Prime Minister Perry Christie is out of his depth when it comes to the environment

Local Attorney Says Prime Minister Is 'Out Of Touch' On Environment

Tribune242


Environmental attorney and consultant Romauld ‘Romi’ Ferreira took to the airwaves recently to express concern over what he called “out of date” thinking by Prime Minister Perry Christie who, he said, called concerns with the environment “foolishness.”

Ferreira and environmental activist Joseph Darville appeared on Ortland Bodie’s ‘Real Talk Live’ show on More 94.9 recently urging Bahamians to sign the Save The Bays petition calling for an Environmental Protection Act, Freedom of Information Act and an end to unregulated development. Mr Ferreira, responded to Prime Minister Christie’s recent dismissal of environmental concerns at Clifton Bay as ‘foolishness,’ labeling those remarks as ‘out of touch’ and reflective of an outdated mode of thinking in The Bahamas.

“It is very regrettable when the Prime Minister of a country can utter a statement like ‘environmental concerns are foolishness’,” says Mr. Ferreira. “This is why this is the fight of our generation. We can’t expect the politicians of yesteryear who regard environmental issues as foolishness to fully appreciate and be cognizant of the issues. We thank Mr. Christie for all of his contributions - he is the longest serving Member of Parliament and he has done wonders, but clearly he is out of his depth when it comes to the environment.”

“Apparently, we’re talking foolishness when we say they (developers) are building in the Marine Protected Area that was proposed (in Bimini), we’re talking foolishness when we say that they’re building the dock on top of the coral reef and we’re talking foolishness when we say the law requires an Environmental Impact Assessment.”

Ferreira, one of several guests on the popular morning talk show, is a leading environmental attorney and consultant who was selected earlier this year by CARICOM to create model legislation for the energy sector for the Caribbean. “This is all the more reason why it takes persons and organizations to show him and elucidate to him that what he may consider foolishness, there are tens of thousands of people in The Bahamas and around the world that don’t think that it is foolishness,” he noted. “We’re not talking foolishness, they’re doing foolishness. I call on every right thinking Bahamian to open their eyes and see what’s happening.”

Also appearing on the show was fellow director of Save The Bays, Joseph Darville, who echoed the sentiment that the environment must be protected and unregulated development checked. “These developers are flocking to us like bees to honey because of what we have to offer as a nation,” said Darville, a retired high school principal and human rights and environmental activist. “What they are foisting on the Bahamian people is totally reprehensible. We are being enslaved by our own people.”

Mr Darville pointed out that organizations like Save The Bays are concerned primarily about the sustainable development of the Bahamas and the preservation of natural resources for generations to come - issues that are relevant to all Bahamians. He encouraged concerned members of the public to go online to www.savethebays.org to sign the organization’s petition to Prime Minister Christie, which has garnered nearly 5,000 signatures to address vital issues such as the lack of an Environmental Protection Act and the implementation of a Freedom of Information Act.

August 12, 2013

Tribune 242 

Caribbean Blog International

Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie on Protecting The Bahamas Natural Environment at All Times ...in the Best Interest of the Bahamian People

Bahamas Government Protecting the Environment of Bimini

By Llonella Gilbert
BIS




BIMINI, The Bahamas -- Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie said the Government and developers will ensure that the jetty and terminal to be constructed for the Bimini Superfast “will neither be obstructive in appearance nor cause damage to the environment, which must be protected at all times”.

The developers will complete, at their own expense, the construction of a deep water jetty and terminal for the berthing of the Superfast Ferry, the Prime Minister explained while speaking at Resorts World Bimini after the inaugural voyage of the Bimini Superfast with passengers from the Port of Miami, Saturday, July 20.

He said, “I do know that in the nature of things in The Bahamas, there will be the rumblings and the beginnings of some grouping that says it is concerned about the environment in Bimini.

“Well, I want them to know that as a prime minister, I anticipated them, I will continue to anticipate them and all of our efforts will be to ensure that even if they want to go to court, we will be able to take them on wherever they want to go and whatever they want to do, because all of our efforts are driven by a commitment to ensuring the maximum effort in protecting the environment of these areas being developed.”

He said it is important to the Government for future generations of Bahamians and visitors to enjoy the island and not have its beauty destroyed.

The Bimini Superfast, which has the capacity to travel with 1500 passengers, made the voyage with 600 specially invited guests, which included the Minister of Tourism the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe; Senior Policy Advisor, Office of the Prime Minister Sir Baltron Bethel and Chairman of Resorts World; the Genting Group (a leading international resort, gaming, cruise line, agriculture and energy conglomerate based in Malaysia), K. T. Lim; government officials and the media.

Prime Minister Christie explained that the developers, which include The Genting Group and RAV Bahamas Ltd. led by Geraldo Capo, have been required to pay a substantial sum of money by Government appointed auditors to conduct an environmental impact assessment study of the jetty and terminal.

He added that the Government has also brought in its own experts and specialists, a well-known international firm from Canada, to do a microscopic examination of what the developers' experts have said should happen and how the development should take place.

“We are taking steps in the best interest of the Bahamian people.”

Minister Wilchcombe said the introduction of the Bimini Superfast represents a new era for the island.

“It is the giant step we have taken toward the economic sustainability of the island of Bimini.”

He also stressed that the people of Bimini would not be left behind as the developments take place.

“The Prime Minister based the entire programme upon causing for the involvement of the Foreign Direct Investment but also calling for Biminites and people of The Bahamas in their respective constituencies to be a part of the developments.”

Mr. Lim explained that the ship has been refurbished at the cost of $100 million.

He said they want to build the jetty and terminal because in the winter the waters will turn rough and the use of tenders to bring the visitors to the island would not be plausible.

The ship is now travelling to the island from Miami daily.

Mr. Lim also explained that the ship would bring a lot of benefits for Biminites and these include getting fresh produce from Florida daily and more tourism dollars as more visitors make their way to the island.

He added, “We want to do more. We are in the process of getting a private jet that will bring people in from Mexico City and New York City directly to you.”

July 21, 2013

Bahamas.gov.bs

Caribbean Blog International

Kenred Dorsett, the minister of the environment and housing - said that he could not confirm a date for the oil drilling referendum ...as Prime Minister Perry Christie has yet to make a formal decision on the matter

Dorsett: No timetable for oil referendum

Minister committed, however, to building political consensus prior to vote



BY JEFFREY TODD
Guardian Business Editor
jeffrey@nasguard.com




The government has no specific timeline for an oil drilling referendum, according to the Ministry of the Environment.

With the country still buzzing from this week's gambling referendum, many Bahamians are wondering when oil exploration will once again be placed on the radar.

Kenred Dorsett, the minister of the environment and housing, said he could not confirm a date for the referendum, as Prime Minister Perry Christie has yet to make a formal decision on the matter.  However, he did note that the government is seeking to develop a more formal consensus on oil exploration before a vote goes to the people.

"I'm not sure if it will be a summer referendum.  I don't know when it will take place," he told Guardian Business yesterday.  "But I do hope there will be a consensus on the issue.  There are members on the other side that who tell me we should be drilling now.  I think, as a minister responsible, I am mandated to ensue there is a current balance, particularly as we look at those efforts."

He added that the government is "getting to the point" where some of the proposed regulations on how to remodel the industry may come to fruition.  After that, he told Guardian Business there would be a "broad discussion" on the issue of drilling in The Bahamas.

The minister's comments come shortly after business leaders expressed hope that the government would approach the oil drilling referendum "differently" than gambling.

While the "Vote No" campaign was victorious last Monday, observers noted that low turnout and general apathy impacted the democratic process.  The government was frequently criticized for being unclear in the referendum questions and failing to introduce specific legislation to back up the possible legalization of gaming.  The vote also became highly politicized, promoting rival parties to endorse opposing views.

"Oil drilling is not a moral or religious issue, it will be a matter of whether you can explain the economic advantages and technical reasons why the environment can be protected," said Richard Coulson, a well-known financial consultant.  "If those points can be explained, there should be no problem."

Peter Turnquest, the minister for East Grand Bahama, urged the government to bring forth legislation in the event of a yes or no vote for oil drilling to build a consensus in the House of Assembly.

After that, the government can embark a "period of education" for the general public.

In regards to public confusion and politicizing of oil drilling, Dorsett told Guardian Business: "I don't want that to happen."

But he stopped short in saying the government would bring forth specific legislation in the House of Assembly.

Guardian Business understands that the issue must be revisited by the prime minister before any decisions can be made on the future of oil drilling in The Bahamas.

February 01, 2013

thenassauguardian

Caribbean Blog International

The Bahamas Trade and Industry Minister, Leslie Miller says that The Government may Very Well Approve All Three Proposals to Lay Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Pipelines between The Bahamas and Florida

Minister Leslie Miller said he is "absolutely" satisfied that all of the environmental concerns raised regarding the proposed LNG projects have been addressed

Bahamas Gov't Closing Pipeline Deal

By Candia Dames

candiadames@hotmail.com

Nassau, The Bahamas

08/03/2004

Environmentalists fighting three projects to lay liquefied natural gas pipelines between The Bahamas and Florida appear to be losing that battle, with Trade and Industry Minister Leslie Miller saying Sunday that the government may very well approve all three proposals.

Minister Miller told the Bahama Journal that the AES Corporation continues to lead the race for The Bahamas Government's approval for its project, with a heads of agreement nearly finalized.

Two other companies - Tractebel and El Paso - are also moving close to convincing authorities to give them the go-ahead, the Minister said.

Minister Miller said he is "absolutely" satisfied that all of the environmental concerns raised regarding these projects have been addressed.

He also said that international professionals have already determined that the projects would pose no significant threat to the environment.

But it was recently reported in the Florida press that Tractebel, a Belgian company, was facing fines from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for scraping, crushing or dislodging 29 corals while taking samples of the ocean in preparation for its LNG project.

Minister Miller said Minister of Health and Environment Dr. Marcus Bethel and officials at the Bahamas Environment Science and Technology Commission [BEST] have been working hard to address environmental issues raised in relation to the three proposals before the government.

But BEST Commission Chairman Keod Smith continues to be against approving any LNG project in The Bahamas, saying that the legislative framework is not yet in place.

Minister Miller on Sunday pointed out that the benefits that such projects would bring to the Bahamian people would be significant.

For each project, Minister Miller said, the government would get between $5 million and $10 million for the initial license.

In year one of any of one of the projects, the government would get $10.8 million in various fees; in year five, that figures is expected to double; in year 10, it is expected to increase to $30 million; and by year 15, the government should be getting $40 million to $50 million from a company operating an LNG facility in The Bahamas, Minister Miller said.

Meanwhile, the AES Corporation has secured a partnership with Repsol, Europe's fifth-biggest oil company, to supply liquefied natural gas for what is says will be a $700 million project.

The companies expect to officially announce the deal shortly, according to AES Project Director Aaron Samson.

Minister Miller told the Bahama Journal that the arrangement between AES and Repsol strengthens the LNG proposal.

No company produces the LNG as well as sells it, Minister Miller explained.

Mr. Samson said Friday that while the approval is preventing his company from moving forward, he is satisfied that AES will soon get the necessary permits.

When asked whether the new partnership with Repsol was an indication that AES was facing financial instability, Mr. Samson said that was certainly not the case.

"We're not a producer of LNG," he explained.  "We never purported to be a producer of LNG.  We never pretended that we'd be doing this thing alone."

Mr. Samson said the partnership with Repsol will not impact the proposal before the government in any way and that relevant government authorities have already been informed about this development.

He said Repsol would transport the LNG via ships from Trinidad to the AES site at Ocean Cay, near Bimini.  The LNG would then be turned to the gaseous form and sent through a pipeline to South Florida.

While AES awaits final approval, it continues to carry out "environmental remediation" at Ocean Cay, Mr. Samson said.

The AES pipeline, which would run from Ocean Cay, would deliver natural gas to markets in Florida, as would the other two pipelines being proposed.

Sandyport Developers Threaten To Sue The Coalition To Save Clifton Cay

The attorneys for Sandyport Developers, Emerick A. Knowles, has written to Rev. C. B. Moss, the Coalition's Chairman and Senate Vice President, claiming that his group defamed the Sandyport developers when it issued a release to the press dated February 6, 2004 

Sandyport Threatens To Sue Coalition

By Candia Dames

Nassau, The Bahamas

23/02/2004

The Coalition To Save Clifton Cay, a local group that fights against environmental degradation, is facing a lawsuit from the Sandyport developers.

The attorneys for Sandyport Developers, Emerick A. Knowles, has written to Rev. C. B. Moss, the Coalition's Chairman and Senate Vice President, claiming that his group defamed the developers when it issued a release to the press dated February 6, 2004.

Mr. Knowles warned in the letter, dated February 17, that unless the Coalition apologized in the press within seven days, "we will commence proceedings as indicated, without further notice."

Mr. Knowles said it was incorrect for the Coalition to report that it has proof that no environmental impact study was submitted or approved at the start of the project.  The Coalition invited Sandyport owner Hugh Buckner to provide the study for public inspection.

A government report obtained by the Journal last week states that no environmental impact assessment was carried out, the proof that the Coalition has been pointing to.

However, Mr. Buckner told the Journal that he did complete the study and that that study showed that his development would not harm the environment in any significant way.

A Ministry of Financial Services and Investments document dated December 17, 2002, said, however, that, "Regarding the environmental impact of the Sandyport Development, the [Bahamas Environment Science and Technology Commission] has advised that the Sandyport Development was approved prior to the creation of the BEST Commission and thus no Environmental Impact Assessment would have been done. 

"Various Government agencies would have issued permits for work to begin.  The BEST Commission recommends that a review be done of the conditions listed on the perms issued by the Department of Physical Planning and Ministry of Works and Utilities."

It was at this time that the Ministry of Financial Services and Investments invited the BEST Commission in close collaboration with the Ministry of Works and Utilities and Department of Physical Planning to undertake a full review of the Sandyport Development and to make recommendations as to any mitigating measures that would ensure environmental integrity.

Mr. Buckner has consistently reminded that he has received all of the approvals and permits from the relevant government agencies for his multi-million dollar project, which received high praises from Prime Minister Perry Christie who opened the latest phase of the development last November.

Mr. Knowles' letter to the Coalition said, "The statements were false in that the relevant authorities have approved the works being carried on at Sandyport including the work being carried on in respect of Phase V."

It also said that there are no health violations at Sandyport.

However, The Bahamas Environment Science and Technology Commission said in a document dated September 23, 2003 that, "The presence of solid waste and its reuse for fill at the site is a violation of the Environmental Health Act and posses a potential health problem as the decomposition of the trash will result in flammable gases seeping from the ground."

That document came as a result of a report commissioned by the National Economic Council.

Mr. Buckner suggested late last week that the government documents may not be authentic.  He said a few days earlier that the information may be erroneous.

Mr. Buckner's attorney said in the letter to Rev. Moss and the Coalition that the statements the group made in their press release were understood by ordinary persons to mean that: The Sandyport Development and the works being carried out at Sandyport are being done with no concern for the environment.

It continued that the statement by the Coalition also implies that Sandyport is carrying out works without appropriate approvals and in contravention of the law; and that the works of Sandyport are creating health hazards and are damaging to the residents of Sandyport and those living nearby.

The letter said, "Our clients are entitled to claim against you and members of the Coalition, general damages as well as aggravated damages for false statements appearing in the press statement, and to obtain an injunction against you and members of the Coalition to restrain you and them from making any further statements damaging to our clients' reputation and business."

The letter to Rev. Moss also said, "For the purpose of such proceedings we will require that you provide us the names and addresses of all members of the Coalition and should you fail to provide this information to us, we will obtain an Order from the Court to compel you to do so."

Widespread Environmental Degradation at the Sandyport Development - western New Providence Island, The Bahamas

Sandyport owner Hugh Buckner on the question of  Environmental Degradation at the Sandyport Development: ...it must not be overlooked that since the late 1970's he has secured all the requisite approvals from the relevant Bahamas government agencies

A Bahamas Environment Science and Technology (BEST) Commission report reveals that most of the wetlands in the area have been destroyed as a result of the development

Sandyport Bombshell

By Candia Dames

Nassau, The Bahamas

19/02/2004

Government documents obtained in a Journal investigation speak to the widespread environmental degradation officials say was caused by the Sandyport Development in western New Providence.

But Sandyport owner Hugh Buckner told the Journal that it must not be overlooked that since the late 1970's he has secured all the requisite approvals from the relevant government agencies.

A Bahamas Environment Science and Technology (BEST) Commission report reveals that most of the wetlands in the area have been destroyed as a result of the development.

The report was completed in compliance with the National Economic Council's directive which "invited the Minister of Health to cause the BEST Commission, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Works and Utilities and the Department of Physical Planning, to undertake a full review of the Sandyport development."

The wetland ecosystem at the development is approximately 98 percent destroyed and with the remaining wetland being slated for destruction all waterfowl habitat in that area will be lost, the report said.

"Due to the advanced stage of the Sandyport development and the destruction of approximately 98 percent of the wetlands, there is no benefit to the environment should the project be stopped," the report said, "unless extensive restoration attempts were made for the wetlands habitat which at this point is not a practical solution."

But Mr. Buckner on Tuesday insisted that his development has not been bad for the environment.

"We have the full permission of The Bahamas government to do what we've been doing," he said.  "Maybe the different departments should start talking to each other."

He also said that any information that his development has caused the destruction of 98 percent of wetlands in the area is erroneous.

Mr. Buckner said that while the environment may have changed as a result of his development, it has changed for the better.

"It's very beautiful and super," he said of the environment at Sandyport.  "I'm amazed at this complete ignorance and nonsense [of some people]."

BEST also documents a refuse-dumping problem at Sandyport.

"Since the verbal requests to remove the refuse and dispose of it at the sanitary landfill were not heeded, a public health order was served on 9th September 2003," the report added.  "If the problem is not rectified, then a submittal for prosecution will be made.  It should be noted that The Bahamas is a signatory to the RAMSAR Convention which has a mandate for the protection and wise-use of waterfowl habitat."

The broad aim of the RAMSAR Convention on Wetlands is to halt the worldwide loss of wetlands and to conserve those that remain through wise use and management.

The document also notes that the presence of solid waste and its reuse for fill at the site is a violation of the Environmental Health Act and posses a potential health issue as the decomposition of the trash will result in flammable gases seeping from the ground.

Last September, a group of inspectors from within the Ministry of Health and Environment toured the development and documented that several large mounds of contaminated fill (soil and garbage) were present on the eastern portion of the development.

But Mr. Buckner said that outsiders have been dumping at the site, a claim the report acknowledged.

The report supports claims that have been made in recent weeks by the Coalition To Save Clifton, an environmental group led by Senate Vice President Rev. C. B. Moss, who recently challenged Mr. Buckner, to "stop dodging and come clean" about his development.

The BEST report said, "Impacts to the groundwater may be created due to the apparent bulk heading of the marina only to the water level in some areas."

But Mr. Buckner said, "That is quite untrue."

In the latest phase of the development, Sandyport executives are seeking to build a road.  According to Lawrence Glinton, supervisor of construction for the Sandyport development who was named in the report, a portion of the wetland has been designated for a 40-foot road.

The report said that minimal healthy wetland areas remain on site, the most significant area running along West Bay Street from behind a nearby church to the limits of the Super Value property.

The BEST Commission report recommends that "the wetland system at the boundary of West Bay Street be maintained and restored and the proposed road either eliminated or realigned if possible to accommodate the entire east-west wetland area from Super Value to the back of the church to be preserved."

It also said, "The bulk heading of the marina areas to the east of the property may have profound flooding implications for the residents of Skyline Drive subdivision and Gambier as it may prevent the natural underground water flow during heavy rains and hurricanes.  It should be noted that Sandyport wetlands were the natural exist for large volumes of water to the sea prior to the construction of the Sandyport development."

Indicating that flooding relief should be provided to residents who live near Sandyport, the report adds that, "alternatives to the hard bulk heading on the eastern boundaries should be investigated to avoid exacerbating the flooding of residences surrounding Sandyport and provisions should be made to facilitate any upstream storm water, particularly from the east and west of the development."

Mr. Buckner pointed out that, "There are probably three public highways, not one of them has a drain.  The road to Super Value was built before our development and there is no drain."

In 1976, Sandyport Development Company Limited was granted approval to purchase approximately 142 acres of land to sub-divide and resell as multi and single-family lots.  A condition of the approval was that the Sandyport Bridge, at the junction of West Bay Street, be constructed before the first lot was sold.  The bridge is in place and, to date, Sandyport has sold a total of 350 multi and single-family lots.

Sandyport recently completed a $48.9 million shopping centre called Olde Towne, which includes 22 retail spaces owned primarily by small Bahamian businesses, restaurants, office space and approximately 50 apartments.

In August 1994, the National Economic Council granted approval for Sandyport Marina Beach Club and Resorts Limited to construct a timeshare and hotel resort.

A memo to Prime Minister Perry Christie from the Ministry of Financial Services and Investments said, "Regarding the environmental impact of the Sandyport Development, the BEST Commission has advised that the Sandyport Development was approved prior to the creation of the BEST Commission and thus no Environmental Impact Assessment would have been done. 

"Various government agencies would have issued permits for work to begin.  The BEST Commission recommends that a review be done of the conditions listed on the permits issued by the Department of Physical Planning and Ministry of Works and Utilities."

But Mr. Buckner insisted that his company conducted an EIA that addressed all environmental concerns and the government accepted that Sandyport would not have posed a significant threat to the environment.