Dear Source:
At the CZM meeting held on Thursday, March 5th for the proposed Mandahl Bay Marina development a few things were made abundantly clear:
Cost of the proposed development – $84 million
Long term benefit to the Virgin Islands: +/-100 jobs (maybe for Virgin Islanders)
Leaving Mandahl Bay in its natural state priceless!
Every strata of our community was at that meeting and all were overwhelmingly against this development. Every person who spoke in defense of saving Mandahl Bay even if their presentation was cut short by the imposed 5-minute limit gave factual and compelling reasons why this project should be denied.
You, Governor, Legislators and CZM Board Members are our representatives. You represent the voice of the people. The people have spoken loud and clear (as Mr. Monsanto can testify). I urge you to listen to the voice of the people and save Mandahl Bay. Do not sell our natural resources, our beauty, our peace and quiet and our heritage for 30 pieces of silver.
Even though an $84 million development may look tempting in this economic climate, there is no amount of money that can replace Mandahl Bay. There is no mitigation process that can stop the destruction of everything that now lives in and around the Bay. There is no sane reason for this development at all!
Because it is you, as our representatives, who will make the final decision, I once again urge you to listen to the community who has given you that authority. I urge you to follow your promise to protect the interests of people of the Virgin Islands. I urge you to
Save Mandahl Bay!
Joyce Huskey
St. Thomas
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