One of the things I think we often overlook is that we live in one of the most beautiful regions of the world called the Caribbean. And the British Virgin Islands is a part of the Caribbean that is especially beautiful. Those in the tourism industry will extol the scenic land and seascapes in promoting the destination, but ordinary inhabitants tend to take these gifts of nature for granted. And because of this, we can get shortchanged by our politicians. But there’s a new awakening on the rise.

A lot’s being said about environmental protection this month of June, designated as Environment Month. Activities highlight awareness of the environment and issues of sustainable development. I want to take the opportunity to add my voice to this cause as a nature lover and someone who puts high value on the simple experience of being able to breathe clean, fresh air in the open space.

I’m mindful of the fact that there are some challenges to breathing clean fresh air in enclosed spaces. The moldy condition that’s being discussed by workers in some buildings occupied by public offices, and the effect it has on air quality and health of the workers is not to be overlooked. A recent seminar given by the Extension Office of the University of the Virgin Islands in conjunction with the BVI UNESCO office alerted those who attended of the many ways in which household and workplace environments can be contaminated by pollutants that are used in daily cleaning practices.

But the point I want to make is that to be able to enjoy clean fresh air in open spaces should be a privilege and a right that we all treasure and cherish with fierce advocacy. Hence, the enforcement of the No Smoking in public places is to be supported and encouraged by everyone in respect of the law.

The next step that our government needs to move speedily on is to create the park that would provide an open green area for residents (and visitors) to stroll, sit, and take the children and old people out for open-air recreation with a lovely view of Road Harbour. This should be one of the joys of living in or visiting the BVI. There’s nothing more soothing and beneficial to the spirit, and invigorating to the mind than spending quality time in a nature spot, day or (moonlight) night. We need that park.

Is it really true that the government is planning to break down the fine-looking concrete columns used in fencing the area opposite Government House, where the proposed Queen Elizabeth 11 Park development site is located? The area is being eyed for highway expansion, but I for one, can’t see why the public should be deprived of this particular green space for the sake of wider roads, more lanes or whatever the rationale behind this highway-happy mindset.

I’m not against good development. I’m against a highway development that will create more roads to promote more reckless driving than we already have. Prior to the stoplight section, there were fewer accidents, and less road fatalities. Our legal speed limit is 40 mph. For what do we need more highway?

On the other hand, people are falling down everyday because of poor health. They’re working too hard, eating too much, sitting down too long in poorly ventilated workspaces, and health insurance is getting more and more expensive, and not covering the doctors’, hospitals, and medicine costs. People need encouragement to go outdoors more often and exercise and breathe good air into their lungs.

Sea breeze is said to have curative properties for human health. On an average day people line up near the cruise ship dock taking in the breeze. It’s the only chance they get most likely to do this, on a lunchtime break. That spot will soon be taken over for some other development of a commercial nature. We want a designated recreational green spot near the seaside, for our health purposes.

We, the public, want, need and deserve a little piece of Nature’s Little Secret to call our own. To be enjoyed at any time, be open to all 24/7, 365 days per year, with no padlock on the gate. We want to be able to say this little space is symbolic of the environment we pledge to protect and pass on to future generations. We want a proper park. What’s the hold up?

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