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Sustainable Development vs Sustainable Growth
The Beef Island Model
Presented by
Bertrand LettsomeChief Conservation & Fisheries Officer
British Virgin Islands
Historically
• People of African Descent
• Brought Here as Human Cargo
• West Indian Anomaly (yes we are different!)
• Many Slavery Trappings & Techniques Failed in Tortola
• Tortolian Slaves had Unmatched Level of Freedom & Entrepreneurship
• Anomalous Status Rooted in History of Resource Poor
Presently
• Still a British Overseas Territory
• U.S. Dollar is Official Currency
• Strong Historical & Cultural Ties to USVI
British Virgin Islands - Historical Statistics
Whites Year Amt.1717 – 1591774 – 1,2001805 – 13001853 – 5001890 – 21930 – 11
PopulationBlacks
Year Amt.1717 – 1761720 – 1,5091756 – 6,1211774 – 1,774
Land Ownership (acres)
1964 1996
Crown Lands 15,121 14,719 Virgin Island Nationals 16,827 17,557
Expatriate 5,660 5,335
Sustainable Development Foreign Investment - SDFI
“It is very important that this present generation, becomes knowledgeable of our history and understand why it is
paramount today that we follow the wisdom of the elders and not sell the land that was literally purchased with the blood of
our ancestors.”
Beef Island Proposed 668
Acre Golf Course, Five Star Hotel, &
Marina Development
General Concept• Foreign Investor Comes to BVI
• Seeks Approval
• Applications Submitted
• Typically Conditions Placed on
Land Holding & Development Plan
• Environmental, Financial Expenditure,
& Development Controls
Simple Terms• Foreign Developer Invests in BVI
• Jobs Created
• Government makes Money with Associated Fees
• Visitors Bring Capital
• Funds are Circulated into Economy
Sustainable Development Foreign Investment - SDFI
Assumptions• Theoretically Improves Quality of Life
• Promotes Economic Activity via
Foreign
Investment
• Positive Overall Benefits for BVI
Critical Issues
• Speculation, Alienation, &
Marginalization
• Loss of Traditional Uses
• Culture of Dependency
• Erosion of Traditional Values
• Breakdown of Community
• Policies Externally Driven
Cane Garden Bay 1982
Sustainable Development Foreign Investment - SDFI
Critical Issues (cont.)
• Potential for Abuse
• Rich & Powerful can Significantly
Influence Government Policy
• Some Investors Believe Entire Island
State is their Fiefdom
• Islanders are Money Hungry &
Corrupt
• SIDS Perceived as Begging for
Foreign
Investment
• State not Seen as Parnter
• Human & Natural Resources (and
destruction thereof) not Weighed,
Factored, or Considered
Mt. Healthy Windmill
Sustainable Growth National Investment Strategy - SGNIS
Propose New Model Based on:
Human Resources & a National Investment Strategy
“The history, growth, and maturity of
the people of the Virgin Islands provide
the justification for the SGNIS model”
Components
• Cooperation
• Working Together
• Business Partnerships
• Fishing, Farming, Merchant
Shipping Traditional Pillars of
Economy
• Cooperative Ventures
• Sustainable Growth Based on
Development of Our Human
Resources
Sustainable Growth National Investment Strategy - SGNIS
Sustainable Growth National Investment Strategy - SGNIS
Strategy & Concepts = a tiered approach
1. Implementation of National Parks & Protected Areas Systems Plan
2. Establishment of a National Investment Club/National Development
Corp.
3. Development of Private Sector Investment Clubs, Cooperatives,
Credit Unions, and Business Partnerships
4. Creation of the Virgin Islands Stock Exchange
“Framework provides the integrated strategy for the economic
empowerment of our people & the sustainable growth of our
country”
Sustainable Growth National Investment Strategy - SGNIS
SGNIS Model Fundamentals
1. Based on Human Resources Development
2. Sustainable use of Natural Resources
3. Equity
4. Justice
5. Transparency
6. Good Governance
Beef Island Proposed 668 Acre Golf Course, Five Star Hotel, & Marina Development
Sustainable Growth National Investment Strategy
The Beef Island Model - Background
Tetramicra Elegans Banana Wharf, Beef Island
1. Find an alternate location within the territory for the golf course.
2. Government should purchase Beef Island on behalf of the National Investment
Club/National Development Corporation.
3. The terrestrial lands & marine areas of Beef Island identified in the BVI Parks &
Protected Areas Systems Plan, should be declared by Government &
transferred to the National Parks Trust for management.
4. A system of boardwalks and hiking & snorkel snorkel trails should be
developed.
5. Utilizing local BVI capital develop the following areas:
- Agricultural potential
- Sport fishing & fly fishing
- Cultural & eco-tourism concepts
- Low impact accommodations (such as eco villas, bed & breakfast,
etc.)
- Construct scientific research station at Hans Creek
The Beef Island Model - Options
Sustainable Growth National Investment Strategy
The Beef Island Model