by Geoffrey Clarfield (June 2015)
We Spaniards know a sickness of the heart that only gold can cure.
— Hernan Cortes, Spanish Conqueror of the Aztecs, 1485-1547
Once Again to the Tropics
I had to go to Guyana. Not just the beautiful and untouched coast. No, the highland jungle with its clear rivers and waterfalls and native Indian tribes, what are now called indigenous peoples. I was responsible for, but not in charge of, an expedition of Canadian medical volunteers who once a year, get medical donations and donate their time to providing these Indian and other communities, with a roving field hospital, first rate diagnosis, immediate treatment where possible, and referrals where truly feasible. Not sustainable, but sustaining, which in my moral opinion works better and is more honest. more>>>
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2 Responses
Gold fever is destroying Latin American culture and its rivers. The once–pristine Madre de Dios river which
adjoins the Manu global preserve is lined with
unlicensed uncontrolled gold dredgers. The river is poisoned with mercury. And equally deplorable are the missionaries who convert the indigenous people to a foreign non-nature based religion. This is the worst kind of arrogance and exploitation, as bad as the pollution. We have travelled extensively in Latin America on birding trips and seen nature disappearing in front of our eyes…along with the
native cultures. Unforgiveable.
Ms Salzman has “…travelled extensively in Latin America on birding trips…”. You and your Canadian volunteers “…get medical donations and donate their time…”. Priorities. Where did your parents go wrong?