As a foreigner, the line between fighting for what you believe in and fighting to impose your beliefs on others is particularly thin. I believe that Príncipe could achieve something remarkable if imade different choices from all the other small island nations, but I’m not willing to fight for that. I do not wish to be a factor of discord in the politics or society of Príncipe,” reads a letter sent by the multi-millionaire to the Regional Government of this island in Sao Tome and Principe.
“If there are strong leadership factions who believe that our work is done in bad faith, with neo-colonial intentions, then it would be better to withdraw out of respect for the autonomy of Príncipe. My team and I feel that we are currently seen as do-gooders and punching bags, whichever is more convenient at the time,” Shuttleworth added.
HBD is the largest company on the island of Príncipe, with several investments in the tourism sector, and says it provides employment for almost 80% of the island’s population, as well as supporting the construction and rehabilitation of various infrastructure.
In recent months, Príncipe’s political opposition and some citizens have strongly contested the company’s decision to charge access fees for a beach on the island. However, the company has argued that the measure was provided for in the contract approved by the authorities and was intended to clean and maintain the space.
The businessman said that the purpose of his work in Príncipe, which began in 2010, “has never been commercial” and that’s why he won’t insist on keeping his business on the island.
“For this reason, I have decided to ask my team to look for alternative investors who can take these businesses forward with better approval from the Prince’s leadership and to discuss the process by which we would gracefully close HBD’s ecotourism and agriculture investments in Príncipe,”reads the letter sent to the president of the government of the Autonomous Region of Príncipe, Filipe Nascimento.
“I have asked my team to work with your government to make this transition back into the hands of Príncipe a smooth one”.
However, Mark Shuttleworth recalls that when, in 2010, he decided to invest in Príncipe, then under the presidency of Tozé Cassandra, he was “impressed by the care, courtesy and sincerity of the political dialogue between the government and the opposition”, which seemed remarkable “in contrast to the rancour and division that have become prevalent elsewhere”.
The businessman emphasised that, at the time, he felt “motivated to help protect this natural beauty and to help the people of Príncipe reap the rewards of economic development, while avoiding the worst of the destruction caused by development”.
The businessman wrote in the letter that, “although it has been difficult, much positive work has been accomplished”, highlighting “a major overhaul of the airport, including a new runway, the restoration of Roça Sundi, the restoration of culturally significant buildings in Santo António, and the creation and continued support of the Príncipe Foundation.
He also added the employment of hundreds of people and the acquisition of professional skills through training and education, which helped spread mastery of the English language, introduce programmes to reduce plastic use and encourage recycling, and create worldwide awareness of Príncipe as a tourist destination.
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