Lawyers To Help Save Guana Cay Reef?

[Red Jacket]

Do we have any legal types out there who might be able to determine if an injunction through the Bahamian Courts would be a possibility on issues such as
the give-away of crown land, the destruction of habitat, the lack of plans for the disposition of solid waste, the pollution of the water table with human waste and many other concerns.

If anyone wants to help contact me at tstrong@penuryhall.com and I will put you in touch with the proper people.

Toby

[AbacoPeach]

I don't think Rhonda Hull reads the Board. You might want to email her at abacolaw@yahoo.com with your question. I would be curious what she may have to say...

[DrGecko]

You might want to look at this web site and contact Randy Brown, the Executive Director of Clean Islands International. I spoke with him earlier today; he knows Guana and the Bahamas.
cii@islands.org

Phone # 410-647-2500

[Red Jacket]

Discovery Land Company has many golf club developments. Golf is the central theme. If they can not get approval for a course it will be a " deal breaker" and the development will not take place.

All we have to do is get an injunction for the golf course on environmental grounds.

Lets work on it.
See this URL

http://www.vaqueroclub.com/developer/

DISCOVERY LAND COMPANY

The country's leading private golf and residential developers, Discovery Land Company consistently strives to enhance the natural character of each of its properties and provide residents with a unique lifestyle experience.


This philosophy has guided them in creating such high profile, exclusive communities as Estancia and Mirabel in Scottsdale, Arizona; Iron Horse in Whitefish, Montana; Kuki'o on the Big Island of Hawaii; CordeValle in California's Silicon Valley; The Hideaway at La Quinta, California; and Mountaintop in Cashiers, North Carolina. In addition, their golf courses–created in partnership with world famous course designer Tom Fazio–rank in the top 100 in the world.

http://www.vaqueroclub.com/images/developer/ico_estancia.gifEstancia Club (http://www.discoverylandco.com/project_estancia.html)
Scottsdale, Arizonahttp://www.vaqueroclub.com/images/developer/ico_iron_horse.gifIron Horse (http://www.discoverylandco.com/project_ironhorse.html)
Whitefish, Montanahttp://www.vaqueroclub.com/images/developer/ico_kukio.gifKuki`o (http://www.discoverylandco.com/project_kukio.html)
Kohala Coast, Hawaiihttp://www.vaqueroclub.com/images/developer/ico_mirabel.gifMirabel (http://www.discoverylandco.com/project_mirabel.html)
Scottsdale, Arizonahttp://www.vaqueroclub.com/images/developer/ico_cordevalle.gifCordeValle Golf Club (http://www.discoverylandco.com/project_cordevalle.html)
Silicon Valleyhttp://www.vaqueroclub.com/images/developer/ico_hideaway.gifHideaway (http://www.discoverylandco.com/project_hideaway.html)
La Quinta, Californiahttp://www.vaqueroclub.com/images/developer/ico_mountaintop.gifMountaintop (http://www.discoverylandco.com/project_mountaintop.html)
Cashiers, North Carolina

[Red Jacket]

Drew Weiner of Reef International www.reefprotect.org (http://www.reefprotect.org)
can be of help in short circuting the golf course.
His e-mail is dweiner@reefprotect.org

Contact him with facts about the pollution of the reef if th golf course goes in.

[TurtleDreams]

So is this the same group doing Winding Bay on Great Abaco?

[Roamin' Off]

Winding Bay's Golf Course is right on the water as is Emerald Bay's down south. I am sure that those met with requirements and if it were environmentally hazardous, wouldn't the residents of those areas lodged a complaint with the gov't to stop the development? If they do not pose a threat to the environment and reef, why is Guana any different? Is Guana's reef more fragile than any other island reef in the Bahamas or is there another selfish motive for the attack on the developers? I know my opinion is different than others on this board, but is seems that we are going down the same road and it is always in Guana.

[R]

Good day,
There is quite a differece between Guana Cay, and Winding Bay.
Winding Bay is right on deep ocean water without the well developed shallow reef system that is present on Guana Cay.
There is also a strong current off Winding Bay which I assume would better disburse any nutrient flow off the land.
Winding Bay is also on the mainland where solid waste, and sewage can be better managed.
The plan for Guana also requires the dredging of a large boat basin, this is not the case at Winding Bay.
At Winding Bay the Government did not give away any Crown Land in sensitive areas.
Other than the fact that both projects are to feature golf courses, they have little in common.
These are just my thoughts on the subject based on my first hand experience with both of these areas.

Regards,
R.

[Raptor]

Apologies if it seems I'm trying to be an ambulance chaser....

I have permitted numerous golf courses here in Maine where the State and Federal regulations are very strict and protective, a good thing. We protect wetlands, rare plants, critical habitats, and write pesticide and fertilization managment plans to protect surface and groundwater. I will be in Abaco from December 23 to 31 if anyone wants to shoot the breeze. I'll be checking into the Cruiser's Net on December 24th.

Bud Brown

[Roamin' Off]

I could be wrong, but I have been down to Winding Bay numerous times doing work there, and also have taken arial shots of the development, and even though it is on the open ocean, there is a barrier reef in close to shore that actually juts out from the sea and the area is quite shallow.

The last time I looked at a Dodge Guide and been to Guana, I believe that Guana is ON the open ocean as well. I don't think that Winding Bay is in any more of an open area than Guana is, and it is entirely possible they did not get government granted wetlands with the deal, but we do not know for sure they didn't. Did anyone check to see if the wetlands area across from Winding Bay on the Cherokee Road did not get granted to Winding Bay to some extent.

I am all for saving the wetlands for the right reasons. If the community has intentions to keep the wetlands as just that, a preserve for the marine life and has no intentions in the future to develop it in some way, then I applaud the islands residents for taking up the torch and pursuing the develpment lawsuit. If not, what is the difference? Development is development. And these developers if they follow through with their promises would enhance Guana's resources and amenities when they break ground. I understand they plan a proper dumpsite, water system, public park and beach area, better electric supply as they will be needing more power for their own use, and even a freight dock I believe.

In don't know, but that sounds positive. Maybe I am off my rocker, but I doubt that the golfcourse will harm the environment as much as we are all led to believe. I would for one would like a proffessional, unbiased, third-party study done in this area and compared to similar areas before I cast my vote to stop a development because someone doesn't want it in a certain area.

Just some fresh thoughts on the subject.

[Red Jacket]

For those interested go to Google and search "Golf course impact on marine environement"

Spend a couple hours reading and you will see what this is all about.

[Abacoparrott]

There is no reef off the shore of Winding Bay......rocks maybe....no reef. The folks on Guana have a genuine concern. Also, the golf course development at Winding Bay makes up much less than 1% of the island of Great Abaco. On Guana, this one development makes up over 25% of the land mass. I sincerely hope that you can see the difference.....ken

[Abacoparrott]

I'm not known as a "tree hugger" or a "environmental zealot" but check this site out.........www.maui-tomorrow.org/issuespages/ag/golf_chemicals.html. Ken

[AbacoChris]

Those of you that are locals and/or have a vast amount of information on this should see the Florida Sportman board where there is a little bit of "bashing" going on about this. It seems that some think that those of us who are concerned are only interested in playing free golf, using Orchid Bay for trespassing, etc. etc. I have attached a link. Maybe you can help to inform others who don't think preserving Abaco is a priority.

http://outdoorsbest.zeroforum.com/zerothread?id=286756

[R]

Roamin-off
If you don't understand the difference between rocks and a reef, you are showing your ignorance.
There is no barrier reef off Winding Bay, only rock. On Guana Cay you have hundreds of yards of shallow coral to be damaged before the runoff would reach deep water.
At Winding Bay you have rocks,then it drops off into deep water with a strong current.
Your only interest seems to be in stirring things up, I have yet to see a constructive post from you.
You want to represent yourself as a Bahamian, but you show no respect, or understanding of The Bahamas or her people.

Regards,
R.

[dive guana]

The mainland of Abaco has fresh water reserves in the ground for watering a HUGE golf course. The reef comes to within 50 feet of the shore. There is a sensitive eco system ( joes Creek ) right next to their mega marina. These are some of the main differences about the north end of Guana.

Ask the people of Cherokee how many jobs they have in Winding Bay ( besides the young boys that " they hope will return as caddies after they finish high school " )

[Island Notes]

Seems to me that regardless of the environmental impact of the development, the permanent and even seasonal residents of Guana don't want a development of this type on their Cay and I really don't blame them. The residents of Cherokee didn't want Winding Bay either.

This is just another example of Nassau selling the country to slick
foreign businessmen with fancy brochures, who will make a pile of money destroying the ambiance and beauty of these islands.

These Cays have done very well over the past several decades and generating millions in tax revenue, by marketing and distinguishing themselves by what we don't have here ... like golf courses, casino's etc.

Time to move.

[S/V Toucan Dream]

1. Where are they going to get all the fresh water to keep the greens and fareways watered?
2. How are they going to handle the runoff of all the organic chemicals (pesticides) and inorganic chemicals (fertilizer) necessary to maintain a golf course?

Having a Master's Degree in Solid Waste Management and Water Chemistry (Environmental Engineering, UF) I can guarantee you that the reef system adjacent to Guana Cay will be dead and covered with algae in a short period of time if a golf course is allowed to be built as planned. The golf courses referenced at Winding Bay and Emerald Bay are located on very large islands with groundwater supplies for fresh water. Also, there are no barrier reef systems adjacent to these facilities, only rocks and then deep water. There is a golf course nearby at Treasure Island that could be utilized by the development if they need to have golf available and run them over on a ferry boat to the mainland. Actually, it would be better for the people of Guana Cay, the local reef systems, and the ecology of the island if no development were built at all.

Guana Cay is much too small an island for a golf course. It would destroy the shallow fresh water table aquifer that many on the island use for their water supply. Development of a golf course on Guana Cay must be stopped. It would be an ecological disaster and counter-productive to the long-term interests of the other inhabitants of the island.

Robert W. Bass
Professional Geologist/Environmental Engineer

[chiquita]

It never ceases to amaze me when a development (such as this golf course) is planned in an area (such as Guana Cay) that has no master or previously thought out development plan in place, and suddenly everbody has a better idea. If you feel as strongly about an area such as the Abacos, then why not spend the time to develop a plan for the growth that is inevetable.

You won't stop the growth, writing a letter complaining is easy, why not spend the time , and money, to develop a plan for the area that makes development an economic and ecological sense. Low impact, low density development can be very benificial to an area. The alternative is the development of the Abacos over a period of time without a plan, resulting in piece meal construction projects based on the winner of small environmental battles between local residents and large, well funded corporations. Noboby is the winner in this scenario. Spend the time, it's worth the result.

By the way Toucan Dream, your participle in the penultimate paragraph is dangling.

[DrGecko]

Personally, I like "dangling participles" and "especially in penultimate paragraphs - oops - i forgot to sign Jim out and me in ....BUT come on!
submitted by L'il Gecko after I have zinned

[chiquita]

sorry doc........... I momentarily lost control and couldn't resist the urge to jig Bob Bass (get it?) I promise to be better.

[Abacoparrott]

on this Passerine thang........I'm not a local on Guana, just a landowner. As much as I like Guana "just the way it is", I strongly believe in property rights. When the previous owners of the Bakers Bay area made the monetary investment to buy it, it was just that......an INVESTMENT. Just like any homeowner who sells their house, they expect to sell at a higher price than they paid. This investment thing is all well and good as long as someone buys the property and leaves it as it is eh? Unfortunately, and eventually, someone comes along who buys and actually plans to do something with the property......and they have a right to do so within the confines of EXISTING laws and rules. The real problem comes with the golf course being near a beautiful reef. There shoulda been a law on the books a long time ago to prevent a golf course being built anywhere near a living reef. I love the game of golf. (my boatbuilder friend at the NC coast calls me a "goofer" cuz he thinks it's silly) As much as I love pounding the little white ball, I have NEVER taken my clubs to the Abacos to play a round. I figure that there are a LOT of things to do while in Abaco than to do something that I can do every day up here in NC. Sooooo, if eliminating the golf course from the Passerine development would keep the lots and homes from being sold, what does that tell you about those potential homeowners? That they were coming to Guana to just play golf? That they DON'T appreciate the natural surroundings? If so, perhaps they are NOT the type of folks who belong here. Let Passerine have the development WITHOUT the golf course and marina. If Passerine develops it that way then perhaps we should all shut up and consider them a good neighbor. If not, ok, Guana didn't need 'em.......Ken

[Roamin' Off]

That is all I was trying to say in my ealier posts AP. Just wanted to know why there was only a one sided look at things in Guana. As I said before, if it is scientifically shown by an unbiased firm that this development was going to harm or destroy the environment, I can understand the venom coming from Guana and its residents and I would take up the torch with them if I could in some capacity. But, from what I have been reading, there is no clean cut answer to any of the views posted here, and I was offering another way to look at it just as you.

Just fresh thoughts, and not nessisarilly what some want to hear. As for constructive and controversy, this whole thread is loaded with controversy and I am not trying to just cause trouble, just wanted people to think and have a different look at things.

I think R took things too personal. Maybe you need to re read what I wrote. Reading Comprehension is not over rated. And there is a reef at Winding Bay, maybe not as large as Guana, but reef none the less.

[Abacoparrott]

Let's just say that there IS a reef at Winding Bay........that course shouldn't have been built either.......the folks on Guana are STILL right about their opposition to a golf course. Just cuz Winding Bay wanted to kill theirs is no reason for Guanans to follow suit. I love a good golf course but, just like everything else in this world, a golf course has it's time and place. There is plenty of land on Great Abaco to build a course AND NOT hurt anything, much less a reef. It takes many lifetimes for nature to construct a reef and only a few short years to destroy one......AND chemicals are the number one culprit.

This Discovery land company says that they will use "environmentally friendly" fertilizers and such.....that crap might not hurt some environments but a reef is extremely sensitive to ANY outside influences. If it kills weeds, it will kill a reef.....Ken

[ncdd]

Ken you are not saying developers would fib about thier plans are you;)

[steamboat]

As to the availability of water for the golf course - I spent a couple of very nice days on Anguilla (very similar in a lot of respects to Abaco) this past August and the new golf course being constructed there (actually a requirement by the developer to buy and develop the parcel of land) was going to be watered by a new desalination plant built on the property for use by the development Hotel, villas and golf course. If, in fact they plan on a desalination unit for all development water requirements (very likely), the discharge from the unit is a brine solution (salt water in, fresh water out to use and saltier water discharged back to the ocean) and what will this do to the immediate area around the discharge pipe (wherever that is located). Lack of a local water supply will not stop a development like this, they just make their own supply.

[Abacoparrott]

We can't have weeds on a golf course Mon.....

[Erin]

Roamin Off, Thank you for your input. It is good to see someone act as devils advocate. the people of Cherokee just as the people of Guana cay were not given a chance to voice an opinion. The ground breaking ceremony for Winding Bay was the town meeting. It is my understanding that the people of Cherokee did say they were not on board but it was after construction began and too late. We all know that enforcement is hard. This is what Guana Cay is trying to avoid. Just because one developer says one thing doesn’t mean it will happen nor does it mean its true. There is example after example on how developers break promises. As a matter of fact, the developers have already broken promises. they promised Guana Cay another meeting to discuss the planning, etc and it never happened. How can we just blindly trust they will do the right thing and not build a golf course and 240 slip marina. Winding Bay golf course is a "links" course and uses significantly less land and water. A typical 18 hole golf course takes 60,000 gallons of fresh water every day. Additionally, the United National Environmental Program as well as the US EPA says that yes the chemicals "organic" or not will kill the reef. Another fact, their paid for environmental consultant has said "the reef will be compromised". Its not a matter of if, it will happen. Yes, Guana is different. The people DONT want it and they are speaking up about it now. Additionally, there is a petition with over 450 signatures (99% are Bahamian) saying that they want their crown and treasury land (about 200+ acres) to be put aside as a National Park. The people of Guana Cay are speaking and they say NO. Headlines from the Abaconian have said "Guana Cay says NO to development". The developers plan to dredge in behind Joe's Creek. they claim that no harm will come to the mangrove estuary. How can they say this with a straight face? not even mentioning the sewage and soap used to clean the boats the sediment alone will fill in the estuary. Come now and get you bone fish as they are plentiful in Joe's Creek but not for long. Please look at the website. www.saveguanacayreef.com.

[Erin]

I should also mention that the golf course is set on 300+ acres. Wouldn't the Bahamas benefit more if they just sold that land as parcels? People would have to pay duty on construction supplies and anything they bring in. This is NOT the fact with this development. The lots are sold outside of the Bahamas and are under the resort encourgaement act that all materials are duty free. How is this going to benefit the Bahamian people. All development is not bad it just needs to be sustainable and developers need to be accountable. The marina slated will be the largest in the Bahamas and totally private! For more info look at www.saveguanacayreef.com

[Erin]

One other note, the people of Guana cay have offered other suggestions. They even had an offer to purchase some of the land. They were ignored. They have tried to present and come up with other plans but it seems the government has forgotten about Guana cay and its people. How about a beauitful spa resort with a major dive operation? there have been a lot of other much better sustainable development plans offered. Again, the people are acting NOW beacuse no one is listening and we want answers.

[Casa Laguna]

I was a home owner in Treasure Cay for 14 years and never stepped foot on the golf course. It is not that I don't play golf, it is that I don't go to the Abacos to play golf. Abaco is all about water, beaches, reefs, sun and fun. Golf is for Ft. Lauderdale, Boca, Hilton Head etc.
The proposed housing density and golf course on the north end of Guana will ruin it for all of Guana and all of us who come to the Abacos to get away from high density development and planned communities.

Abaco is about boutique and funky places such as Cracker P's, Abaco Inn, Hopetown Harbour Lodge, Wally's, Green Turtle Club, Bluff House, Dolphin Beach Resort, Guana Seaside Village, Nippers and many more small establishments that make it special.

Say NO to golf and high density development on Guana !!!!

[Bertram25]

I would be very surprised if there's anything "sound" about the Guana Cay development. In Bimini the Bahamian Government is allowing the Bimini Bay development. It's a biological travesty condemned by every scientist who sees it yet the government preaches that it's a sound project. As in Guana the citizens were bypassed and the deals made in Nassau. The officials say that there's "only a few people opposed to the project". That's untrue, but the Biminites feel mostly helpless against a government that doesn't include them. The parallels between Guana and Bimini show that the PLP's policy is to plow it all up for a quick buck. In Bimini PLP won by some 70% in the last election because they promised to be "more environmentally sound" than the FNM. As soon as they were elected they immediately made a quiet deal with Miami-Cuban developer Gerardo Capo to destroy the Bimini Estuary. They tout the development as "drastically reduced from the earlier FNM approved proposal". The reality is that they leave out that the FNM had greatly reduced the project already from it's original form and had set aside a lot of land. PLP re-expanded it back to it's original size but agreed with Capo to have less dwellings. It seemed that the original density was just a poker player's ploy. Still there will be thousands of new people on Bimini, an 18 hole golf course in what is now mangrove estuary, hotels, casino, mega-marina etc. etc. all for which there is no adequate way to deal with sewage, solid waste and nutrient runoff. Capo's EIS was a self-serving joke and even then he ignores the environmental provisions in it. Already his digging and filling has drastically reduced the conch, bonefish, shrimp, lobster and probably every other inshore species in Bimini. The seagrasses are covered in silt because Capo doesn't use his silt containment booms that he promised (except in his official web site pictures). Also, although Capo owns the land a site plan from him to expand his development into all remaining Crown land on North Bimini was seen on the Prime Minister's desk. In addition to all of this Capo imports cheap Mexican and other foreign labor instead of using Bahamians like he promised. We are in the same boat in Bimini as you are in Guana. Maybe we should join forces? To get a little insight into the Bimini Bay problem go to the forum thread "out of the mouths of babes at the site listed here and have a look at



Good luck to all of us.





http://outdoorsbest.zeroforum.com/zerothread?id=280429

[DrRalph]

Anyone familiar with Carl Hiaasen's book Tourist Season?
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0446343455/qid=1103290514/sr=2-1/ref=pd_ka_b_2_1/002-7693018-4232816

[ncdd]

I must ask one question, how do the native Bahamians of Guana (not the transplants) feel about this project? I know Troy being ecology minded is against but how do the others feel. Do they welcome the progress?

[PatW]

As Erin said in her message, there is a petition signed by 450 folks and 99% are locals of Guana Cay or their decendants who may not live on Guana but do have a vested interest in what this development will do to their island and their livelihood if this golf course and marina is brought to reality.

[big fish]

After reading the multitude of opinions regarding this development, it is clear to me that all views are understandable. However, in my experience in municipal planning, I know that emotional views and positions on issues rarely are effective. The NIMBY (not in my back yard) approach will certainly not work. The only thing you can do is try to legislate a deterrent to irresponsible development by setting up a comprehensive plan for development of this ecologically sensitive area. In the states it revolves around planning and zoning, but also involves something called the "Shoreland Protection Act" in my state, which has specific regulations regarding what you may or may not do in those areas. Hopefully the Bahamas in general, and Guana specifically can get their leaders together to develop the infrastructure required to implement a plan. I would suggest that each community should at least have a Planning Board that would set up the regulations and be charged with approval of development projects. It's obviously not a new idea to Americans in Abaco. If a golf course were not allowed under the regulations, in the area in question, that would solve your problem in this case. Obviously you would need to have sound science on your side to impose such a restriction.
I have seen the water quality in the Florida Keys suffer dramatically due to the influx of people to their very fragile area. Unfortunately (or fortunately) beautiful areas such as theirs and yours have a magnetic draw for us nature lovers. Hopefully Great Guana, and all the other parts of the Bahamas can develop these comprehensive plans to try and stave off the all but inevitable degradation that comes from the population explosion that is also inevitable.
Thanks for listening.
Bruce

[Raptor]

Like I said in my prior posting, I'll be around next week and would take a site walk with interested parties. I'm seeing a lot of speculation but not many facts in these postings.

[Abacoparrott]

the fact that almost everyone on Guana is against this golf course and marina yet the Nassau government is enthusiastically approving it??? Now WHY would a government overrule such an overwhelming majority???? I think I know but I'll wait for a few opinions.......ken

[Red Jacket]

First go to www.lawnsite.com (http://www.lawnsite.com/) or google something like golf course superintendants etc. Also http://www.lawnfertilizers.com/info/lawnrates.html#ANNUAL%20RATES

Today I talked with an expert on the subject and we developed the following figures as a generally accepted norm.

Courses need about 4 - 6 pounds of Nitrogen, 1 pound each of Phosphate and Potassium per year put down on a schedule of maintenance.

Sandy soils permit the stuff to readly leach into the surrounding territory mor readily that loamy soils.

Let us say that the golf course on Guana is about 300 acres. After tou do the math the course would need 26 TONS of Nitrogen and 6 TONS each of Phosphate and Potassium. In addition there have to be trace elements such as magnesium etc. as needed by the type of grasses employed.

As there is not enough rainfall on Guana watering would have to be done which will cause the fertilizer to leach faster and more would have to be applied to keep the course attractive.

I have seen coursed in Egypt and Saudi Arabia that the only grass was on the greens with the rest being compacted soil. This requires less fertilizer and water and provided pleasant, challenging play.

Plus you will have all the fertilizers used by the home owners for their shrubs etc and all the phosphates used in laundrys and dishwashers. Think about you owb home and all the things you use that are not biodegradable and go through the municiple sewer system.

Hope this helps.

Toby

[BradW]

I'm just glad that my family and I have had a chance to see the Abacos already. The supposed "devils advocate" Roamin Off must be in development himself. The questions he is trying to raise are disengenuous at best, and very typical of the misdirection I witness here in the states around Chesapeake Bay and the Outer Banks. I'm sure there is some NIMBY to the residents' resistance, but given the nature and history of Bahamian government, or American gov't. for that matter, all the negative impact studies in the world, no matter how scientific, will not stop a well funded development with political friends UNLESS there is a concerted counter effort that combines both objective and emotional motivation to galvanize public resistance.

I have grown up around the Chesapeake and the Outer Banks and have observed the impact of resort and general development on estuarine environments. My brother does both wetlands field surveying and water quality policy analysis for a living, so he knows how this goes also. This development WILL negatively impact the Guana waters, it's just a matter of degree. If a (improper in my view) decision is made to go forward with the development, I wish they didn't have to bull**** the public about mitigation or protection. Just say, "Yeah, we'll trash some habitat, kill some reef and associated creatures. So what, here's some money for your loss. Go buy more rum and be happy."

The hell of it is I doubt the development would really fly economically. The originators will make out well by moving money around at first, but that's a hell of a lot of property to sell, slips to rent, and golf fees to collect to make it an ongoing success. Without a jetport connection direct to Florida, I would be skeptical of its long term success, given the access issues. This is not the "small, extremely exclusive" type development, but a larger one depending on a certain volume of business. By the time initial sales are over, the originators will be long gone with their cash, leaving someone else the hard job of making the resort work. Best of luck to Guana natives, but you'd better be prepared to get mad, get loud, fight hard, and fight dirty, because your opponents and the gov't. most certainly will.

[brock]

Well said Brad!!!!!!!!!

[Red Jacket]

Go to this site and read about Tom Fazio the architect for the Golf Course
SEE THE LAST PARAGRAPH

http://www.travelgolf.com/departments/clubhouse/tom-fazio-profile.htm


Fazio's work does not come cheap, with his design fees running well into the seven-figure range according to some clients, but the bottom line is production.

"Tom's certainly not the cheapest architect around, but you definitely get your monies' worth and that's all you can really ask for," one former client said.

At the EDS Byron Nelson Championship kickoff luncheon where Fazio was the featured speaker, principals from both of his North Texas private clubs, Mike Abbott at the Vaquero Club and John MacDonald at Dallas National were in attendance and both gave unsolicited glowing reports of Fazio's work. In fact repeat business is so good, that Fazio has formed agreements with top developers like MIKE MELDMAN at DISCOVERY LAND COMPANY or Wynn to do a series of exclusive courses for them.

http://www.discoverylandco.com/images/management/management_mike.gif
http://www.discoverylandco.com/images/general/1x1transparent.gif
Mike believes that preserving the natural characteristics of the land is the most crucial element to a development project. "Anyone can build houses, roads and golf courses. All that takes is money. You cannot, however, recreate the natural beauty of the environment with any amount of money. The value is always in the land." Being a good steward of the land, Discovery then embraces the local culture and natural amenities to complete the foundation for each project. Mike's proven approach of assembling a phenomenal project team, creating a genuine theme, an intimate club environment with fabulous service, and then communicating in personal way the greatness each project, has led to Discovery's success. Mike is an avid golfer and fisherman as well as a graduate of Stanford University. Of all his accomplishments, he is most proud, however, of his two sons, Hunter and Will.
Email: mmeldman@discoverylandco.com (mmeldman@discoverylandco.com).

[Erin]

Well said Brad! The construction phase will create major amounts of sediment that will runoff and do enough damage. This is why we need to try and stop this now. For the record, the people of Guana Cay have been fighting this since the first day it was proposed.

[Red Jacket]

If you can't click on the Name listing the go to www.bahamas.gov.bs (http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/) and click on Central Government and then Minister Portfolio
SEND THEM YOUR E-MAILS!!!!




window.onerror = WriteNotesName; WriteViewName()Cabinet Listing
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PORTFOLIONAMEMINISTRY
Prime Minister (http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/BahamasWeb/Addres0.nsf/Agencies/Prime%20Minister,%20Office%20of%20The)The Rt. Hon. Perry Gladstone Christie (http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/BahamasWeb/Addres0.nsf/9d21a197b092b08c85256b1e006c80a4/2108ca9f390fc22c85256bc30063a8ec!OpenDocument)Prim e Minister,Office of The
Deputy Prime Minister (http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/BahamasWeb/Addres0.nsf/Agencies/Deputy%20Prime%20Minister,%20(Office%20of%20The))T he Hon. Cynthia A. Pratt (http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/BahamasWeb/Addres0.nsf/9d21a197b092b08c85256b1e006c80a4/1fc2f49c6c2855f385256bb50066343f!OpenDocument)Depu ty Prime Minister, (Office of The)
Minister of Works and Utilities (http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/BahamasWeb/Addres0.nsf/Agencies/Works%20and%20Utilities,%20Ministry%20of)The Hon. Bradley B. Roberts (http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/BahamasWeb/Addres0.nsf/9d21a197b092b08c85256b1e006c80a4/61d622f95db5929585256bb50075638c!OpenDocument)Work s and Utilities, Ministry of[Replication or Save Conflict]
Minister of Labour and Immigration (http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/BahamasWeb/Addres0.nsf/Agencies/Labour%20and%20Immigration,%20Ministry%20of)The Hon. Vincent Peet (http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/BahamasWeb/Addres0.nsf/9d21a197b092b08c85256b1e006c80a4/7ebe18d52472dd9c85256bc600710134!OpenDocument)Labo ur and Immigration, Ministry of
Minister of Tourism (http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/BahamasWeb/Addres0.nsf/Agencies/Tourism,%20Ministry%20of)The Hon. Obediah H. Wilchombe (http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/BahamasWeb/Addres0.nsf/9d21a197b092b08c85256b1e006c80a4/24704d6b313d0b8085256bba0052c9de!OpenDocument)Tour ism, Ministry of
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Public Service (http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/BahamasWeb/Addres0.nsf/Agencies/Foreign%20Affairs%20and%20Public%20Services,%20Min istry%20of)The Hon. Fred A. Mitchell (http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/BahamasWeb/Addres0.nsf/9d21a197b092b08c85256b1e006c80a4/6119d0d42a53050885256bb50075a904!OpenDocument)Fore ign Affairs and Public Services, Ministry of
Attorney General and Minister of Education (http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/BahamasWeb/Addres0.nsf/Agencies/Attorney%20General,%20Education%20Ministry%20of,%2 0(Office%20of%20the))The Hon. Alfred Sears (http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/BahamasWeb/Addres0.nsf/9d21a197b092b08c85256b1e006c80a4/85fd9fd49bcb440d05256bf800630286!OpenDocument)Atto rney General, Education Ministry of, (Office of the)
Minister of Trade and Industry (http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/BahamasWeb/Addres0.nsf/Agencies/Trade%20and%20Industry,%20Ministry%20of)The Hon. Leslie Miller (http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/BahamasWeb/Addres0.nsf/9d21a197b092b08c85256b1e006c80a4/2d00e6a458dc4d6f85256bba00537f9f!OpenDocument)Trad e and Industry, Ministry of
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Local Government (http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/BahamasWeb/Addres0.nsf/Agencies/Agriculture,%20Fisheries%20and%20Local%20Governmen t,%20Ministry%20of)The Hon. Vergeneas Alfred Gray (http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/BahamasWeb/Addres0.nsf/9d21a197b092b08c85256b1e006c80a4/e33126ae7c785c3885256bc600737eac!OpenDocument)Agri culture, Fisheries and Local Government, Ministry of
Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture (http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/BahamasWeb/Addres0.nsf/Agencies/Youth%20Sports%20and%20Culture,%20Ministry%20of)Th e Hon. Neville Wisdom (http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/BahamasWeb/Addres0.nsf/9d21a197b092b08c85256b1e006c80a4/24fa3709f376316d85256bba0053d4aa!OpenDocument)Yout h Sports and Culture, Ministry of
Minister of Social Services and Community Development (http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/BahamasWeb/Addres0.nsf/Agencies/Social%20Services%20and%20Community%20Development, %20Ministry%20of)The Hon. Melanie Griffin (http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/BahamasWeb/Addres0.nsf/9d21a197b092b08c85256b1e006c80a4/e5fe98c3e29fa17585256bba00515819!OpenDocument)Soci al Services and Community Development, Ministry of
Minister of Transport and Aviation (http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/BahamasWeb/Addres0.nsf/Agencies/Transport%20and%20Aviation,%20Ministry%20of)The Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin (http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/BahamasWeb/Addres0.nsf/9d21a197b092b08c85256b1e006c80a4/f938e3c1c0d2582885256bba00542923!OpenDocument)Tran sport and Aviation, Ministry of
Minister of Financial Services & Investment (http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/BahamasWeb/Addres0.nsf/Agencies/Financial%20Services%20and%20Investment,%20Ministr y%20of)The Hon. Allyson Maynard-Gibson (http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/BahamasWeb/Addres0.nsf/9d21a197b092b08c85256b1e006c80a4/7d2f0d0c81e79d5985256bb50075e2b5!OpenDocument)Fina ncial Services and Investment, Ministry of
Minister of Housing and National Insurance (http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/BahamasWeb/Addres0.nsf/Agencies/Housing%20and%20National%20Insurance,%20Ministry%2 0of)The Hon. D. Shane Gibson (http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/BahamasWeb/Addres0.nsf/9d21a197b092b08c85256b1e006c80a4/a866880ff4f5b10085256bba0054c8e3!OpenDocument)Hous ing and National Insurance, Ministry of
Minister of Health (http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/BahamasWeb/Addres0.nsf/Agencies/Health,%20Ministry%20of)The Hon. Dr. Marcus C. Bethel (http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/BahamasWeb/Addres0.nsf/9d21a197b092b08c85256b1e006c80a4/51587c884cc3362185256bc60072904b!OpenDocument)Heal th, Ministry of
Minister of State (http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/BahamasWeb/Addres0.nsf/Agencies/Finance,%20Ministry%20of)The Hon. James Smith (http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/BahamasWeb/Addres0.nsf/9d21a197b092b08c85256b1e006c80a4/5e3d907abf48359885256bb5005fce20!OpenDocument)Fina nce, Ministry of

[Erin]

Excellent Toby!

[Red Jacket]

Hi Toby, Erin, Paul

sorry I didn't get to you last week I have been having some problems with my computer at home.

Your website is great! short sweet and to the point. I will pass it on to my list tonight (about 175) I will also write a letter to the press. will try contact Keod Smith Ambassador to the Environment to see if I can get anything from him.

The issue is in the tribune this morning i will ask them to send me the article so we can get it on your website.

http://bahamasb2b.com/news/wmview.php?ArtID=4539


Also I have a few of the contacts listed emails - I will forward them on to you this evening.

Do you know if an EIA was done for this site? What issues were addressed in it? Have there been any town meetings? what exactly is government telling you?

Please send your responses to reearth@batelnet.bs

I am writing from my work computer. Please let me know if there is anything else i can do to help.

Sam Duncombe
Director
reEarth
Nassau, The Bahamas

Ph 327-1864 (days)
3937604 (nights)
email reearth@batelnet.bs

[Red Jacket]

Toby the first one is the article re Guana Cay have had a brief word with Keod Smith and have forwarded the website to him. Will try catch up with him this evening
Sam


Residents' bid to stop island development Tribune Staff Reporter

Dec 20 2004
WITH just over two weeks before construction of the Passerine Development Project is scheduled to begin on Great Guana Cay in Abaco, residents there are urging Bahamians to join them in their fight to “save” the island.
In an open letter to The Tribune, one member ofthe Save Guana Cay group, said the time has come for all Bahamian residents to prevent the development from taking place. Initial proposals are for construction to begin on January 1.
The group is against the project, which if completed would include an eighteen-hole golf course, hundreds of homes and a 240-slip marina requiring a man-made harbour, because they feel it will destroy the reef and eco-system surrounding Abaco.
“One of the world’s oldest living inhabitants (the barrier reef) has been convicted of excessive beauty and the ability to generate large profits for a selected few,” it said.
The letter claimed that while the country was distracted by the devastation of Hurricanes Jeanne and Frances, “the passage of this massive development was slipped into the agenda of the future plan for Abaco.”
“The verdict is in and the death warrant has been signed. The method of execution is slow drip lethal execution. The reef is scheduled to die. Along with this development will come the certain destruction of a pristine natural wonder that runs along the entire eastern shore of Abaco.”
According to the letter, golf course construction and maintenance will provide the most destructive punch to the surrounding eco-system.
“Huge doses of chemicals will become routine in their application. Even though the developer claims they will use organic chemicals, these chemicals have destructive effect on the surrounding air and marine environments. High nutrient load whether it is organic or not is poisonous for the reef.”
In addition, the letter said the proposed homes will more than double the island’s residential problems increasing the stress load on utilities and the island’s waste management systems.
As for the proposed marina, the letter said that even Nassau and Grand Bahama cannot compete with the 240 slips being planned. Atlantis has 63-slips and Old Bahama Bay at West End has 72.
“Even treated, sewerage and brackish water runoff from the watermarks in these large quantities will destroy the reef. Furthermore, there have been no guarantees made for clean up of fuel and oil spills in this massive facility.”
The group is urging Bahamians to ask Prime Minister Perry Christie to prevent the building of the new development.
The group says that it is not against development — “We just expect it to be environmentally sustainable, at a slower pace, and for the Bahamian people to benefit.”
They are asking all citizens who feel the same way to send open letters to the media, the Prime Minister, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries V. Alfred Gray, Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe and to the BEST commission. Persons can also add their names to the Save Guana Cay petition.
The Tribune was unable to contact the Passerine Development Project yesterday.

[bellavista]

Erin or Toby--give me a call re lawyer.
Thanks
Skip
404.832.8504 office
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