Minister of Natural Resources Hon. McAllister Hanchell

Minister of Natural Resources, Hon. McAllister Hanchell has told the public that there is more behind the Star Island controversy than just environmental interests.

The Minister lambasted persons who were using the situation as a soap box to vent and not being honest in telling the people what they are really upset about.

“Let me set the record straight, it is my belief that this Star Island controversy is not about environmental issues, rather I believe that it is about economics with one developer over the other developer; trust me on this.”

The Minister was speaking during a press conference on Thursday May 8 th at the New Media conference room.

“There has been a lot of concern over the construction of Star Island , and dredging related to that area indeed my Ministry and government welcome the voice of the people in respect to the democratic process.

“We cant seem to be all for something today and all against something tomorrow. We are the only country in the world that has two thirds of its country dedicated to a park system in one form or the other whether it is managed by the National Trust or the DECR.”

The outspoken Minister went on to speak about the effects of the then salt industry and how that industry destroyed and in some ways made the TCI what it is today.

“The era of the Salt Industry it is my belief can be regarded as one of the most negative environmentally friendly developments in our country, scores of land in Grand Turk, Salt Cay and West Caicos were completely clear of all natural vegetation were destroyed to facilitate the salt industry.

“Even back then it was important to balance development with the environment and this decision back then became the back bone for the TCI economy for about 300 years.

Ironically today the very trees that were cleared now or eventually became the feeding and breeding grounds for birds and fish. Today we are preserving those same ponds for heritage and have now become habitats.”

He explained that in every situation you must weigh the cost and benefits to what is in the best interest of your people. “Just suppose our leaders at that time did not grant approval to the salt production the question stands where would we be today.”

The minister also took time to thank the Conch Farm which has offered to return a portion of their existing land to government which will allow water sports operators in the area to continue their businesses.

“Your PNP government would not make any decision that would be negative to the Turks and Caicos Islands ,” said Hon. Hanchell.