thebahamasweekly.com - Environmental Groups denounce efforts to ‘buy off’ residents

From:TheBahamasWeekly.com

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Environmental Groups denounce efforts to ‘buy off’ residents
By Sarah Kirkby
Sep 15, 2018 - 7:24:12 AM

New Providence, Bahamas – With a renewed campaign aimed at protecting and preserving Lighthouse Point, various concerned environmental partners have been moved by the outpouring of support. “Not only has the campaign successfully raised public awareness – and reached the set goal of over 25 thousand signatures on the petition to the Prime Minister,” said Re-Earth President, Sam Duncombe, “but we have introduced new generations of Eleutherans and Bahamians to the awe-inspiring beauty of the point.”

As stewards of the environment, members of Re-Earth and Save The Bays were saddened by reports of a counter-campaign on this island in support of the Disney commercial development. “Though not apparently sanctioned by Disney specifically,” said Save The Bays Chairman, Joseph Darville, “we have had reports of pro Disney T-shirts, being passed out to residents on the island. Sending to us, a disturbing message that Bahamians can be bought, for little or nothing.”

Save The Bays joined in with fellow NGO Re-earth to decry the use of such tactics and implored Bahamians to do the same. “In a world where our young people are bombarded by a variety of social ills, we as the adults put here to protect them must also serve as examples of honesty and integrity,” said Darville. “In order to save Lighthouse Point and our country, we must place more value on the things are truly important.”

The coalition of environmental groups and NGO’s are asking the public to sign the ongoing petition on Change.org (https://www.change.org/p/dr-hon-hubert-alexander-minnis-save-lighthouse-point). “We feel our future is not with Disney, but is brighter and better with a sustainable plan, and ask our fellow islanders not to sell out this ‘crown jewel’ for a t-shirt and promises of work. To learn more about the campaign to #SaveLighthousePoint, visit the website and see the plan to keep Lighthouse Point for visitors, Eleutherans, and all Bahamians.

With a renewed campaign aimed at protecting and preserving Lighthouse Point, various concerned environmental partners have been moved by the outpouring of support. As stewards of the environment, members of Re-Earth and Save The Bays were saddened by reports of a counter-campaign on this island in support of the Disney commercial development.