The Tribune

LAKESHIA Anderson, Grand Bahama Parks Manager for the Bahama National Trust, met last week with residents of McLean’s Town at a public meeting, held at McLean’s Town Primary School in Grand Bahama.

In a crowded classroom, the MP for East Grand Bahama, Peter Turnquest, East End administrator Sherrick Ellis, Eleanor Philips, director, Northern Caribbean Programme of The Nature Conservancy (TNC), bonefish guides, tour operators, local fishermen and residents met to hear about the BNT’s proposal to extend the Grand Bahama national park areas, and particularly to discuss the creation of an East Grand Bahama National Park.

Ms Anderson addressed the crowd and explained the consultations they have been doing.

“When the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park was designated a no-take park, we did not consult with the neighbouring communities,” she admitted, “but we have learned from our mistakes, and we have since established a process that involves resource users in the decision making process. We have held five prior meetings, and completed 150 one-on-one surveys in East End, and tonight we’re back to discuss the input from the communities and research findings, and how these components have provided guidance for proposed boundaries.”

Ms Anderson went explained that the community made recommendations that certain areas known as conch beds, should be managed differently in what is currently proposed as a national park, and asked for restrictions on prime fishing grounds from large scale commercial fishing, and incompatible developments.

“The feedback we have had from you is phenomenal,” said Ms Anderson. “It was with the assistance of local fishermen and bonefish guides, that our team was able to assess the immense diversity in the East End flats that is truly unique.”

Ms Anderson noted that representatives from The National Audubon Society have recently conducted shorebird and waterbird surveys in this area, and are planning to return for further work.

Showing those attending the proposed park boundaries, Ms Anderson opened the floor for questions that focused on the proposed sand dredging for the Bursus Cay area.

“The East End Local Government Council has written to the Government opposing the proposed dredging, and to request an Environmental Impact Assessment be conducted, in which the BEST Commission and BNT officials should then review,” administrator Ellis told the audience.

At this point, a young local fishing guide asked if the park could be extended to include Bursus Cay and surrounding environment. Ms Anderson said this was up to the community to provide these recommendations. Others quickly chimed in and asked Ms Anderson to include the area from McLean’s Town to Bursus Cay, as this shallow flats area is known to have an abundance of birds and commercially important species of fish.

“We all know what will happen if this dredging is allowed; how it could destroy not only the bonefish flats and our lobster grounds, but also affect them down in Abaco. We need it all protected,” local fisherman Cecil Leathern said.

Mr Leathern and others also complained about fisheries protection, noting that this park will need proper governance of current regulations and new ones. Speaking on this, Eleanor Philips, TNC, said she and others are hoping to create a Bahamas Protected Area Fund that will provide some of the funding needed for effective management of protected areas in the Bahamas.

“I am so impressed with the turnout tonight, and the awareness and passion this community has for their environment. We will do all we can to advocate for protecting these areas they also feel are so important to their way of life.”

Before the meeting ended, local bonefish guide and minister, Omeko Glinton addressed those attending. “We want to protect our bonefish industry here,” said Mr Glinton. “I want to commend the BNT and others for what you are doing here. You’ve come in and spoken to us, helped educate us and listened to us. I know I need to feed my son, but I also understand I need to protect what we have for him and our children. My thanks for helping us do this.”

The BNT will include the recommendations provided through the meeting regarding amendments to the proposed boundaries, and have discussions with the residents of Sweetings Cay on this matter. A petition will be developed to provide the communities an opportunity to express their support for these proposed national parks, for inclusion in the park proposal to be submitted to Government.