Progress?

I wrote this as a letter to the editor of our local paper...I've sent them in before and I haven't been published, but I'll try again. This is a topic of interest to anybody who cares about stopping haphazard land development. That's my semi-environmental spouting! Ha!





The controversy surrounding Georgia’s Jekyll Island is one that has been around since human beings entered the scene on the world stage. It all centers on progress and our innate desire to create and improve that which we have dominion over. Progress can be defined in many ways, but most would agree that progress in all definitions involves certain elements of change and growth. How these ideals are implemented is where the disagreement comes in regarding progress.

My own personal relationship with Jekyll Island began as a one year old playing in the sandy beaches of the island with my parents and maternal grandparents. My grandparents began staying on Jekyll Island soon after it was opened as a public beach for Jekyll’s citizens. My mother grew up going there, as did my sisters and I. Obviously, there are many sentimental reasons I could give for stopping further development of the island that holds so many dear memories for me. And while I see each of these reasons as being extremely important to maintaining the qualities possessed by this beautiful island, I am not so naive as to believe these reasons are relevant for everyone who has ever or will ever visit the island. However, being objective, I still have an overall opinion on the proposed redevelopment of Jekyll Island. What bothers me surrounding this issue is not the actual ideas of development and progress that must come to the island, whether we like it or not, but how this is being carried out as a war of power and politics with little to no regard for the island itself.

I am a mother now to three little boys, and am expecting our fourth child soon. My husband, children and myself just returned last week from this place of beauty and I am reinvigorated on my platform regarding this issue. There is no denying that Jekyll could use a simple facelift. The shops at the entrance to the island are architecturally outdated and could be remodeled to fit in better with the scenery and drop their 70’s appearance. OK, whatever. Even the convention center could use some improvements, and if that involves a complete overhaul, OK, whatever. Also, the hotels that were outdated have already been torn down and should be rebuilt right where they were to provide nice places for visitors to stay, OK; we’re already on that, thanks. However, it is the ignorant opinions that I continue to hear and read about that bother me. To say that Jekyll is in bad disrepair and to give the idea that the island is about to fall over from lack of “progress”, simply tells me that the people making these remarks have either not visited Jekyll recently or are not inclined to like a quiet beach atmosphere anyway. These are fine viewpoints to have when choosing your beach destination. But to impose these viewpoints on an island that is simply different from other places you prefer to visit is both unfair and wrong. No place will ever please everyone and to make this an issue of pity toward Georgia residents who “need” a better place for vacation that is not rundown is not an idea I appreciate. First of all, an island that is “underdeveloped” does not equal an island that is in poor disrepair or badly needs developing. It simply is what it is. Jekyll is a quiet place of stillness, unrefined, and full of natural beauty, while still being convenient enough to stay on and be comfortable. It is not Hilton Head, St. Simons, Sea Island, etc… nor does it need to be. There is nothing wrong with these places, but to suggest that Jekyll is “less than” because it is not one of these places is simply ignorant. Human beings have made footprints on Jekyll Island. These footprints can and should stay and even be improved upon. But to come in and make more footprints, move footprints, argue over footprints, stomp on other’s footprints is taking on the human agendas of money, greed and assumptions over what the people of Georgia need and want, while completely disregarding the island itself. I have learned in my adult life that sometimes it is in the still quiet moments that the truth can be heard. Yet, everyday, it is our human desire to drown out those moments with more noise and stuff, all in the name of progress. Everyone who is involved in the decision making process regarding Jekyll Island needs to take a weekend there relishing in it’s quiet beauty. Listening to the island and not your own inner desires for more, more, and more. Then an appreciation may come for what Jekyll’s place in the world should be. If it does not, that’s OK, too. That’s when you will know that Jekyll is not the destination for you and when making future plans, you should make them elsewhere. It does not mean that it is now time to conform Jekyll to your needs and desires just because the money is in your pocket, or there is money to be made, or those poor Georgians need a better island!

This “poor” Georgian is thrilled with my beach choices. Jekyll even has the fancy stuff! I have never seen a place more beautiful than the Millionaire’s village and it was developed over a century ago. It is residing in its original footprint and is coming alive again. So the next time you think of this issue as one of progress, remember this quote from C.S. Lewis who said, “We all want progress, but if you’re on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; in that case, the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive.” I think we have an obligation to this great island to preserve her beauty, clean up our outdated footprints and leave her alone for the people who want a still, quiet refuge to enjoy. We still have time for that about-turn Lewis spoke of, and to make the truly progressive choice for Jekyll Island.

If this is your opinion also, go to www.savejekyllisland.org and see what you can do right now to allow your voice to be heard!