The Tribune

By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

WATERKEEPER Alliance, a global environmental organisation dedicated to “defending every person’s right to clean water,” yesterday urged the government to reject Peter Nygard’s application out of fear that granting the permit would cause “grave environmental destruction at Nygard Cay.”

“Peter Nygard’s application for construction should be rejected by the government because it will recklessly ruin one of the Bahamas’ most precious marine habitats,” said Robert F Kennedy Jr, the president of the Waterkeeper Alliance.

“The people of the Bahamas are taking action. More than 5,000 have signed a petition calling on Prime Minister Christie and the Bahamian government to enforce the law and protect Crown Land and sea beds at Nygard Cay, and we add our voice of support to this cause.

“We intend to keep a spotlight on the Bahamian government and will mobilise concerned citizens in the Bahamas and across the globe to take action until Bahamian officials are transparent with the public and demonstrate a commitment to the preservation of these precious and fragile environments,” Mr Kennedy said.

“Clean waters and healthy ecosystems are critical to quality of life and tourism in the Bahamas. Why the Bahamian government is jeopardising their environment and largest economic driver can be explained by one thing and one thing only – recklessness – and we intend to work with our partners in the Bahamas to stop it.”