Turks and Caicos Development Petition

[Canibul]

I know most sailors here will never visit the Turks and Caicos Islands. But for those few who do either cruise through here, or even fly down for vacations, or those just generally taking an interest in what is happening to the world's coral reefs, there is a movement afoot here to try to halt some outrageous development in the national park. IF you are interested at all, the petition drive ( and info on what is being done to the coral reef and habitat here) is at:

Care2 : The Petition Site : TIME TO DRAW A LINE

[MarkJ]

IN just a few words can you explain what its all about please? The website doesnt help me

[Canibul]

Well, its too complicated for just a few words, but basically rampant development here has gotten a little out of hand lately. This article is a start:

Subject: Information on Star Island
Date: Wed, 2 Apr 2008 22:02:07 -0400

Planning Approval has been given for a Dubai-style island to be located in the middle of our most popular National Park and just up-current from the most heavily snorkeled section of the Barrier Reef.

By the developer's own estimates, it will take at least 1.5 million cubic yards of dredged material to fill the reclaimed island. This is 30 times the destructive dredging we have seen thus far. Again, just up-current from the Reef that the Ministry of Natural Resources recently valued at over 47 million/annum.

The jury is out on reclaimed islands. They are notorious silt producers and reef killers. And all of this in our National Park, over pristine conch, turtle and lobster habitat. During the self-proclaimed "Year of the Coral Reef"

Time is of essence. There is an injunction working it's way through the system, but the developer has accelerated the Star Island dumping. They are working night and day, not even bothering to move the live animals that are inconveniently in the way.

We have already won in the court of public opinion, but we need a way to quantify that.

So please forward the following petition link to anyone who might be interested in helping.

[Therapy]

Good luck to you!

[Madwand]

Originally Posted by Canibul

I know most sailors here will never visit the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Why would they not?

[Tidestar]

To Whom It May Concern: April 25, 2008

Regarding: Disaster Island - TCI Star Island & Leeward Marina Development, Turks and Caicos Islands

I am a developer and entrepreneur with an extensive real estate development, finance, hospitality, land planning and economic development background.

In our increasingly interconnected and interdependent planet, our relationship to the natural world is key. Protecting and enhancing our National and natural treasures is important for our mental, physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. As individuals and nations we need to protect and enhance what we have. Animals don’t foul their nests. The Native Americans protected their land into the 8th generation. Balancing long and short-term needs is very important to economic development, land planning and to the needs of the people of the Islands.

The Star Island Development, an Environmental Disaster Island, will be in existence for a very, very long time. Having a severe adverse impact on a rare world treasure, this will negatively affect the economy, environment, society and the future of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Today, more than ever, humans need to live and thrive in harmony with people, nature and technology. Reefs and their fragile and dynamic ecosystems are complex and are irreplaceable.

The Turks and Caicos have a very unique and valuable competitive advantage from an economic development standpoint. These islands are not Dubai! The politics, natural and other resources and needs of the people are different from that of a wealthy, oil-based nation. True economic development in the 21st century is about more than just short-term promises of jobs and tax revenue. The enhancement of the natural and social capital of the islands, in a sensitive and sustainable way, is mandatory. This is the responsibility of every human on earth.

Filling and dredging clear waters and habitats are not appropriate. This is a very sensitive, irreplaceable, tropic coral and island ecosystem. These National Parks, Heritage Areas, conch, marine organisms and turtle habitats, beaches and reefs have taken millennia to evolve. The irresponsible actions manifested by the developers of the Star Island and Leeward Island Marina can quickly destroy these rare treasures.

Quoting from The Turks and Caicos Department of Economic Planning and Statistics web site:

“To facilitate the SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT of the Turks and Caicos Islands and to improve the welfare of residents by encouraging A BROAD CONSULTATIVE AND INFORMED APPROACH TO DECISION MAKING, in particular:
• Leading in the formulation of national strategies and monitor their implementation;
• Providing proactive and sound policy analysis and advice on all economic and developmental issues, in particular fiscal matters;
• Coordinating and facilitating the timely implementation of the Public Sector Investment Program;
• Coordinating assistance from our developmental partners;
• Maintaining and coordinating a quality statistics service that provides timely and accurate information to assist public and private sector management and decision making.”

The Star Island - Leeward Marina Development, Turks and Caicos Islands is:
• NOT - Sustainable
• NOT - In the long term welfare of The Turks and Caicos residents and the natural resource base TCI
• NOT - A Broad Informed Consultative Approach to Decision Making


As premier Michael Misick says - "let there be debate" on this matter.

The Star Island - Leeward Marina Development has been started in secret with out any public debate and scientific and environmental input.

Where are the:
• Environmental Impact studies?
• Feasibility Studies?
• Discussion and input from citizens, neighbors and other stakeholders?

Scientist and ecologist Barry commoner says – “you can’t only do one thing”

The planning and the preparation for a long-term sustainable land and economic development plan for the Turks and Caicos Islands is extremely important for the citizens, visitors, potential future investors and future residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands, as well as all citizens of the planet. The birds, fishes and corals have no vote, yet it is important for us to listen to their important voice. Natural gifts are to be treasured, protected and passed on to many future generations.

Together, let us continue to make the Turks and Caicos Islands a beautiful and sustainable thriving paradise. Star Island and the Leeward Marina Development epitomize an environmental disaster of untold proportions. These projects will only serve as a garish display of over consumption and glitz. The only beneficiaries of these disastrous projects are a few secretive and inconsiderate developers.

Michael Egnatz
505 Maryland Ave
Cambridge Md 21613
219 405 2028
lhgroup@hotmail.com