This email just went out to Members of the SPBA and non-members alike:

--

Dear Members of the San Pedro Business Association, and Business
People of Ambergris Caye.

It has come to our attention that the Cayes locally known as the Bird
Cayes have been sold. Two of these Cayes are within the boundaries of
of the Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. Another three are included in
the Little Guana and Los Salones Cayes Bird sanctuaries, which were
designated as protected Crown Reserves in 1977. These tiny islands
derive their common name from the huge population of resident and
migratory water and land birds that feed, nest and roost there. The
birds provide a continues supply of nutrients to the mangrove habitats
that protect numerous marine species and thus benefit the fishing
industry. These are the areas that are utilized by our flats fisherman
and bird watchers.

It also appears that Cayo Cangrejo has been sold. Survey lines have
been cut on the island suggesting that it has been sold and is being
surveyed for development.

The combined effect of these lands being sold is disheartening to
contemplate. Any development of Cayo Cangrejo and related mangrove
destruction threatens the entire existence of Hol Chan Marine Reserve.
Thus the economic survival of San Pedro is in jeopardy.

Belize, and San Pedro in particular, has set itself apart from other
Central American destinations by preserving and promoting eco-tourism.
These developments promise to make us look hypocritical as a country
and an industry.

We ask that the Members of the San Pedro Business Association respond
by e-mail or fax in the next 24 hours regarding this issue. We would
like you to voice your opinion on this matter, and on how best we as
an organization should proceed. We need all faxes or e-mails in by
1:00 pm Wednesday January 30th.

Please feel free also to contact the association with any question.
Faxes can be sent to 226-3359 and the phone number is 226-4474.

--

submit responses by fax at the number above, or email: [email protected]