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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
Government Looking to Establish New PAs in GB - Recently the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) attended a public meeting organized by the government, where plans for two proposed protected areas (PAs) were discussed. Minister of Environment & Housing Hon. Kenred Dorsett and Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources V. Alfred Gray hosted the meeting, at St. Matthew’s Baptist Church in Pelican Point. Joining them were Minister for Grand Bahama Dr. Michael Darville, East End MP Peter Turnquest, Senator Tanisha Tynes, Local Administrator Sherrick Ellis, Local Government Officials, and representatives from The Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) and The Nature Conservancy. There was a good turnout of East End and Grand Bahama residents at the meeting.
(Photo: Derek Carroll)
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East End, Grand Bahama – Recently the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) attended a public meeting organized by the government, where plans for two proposed as Protected Areas (PAs) were discussed; Northshre/Gap National Park and the East Grand Bahama National Park.
Minister of Environment & Housing Hon. Kenred Dorsett and Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources V. Alfred Gray hosted the meeting, at St. Matthew’s Baptist Church in Pelican Point. Joining them were Minister for Grand Bahama Dr. Michael Darville, East End MP Peter Turnquest, Senator Tanisha Tynes, Local Administrator Sherrick Ellis, Local Government Officials, and representatives from The Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) and The Nature Conservancy.
BNT Team Visits Proposed PAs -
In addition to attending the government sanctioned public meeting, the BNT team also took the opportunity to visit the Bursus Cay area. “It was beautiful to see such a pristine and untouched area,” said Eric Carey, BNT Executive Director, while visiting Bursus Cay. Pictured are East End flyfishing guides at Great Bursus Cay. (Photo: BNT)
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There was a good turnout of East End and Grand Bahama residents at the meeting. During the meeting, the BNT gave a presentation on the proposed Northshore/Gap and the East End National Parks. “Working closely with the communities of East Grand Bahama in this initiative has been instrumental in the level of support we are receiving,” said Lakeshia Anderson, Grand Bahama National Parks Manager.
During her presentation, Anderson noted that it was the residents of the East End townships that encouraged the BNT to increase the size of the proposed East Grand Bahama site to include Bursus Cay and the surrounding cays in the area. “The community has made a statement, and as such the BNT has now extended proposed boundaries to include the Bursus Cay area. Once the parks are approved, we will continue community collaboration for developing the tools for park management.”
Eric Carey During Bursus Cay Visit - “During the visit we were able to see both flyfishing guides and local fishermen using this area. I'm was also very pleased to hear at the meeting that no permits have been giving for dredging in this pristine ecological environment.” said Eric Carey, BNT Executive Director. Pictured are Eric Carey, BNT Executive Director and Lakeshia Anderson, Grand Bahama Parks Manager. (Photo: BNT)
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During the meeting, no objections were noted to either proposed protected area and at the conclusion of the event, Minister Darville asked all of those in attendance if they were in support of the creation of these National parks by raising their hand. Everyone did so, confirming the public’s support of these areas.
In addition to attending the government sanctioned public meeting, the BNT team also took the opportunity to visit the Bursus Cay area. “It was beautiful to see such a pristine and untouched area,” said Eric Carey, BNT Executive Director, while visiting Bursus Cay. “During the visit we were able to see both flyfishing guides and local fishermen using this area. I'm was also very pleased to hear at the meeting that no permits have been giving for dredging in this pristine ecological environment.”
In all of the meetings that have been held regarding the proposed protected areas in East End, residents have shown overwhelming support, which is a promising sign for the BNT and its NGO partners.
Proposed East Grand Bahama National Park Map. (Photo:BNT)
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Northshore Gap Proposed Protected Area. (Photo: BNT)
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