Judicial review to be sought over Bell Island decision
tribune242
A JUDICIAL review will be sought over the decision to allow for the redevelopment of Bell Island, according to a local attorney.
In a press release, attorney Keod Smith stated that steps will be taken to start a judicial review of the decision by Environment Minister Earl Deveaux to grant permission to dredge and excavate more than 12 acres of land and sea at the 349-acre island in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park.
Plans to dredge three areas to accommodate vessels up to 150 ft long, excavate a marina and redevelop a barge landing, were submitted by Islands of Discovery Ltd after Prince Karim Aga Khan bought the island last year.
The permits will allow developers to excavate 4.32 acres of upland area for the yacht basin, 2.56 acres of marine area for an outer channel, 4.28 acres of marine area for a barge landing and 1.9 acres of marine area for the outer area of the barge landing within 11 months.
Mr Smith said: "I have been authorised to say that steps will be taken to commence judicial review of the decision of Dr Deveaux in his capacity as minister to allow for the redevelopment of Bell Island in the manner which has been announced by him, his ministry and the BNT."
"The impact upon my clients, who are Bahamian citizens, is that the pristine nature of the park and the marine and land habitat of creatures inclusive of those that are endangered and/or under statutory protection will be put in jeopardy.
"This decision therefore will have a grave economic impact upon my clients and followed a process which we assert is both illegal and procedurally unfair."
Mr Smith did not name his clients, stating only that he was approached by concerned citizens who wanted to explore the legal options available to them.
December 01, 2010
tribune242
A political blog about Bahamian politics in The Bahamas, Bahamian Politicans - and the entire Bahamas political lot. Bahamian Blogger Dennis Dames keeps you updated on the political news and views throughout the islands of The Bahamas without fear or favor. Bahamian Politicians and the Bahamian Political Arena: Updates one Post at a time on Bahamas Politics and Bahamas Politicans; and their local, regional and international policies and perspectives.
Showing posts with label Earl Deveaux. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Earl Deveaux. Show all posts
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Terry Bain - spokesman for Save The Exuma Park (STEP) committee has criticised the Bahamas National Trust for not opposing dredging and excavation at Bell Island in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park...
Call for ban on development in national parks
By MEGAN REYNOLDS
Tribune Staff Reporter
mreynolds@tribunemedia.net
AN EXUMA activist has criticised the Bahamas National Trust for not opposing dredging and excavation at Bell Island in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park as he calls for development in all national parks to be banned.
Terry Bain, spokesman for Save The Exuma Park (STEP) committee, is outraged at the granting of permission to dredge and excavate more than 13 acres of land and seabed around Bell Island in the Exuma park and the apparent compliance of the Bahamas National Trust (BNT).
Mr Bain spoke out on behalf of STEP's 180 members at a public meeting called by the BNT in Great Exuma last Thursday to discuss the Bell Island development with members of the community.
He said it was not made clear at the meeting that the Department of Physical Planning had already granted permission to excavate 4.32 acres of upland area for a yacht basin, 2.56 acres of seabed for an outer channel, 4.28 acres of marine area for a barge landing and a further 1.9 acres of seabed for the outer area of the barge landing on September 21.
Local tour boat operators spoke out at the meeting claiming dredging is already being done at Bell Island; claims flatly denied at the meeting by BNT executive director Eric Carey.
Conditions of the permit state an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) must be approved by the Bahamas Environment, Science and Technology (BEST) Commission before work can begin, and the EMP is expected by Mr Carey this week.
Plans were submitted by Islands of Discovery Ltd after Islamic spiritual leader and billionaire Prince Karim Aga Khan IV bought the island last year.
Details of the development emerged as Environment Minister Earl Deveaux confirmed he had accepted the offer of free transportation in the Aga Khan's helicopter to travel to Abaco with his wife and two friends to attend a public event before going on to Bell Island to conduct a land assessment the next day. In answer to his critics, Minister Deveaux said that in no way did this courtesy by the Aga Khan to make it possible for him to attend the two meetings -- one in Abaco, the other in Bell Island -- influence his decision on the Bell Island application.
It was also alleged by Tribune sources that the Aga Khan donated $1 million to the BNT after he purchased the island.
Mr Carey has issued no comment on the donation claim, however a BNT statement on the development maintains: "Every landowner in the park has contributed generously to the funding of the BNT."
Mr Bain said: "The Trust has gone along with every development in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, and I have been trying to save the Trust from themselves by trying to keep development out of the parks."
STEP has been lobbying for an amendment in the BNT Act to prevent development in the Exuma park and all national parks across the Bahamas since the group was founded 17 years ago.
But recent amendments passed in Parliament do not include such changes, and STEP now continues to fight a battle Mr Bain says the BNT should fight for itself.
The activist of Farmer's Cay, Exuma, further stated how locals and fishermen find development in the 176 square mile park hard to accept as they are prohibited from taking anything within its boundaries.
In an editorial column published in The Exuma Breeze this month, Mr Bain called on all Bahamians to speak out against development in the Exuma park and all national parks.
October 29, 2010
tribune242
By MEGAN REYNOLDS
Tribune Staff Reporter
mreynolds@tribunemedia.net
AN EXUMA activist has criticised the Bahamas National Trust for not opposing dredging and excavation at Bell Island in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park as he calls for development in all national parks to be banned.
Terry Bain, spokesman for Save The Exuma Park (STEP) committee, is outraged at the granting of permission to dredge and excavate more than 13 acres of land and seabed around Bell Island in the Exuma park and the apparent compliance of the Bahamas National Trust (BNT).
Mr Bain spoke out on behalf of STEP's 180 members at a public meeting called by the BNT in Great Exuma last Thursday to discuss the Bell Island development with members of the community.
He said it was not made clear at the meeting that the Department of Physical Planning had already granted permission to excavate 4.32 acres of upland area for a yacht basin, 2.56 acres of seabed for an outer channel, 4.28 acres of marine area for a barge landing and a further 1.9 acres of seabed for the outer area of the barge landing on September 21.
Local tour boat operators spoke out at the meeting claiming dredging is already being done at Bell Island; claims flatly denied at the meeting by BNT executive director Eric Carey.
Conditions of the permit state an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) must be approved by the Bahamas Environment, Science and Technology (BEST) Commission before work can begin, and the EMP is expected by Mr Carey this week.
Plans were submitted by Islands of Discovery Ltd after Islamic spiritual leader and billionaire Prince Karim Aga Khan IV bought the island last year.
Details of the development emerged as Environment Minister Earl Deveaux confirmed he had accepted the offer of free transportation in the Aga Khan's helicopter to travel to Abaco with his wife and two friends to attend a public event before going on to Bell Island to conduct a land assessment the next day. In answer to his critics, Minister Deveaux said that in no way did this courtesy by the Aga Khan to make it possible for him to attend the two meetings -- one in Abaco, the other in Bell Island -- influence his decision on the Bell Island application.
It was also alleged by Tribune sources that the Aga Khan donated $1 million to the BNT after he purchased the island.
Mr Carey has issued no comment on the donation claim, however a BNT statement on the development maintains: "Every landowner in the park has contributed generously to the funding of the BNT."
Mr Bain said: "The Trust has gone along with every development in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, and I have been trying to save the Trust from themselves by trying to keep development out of the parks."
STEP has been lobbying for an amendment in the BNT Act to prevent development in the Exuma park and all national parks across the Bahamas since the group was founded 17 years ago.
But recent amendments passed in Parliament do not include such changes, and STEP now continues to fight a battle Mr Bain says the BNT should fight for itself.
The activist of Farmer's Cay, Exuma, further stated how locals and fishermen find development in the 176 square mile park hard to accept as they are prohibited from taking anything within its boundaries.
In an editorial column published in The Exuma Breeze this month, Mr Bain called on all Bahamians to speak out against development in the Exuma park and all national parks.
October 29, 2010
tribune242
Friday, October 1, 2010
Environment Minister Earl Deveaux's "free ride" on the Aga Khan's helicopter does not warrant dismissal - says Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham
PM: HELICOPTER RIDE NOT WORTH DISMISSAL
By PAUL G TURNQUEST
Tribune Staff Reporter
pturnquest@tribunemedia.net:
EXPLAINING for the first time his reasons for not accepting the resignation of his Minister of the Environment Earl Deveaux, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham said yesterday the controversy surrounding his minister's "free ride" on the Aga Khan's helicopter does not raise to the level of calling for his dismissal.
Acknowledging that persons could argue whether or not it was the right decision to make under the circumstances, Mr Ingraham still stressed that Mr Deveaux "did nothing" deserving of resignation.
"What I find very fascinating about this whole question about Earl Deveaux and resignation is the Opposition hasn't raised it in the House (of Assembly at all. At all. But I wonder why," he laughed.
"There was no basis upon which Earl Deveaux ought to resign. He's done nothing deserving of resignation.
"Whether or not he should have taken a flight to Abaco, judgmental, but it doesn't rise to the level of dismissal and Bell Island is a place that doesn't have regular flights.
" I've been there twice, I went there once on the Defence Force boat and once I went there on the Aga Khan's helicopter, and I went there to have lunch with the King of Spain and took my grandchildren to meet with the Aga Khan's grandchildren.
"And then I asked while I was there, 'Listen I can't come this far without stopping in Black Point to hail the residents there'. So we landed there and I went there and shook some hands in Black Point and came back to Nassau. Since that time, just yesterday, somebody told me, an official, he had to go to Cat Island on a developer's aircraft to check something and on the flight with him was the member of Parliament, the deputy leader of the PLP (Philip Davis) on the same private aircraft," Mr Ingraham said.
However Fred Mitchell, the Opposition's MP for Fox Hill, said the Prime Minister's comments only reinforce the notion that it was OK for Earl Deveaux to accept the Aga Khan's ride, because the Prime Minister himself had done the same thing.
September 30, 2010
tribune242
By PAUL G TURNQUEST
Tribune Staff Reporter
pturnquest@tribunemedia.net:
EXPLAINING for the first time his reasons for not accepting the resignation of his Minister of the Environment Earl Deveaux, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham said yesterday the controversy surrounding his minister's "free ride" on the Aga Khan's helicopter does not raise to the level of calling for his dismissal.
Acknowledging that persons could argue whether or not it was the right decision to make under the circumstances, Mr Ingraham still stressed that Mr Deveaux "did nothing" deserving of resignation.
"What I find very fascinating about this whole question about Earl Deveaux and resignation is the Opposition hasn't raised it in the House (of Assembly at all. At all. But I wonder why," he laughed.
"There was no basis upon which Earl Deveaux ought to resign. He's done nothing deserving of resignation.
"Whether or not he should have taken a flight to Abaco, judgmental, but it doesn't rise to the level of dismissal and Bell Island is a place that doesn't have regular flights.
" I've been there twice, I went there once on the Defence Force boat and once I went there on the Aga Khan's helicopter, and I went there to have lunch with the King of Spain and took my grandchildren to meet with the Aga Khan's grandchildren.
"And then I asked while I was there, 'Listen I can't come this far without stopping in Black Point to hail the residents there'. So we landed there and I went there and shook some hands in Black Point and came back to Nassau. Since that time, just yesterday, somebody told me, an official, he had to go to Cat Island on a developer's aircraft to check something and on the flight with him was the member of Parliament, the deputy leader of the PLP (Philip Davis) on the same private aircraft," Mr Ingraham said.
However Fred Mitchell, the Opposition's MP for Fox Hill, said the Prime Minister's comments only reinforce the notion that it was OK for Earl Deveaux to accept the Aga Khan's ride, because the Prime Minister himself had done the same thing.
September 30, 2010
tribune242
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Conservationists call for Bahamians to lobby against dredging, excavation and development of Bell Island in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
Appeal for lobby against dredging, excavation and development at Bell Island
By MEGAN REYNOLDS
Tribune Staff Reporter
mreynolds@tribunemedia.net:
CONSERVATIONISTS are calling for Bahamians to lobby against dredging, excavation and development of Bell Island in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park as plans submitted by owner the Aga Khan are considered by government.
But former Exuma councillor Henry Rolle argues the development should go ahead as it could benefit employment-starved residents of nearby Black Point.
The controversial plans to dredge 8.8 acres of sea bed for two channels into an existing barge landing and a 20-slip yacht basin to be carved out of an existing salt pond came to light after Environment Minister Earl Deveaux admitted he accepted a free ride in landowner Prince Karim Aga Khan IV's luxury helicopter to attend a film screening in Abaco the day before he went on to Bell Island to do a land assessment.
Conservationists outraged by the plans have cried shame on the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) as wardens of the world's oldest national park and 176 square mile no-take marine reserve for not standing in the way of development on the 349-acre private island.
ReEarth founder Sam Duncombe said: "The Trust really needs to be called out on this one because this is such a flagrant disregard of what their mandate is.
"Everyone in the Bahamas is a member of the National Trust and has a right to call the BNT and basically tell them no developing in the park.
"If we can't protect the oldest marine park in the world what hope do we have for the rest of the country?
"It's a sad day in the Bahamas when we have to protect the environment from it's so-called protectors. That's a really sad day."
But the BNT maintains it has no power over the development of private islands in the park by private landowners who are known to make generous donations to the charity, meaning the alleged $1 million donation to the BNT from the Aga Khan would not stray from the norm.
And development and dredging has previously been done at privately-owned islands in the park such as Soldier Cay, Cistern Cay, Halls Pond Cay and Bell Island, which is private property under the law and not that of the Land and Sea Park.
The multi-millionaire and billionaire owners of the islands also provide an important source of public revenue and provide spin-off benefits for nearby communities in Black Point, Staniel Cay and Farmers Cay, the BNT maintains.
Former Exuma chief councillor Henry Rolle, of Black Point on Great Guana Cay 17 miles southeast of Bell Island, said in the case of the latest development at the 349-acre island where building, excavation and dredging had previously been done, the benefits of development will outweigh the environmental concerns.
"People in Exuma need jobs," Mr Rolle said.
"Black Point has one of the largest populations and they look forward to these opportunities. Investors benefit the whole community, and the spin-off in reference to Bell island could be good for them.
"My interest is to give the people an opportunity, to give the investors an opportunity, so my people can have an employment opportunity during these tough times. If Bell Island was the only area in the park that was dredging and excavating a marina I would say 'lets get them' - but it's not."
September 24, 2010
tribune242
By MEGAN REYNOLDS
Tribune Staff Reporter
mreynolds@tribunemedia.net:
CONSERVATIONISTS are calling for Bahamians to lobby against dredging, excavation and development of Bell Island in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park as plans submitted by owner the Aga Khan are considered by government.
But former Exuma councillor Henry Rolle argues the development should go ahead as it could benefit employment-starved residents of nearby Black Point.
The controversial plans to dredge 8.8 acres of sea bed for two channels into an existing barge landing and a 20-slip yacht basin to be carved out of an existing salt pond came to light after Environment Minister Earl Deveaux admitted he accepted a free ride in landowner Prince Karim Aga Khan IV's luxury helicopter to attend a film screening in Abaco the day before he went on to Bell Island to do a land assessment.
Conservationists outraged by the plans have cried shame on the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) as wardens of the world's oldest national park and 176 square mile no-take marine reserve for not standing in the way of development on the 349-acre private island.
ReEarth founder Sam Duncombe said: "The Trust really needs to be called out on this one because this is such a flagrant disregard of what their mandate is.
"Everyone in the Bahamas is a member of the National Trust and has a right to call the BNT and basically tell them no developing in the park.
"If we can't protect the oldest marine park in the world what hope do we have for the rest of the country?
"It's a sad day in the Bahamas when we have to protect the environment from it's so-called protectors. That's a really sad day."
But the BNT maintains it has no power over the development of private islands in the park by private landowners who are known to make generous donations to the charity, meaning the alleged $1 million donation to the BNT from the Aga Khan would not stray from the norm.
And development and dredging has previously been done at privately-owned islands in the park such as Soldier Cay, Cistern Cay, Halls Pond Cay and Bell Island, which is private property under the law and not that of the Land and Sea Park.
The multi-millionaire and billionaire owners of the islands also provide an important source of public revenue and provide spin-off benefits for nearby communities in Black Point, Staniel Cay and Farmers Cay, the BNT maintains.
Former Exuma chief councillor Henry Rolle, of Black Point on Great Guana Cay 17 miles southeast of Bell Island, said in the case of the latest development at the 349-acre island where building, excavation and dredging had previously been done, the benefits of development will outweigh the environmental concerns.
"People in Exuma need jobs," Mr Rolle said.
"Black Point has one of the largest populations and they look forward to these opportunities. Investors benefit the whole community, and the spin-off in reference to Bell island could be good for them.
"My interest is to give the people an opportunity, to give the investors an opportunity, so my people can have an employment opportunity during these tough times. If Bell Island was the only area in the park that was dredging and excavating a marina I would say 'lets get them' - but it's not."
September 24, 2010
tribune242
Friday, September 24, 2010
Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham dismissive on questions in relation to Environment Minister Earl Deveaux's resignation offer
PM DISMISSES CALLS FOR EXPLANATION ON REFUSING MINISTER'S RESIGNATION OFFER
By ALISON LOWE
Tribune Staff Reporter
alowe@tribunemedia.net:
THE prime minister yesterday laughed off calls for him to explain his decision to reject Environment Minister Earl Deveaux's resignation offer last week.
Asked by this newspaper to account for the rejection of the offer or provide any comment on the acknowledged fact that Dr Deveaux accepted a free ride in the luxury helicopter of a billionaire Exuma resident who has an application to dredge in the Exuma Land and Sea Park before his ministry, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham was dismissive.
Mr Ingraham was in the process of leaving parliament following the morning session in the lower chamber yesterday at the time the questions on the issue of Dr Deveaux's relationship with the Aga Khan, which the Opposition has termed "a conflict of interest", were put to him.
However, Mr Ingraham refused to provide the justification for his decision or any other comment on the matter, instead continuing on his way out of parliament.
Last Thursday Dr Deveaux told Island FM radio host Patty Roker on "The Morning Boil" that he tendered his resignation to the prime minister the previous Monday - the same morning he saw an article on the front page of this newspaper outlining how he had accepted a free ride in the luxury helicopter of the Prince Karim Aga Khan, the billionaire leader of an islamic sect, while having the Aga Khan's application to develop the island before the Environment Ministry that he heads for consideration.
The prime minister, he said, rejected the offer, and no other official statement was made on the matter.
Dr Deveaux had admitted flying on the 12-seater helicopter to attend a film screening in Abaco before going on to Bell Island -- the island in the Exuma Land and Sea Park owned by Prince Karim -- with BNT executives the next day.
The Environment Minister has also stated he was "minded" to approve plans submitted by Island of Discovery Limited, understood to be headed by the Aga Khan, to dredge and excavate at least 8.8 acres of marine sand flats, rock and vegetation for two channels, 12ft and 14ft deep, to construct a barge landing and 20 slip yacht basin, and roads across the 349-acre island. He passed the plans on to the BNT for their input.
September 23, 2010
tribune242
By ALISON LOWE
Tribune Staff Reporter
alowe@tribunemedia.net:
THE prime minister yesterday laughed off calls for him to explain his decision to reject Environment Minister Earl Deveaux's resignation offer last week.
Asked by this newspaper to account for the rejection of the offer or provide any comment on the acknowledged fact that Dr Deveaux accepted a free ride in the luxury helicopter of a billionaire Exuma resident who has an application to dredge in the Exuma Land and Sea Park before his ministry, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham was dismissive.
Mr Ingraham was in the process of leaving parliament following the morning session in the lower chamber yesterday at the time the questions on the issue of Dr Deveaux's relationship with the Aga Khan, which the Opposition has termed "a conflict of interest", were put to him.
However, Mr Ingraham refused to provide the justification for his decision or any other comment on the matter, instead continuing on his way out of parliament.
Last Thursday Dr Deveaux told Island FM radio host Patty Roker on "The Morning Boil" that he tendered his resignation to the prime minister the previous Monday - the same morning he saw an article on the front page of this newspaper outlining how he had accepted a free ride in the luxury helicopter of the Prince Karim Aga Khan, the billionaire leader of an islamic sect, while having the Aga Khan's application to develop the island before the Environment Ministry that he heads for consideration.
The prime minister, he said, rejected the offer, and no other official statement was made on the matter.
Dr Deveaux had admitted flying on the 12-seater helicopter to attend a film screening in Abaco before going on to Bell Island -- the island in the Exuma Land and Sea Park owned by Prince Karim -- with BNT executives the next day.
The Environment Minister has also stated he was "minded" to approve plans submitted by Island of Discovery Limited, understood to be headed by the Aga Khan, to dredge and excavate at least 8.8 acres of marine sand flats, rock and vegetation for two channels, 12ft and 14ft deep, to construct a barge landing and 20 slip yacht basin, and roads across the 349-acre island. He passed the plans on to the BNT for their input.
September 23, 2010
tribune242
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Environment Minister Earl Deveaux did not admit guilt by resignation
Deveaux did not admit guilt by resignation
tribune242 editorial
THE LATEST scuttlebut making the rounds of the political rumour mill is that by offering his resignation to Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, Environment Minister Earl Deveaux admitted he was wrong to accept the invitation of Prince Karim Aga Khan to fly in his helicopter to the prince's private island in the Exumas. According to rumour mongers it is an admission by the Minister that the helicopter ride compromised his ability to make an objective decision on the Prince's application for permission to develop his island in the Exuma Land and Sea Park.
Those persons spreading the rumour are either completely ignorant of the Westminster system of parliamentary government, or they are maliciously exploiting the ignorance of the Bahamian people.
There are many reasons why ministers resign from Cabinet. We had an incident as recently as March when Branville McCartney resigned as Minister of State for Immigration. Mr McCartney said at the time that in the forefront of all his issues and emotions was his "feelings of stagnation and the inability to fully utilise" his "political potential at this time."
"We are facing tough times," he said, "but I confidently believe that the nation has been mobilized by Mr Ingraham and the FNM and rallied for a great national effort. I have learned why this Prime Minister and Leader of the FNM is the most successful leader of our party. And it is because of this that I say, I have no sympathy with and will give no credence or comfort to those who would want to use this resignation to undermine his leadership of the FNM and/or The Commonwealth of The Bahamas."
That was one reason for a resignation.
One must remember that when a member is elected to parliament, he is elected by the people. However, when he is made a Cabinet minister it is a position given by the prime minister -- a position that can be taken away at will for a number of reasons. Should anything arise in that ministry that could embarrass the prime minister or his government, then it is the action of a gentleman to go back to the prime minister and offer to resign. It is then up to the prime minister to accept or reject the offer.
In offering his resignation, Mr Deveaux did not admit that he had sold his integrity for a helicopter ride, he just did what was expected of him in the ancient tradition of the Westminster system. Unfortunately there are not many gentlemen left among us today.
This was the same tradition followed by the late Sir Kendal Isaacs when he relinquished the leadership of the FNM after he had led the party to defeat in the 1987 election. However, Opposition leader Perry Christie did not step down as party leader when he lost the government in 2007 to the FNM. He was not duty bound to do so and he chose not to follow tradition.
In the case of Mr Deveaux, Prime Minister Ingraham could hardly punish him for a practice that has been widely used over the years in all administrations when an investor wanted a minister to inspect a project for which he needed permission. It was customary for the investor to provide the transport, which is what the Aga Khan did in the case of Mr Deveaux.
And the Prime Minister certainly could not frown on Mr Deveaux after this practice had been turned into widespread abuse under the PLP government with investors -- with issues before cabinet and various government departments -- even making their aircraft available to fly PLP candidates around the islands during the 2007 election.
We know that the PLP are hungry for political bones to chew on, but it's time to drop this one -- it's going nowhere.
September 23, 2010
tribune242 editorial
tribune242 editorial
THE LATEST scuttlebut making the rounds of the political rumour mill is that by offering his resignation to Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, Environment Minister Earl Deveaux admitted he was wrong to accept the invitation of Prince Karim Aga Khan to fly in his helicopter to the prince's private island in the Exumas. According to rumour mongers it is an admission by the Minister that the helicopter ride compromised his ability to make an objective decision on the Prince's application for permission to develop his island in the Exuma Land and Sea Park.
Those persons spreading the rumour are either completely ignorant of the Westminster system of parliamentary government, or they are maliciously exploiting the ignorance of the Bahamian people.
There are many reasons why ministers resign from Cabinet. We had an incident as recently as March when Branville McCartney resigned as Minister of State for Immigration. Mr McCartney said at the time that in the forefront of all his issues and emotions was his "feelings of stagnation and the inability to fully utilise" his "political potential at this time."
"We are facing tough times," he said, "but I confidently believe that the nation has been mobilized by Mr Ingraham and the FNM and rallied for a great national effort. I have learned why this Prime Minister and Leader of the FNM is the most successful leader of our party. And it is because of this that I say, I have no sympathy with and will give no credence or comfort to those who would want to use this resignation to undermine his leadership of the FNM and/or The Commonwealth of The Bahamas."
That was one reason for a resignation.
One must remember that when a member is elected to parliament, he is elected by the people. However, when he is made a Cabinet minister it is a position given by the prime minister -- a position that can be taken away at will for a number of reasons. Should anything arise in that ministry that could embarrass the prime minister or his government, then it is the action of a gentleman to go back to the prime minister and offer to resign. It is then up to the prime minister to accept or reject the offer.
In offering his resignation, Mr Deveaux did not admit that he had sold his integrity for a helicopter ride, he just did what was expected of him in the ancient tradition of the Westminster system. Unfortunately there are not many gentlemen left among us today.
This was the same tradition followed by the late Sir Kendal Isaacs when he relinquished the leadership of the FNM after he had led the party to defeat in the 1987 election. However, Opposition leader Perry Christie did not step down as party leader when he lost the government in 2007 to the FNM. He was not duty bound to do so and he chose not to follow tradition.
In the case of Mr Deveaux, Prime Minister Ingraham could hardly punish him for a practice that has been widely used over the years in all administrations when an investor wanted a minister to inspect a project for which he needed permission. It was customary for the investor to provide the transport, which is what the Aga Khan did in the case of Mr Deveaux.
And the Prime Minister certainly could not frown on Mr Deveaux after this practice had been turned into widespread abuse under the PLP government with investors -- with issues before cabinet and various government departments -- even making their aircraft available to fly PLP candidates around the islands during the 2007 election.
We know that the PLP are hungry for political bones to chew on, but it's time to drop this one -- it's going nowhere.
September 23, 2010
tribune242 editorial
Earl Deveaux's poor judgment
Poor judgement by Minister Deveaux
thenassauguardian editorial
In the end, it is a leader's judgment that matters more than just about any other quality. This is as true for a business executive as it is for a Cabinet minister. This week, the Minister of the Environment's poor judgment was on full display in a number of areas.
This included Minister Earl Deveaux's acceptance of hospitality from various developers. It also included his disclosure of a private conversation with the prime minister.
Cabinet ministers of both parties have accepted hospitality from private sector interests, including air transportation. Accepting hospitality is not in itself unethical, though at times appearances do make an enormous difference. It depends on the nature and degree of the hospitality, and if there are accompanying quid pro quos.
As the opposition continues to discuss recent matters related to the minister, it may want to review its own record. The opposition generally needs to keep the government accountable. But, those with their own questionable practices in dealing with private sector interests should spare us their hypocrisy and grandstanding.
The matter of allowing for development in the Exuma Land and Sea Park is a separate policy matter of which Bahamians should be rightly concerned. On this front the environment minister should be asked some pressing questions.
Still, there is no evidence that Minister Deveaux did anything unethical in terms of any quid pro quos with developers in exchange for favorable review of various outstanding applications on this or other matters.
But, the cavalier manner in which the minister shrugged off the hospitality of various developers in terms of helicopter and airplane rides is stunning. This is not just bad public relations. It suggests a mindset. It is a demonstration of very poor judgment.
This is especially so for someone who is supposed to be a seasoned Cabinet minister. In his sensitive portfolio as environment minister he must be beyond reproach, and must be seen to be beyond reproach.
His statement that he was inclined to approve a developer's application before it was sent to the Bahamas National Trust for review is another example of spectacularly poor judgement. He should not have commented prior to such a review.
The minister has also embarrassed a number of developers who must question his unrestrained public comments. Compounding that lack of restraint, the minister then went on radio later in the week to discuss a private conversation he had with the prime minister in terms of his future as a minister.
Private conversations between a Cabinet member and a president or prime minister must remain private for all sorts of reasons. This includes the trust between that individual and their leader, as well as public trust regarding the conduct of confidential matters.
Minister Deveaux's lack of judgement should be a lesson to both those in opposition and in the government who have or will serve as Cabinet ministers. Considered judgment, common sense and restraint are at the heart of what it means to be a good leader.
9/17/2010
thenassauguardian
thenassauguardian editorial
In the end, it is a leader's judgment that matters more than just about any other quality. This is as true for a business executive as it is for a Cabinet minister. This week, the Minister of the Environment's poor judgment was on full display in a number of areas.
This included Minister Earl Deveaux's acceptance of hospitality from various developers. It also included his disclosure of a private conversation with the prime minister.
Cabinet ministers of both parties have accepted hospitality from private sector interests, including air transportation. Accepting hospitality is not in itself unethical, though at times appearances do make an enormous difference. It depends on the nature and degree of the hospitality, and if there are accompanying quid pro quos.
As the opposition continues to discuss recent matters related to the minister, it may want to review its own record. The opposition generally needs to keep the government accountable. But, those with their own questionable practices in dealing with private sector interests should spare us their hypocrisy and grandstanding.
The matter of allowing for development in the Exuma Land and Sea Park is a separate policy matter of which Bahamians should be rightly concerned. On this front the environment minister should be asked some pressing questions.
Still, there is no evidence that Minister Deveaux did anything unethical in terms of any quid pro quos with developers in exchange for favorable review of various outstanding applications on this or other matters.
But, the cavalier manner in which the minister shrugged off the hospitality of various developers in terms of helicopter and airplane rides is stunning. This is not just bad public relations. It suggests a mindset. It is a demonstration of very poor judgment.
This is especially so for someone who is supposed to be a seasoned Cabinet minister. In his sensitive portfolio as environment minister he must be beyond reproach, and must be seen to be beyond reproach.
His statement that he was inclined to approve a developer's application before it was sent to the Bahamas National Trust for review is another example of spectacularly poor judgement. He should not have commented prior to such a review.
The minister has also embarrassed a number of developers who must question his unrestrained public comments. Compounding that lack of restraint, the minister then went on radio later in the week to discuss a private conversation he had with the prime minister in terms of his future as a minister.
Private conversations between a Cabinet member and a president or prime minister must remain private for all sorts of reasons. This includes the trust between that individual and their leader, as well as public trust regarding the conduct of confidential matters.
Minister Deveaux's lack of judgement should be a lesson to both those in opposition and in the government who have or will serve as Cabinet ministers. Considered judgment, common sense and restraint are at the heart of what it means to be a good leader.
9/17/2010
thenassauguardian
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Bell Island in the Exuma Land and Sea Park... being unearthed?
Bell Island in the Exuma Land and Sea Park being dredged?
by bahamascitizen
An application to dredge into the sea bed at Bell Island in the Exuma Land and Sea Park has not even been granted as yet, and the developer is already cutting deep into a limestone hill to create a marina.
The island’s developer, The Aga Khan IV of the Aga Khan Development Network, has two grandiose luxury homes that sit on top of two picturesque hills surrounded by plush natural vegetation on Bell Island in the park. Both homes have similar designs and feature areas of glass walls and a box shape that let’s in light at key areas of the homes. Manicured landscapes hug the homes, which are spaced far apart on one of the most beautiful and more elevated islands in the park.
One home sits just below the helicopter pad, which is a clean, grassy area on another hill. It’s the landing pad of the 13-seat helicopter that has been the center of headline stories, as the press and the public seek answers and call for more transparency as it pertains to developments on Crown Land in The Bahamas.
Ever since The Tribune ran a red-letter story disclosing how Environment Minister Earl Deveaux received rides in the Aga Khan’s helicopter, he has been placed in a compromising position in the eyes of the public. The subject has been hot on local talk shows, and members of the media and the public have called for his resignation.
He has handed his resignation into Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham. Media officials and the public are anxious for the Prime Minister to respond to this embarrassing situation for his government that claims to operate on a ‘trust factor’.
The Aga Khan IV has an application before the Ministry of Environment which Minister Earl Deveaux said he was ‘minded to’ approve. It will allow the Aga Khan to create a number of marina slips, dredging up to fifteen feet deep. The public has yet to be told how long and how wide the slips will be, leading out to the sea.
Although the application has not been approved, massive demolition of a portion of the hill has already begun. The portion of excavated hill is about 20 feet deep and has been flattened to sea level, making it easier for excavation of the sea bed once the official approval is granted.
But concerns have been raised as the excavation of the hill and the buildings believed to be housing materials indicates that the developer expects to get the approval. Meantime, the hill has already been cut down, unbeknownst to most of the Bahamian public.
There are two main buildings near the area where demolition is being presently carried out, which are believed to house materials to complete the construction of the marina. The island also features a gazebo near a private beach. The gazebo is draped with sheer, white cloth and exudes romanticism. There is also a development on the other side of the island, where it is believed that workmen reside, as tools and equipment can be seen on the lot, and simple, wooden homes are present.
The hill that has been cut down is close to what appears to be the main home, where two satellite dishes are nestled in the bushes and are used for communication on the island. Bell Island features four amazing, heavenly white sandy beaches.
Once a Crown Land lease is up in 47 years, Bahamian children who today aspire to achieve a lease must be afforded the opportunity. If leasing developers like Aga Khan make major detrimental changes to the landscape, it could destroy the sacred land that belongs to the people of the Bahamas that the Minister of the Environment and the Bahamas National Trust has failed to protect.
The Minister has publicly admitted to accepting rides in the luxury helicopter and said he would “do it again”, while it has been revealed that the managing director at BNT accepted a million-dollar grant from the Bell island developer last year.
September 22, 2010
bahamascitizen
by bahamascitizen
An application to dredge into the sea bed at Bell Island in the Exuma Land and Sea Park has not even been granted as yet, and the developer is already cutting deep into a limestone hill to create a marina.
The island’s developer, The Aga Khan IV of the Aga Khan Development Network, has two grandiose luxury homes that sit on top of two picturesque hills surrounded by plush natural vegetation on Bell Island in the park. Both homes have similar designs and feature areas of glass walls and a box shape that let’s in light at key areas of the homes. Manicured landscapes hug the homes, which are spaced far apart on one of the most beautiful and more elevated islands in the park.
One home sits just below the helicopter pad, which is a clean, grassy area on another hill. It’s the landing pad of the 13-seat helicopter that has been the center of headline stories, as the press and the public seek answers and call for more transparency as it pertains to developments on Crown Land in The Bahamas.
Ever since The Tribune ran a red-letter story disclosing how Environment Minister Earl Deveaux received rides in the Aga Khan’s helicopter, he has been placed in a compromising position in the eyes of the public. The subject has been hot on local talk shows, and members of the media and the public have called for his resignation.
He has handed his resignation into Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham. Media officials and the public are anxious for the Prime Minister to respond to this embarrassing situation for his government that claims to operate on a ‘trust factor’.
The Aga Khan IV has an application before the Ministry of Environment which Minister Earl Deveaux said he was ‘minded to’ approve. It will allow the Aga Khan to create a number of marina slips, dredging up to fifteen feet deep. The public has yet to be told how long and how wide the slips will be, leading out to the sea.
Although the application has not been approved, massive demolition of a portion of the hill has already begun. The portion of excavated hill is about 20 feet deep and has been flattened to sea level, making it easier for excavation of the sea bed once the official approval is granted.
But concerns have been raised as the excavation of the hill and the buildings believed to be housing materials indicates that the developer expects to get the approval. Meantime, the hill has already been cut down, unbeknownst to most of the Bahamian public.
There are two main buildings near the area where demolition is being presently carried out, which are believed to house materials to complete the construction of the marina. The island also features a gazebo near a private beach. The gazebo is draped with sheer, white cloth and exudes romanticism. There is also a development on the other side of the island, where it is believed that workmen reside, as tools and equipment can be seen on the lot, and simple, wooden homes are present.
The hill that has been cut down is close to what appears to be the main home, where two satellite dishes are nestled in the bushes and are used for communication on the island. Bell Island features four amazing, heavenly white sandy beaches.
Once a Crown Land lease is up in 47 years, Bahamian children who today aspire to achieve a lease must be afforded the opportunity. If leasing developers like Aga Khan make major detrimental changes to the landscape, it could destroy the sacred land that belongs to the people of the Bahamas that the Minister of the Environment and the Bahamas National Trust has failed to protect.
The Minister has publicly admitted to accepting rides in the luxury helicopter and said he would “do it again”, while it has been revealed that the managing director at BNT accepted a million-dollar grant from the Bell island developer last year.
September 22, 2010
bahamascitizen
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Environment Minister Earl Deveaux Free Ride in the Aga Khan's Helicopter Sparks Public Outcry
Free helicopter ride sparks public outcry
By MEGAN REYNOLDS
Tribune Staff Reporter
tribune242 Insight:
mreynolds@tribunemedia.net:
Environment Minister Earl Deveaux emerged from the Aga Khan's helicopter in Marsh Harbour, Abaco, to attend a Friends of the Environment event with the exhilarated grin of an excited schoolboy.
Having taken up Karim Aga Khan IV's offer to travel in the 12-seater AB-139 instead of chartering a flight, Dr Deveaux, his wife, and two friends, were able to ride in the lap of luxury at their convenience, and the Minister would not be late for a land assessment of Bell Island in Exuma the next day.
But as the Aga Khan is the owner of Bell Island who put the development plans in Dr Deveaux's lap, the childlike excitement on the Minister's face, and the front page of The Tribune last week, masked a darker reality.
The extension of such generosity by this enigmatic Persian prince exposed both himself and the Minister to ridicule and speculation over the process of planning applications and approvals.
And when the development is in an area as sensitive area as the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, it is bound to stir the kind of public debate that hit the airwaves last week.
The 176 square mile park is a jewel of the Bahamas and the world as the oldest protected area of its kind, established in 1958, and a flourishing no-take marine reserve guarded by the Bahamas National Trust (BNT).
The Aga Khan bought the island north of Conch Cut and 17 miles north of Black Point last year and has plans to dredge 8.8 acres of sand from the seabed so he can pull into a newly carved marina on his 150ft yacht.
He also wants the supply barge to be accommodated at a 100ft dock, and have slips for 20 vessels in a 67-acre yacht basin excavated in the existing salt pond, as well as roads across the island.
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on the project was completed by Turrell, Hall and Associates Inc in March, and passed on to the BNT for further input.
But until The Tribune published details of the plans last week, not a word had been mentioned in the public domain.
The developer had paid for the EIA, the Ministry selected the marine and environmental consultants to do it, and the Trust to contribute to the discussion.
All of the correct protocols were in place and the procedures were duly followed, so processes could tick along smoothly, and the developers could quietly move in.
The public were not asked for their opinion because frankly what they think is irrelevant when Bell Island belongs to the Aga Khan, and it is his right to "renovate" it, just as other owners of private islands also have the right to enhance their personal pieces of the country -- including those in the area of the park.
Even the BNT has little say in the matter, according to a statement released by the board last week.
However, it is precisely this top-down approach that raises questions about the possibility for corruption in our planning and development process.
Especially when a billionaire such as the Aga Khan is in a position to woo a Minister in his AB139, and donate $1 million to the BNT. No one is suggesting that this is what happened in this case, but still the perception is there.
Dr Deveaux said: "I do not think a helicopter ride could buy me and I don't think it could alter my opinion."
But his defence asserts one of two things: either it would take more than one helicopter ride to buy him, or he cannot be corrupted.
I am inclined to believe the latter, which is why I think he was dignified in tendering his resignation, which the Prime Minister refused.
But a less noble man in his position surely would not have done the same.
As the Minister himself asserted, he is quite accustomed to travelling in the planes, boats and automobiles of wealthy developers, and being wined and dined at their expense, but he does not let this affect his judgment of planning applications.
He asserted he had travelled to Ginn Sur Mer's Old Bahama Bay development on the Ginn's boat, and saw Baker's Bay from the developer's jet, as I noted how all of the developments he listed in his argument have been approved.
Whether or not he is corruptible, he is vulnerable to speculation of corruption, and that is reason enough for a major change to be introduced and introduced now.
PLP MP Fred Mitchell suggested Cabinet ministers and government departments are provided with their own fleet of air and watercraft to transport them to far-flung sites across the islands on time, avoiding safety issues, or perceived cosiness with developers.
However, Freeport attorney Fred Smith, QC, advocates a change of the law.
He has been pushing for an Environmental Protection Act, and a Freedom of Information Act, to establish an independent Environmental Protection Agency that would facilitate EIAs, provide access to planning applications, and ensure there is full and proper public consultation over all plans submitted to the Ministry.
Such a system would protect everyone's best interests as residents, businesses, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and all other interested parties would be involved in the debate long before the diggers break ground.
As the lawyer representing Responsible Development for Abaco (RDA) in the request for a Judicial Review seeking to stop work at the $105 million Wilson City power plant, Mr Smith showed how BEC had gone ahead with clearing land, paving roads and building the power plant before they even had all the necessary building permits in place.
Although Supreme Court Justice Hartman Longley dismissed the Abaconian's request on Thursday, he at least acknowledged they had genuine reason for complaint.
The public was not aware of the power plant plans until work started, and when BEC finally agreed to hold a public meeting on the matter it served little purpose other than a place for hundreds of angry Abaconians to vent their anger over being so left out of the critical development of their island.
In that case, as with almost every other, communities were disregarded in the planning process from the beginning, as plans received or conceived of by government departments are assessed and approved from the top down, leaving the people demoralised and devoid of power.
A modified Local Government Act and Environmental Protection Act would allow communities to plan developments five, 10 or 20 years in the future, and create a sustainable model that benefits everyone.
Town councils would have more power to draw up bye-laws for their unique communities, impose local taxes to fund local projects and represent the community in national discussions about the development of their island.
"That's what's called decentralisation and democracy," Mr Smith said.
"And in our geographically fractured nation devolution of power is so necessary.
"It will help the Bahamas develop its marine and land resources in a sustainable manner.
"Because it may be that the people in Exuma have some idea about whether the Aga Khan should be able to proceed."
But when it comes to development in the Bahamas, "the rule of the people" defined by democracy is far from the process of granting planning approval.
We leave such matters in the hands of Ministers and wealthy developers, and when projects are approved, we are only left to speculate over what really happened.
"The current construct lends itself to conflicts, not necessarily intentional or intended, but it just does," said Mr Smith.
"And that's why I have been promoting a more transparent and accountable process, an objective process, which protects the Trust, protects the Minister, and protects the government agencies from the kind of criticism that can be made against them in this case."
Sharing the power of choice in a transparent planning process, which welcomes public consultation, would eradicate that speculation not only in principle, but also in practice.
Planning meetings were the bread and butter of the local newspaper I worked at in East London, England, as development plans ricocheted through the communities causing a stir for all who live and work nearby.
Residents and business owners were invited to view plans for around six weeks before they came to the local government council planning committee where they were debated in a lively public meeting that often continued until the early hours of the morning as everyone was invited to have their say.
Each interested person was invited to speak for three minutes about why a Victorian family home should not be converted into flats, why there should not be another generic block of flats built on what little green land they had left, or why the next door neighbour should not be allowed to extend their home into their own back garden or onto a third floor.
And as the plans were considered from all angles, when they were finally rejected or approved, those in protest at least felt they had been heard.
Development affects everybody, and it is a contentious issue in any community, but even more so in land-starved areas such as London, or ecologically precious areas in the sought after islands of the Bahamas.
Some areas need to be preserved for their environmental benefits, as in the national parks, and some need to be developed to create jobs and keep the economy afloat.
But there is only so much land to share; and in a democratic society, the people should really at least appear to have a say in what gets done.
"If we had an Environmental Protection Act and a Freedom of Information Act, we would at least have a measure of comfort that people can't sneak in the back door and start depleting our resources," Mr Smith said.
"I remain sceptical of private developers approaching the government quietly and the government and Cabinet quietly approving in principle or signing Heads of Agreement or making other non-disclosed arrangements with private developers before the public becomes aware of it.
"This is a continued recipe for disaster.
"This is what caused all of the controversy in Baker's Bay, Bimini and all other places in the Bahamas, including the Ginn project in Grand Bahama.
"I am also told there are several projects planned for East End that lies deep within the bosoms of the Cabinet and none of the citizens of Grand Bahama have any idea of what is being planned for our island communities
"If the Environmental Protection Agency could be isolated from political influence by the Cabinet or ruling party, you would have some kind of check and balance from the kind of incestuous inflection which exists when private developers make their clandestine approaches to government for approval in principle, because once approved in principle, then every government agency simply has to rubber stamp whatever is made.
"You don't just do an EIA to rubber stamp a project.
"Because the developers, like a cancer, are going to eat up every pleasant and unique environment that we have unless we manage it.
"And the only way to manage it is for all vested interests to be a part of considering what's happening."
The change would mean it is not just the Minister and his staff deciding whether the Aga Khan can put a development in the national park, and the issue of him flying around in his helicopter would not arise, because he would not be in that position.
There would instead be independent environmental and planning agencies, not beholden to the executive, making the decisions.
And if such agencies are not established in a new legislative framework soon, the Bahama islands and the resources we all share will gradually disappear in a method that is beyond our control, as those who can afford it break off pieces of our finite islands for themselves and leave the Bahamian people with fractured fragments of their country and no explanation about what happened, and where it all went.
September 20, 2010
tribune242 Insight
By MEGAN REYNOLDS
Tribune Staff Reporter
tribune242 Insight:
mreynolds@tribunemedia.net:
Environment Minister Earl Deveaux emerged from the Aga Khan's helicopter in Marsh Harbour, Abaco, to attend a Friends of the Environment event with the exhilarated grin of an excited schoolboy.
Having taken up Karim Aga Khan IV's offer to travel in the 12-seater AB-139 instead of chartering a flight, Dr Deveaux, his wife, and two friends, were able to ride in the lap of luxury at their convenience, and the Minister would not be late for a land assessment of Bell Island in Exuma the next day.
But as the Aga Khan is the owner of Bell Island who put the development plans in Dr Deveaux's lap, the childlike excitement on the Minister's face, and the front page of The Tribune last week, masked a darker reality.
The extension of such generosity by this enigmatic Persian prince exposed both himself and the Minister to ridicule and speculation over the process of planning applications and approvals.
And when the development is in an area as sensitive area as the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, it is bound to stir the kind of public debate that hit the airwaves last week.
The 176 square mile park is a jewel of the Bahamas and the world as the oldest protected area of its kind, established in 1958, and a flourishing no-take marine reserve guarded by the Bahamas National Trust (BNT).
The Aga Khan bought the island north of Conch Cut and 17 miles north of Black Point last year and has plans to dredge 8.8 acres of sand from the seabed so he can pull into a newly carved marina on his 150ft yacht.
He also wants the supply barge to be accommodated at a 100ft dock, and have slips for 20 vessels in a 67-acre yacht basin excavated in the existing salt pond, as well as roads across the island.
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on the project was completed by Turrell, Hall and Associates Inc in March, and passed on to the BNT for further input.
But until The Tribune published details of the plans last week, not a word had been mentioned in the public domain.
The developer had paid for the EIA, the Ministry selected the marine and environmental consultants to do it, and the Trust to contribute to the discussion.
All of the correct protocols were in place and the procedures were duly followed, so processes could tick along smoothly, and the developers could quietly move in.
The public were not asked for their opinion because frankly what they think is irrelevant when Bell Island belongs to the Aga Khan, and it is his right to "renovate" it, just as other owners of private islands also have the right to enhance their personal pieces of the country -- including those in the area of the park.
Even the BNT has little say in the matter, according to a statement released by the board last week.
However, it is precisely this top-down approach that raises questions about the possibility for corruption in our planning and development process.
Especially when a billionaire such as the Aga Khan is in a position to woo a Minister in his AB139, and donate $1 million to the BNT. No one is suggesting that this is what happened in this case, but still the perception is there.
Dr Deveaux said: "I do not think a helicopter ride could buy me and I don't think it could alter my opinion."
But his defence asserts one of two things: either it would take more than one helicopter ride to buy him, or he cannot be corrupted.
I am inclined to believe the latter, which is why I think he was dignified in tendering his resignation, which the Prime Minister refused.
But a less noble man in his position surely would not have done the same.
As the Minister himself asserted, he is quite accustomed to travelling in the planes, boats and automobiles of wealthy developers, and being wined and dined at their expense, but he does not let this affect his judgment of planning applications.
He asserted he had travelled to Ginn Sur Mer's Old Bahama Bay development on the Ginn's boat, and saw Baker's Bay from the developer's jet, as I noted how all of the developments he listed in his argument have been approved.
Whether or not he is corruptible, he is vulnerable to speculation of corruption, and that is reason enough for a major change to be introduced and introduced now.
PLP MP Fred Mitchell suggested Cabinet ministers and government departments are provided with their own fleet of air and watercraft to transport them to far-flung sites across the islands on time, avoiding safety issues, or perceived cosiness with developers.
However, Freeport attorney Fred Smith, QC, advocates a change of the law.
He has been pushing for an Environmental Protection Act, and a Freedom of Information Act, to establish an independent Environmental Protection Agency that would facilitate EIAs, provide access to planning applications, and ensure there is full and proper public consultation over all plans submitted to the Ministry.
Such a system would protect everyone's best interests as residents, businesses, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and all other interested parties would be involved in the debate long before the diggers break ground.
As the lawyer representing Responsible Development for Abaco (RDA) in the request for a Judicial Review seeking to stop work at the $105 million Wilson City power plant, Mr Smith showed how BEC had gone ahead with clearing land, paving roads and building the power plant before they even had all the necessary building permits in place.
Although Supreme Court Justice Hartman Longley dismissed the Abaconian's request on Thursday, he at least acknowledged they had genuine reason for complaint.
The public was not aware of the power plant plans until work started, and when BEC finally agreed to hold a public meeting on the matter it served little purpose other than a place for hundreds of angry Abaconians to vent their anger over being so left out of the critical development of their island.
In that case, as with almost every other, communities were disregarded in the planning process from the beginning, as plans received or conceived of by government departments are assessed and approved from the top down, leaving the people demoralised and devoid of power.
A modified Local Government Act and Environmental Protection Act would allow communities to plan developments five, 10 or 20 years in the future, and create a sustainable model that benefits everyone.
Town councils would have more power to draw up bye-laws for their unique communities, impose local taxes to fund local projects and represent the community in national discussions about the development of their island.
"That's what's called decentralisation and democracy," Mr Smith said.
"And in our geographically fractured nation devolution of power is so necessary.
"It will help the Bahamas develop its marine and land resources in a sustainable manner.
"Because it may be that the people in Exuma have some idea about whether the Aga Khan should be able to proceed."
But when it comes to development in the Bahamas, "the rule of the people" defined by democracy is far from the process of granting planning approval.
We leave such matters in the hands of Ministers and wealthy developers, and when projects are approved, we are only left to speculate over what really happened.
"The current construct lends itself to conflicts, not necessarily intentional or intended, but it just does," said Mr Smith.
"And that's why I have been promoting a more transparent and accountable process, an objective process, which protects the Trust, protects the Minister, and protects the government agencies from the kind of criticism that can be made against them in this case."
Sharing the power of choice in a transparent planning process, which welcomes public consultation, would eradicate that speculation not only in principle, but also in practice.
Planning meetings were the bread and butter of the local newspaper I worked at in East London, England, as development plans ricocheted through the communities causing a stir for all who live and work nearby.
Residents and business owners were invited to view plans for around six weeks before they came to the local government council planning committee where they were debated in a lively public meeting that often continued until the early hours of the morning as everyone was invited to have their say.
Each interested person was invited to speak for three minutes about why a Victorian family home should not be converted into flats, why there should not be another generic block of flats built on what little green land they had left, or why the next door neighbour should not be allowed to extend their home into their own back garden or onto a third floor.
And as the plans were considered from all angles, when they were finally rejected or approved, those in protest at least felt they had been heard.
Development affects everybody, and it is a contentious issue in any community, but even more so in land-starved areas such as London, or ecologically precious areas in the sought after islands of the Bahamas.
Some areas need to be preserved for their environmental benefits, as in the national parks, and some need to be developed to create jobs and keep the economy afloat.
But there is only so much land to share; and in a democratic society, the people should really at least appear to have a say in what gets done.
"If we had an Environmental Protection Act and a Freedom of Information Act, we would at least have a measure of comfort that people can't sneak in the back door and start depleting our resources," Mr Smith said.
"I remain sceptical of private developers approaching the government quietly and the government and Cabinet quietly approving in principle or signing Heads of Agreement or making other non-disclosed arrangements with private developers before the public becomes aware of it.
"This is a continued recipe for disaster.
"This is what caused all of the controversy in Baker's Bay, Bimini and all other places in the Bahamas, including the Ginn project in Grand Bahama.
"I am also told there are several projects planned for East End that lies deep within the bosoms of the Cabinet and none of the citizens of Grand Bahama have any idea of what is being planned for our island communities
"If the Environmental Protection Agency could be isolated from political influence by the Cabinet or ruling party, you would have some kind of check and balance from the kind of incestuous inflection which exists when private developers make their clandestine approaches to government for approval in principle, because once approved in principle, then every government agency simply has to rubber stamp whatever is made.
"You don't just do an EIA to rubber stamp a project.
"Because the developers, like a cancer, are going to eat up every pleasant and unique environment that we have unless we manage it.
"And the only way to manage it is for all vested interests to be a part of considering what's happening."
The change would mean it is not just the Minister and his staff deciding whether the Aga Khan can put a development in the national park, and the issue of him flying around in his helicopter would not arise, because he would not be in that position.
There would instead be independent environmental and planning agencies, not beholden to the executive, making the decisions.
And if such agencies are not established in a new legislative framework soon, the Bahama islands and the resources we all share will gradually disappear in a method that is beyond our control, as those who can afford it break off pieces of our finite islands for themselves and leave the Bahamian people with fractured fragments of their country and no explanation about what happened, and where it all went.
September 20, 2010
tribune242 Insight
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Environment Minister Earl Deveaux and Prince Karim Aga Khan lV's helicopter
The Cabinet Minister and the Prince's helicopter
tribune242 editorial
THE PLP never cease to amuse us.
Knowing the party's own free-ride history, we were surprised members would have the temerity to venture into the debate on whether Environment Minister Earl Deveaux should have accepted Prince Karim Aga Khan lV's helicopter to fly him to a meeting with the Bahamas National Trust at the prince's Bell Island development.
The prince's proposal to develop his private island, located within the environmentally sensitive Exuma Land and Sea Park, is now before the cabinet. In the public eye the reason for the flight made Mr Deveaux's helicopter ride precarious.
There were those who believed that Mr Deveaux's acceptance of the prince's hospitality was a conflict of interest.
Of course, the PLP quoted Prime Minister Ingraham's "standards of conduct for ministers of government", which was prompted by Mr Ingraham's alarm on becoming prime minister to find the extent to which the free-wheeling practices of some ministers and civil servants during former prime minister Perry Christie's administration had been honed to a fine art.
"Ministers must avoid accepting any gift or hospitality, which might appear to compromise their judgment or place them under an improper obligation," said a PLP press release quoting from the Ingraham code of conduct.
On the face of it, it would appear that Mr Deveaux had committed an unfortunate indiscretion.
However, Mr Christie also had codes of conduct for his ministers, which were more honoured in their breach.
One only has to speak with Bobby Ginn, the Grand Bahama developer, who at that time had applications before cabinet and/or various government departments, to find out how many times his private aircraft was made available to members of the PLP administration.
It was Mr Ginn's plane that flew Mr Christie to the Cleveland Clinic when he had his medical emergency. Mr Manuel Dias is another one who should be able to recall how many times he accommodated a PLP minister in his private aircraft, as for Mr Gerado Capo of the Bimini Bay development, he should also have many stories to tell of how he routinely had ministers, civil servants and even board members flown back and forth in his private aircraft when his controversial Bimini development was being discussed.
"As a matter of fact," commented someone from the Christie era, "investors flying around PLP ministers and civil servants had reached an alarming level." So alarming, in fact, that when Mr Ingraham became prime minister and saw what was happening, he had to apply the brakes.
However, as another person recalled, the use of private planes by Ministers and other MPs has a long history in the Bahamas -- not all of it with ulterior motives. It was just the accepted practice that if the developer wanted a minister to see what he was doing, he often sent his plane for him, offered him lunch and flew him home.
And now to Minister Deveaux. The Friends of the Environment had invited Mr Deveaux to Hope Town for an early morning premier of a documentary on the "Lionfish Invasion." However, Mr Deveaux had to be back in Nassau that morning to catch an Executive Flight support aircraft to get him to his Bell Island appointment in the Exumas. There was no way that he could fly to Abaco, see the documentary, and get back to Nassau in time to meet the Bahamas National Trust members and Ministry staff to make the scheduled flight to Bell Island. This is where Prince Karim stepped in. The Prince offered his helicopter to fly Mr Deveaux to Marsh Harbour, then back to Nassau to pick up the waiting team, and on to Bell Island. It seemed a practical solution, and Mr Deveaux accepted the hospitality.
Someone who perceived conflict of interest in this arrangement called The Tribune. The next morning a photograph appeared on The Tribune's front page showing Mr Deveaux leaving the Prince's helicopter. Mr Deveaux knew exactly what this meant. Being the man of honour that he is, he did what we expected. He went straight to the Prime Minister's office and offered his resignation.
And the Prime Minister also did what we expected under the circumstances. Recognising that there was no way that a helicopter ride could influence his hard working Minister's decision, or buy his integrity, he refused to accept the resignation.
But, of course, there is that public perception. The cabinet now has to sit down and rethink the rules, so that the public will not have an opportunity in the future to have a set of circumstances occur from which it can draw the wrong conclusions.
September 17, 2010
tribune242 editorial
tribune242 editorial
THE PLP never cease to amuse us.
Knowing the party's own free-ride history, we were surprised members would have the temerity to venture into the debate on whether Environment Minister Earl Deveaux should have accepted Prince Karim Aga Khan lV's helicopter to fly him to a meeting with the Bahamas National Trust at the prince's Bell Island development.
The prince's proposal to develop his private island, located within the environmentally sensitive Exuma Land and Sea Park, is now before the cabinet. In the public eye the reason for the flight made Mr Deveaux's helicopter ride precarious.
There were those who believed that Mr Deveaux's acceptance of the prince's hospitality was a conflict of interest.
Of course, the PLP quoted Prime Minister Ingraham's "standards of conduct for ministers of government", which was prompted by Mr Ingraham's alarm on becoming prime minister to find the extent to which the free-wheeling practices of some ministers and civil servants during former prime minister Perry Christie's administration had been honed to a fine art.
"Ministers must avoid accepting any gift or hospitality, which might appear to compromise their judgment or place them under an improper obligation," said a PLP press release quoting from the Ingraham code of conduct.
On the face of it, it would appear that Mr Deveaux had committed an unfortunate indiscretion.
However, Mr Christie also had codes of conduct for his ministers, which were more honoured in their breach.
One only has to speak with Bobby Ginn, the Grand Bahama developer, who at that time had applications before cabinet and/or various government departments, to find out how many times his private aircraft was made available to members of the PLP administration.
It was Mr Ginn's plane that flew Mr Christie to the Cleveland Clinic when he had his medical emergency. Mr Manuel Dias is another one who should be able to recall how many times he accommodated a PLP minister in his private aircraft, as for Mr Gerado Capo of the Bimini Bay development, he should also have many stories to tell of how he routinely had ministers, civil servants and even board members flown back and forth in his private aircraft when his controversial Bimini development was being discussed.
"As a matter of fact," commented someone from the Christie era, "investors flying around PLP ministers and civil servants had reached an alarming level." So alarming, in fact, that when Mr Ingraham became prime minister and saw what was happening, he had to apply the brakes.
However, as another person recalled, the use of private planes by Ministers and other MPs has a long history in the Bahamas -- not all of it with ulterior motives. It was just the accepted practice that if the developer wanted a minister to see what he was doing, he often sent his plane for him, offered him lunch and flew him home.
And now to Minister Deveaux. The Friends of the Environment had invited Mr Deveaux to Hope Town for an early morning premier of a documentary on the "Lionfish Invasion." However, Mr Deveaux had to be back in Nassau that morning to catch an Executive Flight support aircraft to get him to his Bell Island appointment in the Exumas. There was no way that he could fly to Abaco, see the documentary, and get back to Nassau in time to meet the Bahamas National Trust members and Ministry staff to make the scheduled flight to Bell Island. This is where Prince Karim stepped in. The Prince offered his helicopter to fly Mr Deveaux to Marsh Harbour, then back to Nassau to pick up the waiting team, and on to Bell Island. It seemed a practical solution, and Mr Deveaux accepted the hospitality.
Someone who perceived conflict of interest in this arrangement called The Tribune. The next morning a photograph appeared on The Tribune's front page showing Mr Deveaux leaving the Prince's helicopter. Mr Deveaux knew exactly what this meant. Being the man of honour that he is, he did what we expected. He went straight to the Prime Minister's office and offered his resignation.
And the Prime Minister also did what we expected under the circumstances. Recognising that there was no way that a helicopter ride could influence his hard working Minister's decision, or buy his integrity, he refused to accept the resignation.
But, of course, there is that public perception. The cabinet now has to sit down and rethink the rules, so that the public will not have an opportunity in the future to have a set of circumstances occur from which it can draw the wrong conclusions.
September 17, 2010
tribune242 editorial
Friday, September 17, 2010
Earl Deveaux - Environment Minister - Guilty of Self-incrimination!
By Dennis Dames:
Did the Environment Minister actually resigned, or did he offered his resignation to the prime minister – in light of revelations that he had accepted a free ride in the Aga Khan's helicopter while he had an application before his Ministry?
There is a distinct difference between a resignation, and offering to do the same; so what exactly did the minister do? If the minister was genuine about quitting over the much talked about and legitimate issue – then he would have done the honorable thing; and no one could have changed his mind - in my opinion.
The story got even more embarrassing: Dr Deveaux admitted he accepted a free ride in the Aga Khan's 12-seater luxury helicopter to attend a film screening in Abaco with his wife and two friends before going on to the Aga Khan's private island in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park with Bahamas National Trust (BNT) executives to do a land assessment.
How foolish could a government minister be? This is a clear case of conflict of interest that deserves a complete public explanation without further insult on the minister’s behalf.
According to newspaper reports: When Ms Roker's co-host interjected: "So you tendered your resignation?"
"Absolutely," Dr Deveaux said.
How dishonest could Dr. Earl Deveaux be?
Well, if the answer is “absolutely” – then how is it that the environment minister Deveaux is still the environment minister Deveaux?
The answer is clear for all to see; there was NO RESIGNATION!
To add insult to injury, the minister stated further in the press - the following: Dr Deveaux said: "This is not a matter where a minister was compromised in any decision he was making, or in any action he did, and if it is, then every government elected by the Bahamian people should summarily resign, because you find me one that did not use the boat, the plane, the golf cart, or the means to do their job."
Minister Deveaux incriminated himself by the following in my view: Recalling the meals he has shared with investors, and a boat trip when his offer to pay for gas was turned down, Dr Deveaux said the notion these actions compromise his ability to function objectively as Minister of the Environment is "ridiculous".
He maintains he frequently travels in planes and boats belonging to developers, including a plane to see the Ginn project in West End, Grand Bahama, and a boat belonging to the developers of Baker's Bay in Abaco, as he said such means are often necessary for viewing development sites.
To put the icing on the minister’s cake of insult, the following was attributed to him: And Dr Deveaux said the actions he takes are transparent and acceptable by reasonable people.
I imagined that reasonable people are all of us who accept the old saying: The more things change, the more they remain the same.
God help us all.
Bahamas Blog International
Did the Environment Minister actually resigned, or did he offered his resignation to the prime minister – in light of revelations that he had accepted a free ride in the Aga Khan's helicopter while he had an application before his Ministry?
There is a distinct difference between a resignation, and offering to do the same; so what exactly did the minister do? If the minister was genuine about quitting over the much talked about and legitimate issue – then he would have done the honorable thing; and no one could have changed his mind - in my opinion.
The story got even more embarrassing: Dr Deveaux admitted he accepted a free ride in the Aga Khan's 12-seater luxury helicopter to attend a film screening in Abaco with his wife and two friends before going on to the Aga Khan's private island in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park with Bahamas National Trust (BNT) executives to do a land assessment.
How foolish could a government minister be? This is a clear case of conflict of interest that deserves a complete public explanation without further insult on the minister’s behalf.
According to newspaper reports: When Ms Roker's co-host interjected: "So you tendered your resignation?"
"Absolutely," Dr Deveaux said.
How dishonest could Dr. Earl Deveaux be?
Well, if the answer is “absolutely” – then how is it that the environment minister Deveaux is still the environment minister Deveaux?
The answer is clear for all to see; there was NO RESIGNATION!
To add insult to injury, the minister stated further in the press - the following: Dr Deveaux said: "This is not a matter where a minister was compromised in any decision he was making, or in any action he did, and if it is, then every government elected by the Bahamian people should summarily resign, because you find me one that did not use the boat, the plane, the golf cart, or the means to do their job."
Minister Deveaux incriminated himself by the following in my view: Recalling the meals he has shared with investors, and a boat trip when his offer to pay for gas was turned down, Dr Deveaux said the notion these actions compromise his ability to function objectively as Minister of the Environment is "ridiculous".
He maintains he frequently travels in planes and boats belonging to developers, including a plane to see the Ginn project in West End, Grand Bahama, and a boat belonging to the developers of Baker's Bay in Abaco, as he said such means are often necessary for viewing development sites.
To put the icing on the minister’s cake of insult, the following was attributed to him: And Dr Deveaux said the actions he takes are transparent and acceptable by reasonable people.
I imagined that reasonable people are all of us who accept the old saying: The more things change, the more they remain the same.
God help us all.
Bahamas Blog International
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Earl Deveaux - Environment Minister - Resignation Sought Over Billionaire Islamic Leader - The Aga Khan Matter
Calls made for Earl Deveaux to resign
By MEGAN REYNOLDS
Tribune Staff Reporter
mreynolds@tribunemedia.net:
CALLS were made yesterday for the resignation of Environment Minister Earl Deveaux over plans to develop Bell Island in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park.
Dr Deveaux said he was minded to approve plans submitted by Island of Discovery Limited, understood to be billionaire Islamic leader the Aga Khan. He also admitted accepting a free ride in the Aga Khan's helicopter to attend a film screening in Abaco before going on to Bell Island with BNT executives the next day.
However, former PLP MP Philip Smith said: "Does this sound familiar to anyone else?
"In late 2006, Shane Gibson, quite correctly, resigned from Cabinet in a similar matter involving a permanent residency permit for an American entertainer.
"Maybe when he tenders his resignation from Cabinet, Dr Deveaux will also tell the Bahamian public how much it will take to buy him since he claims he does not 'think a helicopter ride could buy' him.
"I look forward to reading the resignation statement; or failing this, the letter of dismissal from the Prime Minister."
Plans to dredge and excavate at least 8.8 acres of marine sand flats, rock and vegetation for two channels, 12ft and 14ft deep, a barge landing and 20 slip yacht basin, as well as roads across the 349-acre island, have been passed on to the BNT for their input, Dr Deveaux said.
But after they were revealed in The Tribune yesterday, conservationists opposed to any development in the park expressed further concerns over allegations the BNT accepted a $1 million donation from the Aga Khan last year.
Sam Duncombe, from conservation group reEarth, said: "By allowing development in the park, they are destroying the natural beauty, the ecological diversity and history associated with being the first marine park started in the world.
"Does a million dollars negate this critically important focus?
"If this is the case, the BNT hierarchy should resign immediately followed closely by the Minister for the Environment, because it's painfully clear that they have abandoned their directives."
BNT executive director Eric Carey refused to comment on whether the Trust accepted a donation from the Aga Khan, nor would he state the Trust's position on the Bell Island development despite being the usual spokesman for the Trust.
"This isn't an environmental issue anymore," Mr Carey said.
"It's getting too political.
"This requires input from the board so I will let the president know that a statement is expected and he will meet with his colleagues on the board to address all of the concerns that have been raised."
He said BNT president Neil McKinney is expected to return to Nassau next week.
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) conducted by Florida consultants Turrel, Hall and Associates Ltd concluded the development would not have a significant environmental impact and the planning applications state "no negative environmental impacts expected".
But in an area where fishermen are arrested for taking anything within the 112.6 acre park, the possibility of approving plans to dredge and excavate in a zone that has been protected since 1958 has astounded former Exuma MP and PLP Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries George Smith.
He said: "We will arrest a Bahamian from Black Point who passes through the cays and catches a few fish, but we're going to let a man come in, because he's Mr So-and-so, and do dredging to 15ft?
"If it was John Brown from Long Island I think it would be a different story.
"I cannot envision that we would want to see that in the park, where after the dredging, the silt will settle on reefs and on shoals in an area that has not been disrupted from the day it was made a park."
September 15, 2010
tribune242
By MEGAN REYNOLDS
Tribune Staff Reporter
mreynolds@tribunemedia.net:
CALLS were made yesterday for the resignation of Environment Minister Earl Deveaux over plans to develop Bell Island in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park.
Dr Deveaux said he was minded to approve plans submitted by Island of Discovery Limited, understood to be billionaire Islamic leader the Aga Khan. He also admitted accepting a free ride in the Aga Khan's helicopter to attend a film screening in Abaco before going on to Bell Island with BNT executives the next day.
However, former PLP MP Philip Smith said: "Does this sound familiar to anyone else?
"In late 2006, Shane Gibson, quite correctly, resigned from Cabinet in a similar matter involving a permanent residency permit for an American entertainer.
"Maybe when he tenders his resignation from Cabinet, Dr Deveaux will also tell the Bahamian public how much it will take to buy him since he claims he does not 'think a helicopter ride could buy' him.
"I look forward to reading the resignation statement; or failing this, the letter of dismissal from the Prime Minister."
Plans to dredge and excavate at least 8.8 acres of marine sand flats, rock and vegetation for two channels, 12ft and 14ft deep, a barge landing and 20 slip yacht basin, as well as roads across the 349-acre island, have been passed on to the BNT for their input, Dr Deveaux said.
But after they were revealed in The Tribune yesterday, conservationists opposed to any development in the park expressed further concerns over allegations the BNT accepted a $1 million donation from the Aga Khan last year.
Sam Duncombe, from conservation group reEarth, said: "By allowing development in the park, they are destroying the natural beauty, the ecological diversity and history associated with being the first marine park started in the world.
"Does a million dollars negate this critically important focus?
"If this is the case, the BNT hierarchy should resign immediately followed closely by the Minister for the Environment, because it's painfully clear that they have abandoned their directives."
BNT executive director Eric Carey refused to comment on whether the Trust accepted a donation from the Aga Khan, nor would he state the Trust's position on the Bell Island development despite being the usual spokesman for the Trust.
"This isn't an environmental issue anymore," Mr Carey said.
"It's getting too political.
"This requires input from the board so I will let the president know that a statement is expected and he will meet with his colleagues on the board to address all of the concerns that have been raised."
He said BNT president Neil McKinney is expected to return to Nassau next week.
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) conducted by Florida consultants Turrel, Hall and Associates Ltd concluded the development would not have a significant environmental impact and the planning applications state "no negative environmental impacts expected".
But in an area where fishermen are arrested for taking anything within the 112.6 acre park, the possibility of approving plans to dredge and excavate in a zone that has been protected since 1958 has astounded former Exuma MP and PLP Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries George Smith.
He said: "We will arrest a Bahamian from Black Point who passes through the cays and catches a few fish, but we're going to let a man come in, because he's Mr So-and-so, and do dredging to 15ft?
"If it was John Brown from Long Island I think it would be a different story.
"I cannot envision that we would want to see that in the park, where after the dredging, the silt will settle on reefs and on shoals in an area that has not been disrupted from the day it was made a park."
September 15, 2010
tribune242
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Bahamas Government has suspended the consideration process for all oil exploration and drilling applications...
Govt suspends consideration process for oil exploration
By TANEKA THOMPSON
Tribune Staff Reporter
tthompson@tribunemedia.net:
GOVERNMENT has suspended the consideration process for all oil exploration and drilling applications until the country has stringent environmental protocols in place to mitigate against a catastrophic oil well leak.
According to Environment Minister Earl Deveaux, the new stipulation comes in response to British Petroleum's (BP) devastating oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico - which threatened fragile marine ecosystems and fishing industries - and the large volume of oil exploration applications inundating the government.
"The Ministry of the Environment has suspended consideration of all applications for oil exploration and drillings in the waters of the Bahamas. The ministry seeks, by this decision, to maintain and safeguard an unpolluted marine environment for the Bahamas notwithstanding the potential financial benefits of oil explorations," said a statement released by Dr Deveaux yesterday.
The release added that all existing licenses will be reviewed to ascertain any legal entitlement for renewal.
"We are not seeking to interfere with any existing licenses and the people who have licenses know of the policy. The recent events showed us that (a) oil if it is to be found, will likely be in the marine environment and (b) we want to maintain an unpolluted environment.
"And so before we explore for oil we want to have the most stringent environmental protocols in place," said Mr Deveaux when asked to clarify this point yesterday.
BPC Ltd recently partnered with Norwegian oil heavyweight Statoil to search for oil in some 2.5 million acres in Cay Sal Bank and hold five licenses for oil exploration. The government has not issued any licenses for oil drilling in Bahamian waters.
Environment Permanent Secretary Ronald Thompson said that while the ministry has yet to draft the necessary safety protocols, government will frame its future policies around existing ones from other countries.
"We haven't drafted any but there are ones that are in existence in other places where oil is currently being harvested or explored. We will in short order review all of those and come up with what we think will be the best (policies) for the Bahamas," said Mr Thompson.
Deepwater Horizon's oil rig exploded on April 20, killing 11 workers, and leaking an estimated 4.9 million barrels of oil from BP's underwater well.
Yesterday's statement said that calamity underscored the need for precautions.
"Given recent events involving oil exploration and the efforts to prevent pollution, this prudent safeguard is essential to preserving the most vital natural resource of the Bahamas - its environment," said the statement.
Speaking to The Tribune, Mr Deveaux said more stringent protocols could have prevented BP's disaster. "Everything we learned about BP suggests that there were a few mishaps that could have been avoided," he said.
In May, Dr Deveaux said it would be "impractical and unreasonable" for the Bahamas to shy away from oil exploration or drilling as a consequence of the environmentally devastating oil leak off the coast of the US state of Louisiana.
"The world is not going to shy away from oil because of this accident. This is not the first or the last," he said at the time.
He also said earlier that proper management of resources would be vital to any oil discovery in Bahamian waters.
August 31, 2010
tribune242
By TANEKA THOMPSON
Tribune Staff Reporter
tthompson@tribunemedia.net:
GOVERNMENT has suspended the consideration process for all oil exploration and drilling applications until the country has stringent environmental protocols in place to mitigate against a catastrophic oil well leak.
According to Environment Minister Earl Deveaux, the new stipulation comes in response to British Petroleum's (BP) devastating oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico - which threatened fragile marine ecosystems and fishing industries - and the large volume of oil exploration applications inundating the government.
"The Ministry of the Environment has suspended consideration of all applications for oil exploration and drillings in the waters of the Bahamas. The ministry seeks, by this decision, to maintain and safeguard an unpolluted marine environment for the Bahamas notwithstanding the potential financial benefits of oil explorations," said a statement released by Dr Deveaux yesterday.
The release added that all existing licenses will be reviewed to ascertain any legal entitlement for renewal.
"We are not seeking to interfere with any existing licenses and the people who have licenses know of the policy. The recent events showed us that (a) oil if it is to be found, will likely be in the marine environment and (b) we want to maintain an unpolluted environment.
"And so before we explore for oil we want to have the most stringent environmental protocols in place," said Mr Deveaux when asked to clarify this point yesterday.
BPC Ltd recently partnered with Norwegian oil heavyweight Statoil to search for oil in some 2.5 million acres in Cay Sal Bank and hold five licenses for oil exploration. The government has not issued any licenses for oil drilling in Bahamian waters.
Environment Permanent Secretary Ronald Thompson said that while the ministry has yet to draft the necessary safety protocols, government will frame its future policies around existing ones from other countries.
"We haven't drafted any but there are ones that are in existence in other places where oil is currently being harvested or explored. We will in short order review all of those and come up with what we think will be the best (policies) for the Bahamas," said Mr Thompson.
Deepwater Horizon's oil rig exploded on April 20, killing 11 workers, and leaking an estimated 4.9 million barrels of oil from BP's underwater well.
Yesterday's statement said that calamity underscored the need for precautions.
"Given recent events involving oil exploration and the efforts to prevent pollution, this prudent safeguard is essential to preserving the most vital natural resource of the Bahamas - its environment," said the statement.
Speaking to The Tribune, Mr Deveaux said more stringent protocols could have prevented BP's disaster. "Everything we learned about BP suggests that there were a few mishaps that could have been avoided," he said.
In May, Dr Deveaux said it would be "impractical and unreasonable" for the Bahamas to shy away from oil exploration or drilling as a consequence of the environmentally devastating oil leak off the coast of the US state of Louisiana.
"The world is not going to shy away from oil because of this accident. This is not the first or the last," he said at the time.
He also said earlier that proper management of resources would be vital to any oil discovery in Bahamian waters.
August 31, 2010
tribune242
Monday, August 16, 2010
Nygard Cay is not licensed as a commercial property says Environment Minister Earl Deveaux
Earl Deveaux: Nygard Cay is not licensed as commercial property
By NOELLE NICOLLS
Tribune Staff Reporter
nnicolls@tribunemedia.net:
NYGARD Cay, the private home of Canadian fashion designer Peter Nygard, is advertised as a "private luxury resort" with no hotel licence, according to government officials
Nygard Cay, sometimes referred to as Nygard Cay Resort, "is not licensed as a commercial property," said Environment Minister Earl Deveaux.
"My involvement and knowledge has to do with enforcement with every instance. We have always asked them to abide by the Physical Planning Bill, the Conservation of the Physical Landscape of the Bahamas Act, where they are required to get permits to dredge. Most of the dredging, except on one instance, has been unauthorised," said Mr Deveaux.
"Nygard has relentlessly acquired more land from its original boundaries. Compulsory demolition is an option. I think that process is unfolding. All of the government's options will be reviewed by the Attorney General's office," he said.
Documents obtained by The Tribune indicate Mr Nygard acquired his property in 1984 for about $1.7 million. The 3.25 acres was registered as a single-family residential property, according to Tribune sources.
Eric Gibson, property manager at Nygard Cay, confirmed that Nygard Cay has a "private residence permit and has always and is continuing to operating under residency permit."
He said, Nygard Cay has no hotel licence, because the facility is "not in fact a hotel and (we) have never purported to be one", and that "Nygard Cay is not conducting commercial activities."
Today, the Nygard Cay website advertises the property as a "private luxury resort" and a "unique private residence" with the facilities of a resort, which include: "replicas of Mayan temples, private tennis and volleyball courts, beaches, pool, disco club, state-of-the-art home theatre, and 20+ themed cabanas for (Mr Nygard), his family and many celebrity guests who wish to get away for a serene sabbatical."
A website promoting unusual villa and island rentals states: "For only $42,000 in 2008 your group of celebrities, executives, sports moguls or any person celebrating a birthday, anniversary, seminar, wedding, or vacation can have a trip of a lifetime. Special 4-hour dinners are available for $300 per additional person above 20 people. Special daily rentals in 2008 are $42,000 per day for the first 20 people and each additional person for a full day event will be $500."
Several websites on the Internet contain similar information about rental facilities and rates.
Mr Gibson said these "promotional websites" are not Nygard Cay sanctioned websites.
"In fact we have long time ago demanded for them to take it down, but we believe they have ceased business many years ago," he said.
Vincent Vanderpool Wallace, Minister of Tourism and Aviation (MOT), said the government does not promote Nygard Cay, because "it is not a licensed property." For the same reason he said, Nygard Cay receives none of the benefits of the Hotel Encouragement Act, such as being promoted by the tourism promotions board in the MOT. He also said he would be "surprised" if Nygard Cay had a restaurant licence or a night club licence.
Nygard Cay is known for its "extravagant parties." An exclusive group of Bahamians frequent the property on Sundays for the popular "pamper party," according to a former visitor. For years, Nygard Cay has played host to New Year's Eve parties for "A-List" celebrities.
"Anyone can wake up tomorrow and decide they are going to sell their property to people they wish to have visit and pay.
"People have bed and breakfast homes, villas, houses that they lease every day on the Internet. That is a global phenomena. You won't find it being promoted by or assisted by the Ministry because it is not a licensed property," said Mr Vanderpool Wallace.
Some websites advertise a five per cent Bahamas tax along with the per day rental fee for Nygard Cay. A Nygard Cay spokespersons said this information is contained on websites not sanctioned by Nygard Cay.
A Tribune source in the Ministry of Tourism said Nygard Cay does not pay a hotel room tax to the government.
It could "very well be a loophole" in the system, why Nygard Cay is able to promote itself as a "resort", when in fact it is not licensed as a hotel, said the source.
Since last year, under the amended Hotel Act, owner occupied rental homes are regulated by the government. In order to rent a private home to a "transient guest in the capacity as an operator of a hotel", an application has to be made for status as an "owner occupied rental home," said the Tribune source.
The legislation is up for review by the Bahamas Investment Authority, and not all of the regulations apply to owner occupied rental homes; however, at this time they are required to pay a hotel guest tax, as are all hotels, said the source.
Private homes owned by foreigners are governed by a tax structure determined by the Ministry of Finance and the Investment Authority. The permit issued states whether the property is residential, commercial, owner occupied or regulated by some other category.
"Those zoned commercial are given permits with the right to rent and conduct commercial activity. Those that are zoned residential have to convert to owner occupied to rent their property. Anyone renting their property must pay hotel guest tax," said the source at the MOT.
"If they wish to have owner occupied status then they have to go to the Authority, then the Ministry of Finance to determine their tax status and then to the hotel license department. Only those that have received finance approval based on their tax status can be registered."
Mr Vanderpool Wallace said the Bahamas government has always had a "higher concern," so the "resort" status of Nygard Cay has not been on the front burner. He said the "underlying problem" is the status of the use of the land, where Mr Nygard operates his facility.
The government has accused Mr Nygard of "unauthorised" expansion of his property over the seabed.
There is an investigation under way.
August 16, 2010
tribune242
By NOELLE NICOLLS
Tribune Staff Reporter
nnicolls@tribunemedia.net:
NYGARD Cay, the private home of Canadian fashion designer Peter Nygard, is advertised as a "private luxury resort" with no hotel licence, according to government officials
Nygard Cay, sometimes referred to as Nygard Cay Resort, "is not licensed as a commercial property," said Environment Minister Earl Deveaux.
"My involvement and knowledge has to do with enforcement with every instance. We have always asked them to abide by the Physical Planning Bill, the Conservation of the Physical Landscape of the Bahamas Act, where they are required to get permits to dredge. Most of the dredging, except on one instance, has been unauthorised," said Mr Deveaux.
"Nygard has relentlessly acquired more land from its original boundaries. Compulsory demolition is an option. I think that process is unfolding. All of the government's options will be reviewed by the Attorney General's office," he said.
Documents obtained by The Tribune indicate Mr Nygard acquired his property in 1984 for about $1.7 million. The 3.25 acres was registered as a single-family residential property, according to Tribune sources.
Eric Gibson, property manager at Nygard Cay, confirmed that Nygard Cay has a "private residence permit and has always and is continuing to operating under residency permit."
He said, Nygard Cay has no hotel licence, because the facility is "not in fact a hotel and (we) have never purported to be one", and that "Nygard Cay is not conducting commercial activities."
Today, the Nygard Cay website advertises the property as a "private luxury resort" and a "unique private residence" with the facilities of a resort, which include: "replicas of Mayan temples, private tennis and volleyball courts, beaches, pool, disco club, state-of-the-art home theatre, and 20+ themed cabanas for (Mr Nygard), his family and many celebrity guests who wish to get away for a serene sabbatical."
A website promoting unusual villa and island rentals states: "For only $42,000 in 2008 your group of celebrities, executives, sports moguls or any person celebrating a birthday, anniversary, seminar, wedding, or vacation can have a trip of a lifetime. Special 4-hour dinners are available for $300 per additional person above 20 people. Special daily rentals in 2008 are $42,000 per day for the first 20 people and each additional person for a full day event will be $500."
Several websites on the Internet contain similar information about rental facilities and rates.
Mr Gibson said these "promotional websites" are not Nygard Cay sanctioned websites.
"In fact we have long time ago demanded for them to take it down, but we believe they have ceased business many years ago," he said.
Vincent Vanderpool Wallace, Minister of Tourism and Aviation (MOT), said the government does not promote Nygard Cay, because "it is not a licensed property." For the same reason he said, Nygard Cay receives none of the benefits of the Hotel Encouragement Act, such as being promoted by the tourism promotions board in the MOT. He also said he would be "surprised" if Nygard Cay had a restaurant licence or a night club licence.
Nygard Cay is known for its "extravagant parties." An exclusive group of Bahamians frequent the property on Sundays for the popular "pamper party," according to a former visitor. For years, Nygard Cay has played host to New Year's Eve parties for "A-List" celebrities.
"Anyone can wake up tomorrow and decide they are going to sell their property to people they wish to have visit and pay.
"People have bed and breakfast homes, villas, houses that they lease every day on the Internet. That is a global phenomena. You won't find it being promoted by or assisted by the Ministry because it is not a licensed property," said Mr Vanderpool Wallace.
Some websites advertise a five per cent Bahamas tax along with the per day rental fee for Nygard Cay. A Nygard Cay spokespersons said this information is contained on websites not sanctioned by Nygard Cay.
A Tribune source in the Ministry of Tourism said Nygard Cay does not pay a hotel room tax to the government.
It could "very well be a loophole" in the system, why Nygard Cay is able to promote itself as a "resort", when in fact it is not licensed as a hotel, said the source.
Since last year, under the amended Hotel Act, owner occupied rental homes are regulated by the government. In order to rent a private home to a "transient guest in the capacity as an operator of a hotel", an application has to be made for status as an "owner occupied rental home," said the Tribune source.
The legislation is up for review by the Bahamas Investment Authority, and not all of the regulations apply to owner occupied rental homes; however, at this time they are required to pay a hotel guest tax, as are all hotels, said the source.
Private homes owned by foreigners are governed by a tax structure determined by the Ministry of Finance and the Investment Authority. The permit issued states whether the property is residential, commercial, owner occupied or regulated by some other category.
"Those zoned commercial are given permits with the right to rent and conduct commercial activity. Those that are zoned residential have to convert to owner occupied to rent their property. Anyone renting their property must pay hotel guest tax," said the source at the MOT.
"If they wish to have owner occupied status then they have to go to the Authority, then the Ministry of Finance to determine their tax status and then to the hotel license department. Only those that have received finance approval based on their tax status can be registered."
Mr Vanderpool Wallace said the Bahamas government has always had a "higher concern," so the "resort" status of Nygard Cay has not been on the front burner. He said the "underlying problem" is the status of the use of the land, where Mr Nygard operates his facility.
The government has accused Mr Nygard of "unauthorised" expansion of his property over the seabed.
There is an investigation under way.
August 16, 2010
tribune242
Friday, July 23, 2010
How Is Your Member of Parliament Performing: Earl Deveaux - Marathon MP Gets Mixed Reviews
Is Your MP Performing "Marathon MP Gets Mixed Reviews"
BY KENDENO N. P. KNOWLES:
A Free National Movement (FNM) MP is receiving mixed reviews from some of his constituents. While some praised him for his work in the constituency, others who are not so happy, say he needs to do a lot more.
The Bahama Journal canvassed the Marathon constituency yesterday to get feedback from constituents on Dr. Earl Deveaux’s performance.
The first set of people to weigh in on Dr. Deveaux’s performance, said they were not at all pleased with the MP’s efforts.
While they did not have many complaints, the general consensus among residents was that Dr. Deveaux has not been very visible in the area.
They also claimed that there had been little to no improvement in the constituency.
"There have not been any major improvements in this area. I have not even met the MP for this area since I’ve been living here," said Alpheus Bevans, who has lived in the constituency for three years.
Carolmae Pratt echoed similar sentiments. In fact, she didn’t mince words when assessing her MP’s performance.
"I haven’t seen him in this constituency and it has almost been three years since the last election. I only see him on TV. I am waiting until the next election campaign for him and his team to come to my door step. When they come to my house I will tell them that I don’t want to have anything to do with them," Ms. Pratt said.
"When Ron Pinder was the MP for this area, I saw him with my own eyes on the garbage truck helping to collect garbage and to beautify the area."
Another resident who spoke with the Bahama Journal on the condition of anonymity said she is disheartened by the fact that the MP who promised so much to the constituency "failed to deliver."
She said she is a Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) supporter, but voted for Mr. Deveaux in the last election.
She said she now questions whether she made the right decision.
"I believe in giving everyone a chance and that is just what I did with Dr. Deveaux. He has put some pavements in place but that’s all I have seen happening here. Additionally, I don’t even know him that well because he doesn’t even come around to the constituency. I think he needs to come out of the House of Assembly and speak with his constituents," she said.
But, while those constituents were not too happy with Dr. Deveaux’s performance, there were a whole lot more constituents who were more than pleased with his work.
In fact, other residents credited the MP for a beautification programme that has been in place for some time now.
The Journal later visited the Regency Park and Danottage Estates area, which is separated by a few blocks.
Residents there credited Dr. Deveaux for improved roadworks, sidewalks, new water pipelines and a host of other upgrades.
"He repaved the roads, put down new water lines and some other things he’s done are commendable. I think he is doing what is necessary," said Charles Fisher, a Regency Park resident.
"I have been living here for about 11 years now and I think he is best one I have seen for a long time. He makes sure that the streets are cleaned almost every day. The streets were actually just cleaned on Wednesday morning," Jesus Uriz said in support of Dr. Deveaux’s work.
Lloyd Dorsett, a resident of Danottage Estates, said he hopes to see more of Dr. Deveaux. However, he said the MP’s work in the constituency speaks for itself.
"I haven’t seen him for a while, but he seems to be having things in order around here. Everything has been kept tidy and that speaks to Dr. Deveaux’s work in the area," he said.
"I haven’t seen him regularly, but he’s been working. He came around and tried to get the place cleaned up and I think that’s commendable," said Cleveland Knowles.
"He has performed admirably over the last three years and I will definitely support him in the next general election."
And while the country’s next general election is just two years away, those that didn’t think the MP was performing admirably said they would wait to see what the MP will do in that time.
The constituents who said they were pleased with the way Dr. Deveaux has kept the area say they will be sure to re-elect him in 2012.
July 22nd, 2010
jonesbahamas
BY KENDENO N. P. KNOWLES:
A Free National Movement (FNM) MP is receiving mixed reviews from some of his constituents. While some praised him for his work in the constituency, others who are not so happy, say he needs to do a lot more.
The Bahama Journal canvassed the Marathon constituency yesterday to get feedback from constituents on Dr. Earl Deveaux’s performance.
The first set of people to weigh in on Dr. Deveaux’s performance, said they were not at all pleased with the MP’s efforts.
While they did not have many complaints, the general consensus among residents was that Dr. Deveaux has not been very visible in the area.
They also claimed that there had been little to no improvement in the constituency.
"There have not been any major improvements in this area. I have not even met the MP for this area since I’ve been living here," said Alpheus Bevans, who has lived in the constituency for three years.
Carolmae Pratt echoed similar sentiments. In fact, she didn’t mince words when assessing her MP’s performance.
"I haven’t seen him in this constituency and it has almost been three years since the last election. I only see him on TV. I am waiting until the next election campaign for him and his team to come to my door step. When they come to my house I will tell them that I don’t want to have anything to do with them," Ms. Pratt said.
"When Ron Pinder was the MP for this area, I saw him with my own eyes on the garbage truck helping to collect garbage and to beautify the area."
Another resident who spoke with the Bahama Journal on the condition of anonymity said she is disheartened by the fact that the MP who promised so much to the constituency "failed to deliver."
She said she is a Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) supporter, but voted for Mr. Deveaux in the last election.
She said she now questions whether she made the right decision.
"I believe in giving everyone a chance and that is just what I did with Dr. Deveaux. He has put some pavements in place but that’s all I have seen happening here. Additionally, I don’t even know him that well because he doesn’t even come around to the constituency. I think he needs to come out of the House of Assembly and speak with his constituents," she said.
But, while those constituents were not too happy with Dr. Deveaux’s performance, there were a whole lot more constituents who were more than pleased with his work.
In fact, other residents credited the MP for a beautification programme that has been in place for some time now.
The Journal later visited the Regency Park and Danottage Estates area, which is separated by a few blocks.
Residents there credited Dr. Deveaux for improved roadworks, sidewalks, new water pipelines and a host of other upgrades.
"He repaved the roads, put down new water lines and some other things he’s done are commendable. I think he is doing what is necessary," said Charles Fisher, a Regency Park resident.
"I have been living here for about 11 years now and I think he is best one I have seen for a long time. He makes sure that the streets are cleaned almost every day. The streets were actually just cleaned on Wednesday morning," Jesus Uriz said in support of Dr. Deveaux’s work.
Lloyd Dorsett, a resident of Danottage Estates, said he hopes to see more of Dr. Deveaux. However, he said the MP’s work in the constituency speaks for itself.
"I haven’t seen him for a while, but he seems to be having things in order around here. Everything has been kept tidy and that speaks to Dr. Deveaux’s work in the area," he said.
"I haven’t seen him regularly, but he’s been working. He came around and tried to get the place cleaned up and I think that’s commendable," said Cleveland Knowles.
"He has performed admirably over the last three years and I will definitely support him in the next general election."
And while the country’s next general election is just two years away, those that didn’t think the MP was performing admirably said they would wait to see what the MP will do in that time.
The constituents who said they were pleased with the way Dr. Deveaux has kept the area say they will be sure to re-elect him in 2012.
July 22nd, 2010
jonesbahamas
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Bahamas government will seek compensation from British Petroleum (BP) for all the pre-assessment, monitoring and any post oil spill clean-up costs
Bahamas govt confirms it will seek compensation from BP
By KARIN HERIG
Tribune Staff Reporter
kherig@tribunemedia.net:
THE Bahamas government has officially confirmed that it will be seeking compensation from British Petroleum (BP) following the disastrous oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico which could affect the Bahamas' shores.
Environment Minister Dr Earl Deveaux told The Tribune that his government will be seeking compensation for "all the pre-assessment, monitoring and any post spill clean-up."
This comes after a report released by the United States' National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimated that Cay Sal Bank and the Bimini Cays are 41 to 60 per cent likely to have shoreline impact from the spill for years to come.
The northwest coast of Grand Bahama, the report said, is 20 per cent likely to be affected, and Andros is less than one per cent likely to be affected.
In an interview earlier this month, Bahamas National Trust (BNT) Eric Carey had said he wants BP to foot the bill in advance.
And while NOAA has concluded that the oil spill most likely will not harm marine life in the Bahamas, Mr Carey said it is still unknown how the dispersants from the spill will affect the country's ecosystem.
The money the government will now be requesting from BP is expected to assist scientific testing and expeditions to monitor the situation.
The next expedition should set sail in about a week and Mr Carey said he hopes BP will cover the costs.
The oil company told the Associated Press on Sunday that the overall cost of dealing with the spill is now at $3.5 billion.
Some $165 million of that sum were paid to settle individual claims. So far, BP has received over 100,000 claims for compensation and made more than 50,000 payments.
It is unknown at this time how much money the Bahamas will be requesting from BP, nor is it clear when or if the oil company will pay out in this instance.
Meanwhile, as BP yesterday removed the containment cap currently in place over the blown-out oil well to replace it with a tighter fitting one, the Obama administration has issued a new offshore drilling ban after a previous moratorium order was overturned.
BP has stated that it believes this second cap will possibly stop the oil from gushing into the Gulf of Mexico.
The company said some oil will still leak out, but the tighter cap will enable them to capture it and funnel it up to the surface where collection ships await.
According to latest estimates, somewhere between 89 million and 179 million gallons of oil have spilled from BP's Deepwater Horizon rig 5,000ft below the ocean surface since an explosion on April 20 killed 11 people.
July 13, 2010
tribune242
By KARIN HERIG
Tribune Staff Reporter
kherig@tribunemedia.net:
THE Bahamas government has officially confirmed that it will be seeking compensation from British Petroleum (BP) following the disastrous oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico which could affect the Bahamas' shores.
Environment Minister Dr Earl Deveaux told The Tribune that his government will be seeking compensation for "all the pre-assessment, monitoring and any post spill clean-up."
This comes after a report released by the United States' National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimated that Cay Sal Bank and the Bimini Cays are 41 to 60 per cent likely to have shoreline impact from the spill for years to come.
The northwest coast of Grand Bahama, the report said, is 20 per cent likely to be affected, and Andros is less than one per cent likely to be affected.
In an interview earlier this month, Bahamas National Trust (BNT) Eric Carey had said he wants BP to foot the bill in advance.
And while NOAA has concluded that the oil spill most likely will not harm marine life in the Bahamas, Mr Carey said it is still unknown how the dispersants from the spill will affect the country's ecosystem.
The money the government will now be requesting from BP is expected to assist scientific testing and expeditions to monitor the situation.
The next expedition should set sail in about a week and Mr Carey said he hopes BP will cover the costs.
The oil company told the Associated Press on Sunday that the overall cost of dealing with the spill is now at $3.5 billion.
Some $165 million of that sum were paid to settle individual claims. So far, BP has received over 100,000 claims for compensation and made more than 50,000 payments.
It is unknown at this time how much money the Bahamas will be requesting from BP, nor is it clear when or if the oil company will pay out in this instance.
Meanwhile, as BP yesterday removed the containment cap currently in place over the blown-out oil well to replace it with a tighter fitting one, the Obama administration has issued a new offshore drilling ban after a previous moratorium order was overturned.
BP has stated that it believes this second cap will possibly stop the oil from gushing into the Gulf of Mexico.
The company said some oil will still leak out, but the tighter cap will enable them to capture it and funnel it up to the surface where collection ships await.
According to latest estimates, somewhere between 89 million and 179 million gallons of oil have spilled from BP's Deepwater Horizon rig 5,000ft below the ocean surface since an explosion on April 20 killed 11 people.
July 13, 2010
tribune242
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Bahamas National Oil Spill Committee is set to present its disaster management plan...
Oil disaster management plan to be presented
By MEGAN REYNOLDS
Tribune Staff Reporter
mreynolds@tribunemedia.net:
THE National Oil Spill Committee is set to present its disaster management plan today as it was revealed that "favourable winds are the only thing preventing the Gulf of Mexico spill from reaching the Bahamas.
As the committee prepares to confront the world's worst offshore oil disaster, weather predictions suggest the current prevailing wind direction will protect the Bahamas until Tuesday, however a change in wind pattern is expected to move the oil towards the western Bahamas.
A detailed national strategy devised with two International Maritime Organisation (IMO) experts will be presented to committee chairman, Captain Patrick O'Neil and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) director Captain Stephen Russell today and passed on to Environment Minister Earl Deveaux.
The multi-agency committee will also meet with the IMO and the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) today as Florida braced for an oil sheen containing thousands of tar balls, heavy globs of decayed oil, to reach the white sand beaches of Pensacola on the west coast.
However, southern winds predicted over the next five days will keep surface oil in the Gulf and west of Florida, Department of Meteorology chief climatological officer Michael Stubbs said.
"The winds are providing a protective barrier in the meantime," he told The Tribune.
"But the news now indicates the oil has entered the loop current, which feeds directly into the Gulf Stream and that moves towards our western shores.
"Ultimately, that is our concern, that it could end up in the Gulf Stream.
"However right now there is no need to panic, at least until Tuesday next week."
If the wind changes direction and spreads to the Florida Keys it will take about a week to then reach the Bahamas, National Oil Spill Committee spokesman Eric Carey said.
"We feel confident that the weather patterns are still in our favour," he said.
"Most of the currents are pushing it on shore of the Gulf and keeping it away from the Bahamas.
"But if it gets into the Florida Keys it would be an indication that it would be here in a week or so, and whatever gets to Florida and the Keys, we will probably get the same type of material."
Oil slicks are not expected but tar balls could drift towards the western coastlines, Mr Carey said.
As it will not be possible to install a 600-mile long boom to protect the Bahamas' western shoreline, the national strategy will involve booming key areas and cleaning up affected rocky shores.
Mr Carey said: "If we can boom off beaches we will have to clean up other areas like rocky shores as much as we can."
Meanwhile scientists are collecting evidence of tar-free shorelines, and having completed field work in Cay Sal Bank, the westernmost point of the Bahamas 145km west of Andros, they will move on to Bimini and other western coastlines to document baseline samples from sediment and fish.
Leading marine ecologist Dr Ethan Freid and marine biologist Kathleen Sealy will start training of more than 20 volunteers from Andros, Exuma, Abaco and Grand Bahama at the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) base in Coral Harbour on Monday.
The volunteers will then return home and train others to help them collect samples from the islands.
Mr Carey said: "If in the future the Bahamas is going to claim to some international litigation process, that the Gulf oil disaster is responsible for effects we see on tourism, fisheries resources, blue holes or other water resources, then we will have to prove that these people were properly trained.
"And as this oil event continues in the Gulf we need to have very credible samples."
Samples will be kept in a US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certified laboratory so they may be presented as evidence in court if the government decides to seek compensation for the clean-up costs and destruction from the spill.
The United States Justice Department announced on Tuesday it has launched criminal and civil probes into the spill.
Attempts to plug the well with mud failed over the weekend and subsequent efforts to cut off the fractured pipe and seal it hit a snag when a saw became stuck in a thick pipe on the sea bed on Tuesday, prompting a sharp decline in BP's shares on the stock market.
It is now estimated the oil could remain uncapped for two months or more as BP is drilling two relief wells to permanently plug the leak, but they are not expected to be completed until August.
The impact of the spill could be worsened by the impact of a cyclone, storm or hurricane in the Gulf this season which could hamper efforts to plug the spill and spread the oil.
Deep waters surrounding Cay Sal Bank, Abaco and Bimini are among the most important fishing grounds in the Bahamas and the extensive creek system on the west coast of Andros is largely protected by a national park boundary which the Nature Conservancy is hoping to extend with funding donated by Disney through the release of the child-friendly documentary "Oceans."
BP estimates the disaster has so far cost the company approximately $990 million in clean-up costs since BP's Deepwater Horizon rig exploded on April 20 killing 11 workers and collapsing into the Gulf of Mexico.
June 03, 2010
tribune242
By MEGAN REYNOLDS
Tribune Staff Reporter
mreynolds@tribunemedia.net:
THE National Oil Spill Committee is set to present its disaster management plan today as it was revealed that "favourable winds are the only thing preventing the Gulf of Mexico spill from reaching the Bahamas.
As the committee prepares to confront the world's worst offshore oil disaster, weather predictions suggest the current prevailing wind direction will protect the Bahamas until Tuesday, however a change in wind pattern is expected to move the oil towards the western Bahamas.
A detailed national strategy devised with two International Maritime Organisation (IMO) experts will be presented to committee chairman, Captain Patrick O'Neil and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) director Captain Stephen Russell today and passed on to Environment Minister Earl Deveaux.
The multi-agency committee will also meet with the IMO and the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) today as Florida braced for an oil sheen containing thousands of tar balls, heavy globs of decayed oil, to reach the white sand beaches of Pensacola on the west coast.
However, southern winds predicted over the next five days will keep surface oil in the Gulf and west of Florida, Department of Meteorology chief climatological officer Michael Stubbs said.
"The winds are providing a protective barrier in the meantime," he told The Tribune.
"But the news now indicates the oil has entered the loop current, which feeds directly into the Gulf Stream and that moves towards our western shores.
"Ultimately, that is our concern, that it could end up in the Gulf Stream.
"However right now there is no need to panic, at least until Tuesday next week."
If the wind changes direction and spreads to the Florida Keys it will take about a week to then reach the Bahamas, National Oil Spill Committee spokesman Eric Carey said.
"We feel confident that the weather patterns are still in our favour," he said.
"Most of the currents are pushing it on shore of the Gulf and keeping it away from the Bahamas.
"But if it gets into the Florida Keys it would be an indication that it would be here in a week or so, and whatever gets to Florida and the Keys, we will probably get the same type of material."
Oil slicks are not expected but tar balls could drift towards the western coastlines, Mr Carey said.
As it will not be possible to install a 600-mile long boom to protect the Bahamas' western shoreline, the national strategy will involve booming key areas and cleaning up affected rocky shores.
Mr Carey said: "If we can boom off beaches we will have to clean up other areas like rocky shores as much as we can."
Meanwhile scientists are collecting evidence of tar-free shorelines, and having completed field work in Cay Sal Bank, the westernmost point of the Bahamas 145km west of Andros, they will move on to Bimini and other western coastlines to document baseline samples from sediment and fish.
Leading marine ecologist Dr Ethan Freid and marine biologist Kathleen Sealy will start training of more than 20 volunteers from Andros, Exuma, Abaco and Grand Bahama at the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) base in Coral Harbour on Monday.
The volunteers will then return home and train others to help them collect samples from the islands.
Mr Carey said: "If in the future the Bahamas is going to claim to some international litigation process, that the Gulf oil disaster is responsible for effects we see on tourism, fisheries resources, blue holes or other water resources, then we will have to prove that these people were properly trained.
"And as this oil event continues in the Gulf we need to have very credible samples."
Samples will be kept in a US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certified laboratory so they may be presented as evidence in court if the government decides to seek compensation for the clean-up costs and destruction from the spill.
The United States Justice Department announced on Tuesday it has launched criminal and civil probes into the spill.
Attempts to plug the well with mud failed over the weekend and subsequent efforts to cut off the fractured pipe and seal it hit a snag when a saw became stuck in a thick pipe on the sea bed on Tuesday, prompting a sharp decline in BP's shares on the stock market.
It is now estimated the oil could remain uncapped for two months or more as BP is drilling two relief wells to permanently plug the leak, but they are not expected to be completed until August.
The impact of the spill could be worsened by the impact of a cyclone, storm or hurricane in the Gulf this season which could hamper efforts to plug the spill and spread the oil.
Deep waters surrounding Cay Sal Bank, Abaco and Bimini are among the most important fishing grounds in the Bahamas and the extensive creek system on the west coast of Andros is largely protected by a national park boundary which the Nature Conservancy is hoping to extend with funding donated by Disney through the release of the child-friendly documentary "Oceans."
BP estimates the disaster has so far cost the company approximately $990 million in clean-up costs since BP's Deepwater Horizon rig exploded on April 20 killing 11 workers and collapsing into the Gulf of Mexico.
June 03, 2010
tribune242
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
There is a "very, very high possibility" that oil will be found in Bahamian territory as a result of exploration currently underway
'Very high possibility' oil will be found in Bahamian territory
By ALISON LOWE
Tribune Staff Reporter
alowe@tribunemedia.net:
THERE is a "very, very high possibility" that oil will be found in Bahamian territory as a result of exploration currently underway, Environment Minister Earl Deveaux has said.
Meanwhile, the environment minister stated that the catastrophic consequences of the recent Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico will "directly affect (The Bahamas government's) approach" to how it manages any oil or gas resources that are discovered.
"We would have the top experts in the world advising us and would certainly look for the best in class to ensure our oversight of any oil exploration or drilling in The Bahamas is done with the highest safeguards," said Dr Deveaux.
He said his understanding about the likelihood of oil being found in Bahamian territory, where a number of companies currently hold licenses for such activity, is based on conversations he has had with persons involved in the industry, who have to come to his Ministry to seek permission to go ahead with exploration in The Bahamas, and from findings in neighbouring countries like Cuba.
Dr Deveaux said it would be "impractical and unreasonable" to say that the Bahamas would shy away from oil exploration or drilling as a consequence of the potentially environmentally-devastating oil spill that officials are currently seeking to contain off the coast of the US state of Louisiana.
"The world is not going to shy away from oil because of this accident. This is not the first or the last," he added.
While such comments may not be news to the ears of environmentally-conscious Bahamians who would fear the impact of an oil spill in Bahamian waters, other comments from the US Coast Guard official overseeing the Gulf of Mexico oil spill may be.
Commandant Admiral Thad Allen yesterday told the US-based CBS news show "Face the Nation" that there is at present a "very, very low probability" that the oil slick released from the Deepwater Horizon spill will travel around the Florida coast and affect the east coast of the United States.
Fears had been raised that if the slick were to come in contact with the "loop current" - a warm ocean current that moves clockwise through the Caribbean Basin to the Gulf of Mexico and then the Florida Straits - Bahamian waters and islands could be affected.
While the situation remains relatively unpredictable, Commandant Admiral Allen told the Sunday morning news show that the loop current "is significantly south of the southern edge of the spill right now."
"I think it is a very, very low probability it will be impacted," Allen added, noting that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is studying the issue. "It does not appear to be a threat right now," he said.
At present it is estimated that 5,000 barrels or 210,000 gallons of oil are being emitted from the site of the Deepwater Horizon oil well, following the explosion and subsequent collapse of the oil rig there, which is licensed to British energy company, British Petroleum.
Efforts to stymie the flow of the oil were setback over the weekend after plans to drop a 98 ton "containment dome" over the oil leak and siphon oil to the surface did not go as planned.
The placement of the dome was postponed after engineers noticed a build-up of crystallised gas inside the chamber.
Commandant Admiral Allen stated that officials are now considering using a "junk shot" to stem the flow of oil.
This would involve shooting a mix of debris - including shredded tyres and golf balls - into the well at high pressure to clog it.
Meanwhile, crews have begun to drill a relief well into which oil from the original well could be channelled, but this is estimated to take between one and a half to three months.
May 10, 2010
tribune242
By ALISON LOWE
Tribune Staff Reporter
alowe@tribunemedia.net:
THERE is a "very, very high possibility" that oil will be found in Bahamian territory as a result of exploration currently underway, Environment Minister Earl Deveaux has said.
Meanwhile, the environment minister stated that the catastrophic consequences of the recent Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico will "directly affect (The Bahamas government's) approach" to how it manages any oil or gas resources that are discovered.
"We would have the top experts in the world advising us and would certainly look for the best in class to ensure our oversight of any oil exploration or drilling in The Bahamas is done with the highest safeguards," said Dr Deveaux.
He said his understanding about the likelihood of oil being found in Bahamian territory, where a number of companies currently hold licenses for such activity, is based on conversations he has had with persons involved in the industry, who have to come to his Ministry to seek permission to go ahead with exploration in The Bahamas, and from findings in neighbouring countries like Cuba.
Dr Deveaux said it would be "impractical and unreasonable" to say that the Bahamas would shy away from oil exploration or drilling as a consequence of the potentially environmentally-devastating oil spill that officials are currently seeking to contain off the coast of the US state of Louisiana.
"The world is not going to shy away from oil because of this accident. This is not the first or the last," he added.
While such comments may not be news to the ears of environmentally-conscious Bahamians who would fear the impact of an oil spill in Bahamian waters, other comments from the US Coast Guard official overseeing the Gulf of Mexico oil spill may be.
Commandant Admiral Thad Allen yesterday told the US-based CBS news show "Face the Nation" that there is at present a "very, very low probability" that the oil slick released from the Deepwater Horizon spill will travel around the Florida coast and affect the east coast of the United States.
Fears had been raised that if the slick were to come in contact with the "loop current" - a warm ocean current that moves clockwise through the Caribbean Basin to the Gulf of Mexico and then the Florida Straits - Bahamian waters and islands could be affected.
While the situation remains relatively unpredictable, Commandant Admiral Allen told the Sunday morning news show that the loop current "is significantly south of the southern edge of the spill right now."
"I think it is a very, very low probability it will be impacted," Allen added, noting that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is studying the issue. "It does not appear to be a threat right now," he said.
At present it is estimated that 5,000 barrels or 210,000 gallons of oil are being emitted from the site of the Deepwater Horizon oil well, following the explosion and subsequent collapse of the oil rig there, which is licensed to British energy company, British Petroleum.
Efforts to stymie the flow of the oil were setback over the weekend after plans to drop a 98 ton "containment dome" over the oil leak and siphon oil to the surface did not go as planned.
The placement of the dome was postponed after engineers noticed a build-up of crystallised gas inside the chamber.
Commandant Admiral Allen stated that officials are now considering using a "junk shot" to stem the flow of oil.
This would involve shooting a mix of debris - including shredded tyres and golf balls - into the well at high pressure to clog it.
Meanwhile, crews have begun to drill a relief well into which oil from the original well could be channelled, but this is estimated to take between one and a half to three months.
May 10, 2010
tribune242
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Bahamas Government considers strong action to adequately address the disposal of carbon-polluting items such as motor vehicles, tires and appliances
Environmental levy would be beneficial, minister says
By JIMENITA SWAIN ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ jimenita@nasguard.com:
The government is serious about taking strong action to adequately address the disposal of carbon-polluting items such as motor vehicles, tires and appliances, Minister of the Environment Dr. Earl Deveaux said yesterday.
The pledge to impose environmental levies was made recently in the Speech from the Throne.
Under the proposal, a $150 levy would be tacked on for an imported vehicle less than three years old and $200 for a vehicle over three years old. Fifteen dollars would be attached to washing machines; $15 to dryers; $10 to televisions and $10 to mattresses, among other items.
"At this point the levy will go into a special account and that will help defray the cost of eventual disposal whether it be to export it, to recycle it or to compress it or compact it," Deveaux said.
"You will have a dedicated stream of funding that would enable you to dispose of this thing that eventually needs to be disposed of."
A major concern at this point in New Providence is maintaining the landfill to make use of the 50-year life cycle, he said.
He added that the landfill should be managed in a way so that there could be income generated from recyclable material, which in essence would extend the life of the landfill.
The aim is to convert the waste to useful energy, Deveaux explained.
He noted that in 2003 the government approved a tipping fee at the solid waste facilities.
"That tipping fee was imposed on all solid waste coming into the New Providence facility and when that tipping fee was approved in the regulations, the schedule actually had attached to it another set of items that would attract an environmental levy," Deveaux explained.
Those items included, washers, dryers, refrigerators, microwaves, vehicles, all type of tires from cars, trucks, and motorcycles, the minister said.
"There is a schedule attached to each of them that indicates a cost for disposal. The idea is that when these items are imported into the country, brand new or used, attached to the cost of importing would be a levy that would be used to dispose of them when they are eventually disposed of," he said.
There are any number of derelict vehicles around New Providence and unless the market is good, he said the cars simply litter the landscape.
"When the fire broke out at the [derelict vehicle facility] a few months ago there were 400,000 tires there. Unless we have a means of converting them to energy of some sort or recycling them in some way, they harbor mosquitos, rodents and are a real issue to the public health," Deveaux said.
"...When somebody's refrigerator, washer, dryer, or any appliance reaches its useful life, many of them end up in the back of yards, many of them end up in the forests, some of them that are collected end up at the dump."
April 27, 2010
thenassauguardian
By JIMENITA SWAIN ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ jimenita@nasguard.com:
The government is serious about taking strong action to adequately address the disposal of carbon-polluting items such as motor vehicles, tires and appliances, Minister of the Environment Dr. Earl Deveaux said yesterday.
The pledge to impose environmental levies was made recently in the Speech from the Throne.
Under the proposal, a $150 levy would be tacked on for an imported vehicle less than three years old and $200 for a vehicle over three years old. Fifteen dollars would be attached to washing machines; $15 to dryers; $10 to televisions and $10 to mattresses, among other items.
"At this point the levy will go into a special account and that will help defray the cost of eventual disposal whether it be to export it, to recycle it or to compress it or compact it," Deveaux said.
"You will have a dedicated stream of funding that would enable you to dispose of this thing that eventually needs to be disposed of."
A major concern at this point in New Providence is maintaining the landfill to make use of the 50-year life cycle, he said.
He added that the landfill should be managed in a way so that there could be income generated from recyclable material, which in essence would extend the life of the landfill.
The aim is to convert the waste to useful energy, Deveaux explained.
He noted that in 2003 the government approved a tipping fee at the solid waste facilities.
"That tipping fee was imposed on all solid waste coming into the New Providence facility and when that tipping fee was approved in the regulations, the schedule actually had attached to it another set of items that would attract an environmental levy," Deveaux explained.
Those items included, washers, dryers, refrigerators, microwaves, vehicles, all type of tires from cars, trucks, and motorcycles, the minister said.
"There is a schedule attached to each of them that indicates a cost for disposal. The idea is that when these items are imported into the country, brand new or used, attached to the cost of importing would be a levy that would be used to dispose of them when they are eventually disposed of," he said.
There are any number of derelict vehicles around New Providence and unless the market is good, he said the cars simply litter the landscape.
"When the fire broke out at the [derelict vehicle facility] a few months ago there were 400,000 tires there. Unless we have a means of converting them to energy of some sort or recycling them in some way, they harbor mosquitos, rodents and are a real issue to the public health," Deveaux said.
"...When somebody's refrigerator, washer, dryer, or any appliance reaches its useful life, many of them end up in the back of yards, many of them end up in the forests, some of them that are collected end up at the dump."
April 27, 2010
thenassauguardian
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Bradley Roberts - Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) chairman raises National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) concerns after Grand Bahama tornado
By MEGAN REYNOLDS
Tribune Staff Reporter
mreynolds@tribunemedia.net:
THE National Emergency Management Agency has come under fire for its failure to effectively issue warnings and respond to the Grand Bahama tornado on Monday.
Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) chairman Bradley Roberts has raised concerns about NEMA's lack of resources in Grand Bahama and the Family Islands as well as insufficient training and systems in place to prepare for and respond to dangerous weather in the future.
The tornado that struck Grand Bahama at around 11.30am on Monday claimed the lives of three maintenance workers who were trapped in a 400 ft gantry crane that came crashing down and was submerged in the water at the Freeport Container Port (FCP).
Several others were injured and witnesses said they had little or no warning to seek protection from the storm.
Warnings:
Although weather warnings were issued in South Florida early Monday morning, and a meteorological observer in Grand Bahama alerted a forecaster at the Met Office in Nassau to issue a public tornado warning for the island, a breakdown in protocol meant the warning was not issued.
Environment Minister Earl Deveaux maintains the staff responsible will face consequences for the breach.
However he maintains the port was aware of the severe weather approaching and a warning would not have changed the devastating outcome.
"No warnings or lack thereof could be blamed for the horrible and fatal consequences," Dr Deveaux said.
"All of us are deeply affected by the fatal and destructive events."
Now Mr Roberts has detailed further actions that he says should have been taken to minimise the tornado's impact on Grand Bahama.
He said NEMA should have immediately posted public warnings, closed schools, appointed an incident commander to oversee a search and rescue operation and damage assessment.
A hotline and public information centre for those affected should have also been established, as well as a counselling service and crisis information centre, Mr Roberts said.
According to the PLP chairman, NEMA thrived under the PLP administration as it accelerated the development of a national emergency plan and invested in a number of intensive training on damage assessment and emergency response.
Programmes:
However the organisation has since suffered under the FNM as programmes were not sustained and there has been no national training for three years, he said.
Mr Roberts further laments the lack of NEMA offices in any of the Family Islands where there should be establishments and people in place to provide an emergency response.
Director of NEMA Captain Stephen Russell did not respond to these allegations before The Tribune went to press.
However Mr Roberts ultimately holds Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham accountable when NEMA falls short.
"As a result of this government's petty partisan policies and its commitment to destroy 'Christie programmes', NEMA was a total failure to the people of Grand Bahama during their hour of need," Mr Roberts said.
"A day later the above mentioned plans have still not been done or even started; this is indeed a classic case of a disaster within a disaster.
"The people of Grand Bahama must hold Mr Ingraham and the FNM government accountable for its failure to provide all the safety mechanisms to ensure mitigation against lost of life, property and unnecessary grief and suffering."
April 01, 2010
tribune242
Tribune Staff Reporter
mreynolds@tribunemedia.net:
THE National Emergency Management Agency has come under fire for its failure to effectively issue warnings and respond to the Grand Bahama tornado on Monday.
Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) chairman Bradley Roberts has raised concerns about NEMA's lack of resources in Grand Bahama and the Family Islands as well as insufficient training and systems in place to prepare for and respond to dangerous weather in the future.
The tornado that struck Grand Bahama at around 11.30am on Monday claimed the lives of three maintenance workers who were trapped in a 400 ft gantry crane that came crashing down and was submerged in the water at the Freeport Container Port (FCP).
Several others were injured and witnesses said they had little or no warning to seek protection from the storm.
Warnings:
Although weather warnings were issued in South Florida early Monday morning, and a meteorological observer in Grand Bahama alerted a forecaster at the Met Office in Nassau to issue a public tornado warning for the island, a breakdown in protocol meant the warning was not issued.
Environment Minister Earl Deveaux maintains the staff responsible will face consequences for the breach.
However he maintains the port was aware of the severe weather approaching and a warning would not have changed the devastating outcome.
"No warnings or lack thereof could be blamed for the horrible and fatal consequences," Dr Deveaux said.
"All of us are deeply affected by the fatal and destructive events."
Now Mr Roberts has detailed further actions that he says should have been taken to minimise the tornado's impact on Grand Bahama.
He said NEMA should have immediately posted public warnings, closed schools, appointed an incident commander to oversee a search and rescue operation and damage assessment.
A hotline and public information centre for those affected should have also been established, as well as a counselling service and crisis information centre, Mr Roberts said.
According to the PLP chairman, NEMA thrived under the PLP administration as it accelerated the development of a national emergency plan and invested in a number of intensive training on damage assessment and emergency response.
Programmes:
However the organisation has since suffered under the FNM as programmes were not sustained and there has been no national training for three years, he said.
Mr Roberts further laments the lack of NEMA offices in any of the Family Islands where there should be establishments and people in place to provide an emergency response.
Director of NEMA Captain Stephen Russell did not respond to these allegations before The Tribune went to press.
However Mr Roberts ultimately holds Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham accountable when NEMA falls short.
"As a result of this government's petty partisan policies and its commitment to destroy 'Christie programmes', NEMA was a total failure to the people of Grand Bahama during their hour of need," Mr Roberts said.
"A day later the above mentioned plans have still not been done or even started; this is indeed a classic case of a disaster within a disaster.
"The people of Grand Bahama must hold Mr Ingraham and the FNM government accountable for its failure to provide all the safety mechanisms to ensure mitigation against lost of life, property and unnecessary grief and suffering."
April 01, 2010
tribune242
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