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From thebahamasweekly.com - Bahamian Politics
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. Jerome K. Fitzgerald Chairman.
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