The Tribune

By YOURI KEMP

Tribune Business Reporter

ykemp@tribunemedia.net

The Department of Environmental Planning & Protection (DEPP) is awaiting passage of a law that will allow it to issue “spot fines” for anyone found guilty of infractions.

Rhianna Neely-Murphy, its director, told the Bahamas Business Outlook conference: “The DEPP is still a very small unit. We have eight staff members and our mandate is very wide. We are responsible for the protection of 100,000 square miles of land and sea in The Bahamas. And it's something that we take very, very seriously.

“So with that, you know, the legislation came and practically we realised that there was something else that we needed to assist us in the enforcement of protection. And so we have some amendments before the Cabinet and the House right now that will assist us in better doing our jobs.

“Some people may not appreciate the legislation and the amendments that we have set before us, but legislation and amendments will introduce spot fines that will allow environmental offices of the DEPP… to actually implement spot fines directly on the spot when there is an environmental infraction.”

Dr Neely-Murphy added: “I think there was a video that was being shown when we're coming in speaking to the importance of these ecosystems (mangroves). These ecosystems provide services to us that in many instances we take for granted, and without them life in The Bahamas would be very different.

“If you live along West Bay Street or have to travel along West Bay Street, you know that every time there's a cold front, any kind of weather that comes in along West Bay Street, you may have to deal with some sand in the road or waves in the road. All of that is a part of the mandate of the DEPP to make sure that those coastal areas or inland areas are well protected.”