Dear Editor,
Kindly allow me a bit of your precious newspaper space to beg, humbly and respectfully, the relevant powers-that-be, to have a look at the mangrove invasion on the Ogle Atlantic beach.
I am well aware of the amazing benefits to the environment, biodiversity, and the protection of the shoreline that mangroves provide. However, like all good things, there would be a need to balance these benefits against, in this instance, the cultural and aesthetic value, and quality of life our beautiful beaches provide.
The mangroves have already taken over the eastern part of the beach from Ogle, obliterating the ocean view of the residents in Courida Park and the beach there. They are heading westward towards Georgetown, unfortunately blocking the view and the breeze, sometimes smelling like rotten eggs, and bringing droves of mosquitoes which are not only unbearable nuisances but can carry diseases.
Surely, we could appreciate that beyond the important environmental benefits of mangroves, we treasure our beaches in and around our capital city, where for a couple hundred years we have taken our families to enjoy; where we have played as children and where we have often gazed at the mighty Atlantic in contemplative and creative awe.
Yours sincerely,
Keith Evelyn
