Dying coral reefs threaten tourist industries | November 3, 2006

Photo by Erik Gauger. An angelic trumpetfish gracefully swims among delicate soft coral structures in Guana Cay. Guana Cay's reefs are under threat by a California golf developer whose dastardly plan was recently backed by the Bahamian Supreme COurt.

An Associated Press article today reiterated the concerns of Guana Cay locals, who have been fighting for two years against a golf megadevelopment on their tiny island. An excerpt from the article:

Nearly 500 million people depend on coral reefs for tourism income and coastal protection, and about 30 million of those rely on coral reefs for their food, according to a 2004 report on the status of coral reefs worldwide commissioned by the Australian government.

“The people who wash the bed linens in the hotels are starting to realize their life depends on the health of the coral reefs,” said Andrew Skeat, executive director of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

Tourism is the fastest growing major industry in the world, and ecotourism accounts for 20 percent of the worldwide market, according to the Australian report.

In the Florida Keys, millions of tourists spend $1.2 billion annually to see or catch fish and other undersea life, Causey said at the meeting in St. Thomas, where nearly 200 researchers from the Caribbean, Florida and U.S. Pacific islands gathered.

“Some of our reefs receive more dives than anywhere in the world,” he said. “In South Florida, the environment and the economy are inextricably linked. You cannot separate the two.”

Full story is here

Funny Business | October 19, 2006

Even after the very fate of their golf course megadevelopment is put into question, the Bakers Bay Club continues to practice funny business.



Foreign employees of the Bakers Bay Club appear to mock the native residents of Great Guana Cay, who approach this public beach by boat. Anthony Roberts asked the Chief Councilor, Wayne Hall, if it was against the law to drive on beaches. His answer was yes. Anthony then asked, "Then why are the employees of Bakers Bay Club allowed to drive the beach at Bakers?" Hall answered that he was not aware that they were driving on the beaches and asked what they were driving? Roberts answered," ATV's and tractors!" Additionally, Bakers Bay employees were raking the beach with ATV's, which is clearly also against the law.

The Bakers Bay Club employees have been, or were, driving without licenses all about Guana Cay for months.



In current (April 2006) Bakers Bay literature, the Bakers Bay Club refers to a large hunting grounds on mainland Abaco. Rumor on the Abaco mainland has it that this is an additional 3,000 acres of crown land, although that information cannot be independently verified. In this literature, Bakers Bay Club writes that they will be hunting 'Abaco duck.' Locals refer to the White-Cheeked Pintail as the "Bahama Duck" but there is no such thing as an  "Abaco Duck." The species they are referring to is clearly a no-take species under Bahamian hunting regulations, and an endangered West Indian endemic.   

Stock image of Northern Pintail, a common species. But the 'Abaco Duck', the white-cheeked pintail, not shown, is threatened.

Guana Cay Locals' Supreme Court Case Thrown Out | October 19, 2006

As widely expected, Justice Norris Carrol threw out the local's Supreme Court case. Construction has restarted at Baker's Bay. The court's decision was based on the notion that the federal government has ultimate authority over the economic direction of the country. The environmental issues, at the heart of this debate, have been addressed by the developer, and were also not addressed in the lengthy ruling.

Although the news is a blow to local rights, tourism and the Bahamas environment, the appeals process, and, if necessary, the Privy Council, come next. Guana Cay locals are energized to end the siege of their island.

A quote from the ruling:

"It appears obvious from the evidence that the Government, in considering this matter, was more concerned with the larger interests of Bahamians as a whole rather than with the obviously strongly felt (and understandable) apprehensions of the residents/landowners. It appears that the Government, whose call it was, was more concerned with more Bahamians in general getting some of the benefits promised by the Development than with the fears and apprehensions of
applicants which the Government obviously does not share and believe are not well founded, looked at objectively."

Save the Bahamas Meeting Unites Diverse Out Islands | October 2, 2006

Great Guana Cay Mayor Glenn Laing at the Save the bahamas Coalition Meeting.

Preliminary reports from the Save the Bahamas Meeting in Freeport indicate a smashing success. Leaders in coral conservation from around the Americas attended, and representatives from several Out Islands groups showed.

The Freeport News writes about the Freeport Save the Bahamas Meeting.

Here is the official Press Release from the Save the Bahamas Meeting:

Dr. James Cervino discusses the role of developments and algae growth on coral systems in the Caribbean. Photo SGCR.

The first meeting of Save The Bahamas was held this past weekend in Freeport with an all day seminar and meeting at the Westin Resort at Our Lucaya. Focus was on the issues relating to the effect of developments on the environment, local communities, economy, the local culture, and local industries. Also discussed was the need for a stronger local government position for all of the islands, public consultation concerning developments, and protecting Crown Land for future generations of Bahamians.

This meeting was the first time an organized event had been held to target these hot-button topics. Save Guana Cay Reef Association, fresh from the victories in Privy Council, that has stopped all work at Baker's Bay, Guana Cay by Discovery Land Company, hosted the event. "I am very excited that we have formed Save The Bahamas. It was amazing to talk to the other islands and realise that they all are experiencing the same problems as Guana. The same irresponsible development and lack of environmental protection is apparent in all areas of the country. Together we can make a difference in what we leave behind for our children. We need to get the message out to our government (both present and future) that our marine and terrestrial environments are the only natural resource we have and we need to get some serious legislation with teeth, in place, to protect them," said Troy Albury, President of Save Guana Cay Reef Association.

Dr. Tom Goreau arrived in Freeport fresh from Panama to deliver a speech on coral reef protection to the Save the Bahamas coalition. Tom Goreau is President of Global Coral, and an esteemed coral scientist. Photo SGCR.

In attendance were local business and community representatives from Freeport, Nassau, Abaco, Bimini, and San Salvador. Also, there were representatives from many well known environmental organizations; Sam Duncombe from ReEarth, Eleanor Phillips from The Nature Conservancy, Erik Carey from The Bahamas National Trust, Lori Kenyon from Friends of The Environment, and local business owners who's businesses depend on niche tourism like; diving, fishing, eco-tourism, small resort management/ownership and real estate. Dr. James Cervino from Pace University in New York, a leading coral pathologist and Dr. Thomas Goreau, President of the Global Coral Reef Alliance were also in attendance. Both gentleman spoke about the ill effects of development damage to local reefs and beaches, and noted that Bahamians need to be pushing for environmentally friendly developments.

Dr. Goreau, formerly a Senior Scientific Affairs Officer at the United Nations Centre for Science and Technology for Development, also debuted his film “ TOURISM, WATER QUALITY AND CORAL REEF HEALTH” at the conference. The film highlighted the impacts of captive dolphin and turtle pens and excessive waste on water quality that effects reef health and can be viewed at www.globalcoral.org

Jermaine represents San Salvador at the Save the Bahamas Coalition opening meeting. Photo SGCR.

Plans are in the making for additional meetings in the near future. In the process of planning this event Save Guana Cay Reef Association was contacted by numerous individuals from all of the Bahamian islands who support their desire to expand Save The Bahamas to include everyone affected or concerned with similar issues. A representative from Bimini who attended the meeting was delighted to have had the opportunity to network, in particular, with members of organizations operating within The Bahamas who have effectively dealt with problems similar to those Bimini is now facing. “In order for The Bahamas to survive as a tourist destination, it must protect and preserve it's incredibly rich marine environment by insisting that development be properly scaled, properly regulated and sustainable."

Summing up the event Sidney Weatherford, a seventh generation Bahamian from Great Guana Cay, Abaco noted "I would hope that Save The Bahama's will encourage more Bahamian's to voice their outrage at what is happening to our island's. We need to stand up and say no more "give away's" of our Crown Land, no more destruction of our mangroves and no more golf courses and marinas near our sensitive reefs. We need tough environmental laws in the Bahamas and the laws need to be enforced!"

World Premiere of Global Coral Film in Bahamas | October 2, 2006

A new short documentary film by the Global Coral Reef Alliance, Tourism, Water Quality, and Coral Reef Health, had its World Premiere showing today at the SAVE THE BAHAMAS Conference in Freeport, Grand Bahama.

This film, shot and edited by Dr. Thomas J. Goreau, President of the Global Coral Reef Alliance, shows the impacts of nutrients from captive dolphin pens in Mexico and a captive turtle pen in the Cayman islands on the surrounding reef, including bacteria and algae blooms that kill corals which are associated with high levels of coral disease. The film points out that coral reefs are the most sensitive ecosystem to nutrients, that the effects of human sewage, waste disposal, and fertilizers on golf courses and agriculture are responsible for the vast bulk of the problem, and that these can be quickly reversed, but only if all land-based sources of nutrients to the coastal zone are recycled on land instead of polluting the ocean.

The SAVE THE BAHAMAS Conference is the first time that grass-roots environmental organizations from all over the Bahamas have met to unite in common efforts to stop the uncontrolled mega development schemes that are causing their mangroves to be bulldozed and their reefs and fisheries severely damaged by nutrients from inadequately treated sewage and fertilizers from golf courses, which is degrading the quality of life of all Bahamian residents. Islanders realize that they face similar threats on most of the islands, but must unite to preserve their future options for sustainable development before the damage becomes so widespread to be irreversible.

This effort springs from the remarkable recent court victory of the residents of Guana Cay in obtaining an injunction to halt a development scheme which would have severely degraded the natural resources and fisheries, deprived the islanders of access to major fishing grounds, and destroyed their juvenile fish nursery habitat. It follows international protest over ongoing efforts to destroy large areas of mangrove in Bimini for a marina. The meeting also recorded strong local opposition to locating natural gas liquification plants in the Bahamas for shipment to Florida, because these have been rejected by Florida as too dangerous to have there!

Considerable Ruckus | October 1 , 2006

Caribbean Travel & Life November issue reports in on Great Guana Cay and Bimini, referring to both development opposition groups as creating a 'considerable ruckus. "Descendents of the Abaco Loyalists along with expat homeowners - are battling tooth, nail and barrister against a 585 acre project called Baker's Bay Golf and Ocean Club...at press time, construction had been halted by a Privy Council stop-work order while Bahamian courts pondered the issue."

More and more large international magazines and newspapers are catching on to the story of Great Guana Cay versus the California golf developers.

Coalition to Save Bahamas Becoming Powerful Force | Sept 27, 2006

A press release from today confirms the mounting size of the Save the Bahamas Coalition.

Coalition to convene Environmental and Local Rights Conference in Freeport

The Grand Bahama Human Rights Association and Save Guana Cay Reef Association this weekend will host a “Save the Bahamas” conference in Freeport.

Both Associations have organized a meeting of delegates from throughout the Bahamas who represent Family Island communities trying to promote and save their local rights, traditions, culture, land and marina environments.

The fate of the Bahamas may rest in this weekend's meeting. Photo Erik Gauger

Thus far, nearly 100 people have registered to participate. These include representatives from Andros, New Providence, The Abacos, Bimini, Eleuthera, Mayaguana  and Grand Bahama.

In addition, a number of dive operations, NGO’s and eco-tourist resorts have also confirmed attendance.

Also in attendance will be the Nature Conservancy, Sierra Club, world-renowned coral pathologists, wetlands restoration specialists, and marine biologists.

Mrs. Sarah Kirkby, Secretary of the Grand Bahama Human Rights Association, said that they were  “very excited about this coalition”.

She continued

“This is looking like a great opportunity for the Bahamas in many ways. We have environmental experts from around the world joining forces with us and the commitment from the Family Islands has been astonishing. We can’t wait to meet the people who will attend. We all seem to be experiencing the same challenges! We have heard some horror stories about their struggles with development issues.”

Mr. Troy Albury, President of the Save Guana Cay Reef Association, said,

“The reports we have been getting from the rest of the Bahamas are shocking.  Its really scary how similar they are to Guana Cay. This coalition is going to be really powerful.  The people of Guana Cay have led the way to save their local rights and environments. Together we can do this for all of the Bahamas!”.

Reef fish are at danger from Guana's Proposed Megadevelopment. Photo Erik Gauger

Mr. Smith, President of the Human Rights Association said,

“Save the Bahamas will be a powerful NGO. With its local Bahamian network throughout the Family Islands, its huge international connections, the support it has received from the environmental community, it will be a strong and lasting national and international advocate to protect local rights and the environment.

Mr. Smith
           
“Since the late 1980’s, the Grand Bahama Human Rights Association has promoted local rights and was instrumental in getting the FNM Government to pass the Local Government Act helping to begin the transfer of power to the people and decentralizing the colonial dictatorship structure of Bahamian governance.

The work of the Save Guana Cay Reef Association has merged local rights and environmental issues. They are inextricably intertwined.”

The object of the conference is to provide a forum for all of the diverse communities of interest to share their challenges. This will be a wake up call to politicians, in particular, Cabinet. This should be an exciting election issue for both the FNM and the PLP.

Fragile soft corals are at risk from the Bakers Bay Project. Photo Erik Gauger

The Association will push for both political parties to publicly commit to passing an Environmental Protection Act, the creation of an Environmental Protection Agency which will have teeth and effective regulatory oversight of developments by Bahamians and foreigners throughout the Bahamas.

The Association will also push for amendments to The Local Government Act to strengthen the ability of local communities to govern their own affairs.

Mr. Smith said,

            “Family Island Home Rule is a must! It will come!

The Family Islands contribute hundreds of millions of tax dollars every year to the Public Treasury. They are treated like colonies and their human and physical resources are raped and pillaged by Central Government in Nassau. They are treated like bastard children.”

The Save the Bahamas Association will become the Green Peace of the Bahamas environmental landscape.

A Tiny Island set the stage for a Nationwide backlash against unsustainable development and community mistreatment.

The conference will begin with a cocktail party for delegates to get to know each other on Friday.

On Saturday the conference will be chaired by Mr. Joseph Darville of the Grand Bahama Human Rights Association.

There will be a presentation by each group to educate each other on their challenges and needs.

Mr. Troy Albury will give an overview of the successful war waged against the Central Government and foreign development abuse at Guana Cay and Mr. Frederick Smith will give an overview of environmental law in the Bahamas.

On Sunday Kayak Nature Tours will graciously provide visits to the Gold Rock Creek National Park in Freeport, Grand Bahama and guests will have an opportunity to see the disgraceful destruction of the environment at the Disney and Gold Rock Creek Film Studio destroying the beach, wetlands and entrance to the National Park.

Mr. Albury said,

“This coalition is a water shed event for the future of the Bahamas. We are thrilled that so many passionate people have committed to become involved”.

Mr. Smith concluded his comments,

“The days of wholesale development destruction and abuse of Family Islands rights is over. Both the PLP and FNM will now have to wake up and recognize our rights. It is time for a new Bahamian Development Paradigm”.

The media is invited to attend all public sessions and to report on the exciting presentations which will be made

Edward O. Wilson, in New Bestseller 'Creation' cites Caribbean as Vital Hotspot for Conservation | Sept 25, 2006

Wilson warns of further destruction.

In his latest book, 'Creation: An Appeal to Save Life on Earth", Edward O. Wilson calls the Caribbean the second most important hotspot to save in terms of biological diversity. In this appeal to religious America, Wilson describes the reefs as 'retreating worldwide.' He writes, "Those around Jamaica and some other Caribbean islands have largely disappeared."

Corals in Jamaica have declined to about 5% their original cover - it is estimated that in many locations, recovery is impossible. Since so little is known about reefs, the exact causes are unknown. But the rise of megadevelopments and dense hotel construction in the 1970's, 1980's and 1990's.

In parts of Jamaica where development has remained minimal, coral reefs are healthiest.

Wilson has been cited as Darwin's natural heir. He is a distinguished researcher, environmental writer and Harvard entemologist.

University of Miami Letter to Discovery Land Company to Cease and Desist use of its name | Sept 25 , 2006

Discovery Land Company, which has been using the University of Miami name for commercial purposes despite being told by the University to cease and desist use of their name to lend credence to their world-wide despised golf development, now harms not only the Bahamas, but the credibility of a respected and renowned institution.

To quell escalating international anger over the involvement of University of Miami scientist(s) and graduate students in one of the Caribbean’s most controversial projects of history, the University of Miami’s Vice President offers the following open letter, addressed to the attorney for Save Guana Cay Reef.
                                               
September 7, 2006

Dear Mr. Smith:

The University of Miami entered into a sponsored research grant agreement (“Grant”) in January 2005 with Discovery Land Company (hereinafter “Discovery” and sometimes the “Company”).  The Grant, which is valid through December 2006, requires Dr. Kathleen Sealey, a faculty member at the University of Miami and the Principal Investigator, to conduct a marine science research study entitled “Biological Diversity Status and Change with Small Island Development in the Northern Bahamas.”

Generally, the Grant requires Dr. Sealey and her staff to provide monitoring services with regards to the environment, barrier reefs, fish habitats and less intrusion and the general welfare of the people residing on the island, and to provide monthly reports on collection of field data.  As you are well aware, Dr. Sealey has no authority or power under the Grant to compel the Company to adhere to her findings and observations. 

One of the primary missions of a major research university is to broaden the academic wealth of knowledge in all disciplines.  Dr. Sealey, like the rest of the University of Miami faculty, is encouraged to follow that mission.  At any given point in time, the University has hundreds if not thousands of clinical and ecological sponsored research studies conducted by its faculty members around the world for hundreds of companies.  At the request of its faculty, the University of Miami will enter into agreements with public and private entities to support their independent research, foster their academic freedom and reserve their right to publish the developed work product.  The University encourages the independent work of its faculty. This does not mean that the University agrees (or disagrees) with the intellectual research conclusions reached by its faculty members. 
         
In October 2005, the University wrote Discovery demanding that it cease using its name in a way that implied or suggested that it endorsed or was commercially affiliated with the Baker Bay project or any other of its commercial ventures.

Additionally, the University emphatically requested that the Company cease and desist using all signs, twin logos and websites containing the name of the University in conjunction with the name or symbol of the development project or that of the Company, and cease and desist making any references to the University’s involvement with the Great Guana Cay Foundation which requires separate University approval. 
         
We pointed out to the Company that the University must be assured that any and all of its signs, websites, communications or advertisements to the public, whether for business, marketing or political purposes, will not utilize the University’s name except as allowed under the Grant, which expressly forbids utilization of the University’s name without “written permission” (emphasis added). The University, however, believed then and continues to believe that the Company has the right under the Grant to use the report and name of Dr. Sealey in her position as a professor at the University of Miami.    

In late October 2005, Discovery responded by stating that it was taking the first step to immediately cease all references to the University in distributed materials.

The University has never given any project sponsored by Discovery at Baker’s Bay or at any other location in the Bahamas its endorsement, support or blessing. The University has never and does not now endorse, support or promote Baker’s Bay and categorically and unequivocally states that any representation made otherwise is false and without the University’s knowledge. We have recently seen evidence that the Company has continued to misrepresent the University’s neutral role with respect to the legitimacy of the Baker Bay project, and the University will be considering such further action in this regard as may be appropriate.         

The University of Miami’s official position is summarized as follows:

1. The University has not given permission or authorization (written or otherwise) to Discovery or any other entity or person to state that the University of Miami endorses or supports the Baker’s Bay initiative.
   
   
2. Any attempt to cast the University as supporting, endorsing or approving such initiative by the misuse of its name through advertisements, statements, logos, or association is a misrepresentation to the public and should cease.
   
   
3. The University does not know whether the Baker’s Bay project is in the best interest of the Bahamas or not.  It firmly believes that whether Baker’s Bay should proceed should be determined by the appropriate governmental units of the sovereign nation of the Bahamas and its people and its judiciary.
   
   
4. The University has a grant agreement with Discovery to allow one of its faculty members to consult with Discovery on ecological issues only and to monitor the environment and make written reports regarding her findings.  The time-honored concept of Academic Freedom requires that each faculty member be given wide latitude to express his or her opinion or conviction.  Concomitantly, those opinions do not necessarily represent the institution’s opinion, any more or less than a radio talk show host represents the opinion of the radio station.  Academic Freedom allows each faculty member the right to his or her opinion even though that opinion may be contrary to the official position of the University’s. 
   
5. The University has assiduously avoided becoming entangled in the political, commercial and advertising activities of companies employing its faculty and it has no intentions to do otherwise with the Baker’s Bay Project.

Hopefully this will clear the record regarding the University’s relationship or lack thereof, with the Baker’s Bay Development Project. I will personally visit your country within the next thirty days for the ostensible purpose of learning more about the facts and circumstances surrounding utilization of the University’s name. I look forward to meeting you upon my visitation.

                                                          With regards,

                                                          Robert L. Blake
                                                          Vice President, General Counsel
                                                          and Secretary

Save Guana Cay Reef fever spreads throughout Bahamas as Nation-wide Coalition Meeting Looms | Sept 23 , 2006

Earlier this month, Save Guana Cay Reef association announced that it would hold a country-wide meeting to build a coalition of similarly affected Out-Islands, whose environment and culture are all similarly being harmed by unethical relationships between the Bahamian Government and foreign developers.

Response to the meeting has been overwhelming. This upcoming weekend, hundreds of leaders from around the Bahamas will meet to discuss ways to save local Out-Island environments.

Add to that, some of the world's most distinguished coral and conservation leaders will join the Bahamians to help save their country. According to the Save the Bahamas website, "Local Rights Groups feel that there is strength in numbers, and if we could create an organization that could unify our efforts on a national scale we could all help each other."

The site continues:

The response for the "Save The Bahamas" meeting this coming weekend in Freeport has been tremendous! As a result we have outgrown our previous meeting space: The Ferry House restaurant. We will now be holding our meeting on Saturday at Our Lucaya Resort (directly across the street
from the previous location). We have also expanded our meeting times to 8a.m. -5p.m., in an effort to accomodate the wide range of attendees and speakers. There will be an optional lunch available (at a very reasonable cost) or guests may choose to go elsewhere for lunch. We look forward to seeing you this weekend beginning at Yellow Tails bar and grill (at Pelican Bay resort) at 7:15  Friday evening for a casual meet and greet. Reservations are still available at Pelican Bay resort and at
surrounding hotels. Thank You and See You There!  

Rumors persist that Discovery Land Company intends to send its workers to demonstrate against the meeting. Let's certainly hope so.

Baker's Bay Club Environmental Documents filled with misinformation, irrelevancies | Sept 23 , 2006

Discovery Land Company offered to share information and work with one environmental group; a local group based in the Bahamas. In response to this group's criticism and suggestions of the project, Discovery Land Company offered the environmental group some documents.

Below is the partial text of one of those documents. It is titled, "BAKER’S BAY GOLF COURSE DESIGN NARRATIVE." It is not signed or dated. No individual claims responsibility for the document. The document is irrelevant to the environmental concerns at hand, which is not surprising, as this has been the case throughout Discovery Land Company's stay on Guana. Below is the text of the document in italics. Comments are in regular type.

Past experience has proven this, as there have been no negative effects noted on any of their previously developed projects. Other projects include The Estancia and Mirabel Clubs in Scottsdale, Arizona, Ironhorse in Whitefish, Montana, Vaquero, in Dallas, Texas, and the recently completed Kukio Golf and Beach Club, on the Island of Hawaii.

For two years, Discovery Land Company has stated that their developments in other locations have had no similar negative effects on the environment - this is of course true; none of their developments are located in similarly ecosensitive locations, and certainly none of their developments are located adjacent to a coral reef. In fact, the soil type common to Discovery Land Company's other locations could be called of a terrigenious composition, compared to the carstic limestone of Great Guana Cay, which is so permeable that a glass of water would simply dry up on the surface and almost instantly sink into the island. There are many examples where such developments have damaged coral reef ecosystems. The unnamed author does not seem to have a grasp of the science relevant to coastal eutrophication and coral reef biology and the impacts of such a project on these very fragile and threatened ecosystems.

The developer believes that the keys to short and long-term success are strongly influenced by three essential elements: 1. employing responsible, qualified personnel, consultants and contractors, 2. proper construction, and, 3. effective water management. To that end, they have assembled a highly qualified project management team to lead them to success at Baker’s Bay.

The unnamed author is quick to remind its readers about the benefits of the project to employment, and the qualities of its employees. But such a report should focus on the greatest threat - the coral reef. Here we are already through the introductory comments of the report, and the reef is not even mentioned. Where are the micrmolar amounts of nitrogen and phosphorous from the so-called safe examples mentioned above? The author cites that similar Discovery Land Company developments have had no negative effects on water. If this were to be the case for Bakers Bay Club, Discovery Land Company could provide critics with the levels of nutrients that would leach out into the coral ecosystem during, throughout and after development. Of course, the developer cannot provide this information, even though it is easy to acquire and estimate: the result would spell doom for the reef.

RESPONSIBILITY

The Golf Course Superintendent will be responsible for the long-term operation and maintenance of the golf course, including irrigation and drainage systems, soil and water testing, and fertilizer and pesticide usage. The Superintendent will employ the use of professional turf-grass, soil consultants, and other industry professionals as necessary to assist in developing maintenance and management programs directed at minimizing potential negative impacts from the golf course operation, including the non-target application of applied fertilizers or pesticides. He will employ and train a qualified, capable staff that shares the developers’ interest in protecting the environment, human and natural resources in and around the project site. The Golf Course Superintendent will also be responsible for complying with all regulatory agencies, relating to the proper storage, care and use of all fertilizers and pesticides. He will be responsible for monitoring and maintaining all drainage systems, ensuring that they are operating as designed and constructed, thereby protecting the site, and surrounding natural resources of Baker’s Bay.

Interesting that responsibility for the fate of one of the Caribbean's last great coral reefs will come down to decisions made by a golf course superintendent. If you compare this with the fact that the University of Miami's grant to Discovery Land Company ends in December 2006 - will a loan golf superintendent make all decisions without coral scientists on-hand? It seems so. And the report refers not once to the coral reefs whatsoever, but does mention fertilizers or pesticides. It should be noted that the golf course at Winding Bay has recently had significant problems with seashore paspalum living up to its name - to thrive without pesticides and herbicides. A golf course superintendent will not have the knowledge or resources to keep the golf course green without increasing nutrient levels far above that required to keep the reef alive.

GOLF COURSE DESIGN

The golf course is designed by Fazio Designs Inc., one of the worlds most noted Golf Course Architectural firms. Within their designs, they strive to create a golf experience that nurtures the natural characteristics of the land, and creates an enjoyable golf experience. One of the notable features of Fazio designs is their tendency to shape the golf courses to contain the golf ball, creating contours that move towards the center of the golf hole. This shaping characteristic serves to contain most sheet flows of water during intense storm activity, into low areas within the golf course corridor, where they
are contained, and piped to detention areas.

It's interesting that the author is so willing to admit that Fazio golf courses are created for people who aren't very good at golf. Since we know that Discovery Land Company has no intention of lining the golf courses, and since we know that the course will sit on limestone, we know that its impossible to keep the nutrients from leaking into the reef system, despite efforts to control the flow of these nutrients.

The long-term maintainability of the golf course will be determined by the golf course design and construction. The Developer recognizes this fact, and has demonstrated in the past on other projects, that they are committed to constructing golf courses responsibly.

It now sounds like this is simply a public relations piece. This developer has been severely criticized for their plans on Great Guana Cay, by experts. They have not employed the appropriate experts, and words do not change those facts.

The Developer strives to use the best information and consultation available, including applicable University testing, industry proven methods and practices, as well as the latest technological innovations with a common goal within their projects of creating great golf courses that meld seamlessly into their natural surroundings and environment. The selection of proper turf grasses, soils, and irrigation systems are essential to the long-term maintenance of healthy turf grass. The developer agrees with the philosophy that a properly constructed golf course leads to managing healthy turf.

Healthy turf, due to proper construction and management requires less pesticide use and much lower fertility requirements than an improperly constructed golf course. In order to achieve their goal, the Developer constructs their courses using the construction methods and Best Management Practices as suggested by such agencies as the United Golf Association, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, Golf Course Builders Association of America, and the American Society of Golf Course Architects.

None of the organizations above have created any guidelines on the protection of coral reefs from unsaafe levels of nutrients, and erosion leading to sedimentation. Any guidelines that this developer is referring to are therefore completely irrelevant!

The turf types selected for the golf course will be those that rate very high by the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program trials for climate and conditions similar to the project site. Due to the climate, soil and water characteristics found at Baker’s Bay, the turfgrass selected will be an improved variety of Seashore Paspalum. The turf areas will be maintained in such a way to promote healthy, deep-rooted plants that are resistant to stresses. Sound cultural practices, including traffic control to minimize turf wear, aeration to decrease soil compaction, mowing the turf at the proper cutting heights, and judicious irrigation will ensure that a healthy stand of turf is maintained, which decreases the need for fertilizer and pesticide applications.

Seashore Paspalum is a relatively new grass to the golf turf industry. Kukio, a Discovery Land Company project on the Big Island of Hawaii was one of the first golf courses to plant an improved variety of Seashore paspalum throughout the entire golf course, including the greens surfaces.

Kukio is a particularly poor example, as the soil composition in Hawaii is very different than Guana Cay. The soil there absorbs nitrates and phosphates efficiently, whereas in a dry limestone such as Guana, none of this happens.

It was selected for many reasons, however it’s most impressive attribute is its ability to withstand high concentrations of salts, including sodium and chloride that are found in ocean and brackish waters. Due to Paspalum’s high salt tolerance, many of the common turfgrass pests that plague other turfgrasses, are almost non-existent. At Kukio, no herbicides have been applied to the golf course in over three and 1/2 years. There are no other golf courses that can make that claim along the
Kohala coast, as they are all established with strains of Bermudagrass. Additionally, it is
being confirmed by university and private testing that many turfgrass insects do not inhabit Paspalum turfed golf courses. It is believed that the high salt concentrations of the irrigation water cause irritation to the endoskeletons and epidermis of the insects, causing them to seek other sources of food and shelter.

The developer's reliance on turfgrass to solve so many of the issues associated with this project is dangerous; again, Hawaii and the Abaco chain have incredibly different weather. Although many benefits of Paspalum are cited, the string of benefits the grass proposed does not make up for its inefficiencies; in particular its eventual need for pesticides and fertilizers.

Abaco Economy Soaring | Sept 13 , 2006

Two articles in the Bahamian Press are of interest. The Nassau Guardian writes that, "the government has to be very careful about how it accepts money and services from controversial investors in The Bahamas." Although Discovery Land Company is not mentioned, it is likely this article is inspired by the mess Discovery Land Company has brought to the country.

The Abaco economy is soaring. Why then, if Abaco is so independently successful, must the Central Government control its destiny through anchor projects such as Bakers Bay Club?

More International Publications Discuss Bakers Bay | August 25 , 2006

National Geographic Traveler and Miami Herald weigh in on the situation at Great Guana Cay and the Bakers Bay Club. This constant press is very bad for Discovery Land Company, but it does no favors for tourism to Abaco: more proof that Bakers Bay Club is already gnawing at the strength of Abaco tourism.

McMansion Concern over Gozzer Ranch | August 25 , 2006

I was not surprised to find that the Spokesman Review, the newspaper covering North Idaho, finds Discovery Land Company developments distasteful. For a year, Notes from the Road has argued that Discovery Land Company builds trashy mega-developments that do not fit in to the local environment or culture at all. This is especially true at Guana Cay, where the development's proposed style is so distasteful that it will irreparably harm the local tourism economy, which relies on idyllic qualities, natural beauty, and an old architecture steeped in history.

This is what the Spokesman Review says about the Bakers Bay Club sister project:

"The resort – which seems ripped from the golf Mecca of Palm Desert and plunked in a former hayfield – caters to an average client that Chesrown describes as a 46-year-old incredibly wealthy workaholic with a big ego and passion for golf. This typical client owns numerous homes and is looking for a distant summer getaway the whole family savors. Some people compare these golf communities to a Disney World for adults but with family-friendly activities."

Bakers Bay Club Losing Millions | August 18, 2006

In a recent press release, the Bakers Bay Club claims they are costing Discovery Land Company millions of dollars. In a press release given to the Bahama Journal, Dr. Marshall states,

"When you find that you are continuously spending but not taking in, well of course you head down the road where you might be looking at more red ink as opposed to black ink, so it's that type of thing for us...But this company did not come to The Bahamas on a wing and a prayer - they came here exceptionally well planned. I think that is also true of their financial picture, and so while it is costing us, we are prepared to stay in this for the long haul and to be able to weather any financial challenge we might experience."

Bakers Bay Club blames their losses on the locals of Great Guana Cay. But people have a right to defend and determine their island's future. It is, ironically, the Bakers Bay Club partners themselves who are responsible for bungling this giant investment project. Period.

Tales of Creepy Developer Tactics | August 09, 2006

For the last two years, Bakers Bay Club has attempted to misrepresent to the public how many Bahamians on Great Guana Cay back opposition to their development. In one instance, Dr. Livingston Marshall, Vice President of Environmental and Community Affairs, questioned whether there were more than two members of Save Guana Cay Reef, the organization of locals formed to represent opposition to the development.

A fraudulent petition helped convince the Privy Council to continue the injunction against the Bakers Bay Club.

But throughout all the public relations spin, there were 170 residents of Great Guana Cay who signed the original petition against the Bakers Bay Club, and Save Guana Cay Reef's membership consists of hundreds of Bahamians and homeowners on the island.

The developer argued that Save Guana Cay Reef did not represent the community, and as evidence they submitted a petition signed by 73 individuals.

But the Privy Council was aware that the petition was floated around the island under the premise that if people signed the petition, Discovery Land Company would give money to the community that they promised under the public relations spin scam called the Fig Tree Foundation.

Many were surprised to find that there were children's signatures, and signatures of those who favored Save Guana Cay Reef on the petition. It turns out that the petition was circulated under a false premise, and many signed it just so that the petitioners would leave them alone! Others signed it under the premise that by signing it, they would be helping the sick and needy.

And that folks, is the work of a shady developer.

Next in Blog Archives >>