The Botswana government's key 'expert witness' in the Bushmen's court case, American vet Kathy Alexander, has testified that Bushmen can spread diseases to wildlife, but tourists do not.
In an extraordinary exchange with the Bushmen's lawyer Gordon Bennett, Dr Alexander maintained that the wildlife of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (the Bushmen's ancestral land) was at risk of catching diseases such as TB from the Bushmen who lived there before their eviction.
Dr Alexander alleged that it was only the Bushmen who were putting the wildlife at risk, but that the numerous tourists who pass through the reserve pose no risk at all.
When Mr Bennett suggested that there was absolutely no evidence that the Bushmen had ever transmitted TB to the wildlife in the reserve, Dr Alexander replied, 'No, but there is also no evidence they haven't.'
Act now to help the Bushmen
Your support is vital if the Bushmen are to survive. There are many ways you can help.
- Writing a letter to the Botswana government is a quick and simple way to let them know of your concern.
- Donate to the Bushman campaign (and other Survival campaigns).
- Write to your MP or MEP (UK) or Senators and members of Congress (US).
- Write to your local Botswana high commission or embassy.
- If you want to get more involved, contact Survival…
- Visit the Bushmen’s own website…
