MP Claims Wetlands Being Destroyed In Clifton:
By Vanessa C. Rolle -
Nassau, Bahamas:

Former Prime Minister Perry Christie and newcomer to the House of Assembly Kendal Wright locked horns Tuesday night after Mr. Wright accused the former government of granting approval for subdivisions in Coral Harbour where he said wetlands are being destroyed.

During his contribution to the 2007/2008 budget debate, Mr. Wright, the Member of Parliament for Clifton, alleged that the wetlands are being filled with mounds of quarry and elevated to accommodate residential properties.

He said the new subdivisions and their access roads are not only being built on "destroyed wetlands," but the elevated sites are high enough to cause potential major run-offs and flooding in the areas should hurricanes or weather that produces severe rain occur.

"It is unbelievable that the previous government granted approval for such projects. I am convinced that no environmental technocrat would have approved such projects," Mr. Wright said.

"I certainly believe that the persons who approved these sites have no concern for our environment and certainly no respect for the residents of Coral Harbour."

But Mr. Christie said Mr. Wright had no right making such allegations without any evidence and specifics in the matter.

"He is suggesting that the government – which has at its disposal, if he’s unaware, certain agencies who are responsible for ensuring that the application of our rules and our laws are in place and are enforced – gave permission for certain developments that are dangerous to residents or potentially dangerous to residents, so I would wish him to particularize it," Mr. Christie said.

Speaker of the House Alvin Smith intervened and told Mr. Wright that the former prime minister was asking him to specify what the former government did wrong.

Mr. Wright indicated that he was speaking about more than one subdivision.

Mr. Christie said he is not one to interrupt an MP’s maiden speech in the House of Assembly, but he said it is important for Mr. Wright to be specific if he is making accusations.

"Mr. Speaker, you cannot allege that a government did something wrong and not particularize it…I have heard the procedural points in here. I am prepared to let the member speak," Mr. Christie said. "It’s his maiden speech. He sounds good, but he is dead wrong if he is alleging that the government did something wrong without saying what we did."

The speaker asked Mr. Wright if he wished to identify the specifics, but Mr. Wright responded, "I don’t have to, Mr. Speaker. There are several subdivisions in the Coral Harbour region."

Mr. Christie then said, "Whether he wants to withdraw it or not, this member made an allegation that I disputed. He is incorrect factually and he is now trying to hide behind general subdivision developments. What specific wrong did my government do?"

The speaker told Mr. Wright to move on with his contribution to the debate.

Mr. Wright commended the new Ingraham administration for recognizing the importance of wetlands and allocating $1 million to The Bahamas National Trust.

"I envision that the efforts made by this grant will be of great benefit to residents of Clifton," he said.

"Clifton is the largest constituency on the island of New Providence as far as land mass is concerned, and much of our vital wetlands and heritage sites are located in Clifton as compared to other areas in the capital. Thus the environmental health of our nation is of great concern to the residents of the Clifton constituency and also to me as their member of parliament.

"Our wetlands must be retained to protect our ecosystems."

He said while he understands the need to provide housing, the government must act responsibly and provide a balance between the preservation of the wetlands and the need for new housing developments.

7 June 2007