In the last day or two a deep trench has been dug around the base of the big Cotton Tree at Lammarina (immediately in front of Dickstock). There's also a plastic container, with fluid, attached to the lower trunk with a pipe and syringe inserted into the tree. There may be a perfectly reasonable explanation for this - and then again...anyone have any idea what they're doing to the tree? I have pics but as yet can't get them off my mobile and onto the forum...

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Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears.

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Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears.

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Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears.

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Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears.

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Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears.

the developer is King Wong Development
2882 2113

I did a search 'lamma development' - very interesting, they have plans for a large marina and development on the South of the island - looks like turtle beach in some pics and then another bay in others. Mis-leading to say the least.

If anyone has time to call the number and talk to them about the tree - please do it!

many thanks

I don't think it would be a good idea to sneak in and steal the syringes. It would be much better to immediately call the police and / or AFCD to come to the scene to collect evidence in order to prosecute whoever may be trying to kill the tree. Not only would removing the syringes also remove any possible evidence for prosecution (should that ever be seen to be appropriate), it would also lay that person open to criminal charges and distract attention away from what appears to be a real crime. Getting the authorities involved should be done before contacting the any other groups, otherwise the responsible party (whoever they are) might just remove the evidence and plead ignorance. If confronted with your photos they could simply say that they were injecting a systemic pesticide or some kind of special beneficial nutrients. Then they would still be able to do whatever they wished with the tree later taking better precautions to prevent locals from observing their activities.

Note: (posted later) The above message would appear to be redundant given new evidence that seems to have come to light regarding the fact that the land developer has truly been acting in the best interests of the tree by trying to save it from a termite infestation.

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Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
----- Margaret Mead

Tavis
you are right - I am just feeling so frustrated that whatever is hooked into the tree is slowly working its way into the roots while I sit here

I take back the offer of a reward for whoever removes the syringe but would welcome anyone who joins this crusade - we could all then get together afterwards and celebrate the saving of the tree.

Good advice Tavis - thanks!

There have been a few Lamma-zine stories mentioning this Discovery Bay-style development (named Lamma Marina, a Yacht & Golf Club, luxury residences, maybe even a hotel) on Tung O Wan beach, close to Yung Shue Ha, the next beach to the northeast of Sham Wan (Green Turtle Beach), behind Mo Tat Wan.

I've been trying to contact King Wong Development (http://www.kwd.com.hk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=32&Itemid=52) via various channels over the last few years, but never got a reply from them. Lamma-1 seems to be kind of an embarrassment so far and they've turned media-shy, it seems?

See two designs of the Lamma Marina below. Very detailed, high-res pictures are available as well.

The latest insider news is that they're now getting a promotional video for this proposal produced via their PR agency.

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Click here for Lamma-zine stories and recent Lamma Spotlights of the Week:
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Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
----- Margaret Mead

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Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears.

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Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
----- Margaret Mead

Not wanting to distract too much attention from the tree business, but while we await further info on that...A question which those in the vicinity of Lammarina continue to ask, is:

Why don't they want to finish it?

They have dragged it on and on. Running out of money may have been the cause of some delay, but does not explain the ongoing saga of glacier-like progress. Usually a developer is keen to complete the project asap.

There is something odd about Lammarina.

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Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears.

Email from Paul Lam, General Manager, King Wong Development Ltd:

Dear Lamma-Gung,

Thank you very much for your mail of April 15 relating the concern of some Lamma residents that a cotton tree at Lamma-1 might be being endangered.

I would like to let you know that the concern is totally unnecessary. The cotton tree is being helped to restore its health condition, instead of being poisoned. Earlier this year we noticed that the tree’s condition was deteriorating, possibly due to white ants that had nested at the root of the tree. Actions were therefore taken to prevent further disturbances from white ants and to feed nutrients to the tree to help it grow better.

I have asked my colleagues in charge of the situation to submit more details to me so I can give you a fuller report on or before tomorrow. In the meantime I am happy to share with you the good news that new leaves are budding from the tree and I am of the opinion that it is getting better.

We very much appreciate your concern and would like to assure you that we at King Wong love trees as much as you or anyone else on Lamma. We will do our best to protect the trees on this beautiful island.

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Click here for Lamma-zine stories and recent Lamma Spotlights of the Week:
Photo, Video, Person, Wildlife, Bird, Artwork.