(Statement) Renew Bahamas – the company which recently assumed control over the management of the Nassau Landfill – officially launched its material recycling facility here in New Providence last week, a move for which they should be congratulated. The process of recycling not only conserves raw materials by reducing the need to consume precious natural resources, but also protects natural habitats for the future as well. Against the backdrop of the myriad of environmental issues currently facing our nation, this move is certainly a step in the right direction. As an archipelagic nation, the value of our natural resources cannot be overstated. As a tourist destination we rely heavily on the beauty of our beaches to attract visitors to our shores. In a similar vein, fishermen rely heavily on the bounty of our oceans for their own livelihoods, while intricate underwater coral communities protect our far flung islands from severe weather acting as a barrier between the ocean and the land.
The Democratic National Alliance believes however that there is indeed a greater need for a targeted public education campaign touting the benefits of recycling and the importance of protecting our resources. Such education should be expanded to include training on at home recycling methods and should begin at the school level, teaching even the youngest among us the value that exists in protecting our environment.
Also of critical importance is the need to enact strong legislation to ensure that those who intentionally or accidentally destroy our environment can be held accountable. Over many years, a lack of environmental stewardship on the part of successive governments, as well as public and private sector corporations has had widespread implications for our environment. As has become apparent from the recent matter involving the Rubis gas leak and residents in the Marathon area, the decades long absence of adequate legislation designed to promote the protection of the environment has also led to serious health implications for Bahamians. After more than two years of being exposed to harmful cancer causing chemicals, members of that community are only now being made aware of how seriously their livelihoods may have been affected.
Across the wider New Providence landscape, scores of more Bahamians are being adversely affected from fumes emanating from the city dump as a result of regular fires at that site. Dump fires are not a new occurrence. In fact, as far back as many residents of New Providence can recall, fires at the dump have been a regular happening producing foul odors, and thick black smoke which can often be seen for MILES! In fact, on more than one occasion, area schools and businesses have had to be evacuated as a result of the smoke and odor. Indeed some homeowners had to leave their homes in the middle of the night because the smoke had become unbearable. There have been complaints by tourist that the first thing they smell when arriving in Nassau is the burning dump. And what about the anticipated guest at this countries largest resort, Bahamar, where on any given day that resort can be covered with black smoke?? Notwithstanding this concern, the cries of the Bahamian people have fallen on deaf ears!
Worldwide scientific research has conclusively demonstrated that burning of waste at landfills produces air toxins. Hydrocarbons, chlorinated materials and pesticide compounds under these conditions produce wide range toxic gases harmful to the environment and public health. These gases contain dioxins / furans, volatile organic compounds, particulate matter (PM), hydrogen chloride (HCl), carbon monoxide (CO) and oxides of sulfur and nitrogen and liberate metals including antimony, arsenic, barium, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, lead, manganese, mercury, phosphorus and titanium which can cause respiratory issues, heartbeat irregularities and irritation to eyes nose and throat in the short term. Over a prolonged period exposure to such toxins have a more deadly impact with symptoms ranging from damage to the liver, kidneys and central nervous system as well as heart attacks and cancer.
Unfortunately, for residents here in the capital, this government continues to drop the ball. Years of inaction have already made this administration the target of legal action which mirrors steps taken by citizens in other jurisdictions as well; action that could persist if the government continues to ignore the dangerous conditions at the city dump.
Having chosen to act so late on behalf of Marathon residents the Christie administration MUST NOT MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE TWICE. Even now as the Christie administration attempts to address the healthcare concerns of those residents affected by the Rubis spill, IMMEDIATE ACTION must also be taken to ensure that families living in the communities near the landfill do not suffer a similar fate. The DNA calls on this government to act now to remediate the landfill.
During his recent budget communication, the Prime Minister touted his administration’s commitment to environmental reforms and preservation but made no mention of the government’s plans to address this longstanding issue of the burning dump. It is our understanding that the cost to remediate this issue at the dump is in vicinity of 10 million dollars. It supposedly costs the Bahamian people 9 million dollars to have a huge party…The Bahamas Carnival. This indeed speaks volumes on the government’s priorities? The Prime Minister further stands firm on the implementation of National Health Insurance by the 1st January 2016. Can this Prime Minister state assuredly that the dumpsite would be remedied prior to the introduction of National Health Insurance? Wouldn’t it be an absurdity for this government to introduce National Health Insurance but NEGLECT, FAIL or REFUSE to remediate the burning dump that causes so many illnesses and consequently can be a tremendous burden on the National Health Service system? This administration must act now in the welfare of all Bahamians.
Branville McCartney
DNA Leader
