June 28, 2024

Prime Minister Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit Financial Centre Kennedy Avenue Roseau, Dominica

An Open Letter to Prime Minister Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit

Dear Sir,

We, citizens of the Commonwealth of Dominica, are compelled to express our deep concerns regarding the proposed yacht marina in Cabrits National Park, announced at the groundbreaking ceremony on May 25, 2024. While not opposed to development, we believe such a project should not jeopardize environmentally sensitive areas.

Dominica has been heralded as the Nature Isle of the Caribbean, achieving global recognition for our commitment to climate resilience. Our efforts have been showcased in international media, and our eco-friendly initiatives have placed us among the top travel destinations worldwide. The creation of a marine park to protect endangered sperm whales has further solidified our environmental leadership.

However, the construction of a marina in the National Park threatens to undermine these achievements by damaging our reputation, harming our environment, and disrupting the local community and economy.

Main Concerns:

1. Environmental Impact: Wetlands are crucial for flood control, reducing flood peak by up to 60%. The Cabrits Wetlands protect Portsmouth from storm surges and hurricanes. Their destruction would increase vulnerability to climate events and lead to more frequent and severe flooding.
2. Impact on Local Industries: Wetlands maintain water clarity and support marine life, crucial for both the fishing and eco-tourism sectors. Construction would disrupt these natural processes, affecting marine biodiversity and the health of coral reefs, which are already at risk from climate change.
3. Carbon Sequestration: Coastal wetlands are significant carbon sinks. Their disruption would release stored carbon, contradicting our goal to be a climate-resilient nation and exacerbating global warming.
4. Biodiversity: Cabrits National Park is home to numerous species, including birds, mammals, and endemic reptiles. The marina would threaten these species and their habitats, impacting biodiversity and local hunting industries. We have already witnessed some of these impacts with the introduction of the Cuban Treefrog.
5. Cultural and Historical Significance: The park and its wetlands are integral to our cultural identity, representing our connection to both natural and historical heritage.

6. Legal and Compliance Issues: The project has not met the necessary legal standards, such as conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as mandated by the Physical Planning Act. Additionally, international commitments like the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity and the Escazú Agreement require public participation and transparency in environmental matters, which appear to be lacking in the marina project.

Call to Action:

Given our commitment to environmental and cultural preservation, we urge your government to:

• Halt the marina project within Cabrits Wetlands.
• Explore alternative locations for the marina that do not threaten crucial environmental resources.
• Ensure full compliance with national and international environmental laws, including conducting a comprehensive EIA with public participation.
• Prioritize sustainable development that aligns with Dominica’s environmental goals and cultural values.

Protecting our unique natural environments is vital for maintaining Dominica’s status as the “Nature Isle of the Caribbean” and a leader in climate resilience. We trust you will consider the long-term implications of this project on our environment, economy, and global standing.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

Yours respectfully,

Concerned Citizens of Dominica

Join the petition, and get more information at www.change.org/savecabrits