Leaving the Gulf

It was with a very heavy heart that I left Grand Isle. This is not just a place on the map anymore. The local residents are generous of time and spirit and have built a community that was harmonious with the environment that they lived in. I asked Raleigh to describe the spirit of the people (he was a local fisherman now out of work.) His answer was simple - they were cajun's. But it really is more than that. Before the oil spill this was a small community; oil workers, fishermen, shrimpers, politicians, teachers, hotel staff - people involved in many professions - all lived well together here. The special nature of the location and it's surrounding created a bond amongst the citizens of Grand Isle.

This community has now been ripped apart. As the oil moved to shore people were asking for help and answers but the management of this situation sorely let them down.

Before I left town I stopped and spoke with Roberts mom at Bridgside Marina(see pic of Robert on boat). We talked about the oil that I had seen out at the source of the spill and the efforts of cleanup. It was a very emotional conversation as we both acknowledged that if this minimal level of cleanup continued then there was every possibility that the community of Grand Isle would cease to exist once the Hurricane season began.

I'm not sure what I can do to continue helping to raise awareness about not only this oil spill - but about the lack of care that the huge corporations running our planet take with all aspects of the environment. It's always the bottom line first.


I also thought about the G20 - being hosting in my home town of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The principal topic of discussion will be reducing member governments’ budget deficits and national debts. The 1.3billion that they are spending on security makes the cost of these gatherings hypocritical as well as exorbitant.

So how do we attempt to realine the priorities of corporations and governments in today's society - so that we can find a way to leave a legacy of a clean and healthy environment? It's a big question and one I plan to pursue. As I close my Louisian Bound blog I realize that my time in the gulf has changed me. Seeing first hand the devestating long lasting impact that this one situation has had has taught me that it is important to be part of a strong voice attempting to keep our leaders in check.