ST. GEORGE'S, Grenada (CMC):

A government minister here is warning small Caribbean islands to be cautious about large-scaled development.

Communication and Works Minister, Brenda Hood, says these islands run the risk of destroying their ecosystem in place of development.

Hood, a former tourism minister, said that investors must understand that there were important aspects of development that must be adhered to.

Destroying our country

"My concern as I have said before is that we don't want to destroy our country because of development, we have to think about the environment.

"We are not a mass tourism destination. At some point, you do things to encourage people to come, but at another point you said we have had enough so we are very selective in terms of what we want, it's not what you want, but is what Grenada wants".

Hood said that millions of dollars could be spent to develop the country and ultimately destroy the important natural resources and she warns islands like Grenada need to exercise caution in its development thrust.

"This is why Grenada is so up- scaled. It's not mass tourism where thousands of people are coming here. You have to have the carrying capacity for your development and if you don't, then you destroy your water, your rainforest."

Hood reiterated the government's position that no permission has been given for the construction of a casino on the island.

"The government has not agreed on a casino. We have not given any permission to build a casino. I will not support a casino."

However, chief executive officer of development firm Zublin (Grenada), Dick Van Dijk, said the country should permit a casino to make the island more attractive to tourists and investment.