reEarth : Environmental issues in The Bahamas

30th July

By Candia Dames The new administration should move speedily to finalize a supplemental agreement with Baha Mar, former Prime Minister Perry Christie said recently. “I don’t think the government has a choice in the matter,” said Mr. Christie when asked by the Bahama Journal whether he believes the new government would allow the multibillion-dollar Baha Mar project at Cable Beach to go through.

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June 11th, 2008

BAHA MAR PRESENTS TO NATIONAL ENERGY POLICY COMMITTEE: Pictured Back Row: (L-R): Douglas Cotton, Robert Sands, Robert Deatker, Zanda Bonamy, OCEES Representative, Harry Jackson, Danielle Hanek, Brian Taylor, StephenK. Oney, Charles Dean, Robert Hall. Front Row: (L-R): Keith Bishop, Anthony Dean, John Pagano, Hon. Minister Phenton O. Neymour, Dr. Richard Cant, Loraine Cox, Leonard Ezegbunam A major resort developer is attempting to wean its properties along the Cable Beach strip off conventional and more expensive utility supplies in favour of greener alternatives.

Baha Mar Resorts Ltd. has introduced the Seawater District Cooling Program, a new initiative that proposes to provide environmentally-responsible energy solutions for the Cable Beach area.

Representatives of the company recently met with the National Energy Policy Committee, which under the leadership of Phenton Neymour, minister of state for Public Works, is mandated to provide a National Energy Policy for The Bahamas. Under that policy, the focus would be on Renewable Energy Technologies.

During the meeting Baha Mar officials outlined to members of the committee the program’s various energy-efficient and cost-effective measures on power, water and air conditioning systems for their properties on Cable Beach, it was reported.

Benefits for Baha Mar and the wider Cable Beach area include:

– Reduced demand for electrical power generation capacity by The Bahamas Electricity Corporation

– Potential energy savings in excess of 90 percent compared to conventional air conditioning

– 25,000 MWhr per year electricity usage decrease

– Displacement of over 43,000 barrels of oil and 21,000 tons of carbon emissions per year

– Increased fuel flexibility and energy security

– Stable utility costs

The new program will use “green” technology and renewable resources to provide air conditioning on a large scale, thus helping to reduce the impact on global warming.

“Baha Mar believes whole-heartedly in doing its part to protect and preserve the environment for today’s and future generations,” said John Pagano, president, Baha Mar Development Company. “We have a unique opportunity to bring about important and positive change that will lead to more efficient use of energy and cost savings, and are fully committed to continuing in these efforts as we go forward.”

The Seawater District Cooling program is part of Baha Mar’s on-going efforts and commitment to the local environment and the community it serves.

http://www.jonesbahamas.com/ March 10th, 2008 Health Minister Stresses Importance of Wetlands Preservation By: Matt Maura

Minister of Health and Social Development, Dr. the Hon. Hubert Minnis NASSAU, Bahamas — The threat of climate change as a result of global warming, and the negative impact it can have on low-lying countries such as The Bahamas makes it “very important” for the country to preserve its hills, wetlands and ecosystems, Minister of Health and Social Development, Dr. the Hon. Hubert Minnis said Wednesday.

Addressing parliament on a Resolution for approval for the Treasurer to sell portions of West Bay Street, the Cable Beach median, the Sir Cecil Wallace Whitfield Centre, and the Cable Beach Police and Fire Stations to the Baha Mar Development Group, Dr. Minnis said the protection of the wetlands has to be at the forefront of all developments within The Bahamas - including the one proposed by Baha Mar - as they are critical to the country’s short, medium and long-term survivability.

“Our wetlands assist with groundwater replenishment and water purification and minimize the possibility of flooding and that is a great concern to communities such as the constituency of Killarney,” Dr. Minnis told House Members.

“The wetlands are home to all forms of wild birds, various species of wildlife and several species of fish which all play a critical role in maintaining the balance of the country’s ecosystems.

“Once one can appreciate the value and nature of wetlands, they will understand why wetlands and those types of things that should not be touched,” Dr. Minnis added.

The Minister of Health and Social Development, whose portfolio also includes the environment, said there were some initial concerns that the wetlands in the area where the development is proposed to take place would have been “filled in” resulting in even more devastation with respect to flooding.

Dr. Minnis said the western part of New Providence is already low and currently experiences some degree of flooding.

He said persons living in Grand Bahama and Long Island who have experienced severe flooding, can speak to the devastation that can be caused not only in terms of damage to housing, agriculture and livestock farming and infrastructure, but also to the “psychological impact” it can have on human beings.

The Minister of Health said the preservation and conservation of the wetlands can also have a positive impact on the economy of The Bahamas with regards to the financial benefits that can be accrued through eco-tourism.

Dr. Minnis said he was “very happy to have been informed” that Baha Mar will provide $1million for the development, preservation and conservation of 71.4 acres of “sensitive, environmentally friendly wetlands” within the constituency of Killarney, provided the development proceeds.

Another $1million, Dr. Minnis said, is scheduled to be used to establish a Foundation that will be responsible for ensuring the sustainability of the integrity of those wetlands.

“It is important for us to remember that the entire Bahamas is considered a coastal zone which means that with all the climate changes that are occurring today and the seas rising and glaciers melting, that The Bahamas is further prone to flooding,” Dr. Minnis added.

10/10/07

By VERNON CLEMENT JONES, Senior Business Reporter

vernon@nasguard.com

Absence of final approvals for the $2.3-billion Baha Mar project has been blamed for a drop in construction jobs and a general decline in the country’s short-term economic growth. According to one developer, you can now add the rise in mortgage rates to the list.

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