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‘No consultation for beach dev. project’ @ Fat Hogs Bay– residents

- said project affecting the environment & their livlihood
Loads of sand and dirt said to be for the project. Photo: VINO
A view of the beach area in Fat Hog's Bay. Photo: VINO
A view of the beach area in Fat Hog's Bay. Photo: VINO
Jerome D. McMillan spoke his mind to this news site regarding the project. Photo: VINO/File
Jerome D. McMillan spoke his mind to this news site regarding the project. Photo: VINO/File
A photograph taken of a dead fish from the beach area under development. Photo: Provided
A photograph taken of a dead fish from the beach area under development. Photo: Provided
Another photo of dead fish from the stagnant area of water on the beachfront in Fat Hogs Bay. Photo: Provided
Another photo of dead fish from the stagnant area of water on the beachfront in Fat Hogs Bay. Photo: Provided
FAT HOGS BAY, Tortola, VI – Residents of Fat Hogs Bay (FHB) are peeved about a project which is about to start in the Seventh District which they have already written off as an election gimmick and which they said has and will cause them extreme hardship, affecting their businesses and livelihood.

Further, those residents expressed concern for the damage that the project is reportedly doing to the environment in a district whose representative speaks a lot about championing the cause of the environment, Dr The Honourable Kedrick D. Pickering (R7).

No consultation

Two property holders in the vicinity of the development spoke to this news site yesterday May 25, 2015 and expressed their outrage, saying that the project is affecting them. They also claimed there was no consultation with them on the project.

“They have screwed up everybody’s business along this area,” said a man who did not want to be identified for fear of reprisals. “It’s a sad situation what happened now they have called a snap election and everybody is out campaigning,” he said.

Dead fish

The man said he recently took photographs of a number of fish that died as a result of the work that has been started in the bay which prevented water from freely flowing. He said that as a result of the dead fish a flock of birds had invaded to feed on them.

Disrespect to the people

“All we needed was a beach in Fat Hogs Bay,” said the man. “We have real problems in this area because I used to have a beach bar down here man,” said the businessman. “All of a sudden they put rocks,” he said, regarding the work that the Government started.

“This down here is a disrespect to the people. We have real issues. When I saw the fish I was real upset. They have no consideration for nothing,” said the businessman.

Another homeowner in the area Jerome D. McMillan said the project has affected him and he sees it as nothing more than an election gimmick.

“Down here was stink of fish,” said McMillan referring to the dead fish. He said there was no provision made to allow fresh water to enter the area and as a result fish died and a host of birds invaded to feed on them.

“This is an election scam,” he said.

Some nights ago in a speech during a campaign meeting, Dr Pickering touted the development on the beach as a state of the art one that would benefit the people in that particular district.

However, when members of the Opposition Virgin Islands Party engaged in their door to door meetings with the people on the ground, landowners in the Fat Hogs Bay area and other areas expressed outrage.

“We are all for progress in the country if it is done correctly. People are saying that they have not been notified and they feel left out of any consultation. I guess this is something that will please one of this rich white friends,” said a member of the Opposition in a comment regarding the development.

“Dr Pickering has not been taking the environment into consideration with this project and that is something he always talks about,” the person said.

According to the Opposition member, consultation is a must for projects that can affect people in the community. “The people are the ones that are supposed to be consulted and offered first opportunity to any development. Now the beachfront that people could have done any business on has been severely damaged,” the person said.

The individual, who requested anonymity, said Government must not act as a dictator. “Things like this need to be exposed since it would assist other landowners. The people who are placed there to represent us are the people taking advantage of us,” the person alleged.

Efforts to reach Dr Pickering for a comment proved futile.

45 Responses to “‘No consultation for beach dev. project’ @ Fat Hogs Bay– residents”

  • lmao (26/05/2015, 09:24) Like (16) Dislike (44) Reply
    Look who the resident is. SCHUPS!
    • kkk (26/05/2015, 14:08) Like (17) Dislike (5) Reply
      You mean that if you are not on a certain level you are counted as a nobody? What a culture of disrespect!
  • weed (26/05/2015, 09:35) Like (21) Dislike (0) Reply
    politcal gimmick what a ting to tell the king!!!!
  • sit down (26/05/2015, 09:38) Like (50) Dislike (31) Reply
    Frenchie stop your noise, we all know which side of the fence you sit on and that the smell is seaweed not fish! Or perhaps its your socks!
    • right (26/05/2015, 10:14) Like (34) Dislike (12) Reply
      He is on the side that isn't afraid to speak their mind when injustice is happening
  • tretretrete (26/05/2015, 09:57) Like (35) Dislike (11) Reply
    Thank God someone reported on this issue. I live FHB and it's really an issue when the fishes die on the bank. They smell rotten and it's truly disgusting. Doesn't matter what side Frenchie is on, I am glad he spoke up about this issue
  • Yes (26/05/2015, 10:01) Like (29) Dislike (3) Reply
    And he is supposed to be a big environmentalist. Walking contradiction this man is
  • pete (26/05/2015, 10:01) Like (30) Dislike (8) Reply
    why is this not surprising? Fat Hogs Bay was charming and interesting because of the natural sand bars and mangrove, birds and setting. When a marina went in I knew trouble was brewing. So much for Pickering's dedication to the environment. There should be a stop-work order so that an environmental assessment survey can be done. There is no respect for the very thing that brings visitors who appreciate nature more than private self-serving developers and government who (wink wink) support them. Shame on Government AGAIN for letting this happen.
  • upset (26/05/2015, 10:12) Like (135) Dislike (13) Reply
    This man comes to our property and walks over it like he is a king in his castle. And you can't tell him nothing because he feel he is the 2nd coming of Christ. In his speech he talked about he is the only good thing to come out of Long Look and people jealous of him. Well my eyes are open, I hope everyone else's is
    • @ upset (26/05/2015, 11:36) Like (41) Dislike (10) Reply
      STOP TELLING LIES!!!!!! He said that he ensured that he was one of the good things that came out of Long Look. He made sure pursue his goals to prove that not only bad things come out of Long Look but there are also good things coming out of Long Look.........
      • Well (26/05/2015, 12:26) Like (12) Dislike (6) Reply
        So why does he not pay homage to anyone else that comes out of Long Look? He only praises himself
  • voter (26/05/2015, 10:16) Like (47) Dislike (8) Reply
    Dr done deal in paris saving the sharks but here at home killing the fishes..he like the rest of the ndp must go!!
  • Binocs (26/05/2015, 10:21) Like (28) Dislike (5) Reply
    It is sad that in our democratic system we still have people scared to speak on issues that affect them. That is not right
    • Scary Mary (26/05/2015, 15:03) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
      It is more than sad, it is positively terrifying.

      Edmund Burke wrote: "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."

      If you were to study the history of nearly every dictator in the world (who wasn't born to the position), each and every one of them started out as nobody special. They worked hard to rise through the ranks, gaining prominence along the way. They are driven by recognition, power and money - but mostly power.

      One thing that all dictators have in common is an immense ego. They can also be very charismatic. In the early stages of their rise up the ladder, they manage to get disgruntled people to follow them. Once somebody has mentally pledged their allegiance to a strong personality, it takes a lot to get followers to change their mind. It has been seen time and again throughout history. How else would somebody like Jim Jones convince people that it woud be best if they all killed themselves?

      Human beings are creatures of habit, innately loyal and trusting - to a fault. Because of this attribute, we often fail to see when someone acceptable has become someone unacceptable. Wars have been fought by thousands upon thousands of men who trusted and believed in their leaders. Rarely however, do soldiers return from war with the same faith in their leaders as they once had.

      Because of human nature, it is a very good practice to re-evaluate our leaders every four years. Are we seeing them for who they REALLY are? Do they say one thing and do another? Are they just telling us what we want to hear with no intention of carrying out their promises? Do we trust them in our heart of hearts? Are they suitable for the position? Is someone else better suited or more capable? Are they too young or too old to carry out the duties of their office? What are their life experiences? What are their qualifications? Do they care about my children and yours?

      These are all questions I ask myself about each of the candidates before I vote - and I hope most of us do.

      As voters, we have to dig deep within our hearts and soles, remove our rose coloured glasses and truly evaluate our leaders. Our future and our children's futures depend on us making wise choices.
      • Read (26/05/2015, 19:01) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
        @ Scary Mary: I do not think I have ever admired a comment so much in my life. You lady/gentleman, are the winner! You hit the nail right on the head! Thank you so much!
  • SHAME (26/05/2015, 10:25) Like (57) Dislike (6) Reply
    A shame that VIslanders do not have a say in what is happening to their own lands
    • +++ (27/05/2015, 22:43) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      problem is they DO have a say. If you see something wrong say something! People just sit around wringing hands waiting for someone else to do something. If a bulldozer is on the shore- ask why. GO to Town and Country and ask why, go to Pickering and ask why. Go to Conservation and Fisheries and ask why. Make noise. People HAVE to start taking responsibility. You are the watch dogs. This is a travesty on so many fronts!! It is institutional corruption where it is easy to get a permit or not try to get one. Get permission or ignore the system. AND GETTING AWAY WITH IT. The developer should be investigated and stopped until questions are answered.
  • cay (26/05/2015, 10:50) Like (81) Dislike (4) Reply
    yes this is 101 reasonS why we have to get kedrick out of office and Pickering-mAYNARD IN
  • disappointment (26/05/2015, 10:56) Like (31) Dislike (4) Reply
    Only now KP want to do things! What happen to the pass 3 1/2 years! He's just a waste of time! KP only caters to his beloved Long Look not realizin there's more in the 7th district. Just a election scam! Time for change!
    • Yes (26/05/2015, 12:49) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply
      I thought I was the only one that realized that. His entire speech was about one neighborhood. Like where is our respect? Do we not matter to you?
  • true tolian (26/05/2015, 11:43) Like (2) Dislike (6) Reply
    This harbour project was talked about since noah built the ark,ever since TB Lettsome ran for the
    first time it was comming.most people want it but donot want to pay to have it done.Now it is being
    done by govt they are complaining.I am not from the FHB area but i've been in that area a couple
    of times and certainly it needs restoring.
    • Billfargo (28/05/2015, 02:49) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
      The last time I checked! Couple means two, and if you only been to that area two times!!!!!!!!!and making statement?
  • tolian K (26/05/2015, 11:49) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am not even upset. its the time around of election and the years is just rotating with new and old politicians when most of them disappear on you and disappear their actions. when they states, actions speak louder than words. but in reality words speak louder than actions lol. Pour Gimmick. Give the people a beautiful beach. you all does take tax money out of all of us paycheck. use it wisely to develop beaches, low food prices, better roads extra curricular activities. Make a Change. I think Bvi landers and Belongers. should have community meetings to point their opinions as such. some politicians is such a waist of time. my Opinion here.
    • +++ (27/05/2015, 22:46) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      how about preserving beaches we already have. there is a reason why nature didn't put beaches here. And the fish are telling you. More mangroves destroyed.
  • ndp (26/05/2015, 12:20) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    What is ms maynard position we need to hear from her
  • Jennie (26/05/2015, 12:29) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    Dr pick and his rich frienffds if he had care so much about people especially the less fourtante in his villiage and the eight district he would have his rich friends biuld half way houses for his mental people his disrtct has the most rich people help poor people do you see in the outer world rich people helps you only benifiting from your rich people
  • voter (26/05/2015, 12:31) Like (7) Dislike (13) Reply
    Dirty VIP tricks
    • Trick? (26/05/2015, 12:47) Like (28) Dislike (1) Reply
      So because someone speaks out against their representative, all of a sudden it's a dirty VIP trick? When else can they express their grievances if not during election time when people will listen
  • Sigh (26/05/2015, 12:44) Like (12) Dislike (32) Reply
    This isn't new news. He has been doing this for years with other people land. Bullying his way through.He has been unconcerned about the district for years now. He only wants to use us to get it to fly all over the place and play with his rich white friends. He has shown his true colors
  • wow (26/05/2015, 12:49) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    another ndp "success"
  • EE/LL (26/05/2015, 12:54) Like (18) Dislike (3) Reply
    FHB as far as I know it back in the day had a wonderful beach with clear waters and white sand but look at it now since the NDP and their stooges started pushing rocks and dirt into the water turning it into a mud soup. There is no more sand, no more seagrass for the conchs, no more bayside. When you look and the land from on top any hill in east end you will find a cement plant owned and operated by NDP affiliates. So tell me why you had to mess things up and now coming to the people now about building a better beach front. Waste of time, money and FHB residents are sick of all the hot air coming out so called politicians mouth. Why destroy what we had that nature provided for us to try and rebuild knowing man is in no way shape or for greater than mother nature? You say you're an environmentalist but I could have sworn you are an OBGYN. Let nature do its part and you do yours
  • You didn't hear this from me (26/05/2015, 12:58) Like (11) Dislike (12) Reply
    Word on the street is that he was told not to go ahead with the development so soon because the various ecological studies had not been done. But he rushed it so that people would assume that something had been done on the project before election.
  • Poor-us (26/05/2015, 13:51) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    We have enough beaches, they just need attention, we don`t need no more, stop wasting tax payers money trying to make beaches, please don`t spend no more tax payers money trying to make brandy wine bay a beach, it will never be a beach for people to swim--never...
  • just asking. (26/05/2015, 16:13) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Why ayo acting like u all aint know the ndp careless about the ppl
  • Unbothered (26/05/2015, 16:47) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Nothing new! He has been doing this all his years in office. But we are the fools who keep voting him in every year so... I am just tired of this man fooling people. He is like a wolf in sheep's clothing.
  • list (26/05/2015, 17:08) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Add this to the long list of failed NDP projects (hospital and pier) that their supporters will claim is progress. Shameful...
  • oh no! (26/05/2015, 19:42) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Oh no!!!! Sir Richard Branson didn't see this! The environment being hurt! Oh yea... This on Tortola not on the other islands.
    Branson we need help too!!
  • long look (27/05/2015, 05:59) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am speechless because he talk so much about history in long look he got a wall with pictures on it with his historians and talking this and that about preserving it. Yet he and his friend do down there distroying the history that they teach us in school this is what needed to be presreved
  • Really (30/05/2015, 00:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This has been in the works for at least 2 years. An environmental assessment and how to do have been done already and the land holders concerned in the local area have been consulted. Everything happening now all over the islandstarted in its planing at least 2 years ago which means as NDP has been in for 3 1/2 years its not a last minute election thing! I can't vote which also means I don't have blinkers on like some people out there.
  • THAT'S WHAT THE NDP DOES! (01/06/2015, 10:53) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    The NDP have placed down a lot of things since this snap election announcement. I am glad to see that the projects they have started are seen as election gimmicks because that is exactly what they are. Why couldn't they have dealt with the Iris Oneal Clinic in all of their 3 and 1/2 years? Why is it now that they have built the basketball court on VG? Why is it only now that they are building the fishermen's dock in West End? I can go on and on but I will stop here.
  • YET TO SEE!!!! (01/06/2015, 11:03) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    There is no need for a road in Fat Hog's Bay it makes no sense.

    I recently visit Fat Hog's Bay, where I was born and raised, when I saw the development "so calll proposed road" I was appall to see the mess that was don to the Bay, as I said THE BAY, that is what we called it "The Bay"

    This was a place as I can remember where people in the community went to take what we called a SEA SOAK in the morning before going to school and work, a place where people in the community gathered on the week end to have a Sea Soak, not having to go to Josier Bay, or Long Bay "Beef Island", a place where fisherman bring in their catch of the day and sell their fishs, a place where in the olden days where you will find Mr. Levi Malone, Mr. Richard Stoutt, Mr. Walrin Durrant of Salt Island, and others built their wooden boats and then launch them into the water, it was a place where you will find the local just going on the bay to relax on the week end, clean their fish, and do a roast fish.

    As the bussiness owner stated he had a Beach bar down there, it was a place where you could get away from the inland, the hot sun, the dusty road, and just relax under a coconut tree, and let the fresh sea breze hit you in the face, eat a coconut, roast some fish, take a swim, and relax, now that will be taken away if you have to put a road there, it will have no more privacy, we will be dead lock, another getto, traffic on the top and trafic on the left, we need our sea breze, not more pollution.

    The same Dr. Pickering father Mr. Venzen Pickering will depart from that same bay and go fishing with his cousin Obed Malone aka: Mc Field former principal of Willard Wheatley primary School. In my oponion no road is needed in that area, it is uncalled for, the proposed road is an interferance to existing residents, and land owners as it continues west towards the mangrove.

    The owner's of the land facing the mangrove cannot do anything with the mangrove, so when you reach to the mangrove, then what? are you going to destroy the mangrove to continue the road? or are you going to take land from the land owner to make road?

    There is a Natural White Pond beyond the mangrove where you have wild life, you will find the Natural Habit, what are you going to do? destroy the wild life?

    Personally I think they should be thinking about preserving nature, the WHITE POND, along with the MANGROVE can be use as a natural park where the community as well as tourist can benifit. Putting a road in Fat Hog's Bay just dont make any sense.


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