WHAT HAPPENED TO DR CLAY BEING DEPORTED FROM BOTSWANA?
A year ago on December 7 I arrived back in the USA after being deported from Botswana. I have kept silent for this time as I have been actively seeking a place in Africa that can use my wildlife veterinary experience. I am going to post the facts of what occurred and you can make up your own mind.
Facts of events that transpired in Botswana Dr Clay Wilson
1. Sold my veterinary practice in USA in December 2007 to give back to Africa and moved to Chobe.
2. In April 2008 established a veterinary practice in Kasane.
3. In August 2008 I started volunteering my time unofficially to DWNP. I was made honourary game warden July 2009. Official contract with DWNP signed august 18 2009.
4. Canine distemper virus became a problem in January 2010. I had seen no cases before that. Over 200 dogs died of the disease that I personally saw. The predator population numbers decreased tremendously the following dry season. Lions, Hyenas, painted wild dogs, bat eared foxes disappeared for close to a year. As park veterinarian I spent an average of 5 days in the park a week and had a finger on the pulse of what was happening there.
5. I had to beg Veterinary Services to help me with Distemper outbreak; they have not had any vaccination campaign in 5 years, even though the Botswana law states that Veterinary Service should vaccinate dogs for Rabies yearly.
6. I treated an average of two gunshot elephants and 3 snares a week in the national park.
7. No (ivory) poacher was ever caught in park in the 5 years I was there. The 11 poachers (mainly for bush meat and fish) that I personally caught were never persecuted. I assisted BDF in catching an armed insurgent group that was attacking tourists in their hotel rooms and was never heard of again. I do believe his accomplices were caught and there were no attacks after that. One VERY important point is that Chobe has half the population of elephants left in the world. It is an obvious target for poachers seeking ivory and has been some for some time now. Only since I left have there started to be reports of poachers being captured and attention appears to be given. In fact that’s the only goal for me to achieve. Stop slaughtering the elephants.
8. I restricted myself to posting only positive outcomes on FB or my website on order and by statement on my contract with parks. I found that people always responded negatively to bad outcomes. There was an average of 5 bad outcomes to every good one.
9. In fact I was not allowed by contract with DWNP to disclose any information on poaching at any time. I occasionally had access to DWNP computers and saw that numbers of poached animals were much higher than being reported to the public.
10. Jack Hanna visited in October 20011 and was fully licenced to film in Botswana, and with me as a host, approved by wildlife department. We never darted an elephant as I was accused of in some newspaper article. We had full permits as required by the government as I was accused of not having and full permission and support from park authorities I had to pass on animal planet that was going to do a story on me, as I was in a void when they were scheduled. This would have brought in much needed funding to achieve my management projects. Jack Hanna video is posted on my FB feed
11. I wrote the President on at least 30 occasions by mail, Fax and couriers and personally dropped off my concerns to his personal secretary starting in October 2009.I contacted many members that had access to the president including his brother TK and all his secretaries and ministers. I wanted to discuss the poaching situation and give him obvious solutions to this problem, such as the need for a helicopter (basic equipment especially on an international border) and use of modern technology in using UAV (Unmanned aerial vehicle drones) to patrol the park at night when intruders are active. I never once received a reply or even had the courtesy to acknowledge my attempts .
12. We responded to 682 wildlife calls in the 5 years I volunteered my services. In cases of wounded animal we had a 70 % success rate on treatment and release. In all cases pain and suffering was alleviated or ended. I vaccinated and wormed over 1400 domestic dogs. Donated 3 years work to the SPCA at an extreme financial loss .The first 3 years costs of treating animals incurred, were totally at my own expense and depleted my life’s savings. The last year and I had activated a website and non-profit organization to assist in costs and we were scraping by. Donations were usually $5.00 or $10.00 at a time. Total amount of donations was under $8000.00 so allegations that I was using my site to embezzle funds were ludicrous. I never took any shortcuts in treating wildlife even tough drugs and equipment was very expensive. In contrast another non-profits that claimed many activities they were performing on their website ( I have copies)they were embezzling funds and had no knowledge or input into the park and had been doing so for over 20 years. They obviously saw me as a threat and never would agree to work with me as a team.
13. In August 2010 I was friended by Thea Khama on Facebook. In February I forwarded by email to her husband TK suggestions as to how to manage Chobe Park that I had been formulating for some time as he said he would bring them up in parliament. At the end of February I had them as guests up in Chobe for 5 days with their friends from USA. The guests were friends of Thea and in fact was an old boyfriend from USA and their family. They were totally sacred of the wildlife and do not see why they were visiting Chobe,If they did not like to see wildlife. I was not impressed with TK s character and he has a very poor reputation as being corrupt and abusing his power just for being the president’s brother. At any problem encountered, he promptly showed his diplomatic card even when he was blatantly breaking the law. (He was travelling at 80 miles an hour in my truck from Victoria Falls and was caught in a speed trap, as one example of many incidents that weekend). The suggestions for management of park were given directly to him and were never acted upon. He has now been made the Director of Parks and Tourism by H.E. In October of this year. In my opinion a big cloud over future of wildlife in Botswana and an obvious step to retain control in the family. He has no clue about wildlife.
14. There was a commission from the office of the President in April 2011 that asked me for my opinions on management solutions for Chobe. In good faith I recommended 43 issues. It’s interesting to note that close to two thirds of them have been initiated. I was never thanked or further contacted by this group of 5 emissaries.
15. On July 17 2011 I received a letter from the Minister of Wildlife (Kitso Mokaila) revoking my Game wardenship and along with it my contract with parks. No explanation was given
A. A week later I received a letter from the Minister of Immigration stating that I was no longer wanted in Botswana and given 30 days to leave. Again no explanation
B. I flew to Gaborone and hired a lawyer. He took my reports to parks to the high court and the judge shook his head and said “this is insane for a man who had done so much for the country” he ordered that I was allowed to stay and work in Botswana renewing my visa every 30 days until the issue was resolved in court and facts came out. The case never went to court as they had no evidence against me. I was not allowed my day in court which is a right in any democratic country.
C. I sat for 3 months not being able to work with wildlife. In that interim PAC (problem animal control) shot many elephants that were encroaching on the community. In most cases wounding them and not following up. One incident was witnessed were PAC shot 18 times at a distance of over 100 meters from the cab of a car. Poor things were just trying to get to the water after having to have walked 20 to 50 kilometres a day to find food.
D. When they saw I was not backing down the Minister of Tourism admitted he had made a mistake and wrote me a letter enabling to reinstate me as park veterinarian. I immediately went back to work. E. My lawyer was convinced that the government was going to surrender the immigration case as I had made it clear that I had no intentions of being vindictive towards anyone and that my work and residence permit would be returned.
F. I moved forward on working on many of my projects. Miraculously a few helicopters appeared and were very active. Foremost was going to be the construction of an orphanage to accommodate the excessive amount of injured animals and to have a facility to raise and release the many orphaned baby elephants. I was given the impression that everything was going to be business as usual.
G. 2 days after reinstatement (October20) I was tracking a wounded elephant and had a close encounter with the poachers in the park as I caught them chopping tusks off the elephant I was tracking. They fired on me with an AK 47 and I returned fire with one shot of my.416. Fortunately they ran away and I believe were later all shot by BDF. I did not report it as I was scared they would have ammunition against me to deport me so soon after coming back to work. I had internal battles whether to report it or not but decided it would have made no difference if I did. I now believe it was supposed to be an ambush on me that failed because I was on scene so soon. Remember up to this time not one elephant poacher had been seen or apprehended while I was involved. No mention of this incident ever appeared in any publication or official park report. I believe this was a botched attempt to assassinate me and the greed of the poachers to take the tusks impeded their chance to set an ambush for me as they knew I would respond. They immediately fired at me on sight with no warning or foresight. They were well dressed and had night vision binoculars which are very expensive and a brand new Ruger .375 rifle with a silencer along with 3 AK 47 assault rifles.
H. My contract with parks was going to be re- signed the day I was arrested on November 23 .It floated around for 6 weeks getting approval from all levels in the department.
I. On November 23 immigration came to my house and arrested me. The president had signed a PI to have me deported I spent one night in Kasane prison. The next day I was flown down to Gaborone (at my own expense) and thrown into prison where I remained for 10 more days leaving on December 6. J. While I was in prison my Lawyer appealed to the high court saying that since we had an existing immigration case unresolved and that according to the democratic law that not even the president could go against his system. The judge decided that the president can do whatever he wants to. I was supposed to leave that Friday but I was detained for an extra 4 days before being loaded on a plane with 2 bodyguards that escorted me to Atlanta. No charges or accusations were ever given and no explanation of any kind. I spent 13 days in Jail. They certainly would not let me have my day in court as they had no evidence on any kind incriminating me of any wrong doing .
16. In less than a second our lives were taken away from us. 5 years of equipment and life had to be left behind and or sold at a fraction of their worth. I had a full veterinary practice, a game lodge, vehicles and equipment all gone. Of the 9 dogs we had only 2 have been brought back to USA (how does one choose?) the cats remained. The Zebras has gone to a shelter and the Sable will be released. The Sable has a 60 % chance of survival. We are totally financially depleted I have no clue how we will survive until we can get back on our feet and go back and rebuild somewhere in Africa and continue to save wildlife.
17. The stress of being in Jail is indescribable, not knowing if I was going to live or die had an effect with my Psyche I am having a hard time dealing with. One can imagine the horrific conditions and overcrowding I had to contend with. The only white person there with over 2000 hardened convicted criminals.
18. Chobe is in desperate need of proper management by DWNP. It’s curious that all wardens that worked with me have been transferred to other posts within a week of my deportation. There is no one there I know left. There is not one qualified person in Chobe that has the ability to successfully manage the area.
19. I also believe my Lawyer was disbarred a few months later. I have been unable to contact him. There is a rumour that he is now the Attorney General for the government. I cannot seem to verify this as no one in country will respond to my requests.
20. I write it as I see it. I always had only the welfare of animals as primary goal. Don’t forget that as park veterinarian and Game warden I dealt with these cases daily. Bullets and snares don’t appear mysteriously. For everyone we treated there were probably 20 more than we did not locate. There are no roads to those areas and we had no helicopter. The Parks department and BDF did not have even basic equipment such as a spotlight. I donated 10 GPS units 2 weeks before being deported. No thanks were ever given for the hundreds of wildlife lives I saved.
21. Whoever is financing the poaching needs to be exposed. It is my opinion from putting together the series of events that occurred I believe the ones responsible are highly placed in the government and have thus up to now been able to control the situation and keep this quiet. I have no proof but one can make one’s own deductions. There is no doubt that Chinese syndicates are involved as they have the demand for the ivory. Poachers are too well equipped and organized and informed for this not to be an inside job.
22. Hunting was banned in Botswana by HE. His explanation is that this would be replaced by Tourist activities and building new lodges in the areas. First of all there are remote areas with no access except by air. It would be financially impossible and a logistical nightmare to set up financially viable operations here . Also game in this area is very skittish due to the fact they are shot at. My belief is that they are removing the “eyes” from the presence of the hunting operators whom are the only ones that oversee that area against poaching. Now they can do anything there without any interference. This is my personal view on this.
23. Since my departure PAC has gone back to their old ways. Slaughtering any animal they perceive as a threat to the local town. It’s once again a shooting gallery. These people have no formal training and cannot shoot straight.
SUGGESTIONS GIVEN TO OFFICE OF PRESIDENT AT THEIR REQUEST AFTER 3 INTERVIEWS WITH ME LIST OF SUGGESTIONS TO IMPROVE MANAGEMENT OF CHOBE NATIONALPARK BASED ON OBSERVATIONS OVER 3 YEARS DR CLAY WILSON VETERINARIAN AND HONOURAY GAME WARDEN AS REQUESTED BY THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT DELEGATION AND VISIT MARCH 2011
(Please note these are my personal opinions that were requested from me. I in no way meant to upset anyone or imply that people are not doing their Jobs. I apologize if this is how it came across. I love Botswana and its wildlife and have been involved long enough to see what transpires. I only want the best for the country and I am not an expert). I am only interested in the wildlife propagation for future generations
. 1. Namibians are putting their fishing nets straight across the river every day. They are only legally allowed to go half way. They are catching all fish and overexploiting the river to the extent that they are going to change the entire ecosystem. This is a poaching and immigration problem. I had a patrol to bust them and the police let 5 poachers off with having to pay a fishing license. They are back doing it the next day. This has so stop before the river dies. Negotiations need to be undertaken with Namibian government to address this serious issue. BDF has to do nightly patrols after 6 pm to stop them this would immediately put a stop to this activity. (I have suggested it to BDF commanders and no response. All they have to do is put petrol in the tank and go on patrol at the time they are putting out nets.)
2. Black and White Rhinos need to be reintroduced to park with satellite tracking collars and 24/7 wardens following herd to be monitored.
3. Rules change for injured animals in public view. Right now there is a no interfere policy ( except for myself) Wounded or sick animals are left for days to die a horrible death, tourists see this 2 days in a row and get very upset that no one takes care of them. I can’t stand an animal to suffer. It needs to be treated or euthanized immediately.
4. Information for tourists printed on park entrance receipt. Currently no information is given to tourists about park rules and regulations. They blatantly break the rules and since no one monitors them it’s a free for all. I often see them out of vehicles, picking up wood and driving off road.
5. Research facility to augment research department. Apparently there is no equipment or room for department. A facility can be built with little funds (I will procure them) .Here we can house and feed researchers from all over the world and provide them internet access and support. Of course there will be a nominal fee to pay for this. The information gathered needs to stay in Chobe as we can start a data base for all wildlife related issues that can be shared globally. Researchers will be required to educate local school children. This can be a world class hub for information and a rehabilitation facility which is much needed for animals throughout Botswana. Parks research unit can be based here.
6. Management improved in park
a. Burning carcasses died of unknown causes Staff is reluctant to work because they say they are not on preventative medications (i.e. anthrax should be on ciprofloxin) no protective clothing or transport.
b. Regular patrols should be undertaken by parks on a daily basis to monitor tourists, guides and wildlife both for Ihaha and Sedudu every day. BDf should patrol river every day. In all my years in Chobe I have never seen a parks vehicle on patrol
c. Persecution of known poachers. I have had a few incidents of repeat offenders not been persecuted probably because of political reasons
d. Equipment shortage. Why? The wardens can’t do their job if they have not got the basics. They don’t even have spotlights or GPS units. No helicopter or special antipoaching unit. Botswana is rich enough?
e. Possible corruption leading to animals being shot for meat? PAC out of control?
f. Roads need to be graded on a regular basis. They have a tractor in there now but guy doesn’t seem to know what he is doing and is not instructed or supervised.
g. Erosion of soil needs to be prevented by putting up barriers and filling with rocks. Only plantative measures have been undertaken.
h. Better communication faster response to emergency situations e.g. distemper outbreaks (which decimated our predators) or wounded dangerous animals need to be reported immediately to someone that will do something about it. No communication between different departments. One hand does not know what the other is doing
i. Ihaha campsite is a mess, no firewood; dirty bathroom’s no maintenance of grounds but much improved now due to privatization. Robbers form Namibia and Zambia often come and steal from camping tourists. Why can this not be stopped?
j. Staff on preventative meds and equipment especially in anthrax season.
k. Shooting lessons for PAC they can’t shoot straight and often they wound problem animals, then these animals are never followed up and finished off, as they are scared. This wounded animal invariably dies a horrible death or ends up killing an innocent by stander
7. People act like they are starved for food. Whenever a wild animal dies outside the park, the community is on it in a few minutes. In cases were death is of unknown cause and could be infectious disease transmitted to humans, they should not be allowed to eat the carcass. Wardens should be on site and carcasses burned as per policy and they should stay there until it’s done. I do not know solution to bush meat problem. .
8. Veterinary posts are a joke. Drive thru at night. No one is there. Have improved slightly with Foot and mouth disease but need to enforce these laws.
9. Maintenance of tar roads for safety (woman and child killed on pothole). Nata Kazungula road a big hazard is taking forever to be repaired.
10. Anti poaching with new technology. Use of UAV ( Drones) to monitor park. Need to have at least one full time helicopter here with anti poaching group to respond 24/7 not just Monday thru Friday 8 to 4:30 pm. Poachers know these hours. If we don’t stop the poaching and syndicates moving in right now. This place will become like Zambia, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. They are not far away. Copters should have night vision capability.
11. Allow me use of Gyrocopter to patrol park. Obviously will not overfly tourists This is a cheap and efficient way to respond to all types of management and emergency issues and to track wounded animals,
12. If one is farming in a wildlife area, then it should be mandatory to put up an elephant proof fence around your farm. Possible review of animal damage acts. Monies reimbursed to farmers for damage to their crops should go to pay for elephant proof fences and not into their pockets... Government may subsidize fencing.
13. Random cutting of wood is defacing the forests.
14. Road being built at Ngoma border by Chinese contractors they are defacing environment they should be responsible to replant and make the environment like it was before they started.
15. Rules for park need to be clearly defined. Info for tourists printed on gate receipt. Guides need to learn ethics. Wardens should patrol daily at least 2 vehicles before Ihaha and one after.
16. How many people need to die on Panda road b4 fixed?
17. Crack down on guides conduct and ethics. Many are absolutely out of control and think they own the park. Racing around oblivious to any other visitors and continually breaking the rules. Need supervision. Some meetings have been had with little or no results. These people are our ambassador to the foreign guests and represent our country. They are mostly bombastic, self-centred, high ego; self-important people that just want to get the best tip, so they will push the envelope. They are not monitored or reprimanded and have no code they should all abide by. There are a lot of good guides but I have seen and heard many more bad ones.
18. Education at schools by researches and parks officials. Lessons on how to treat their dogs If one has respect for dogs possibly they will understand the importance of wildlife for the community and the country.
19. Poaching very sensitive subject. Need to stop it and get tougher. Every time I bring up subject I am shut down. There are elephants shot in park weekly. Why can’t we control it? Use of UAV, helicopters, trained antipoaching unit 24/7, daily patrols and surveillance will greatly reduce this major problem.
21. Fencing off Kasane waterfront, which is currently being undertaken is just going to increase conflict with animals they need corridors to water.
22. Why are they moving animals at Panda? It’s a waste of time and recourse's without proper equipment? Parks spent 3 weeks there and moved very few animals because not using proper techniques.
23. Only way to wildlife proof Kasane is to turn it into concentration camp by fencing off the entire habitation. There will always be human wildlife conflict.
24. Boosting of endangered species by breeding and release e.g. Roan antelope
25. Papilloma vaccine for Giraffes.
26. Breeding fish ponds on river to reintroduce and restock fisheries. As I understand it’s not too complicated. Bream and tiger fish. One cannot catch a decent tiger fish anymore and tourists come here from all over to go back empty handed.
27. Poachers made an example out of. No longer catch and release as is done now. I do not know if there is a shoot on sight policy but we should have it. It will stop this problem.
28. Possible to privatize patrols in park? If parks can’t do their jobs this should be considered.
29. Why is system so inefficient in granting business licenses over 4 years ? Half of the lodges and many business running illegally in this town why no regulation?
30. Half the people here don't have work permits. Why no regulation?
31 .Why does it take over a year to get a simple variance on your work permit?
32. Half the Game lodges here are non-compliant with environmental impact.
33 There are various locations in Kasane were Raw sewerage goes directly into the river. Many of the large game lodges do this. We have had occasions of Ecoli outbreaks and deaths due to drinking water. Why?
34 Stop Namibians from selling their fish at Kasane immigration. We are supporting their illegal poaching and overfishing of river.
35. Why do parks officials not get paid overtime and why does government not subsidize their health insurance?
36. We need to fence off areas of park suitable for Chobe Bushbuck and reintroduce them and rebuilt their original ecosystem that was destroyed by elephants before they become endangered.
37. There had to be cooperation between internal park subdivisions e.g. Pac and research. Vehicles need to be shared and also resources. At the moment there are always transport shortages but it seems there are innumerable park vehicles in town going to shopping.
38 Elephants continually harassed at Zambian border post by truckers. Poor things are just trying to get to water. Often shot at. Don’t know solution.
39. Annual vaccinations for dog including Distemper and Rabies need to be done especially in high wildlife /human contact areas where it can be transmitted to predators. I currently do not see the mandatory rabies vaccination being done. Veterinary services are more concerned about cattle diseases. The last epidemic of Distemper wiped out our predators ie Lions, cape wild dogs, hyena and bat eared foxes. None were evident during dry season that year at river where they will naturally locate themselves as game come to drink daily.
40. Emphasis should be placed on relocating problem predators from farming community. Lions and leopards are being shot weekly. We cannot afford these losses. Geo Fencing?
41 Head personnel are always away at meetings and almost never in office were they are needed to run the park. Authority is delegated to lower ranks which in many times are not motivated or secure enough to make the correct decision. From my knowledge of meetings people mainly pat themselves on the back and waste a lot of time going around the point. Head personnel should be on sight 24/7 to oversee and direct. People should come to them if the meetings are that important. Possible use of video conferencing to reduce travel costs and save time?
42 Education of community and children as to the importance of wildlife to the economy and survival of Chobe. Taking children into the bush and teaching them. Most children in Kasane have never been to the park. Bottom line we need education of people thru schools, churches. Jotla (public meetings). Promote understanding and pride of the precious gift that we share with the wildlife.
43 Game lodges get all the benefit of tourism into the park. They on the other hand do not contribute to conservation at all. A tourist tax should be imposed of at least $10.00 per person, on top of account. Lodges should not get a discount, it in fact any tour operator should have to pay tax. 50 % of the fees collected should go to wildlife projects and 50% to community projects. An independent entity would be responsible for monitoring money flow to assure funds go where they are earmarked for. I can think of 10 projects that would be beneficial for both.
LETTERS TO H.E. 1 I NEVER RECIVED A SINGLE REPLY TO OVER 30 COMMUNICATIONS
8/10/2010 Kasane
By Fax and hand delivered To Honourable President Ian Khama
Re: Clay Wilson, BSC, Bvsc
Dear Sir, I hope this correspondence finds you in good health and spirits.
Please allow me to introduce myself. I am a veterinarian with 23 years of experience in small animal and wildlife practice, both in Botswana and abroad and currently am volunteering my time under official working contract with the Botswana Department of Wildlife and Parks. My activities include veterinary work and wildlife/fisheries management (as Honourary Game Warden in communication and cooperation with Dr Masunga of Kasane office). Specific reports of these activities are available for your review.
I am contacting you regarding a problem that has demanded my attention, and hope that you might be able to provide input and support towards its resolution. During the 3 years of my tenure in Chobe, I have become increasingly alarmed at the level of poaching activity within the park and its surrounding areas (gunshot and snares).
As a result, I have recently begun looking into options for increasing surveillance within the park, and have found new technological advances for doing so at manageable cost. Specifically, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) have the capability to fly a thermal imaging camera over a select short-range area (set within GPS coordinates) and therefore to create real time images of remote areas of the park, where it is suspected poachers base their operations. The company I have corresponded with in this regard feels confident that this is a viable and cost effective goal for this product. I have attached a prospectus form on UAV for your review. Once perfected in Chobe, UAV technology could be utilized for anti-poaching initiatives in other parks, as well as for other applications, such as game counts.
In addition to discussing UAV technology with you, I would also like to discuss other potential projects that I feel could be of great benefit to Chobe and to Botswana, including practical and efficient ideas for improved fisheries protection/management and maintenance of predator health. I have the passion and ability to pursue these projects as I am onsite and frontline.
If you are available, I would very much like to meet with you before October 14th, as I am leaving then to the US to seek nonprofit status and funding for various projects within Chobe and do not return until mid-December.
I of course realize you are extremely busy and certainly appreciate your kind consideration. It is my great hope that together we can explore innovative solutions to ensure viability of Botswana’s resources for future generations.
Additional information on the aforementioned projects can be forwarded to you via email prior to any meeting.
Sincerely
Clay Wilson, BSC, Bvsc Po Box 55 Kasane Tel# 26771790057 Email exodusclay@yahoo.com
LETTER TO H.E. 2
7/10/2010 Kasane
To Honourable President Ian Khama
Re Dr Clay Wilson
Dear Sir I hope this correspondence finds you in good health and spirits. I have attempted to contact you by email, fax and by correspondence with no reply.
I am a wildlife veterinarian that has been working in Chobe with Wildlife and Parks on a volunteer basis for the last 3 years. I have been awarded Honourary Game Wardenship and have an official working contract with the department. I have been very active and write daily reports of my activities in this respect that will be available for your review.
I have been collecting information on the use of UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) to utilize as an antipoaching tool with many other applications that I believe, will revolutionize park management and the stopping of a huge antipoaching problem we have in Chobe. Most of these units run into Millions of dollars as they are military application only. I have managed to find a unit self-sustained and user friendly with Infrared technology for about $50 000.00. The Company has a very good guarantee and back up service.
I have various other projects I am working on also all for the benefit of wildlife and the country. Once perfected the UAV technology can serve as a model for monitoring and eliminating poaching along various applications other applications such as Game Counts. Once perfected it can be exported thought Africa to deal with this serious issue.
I have the time and passion to test this here in Chobe.
I would very much like to meet with you if possible before Thursday the 14th of October as I am leaving thereafter to seek sponsorship and non-profit status in USA to fund these projects and will not return until December
. I apologize for such short notice but it has taken me quite some time to collect the relevant information.
I need your support and endorsement so that if there are any security issues that may come up in importing these units your staff will be able to assist me.
I would also need a commitment for a full time helicopter and trained antipoaching unit to respond 24/7 to poachers or illegal activities that will be picked up by this surveillance equipment at Chobe.
I would also like to discuss with you various management issues that I have encountered and need to be addressed and rectified in the park that I have noted in the past 3 years in my involvement.
Most are very practical and simple solutions which will not cost a lot of funding to resolve but are in my opinion crucial to efficient operation of the most important ecosystem in the world. I know you are very busy and if you cannot fit me in I hope we can meet In Mid-December on my return.
I am a passionate and dedicated conversationalist and have applied myself and my recourses to furthering the conservation of wildlife in Chobe for future generations to enjoy.
I hope you see me as a valuable asset to be utilized to achieve this goal.
I remain in awe at the way you are efficiently running this country and your dedication and connection with the people.
Sincerely
Dr Clay Wilson BSC Bvsc Honourary Game warden
LETTER TO H.E 3
23 may 2011
To Secretary of H.E
Re: Meeting with the president
Dear Sir I an Official veterinarian of Chobe National Park and a Honourary Game Warden working voluntarily with Parks and Wildlife for the past 4 years. I have all my work documented and delivered to parks on a monthly basis which I will present on request
. In my 4 years I have been involved with all aspects of the Park and its local management at all levels. I have worked within the constraints of the system trying not to upset the balances. Since I am not an employee for the government, I feel I have the ability to go to the highest authority without having to worry about losing my job.
There are some very serious security issues that have evolved in Kasane in the last few months and a significant increase of poaching especially elephant (3 have been shot within the last 3 weeks). I don’t believe these incidents are being reported or not getting to the right people so they may be acted upon. It just a conjecture on my side. I have basic management solutions and suggestions on how to deal with these issues that I would personally want to discuss with H.E.
I assure you that I have no intention of implicating and degrading departments as I believe they are doing the best they can with the resources available to them I emigrated from USA 4 years ago with a passion to help Chobe wildlife and consequently helping to preserve this important heritage and important source of funding thru tourism.
I want to reiterate that all I am concerned about is the wildlife and all related fields. I have committed all my time and spent a significant amount of my life’s savings donating directly into the park. I intend on living my life out in Chobe and a hopefully achieving a legacy that I have made a significant contribution to wildlife management.
I know H.E. is very busy with other state problems, and he has sent representatives from his office to get my opinions, but I feel that the issues to be discussed are of extreme importance and I can go no further thru the channels of government as I have been attempting to do the last 2 years without any results.
Please know my intentions are honorable and my suggestions will have a significant impact of solving some serious problems in a very simple manner. Please try and get me an audience with him as soon as possible It’s much appreciated
Brgds
Dr Clay Wilson Bsc Bvsc Honoroury game warden Kasane 71790057
LETTER TO H.E. 4 ASKING FOR CLARIFICATION WHY BEEING ASKED TO LEAVE COUNTRY
08/05/2011
Dr. Clay Wilson Bsc. Bvsc. DVM
P0 Box 55 Kasane
To Lieutenant General Seretse Khama Ian Khama H.E. President of Botswana
Re: Summary Dismissal as Game Warden and Veterinarian
Dear Sir,
I hope you are in good health and spirits. I have been working as a volunteer veterinarian for Parks in Chobe for the last 3 ½ years .I have spent over $1,000,000.00 of my own funding, to assist injured animals and influenced policy in the department for the sake of wildlife. I was Made Honourary Game Warden in 2009 and have been told by management that I am the most active warden in the Park. I have attempted to meet with you for over 6 months sending various emails, faxes and correspondence that have been unanswered, to discuss solution to severe poaching situation in Chobe and the possible solution thereof.
I have established an NGO and US 501(c)3 non-profit, Chobe Wildlife Rescue, to procure funding for various projects that we intend on doing in the park apart from my daily healing and relocation of injured wildlife and antipoaching involvement. http://chobewildliferescue.org/ .
Recently I had $400,000.00 donation from UK fouled by a local NGO. I assume this is where the situation we find ourselves in now originated.
Last week I received a letter from Mr Mokaila revoking my Honourary Game wardenship and along with that my contract with parks for doing their veterinary work. I have no clue why this has happened, as there was no explanation.
I have all documentations to exonerate me from whatever I have been accused of, in my daily official reports to Parks department. I left a copy with one of your secretaries on the 2nd floor of the President’s Office three weeks ago. All my enquires to Mokaila, the Permanent secretary and your office have been totally ignored. This has upset our life, equivalent to having a child die, as our passion and commitment has been stripped away for no reason other than I believe there is jealousy issue in a few members of the white community.
The Parks department is in the dark as to the reason for dismissal, as the order came from above. The wardens that I work with on a daily basis are very upset because they have no other recourse now, but to just shoot injured animals.
Chobe is losing a most valuable asset if I leave. There are no other competent wildlife veterinarians here, and the most active warden has just been wiped off the slate.
No one is doing anything pro-active about the poaching, which has increased ten-fold. I have never once asked for financial assistance from the Government and I have saved them millions of Pula for the work I have done.
I ask that you personally make an investigation into this matter and that I am given an opportunity to defend myself so I can be re-instated and continue the important work I have been doing.
I know you are a busy man, but I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you personally. I have great respect for you and what you have done for our country.
I would like to be a integral part in the management and protection of our most important recourse if am ever allowed. I feel I have proven myself by all the work I have done on the ground as a frontline guardian of nature. Thank you for your kind attention.
With Much Respect,
Dr. Clay Wilson Kasane
LETTER TO HE 4 ASKING FOR MEETING TO CLARIFY ISSUES USING OVER 15 DIFFERENT CHANNELS TO APPROACH HIM
July 30 2011
Dr Clay Wilson Bsc Bvsc DVM Honours Veterinarian and previous Game Warden Chobe
To: Mr T.L. Moloko
Re: Meeting with President By Fax and email
Dear Sir
For the past 6 months I have attempted to get a meeting with H.E. to discuss poaching solutions in Chobe.
You did send me a nice letter (PPO6/7III(5) ) confirming the information on UAV and you directed me to work with parks on this project. My suggestions were never acknowledged as far as I know further that local parks office. I have sent 20 emails 10 faxes and went to the Office of the president in Gaborone to hand in my information and still no response. Poaching has increased tenfold in the last 3 months with a slaughter of animals. I suspect a syndicate.
Out of the blue I have a new development that has devastated our life. Last week I received a letter from Mr Mokaila revoking my Honourary Game wardenship and along with that my contract with parks for doing their veterinary work for the last 2 ½ years which I have done on a purely volunteer basis.
I have no clue why this has happened as there was no explanation but i suspect foul play in the form of a petition from a local NGO that sees me as a threat.
I have all documentations to exonerate me from whatever I have been accused of, in my daily reports to Parks department.
I left a copy with a secretary on the 2nd floor of the President’s Office 3 weeks ago.
I have heavily invested in Botswana and have spent over $1 000 000.00 of my personal funding to assist Parks and Wildlife Department.
I am now destitute and rely on donations thru my website. All my work and effort to procure NGO status will be wasted if i can no longer assist wildlife.
The Parks department is in the dark as to the reason for dismissal as it comes from above. The wardens that I work with on a daily basis are very upset because they now have no recourse but to shoot injured animals
. Chobe is losing its most valuable asset if i have to leave.
There is no competent veterinarian here and I have been told I am the most active warden, has just been wiped off the slate. No one is doing anything about the poaching. We caught one red handed this weekend all due to my personal efforts. I have done nothing wrong and deserve 30 minutes with H.E to sort this problem out.
The most frustrating for me is that all my communications are totally ignored. This is not good protocol.
Please organize a meeting with him as soon as possible I need to speak with him directly
. I can fly down to Gaborone on short notice PLEASE ASSIST ME. MY WHOLE WORLD AND PASSION HAS BEEN TAKEN AWAY FROM ME AND I AM ENTITELD TO AN EXPLANATION AND A WAY TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. I have sent various faxes and emails to Mr Mokaila and the P.S. Mr Rathedi (including his secretary) with no reply, so my only recourse is to talk with H.E. so please don’t refer me back to them. Here is a link to my website with which i procure funding for my NGO http://chobewildliferescue.org/
Please call me at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely
Dr Clay Wilson Kasane 71790057
VETERINARY CONTRACT THAT PEOPLE NEGATE I HAD IN FACT PREVIOUS ONE SIGNED 2008
OFFICIAL COURT CASE DOCUMENTS FIGHTING THE ORDER TO LEAVE THE COUNTRY AND REINSTATE ME. AFTER THE 90 DAY DISCOVERY PERIOD BY THE GOVERNMENT, I WAS STILL NOT GIVEN MY DAY IN COURT. THE JUDGE REVIEWED MY OFFICIAL DAILY REPORTS TO PARKS AND QUESTIONED WHY I WAS BEEING KICKED OUT. HE COULD NOT BELIVE WHY THEY WANTED TO DO THIS TO A PERSON WHOM HAD GIVEN SO MUCH FREELY TO THEIR WILDIFE PRESERVATION AND FREE VETERINARY WILDLIFE SERVICES
LETTER FROM MINISTER OF WILDLIFE REVOCING MY WARDENSHIP JULY 2011 LETTER FROM IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT STASTING I AM NO LONGER WANTED AND GIVING ME 30 DAYS TO LEAVE JULY 2011 I FLEW TO GABERONE AND HIRED A LAWYER TO OPPOSE THIS
LETTER FROM MINISTER OF WILDLIFE REINSTATING ME AS PARK VETERINARIAN AS PARK REQUIRED MY SERVICES URGENTLY I WENT BACK TO WORK NEXT DAY AND HAD OVER 40 CASES BEFORE DEPORTED
A MONTH LATER LETTER FROM H.E. CALLED A P.I. (PRESIDENTIAL INSTRUCTION) DEPORTING ME IT’S A FORM LETTER
IN OCTOBER WHEN I HEARD H.E. WAS PUTTING HIS BROTHER TK AS MINISTER OF WILDIFE AND TOURISIM IT WAS TOO MUCH FOR ME TO BEAR. I ATTEMPTED TO EXPOSE SOME STORIES WITH THE BOTSWANA GUARDIAN. I HAD A CONTRACT WITH THEM TO GIVE ME EDITORIAL REVIEW RIGHTS AS POSTED BELOW. THE FIRST ARTICLE WAS APPROVED BUT THEY NEVER GAME ME AN OPPORTUNITY TO EDIT THE SECOND ARTICLE WHICH IS NOT ENTIRLEY TRUTHFUL BY A FEW MISPRINTED FACTS. THE GOVERNMENT BLOCKED THEIR WEBSITE FOR 6 WEEKS AND THE STORIES NEVER CAME OUT OF BOTSWANA. TO THIS DAY THEY HAVE NOT POSTED THEIR STORY IN THEIR ARCHIVES, MANY GOVERNMENT MINISTERS INCLUDING T.K .AND D.I.S .CALLED AND GAVE THEM STRICT WARNINGS NOT TO POST ANY MORE. ALL THE NEWSPAPERS HAVE BEEN WARNED OFF ABOUT ME. I WONDED WHY THEY ARE SO WORRIED…
ARTICLE ON TK. HE DOESENT KNOW ME. I WISH HE WOULD MAKE UP HIS MIND. HE IS CAUGHT IN A LIE.
Khama protects his interests?
RYDER GABATHUSE STAFF WRITER FRANCISTOWN:
By appointing his brother Tshekedi as the new Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, President Ian Khama has perhaps shown the personal importance he attaches to the portfolio. Article Tools 4 Comments Share this!!! E-mail a friend Print Over the years, the government has made it clear that tourism is the alternative engine of growth to avoid over-reliance on mineral revenue. Besides, Khama is a fanatic of flora and fauna who has always displayed tendencies of bias towards the ministry so much that he has been very careful who is appointed to head it. So far, the three politicians who have headed the ministry are either close associates or a blood brother. There are reports that Khama has interests in the tourism sector in the villages of Mosu, Okavango and other areas. Therefore, he may have personal reasons in appointing his brother to the ministry. All the previous ministers in this docket have been close Khama associates with talk that he once blocked an appointment of former cabinet minister to the portfolio. Up to 2004, it was Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi who headed the ministry. She hails from Serowe just like Khama and is a close friend of the President. She is in Khama's inner circle and although she was at the helm of the ministry at a time when Festus Mogae was president, it is likely she landed the job on Khama's say so. It is understood that as part of grooming, Mogae used to allow his heir apparent, Khama to make cabinet appointments. Reports say in 2004, Mogae had told the independent minded Boyce Sebetlela that he will be Minister of Wildlife, Tourism and Environment only for Khama to stop the appointment. That may explain why Khama's former military subordinate and loyalist Kitso Mokaila got the job as Sebetlela was shunted out of cabinet. Since then, Mokaila has been heading the ministry until Wednesday this week when he was moved to Minerals, Energy and Water Resources to pave way for Tshekedi. To those in the know, the appointment of Khama's younger brother to the ministry is not shocking at all. There is a strong belief that Khama will not be comfortable with a minister who will possibly frustrate his personal interests. But what does Tshekedi have to deserve a cabinet appointment? Some are wondering if the President's brother is the best person to be appointed to cabinet currently. University of Botswana (UB) Media Studies lecturer, Dr Letshwiti Tutwane says that although the appointment appears controversial, one cannot fault Khama simply on the basis that he names his brother a cabinet minister as there are precedents in place to possibly support his case. He says in the past, former American President JF Kennedy appointed his brother Robert Kennedy to the critical position of Attorney General. He says being close to the President does not preclude one from holding a cabinet position. "Those in the know might think that since Khama has interests in conservation and wildlife, his brother's appointment will serve the President's interest more than that of the public." He warns that the danger would be if Tshekedi fails to perform, it could reflect badly on Khama."Otherwise, we are in a country where nobody cares about poor performance. Recent complaints that Tshekedi does not serve his constituents and has been absent from Parliament reflect badly on him," he said. He asserted that former UB don, Dr Gloria Somolekae deserves a full cabinet post and not an assistant. Somolekae has been shifted from the Ministry of Finance to Presidential Affairs and Public Administration to drive the war against poverty and HIV/AIDS. "One would think with her expertise and as a veteran of civil society and a consummate researcher, she would do well as a full minister," Letshwiti said.He asserted that complaints emanating from Tshekedi's constituency and claims that he has been playing truant in Parliament seems to have been used a criteria for appointing him to cabinet. "The concern is the criterion used to give Tshekedi the ministry. The appointment shows to a large extent that the President did not take the concerns of the people seriously," he said. Raditlhokwa stated that Tshekedi has not been impressive as an MP. "Tshekedi failed to function effectively without a cabinet responsibility. What really qualifies him to take this large responsibility?" he wondered. "Anybody can become a leader as we seemingly don't take leadership seriously. When you realise a person is limping in your team, you replace the team member and if people know that they can't perform, they ought to decline appointments," he added. He was worried that government appointments reflect that rigour, excellence and other traits are no longer taken seriously. "With the checks and balances too weak, anything can happen," he stated. But Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) secretary for communications and international relations, MacDonald Peoetletse has vehemently dismissed as untrue reports that Tshekedi has been failing his constituents. "That is mere speculation and I don't know why people could pursue untruths about Tshekedi in the first place.This man has not failed the constituents and he has never played truant in Parliament as I always find him in attendance every time I am there (Parliament)," said Peloetletse. As far as he can remember, Tshekedi has held four major events in his constituency. He wonders where complaints of neglect are coming from."I think those who accuse him of neglecting the constituents are informed by malice and are driven by jealousy as the party has no record of complaints against Tshekedi on anything for that matter." He stated that people are unfairly judging Tshekedi even before he takes the appointment. He does not know what informs people's beliefs that he would fail. "He has every right to be appointed to cabinet like any other deserving ruling party MP. If the President trusts that he is the man to do the job, then let it be," declares Peloetletse. He adds that although people doubt Tshekedi's credentials, he should be given a chance. "Note that the President consults those that matter before making his appointments," he said. "Even in this case he has consulted and therefore, the issue of whether Tshekedi is qualified to be appointed does not arise as he (Khama) has satisfied himself before appointing him that he is the right person." He asserted that trends in politics are influenced by family backgrounds and cited the Khamas, the Saleshandos, the Bokos, the Bushs, the Mandelas and others.
FIRST STORY RELAEASED GUARDIAN OCOTOBER 19 2012
Ntibinyane Ntibinyane BG reporter
Last year the former Kasane based veterinarian Dr. Clay Wilson was controversially kicked out of the country by President Ian Khama for a crime that was not made known to him. He was told only he was a” security risk.” His widely publicized deportation raised more questions than answered. In an exclusive interview with Botswana Guardian this week from his home in Florida, United States of America ‘Dr Clay’ as he was known in the country opened up for the first time about his controversial deportation and the pain he suffered as a result. Dr. Clay’s story is an interesting one, and his mysterious deportation from the country makes it even more interesting. In 2007 the South African born doctor who is now a citizen of South Africa of the United States sold his successful veterinary practice in the US, to pursue his dream - the dream of taking care of wild animals. Botswana – a country that would later declare him a prohibited immigrant became was his destination, he chose to come here as Chobe, is home to half the of the entire elephant population of the world , and thus an extremely important ecosystem. On arrival in April 2008 Dr. Clay immediately got involved in issues of wildlife on voluntary basis and in most cases spending his personal resources to save wildlife. He says that when he was deported last year he had spent more than $ 1 Million on saving Chobe’s animals. His passion for wildlife caught the eye of the authorities, “In July 2009 I was made honorary game warden by the Kitso Mokaila [then Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism] Kitso Mokaila. An Official contract with Parks And Wildlife was signed in August 2009.” Documents seen by this newspaper shows that Dr Clay was hailed as an excellent progressive wildlife veterinarian. Senior Parks officials held him in high esteem, “…a man with passion for wildlife”, and with a keen interest in wildlife conservation in general,” they wrote in the documents. Dr Clay tells Botswana Guardian that his track record as a passionate wildlife enthusiast and veterinary officer speaks for itself. “We responded to 682 wildlife calls in the five years I volunteered my services. In cases of wounded animal we had a 70% success rate on treatment and release. In all cases pain and suffering was alleviated or ended. I vaccinated and wormed over 1400 domestic dogs after an outbreak of Canine Distemper that he believes infected the wild predators causing a massive reduction in their numbers that year. In addition he donated three years of work to the local SPCA at an extreme financial loss. The first three years cost of treating animals incurred were totally at my own expense and depleted my life savings. I never took any short cuts in treating wildlife even though drugs and equipment are expensive,” says distraught Dr Clay. The government never offered to share his expenses even though he was doing all the veterinary work as official veterinarian to Chobe national Park and the surrounding community. Despite all this Dr. Clay was declared a prohibited illegal immigrant by president Khama. “I still don’t know why I was deported,” he says in the interview. Dr. Clay does not shy away from discussing the pain and the humiliation that he suffered at the hands of the Botswana government during his deportation exercise. His troubles he says started when he received a letter on the 17th July 2011 from Minister Kitso Mokaila terminating his services as the honorary wildlife officer. He says that no explanation was given. “A week later I received a letter from the minister of labour and home affairs stating that I was no longer wanted in Botswana and given 30 days to leave. Again no explanation was given,” he says. Faced with deportation, he approached the high court where he was given a temporary relief. “I was allowed to stay and work in Botswana renewing my VISA every 30 days until the issue was resolved in court. At one point my lawyer convinced me that the government was going to surrender the immigration case as I made it clear that I had no intentions of being vindictive towards anyone and that my work and residence permit would be returned.” He was later reinstated in October and jumped back into his busy schedule saving wildlife. He says that his contract with Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) was going to be re-signed the same day that he was arrested on November 23. “The immigration officers came to my house and arrested me. The president had signed a PI to have me deported. I spent one night in Kasane prison. The next day I was flown to Gaborone, at my own expense, and thrown into jail where I remained for 10 more days leaving on December 7.” While in jail Dr Clay’s legal team attempted to stop his deportation at the high court but to no avail. He lawyer’s argument was that since he had an unresolved immigration case before court it wasn’t democratic for the president to deport him. “The judge decided that the president can do whatever he wants.” Dr Clay believes he was railroaded as the Government would have not won their case against him as he had done nothing wrong. He says that after spending 13 days in prison, he was ‘loaded’ on a plane with two security agents who escorted him to Atlanta, USA. “The stress of being in jail is indescribable, not knowing if I was going to live or die. This also had an effect on my psyche. Once can imagine the horrific conditions and overcrowding I had to contend with. [I was] the only white person there with over 1000 hardened convicted criminals,” he says. He tells Botswana Guardian that his life and passion was taken away from him. The deportation he says has reduced him to a pauper. “Five years of equipment and life had to be left behind and or sold for a fraction of their value. I had a full veterinary practice, vehicles and equipment, all is gone. Of the seven dogs we had, only two have been brought back to US, while the cats remained. The rescued Zebra had gone to a shelter and the Sable has been released 3 months after deportation. These rescues, raised as babies, were to be show animals to educate local children as to the importance of wildlife, I’m sure these gentle creatures that were part of our family have not survived.. I am financially depleted and at the moment I have no clue how I will survive until I can get back on my feet and go back to rebuild somewhere in Africa and continue to save wildlife. Despite the harsh treatment that he had to endure Dr Clay says that his heart is still in Chobe. “I hope to return to the country one day,” he says.
SECOND STORY RELEASED GUARDIAN ( I DID NOT EDIT SO NOT 100% my words) OCTOBER 26 2011
Was Tshekedi involved in poaching? •Chinese syndicates involved •It is inside job – Dr. Wilson •There is no political will to end poaching - claim Ntibinyane Ntibinyane and Joel Konopo BG reporters In an interesting twist of events details are beginning to emerge that seem to offer rare insights into what could have led President Ian Khama to deport a Kasane-based wildlife veterinarian in 2011. Dr. Clay Wilson was a respected veterinary surgeon and an honorary warden at Chobe National Park with a penchant for wild life. He is described by one senior wild life officer as ‘passionate’ ‘law abiding’ person. After settling in Botswana and establishing a not-for-profit wild animal rescue clinic, Chobe Wildlife Rescue, Dr. Wilson, a divorcee, would later befriend Tshekedi Khama’s wife, Thea Khama on facebook in August 2010. The friendship between Thea and Dr. Wilson and later Tshekedi leading to the buddies exploring the pristine Chobe region together February 2011. Thea, 41 is a neutralised American. With his undying love for wild animals, Dr. Wilson claims to have noticed increasing organised poaching in Chobe, which “probably” involves high-ranking officials. Documents seen by Botswana Guardian show that Dr. Wilson was disappointed by sloppy response from Chobe wildlife department and lack of political will, particularly among Khama and Tshekedi. Dr. Wilson says he attempted to use his friendship with the presidents’ brother to gain access and influence into the first office with little success. “I had a few incidents of repeat offenders not being persecuted, probably for political reasons,” Dr. Wilson would tell Tshekedi Khama in an e-mail seen by Botswana Guardian. Reached for comment on Tuesday, Tshekedi said he was in a meeting, but avoided several calls afterwards and short messages from Botswana Guardian. Leaked correspondences also suggests that the vet surgeon tried to use his friendship with Thea and Tshekedi to appeal to government to provide Kasane with a full time helicopter and anti-poaching technology such as use of Unmanned Ariel Vehicle (AUV) to monitor the park. In spite of Khama’s interest in acquiring AUVs, there was no political will and commitment from government to reduce poaching in Chobe National Park. “Big people are involved in conjunction with the Chinese,” Dr. Wilson tells Botswana Guardian and adds that during his stay in Kasane “no elephant poacher was arrested.” Botswana Guardian is in possession of seven letters that Dr. Wilson wrote to President Khama without success. He said in one of the letters, “There are some very serious security issues that have evolved in Kasane in the last few months and a significant increase of poaching especially elephant (3 have been shot within the last 3 weeks). I don’t believe these incidents are being reported or not getting to the right people so they may be acted upon. It just a conjecture on my side.” “Black and White Rhinos need to be reintroduced to park with satellite tracking collars and monitored,” he said in one of the letters. Tshekedi was particularly alerted in a detailed letter in February 2011 to escalating incidences of poaching in Chobe and in one of the e-mail his wife told Dr. Wilson that he would take the matter to parliament. Dr. Wilson outlined major challenges Chobe wildlife authorities grapple with. Tshekedi, a self-proclaimed wildlife enthusiast and a legislator sat on the document despite Dr. Wilson’s stress calls that Chinese syndicates and “politically connected poachers” in the Chobe region are wiping wild animals in the region. “This place will become Zambia, Mozambique and Zimbabwe if we don’t stop poaching with syndicate,” Dr. Wilson later told Botswana Guardian. Perhaps Dr. Wilson, whom Thea referred to, as “God sent” was being overly inquisitive and had probably, stepped on the toes of some influential individuals in the process. Out of about 400 foreigners deported between 2008 and 2012, chances of one to be deported for advising government about increasing incidences of poaching are extremely rare, argues a Gaborone – based conservationist. This analysis fuels speculation that Khama might have abused power when he deported the South African – born US vet surgeon. Tshekedi comes across as particularly heavy handed in the incidences that led to the deportation of Dr. Wilson, whom he said does not know in media reports. “I was worried about increasing cases of poaching. Eleven poachers I personally caught were never persecuted,” remembers Dr. Wilson and adds frantically that in Botswana poaching is financed by influential people who protect their identities. “Chinese syndicates are involved. They are well equipped and organised and informed. This is inside job.” Experts say majority of ivory – as much as 70 percent – is flowing to China, whose economic boom has created a vast middle class, pushing the price of ivory to a stratospheric P6000 per kilo on the streets of Beijing. On the morning of 23rd of November 2011, Dr. Wilson was slammed with a deportation order signed by Khama declaring the surgeon an undesirable inhabitant into the country and giving him 30 days. The deportation came few months after submitting some recommendations to the government.
OKAY THESE ARE THE FACTS AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION. THERE IS MUCH MORE INFORMATION I HAVE BUT OUT OF THE CONTEXT OF THIS PUBLICATION. I HOPE NOW PEOPLE WILL KNOW WHAT HAPPENED AND SOMEONE DOES SOMETHING ABOUT IT.I HAVE TRIED VERY HARD TO CONTACT VARIOUS CONSERVATION GROUPS, THEY IGNORE ME AND THINK I AM CRAZY. I JUST WANT TO CLEAR MY NAME AND CONTIUNUE SAVING WILDIFE IN AFRICA. POLITICS ARE FOR THE BIRDS DR CLAY WILSON IN USA
If you can not read the court documents I have posted them on my Facebookpage where they are legible links are below
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151281072908476.492580.655158475&type=1&l=1ed5e5752a
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151281129543476.492588.655158475&type=1&l=04f09984cf
