indeed a sad time for those of us who have fought for Marine
Conservation in SVG. Within a short period of time, a dredger will commence work
within the Palm / Union Island Fisheries Conservation area in the Southern
Grenadines, resulting in both direct and indirect destruction of marine life
(including mangrove, seagrass, important coral species, and valuable young fish
populations). </P>
<P>It is a sad time, because this act is about to set a very dangerous
precedent. In this case, not only was there adequate information indicating the
importance of the site regarding fisheries and marine protection, but it was
believed that the law was on the side of protection through the Fisheries Act of
1986. However, somehow this law has been overlooked, the Environmental Impact
Assessment misinterpreted, and all supporting information which followed
ignored. The process towards the approval of this project has been clouded in
mystery, and it now seems that you, Prime Minister, are the only person which
may be able to make a difference regarding this matter. </P>
<P>You must understand that the days of your youth, when you thought that you
could sacrifice a square yard of the Ocean for the "greater good" are long gone.
We, who are now counted as young people of this country, cannot afford to
sacrifice one square inch. Our environment is our future; the heart of our
potential livelihood, both in its supply of our food and our potential for
tourism. It is the only heritage we have to pass on to our children. We cannot
afford the purposeful removal of natural areas without condemning the children
of this country to a life of bitterness and servitude to foreign influences.</P>
<P>I urge you to stop the dredging of this area, or at least delay the dredging
until the matter may be reviewed through consultation with all agencies
involved, as it should have been from the beginning.</P>
<P>I must also make it clear that if the dredging does go ahead as scheduled,
this further rape of our natural environment, and the resulting death occurring
in an important marine area, must be the last. Further desecration and
mismanagement of our heritage cannot continue. </P>
<P>Sir Mitchell, I once expressed my commitment to the protection of the Tobago
Cays. I now extend that commitment to the protection of the marine environment
of SVG as a whole. We have no time to waste. Time is running out and we are far
behind where we should be in this process. As part of my commitment to the
marine environment of SVG, I would like to bring your attention to the
following:</P><B><FONT size=4>
<P>1. </B></FONT>It is my intention, if the dredging of the Clifton Coast Guard
site is allowed to continue, to lobby for the placement of a permanent plaque
which acknowledges the cost of the Coast Guard project, including the loss of
precious mangrove, seagrass, coral and fish.</P><B><FONT size=4>
<P>2. </B></FONT>As long as I am Manager of the Tobago Cays Marine Park, I will
continue to emphasize the local interests of the people of the Southern
Grenadines...I will continue to promote youth education and involvement, and
will continue to fight for the creation of a solid operational foundation upon
which to build, a foundation which after all these years is still not
complete.</P><B><FONT size=4>
<P>3. </B></FONT>The pending destruction of a valuable marine conservation area,
as well as my experience regarding the developmental process of the Tobago Cays
Marine Park have clearly shown that <I>government entities are not capable of
truly protecting our environmental heritage on their own.</I> Therefore, it is
my intention to go to the people of SVG, and ask that we form the <B>SVG Marine
Trust</B>...an organization whose representatives will be chosen by the people
of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The Trust will become the body entrusted with
our marine heritage, its use and its protection. The formation of this body is
the final element missing from the movement of conservation in SVG, and I’m sure
that I can count on the support of both of you towards the creation of the
Trust.</P>
<P>I thank you very much for your time regarding this matter, and trust that you
will seriously consider delaying the dredging at Clifton point, for all of our
sakes. </P>
<P>Sincerely,</P>
<P>Kurt Cordice</P>
<P>Citizen of St. Vincent and the Grenadines</P></DIV></BODY></HTML>