There has been discussion about street lighting along the road north long before Chris A. moved up to Grand Caribe. But he is highlighting a subject that is definitely a current issue.

Like it or not the island and its public roadways are available for passage for all residents and visitors of the island, regardless of where they live or come from. It is a matter of public safety that street lighting be placed in areas that are well traversed. Lights provide a measure of security as well as convenience.

I live south of San Pedro town and we are fortunate enough to have street lighting. We went through this issue already, we debated this and ultimately, regardless of the desire of many to not place lighting it was ultimately realized that the lighting is not solely there for the convenience of the residents, but also the visitors.

Although street lighting does impede the starlight view, one merely needs to walk 200 or 300 feet towards the sea or the lagoon in order to enjoy a view of the stars. If the light pollution prevents a fantastic view then there are many other pitch dark areas of the island that can still offer full starlit nights.

Although many ex-pats moved here to leave the wal-marts and MacDonald's burger joints, I can think of about 15,000 or so permanent residents on this island that would enjoy and frequent such establishments. Wherever people come from they tend to see amenities or natural wonders elsewhere that they would like to partake in. Personally I can live without a walmart or Mickey D's. Then again I am fortunate enough to be able to travel and enjoy such places when it is convenient for me. Not everybody that lives here can enjoy as much freedom of travel - but they still want to eat a juicy big mac and buy a blouse for $10 Bz along with a beautiful vase for the dining table.

Ambergris Caye is the number 1 tourist destination on the island. IMHO street lighting north of the bridge along the road is an essential element in regards to progress and growth of the tourism industry. Rather than fighting an inevitable issue regarding protection of life and property I would rather fight an issue that could indeed sound the death kneel to this island - off shore oil drilling!

Let's get serious about issues that will seriously negatively impact our lives, livelihood and environment beyond repair.

For those who wish to fight the progress of roads, streets, housing developments, hospitals and sport stadiums - I suggest that you consider finding a gated community where you can live with like minded people. Here on the island we consider the whole caye our home and we should be able to traverse safely and conveniently from point a to point b without stumbling around along dark roads and being attacked by loose uncontrolled dogs.

Many folks that have lived up north have enjoyed an almost private paradise for many years, so I can see why some people feel that the public are beginning to infringe and encroach upon their privacy, but it isn't all private lands and that chapter is closing.

Another hot and related issue has always been police patrols and enforcement. As the access to the north of the island becomes easier, the criminals will move up into that area on a more regular basis too. So with increased need for police patrols another level of privacy is stripped from the residents - but again, if you choose to live in a community these are the issues you need to accept and welcome into your lives.

Progress is here to stay - we can work on molding it gracefully or we can fight tooth and nail and progress will still happen. Roads, lights, schools, traffic, hospitals and building is going to happen so embrace these changes and improvements and help them occur in a practical and sustainable manner.

Let's put our true efforts against threats that can indeed ruin all of our collective lives.