GUEST COMMENTARY: BY PRESCOTT SMITH
(EDITOR’S NOTE: I saw a post on Facebook addressed to “Dear Fellow Bahamians,” and as an Androsian who absolutely agrees with his stand on the issue that it addressed, I was compelled to share it in BAHAMAS CHRONICLE. However, it has been brought to my attention that Stafford Creek Lodge is owned by Prescott Smith and he is the individual who posted information that I used as a Guest Commentary. I have, therefore, made the necessary correction.)
STAFFORD CREEK, Andros –A few days ago, four persons showed up at my fishing lodge “UNANNOUNCED ” with regards to meeting with me for a proposed 5000-acre mining project in the northern part of Andros. I’m stating this publicly, so it is CRYSTAL CLEAR where I stand on the issue of resources that belong to The Bahamian people.
I told Mr. Cameron Symonette and the other three persons in his party that firstly, I have zero interest in private meetings on this issue when it comes to the natural resources, and secondly, my position is that ALL BAHAMIANS should benefit from the extraction of mineral resources in The Bahamas, providing they are done in the right locations that do not impact the environment in a negative way, like the methods and practice on Grand Bahama and Nassau over the past 50 to 70 years.
Finally, Mr. Symonette’s final request before their departure was for me to consider a time and terms to meet to discuss their proposed mining project on Andros. My response to him is written so all Bahamians know where I stand on this public issue.
Dear Mr. Cameron Symonette,
No mining should take place in the proposed wellfields on the island with the largest fresh water supply for the country. BAMSI and future generations of farmers all need that fresh water, so we can feed ourselves as a nation. Over 100 thousand-plus Bahamians are presently on a national food program.
All extraction of mineral resources in this country should take place in the right locations and where all our citizens benefit with an established Sovereign Wealth Fund.
Mr. DaQuin E. Scott, North Andros District Council Chief Councillor, sent a letter dated August 6, 2020 to the Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Hubert A. Minnis M.P.
In the letter, Mr. Scott is misguided by failing to understand how mining will impact our nation and Andros:
- The largest nursery system of mangroves in The Bahamas, Caribbean & Western world.
- Largest flats & bonefish population in the world.
- Largest reef system in The Bahamas, also The Bahamas having more coral reefs than any other in The Caribbean and the 3rd largest in the world.
- Andros possess that largest amount of arable (farm land ) in the country.
- Largest pine forest in The Bahamas
- Largest coppice in The Bahamas
- Largest amount of creeks, fresh water lakes, rivers belongs exclusively to a few residents of North Andros and not to Bahamians from Inagua to Grand Bahama.
Most of the commercial fishermen catch their lobster of the Great Bahama Bank, which is mostly replenished from the thousands of creeks, mangroves, boreholes, Bights, and flats around and throughout Andros.
In closing, it is important for all to note that no amount of money — be it millions or billions — can ever get me to sell out the interest of Bahamians or my country.
I wish to see a Sovereign Wealth Fund fully activated and a Ministry of Natural Resources established.
I wish to see our University of The Bahamas and BAMSI fully integrated and leading in all research taking place in The Bahamas. These institutions need the support so all our many Natural Resources can be properly documented.
LINK TO STAFFORD CREEK LODGE WEBSITE: https://www.staffordcreeklodge.com/?fbclid=IwAR2Ns-epb_vG-wOpLZ9iOlYJLrj_oFPWQh3FkesQG4bajhZZZpPlzpA8OuQ
