With various mega resorts coming on stream and the government negotiating many more, the administration of Prime Minister Perry Christie plans to establish a Department of Environmental Protection, according to a senior government official.
It would come in an age when many more Bahamians are becoming environmentally aware, challenging the government on its commitment to the environment in approving certain projects.
Minister of Health and Environment Senator Dr. Marcus Bethel, who addressed the Rotary Club of West Nassau on Thursday, said that the objective of the department would be to assist in conserving and protecting the natural environment.
ﾓThe objectives in meeting this goal would be to make constant progress in the provision of legislation, enforcement and public involvement, to work for the benefit of all citizens of The Bahamas and consistently take the countryﾴs interest and its changing needs into consideration when making decisions,ﾒ Dr. Bethel explained.
He said the department would also be responsible for developing relationships and cooperating with those governments or agencies that are charged with the duty to manage or develop the environment.
Dr. Bethel said like most small island developing states, The Bahamas depends greatly on the environment.
ﾓThe government realizes that protecting and managing the countryﾴs natural resources and safeguarding against social and environmental ills are critical and are in our best interest,ﾒ he said.
The Minister added that there is an increased urgency to conserve, protect and restore the environment.
Among the projects facing objections from individuals and groups fearing an adverse impact are the Guana Cay development and the proposed AES liquefied natural gas plant.
Minister Miller assured that these projects would not destroy or significantly damage the environment.
According to the Minister, in recent times, increasing efforts have been made to integrate environmental management into the development, planning and approval process.
ﾓWe recognize that the future social and economic development of The Bahamas depends on responsible use of natural and manmade resources,ﾒ he said.
The department would be responsible for reviewing environmental impact assessments and establishing monitoring protocols, according to the Minister.
ﾓWe must promote development in a sustainable fashion that allows for the co-existence and the sustainability of our environment,ﾒ Dr. Bethel said. ﾓIn other words we cannot develop in a fashion that destroys our environment.ﾒ
He said such a department is considered critical.
ﾓThe heightened level of economic development in The Bahamas, particularly along the coastline and in more sensitive wetland areas has crystallized the need at the policy level for a centralized focus that we can work together in ensuring a sustainable and healthy environment for this and future generations,ﾒ Dr. Bethel said.
He told The Bahama Journal that unlike The Bahamas Environment Science and Technology Commission, which is an advisory board, the new department would have statutory powers.
ﾓThe department would incorporate all the dispersed powers over six ministries,ﾒ he said.ﾓItﾴs part of the problem and things fall through the cracks at this time.ﾒ
Dr. Bethel said the proposed legislation to establish the department has been circulating over the past year.
ﾓMy hope is before the end of the year we would be able to bring some conclusion to this,ﾒ he said. We need to move as expeditiously as possible.ﾒ
Bianca Symonette, The Bahama Journal
