Protect Bahamian Natural Treasure against Unregulated Development
Jacksonville, Fla. – St. Johns Riverkeeper joins Waterkeeper Alliance, Save The Bays and other leadingenvironmental organizations calling on the Bahamian government to reject a construction application because of additional, grave environmental damage that will occur to Clifton Bay, area beaches and marine habitat. The application for construction is being made by Peter Nygard, who has already illegally expanded his property at Nygard Cay to nearly twice its original size.
“We urge the Bahamian government to protect one of the world’s most beautiful natural resources by denying Mr. Nygard’s application to prevent any further damage to Clifton Bay,” said Lisa Rinaman, St. Johns Riverkeeper, “This reckless destruction must be stopped to protect this environmental treasure, its land and its marine habitats, for future generations of Bahamians.”
For years, wire structures of rocks, cinder blocks and debris have been dumped into the area known as Simms Point/NygardCay. While this creates an artificial beach that benefits Nygard’s land, a study by the University of Miami reveals that it has caused significant harm to the area and environment. According to the report, this action “has changed the marine habitats dramatically within about 100 meters of the shore, with the most notable damage being the loss of reef areas to the west.”
The Bahamian government has claimed the activity was illegal and unpermitted. However, Nygard recently sought “a declaration of ownership” for the land that has accreted to Nygard’s property thanks to his artificial construction. If approved, the Bahamian government would set a precedent that other individuals and corporations can take public lands and destroy natural habitats. More than five thousand have signed a petitioncalling on Prime Minister Christie and the Bahamian government to enforce the law and protect Crown Land and sea beds at Nygard Cay.
“More than five-thousand Bahamians have asked their government to protect these lands and fragile ecosystems. We join them, the Waterkeeper Alliance, Save the Bays, and other leading environmental organizations asking theBahamian government to prevent this unregulated devastation of this natural treasure,” said Rinaman.For more information and to sign Save The Bays’ petition, please visit: https://www.change.org/petitions/prime-minister-perry-christie-help-save-the-bays-before-paradise-is-lost
St. Johns Riverkeeper is a community-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit advocacy organization that serves as an independent voice for the St. Johns River. Our mission is to work on behalf of the community for clean and healthy waters in the St. Johns River, its tributaries and its wetlands, through citizen-based advocacy. We are located in Jacksonville, Florida. www.stjohnsriverkeeper.org
