public parks and public beaches communication
DESCRIPTION
Minister Dorsett's Presentation on the Public Parks and Public Beaches Authority Bill.TRANSCRIPT
HON. KENRED DORSETT, M.P.MINISTER OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND HOUSING
COMMUNICATION TO PARLIAMENTon
BAHAMAS PUBLIC PARKS AND PUBLIC BEACHESAUTHORITY BILL 2013
October 1st, 2014
CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY
Thank you Mr. Speaker
MR SPEAKER
In keeping with our commitments laid out in the Charter for
Governance, this administration has brought historic
legislation to this place; legislation like:
Persons With Disabilities Equal Opportunity Act
· Constitutional Amendment Bills
· The Gaming Bills
· Value Added Tax Bill
· Bahamas Protected Area Fund Act
· The Medical Act
· Juries Amendment Bill
· Investment Condominiums Bill
· Forestry Amendment Bill
· Introduction Duty Free Concession for East and West
Grand Bahama in the budget exercise
These laws will advance this country into the next generation
of development and continue to move us in the right
direction. We have had a robust legislative agenda and the
heavy lifting isn't over yet as there is more to come,
including legislation to usher in major reform to the energy
sector making grid tie connection and net metering lawful as
well as a new legislative regime for the exploration of
petroleum and the establishment of the Environmental
Planning and Protection Agency.
This is the reason that we serve in this place, Mr. Speaker.
We are here to ensure that we do our part to better the
position of our country on the world's stage and more
importantly, to create an environment of prosperity that will
provide opportunities for the advancement for our people.
This administration takes this responsibility seriously. Thus
we have done what we have to do to ensure that The
Bahamas continues to progress in the best interest of
Bahamians through legislation and policy.
MR. SPEAKER
Today, this Progressive Liberal Party administration is again
bringing landmark legislation to this place for the benefit of
the Bahamian people. The Public Parks and Public Beaches
Authority Bill when passed will change the way that we have
operated and managed parks and beaches before this
legislation. This bill will ensure that the Bahamian people
have access to well kept beaches and recreational spaces
across the nation. There will be an organized approach
through the establishment of the Public Parks and Public
Beaches Authority to the management and upkeep of our
beaches and parks. This bill, when enacted, will enhance the
quality of life of Bahamians and will aid in the mitigation of
climate change and green house gas emissions. It will also
create new green jobs for our people, with the introduction of
a trained workforce of park wardens to properly manage
these facilities. They will ensure that our parks and beaches
become family oriented for recreational, commercial and
touristic use.
MR. SPEAKER
I am sure I am not breaking news when I say that our
country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. We are
blessed to be able to call such a paradise home. Those of us
that have had the privilege to travel internationally
understand just how special The Bahamas is. We not only
have the sun, sand and sea for which we are best known, but
we also have, landscape, marine life, flora and fauna that set
us apart from the rest of the world. We are home to the
third largest barrier reef in the world, we have some of the
most beautiful and pristine beaches in the world, some with
white sands and others with pink. In January 2013, our very
own Pink Sands Beach located on Harbour Island was named
to the list of Best Beaches on Earth in an article written by
Stirling Kelso for Travel & Leisure Magazine. The Bahamas
was also named to the 2014 list of the World's Ten Best
Ethical Destinations by the Ethical Traveler organization.
We have also been blessed with a unique geographical
composition. We are many islands linked by the waters of
the Atlantic Ocean across 100,000 square miles. Because of
this composition, we have beaches that are well frequented
and some in the less populated islands that are relatively
untouched. Here on New Providence, one need only to drive
around the island on a holiday to see that Bahamians living
in the capitol need access to more beach space and that
those beaches need to be properly managed and manned by
lifeguards and wardens especially on the busier days of the
year.
MR SPEAKER
As Minister responsible for the Environment, I am often times
concerned by the state of the environment in our country.
The high level of illegal and indiscriminate dumping,
overgrown verges and green spaces. I am pleased that the
Ministry of Works which has oversight for such things since
taking over the Roads and Parks portfolio in May 2012, has
now acquired equipment for the 400 staff members that
were transferred from the Department of Environmental
Health Services in 2012. I trust that they will now be able to
clean and maintain the airport corridor and the other roads
and verges throughout New Providence. It is important that
the government does it part in keeping The Bahamas clean
while we encourage citizens to do their part. As a
government we have to ensure that the quality of life for
Bahamians is superior and I believe that a clean environment
can significantly improve our quality of life. In this regard, I
implore those Bahamians who dump garbage throughout our
streets and neighbourhoods to stop. Despite our efforts to
clear and clean illegal dumping sites, there are some among
us who continue to do dump illegally. For the DEHS it is
difficult to prosecute and pursue culprits that cannot be
identified. We must all do our part to keep the Bahamas
clean.
MR. SPEAKER
There has been research conducted on the therapeutic
benefits of green spaces for human beings. Research has
found that “contact with natural environments promote
psychological restoration, improved mood, improved
attention, and reduced stress and anxiety.” We all know that
in the times that we live in many of our people are suffering
from stress and stress related illnesses trying to meet their
commitments. With this legislation before us we seek to
ensure that all Bahamians have access to green spaces and
beaches to de-stress, unwind, to be educated, to commune
with nature and to congregate.
MR SPEAKER
I was given the mandate by the Prime Minister and Member
for Centreville, as Minister responsible for the Environment
and Housing to see that Clifford Park be transformed into a
space reminiscent of New York City's Central Park. As those
of us who have been there know Central Park is a place
where many, if not every, New Yorker frequents. Whether it
is to exercise, relax, picnic, attend a concert or just take a
stroll, it is a place that is always bustling with activity. It is
envisaged that Bahamians have the same access to a central
meeting place. The Rt. Hon. Prime Minister also advised that
greater access to public beaches must be provided to
Bahamians, even if that meant consideration being given to
the acquisition of properties.
MR SPEAKER
In my communication during the 2013-2014 budget debate, I
spoke to the Prime Minister and Rt. Hon. Member for
Centreville's request that my ministry seek support from the
Bahamas National Trust, Members of Parliament and NGOs to
identify and create a system of Botanical Gardens within or
adjacent to communities on the Family Islands to ensure
easy access to green spaces and natural areas for recreation
and enjoyment.
I noted some of the benefits of the development of spaces on
our Family Islands such as:
Many local settlements on the Family islands lack a city
centre. One of the best examples of this is Marsh
Harbour in Abaco. An urban botanical park could act as
a central area for community activities, tourism
information as well as a staging area for national events
such as independence celebrations. Urban Botanical
Gardens can also encourage development of
complimentary businesses to the outdoor space such as
Ice Cream Shops, Coffee shops, bakeries and other
similar establishments.
The promotion of healthy life styles and access to a safe
area for walking and running would be a valuable
contribution to community LIFE. An easy example for
comparison would have been the beautifully planted area
that ran in front of the Cable Beach Hotels as well as the
newly developed area created by Bahamar to replace the
median walking strip.
Well planned and planted urban botanical parks can
become a wildlife oasis in developed areas. These areas
become not only important for local birds but essential
areas for migratory birds who need food, water and tree
cover as they make their annual migrations. The PARKS
THEN become areas that support urban birding
programmes for youth and ADULTS AND will become key
areas for youth activities in urban renewal programmes.
Urban Botanical Parks can strengthen communities by
providing opportunities for corporate and NGO
partnerships. Community Parks can provide staging
places for special interest groups to accomplish
educational outreach, advocacy and public funding for
special projects.
The Development of these urban botanical areas are
ideal for providing summer employment for youth in
communities. The young people can receive TRAINING
IN landscape design and implementation as well as
learning basic construction skills. Additionally their
involvement in the development of the parks will give
them OWNERSHIP AND DISCOURAGE VANDALISM and
inappropriate activities in these community parks.
Urban Botanical Areas provide a staging place for a
number of educational opportunities. Educators can use
the areas to organize educational activities on plants,
insects and birds.
These parks with proper infrastructure can also become
staging areas for COMMUNITY AND school concerts and
theatrical performances.
I also mentioned in that communication my ministry's plan
for the renaissance of the Nassau Botanical Gardens. Those
of us of a certain age surely can recall when the Nassau
Botanical Gardens was a breathtaking sight to behold. Many
of us would have attended weddings or other events there
when the waterfalls were operational and the pathways were
in better condition. The Gardens are still a tranquil oasis in
the middle of the city but it is not in the operational state
that it used to be.
A revitalized Nassau Botanical Gardens can serve as the
'Central Park' of New Providence. Given its position next to
Clifford Park, the entire space could become a magnificent
spot for recreation, education and entertainment on the
island. This park could offer residents and visitors a place to
relax, congregate and commune with nature. It could be a
place where concerts and theatrical shows can be held with
an amphitheater and concession areas. It could also
continue to be the place where indigenous trees and
flowering plants are grown and displayed. These plants could
be transplanted to beautify other spaces and verges around
the island. The collection of indigenous trees is important
when you take into consideration that some of the young
people of this nation do not know of some of the trees and
flowering plants that we grew up sitting under and swinging
or eating from. It is the vision of this government that this
new Authority will lead the charge in making the
aforementioned plans a reality.
MR SPEAKER
My ministry in consultation with the Ministry of Tourism, the
Ministry of Education, the Antiquities, Monuments and
Museums Corporation and the Department of Environmental
Health Services established a steering committee on the
establishment of a National Public Parks and Public Beaches
System Regulatory framework. The steering committee was
chaired by Christopher Russell, Director of Forestry within my
ministry.
The steering committee presented the proposed Bahamas
Public Parks and Public Beaches Authority Bill which is before
us today. It incorporates provisions that are considered
relevant to The Bahamas from legislation in Barbados and
Singapore. It also contains relevant provisions that can be
found in the Antiquities, Monuments and Museums
Corporation and the Clifton Heritage Authority Acts of The
Bahamas.
MR SPEAKER
My ministry is of the view that the establishment of the
Bahamas Public Parks and Public Beaches Authority will assist
the government in fulfilling its commitment to establish
green spaces throughout the country, create a cadre of
trained public officers similar to the United States Park
Service to manage these parks and create employment and
entrepreneurial opportunities for Bahamians in relation to the
design and development of such parks.
MR SPEAKER
The need for proper planning methods and structure in our
country is a great one. The development of our country
cannot continue to fall prey to party politics and ill-advised
decision making. Our development must be built on concrete
information and data, through research and planning, which
will lead to the responsible and sustainable development of
our country for the benefit of this generation and those to
come. It is for this reason that this administration relies
heavily on research, consultation and planning,
understanding that this country's resources are not infinite
and should be handled responsibly. We also understand fully
that the development of a country such as The Bahamas
must make socio-economic and geographic sense and be
sustainable.
MR SPEAKER
One of the more egregious examples of development falling
prey to party politics in my view was the relocation of the
port from Bay Street. Under the former Christie
Administration reports were commissioned by the
government done by internationally recognized firms which
advised on the relocation of the Nassau Container Port and
the revitalization of Bay Street. Well it so happened that the
general elections were held and the PLP administration was
defeated. With the defeat of the PLP came the cessation of
many projects including the well thought out, well researched
relocation of the Nassau Container Port to southwest New
Providence. One of the reports that was commissioned by
the Christie Administration was the EDAW Report of 2004.
This report is over one hundred pages of research and
conclusions which should have served as the blueprint of the
revitalization of Nassau across governments and across party
lines. This EDAW report in conjunction with an
Environmental Impact Assessment compiled by Coastal
Systems International concluded that the Nassau Container
Port should be removed out of the city center and placed in
southwest New Providence. Coastal Systems International
said of their analysis that each of the alternative locations
were evaluated for “economic, technical and environmental
feasibility.” They also said that their scope of work included,
“literature review, detailed terrestrial and marine
environmental assessments, coastal engineering evaluation
(wind and wave conditions, storm surge modeling, and
flushing analysis), socio-economic evaluation, port design,
stakeholder consultation, and detailed mitigation planning. It
must be noted and repeated again for those who may not
remember or those hearing of this for the first time that out
of the seven locations considered, the current location at
Arawak Cay was ranked sixth. The report done by Coastal
Systems concluded that out of the seven locations it would
be more prudent to leave the port were it was and DO
NOTHING than to relocate it to exactly where it is today. I
should also mention that another world renowned company,
Ecorys, a company specializing in economic, spatial and
social development were also retained by the former Christie
Administration to provide a trade and traffic forecast, a
logistics plan, conceptual design of new port facilities,
economic and financial feasibility and funding options.
As we all know these independent and reliable reports were
ignored and became decoration for somebody's office
because they did not support what the FNM wanted to do.
The former administration decided to ignore sound advice
and research to ensure that their political cronies were
satisfied. The relocation of the Nassau Container Port to its
current position is not only an eyesore and a public health
concern when one considers the amount of dust and
emissions from the large trucks transporting containers that
drive through Arawak Cay throughout the day; but because
of the dredging which had to take place caused much
damage to Saunders Beach. I recall vividly that the member
for Marathon, myself and others took on the cause of trying
to talk the Ingraham Administration out of what we knew
was a bad decision and warned them of what could happen.
As we warned, the construction of the Arawak Cay Port has
had adverse effects on Saunders Beach, so much so, that the
Ingraham Administration had to hire companies to replace
the sand on the beach. Mr. Speaker tons and tons of quarry
was placed on Saunders Beach by Tycoon Management and
Bahamas Marine Construction, companies which received
contracts totaling $2.2 million. Mr. Speaker the Member for
Marathon can attest that at one point during the construction
of the Arawak Cay Port, Saunders Beach which had sand
levels as high as the roadside was so depleted that he
himself, as tall as he is, could stand within the erosion.
Montagu Beach is another example of bad decisions made by
the former administration. This is a very busy site for
vendors almost every day of the week and must be
developed properly taking into consideration that vendors
must use the facility in a sensible and planned way. It should
be noted that we are not interested in deterring persons from
making a living. However, we are proponents of vending
being done in a way that is not unsightly and unorganized
and which preserves the natural beauty and topographical
features of public parks and beaches.
MR SPEAKER
These examples of the missed opportunities and ill-advised
ventures by the former Ingraham administration bolster my
point and the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister's proclamations about
proper planning being vital to the sustainable development of
The Bahamas. Emphasis must be placed on research,
planning and consultation in the country, something that this
administration understands and has done.
MR SPEAKER
We must ensure that Bahamians have access to beaches.
This government is well aware of this need and has been
working to ensure that it is met. On the subject of beach
access, in a speech delivered in November of 2005, the Rt.
Hon Prime Minister stated that “..........my government has
already committed itself to the acquisition, by private
contract with interested landowners of additional beach
properties that will be converted to public use by Bahamians
and visitors alike.............the thrust of my government's
policy in this area is to augment the national inventory of
public beaches, especially here in New Providence, so that all
Bahamians would have ready access to a much greater
number of beaches than is presently the case.” Earlier in
2005, the Christie led administration purchased beach front
properties said to be worth $15 million, on the island of
Harbour Island, for the sum of $4 million in order that
Bahamians on that island can have access to the beach. It
should also be recalled that it was the Christie administration
which purchased the land now known as the Clifton Heritage
National Park, which was set to be developed into a gated
community. This was to ensure that Bahamians can have
access to that historical site and its surrounding beaches.
This administration knows the importance access to green
spaces and beaches is to the lives of Bahamians which is why
this legislation is so important and will cause for there to be
a concrete legal framework for the continuation of the work
that has been done to date.
MR SPEAKER
The need to have a management system in place for our
parks and beaches is also addressed by this legislation. At
present, there are major health and safety concerns
associated with our public beaches and parks. One such
concern is the accumulation of garbage especially after
holidays. Some months ago, I was invited to be apart of a
beach clean up exercise by the students and teachers of
Naomi Blatch School. We went to South Beach where bags
and bags of garbage were taken from the beach by the
students. This garbage that was left there by unconcerned
beach goers and persons who park along the shoreline at
lunchtime. This state of affairs has become commonplace
not just on our beaches and parks but on our roadsides,
vacant properties and verges as well, as I mentioned earlier.
To combat this problem, my ministry has devised the 'DO
YOUR PART' Anti-Littering Campaign, a plan for which we will
solicit support from the private sector to encourage our
people to do their part to keep the Bahamas clean. The
upkeep of this country should be a partnership between the
government and the people; each doing their part to ensure
that we live in clean and sanitary environment. It must be
understood that a clean Bahamas can only be fully achieved
if the government and the citizens of this country work
together.
MR SPEAKER
We plan to ensure that lifeguards are provided for our
beaches. As we know, there are a number of Bahamians,
even children, who have lost their lives in our waters over
the years. In some instances theses were deaths that could
have been prevented had their been a trained lifeguard (s)
on duty at the beach whom persons could have called on for
assistance when they needed it most.
These lifeguards and wardens will ensure that all parties,
those who frequent the beaches and parks and vendors and
tourists conduct themselves in a manner that is not
potentially harmful to others. Today there is a concern of
motor vessels, like small boats and jet skis, being used too
near to the shoreline of public beaches which can be
dangerous to swimmers. This behaviour must be curtailed
and that can only be done if trained persons are on hand to
monitor and deter such activities.
MR SPEAKER
The creation of this authority and the proper management of
parks and beaches will also hopefully end the age old
problem of the unkept condition of public bathroom facilities
at these sites. The central government spends large sums of
monies to ensure that public parks and beaches are equipped
with bathroom facilities. However, because of the lack of
security, many of these facilities within a short time of their
construction are no longer able to be used because the toilets
have been stolen or it has been vandalized or is not kept in a
sanitary condition.
It is also envisaged that with the restoration and
development of public parks and beaches that they will
provide a venue for the staging of community festivals and
cultural events. These events will enable our people to
showcase their talents through music, art, culinary skills,
and provide for more local sporting events within
communities to foster better neighbourhoods and community
outreach.
MR SPEAKER
As minister responsible for the environment, I would be
remiss if I did not elaborate on the positive effect that the
development of green spaces will have on our efforts to
lessen our carbon footprint. Trees are known to clean the air
of carbon dioxide by storing it in its leaves and bark while
releasing much needed clean oxygen. It is said that “an acre
of mature trees absorbs the amount of carbon dioxide
produced when you drive your car 26,000 miles.” As we all
know carbon dioxide is a major greenhouse gas which is
created by the burning of fossil fuels and contributes greatly
to climate change. With the addition of more trees and
green spaces, in conjunction with our efforts to reform the
energy sector The Bahamas will be well on its way to
achieving its goals as relates to environmental responsibility.
MR SPEAKER
As we move to restore our beaches and parks, the need may
arise for invasive species to be removed. Species such as
the casuarina tree or commonly known as the 'cedar' tree
here in The Bahamas, are invasive species. It is said to
contribute to loss of biodiversity and deterioration of sand
dunes in the Bahamas. Another invasive species is the
cattail. Just this year in commemoration of Earth Day the
Bahamas National Trust endevoured to remove as much of
these plants as possible from Harold and Wilson Ponds where
that plants have grown so thick and high that they have now
covered the boardwalk in some places. The need may also
arise for the restoration and refurbishment of beaches to
ensure that people can get the must enjoyment of them with
the replacement of eroded sand.
MR. SPEAKER
The Bahamas Public Parks and Public Beaches Authority
established with the passing of this bill will be charged with
bringing the vision of the Rt. Hon Prime Minister, which I
spoke of earlier to fruition. This will be done through the
identification, regulation, maintenance, development and
conservation of public parks and public beaches for our
people to enjoy.
The functions of this Authority as set out in this bill in Section
Five (5) are:
(a) to control, plan, design, develop, administer, manage
and maintain the public parks and public beaches
designated by the authority;
(b) to conserve the natural beauty and topographic
features of public parks and public beaches.
(c) To propagate, protect and preserve the animals,
plants and other organisms within the public parks and
public beaches, and preserve objects and places of
aesthetic, historical or scientific interest;
(d) to remove derelict objects from any public park or
public beach or from public access to any public park or
public beach;
(e) to maintain public access to and to provide a
lifeguard service at public beaches as it thinks fit;
(f) to maintain green verges and the facilities at public
parks and public beaches;
(g) to secure the observance of sanitary and clean
conditions and practices at and in respect of the public
parks and public beaches and other such sites of
national interest as the Minister may designate
(h) to promote the study, research and dissemination of
knowledge in botany, horticulture, biotechnology,
arboriculture, forestry, landscape architecture, parks and
recreation management and natural and local history;
(i) to provide and manage recreational, cultural,
historical, research and educational facilities and
resources in public parks and encourage their full and
proper us by members of the public;
(j) to advise the Minister
1.on the construction, rehabilitation, restoration and
remediation of public beaches and ancillary
recreational facilities on public beaches
2.on the control of the construction in any public park or
on any public beach, of huts, booths, tents, sheds,
stands, stalls, bath-houses, shops, whether movable
or immovable;
3. on such other matters, relating to the public parks and
public beaches, including matter pertaining to public
beach control and the protection of the sea-coast of
The Bahamas from erosion or encroachment by the
sea;
(k) to beautify and add amenities to the public parks and
public beaches and such other areas as determined by
the Minister;
(l) to enter into written agreements with owners and
occupiers of land adjacent the foreshore for the purpose
of obtaining public access to public beaches; and
(m) to name public parks and public beaches, National
Heroes Park – celebrate our nations heros and heroines
*(Refer to amendment 5 (2) – cooperation with local
government)
MR SPEAKER
The functions read should demonstrate to the Bahamian
people that we are not just here to create another board but
to create a framework for the proper management of our
parks and beaches for their benefit. We are laying a strong
foundation on which future leaders can build upon.
This Authority will be governed by a twelve member board of
directors inclusive of the Directors of government
departments who would have oversight of a portion of the
components necessary to make this new system successful.
As per the amendment to be moved, they are: the Director
of Forestry, a Local Government representative, the Director
ex officio, the Executive Director of the Bahamas National
Trust and eight members appointed by the Governor General
in consultation with the Minister.
The Board may invite other Government Directors to give
advice and provide input, but we have sought to amend the
bill to ensure that there is a dedicated management team
that will focus on the affairs and functions of the Authority.
The duties of the Board of Directors will include the
formulation of policy to ensure such policies are
implemented. The board will also manage the financial
resources and assets of the Authority, manage the fees and
charges for services, provided to and by the Authority,
appoint officers and employees and to advise the minister on
resource applications. The day to day management of the
Authority will be headed by the Director of Public Parks and
Public Beaches who will be appointed by the Board. The
Board is expected to meet as least once per month.
MR. SPEAKER
One day I trust that all of our famous monuments, if not
placed under the Bahamas Public Parks and Public Beaches
Authority, will be placed under another authority and lead to
the establishment of a Bahamas Parks and Beaches Rangers
Service. This unit would not only be tasked with the usual
crime prevention, investigation and apprehension functions in
association with the Royal Bahamas Police Force, but they
would be responsible for policing many of the famous
monuments throughout The Bahamas. This unit would also
oversee a uniformed guard force or wardens, which would
provide many of our public parks, public beaches and
monuments with security and patrol services, which can deal
with access controls, security patrols of buildings and
facilities and assisting members of the public and tourists.
MR SPEAKER
The Bahamas Public Parks and Public Beaches Authority will
create many new and unique jobs, such as park wardens,
interpreters, historians, archaeologists, conservators,
management officers, planners, architects, engineers,
general labourers and trades people and administrative staff.
There will be jobs in administration, financial management,
information services and personnel services. Our island's
botanical gardens and Public Parks which are historic sites,
will also have operational staff such as store clerks,
labourers, tradespeople, equipment operators and general
maintenance staff.
Park wardens will play a key role in supporting the Bahamas
Public Parks and Public Beaches Authority in fulfilling its
mandate by providing regulatory enforcement services. Their
activities will focus on the protection of natural and cultural
resources, public education and ensuring quality visitor
experiences in parks including our marine conservation
areas. The United States Government has expressed an
interest in sharing information and experiences with respect
to their National Parks Warden Services with my Ministry. I
look forward to working closely with them.
MR SPEAKER
We each can make a difference.
I recall the story of a man walking down a beach covered
with dying starfish one morning . The tide the night before
was very strong and thousands of starfish were washed up
on the shore, too far up for them to make it back into the
water by themselves. The man shook his head as he thought
it was a shame that all of those starfish would die on the
beach. He came upon a boy who was throwing starfish back
into the ocean as fast as he could. He was out of breath and
it was obvious that he had been doing this for a while. "Son,"
the man said, "you might as well quit. There are thousands
of them. They are washed up all over the beach as far as you
can see. There is no way you can make any sort of a
difference."
The boy did not even pause in what he was doing. He kept
bending and throwing, but as he did, he spoke to the man, "I
can make a difference to this one, and this one, and this
one." The man thought, and he knew the boy was right. He
began to help return the animals to their home, smiling at
how life's biggest lessons sometimes come from the smallest
people."
So as we consider this bill, I trust that we will remember this
story and make a note of at least one act we can do to help
restore our environs. I believe that supporting this bill is one
way we can act. However, I admonish those who are listening
to me, who are outside this place and cannot vote on this
bill, no matter who they are or where they come from by
doing one act to protect our environment and keep it clean,
we can make a difference in The Bahamas.
This member is proud of this bill before us today as it is a
step in the right direction to ensuring that the Bahamian
people, current and future generations, will always have
access to beaches and green spaces. It ensures that those
spaces will always be in good repair and that park and beach
development becomes a daily endeavour in this country
because we see its importance.
Mr. Speaker there are amendments to the bill, which I shared
with the side opposite several weeks ago and is before us
today that I intend to address in committee stage to address
the grammatical atrocities, identified in the bill. I apologies to
members for that and trust that they will all support the bill.
With that said Mr. Speaker, I so move.
Thank you Mr. Speaker