For those following the issue, the on-going court case spurred by the Virgin Islands Environmental Council’s (VIEC) challenge to the proposed Beef Island resort is scheduled for a hearing Thursday, September 25.

Last year, the VIEC called for a review of this development which includes a golf course, mega-yacht marina and five-star hotel on previously proposed marine- protected areas, and, it contends, violates both the Fisheries Regulations and Planning Act which states that all written laws have to be followed. 

Last month, the VIEC delivered a purported 18,000 signatures and 3600 comments to the Premier concerning the protection of the Hans Creek and Beef Island ecosystems.

Copies of the notebook entitled: “Letter to Rt. Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal” were also distributed to the Governor and several departments including Labour and Natural Resources, BVI Tourist Board, National Parks Trust, Conservation and Fisheries, and is available to the public at the Road Town Library.
These signatures were gathered by BVI petitioners and e-mail world-wide in partnership with Ocean River Institute from Massachusetts, and reveal that the VIEC effort is precedent-setting, reflected in the locations and opinions of residents, environmental scientists, teachers, long-standing visitors and repeat tourists calling for environmental legislation to be upheld and nature to be preserved for future generations.
The VI has some of the last pristine ecosystems, tying the world together by migrating birds and fish hatcheries, and in turn, local fishermen, divers and sailors.

The harm to the environment far outweighs the perceived benefits of this resort. One only has to look at Scrub Island for its violations and labour problems.
The VIEC must be commended at this great achievement in drawing attention to the BVI and its growing pains. It is not an unusual situation judging by the plights of other over-developed island nations. But the government’s decision will call attention to whether the VI is a leader in environmental preservation or not. I also think that perhaps the Tourist Board should thank the Council for free publicity, most of which draws attention to the territory’s natural beauty and peaceful environment. It is not too late to make the BVI a world class destination of eco- tourism.

Susan O. Smith

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