As mass tourism continues to grow, the Bahamas faces the challenges of increased pollution from cruise ships and large hotels.
In the latest report from the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), released last week, the organisation stated that pollution from cruise ships tankers and other vessels are among threats to the health and wellfare of low-lying countries of the Caribbean.
“Tourism in the form of luxury hotels and golf courses can intensify the problems unless carefully managed,” the report further states.
Speaking with The Tribune, Parliamentary Secretary and Director of Environmental Health in the Ministry of Health Ron Pinder said that disposal of solid waste, in particular construction and demolition material from hotel properties and discharge of sewerage from cruise ships, poses an increasing threat to the Bahamas’ environment.
The environmental health director said that there has been evidence of illegal discharges from a number of cruise ships and pleasure vessels. He further stated that an increase in sports fishing and party cruises is adding to the pollution of the ocean.
Source: Karin Herig, The Tribune
