The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune

OVER the past 30 years, we have seen the catastrophe wrought on Haiti due to their denuding the forestation on their part of the island of Hispaniola.

From the air, it is plain to see the demarcation between Haiti and the Dominican Republic. One side is a lush green, while the other is the brown of autumn.

Rains, storms and hurricanes wreak havoc when the denuded mountains sends mud in the valleys and towns.

Speaking to regular run-of-the-mill Haitians they claim it was the fault of their Government that caused the people to cut down all except two per cent of the trees in Haiti, for firewood. I do not believe that. I believe it is a shared situation bolstered by greed and continued by ignorance. Years ago, medium-sized wooden boats came from Haiti loaded with fruits and vegetables of the season.

For unknown reasons the cargo changed, first it was coal and drugs, then people. I will not attempt to analyse this tragic turn of events.

Here at home in The Bahamas, especially New Providence, we have a greater problem. Almost every October we are reminded of the calamity that would befall our country should a hurricane create a surge of about 20 feet. What hills would we head to?

Some time in 1993, I seem to remember Hubert Ingraham address our local problem by admonishing two of my friends for cutting down a hill on Milo Butler Highway. I thought that he was thinking of making legislation against cutting down any of our hills. However, shortly thereafter, this same administration got very busy cutting hills for new roadways.

The biggest culprit in this hill-cutting belongs to the owners of that huge chunk cut out of the western side of East Street South. Then look at Gladstone Road, where another chunk was cut out and, as we read, tractors are tearing down Gladstone Road West.

Years from now, should a tsunami overrun New Providence, who will our grandchildren blame, our Government (like the Haitians) or, a few greedy men, who for a few dollars will sell the souls of untold generations.

As an aside, I listened to quite a few talk show hosts, who not once mentioned any hill as a barrier to oncoming surges. Of course, there are many other instances of destruction born out of greed in our beloved country - but who cares?

Some day hopefully, someone will before it is too late

JEFFREY AUGUST WILIAMS

Nassau

October 5, 2016