by Jerome Pinder
First, let me begin by noting the support and respect that I have held for Minister Deveaux over the years. In my opinion, he is one of the best Cabinet Ministers in the current administration. Unfortunately, he is not judged against many top performers, given the current make-up of Cabinet, however, I find him to be a hard working and dedicated individual. Time will be the ultimate judge of whether my opinion is correct.
Secondly, let me deal with the now famous helicopter ride. I could care less if this helicopter flew the Minister back and forth to work each day, as long as the taxpayer is not footing the bill. Further, for now, I do not think that a helicopter ride can influence the Minister's ability to make a profound decision on behalf of the People of this Country. I would like however to put some other Cabinet Ministers on that helicopter, fly them to Bell Island and leave them there.
Thirdly, I do believe that Minister Deveaux made a bad judgement call in using the helicopter ride for him and his family to travel to Abaco, which had nothing to do with the Bell Island project. It should have been clear that this would create a political firestorm and the Minister should have taken a Charter. However, to me this is not the larger issue and I don't feel that he should be sacked for it. The future has yet to reveal whether the Minister should be sacked!
Now to the larger issue and that is Bell Island in the Exuma Land and Sea Park, truly one of a kind. Let us consider a few questions:
- Who is Aga Khan IV? He claims to be a descendant of the Profit Muhammed and the 49th and current imam of the Sia Imani Nizari Ismailis. Are we serious about allowing such a person to develop an island within one of the most beautiful land and sea parks this country has to offer?
- Do we really need a billionaire Islamic leader in this Country? How far will we sell ourselves for the almighty dollar?
- What are the long term benefits of allowing this develop? A few jobs made available, to allow someone to rip up our National Park to accommodate a yacht.
- Is this Park really one of the oldest marine parks in the World that provides a sanctuary to bird and marine life? If so, an idiot could say no to its development without even needing an environmental impact assessment.
- According to The Tribune (14/Sept/2010), when copies of documents between the Ministry of The Environment and BNT were requested, and I quote, "the file was taken away and made the subject of a meeting." Why? Perhaps the Minister could tell us.
- Why has BNT gone quiet on the issue and now claim it is too political? It is just as well they remain quiet now, as any comments will be overshadowed by the allegation that they received a $1 Million dollar donation!
- Why not devote the time wasted on this project, on time spent facing the challenges of our land fill? We can help the environment, save money, create jobs, and create energy with this one!
Mr. Deveaux, as a Citizen of this Country, I humbly request that you and your Cabinet Colleagues decline this project. We have given away much in this Country. I certainly understand that there are developments that are necessary for our economic development, but please don't destroy the Exuma Park. And don't destroy it for someone that we know nothing about. Think about the long term effects and the future of the Bahamas.
And no, this is not an unbridled, knee jerk reaction! It is the opinion of a Bahamian who loves the Bahamas.
The jury is still out on Minister Deveaux and his Cabinet Colleagues. I trust that they will make the right decision, so that history will judge them favorably.
