dadon
11-21-07, - 09:28 AM
Don't know if this forum has discussed this issue, but I assume so. My angle to this debate centers around the planning and infrastructural development of the Bahamas. We've all seen and heard past and present government talk about the the problems (potable water resources, stormwater/flooding, wastewater intrusion, roads, etc.). We all seen successive govt.'s attempt to address the problem but they all give up. They amount of $$ it would take would leave us broke.
One root of this problem (IMO) seems to stem from the ignorance our country has shown to the United States, particularly south Florida. We share everything in common geographically, environmentally, etc. yet over decades of development we have ignored the strides they made in combating some of the same infrastructural issues we still face in 2007. Everything from how subdivisions are designed incorporating stormwater management systems, elevation requirements for home foundations, better water resource management and supply practices, etc.. The list can go on and on.
While we have been busy trying to live up to being a loyal British colony they found ways to misguide our development and keep us attached at the navel....importing UK and Canadian expertise for geographical areas that are as foreign to them. Not implying that they are not good at what they've done in their countries but the innate understanding of an environment is a major factor in how you approach development.
Under their watch (as internal consultants to the Govt. , Ministry of Works, etc) we've permitted disastrous building and construction practices that haunt us every time heavy rains come, or more power is needed to run our AC's, or an 8am drive into work. Coastal problems, road problems, ......Let's not even talk about Land Planning. While under their watch they were quieting titles and stealing property for their present day generations.
There are advantages and disadvantages to importing UK and CAN expertise. As far as our development is concerned they have played "too" major a role causing us to ignore sound practices from our neighbors to the north that have been proven to provide solutions to nagging problems our country face.
One root of this problem (IMO) seems to stem from the ignorance our country has shown to the United States, particularly south Florida. We share everything in common geographically, environmentally, etc. yet over decades of development we have ignored the strides they made in combating some of the same infrastructural issues we still face in 2007. Everything from how subdivisions are designed incorporating stormwater management systems, elevation requirements for home foundations, better water resource management and supply practices, etc.. The list can go on and on.
While we have been busy trying to live up to being a loyal British colony they found ways to misguide our development and keep us attached at the navel....importing UK and Canadian expertise for geographical areas that are as foreign to them. Not implying that they are not good at what they've done in their countries but the innate understanding of an environment is a major factor in how you approach development.
Under their watch (as internal consultants to the Govt. , Ministry of Works, etc) we've permitted disastrous building and construction practices that haunt us every time heavy rains come, or more power is needed to run our AC's, or an 8am drive into work. Coastal problems, road problems, ......Let's not even talk about Land Planning. While under their watch they were quieting titles and stealing property for their present day generations.
There are advantages and disadvantages to importing UK and CAN expertise. As far as our development is concerned they have played "too" major a role causing us to ignore sound practices from our neighbors to the north that have been proven to provide solutions to nagging problems our country face.