CZM Committee Says “Yes” to Amalago Bay
We went to the CZM hearing at the airport. I’m still appalled by the fact that they chose to have the meeting there, when they KNEW the room would be jammed with people and violate fire codes. But they did and people squeezed in like sardines and overflowed onto a balcony and into the hall, struggling to hear the questions and answers. Oh, and there was no microphone either.
I always wonder about how people with perhaps one damaged brain cell can keep their jobs. Who made those idiotic decisions? I’m guessing that they assumed the lack of seating room would deter people from staying. Well, that tactic did not work. I counted at least 150 bodies actually in the room and another 50-100 vying for positions within earshot of the speakers. Those on the balcony had to fight against the sounds of incoming planes, conversations below, and the clanging of the flagpole hardware.
Anyway, we left at the break. The stenographer asked for time out after around two hours of contiuous back and forth. We were pretty disgusted with the questions the CZM Committee members were asking, as were a great number of the project’s supporters. The committee arrogantly displayed their ignorance of the issues, things that had been clearly explained at the last meeting, and that most certainly had been included in the application documents, by harping on details that even a six- year- old could figure out (according to another disgruntled citizen).
Just before we left, local attorney and project partner Kevin Rames gave an emotionally-charged answer to a question about an easement. He sounded like a preacher, and the sign-waving supporters clapped and loudly agreed with him. It felt like we were at a church revival meeting, with “amens’ and “hallelujahs”.
At another point, as we stood and watched and listened, I was thinking that this type of meeting could replace cock-fighting as a much more humane spectator sport, and provide another opportunity for the gambling public to get their jollies. Until the life-saving casino is built, of course, as this will provide all the solutions to all of the problems on St. Croix for generations to come…….
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January 15th, 2009 at 10:33 am
I had a seat, so stayed to the bitter end. The first vote was a 2-2 tie. After a brief executive session, one of the “no” votes was persuaded to change to an abstention by expanding the length of west end beach to be monitored and, if necessary, rehabilitated if the jetties interfered with the normal north-south transport of sand.
I was disappointed in some of the permit conditions recommended by the staff. There were a few environmental “wins”, but also a few losses that may set unfortunate precedents for the future. I thought the William and Punch representatives did an very professional job of fielding and in some cases dodging the Commissioner’s questions. And Kevin Rames’ emotional appeals were effective and artful.
What really sent me home with a sick feeling in my stomach was not the final CZM action or the questions and answers between the Commissioners and the applicants. It was the obnoxious and intolerant behavior of the William and Punch supporters who crowded the room. They actually shouted down serious questions from the Commissioners — anything other than immediate approval of the project was not tolerated by the crowd (especially after the break). They attempted to prevent any serious discussion of what are very serious issues for St. Croix — and forced the Commissioners to retreat into executive session to reach a compromise.
In comparison to the audience’s self-serving, boorish intolerance of reasonable debate, the performance of the CZM Commissioners looked truly professional. It literally made me sick to see the shallowness and intolerance of thoughtful debate in our community. If this represents St. Croix and America, we are truly in trouble.
Don Diddams
January 15th, 2009 at 11:19 am
Thanks for your erudite comments, Don.
Since we did not stay, we are very interested in the committee’s conditions, especially where environmental issues are concerned.
It was a very emotionally-charged event, and I felt at times other than those instances described n my post, that if the committee voted “no”, a mob scene might have ensued. So I understand their desire to escape the fanatics.
Michael and I have dined with one of the project supporters in attendance, who has admitted to us that he carries a concealed weapon and has used it when angered or frightened. That made me even more apprehensive than I might have been….
January 15th, 2009 at 10:19 pm
I am back on St. Croix, staying on the West End, my old stomping grounds, and my host is very pro-Williams/Punch. I have been, for the most part, a quiet observer (at least quiet for me!), and I must say the arguments for it are much more compelling when heard in person from a dear old West Indian man who has been a gardener for years in F’sted. He truely believes that the West End has been stagnant for too long, some changes need to be made for the good of the youth on this end of the island, who need employment, and for the town of F’sted which is slowly dying. I have a nostalgic feeling for the town and the beaches, but I can see that unless something happens for the economic good of F’sted, there won’t be much left for me to enjoy and admire on my annual visits. It is scary to think of all the changes that will be made to a very special part of St. Croix, this change comes with trade-offs, but in the end, if the development upholds it’s promises, there will be jobs, and the people on St. Croix will still be able to use that lovely stretch of beach for years to come. I will miss that drive along the sea, though….
January 15th, 2009 at 11:35 pm
From a casual outside observer:
I understand not wanting to impact a serene tourist product, as they say growth is inevitable. I have been keenly following this project and noticed that granting an approval to William and Punch the CZM group is stating a fact unknown to the rest of the island and that is that the road (Emancipation Road?) has been moved on their plan to accomodate the resort.
But it has not been voted on by the people or the government. How is it then that they have approval for a project when the land required by the resort is not owned by the developer? Does this road belong to William and Punch or is it a part of St. Croix? Curious what?
I would welcome a little insight into the magical plan where castles are built and moats are dug and the peoples rights are trampled on by the Black Knight and his band of beasties.
Thank you for the space and time to requst assistance in this matter.
Dave D.
January 16th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
I understand about trade-offs, Trudi, I’ve been mrried most of my life
! I just wish someone would do something totally new and environmentally friendly. The casino/resort/golf course thing can’t possibly be the only way to stimulate an economy. If I had as much money as these guys have, I’d really try to be innovative.
Ho hum, another of the same old kinda thing that people expect to find on a Caribbean island…..blah blah blah.
Interesting questions, David. Perhaps the CZM can answer you. You can probably google DPNR or VICZM and find the contact information.
I have contacted DPNR commissioner Robert Mathes by e-mail and received responses. Good luck!
January 17th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
Living in St. Croix, west end most of dis life, and observing all the happenings on the entire isle of St. Croix and the VI in general, many folks are in DEEP REFLECTIVE prayer to insure that this “success” of CZM’s approval of the Amalago Resort really serves the long term interests of the people of St. Croix. May folks take some time to really investigate the long term impact of CZM’s representatives being ill-informed and financially persuaded to accept a development that may or may not serve anyone’s interests outside of their immediate family members and the “native” ancestry they speak of in all PR presentations.
There is a silent voice of residents, natives and visitors who enjoy the pristine and ancestral ecological presence afforded to those who truly walk, live and work on St. Croix-especially in the rainforest regions. We hope that the professional and spiritual insights of scholars, natural preservationists and cultural heritage practitioners like Dr. Olassee Davis, Carl “NbKaRa” Christopher, Gerard Emanuel, Horetense Milligan Rowe, Dr. Gloria I. Joseph and many others are considered as this proposed project moves forward a positive impact for the residents and natives of St. Croix given SERIOUS consideration and reflection.
May this Amalago Resort development provide genuine and non-oppressive opportunities for the people of Frederiksted, St. Croix and the entire Virgin Islands in a way that is most beneficial for our youth and families of our community. May options be integrated within this development that address the accountability that developers are to have to the regions they develop within. Perhaps some of the environmentally-centered developments done by entities like Natural Partners, Canopy Developers, African American Hotel Developers, Caribbean Sustainable Developers (right here on St. Croix) and others to insure that the environmental impact of Amalago Resort is not completely destructive of the ancestral fabric and foundations of St. Croix.
Congratulations to the owners of Amalago Bay Resort Development in Estates Williams and Punch for using whatever was necessary to make this work for you and prayerfully for the upliftment of St. Croix and the people of the VI in general. This places a tremendous amount of responsibility on you –all of you.
May the ancestors and ancestral memories of the indigenous people engaged in and affected by this development be honored for generations to come.
CZM’s “green light” is from humankind…may the work be honorable and profitably beneficial for more than a few.
“Mi tak wi ahsayin”- May all of our relations be honored through this and other proposed developments on St. Croix.
Wishing you long life, strength, wellness, health and prosperity!
Respectfully shared,
Queen Macoris of RAW4Human Rights
April 20th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
Hello. Great job. This is a great story. Thanks!
August 9th, 2011 at 1:16 am
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