Printable View
I came across this article from National Geographic site regarding Goat Island, the preservation of the Jamaican Iguana and its environment. Take a few minutes to read this article. If you are inclined, sign the petition to help preserve and protect our beautiful island of Jamaica.
http://newswatch.nationalgeographic....lands-jamaica/
A few different view points...of course there are many...
http://m.jamaicaobserver.com/mobile/...sing-_17409925
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/2...ead/lead5.html
http://securejam.mediaspanonline.com...sland_16849768
Thanks for the links. I have read a few others also. I guess it's the ole hippie gal in me, but respecting Mother Nature and preserving what we can in this world still makes sense to me. With that said, I have not ventured upon this island so I cannot attest to the info.. but I do respect National Geographic as a good source. Always smart to keep reading so we can increase our knowledge base. :)
I have ventured upon the islands twice during my visits to the area. I have toured the remains of the old Goat Island Naval Station built by the US and abandoned a couple of years after WWII. Between these two visits, I have also seen firsthand the bounty of shellfish and small fish that used to teem around those islands before the local fishermen overfished many of the areas. The Portland Bight (as the area is known) is a large area of which Goat Islands are only a relatively small part.Quote:
Originally Posted by yetta
As with any ecologically sensitive area, some better management of resources needs to be done to preserve as much of the area as possible. Right now these areas are not being properly cared for due to lack of funds caused by Jamaica's anemic economy.
The simple fact is that Jamaica needs the money the Chinese are willing to give to develop these islands. From what I have read I believe that the Government of Jamaica is taking a responsible approach to the trade-off between the Economy and the Ecology with this project. It is true that the protected areas of the Portland Bight will be a lot smaller but there will be sufficient funds to adequately protect that smaller area. With development of Goat Island Logistical Hub, Jamaica will be one of only four logistical hubs in the world and it's position near the Panama Canal will bring tens of thousands of jobs to Jamaica and logistical companies like FedEx, UPS, etc. will be adding warehouse spaces and offices to process this new business.
I consider myself to be a Conservationist and I am not in favor of willful damaging of the Ecology. In this case, I think we have to respect the good intentions of the Jamaican Government who must walk a balancing line.
The People's National Party were given a mandate to govern responsibly and I believe they are generally living up to their responsibilities. I know everyone has an opinion on how THEY would run the country but, after all, they only have opinions.
This is only my opinion. I am nothing but an interested bystander in having a prosperous Jamaica.
Peace and Guidance
Thanks Accompong, I like to hear interesting info on these types of subjects especially. I always enjoy learning about our world and those of us fortunate enough to still be around to enjoy it. I have spent several weeks in Port Antonio yet only gazed upon Navy Island and Goat Island, never truly visiting it.
I can see both sides, truly! However, it does bother me that the company has been disbarred by the World Bank. Guess I may need to keep reading some more!! Sometimes however, the cure can be worse than the disease, if you get my drift. I can totally agree with your statement of being an interested bystander wanting a prosperous Jamaica. A toast to all of us that love the rock!! :):) Unity through diversity mi friend! Respect......
Sorry yetta but you might have "gazed upon Navy Island" but Goat Island is in the Portland Bight and, although you might think Portland means the Eastern end of Jamaica, the Portland Bight and Goat Island is located on the South of the Island just off Old Harbour.Quote:
Originally Posted by yetta
Hard to see it from Port Antonio.
Peace and Guidance
my opinion , wake up, and read the writing on the wall ! the chinese /CHEC will build an enclave where they will be in control and not accountable to anyone . the benefit to Jamaica will be minor . the environmental impact will be huge . Look at the past record. look at the mess in china; The PBPA was in line to be declared a biosphere reserve less than a year ago . It has been protected since 1999... 1000's of man hours and money invested... PUt the Hub in Kingston where it belongs. Most of the infrastructure is there . and land . Dumb dumb dumb idea
From my vantage point, and very limited knowledge, I tend to agree with this. I'm sure there are very good arguments (Accompong touched on one) against Kingston, but it's really hard for me to speak on it either way.Quote:
Originally Posted by pine tree john
Accompong, My bad....I looked upon a map and guess I F...ed up! As I said, I have never touched the island, but that is beside the point of my opinion. No disrespect at all, quite frankly, I love your posts. They are always interesting and I always learn something from them. I try to learn something new all the time.
Regarding this subject, I only meant to post something new and interesting, that might peak peoples interest in the environment. I, for sure, don't want to cause any problems or misunderstanding regarding one's single opinion. I could be dead wrong....maybe not....maybe so. I have no clue except to post from my heart....however misplaced on the map it may be. :)
So, with that said, may we all have our opinions and respect others opinions....hopefully in an attempt to overstand this world that we live in. Peace and out.....:)
Not to be alarming , but I would be concerned that if the purchaser decides to declare the island sovereign territory. The owner could then have a very significant strategic base of operations in the Caribbean. A supply point for not only merchant marine but also a naval force logistical location. Perhaps a little too close to the U.S.
There is no "purchaser" involved here. We are talking about a leasehold situation. Currently, the US still holds a 99 year lease from 1940 but, of course it was with the United Kingdom before Jamaica became a country.Quote:
Originally Posted by txram
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/2...business5.html
The legalities still have to be determined but Jamaica feels confident that the US will not stand in the way of a lease being granted to China if all the environmental impact studies permit this to go forward.
Perhaps we should realize that the people in Jamaican Government are pretty smart and, unlike the American Government, are not in a state of paralysis. Again, this is their country and the deal is beneficial to both countries so a compromise will be worked out.
My opinion only.
Peace and Guidance