British Virgin Islands Heritage Conservation Group

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Friday 27th, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE from the Virgin Islands Environmental Council.

DRAMATIC CLOSE TO BVI ENVIRONMENTAL MONTH

18,000 signatures and 3600 comments from around the world presented in support of British Virgin Islands!

In an astonishing show of support 600 pages long and 4 inches thick, citizens from not only the BVI but around the world expressed outrage and concern over the development of Beef Island. Spearheaded by the Virgin Islands Environmental Council (VIEC) with the help of Ocean River Institute (ORI- www.oceanriver.org), this letter of concern has now focused international attention on the VIEC’s attempt to have the Virgin Islands Fisheries Act enforced regarding the Hans Creek fisheries protected area as well as the protection of the fragile and pristine ecosystem of Beef Island which has global ramifications.

Dr. Quincy Lettsome holding the Book of letter signatures

The theme of most of the comments was the need to protect untouched areas for future generations while still others shared experiences, warnings and consequences of unsustainable development including the harmful effects of marinas and golf courses on reef and mangrove systems. Many other calls were for eco-tourism as a potential economy, after all, the BVI continues to garner awards for its nature and peacefulness.

This was born out by comments from 46 United States including Virginia: “You can build other 5-star hotels and golf courses. You can’t build other natural eco-systems”. From California: “Golf courses and Marinas are the two most polluting activities you can subject to land and sea!”. Nevada cautions the development “for fear it is going the way of St. Thomas”.

Even more impressive was the International Community Members representing most European Countries along with Peru, Venezuela, Mexico, Canada, Australia, and Egypt! From our own Caribbean Basin, Island countries such as Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Bermuda, Bahamas, Turks and Caicos and the USVI express warnings at what happens with too much development. The general thread was that the natural beauty of the Caribbean is what attracts most people. One long time visitor stated “Money is temporary. Extinction is forever.”

Finally, from Virgin Gorda, comes “We were given the name “Nature’s Little Secrets” for a reason. We are tampering with the environment to the detriment of future generations”.

Full copies of the VIEC letter, along with supporting facts and comments have been delivered to Premier O’Neal, Governor Pearey’s office, Labor and Natural Resources, Conservation and Fisheries, National Park Trust, The Tourist Board and the public Library.

On Thursday, July 10th, the program “UMOJA”, Radio station ZBVI 780 AM, 8:00-9:30, will discuss with Dr. Quincy Lettsome how far the VIEC court case has come and the World Importance of it being the first time a group has brought such a law suit against the government for violation of Environmental Laws in the Caribbean.

For more information please contact:

Dr. Quincy Lettsome, Co-director, Virgin Islands Environmental Council

284-494-5981, e-mailL drqlettsome@hotmail.com

Or Sheila Callwood-Schulterbrandt, President at 544-3869

Press release by webmaster@bvihcg.com

Link to Presentation Letter

Link to Cover Letter of Press Release

Link to Selected Comments

Link to 300 pages of comments!

Two fledgling groups (VIEC and ORI) and a coalition of local groups raise awareness here and far away of the plight of Beef Island BVI.

This is very exciting news for us at BVIHCG and the VIEC! The Ocean River Institute, is first to practice environmental subsidiarity in collaboration with others, to assist groups closest to wildlife and natural areas, to educate more widely, and to advance ecosystem-based adaptive management with greater public participation.

The Ocean River Institute a new environmental organization based in Massachusetts is taking the lead at using its communities and connections to raise thousands of individuals concerned with the fate of Beef Island. 8,000 people of Tortola, BVI; Boston Massachusetts, and beyond are concerned with how the Premier is deciding for Beef Island mangroves, salt pond, Hans Creek and coral reef habitats for wildlife and tourists. Ocean River Institute is facilitating the VIEC's collection of signed letters to Premier O'Neal. Have you signed your letter yet today by going here?