The Committee to
Protect and Preserve the Bahamas for Future Generations
Press Statement
The committee is saddened and disturbed at the destruction
that continues to occur at Saunders Beach. It is unfortunate that Minister
Deveaux and the government have attempted to reduced the seriousness of the
claims made by the Committee to what many would consider petty politics.
We accept however, that it is difficult for Minister Deveaux
and others like him to accept that there are Bahamians who have a genuine
concern about their country and are motivated simply to do what we think is in
the best interest of our country.We want to assure the Minister and others that we will not be
deterred. We are not intimidated
and we will continue to press on to reveal to the Bahamian public the truth and
expose the secret deals made behind closed doors and the special interest
group, which includes cabinet Ministers, that are involved with the expansion
of Arawak Cay and the destruction of Saunders Beach.
Mr Deveaux dishonesty continues
In an article on Friday, 5th March, 2010 in The
Tribune, Minister Deveaux in response to a press release issued by the
Committee said in the newspaper and I quote:-
“Mr.
Deveaux argues that beach erosion has occurred at several north facing
beaches on New Providence, paradise Island and Rose Island, which
have taken a pounding from strong was due to the action of extreme weather
conditions.”
He stated further:
“I categorically deny that that erosion at Saunders Beach
has anything to
do with the dredging of the harbour or extension of Arawak Cay. To
suggest that these occurrences are caused by anything other than the
extreme weather conditions is irresponsible. The only beaches that
are not experiencing it are on the lee side.”
The committee has since visited eight beaches on the
northern coast of New Providence which include Long Wharf, Saunders Beach,
Goodman’s Bay, Sandyport Beach, Delaporte Beach behind Poop Deck West, the
beach just west of Nesbitt’s on West Bay Street, Caves Village Beach and Orange
Hill Beach.
Of the eight beaches that we visited on the northern
coast of New Providence, we found that seven of the eight beaches had
absolutely no erosion whatsoever.
In fact, one or two beaches had more sand than normal, and at the beach
near Nesbitt’s, the sand was flowing in the road.
There is only one beach that has major erosion and
that beach is Saunders Beach.We
would go so far as to say that it was not only erosion but one half of Saunders
Beach has been destroyed. Minister Deveaux has lied again.
The Committee is also disturbed by the role the Bahamas
National Trust has played in facilitating and encouraging the destruction of
our wetlands in Vista Marina and also the destruction of the seabed and beach
at Saunders Beach. It appears that
the President of the National Trust, Mr. Eric Carey, has now confused his duty
at the National Trust with that of the role of the Government and has been
complicit in encouraging the Government in the destruction of wetlands and the
beach at Saunders Beach. Mr. Carey should remember that his duty is to
the National Trust and the protection of the environment and not to the FNM
Government or any Government for that matter.
We sincerely hope and pray that the assurances given by
Minister Deveaux and Mr. Eric Carey that the beach will return are correct as Saunders Beach has been an area of
recreation for so many Bahamians for so many years. If the beach does not
return by June 30th 2010 the public expects both gentlemen to do the
honourable thing and resign.
