If we look at the problems that face the health and welfare of the Great Mesoamerican Barrier Reef and all that is dependent on it¯overdevelopment, lack of efficient infrastructure, disease, disrespect, and destruction¯it seems just too overwhelming, and human tendency is to be paralyzed by what overwhelms us. Oh, we are good at fretting and complaining about things but when it comes to making a difference, we simply can’t move when overwhelmed. What we need to realize is that each of us can make a difference; we can make a place better than it was before we came. That can be as simple as smiling and spreading joy where you go, taking the time to bend down and pick up that piece of trash, asking that they not bring you a plastic straw, not eating fish from the endangered list, recycling, reusing, and making a contribution to the things that touch your heart.

As a group we need to communicate more; by talking we share ideas and encourage each other. There is strength in numbers¯each person brings to the picture her or his unique insights, ideas, talents and skills. I am fortunate enough to spend most of my day communicating with some amazing people and I know first-hand how many people are concerned about this area which is home to the Great Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, diverse cultures, and magnificent fauna and flora. What makes for an interesting phenomenon is that while so many spend a good amount of time living along the coast¯few call it home¯the locals and tourists alike are rarely originally from this area. It is harder to get folks to make a difference if they don’t feel the roots or ownership for a place, even though they are truly concerned. That is something we together must work to change.

I recently posted a question on a local bulletin board: "If you had one wish or prayer for our piece of paradise what would it be?" I found the responses intriguing. I would like to share some of the comments with you in the hope to inspire us to come together to make a difference.

Q. If you had one wish or prayer for our piece of paradise what would it be?

A. Education of the children is so important to change ... but the government selling out the people is also a big problem. They do not seem to take any of the sell out and give it back to the people ... hummmmm... It is hard to have just one. There are many other bad situations along the coast.
- Bill in Tulsa (owner, bill-in-tulsa.com)

A. Economic justice. It’s all of it. Educational opportunities, access to good jobs ( not just cleaning, sweeping, grunting). Our Mayan friends deserve some help to make them competitive with the "mainland" Mexicans who get the better jobs in the tourist areas.
- Joe in Maine ( Norton Brook Photography)

A. Continued peace and beauty is one of my hopes. Perhaps it is a bit selfish, but Chuck and I get such joy from the beauty and relaxation and peace of the area. I guess I don't want it any more "discovered" than it is¯which is an impossible wish I guess. But I hope that at least a bit of the beauty and nature survives.

Of course, I hope the local folks are able to earn a decent living, have some respect and dignity given to them, and that their children have the opportunities to fulfill their potential as every parent wants the best for their kids.

Oh, and so much more that I want for this lovely place in the world¯but that will do for now.
- Alice in Az. ( Hekab Be Community Library)

A. Oh my! Just one Lydia? Well ... correct corrupted government, uh no wait .... stop the building over of "paradise," uh no wait ... do better with protecting the environment, uh no wait ... I know! That the children would be able to attend school, that they could be better funded so as the parents would not have to worry about the cost. If the kids could stay in school, get their education past 8th grade, they may be in the position to work on fixing the other problems.

I was superintendent of our Church school forever and am currently the Ed. Chair. Doesn't matter whether it is secular or non sec, the "children" part of it remains the same. They are our future, teach them, give them some help emotionally¯physically¯monetarily and they will grow. Teach them values, give them the opportunity to learn, ask questions, teach them about self esteem so that they can believe they can make a difference in the world, nurture them ......... give them the opportunity to see that their environment is worth saving ......... okay, I'll get down off of my soap box.
- Irene in NJ

A. Only One? Toughie to pick only one! My wish would be that the culture wouldn't be so heavily exploited to promote tourism. They are so heavily exploited, and then denied such basics that here in the U.S. we take for granted. A general understanding and love for the culture would be far better than exploitation. I love the people.
- Sandy

A. Scholarship and Veterinary Programs. I think education is the number one priority for the children in Akumal. The Scholarship Program is a great start. From my personal point of view and because of my career in the US I think the veterinary programs in the area will help in the long run to improve the quality of life of the local people. These are two very worthy causes for anyone to get involved with.
- Aida

A. Obviously you know of my desire to maintain and improve the environmental health of the region. To that end, I'd wish for strict, consistently enforced governmental controls on any commercial development which would guarantee a zero negative impact on the land, the water, and the marine and land fauna. There will be no economic development of the area and no improvement in living conditions for the indigenous people without a strong, enduring regard for the environment. No one vacations in a sewage-infested garbage dump!
- Craig in WI

In closing, I would like to add, if we start with a wish and voice our thoughts, we have already taken the first step to making a difference. Maybe these thoughts will get the ball rolling to encourage others to make a difference. It doesn’t matter where we are from or what our talents and skills are¯if our desire is to make this a better place, we will and we will be an example for others to do the same.

Lydia Pontius
Lydia@ceakumal.org

P.S. I would like to see this turn into an interactive section of the CEA Website. If you have a comment or question you’d like posted please let me know.