|
|
|
|
Last Updated: Apr 16, 2019 - 11:29:29 AM |
Cora Johnson-Cooper accepts an award for her father, former MP Oscar Johnson
|
Nassau, Bahamas - The Coalition to Save Clifton, known as the first advocacy group established to appeal to government to keep the western-most coast of New Providence for Bahamians, recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. Reverend CB Moss, the coalition’s chairman, brought together key players in the fight to save Clifton Bay and honoured them in a special ceremony at Poop Deck, Sandyport on April 10.
Rev Moss noted that back in 1999, he gathered a team and began appealing for the sacred spaces in Clifton to be preserved for the history, culture and enjoyment of Bahamians. This was during a time when a private investor planned to build an upscale gated community there. Many others joined in and eventually, the coalition succeeded. Their tireless efforts led to the establishment of the Clifton Heritage National Park. At the park, the history of the Lucayans, Africans and English colonialists who once lived there are preserved.
Obie Roberts accepting on behalf of the Progressive Liberal Party
|
The next step, he said, is for the establishment of a sea park in that area, protecting it from fishing and providing the only land and sea park combination in the capital of The Bahamas. This would bode well for future generations of Bahamians.
As key players gathered for the 20th anniversary, Rev Moss reminded them that none of the current successes would have been possible without them, and that they were worthy of being honored.
Rev Moss recalled that the Coalition was supported by Robert “Bobby” Kennedy Jr, who travelled to New Providence to help bring awareness to the importance of the environmental, historical and cultural preservation of Clifton Bay. Kennedy, he said, made a “strong impact” in the advocacy efforts internationally. He proudly announced that Kennedy would be returning this month in honor of the 20th anniversary and to help bring awareness and support to the environmental cause.
former Senator Rodney Moncur speaks in support of the Coalition to Save Clifton
|
During the 20 years of activism, there were affiliating environmental groups that also played important roles in the fight. They include Sam Dumcombe and Rearth. As Duncombe was honored, she mentioned that they would be seeking for the government to protect the sea and create the park from the area where the ceremony took place in Sandyport, all the way around the western coast.
“We have finally gotten somewhere,” she said, “This was the start and so many amazing events happened and we won it, but we need to also fight for the sea park which is not on the Bahamas protected registry.”
Rev Moss also honored Save the Bays organisation, noting that while the Coalition to Save Clifton “held down the social aspect”, Save the Bays worked on the legal and scientific aspects of the fight.
Jerome "JT" Thompson accepts his award for advocacy
|
Speaking to those gathered at the 20th anniversary event, Darville said that his group still actively engages in collecting water samples from seven different spots in New Providence, as they have “an obligation to make sure that waters surrounding the island are fishable, drinkable, diveable” and so on.
Darville mentioned that being the son of a Long Island mother and a West African father drew him to Clifton, and he could “feel the energy” when he visits what has become a sacred space for many.
“This is in the hands of the Divine,” he said.
Other honorees for the 20th anniversary of the Coalition to Save Clifton included: Steve McKinney; Rodney Moncur; the Progressive Liberal Party; posthumously to Oscar Johnson with his daughter, Cora Johnson-Cooper accepting on his behalf; Jerome “JT” Thompson; and posthumously to Vanessa Small, former blogger and photographer.
Photos by Troy Gardiner and Christian Saunders
Rev CB Moss presents an award to Sam Duncombe of ReEarth
|
Cultural guru Fred Munnings and MP Rev Vaughn Miller amongst invited guests
|
Rev CB Moss, visionary of the Coalition to Save Clifton, addresses the crowd at the organisation's 20th anniversary event
|
© Copyright 2019 by thebahamasweekly.com
Top of Page
|
|
|
|
