Ivan Solis for Mayor of Culebra 2012

There is nothing more important to the immediate future of Culebra than having those in power work for a Culebra that is what Culebrense, those who have adopted Culebra as their home and her visitors to continue to have an island of natural simplicity, with a strong infrastructure.

There are plenty of islands that have given up what made them unique; any traveler can find them via cruise ships, or marina listings, golf course directories or shopping mall advertisements. This is not Culebra. Its wonder is the beauty of its people, its natural wonders above and below the sea that surrounds it, its lack of crowds and huge resorts. The heart of Culebra is held within its own boundaries, boundaries that can be encouraged with sustainable development (not destroying the mangroves, care for the corals and aquatic life, careful building on fragile lands, respect for the locals' way of life in the use of water, electricity and external natural resources).

I believe, knowing Ivan almost since I arrived on Culebra ten years ago, that his heart and mind are for this careful growth and oversight of our island. He doesn't buy into the bigger is better, greed with a exuberant disregard of the exchange of growth for money that would destroy one of the last islands in the Caribbean that has fought to remain itself (I have many friends on many islands who all agree: Culebra is unique and they live in the results of islands where locals are the last in the money food chain, unlike the promises made by those who exploited them).

Sitting on the corner at my cart for years, with the fire station across the street, Ivan and I have talked a lot about the ups and downs of Culebra, what can be done, what shouldn't be done and most of all, I've listened to his passion about the Culebra I fell in love with minutes after arriving. I've seen him walk the walk, not just talk the talk and that gives me hope, every time we've talked.

The contrast could not be stronger between his vision for Culebra and his opponent, who favors turning Culebra into a place we won't recognize in five years. Once down that path (re: Costa Bonita), it cannot be undone. Ever. The destruction illegally started by Victor Gonzalez and the Dubon brothers will escalate and expand, and those are only two examples. This is fact, not speculation, sadly. Which is why I'm voting for Ivan and for the future of the Culebra we love, locals and adopted, visitors and dreamers.

To see Ivan's webpage and read more, go here. There is a welcome in English if you don't read Spanish and the rest you can use an online translator by copying and pasting.

Thank you, Ivan, for taking this on your shoulders. We support you now and will continue to support you on the journey of Culebra's future. OUR future.