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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
With the Bimini dredging injunction denied on Monday, May 19th many who are opposed to the operation are writing to the Rt Hon. Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Perry G. Christie; the Hon. Kenred Dorsett (Minister of the Environment); The Hon. Obie Wilchcombe (Minister of Tourism, and Member of Parliament for Bimini); and The Hon. V. Alfred Gray (Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources); as well as to editors of local media houses. Spearheading the initiative to write are Save the Bays Coalition to Protect Clifton Bay, and Bimini Blue Coalition, among others.
This statement was also provided on May 20th:
Bimini Town Council: Biminites Approve Appellant Court Ruling in Favor of Resorts World Bimini however another view is depicted here in a VIDEO produced by Bimini Blue Coalition.
The dredging has now become a topic in the international press as well.
The following are Letters received by TheBahamasWeekly.com:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
The Predicament over dredging for Bimini Ship Pier
Building a pier extending into the open ocean has questionable wisdom! The wave action balancing off the solid walls of the pier will have an effect on the land and beaches of Bimini, you can be sure.
I could respond to many of the articles regarding dredging at Bimini, the most interesting point made has been that we are exchanging "Quantity for Quality".
If it is true we are to have dominion over all things, it is our responsibility to protect nature and God's creatures, including the ocean's corals which are living animals.
I thought, as usual, we were sacrificing nature for the benefit of the people who seem to believe that nature is a resource to be exploited for profit to feed and clothe one's self.
What I found most interesting in the "Quantity for Quality" article to the editor, was the demographic of the people coming to Bimini in the future would not necessarily increase the profits Bimini presently generates for the people.
This would mean the sacrifice of destroying nature for the benefit of the people would be pointless.
As scientists have stated, it is well known the silt will remain in the marine environment for many years to come and will continue to kill the corals. The dive industry will suffer due to our waters being no longer "gin clear", which The Bahamas is well known for. Although, there may be incidences of relatively clear water diving days in the future, during extended periods of calm, as soon as the weather becomes stormy those sentiments will again enter the water column. It has already been said, the ship's propellers will kick up sentiment in the channel and turning basin for years to come.
The original approval of the removal of 220,000 cubic yards of seabed, we are now told, has been expanded to 874,000 cubic yards! 400% more silt and environmental impact will be the result. I cannot help wonder if this may have been the plan all along. It is not clear if the original environmental studies take into account the 400% increase in damage to the environment.
The technology today, such as, using silt curtains (that were recently in the news washed to shore) is just a token effort of the industry to lead the public to believe that they are making every effort to be environmentally correct. In truth, silt curtains do very little and designed for only calm weather.
The Catch 22 is, if we do the right thing at this late date, we may make our government liable for giving approvals they could not deliver. It would be unthinkable to expect the environmentalists, "those protecting God's creations", to pay the losses of a developer due to delay or inability to complete.
With all things considered one has to ask, who will come to the rescue of the sea and its inhabitants; when will we learn from our previous mistakes and when will we realize that other life forms have as much of a right to life as we do.
Christopher Hartley
May 23, 2014
Mr. Perry G. Christie
Prime Minister
Government of The Bahamas
Dear Mr. Christie,
I have been reading with mounting horror and helplessness about the massive degradation and destruction of the beautiful God given marine environment at Bimini. I find it very hard to believe that NO ONE in government is heeding the dire predictions and warnings of not only lay environmentalists, but qualified and respected marine scientists.
Everything that has made Bimini the attraction it has always been is being thrown aside and destroyed for the sake of money in the pockets of foreigners. A casino can be built anywhere. The fragile corals and marine environment that has been a huge attraction for decades for visitors and locals alike cannot be found just anywhere. Bimini was famous for its big game fishing, diving, snorkeling and wonderful “Olde Worlde” atmosphere. Wealthy Americans and Canadians built second homes there precisely for these reasons. Is anyone in government aware of the fact that many of these second home owners have either already sold, or have their homes up for sale due to the fact that their paradise has wantonly been destroyed? The only thing your government is achieving is exchanging diamonds for rocks, the champagne and caviar elite for the beer and hamburger society, and in the meantime anyone in the diving or fishing trade is losing their livelihood.
God gave The Bahamas the most amazing marine environment in the world, and it is a sin for us mere mortals to destroy it. I am begging you Mr. Christie, please, please re-consider the consequences of your actions and stop this destruction.
Yours sincerely,
Joanna Robertson
May 21, 2014
Cc: Obediah Wilchcombe
Kendred Dorsett
The Tribune
The Nassau Guardian
The Bahamas Weekly
Dear Editor,
I have been following the situation in Bimini from both perspectives,
as a businessman in construction and as a Bahamian who enjoys our
beautiful environment.
I believe your actions to be reckless in authorizing such mass
devastation to an area the size of Bimini for the profit of a foreign
company (and realistically we all know who else is profiting, it's not
Bahamians in general but the select few).
Even based on the EIA and what the public knows, very little has been
followed on their recommendations. What is the point in having an EIA
done if you (the government) are going to ignore it and allow the
developers to proceed as they want with overriding signatures by
government officials?
http://www.best.bs/Webdocs/
North%20Bimini%20Ferry%
20Terminal%20EIA%20041013%
2002.pdf
Now we learn, based off of the last court documents, that the area to
be dredged is being expanded with no further impact assessment or
concern with the environment in Bimini and the Bahamas?
Similar to how our poor family and education services in the Bahamas
(Nassau in particular) have lead to the downfall in society, so too will
destroying the spawning and nursery grounds for important fish, sharks,
and other species in the ecosystem of the Bahamas.
One of my largest concerns as a businessman is the impact this project
will have when (not if) it fails. Similar to other developments of this
size throughout the Bahamas, the developers have based their
investments off of imaginary visitors (if you build it they will come).
This line of thinking has failed throught the Bahamas (Rum Cay, Ginn,
South Ocean, the list goes on). Back in 2002, Bimini-based marine
biologist Samuel Gruber, wrote in the Bahamas Journal of Science in
2002: "Vast plans for attracting large numbers of wealthy visitors to
Bimini through large and 'appealing' resort complexes have ended in
failure time and again. Bimini, like much of the Caribbean region, is
littered with failed and uncompleted resort projects." I can only
imagine the widespread devastation to the social, environments, and
economical aspects of society when this fails.
Forums for fishing and diving are littering with objections and
disappointment. Here are some comments from a thread on a popular
boating and fishing forum, The Hull Truth:
"nothing short of tragic." - alacrity
"This is heartbreaking! I had hoped to take my daughter to Bimini this
summer so she could see it before they ruined the water and reefs." -
Bluerudy
"That's a shame." - Jason5543
"Ever watch the Bahamas Parliament on their TV? They make our idiots look smart...." - Sykes
A simple internet search will show you the world is against this, and
everyone understands the devastation except for our government leaders,
who do not see that this is NOT in the best interest of the Bahamas.
News articles across the US and the world are making us look like fools.
I urge you to halt the dredging. At minimum, you should halt the
dredging and ensure all the recommendations of the EIA are followed and
not allow the expansion without consideration for the Bahamian people,
and not just the pockets of those involved.
Regards,
Lee McCoy
Nassau, Bahamas
May 20th, 2014
Dear Editor,
I write to express my deep concern for the dredging that is currently taking place in Bimini in relation to the Resorts World project.
I feel very shocked and extremely saddened by the pictures I have seen lately both in the local media and on social media. The sheer size of what has become known as the "reef destroyer" is enough to send shivers down anyone's spine and the ensuing pictures of all the silt that is spreading throughout Bimini's pristine waters sine the "reef destroyer" began its destruction are simply heartbreaking.
Without question, the greatest resources we have here in The Bahamas are our beautiful oceans, teaming with wonderful marine life, and our stunning beaches. This beauty is the reason tourists flock to our islands and why tourism is our number one industry, it is the reason every Bahamian should feel proud and why we are the envy of many. However, I have felt ashamed to be a Bahamian recently when I see the pictures of the destruction to these resources making the rounds on social media.
The trend these days is leaning more and more towards ecotourism and we, as a country, appear to heading in the opposite direction. We are damaging our reputation as a country concerned with the environment when we allow, with open arms, such blatant, outright destruction of our very own fragile ecosystem.
I understand that at times there is a need for progress, but at what cost? What progress are we making when we allow our greatest natural resources to be destroyed?
There can be no doubt in anyone's mind, when one looks at all the silt being churned up, that marine life and fragile reefs are being permanently destroyed. I am deeply saddened to see our own government allowing this type of damage to proceed with their seal of approval.
A serious re-think of this project is urgently needed. Every day irrevocable damage is being caused and I have no doubt in my mind that Bahamians will regret this project ever got the stamp of approval.
Sheri Hubball
Nassau, Bahamas
May 19, 2014
To the Hon. Kenred Dorsett (Minister of the Environment),
The Hon. Obie Wilchcombe (Minister of Tourism, and Member of Parliament for Bimini),
and The Hon. V. Alfred Gray (Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources,
Dear Sirs,
Like all of the Bahamas, the islands of Bimini are intrinsically defined by the water that surrounds them. Not only has the water shaped and molded the islands themselves, but it has also defined the experience of those that visit these islands, as well as those that call the Bahamas their home. For everyone that loves little Bimini, their affection for its stunning blue water is at the base of their affinity for these precious 'Islands in the Stream.'
Bimini's impressive tourism industry has always revolved around the water. Big game fishing, SCUBA diving, boating, sailing, bone fishing, snorkeling, kayaking, and a variety of wildlife encounters all contribute to the island's flourishing eco-tourism industry.
In order to preserve this industry, and improve upon it going forward, I call on you to act strongly and swiftly regarding two important proposals.
First, I urge you to finalize the full protections for the North Bimini Marine Reserve. Bimini's inshore ecosystems are the foundation for the entire Tourism Industry on the island, and every individual and business will benefit from this Reserve being formally protected.
Second, I plead with you to ensure that the absurdly ill-conceived idea of creating a cruise ship terminal on Bimini's western shore never becomes a reality. The damage that this would have on Bimini's coral reefs would be catastrophic, and that would only be the beginning. The dredging and damage required for such a project could permanently deteriorate the very thing that everyone loves most about Bimini, the amazing blue waters.
Bimini's tourism industry has been growing in recent years, while other islands in the Bahamas have not had the same good fortune. Please keep in mind that everyone who has ever come to Bimini came for what the island already offers; Extraordinarily blue water, exotic wildlife, beautiful beaches, thriving fisheries, vibrant coral reefs, friendly locals, and an escape for the generic, over-developed landscape found elsewhere in the region.
Protecting and improving upon Bimini's ecological health and beauty is truly in the best interests of the island's economy, its people, and all those who cherish their time there.
Please help us ensure a bright, blue future for Bimini.
Respectfully yours,
Steve Reinertsen
May 20th, 2014
Hello,
Having learned about the magnitude of the dredging that is going on in Bimini, I wanted to send a short email to you to inform you of my frustration and disappointment in regards to this matter.
I have been visiting Bimini for over 30 years, multiple times a year, and I have always enjoyed the quaint and humble character of this island as well as the pristine marine conditions that once existed there. This dredging project is clearly having negative short and long term effects on the natural environment. These effects will not be reversed within my lifetime, or even within the subsequent generations that will follow me. I write this email to ask that this project be halted for the sake of the island, its inhabitants, and marine habitat that we treasure so much.
Please reconsider your approvals of this project and do what is right for Bimini by halting all further construction by Resorts World.
Respectfully yours,
Luis de la Vega
May 20th, 2014
Hello,
I have been visiting the Bahamas ever since I was born. I am now 19 years old. The clear, beautiful, blue waters and thriving marine life is what brought our family back again and again to this wonderful, pristine place. The marine life and water quality in Florida is quite disgusting in comparison to the Bahamas, and it is the obvious result of degradation due to human activities such as sewage outfalls, dredging, pollution, and many other factors that have been overlooked by the general public and the government. It is sad, especially for my father who experienced healthy reefs off of the coast of Fort Lauderdale just thirty years ago, to watch money and ignorance take precedence over the quality of marine environments. These environments are essential to life on Earth.
I greatly hope that the disturbing actions taking place in Bimini to facilitate Resorts World Bimini are put to an end. I do not want to witness any further destruction of the marine life in Bimini, and I know many other people who feel the same way. Please do not let this proceed any further.
This photo is a quite disturbing one that surfaced recently. I have read that the dredging area has now been expanded to three times its original size. And the silt flows a large distance away from the site, landing back on top of reefs which will soon be dead. This must stop now. Please take a stand.
Blake Carmichael
May 20th, 2014
Dear Sir or Madam,
For over a decade, my family has owned 2 homes on the Island of Bimini. I can not think of a more wonderful place to spend the summers and vacation with my children than on that little Island. Lately, plans have been proposed and put into action that will change this island forever in a detrimental way, not only to it's inhabitants, but also to the surrounding ecology. I love this Island and it's people. I desperately want a better life for everyone here, but there has to be a way to do it that won't endanger the reefs and pristine mangroves that are the life blood of this island. This past weekend, a 450 foot massive dredger began digging up the ocean floor in front of north Bimini to allow acess to RWB's cruise ship. This was done by a foreign developer against the wishes of a majority of Biminites, and with a total disregard for the damage this will cause to Bimini's pristine reefs and ocean environment. Moreover, it has just been brought to light that the dredge area will be substantially larger than originally declared. As we speak, very few precautions have been taken to contain the silt plume leaching out of the dredge site, and aerial photographs show a silt trail that is miles long. The Bahamian government needs to put a stop to this travesty and reconsider the decision to let Resorts World Bimini excavate 874,000 cubic yards of ocean floor. The whole nation of the Bahamas is looking to it's Environmental Ministry to safeguard the treasures for which the Bahamas is known, and the whole government is failing it's people miserably.
Respectfully,
Susana Airala
May 20th, 2014
Mr. Prime Minister,
I am a homeowner at Bimini Sands for 17 yrs. My family has been coming to Bimini for 25 yrs or more. I remember way before Bimini Bay was there, there was just a narrow strip in some parts, once the tide was high and it covered the dirt road. Now it is a neighborhood with dredged foundation from the harbor. Caring nothing for the circle of life that lived in the mangroves.
Now it is a little city in Bimini Bay, a cruise ship, just plowing through the pristine circle of life right off shore. Without regard, research, consequences that will come to the environment.
The bottom line is profit for others. It does not seem there is majority of Biminites that are in favor of any of this. Did you ever ask them?
Deb Davis
Bimini-rentals.blogspot.com
May 20th, 2014
Dear Editor,
We live in one of the most naturally beautiful places on the planet earth, The Bahamas. This incredible beauty is not something any human can recreate. It is a process of nature taking thousands of years to develop. The beaches, the ocean, the reef and coral life, the fish, lobster, conch, and all the sea life we enjoy everyday is in our tiny island nation. It hurts me to see something so precious be destroyed through ignorance with arrogance.
The Government of the Bahamas has giving permission to the Genting Group to build a resort and casino. They were also given permission for the new docking facility, which is to benefit the resort only and not the island. The dredging and ripping through the reef in Bimini to build the docking facility will suffocate the coral life with silt and leave a dead reef where fish can no longer live. It will also ruin established world-renowned dive areas, which the people of Bimini have benefited from for many years.
This action is nothing short of criminal. The town of Bimini will have fewer diving options for its guests and the established Bahamian businesses will lose income because of the dead reef, but we will have a shinny new resort and casino owned by a foreign enterprise. I don’t see the rational logic. Visitors come to the Bahamas for what we are, Sun, Sand and Sea and they don’t want to see a lifeless reef. If they want to gamble in a casino go to Las Vegas.
GF
Grand Bahamian
May 20th, 2014
Dear Sirs:
I have enjoyed vacationing in Bimini a number of times in the past. The unspoiled nature of the island and the beautiful waters has made this a favorite place for myself and the groups who travel with me.
I do not have personal knowledge of the impact of the dredging off Bimini, however based upon what I hear online I do not plan to return until I know the underwater beauty and wildlife has not been damaged.
Please take great care to make sure this doesn’t happen.
Sincerely,
Perry Dixon
Graham, NC
May 20th, 2014
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