Although there has been some controversy over whether the Native
American leader, Chief Seattle, actually said these famous words, they
are still profound and they continue to resonate with much truth:
“This we know; the earth does not belong to man; man belongs to the
earth. This we know. All things are connected like the blood which
unites one family. All things are connected.”
How often, when asked to describe the outdoors, do we picture a
brilliant golden sun, turquoise waves with white frothy tops lapping on
an empty, white-sand beach, birds gliding through the pale blue sky, and
trees providing shade for little creatures that scuttle on the ground.
How many times do we put people into that picture? Too often separate
ourselves from the natural environment in which we exist. Sometimes we
do not realise that our actions have a direct impact on almost
everything that surrounds us; that what we are doing to the environment,
we are doing to ourselves. And it is because of this close relationship
and interconnection that it becomes so important that we become more
aware about what we are doing and more active in ensuring that we are
not destroying the very areas and resources on which we depend for our
own survival. Increasing our knowledge, asking questions, and being
actively involved in discussions and decision-making are all part of
that process.
Over the past half year, letters regarding issues of public concern –
whether they be over the proposed planning bill, the level and/or
direction of development (primarily tourism-related), or even the
increase in criminal activity and violence – are surfacing. These
letters may be interpreted as the public’s recognition that their voices
must not only be heard, but perhaps more importantly, listened to.
In the 17 March edition of The Anguillian, a letter from the West End
Concerned Group to the Hon. Chief Minister Mr. Osbourne Fleming was
published. The Group wanted to make their views and concerns about the
activities occurring in and affecting their community known to both
Government and the rest of the island.
Their concerns centred on three main issues:
- The Viceroy Project and its effects on beach access,
flooding, and air quality;
- The Temenos Golf Course Project and issues related to a
jetty being used by fishermen and the potential for degradation
(and even destruction) of the surrounding marine environment;
and
- Shoal Bay West, the proposed marine project, and the
contribution of tourism developers to community development.
On Wednesday 22 March, a meeting was held in West End and was chaired
by government representatives. Issues raised by the Concerned Group came
to the front once again. After some discussion, the officials agreed to
conduct site visits in order to assess the situation.
An article in the 30 March Anguillian reviewed a statement made by the
Hon. Chief Minister on 23 March at the Ronald Webster Park. During his
speech, he described Anguilla as “the America of the Caribbean” –
prosperous with a bright and exciting future. Perhaps even the envy of
the rest of the region. He mentioned the moratorium on large-scale
development, the Flag Luxury Golf Course, the Vice Roy Projects, the
Altamer expansion project, and stress these projects have placed and
continue to place on the workforce. He talked about the proposed Junk’s
Hole project and the Savannah Bay/Sile Bay project, and how “people are
literally fighting to come to Anguilla.” Public consultations were held
prior to the submission of any detailed assessments (environmental or
otherwise) by the developers. Some of the meetings were well-attended.
Others, not so much. Perhaps this was due to feelings that the
Anguillian voice is not strong enough to elicit change or feelings that
“as long as it is not in my backyard” it is not important. But everyone
has a voice and there is strength in numbers and if it is happening in
Anguilla (given the size of the island), then it is in your backyard.
Environmental or social activism is sometimes equated to radicalism.
Remember hearing stories of people across the world climbing bridges,
waving banners, and refusing to come down? Or tying themselves to trees?
Or chaining themselves to bulldozers? But it does not have to be – and
it usually is not. It is as simple as asking questions (there are no
wrong ones), making sure they are answered appropriately and adequately,
and pushing for change when change is necessary to ensure that the
decisions that are made and policies and programmes that are implemented
are in the best interest of all of Anguilla.
It is encouraging to see community groups emerging and to see them
clearly outlining their concerns about activities that are being
conducted and their impacts on the environmental integrity and social
fabric of the island. These community groups, however, have tended to
emerge in response to something – for example, environmental degradation
or negative pressures on society. They have tended to be reactive
instead of proactive. This is partly because we do not completely
understand the impacts we are having on our environment (natural,
cultural, social, economic, and/or political). But should we have to
wait until the effects of our activities and decisions are felt within
the community and by the environment before we decide to become
involved? We have to start asking important questions, even if the
answers are not yet known. We need to look long-term and act in a way
that is in the best interest of both society and the environment.
There is only one planet. We have one chance to get it right. We should
make sure that we make the most of it and do the best we can for it.
Every person has a role to play and the potential to make a real
difference. It is important that we do not forget this.
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