MerrinDonahue.com

Annual Toe Shot

Originally uploaded by merrindonahue

There are *very* few unspoiled places in this world. It’s no secret that our favorite place on Earth is Great Guana Cay in the Abacos. Our history is completely tied up in that little island. In fact, I think it would be safe to say that our very best memories were made there—-both with friends, families, and even just the two of us (hell, I even got pregnant there against all doctors’ advice to the contrary).

So here’s the thing: Because there are so few perfect places in the world, we should protect them, right? When people comment on our photos or hear us talk about the island, we’re quick to tell them how much it sucks simply because we’re greedy—-we don’t want to share our little piece of paradise. There are under 100 inhabitants, and we’d like to keep it that way, thankyouverymuch.

But I digress. For the last few years, a large American development company has mercilessly began decimating 2/5ths of this tiny island all in the name of tourism. There are quite a few things wrong with this, but the most troubling is the impending destruction of one of the largest reefs in the world. The environmental impact alone is staggering. As with any big controversy, there are politics involved. I’ve been following this story since it began three years ago, and it’s easy to get mired down in the politics of the situation. But. For just a little while, it would be great to put all of that aside and focus on the bigger picture of just exactly what impact the Baker’s Bay development is having on both the environment AND the people who call Guana Cay home (or, in our case, home away from home).

There is a wonderful blog that chronicles–in great detail–all that is happening on this little piece of paradise. Notes From The Road offers a TON of insight on the David vs. Goliath fight that is going on between the island’s inhabitants and big government, and there is a new story that chronicles the fight from the very beginning. The fight in and of itself is a moving example of passionate activism. The Save Guana Cay Reef Association is taking on something that is so much bigger than them. They are a textbook example of fighting for the right thing.

Is there any real way to stop a political and financial monster machine? Sadly, probably not. The Baker’s Bay people are bullies, plain and simple. But I’m cheering for the little guy. Because they’re right. And because we don’t need any golf courses or McMansions to spoil one of God’s finest creations.