Press Release for Freeport meeting

[patw]

SAVE THE BAHAMAS

PRESS RELEASE


Coalition to convene Environmental and Local Rights Conference in Freeport

September 27, 2006



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.

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

[SamFamAustin]

Thanks Pat. What caught my eye was the word "culture" in the opening paragraphs and I couldn't resist an urge to add the word "history."

That kind of stuff is worth preserving too, you know, although how to do it is something of a mystery. I don't know, if we lose the crawdad docks, the old beach bar shacks, and the funky old houses, not to mention the home style "grocery stores" like Milo, well that would not be a very good deal in my book.

I have to admit I'm still learning about the rich history and culture of the "out islands" known as the Abacos. There is no common theme except there were different settlements and a deep appreciation for living on the sea. I'll be working that angle down here and look forward to seeing how it goes your way. Please send us updates. /Sammy :cool:

[patw]

Google this man. Looks like he might make the meeting, we are soooo excited. He made a video that will be seen for the first time in Freeport.
Dr. Thomas J. Goreau
President
Global Coral Reef Alliance

[CR]

God Speed - Miss Pat, and all.
We are proud of all of you, and you are all in our thoughts.

R.

[floridaskater]

Great job.

[bellavista]

Pat--
Give us an update when you can about how the meeting went

[patw]

The meeting was GREAT!!! We had two scientist there, Dr. James Cervino and Dr. Thomas Goreau. I will post more when we get our press release out. In the meantime, check out his article in the Freeport News.
http://freeport.nassauguardian.net/national_local/295931248487578.php

[patw]

Check this out too. It was shown for the first time at the meeting.

http://www.biorock-thailand.com/tourismwaterquality512.html

The meeting was GREAT!!! We had two scientist there, Dr. James Cervino and Dr. Thomas Goreau. I will post more when we get our press release out. In the meantime, check out his article in the Freeport News.
http://freeport.nassauguardian.net/national_local/295931248487578.php

[rgroseclose]

This was a Great vidieo it shows the need to construct Sewage Teatment Plants with Treartiary treatment and a polishing lagoon after that to remove a lot of these nutrients. even the Sludge could be recovered and used for fertilizer and this would be a great thing for people growing anything since soil preperation is such an issue on ABACO and other Islands.
I know there was an operating Treatment plant on Treasure cay up until at least 1975, but when I visited in August of this year I was dismayed to find the sewage just running out near the Fuel Tanks untreated. Some one said the goverment would drill a well to inject the sewage into the gound which does not sound like a good Idea noting all of the inter connected aquifers. Does any one know what happened to the Plant at Treasure Cay? I know that the area where I live you cannot develop property unless adequate treatment is available. it the Law.

[TurtleDreams]

This video is excellent. I'm sure not many people realize how little in the way of excess nutrients it takes to start killing reefs. Even in the case of the turtle farm, where many would think this is a good way to increase turtle populations, can have problems. I'm sure many who think the development in Baker's Bay will be good for Abaco don’t think that it could actually KILL wide areas of the reef they love and/or depend on for their livelihood. This shows that without high level sewage treatment and run-off MANAGEMENT, it can and most likely WILL happen. Does anyone believe this will be maintained if even built! There is no track record for this and the track record of the miss-management or no management is abundantly clear. Congratulations to those Bahamians taking a stand for their environment. It can only be good for all of us, as neither the sea life nor I see borders in the free-flowing ocean.
Susan