MEMORANDUM
From:
Permanent Secretary/NR&L
To:
Deputy Governor
Date:
22nd February, 1988
FRAGMENTS OF PARADISE
Ref. No.IS.5/4/022
area of Virgin Gorde
My apologies for being this late in providing comments on folio 49.
The information on the BVI is somewhat dated and several significant facts have been excluded:
Flora and Fauna:
The Botanic Gardens were formally opened in 1987 with the combined effort and funding of Government, the private sector and private citizens.
Through the Western Atlantic Turtle Symposium (WATS), BV I has been receiving assistance in keeping track of its turtle population. This is also carried out with private sector co-operation.
Land Use:
According to our records expatriates own 15% of land in the BVI, not 25%. Ownership of land on Anegada is as yet undetermined.
Marine Habitats and Resources:
This
"The shallow reefs of Anegada show evidence of over- fishing and no longer support à commercial fishery". is untrue. For the 150 or so resident Anegadians, fishing is virtually their whole livelihood and this is mostly fishing for export to the USVI. Government through CTAP will shortly be providing assistance to fishermen through- out the territory in improving their fishing techniques In order to increase their catch.
Protected Areas:
The system of Marine Parks & Protected Areas Plan was completed and accepted by Council over 12 months ago. The Baths has been acquired under Cap. 200 and together with Coppermine Point will be declared as one protected area.
NGO'S:
Funding (small grants under $30,000) for Parks & Protected Areas has also been received from UNESCO, CIDA, CSX and WWL (UK) in addition to the grant from JHPI.
/Also it is....