Nicaraguan Island Raffled Off

[nicoli86]

From
http://www.nicanet.org/hotline.php?id=6Topic 2:

A twenty-five year old Dutch student apparently "won" Frenchman Cay, one of Nicaragua's beautiful Caribbean off-shore islands, in a radio raffle last October (2001). The exquisite islet is situated about 3 miles out from Bluefields. Monique de Koning, who is studying banking, took part in a phone-in show on Radio Yorin FM, a Dutch station with national coverage. While her co-finalists had to content themselves with mere trips to exotic places, Monique herself got one actually given to her. It seems that Radio Yorin bought the property rights to the island from US businessman, Peter Tsokos, whose acquisition of Atlantic Coast islands and other properties is currently under legal challenge from the indigenous and ethnic peoples of the region. The challenge is based on the Coast's autonomous status as set out in the Nicaraguan Constitution, which supposedly guarantees that both mainland and islands belong to the indigenous inhabitants in perpetuity, and cannot be bought, sold or mortgaged.


Having acquired seven of the glorious, environmentally delicate islands for a mere US$36,000, Tsokos has already re-sold several at prices in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Fishermen and other local people, who use the formerly uninhabited islands as occasional storm-ports, to refill fresh water supplies, or to rest during long trips, have found their ancient rights violated by wealthy foreigners who have bought "their" islands from Tsokos. Officials from the local office of MARENA, the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources, and from the Advocate for the Environment, had their boat fired on, despite its being clearly labeled. In another case, markers set to protect turtle nesting sites had been moved, again seemingly by the newcomers. Perhaps worst of all, local people are profoundly concerned for the ecological devastation that any prolonged human presence will have on the islands themselves, the waters, mangroves and coral reefs around them.


Dutch news sources that have been following the story told Koning that her glamorous new property could cost her heavily. Just to get there and back from Holland would cost US$2,500, while building even a cabin on it would come in at around US$11,000 and land taxes would set her back US$500 per year. So, she gave the island back to the radio station, in return for a trip to the Dominican Republic and an undisclosed quantity of cash.

[URRACA]

I personally know Mr. Tsokos, but since discovering what he was up to, have distanced myself from him and his shady business dealing with the Islands. I have quite a few friends in the Area of Laguna de Perlas and Kukra Hill. They locals are not at all please with Mr. Tsokos activities here and elsewhere in Nicaragua. In some cases I have spoken to the locals and I fear for the life of Tsokos. This would be a tragity if something would happen to this well hated man., and the thought of Investors watching what happens with him! frightens me the most.

[nicoli86]

For those who haven't had the great opportunity to visit this wonderful place. Do not let the actions of one crook who isn't from Nicaragua cause you concern except to understand that Mr. Tsokos is the one to not trust. Any investing should be looked at no different then in the U.S. or Europe etc...

Nica is wide open for people looking for a change not only in life style but, businesses that impact the communities directly in a positive way. Imagine through the front door of your business you view the Ocean an out the back you over look the country side. Try that in Atlanta... and under 100k to boot.

People like Mr. Tsokos don't do anyone any good and just add press to an area that doesn't deserve the bad ink. Fact is, Both coast of Nica are wonderful with trusting kind people. Who just happen to live on awesome beach's. Folk's hop a ride on Sol Air and see for yourself. You'll not only love the trip but you'll be making plans on your return or even to buy your vacation house.

Glenn

[URRACA]

well today I was interviewed about the Lobster Divers on the Atlantic and I mentioned this problem with Tsokos. We have had enough bad press about him and by the looks of it, it, he will self distruct...

[nicoli86]

Anyone wishing to send their outrage to the Tsokos Mob, Some of the contacts are below. Remember to just express your outrage and not your Death Threats as written threats could get you in trouble. Just flood them with
Calls and E Mail expressing displeasure...

Pedro Martinez, Barrio Central, Bluefields, Nicaragua,
Email: bluefields1@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.tropical-islands.com/vacation.htm

Tropical islands, Barrio San Pedro, Bluefields, Nicaragua
E-mail: island2002us@yahoo.com

US Mailing adress:
Tropical islands, PO Box 831044, Miami, FL 33283, USA
Tel (305) 252-6157, Fax (305) 235-9347


CLS Corporate Leisure Specialists dept / Eagle Travel,
Gabrielle Conea, 717 Ponce de Leon, Suite 313, Coral Gables, FL 33134,
Tel (305) 448-6677, Fax (305) 529-0037 Email: GConea@aol.com

Divefoto, That was an interesting story. I appreciate all the info I get from you all.