Bahamas News

The Save Guana Cay Reef Association is inviting all Bahamians to join them and establish a Save The Bahamas Association, which in addition to protecting the environment could also serve as an advisory source to potential investors.

The Associations attorney, Fred Smith yesterday said his clients had been buoyed by their recent legal success at the Privy Council, and felt that with larger numbers they could have a similar impact in protecting the entire country.

Mr Smith said: Please understated that I nor my clients are against investment, but we are against investment that is not proportionate and respectful to the Family Islands.

The Save Guana Cay Reef Association has been, from the beginning, about preserving the environment, and the culture heritage and rights of Bahamians.

Mr Smith said the Association felt it had been acting somewhat in isolation, and could generate much more political strength by drawing on support from elsewhere in the Bahamas.

Mr Smith said the Association believes there is strength in numbers.

Once established, he added that the Save The Bahamas Association could act as an initial sounding board for investors coming into the Bahamas, offering advice on all issues of development, particularly those of a sensitive nature.

In addition, Mr Smith said the proposed association will be the voice for all communities in the country which are affected by development, just as the Save Guana Cay Reef Association told that islands story nationally and international through the media.

The new association would also be able to lobby the Government to protect the Bahamian environment.

Mr Smith said the Save The Bahamas Association could also help to educate the public and help the Government to develop a sound land use policy for developments.

He said the Bahamas needed and wanted developments to create job opportunities for Bahamians but these must be done correctly.

Mr Smith it was important for Bahamians to remember that investors were in the business to make money, and up to Bahamians to protect their country.

The Save Guana Cay Reef Association is inviting members of the public along with other interested representatives from the island communities, the scientific community, and other concerned parties to discuss the issues a=we are all currently facing.

We recognize that the development of mega resorts and the rampant environmental destruction of our island is a problem that is affecting us all. We also realize the issue is a large one that encompasses the giving away of Crown Land, the permitting process and the lack of consultation with local government by central government and developers.

The meeting is to take place at Freeport’s Pelican Bay Hotel on September 29-30 and October 1.

By Cara Brennen
Tribune Business Reporter