Day 241 - 26 Apr 96 - Page 34


     
     1        "Over the past decade vast stretches of forest have been
     2        destroyed to make way for cattle pastures and banana
     3        plantations.  In the remaining rainforest areas similar
     4        dynamics are at play which we've described in Guatemala,
     5        (rural poverty and landlessness, an influx of economic
     6        refugees from Nicaragua and Panama, unsustainable forestry
     7        practices, banana plantations, corporate tourism, et
     8        cetera).
     9
    10        "The last thing Guatemala and Costa Rica needs are a
    11        barrage of advertising from corporations such as McDonald's
    12        or Burger King encouraging their citizens to adopt
    13        'fast-food' lifestyles and eating habits.  Central America
    14        and the developing world in general do not need fast-food
    15        restaurant chains nor a beef centred diet.  What Guatemala
    16        and Costa Rica need are (a) equitable land reform and
    17        sustainable agricultural practices that result in food
    18        self-sufficiency; (b) sustainable forestry and tourism
    19        practices; (c) diets and lifestyles which are affordable
    20        (only the middle and upper classes can really afford a Big
    21        Mac) and which promote wellness and health.
    22
    23        "If McDonald's, Burger King and other fast-food giants are
    24        sincere in wanting to preserve the environment in general,
    25        and tropical rainforests in particular, they should
    26        immediately call for (a) a ban on beef imports into North
    27        America from Central America and a halt to foreign beef
    28        imports in general (as the Rainforest Action Network and
    29        others have called for); (b) a halt in the expansion of
    30        North American style fast-food restaurants into the Third
    31        World; (c) the promotion of sustainable, equitable,
    32        environmentally friendly agricultural policies (both in the
    33        North and in the South); and (d) a change in the menus
    34        (healthier, less beef and meat centred, locally and
    35        sustainably produced foods), advertising, marketing and
    36        purchasing practices of their own and other multi-national
    37        food corporations.
    38
    39        "To the best of my knowledge the above statements are true
    40        and accurate.  Sincerely, Ronald Cummins", with his
    41        signature.  That has not got a date.
    42
    43   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  I have read the rest.  Do you want to just
    44        take that as read, what his qualifications are?
    45
    46   MR. MORRIS:  Yes, I just say, just to summarise, he puts his
    47        qualifications as five years of sustained travel and
    48        research in Central America and author of various books and
    49        articles.
    50 
    51   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  Very well.  I have read those. 
    52 
    53   MR. MORRIS:  Mr. Atkinson helpfully suggests it is July 26th
    54        1993, I think.
    55
    56   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  Yes, that is what appears on the second copy
    57        which I have which has been faxed.
    58
    59   MR. MORRIS:  Right.  Yes, that is true.  OK.  If I can read
    60        Douglas Shane's statement?

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