Dear Source,
Herewith is a letter submitted to Delegate Donna Christian Christensen in response to her threats against the formation of the Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument. I encourage others to join me in writing letters expressing disagreement with her actions. You may send them via e-mail using the web address for the Write Your Representative service to contact members of Congress: www.house.gov/writerep/. The preservation of our reefs is imperative.
Josh Locker
St. Thomas
To: The Honorable Donna M. Christensen
Re: Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument off of St. John
As the Virgin Islands continues to embrace environmental suicide, I question why the people (as represented by yourself and Gov. Charles Turnbull) would not welcome its preservation.
As is clearly illustrated by other islands and countries in the Caribbean (e.g., Bonaire and Belize), preservation can not only boost tourism but preserve its resources. "Bonaire's pristine reefs and diverse marine life are unique to the Caribbean because the waters around Bonaire are designated as an official marine park … diving Bonaire is like diving the Caribbean the way it used to be — untouched and unspoiled." The quote is from the Diving Bonaire web site www.interknowledge.com/Bonaire/bondiv01.htm.
In regards to the fishing industry, it has been shown that preserves such as this monument can actually not only preserve but increase the fish population in other areas.
Sadly, I believe that if you had been representing the people in 1956, you would have fought Laurence Rockefeller's deeding of land for the V.I. National Park, fearing the economic woes it would bring to the island. Today, St. John is perhaps the Virgin Islands' greatest asset.
As the world becomes more populated, polluted and difficult, please pause for a moment, open that desk drawer and put on those long-term glasses.
Josh Locker