The Paradox of Development - The Goat Island Debate

Photo: Jeremy Francis

Having had the pleasure of reading Wendy Townsend's article entitled "Jamaica Selling Put It's Paradise" I can endorse that she is right. Only I would have titled it "Jamaica for Sale". Every era or decade has a buzz word and you best believe Jamaica has logged  on to the concept of sustainable development. The concept of sustainable development purports that we must have the ability to meet the needs of the present while contributing to the needs of the future generations. However, it's one of those "throw around" terms we use when we need to sound like we know what we are talking about as it pertains to environmental matters. Ask us to put it in practice and voila you have the "Save Goat Islands" situation. Development happens right under our nose in Jamaica usually with very little or no public consultation. We most times have to fish for answers or go by the little information the powers that be put out in the media. Jamaica is known for her sunny weather, turquoise beaches and emerald landscape with diverse species of plants and animals. What's at stake this time you may ask? Our rich biodiversity and natural resources of birds, plants, reptiles and marine life on Goat Islands. Townsend quotes a very significant part of the Jamaican Constitution which states that the nation's citizens have

"the right to enjoy a healthy and productive environment free from threat of injury or damage from environmental abuse and degradation of the ecological heritage."

True as these word may be, it is a farce for those who know that there are two Jamaicas: those who live out out our exotic landscapes which is the storybook paradise painted for marketing purposes and those who live in the squalor of city life or absolute rural poverty who struggle to live amid an anemic economic climate and can't afford to see the exclusive piece of paradise that the others from St. Elsewhere get to see.  As a small island developing state, I too waive the flag for development but development at what cost or compromise? We live in an age when we are susceptible to the harsh effects of climate change based on our geographic determinant. Yet, we are in the process of selling our islands and clearing it for development that will wipe out an entire specy of iguana and destroy our mangroves which serves as a protective covering for our island. We should dare not blame this on the Chinese company in question and their proposal for building a megafreight seaport and industrial park. In fact, we should be engaging in public discourse with the powers that be here in JA about what kind of future Jamaica will have at the rate that we are selling our island and what we will say to our children about the decisions we made.

There is all this fancy smanchy talk about this development being a strategic economic move, to position our country as a major player, in the logistics hub given the proposed Panama Canal Expansion Project by 2015. Many Jamaicans are wondering if this is a recipe for a natural disaster waiting to happen. Lest we forget, there was Cricket World Cup, the building of a grand stadium which is now a white elephant and the promise of jobs to go with it that never came into fruition. Likewise, there are rumours of this expansive development creating jobs and other benefits for locals. However, do we have an educated population to propel this development should it pass the requisite tests? The answer is no!  There is no public education or training programme in place to educate our people who want to be involved about this development. "If we fail to plan, we must plan to fail." We are in dire need of all types of PLANNING in Jamaica and we will always be retrofitting if we don't take the time to get things right and move away from the "try a thing" mentality.

Thank God for Ms. Townsend's article on CNN because it has alerted our neighbours in the global village about the issue and raised red flags. At the same time, it is also sad because it took an international voice to speak on the issue for us to remember it was still brewing and was secretly dying out in the media. It always has to be the outside voice which we eventually pay attention and listen to.  I do hope because of this good sense will prevail and we do what is in the interest of the greater good.

Let us not cause blood to be on our hands by murdering an ecosystem that can cause an environmental catostrophe in the name of economic development. I charge the civilians to get involved and contribute to the review of the environmental impact assessment and cost benefit analysis. Policymakers, Environmentalists, NGOs, bloggers and everyone who is Jamaican and anyone need to stand up and be counted to help make the right decision about Goat Islands. In the end, the onus is on all the Jamaican people to not let their children and grandchildren lament over a decision that will affect their future. We are a part of the system of governance and we must demand accountability in the decision making process. If we fail to act, we will be living with regret because we didn't play our part in asking, "Will it be worth it?"

Check out Ms. Townsend's article @: http://edition.cnn.com/2014/07/02/opinion/townsend-jamaica-iguana/

Support the cause @: http://savegoatislands.org/

Bluefields

Photo: Jamille De-Andra Chin

Jamaica's South Coast is an untouched gem. The footprint of development has not traversed on this beautiful part of Jamaica. It is very virginal, rustic and picturesque like right out of a story book. I have fond memories of Bluefields from beach trips during my childhood and the water there is still pristine. The beauty of the horizon is just priceless.

Kingston City @ Night

Photo: Jamille De-Andra Chin

One of my favourite things about any city is the magical power of its bright lights. I've often said I moved from city to city and the truth of it all is I'm a city girl at heart. Don't get me wrong I love me some country but the Bright Light Theory is real! During the day there is the sound of traffic, vending in the streets, hustling, bustling and so much more urban fanfare. At night it's a different scene and mood. There's a street dance for everyday of the week, great restaurants to check out, and if you just want a breathtaking view of the city then go driving through the hills. The view reminds me of Christmas pepper lights and gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling. Kingston is a real beauty day or night but the night makes her come alive more. Let us not forget that her light shines brightest on the world map for being the capital of JA.