Coral reefs dredged in Britain's own Caribbean paradise

IT is one of the most beautiful - and exclusive - nations on earth. A tropical paradise of palms, pristine beaches and coral reefs.
But the Turks and Caicos islands in the Caribbean, a British overseas territory where the Queen is head of state, are now gaining a reputation for something altogether less savoury - endemic corruption which has triggered the rampant destruction of some of the most beautiful and unspoiled spots on the planet.
In a highly critical report this month, the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee uncovered 'a palpable climate of fear' in the  islands, where Gwyneth Paltrow, Rio Ferdinand, Bruce Willis and Keith Richards are among those who have bought homes.
The report implied that prominent figures within the country’s own government had been selling off crown land inappropriately for their own enrichment.
This would be just another unfortunate tale of poor governance in a tiny, faraway country most people have never heard of - were it not for some simple facts.
First, several of the land deals in question - such as the proposed Leeward Marina and Star Island resorts - represent environmental catastrophes of the first order.
They involve the wanton dredging of virgin coral reefs and destruction of pristine marine habitats - apparently motivated by nothing more than pure selfish greed.
In the case of Star Island, a man-made island in the style of Palm Island in Dubai, the area involved comprises part of a National Park.
Second, the Turks and Caicos are effectively a part of Britain. They are as British as Gibraltar or the Falkland islands.
The fact that these abuses have goner on for so long points to an abject failure on the part of the UK government to protect the interests of its citizens.
Corrupt officials may claim that such developments form part of the island’s vital economic development but it is clear the real motivation is personal financial gain.
Thankfully, there is some room for optimism in this sorry tale.
After years of inaction, the UK government has finally woken up to what is happening in the Turks and Caicos.
A commission of inquiry has been launched. Permission for Star island may now be revoked.
Still, all of this is far too late for dozens of areas that have already been destroyed.

Comments

[Brien Comerford]

Mankind is exclusively responsible for the mass extinction of wildlife species, coral reefs, rainforests and marine and terrestrial ecosystems. We revere God while massacring his creation with the utmost irreverence.

[b.lawler]

This is a silly board, as man naturally destroys all life. Since 1970,one third of all wildlife is now extinct.
The good thing is, that once man has killed the last fish,and cut down the last tree,then only then will he realise he cannot eat money.
And as a special treat, China has just been approved to import Ivory, which effectively makes elephants extinct very soon, as they will be slaughtered on an industrial scale.
Interesting that man can decide to make a species extinct to make a fistful of dollars.

[Discuss Global Warming]

Global warming is a HOAX. Stop this madness. Stop listening to jackasses like Al Gore and that NASA buffoon "scientist". Ask them why they wont debate against the hordes of other scientists who havent drunk the kool-aid..

Ask them why they wont!!! Learn the truth:
http://www.discussglobalwarming.com/blog

[Michele McNair]

I am just back from four weeks in the TCI on the islands of Salt Cay and Provo. Don't believe everything you hear and read.

Yes, there is an enquiry into government corruption, but government is stable and all is well;

Yes, Star Island has been stopped;

NO, the out island are not destroyed, affected or otherwise being bulldozed. Nothing will be happening on Salt Cay for instance in the foreseeable future until either the Enquiry is finished or all permits, and requirements are obtained by proposed developers.

Provo is the island of glamour and glitz; Grand Turk is old fashioned Colonial style with the cruise ship port and Salt Cay is still the historic and pristine dive site area it has always been.

I suggest you come down to the Turks and Caicos and see for yourself what a beautiful place it STILL IS and WILL BE for a long time.