Comments for Laurel's Compass

Comment on Shakespeare Thrives in Boulder Summer Festival by Melanie Mulhall

Melanie Mulhall — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 21:35:56 +0000

Laurel,

I had no idea you were connected to the festival! No wonder you have done such a good job of capturing its essence here. Yes, I’ve been among those who picnicked before a show . . . and among those who toughed it out in the rain until it poured to the point that neither actors nor audience could possibly stay outside one moment longer. There is such a sense of community (we’re all in this together) and light-heartedness to this festival. You’re making me sorry I missed it this year.

Melanie Mulhall

Comment on A Cup of Jamaica’s Blue Mountain Coffee by Priscilla

Priscilla — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 13:52:43 +0000

OMG, you got my mouth watering. I heard the popping sounds of the roasting beans and imagined how incredible that must smell–and taste. I don’t do dairy, so I take all my coffee black. Only once or twice in my life have I tasted coffee that actually didn’t need the cream–and one of those times was at the house of some friends who were coffee importers. I bet the cup you enjoyed here was truly special. Love the pics too.

Comment on Sand Mining Threatens Jamaica’s Rio Grande by Kathy Kaiser

Kathy Kaiser — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 00:08:06 +0000

Laurel, thanks for raising this issue. I remember being on Vancouver Island a few years ago and witnessing the horrendous clear-cutting, which partially ruined my trip. I wanted to write a letter to the Vancouver tourism board letting them know that this would dissuade me from coming again, but never found a contact.
I think it’s important to let our concerns be known; it doesn’t have to be critical. Otherwise, how will anything change?

Comment on Sand Mining Threatens Jamaica’s Rio Grande by Laurel Kallenbach

Laurel Kallenbach — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 21:11:37 +0000

Thanks, Beth, for mentioning the “Conservation Refugees” article. It is indeed thought-provoking and eye-opening, and it illustrates how point of view changes from one culture to the next, especially as it regards how people should act on their own lands. I found the article on Orion Magazine’s website: http://www.orionmagazine.org/index.php/articles/article/161/

Comment on Sand Mining Threatens Jamaica’s Rio Grande by Beth Partin

Beth Partin — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 20:57:59 +0000

Regarding the illegal sand mining, I think the most important thing to do is get as much information as possible about the situation. Much of what we might consider illegal activity may be survival activity on the part of the people doing it. They may have no other way to earn money. Of course, they may also be opportunists who don’t care about the damage they do. Perhaps there is a Department of Environment in Jamaica at the national or local level that could provide information?

I highly recommend an article in the Spring 2010 issue of Cultural Survival, “Conservation Refugees.” The first line reads, “The only thing that has displaced more people around the world than war is wildlife conservation.” It’s an eye opener, especially if you’re an environmentalist like me. (Cultural Survival recently merged with Global Response, a local nonprofit.)

If you want to report the mining, one place to start may be the World Wildlife Fund. That organization sponsors anti-poaching patrols and may very well monitor other types of eco-destruction. Also, the Nature Conservancy has many country offices; I think it has an office in Jamaica.

Comment on Sand Mining Threatens Jamaica’s Rio Grande by Jody Berman

Jody Berman — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:39:55 +0000

Laurel, I admire your sensitivity in asking how to go forward with what you witnessed. If I had seen the mining, I would have been sick, though I do appreciate the core reasons behind it. Because I believe we all share a responsibility to care for the earth and its creatures–and for each other–I’d want to talk and write about the issue to raise awareness. Perhaps merely asking questions and keeping the topic alive in the respectful way you approach things is the best you can do from Boulder. If you were in Jamaica, it would be easier to work toward solutions that benefit everyone.

Comment on Sand Mining Threatens Jamaica’s Rio Grande by Claire Wallter

Claire Wallter — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:33:39 +0000

The Jamaica Tourist Board’s Facebook page has a discussion area that seems to be open to all. Is The Nature Conservancy active in Jamaica? Express your concern to them or to the Jamaica Tourist Board. With the recent riots in Kingston, they are certainly alert to image issues — or should be.

Comment on Sand Mining Threatens Jamaica’s Rio Grande by Priscilla

Priscilla — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 04:08:41 +0000

Laurel, what an idyllic afternoon! Until you came upon the illegal activities. In places where that kind of devastation is illegal, I think it’s a good idea to call attention to it openly and voice outrage. (And voice outrage at the illegal and legal environmental devastation going on at home too.) The root causes of ecological devastation are usually poverty and greed–sometimes one, sometimes the other. I was heartened to see that sand mining is illegal, which means that a lot of people are aware of the harm. Now the issue is to get the law enforced. I think you’re right–tourist dollars make a difference, and maybe tourist opinions too. Laws are more likely to be enforced if there’s broad public support for them, which means the river industry will likely need to get behind it. And they’re more likely to do so if their customers want it.

Comment on Sand Mining Threatens Jamaica’s Rio Grande by Laurel

Laurel — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 03:24:09 +0000

Nice thoughts! While it would be easy to get angry, a bellicose response could turn people away–even though they might be inclined to agree with your point of view. Different cultures have different ways of problem solving, and people from other countries might interpret a criticism aimed at a specific perceived wrong as being a criticism of the entire country or population.

A number of people I met in Jamaica are quite aware of the importance of environmental conservation and the link between sustainable tourism and preservation of the land and water. I’m confident that Jamaicans will find good solutions to the country’s environmental challenges.

Comment on Sand Mining Threatens Jamaica’s Rio Grande by Page Lambert

Page Lambert — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 01:37:54 +0000

Laurel, what a wonderful post – and what an excellent topic to broach here. How should travelers respond when they see environment abrasion?

My first thought is that it’s much better to observe, and listen, and ask quiet, respectful questions when possible.

To build a home should be the right of every human being. So one must be respectful of the core reason for the sand mining. Only from that viewpoint can we move forward with a dialog that might offer alternative, more sustainable and less harmful, building practices.

I think the key is asking questions, and then listening – really listening – to the answers. And then not judging, but being willing to dig deep enough to contribute to the solution.