First of all I wish to congratulate the Grand Bahama Port Authority for initiating the revitalization of the physical environment of  Freeport.  There is a sense now that care is once again being  taken to bring this city with its enormous potentials back in sync with its vision as the enviable metropolis in this region.  Adorning the city with attractive flora brings alive a natural beauty which gives a balanced perspective to this touted industrial capital of The Bahamas.  With proper care and maintenance, what has now been started can assist in wiping away that negative image which has plagued our city for sometime.  

I would like to suggest that the Port attempt to convince the Ministry of Agriculture to adhere to its promise to deal with the infestation of the pink hibiscus mealy bug, which has virtually wiped out the beauty of those glorious flowers which once adorned every area of our city.  These devouring creatures have now descended upon a myriad of other plants, and a simple casual look around will reveal what damage has already been done to flowering flora.  For two years concerned residents have begged the Ministry to bring in the only known  agent which destroys these nefarious creatures.  But, I suppose, being simple peons, we have not the clout to convince the powers that be to act.  Maybe now the Port Authority can exercise its muscle and either demand that something be done, or, better still, import that agent itself to deal expeditiously with this plague.  

With respect to the other projects on stream; they are all commendable and long overdue.  However, this is an opportune time to create these amenities for the anticipated return of the glory of Freeport.  The attention now afforded the chicken farm odor is such a welcomed measure.  For years the patience of residents have been worn thin as their nostrils have endured this repulsive stench.

I recall years ago, while attending university in Minnesota, one of the largest turkey and chicken farms in that state was situated a little more than a quarter of a mile from the campus.  At any one time it contained one million turkeys and twice that many chickens.  However, in the four years there I never once smelled a single odor from that property, no matter the direction of the wind.  Of course, unlike here, regulations were in place and enforced to deal with such matters. 

With respect to the proposed fish and conch market and its placement:  I agree totally with my friend and colleague Fred Smith.  The site is a gross mistake.  Even if the market were to be fully enclosed, an abundance of flies will undoubtedly wing their way to the area.  Just imagine, then, the invasion of these creatures upon the International  Bazaar, the Royal Oasis (once it’s operating again), where locals and tourists alike would be dining outdoors.  If one thinks that the chicken farm breeds billions of flies which now descend upon homes, schools, churches and YMCA, expect the tasty aroma of fish and conch  attracting  them in the trillions.  A much more sensible location would be the old Portion Control property which provides a crossroads  locale,  and is sufficiently removed from residential and tourist environments. We must be careful not to add to the potential for fly-carrying diseases across the  breadth of this city, and then be left with a barren land devoid of visitors or economic growth.  
 

Joseph Darville