This is the letter written by native Biminite:

People from Bimini, and around the world, have been calling for the preservation of this beautiful island for years. Back in 2000, we were told that our precious home was designated as the highest-priority site in the Bahamas for a Marine Protected Area, yet here we are in 2008 with no MPA. Bimini's MPA is widely supported, locally and internationally, and its implementation is a key factor to the economic and ecological future of the island, long-hailed as the Big Game Fishing Capital of the World. Just a few days ago, a news report suggested that the government is holding off on designating Bimini's MPA because of a perceived apathy from Bimini, rather than recognizing that for us here, this issue should have already been settled years ago. I am never one to take a defeatist's attitude but I can see why there appears to be a sense of apathy amongst the people of Bimini.

There have been inquiries, investigations, committees, surveys, studies and promises for years in regards to the current development on North Bimini and their wanton destruction and impact on the environment and ecology. We have talked to administrators, MP's, lawyers, church leaders, heads of state, scientists, and environmental groups. We have had meetings, forums, educational fairs, flyers, and petitions voicing our desire to have the project stopped and preservation of the wetlands implemented. And through all of this do you know what the general belief of Biminites is...?

We feel that it doesn't matter what we do because the government leaders do not have our best interest at heart, only profit - personal or otherwise. Our desire to preserve the natural heritage of Bimini for the future of Bimini, the very thing that brings people like the Bimini Bay developers to our islands, is for sale to the highest bidder. In the end our fate is not in our own hands but in the hands of a small few who know nothing of daily life in Bimini and the tragic effects that this development, even in just its beginning stage, has had on the economy and ecology of the island.

Most people feel this way and have adopted the attitude toward our leadership of "they're going to do what they want to do no matter what we say, so why waste your breath". I know it's unfortunate but it's a product of being let down by the same people for so long. So when the government says that the people of Bimini have not shown that they want a Marine Reserve or National Park, it's not true, we do. The people of Bimini have been ignored for too long, and for many their hopes for a better tomorrow have waned. I say shame on the leaders of our nation if they plan to use the plight of a weary community as their excuse to do the wrong thing.

Establishing Bimini's MPA and preserving whats left of Bimini will ensure that Biminites, tourists, and even foreign developers can enjoy this island jewel for future generations.

Marty Weech
Biminite, Born and Raised


You can also read this article on Bahamas Eco-Forum:
http://www.bahamapundit.com/2008/02/a-letter-from-b.html#comments

Anyway if you would like to post news items or short articles, you can do so if you contact Larry Smith on larry@tribunemedia.net and you can write your own comments on www.bahamapundit.com

What can I do? How can I become involved? Let me know, would love to help but no clue how.

What can I do? How can I become involved? Let me know, would love to help but no clue how.

Anyway if you would like to post news items or short articles, you can do so if you contact Larry Smith on larry@tribunemedia.net and you can write your own comments on www.bahamapundit.com

What can I do? How can I become involved? Let me know, would love to help but no clue how.

Great that you want to help! There are several ways how you can become involved. You can write you own letter to PM:

The Rt. Hon. Hubert Ingraham - Prime Minister
The Office of the Prime Minister
Cecil Wallace - Whitfield Centre
Cable Beach
P.O. Box CB-10980
Nassau, N.P., The Bahamas
hubertingraham@bahamas.gov.bs
242-327-1530

Please, remind him that he agreed with the proposal of Marine Protected Area for Bimini in 2002. Point out the importance and environmental value of marine ecosystems (mangrove wetlands) in Bahamas.

At the same time forward your letter to Bahamian newspaper:
The Freeport news: oswaldtbrown@hotmail.com,
freeporteditorial@nasguard.com,
The Nassau Guardian: androsboy@hotmail.com,
anthony@nasguard.com,
editor@nasguard.com,
The Bahama Journal: bahjour@coralwave.com,
The Bahama Post: editor@bahamapost.com,
The Tribune: letters@tribunemedia.net,
The Punch: thepunch@westend.coralwave.com,
thepunch@coralwave.com,

and as I said above you can write your own attitudes and articles on Bahamas Eco-Forum. They are willing to post it there.

Spread the word about Bimini issue! You can also create your own petition (if you need some advice and ideas, let me know). The online petition is here: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/885814782 but I would suggest to create your own and signed by Bahamians.

- see website: www.restrictbiminibayresort.org
http://www.sharktrust.org/content.asp?did=26543
http://www.oceanfutures.org/of_blog-post.asp?ID=67
http://www6.miami.edu/sharklab/news_protectbimini.html
- make a donation to Save Bimini association: www.savebimini.org
- watch this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOptwatDWQ0
- see photos of destruction in Bimini:http://picasaweb.google.sk/mangroves.jr

This is the letter written by native Biminite:
People from Bimini, and around the world, have been calling for the preservation of this beautiful island for years. Back in 2000, we were told that our precious home was designated as the highest-priority site in the Bahamas for a Marine Protected Area, yet here we are in 2008 with no MPA. Bimini's MPA is widely supported, locally and internationally, and its implementation is a key factor to the economic and ecological future of the island, long-hailed as the Big Game Fishing Capital of the World. Just a few days ago, a news report suggested that the government is holding off on designating Bimini's MPA because of a perceived apathy from Bimini, rather than recognizing that for us here, this issue should have already been settled years ago. I am never one to take a defeatist's attitude but I can see why there appears to be a sense of apathy amongst the people of Bimini.
There have been inquiries, investigations, committees, surveys, studies and promises for years in regards to the current development on North Bimini and their wanton destruction and impact on the environment and ecology. We have talked to administrators, MP's, lawyers, church leaders, heads of state, scientists, and environmental groups. We have had meetings, forums, educational fairs, flyers, and petitions voicing our desire to have the project stopped and preservation of the wetlands implemented. And through all of this do you know what the general belief of Biminites is...?
We feel that it doesn't matter what we do because the government leaders do not have our best interest at heart, only profit - personal or otherwise. Our desire to preserve the natural heritage of Bimini for the future of Bimini, the very thing that brings people like the Bimini Bay developers to our islands, is for sale to the highest bidder. In the end our fate is not in our own hands but in the hands of a small few who know nothing of daily life in Bimini and the tragic effects that this development, even in just its beginning stage, has had on the economy and ecology of the island.
Most people feel this way and have adopted the attitude toward our leadership of "they're going to do what they want to do no matter what we say, so why waste your breath". I know it's unfortunate but it's a product of being let down by the same people for so long. So when the government says that the people of Bimini have not shown that they want a Marine Reserve or National Park, it's not true, we do. The people of Bimini have been ignored for too long, and for many their hopes for a better tomorrow have waned. I say shame on the leaders of our nation if they plan to use the plight of a weary community as their excuse to do the wrong thing.
Establishing Bimini's MPA and preserving whats left of Bimini will ensure that Biminites, tourists, and even foreign developers can enjoy this island jewel for future generations.
Marty Weech
Biminite, Born and Raised
You can also read this article on Bahamas Eco-Forum:
http://www.bahamapundit.com/2008/02/a-letter-from-b.html#comments
Anyway if you would like to post news items or short articles, you can do so if you contact Larry Smith on larry@tribunemedia.net and you can write your own comments on www.bahamapundit.com
My brother you just keep doing what your doing, CRY LOUD AND SPARE NOT.
I know what you mean about feeling like your wasting breath. Just not let it be said that Mr. Marty Weech did not do his part. You are raising an awareness to a very serious situation.
Any soapbox that you can find to stand on STAND ON. You will be amazed what one voice can do, stay the course, determine to not only see the promised land but to get there. I applaud your efforts. :)

A local voice is well needed. I am grateful to Mr. Weech that he was willing to stand against the corruption and the extensive destruction which is being allowed by officials from Bahamain government. I hope that more people will follow Marty's steps and will "fight" for the preservation of Bimini's unique marine ecosystems and also for the spirit of Bimini!!!
Kudos to Marty!

Great that you want to help! There are several ways how you can become involved. You can write you own letter to PM:

The Rt. Hon. Hubert Ingraham - Prime Minister
The Office of the Prime Minister
Cecil Wallace - Whitfield Centre
Cable Beach
P.O. Box CB-10980
Nassau, N.P., The Bahamas
hubertingraham@bahamas.gov.bs
242-327-1530

Please, remind him that he agreed with the proposal of Marine Protected Area for Bimini in 2002. Point out the importance and environmental value of marine ecosystems (mangrove wetlands) in Bahamas.

At the same time forward your letter to Bahamian newspaper:
The Freeport news: oswaldtbrown@hotmail.com,
freeporteditorial@nasguard.com,
The Nassau Guardian: androsboy@hotmail.com,
anthony@nasguard.com,
editor@nasguard.com,
The Bahama Journal: bahjour@coralwave.com,
The Bahama Post: editor@bahamapost.com,
The Tribune: letters@tribunemedia.net,
The Punch: thepunch@westend.coralwave.com,
thepunch@coralwave.com,

and as I said above you can write your own attitudes and articles on Bahamas Eco-Forum. They are willing to post it there.

Spread the word about Bimini issue! You can also create your own petition (if you need some advice and ideas, let me know). The online petition is here: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/885814782 but I would suggest to create your own and signed by Bahamians.

- see website: www.restrictbiminibayresort.org
http://www.sharktrust.org/content.asp?did=26543
http://www.oceanfutures.org/of_blog-post.asp?ID=67
http://www6.miami.edu/sharklab/news_protectbimini.html
- make a donation to Save Bimini association: www.savebimini.org
- watch this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOptwatDWQ0
- see photos of destruction in Bimini:http://picasaweb.google.sk/mangroves.jr

Looks like you got the Bimini issue lockdown. Solid.

Another comment from resident of Bimini:

Having been resident of Bimini for the past 24 years, I can attest to Marty Weech's comments. The people of Bimini do feel as if they have little say in what happens in regards to the North Islands mega-development. I can remember attending town meetings when the project was in it's developmental stages. I recall local residents voicing their concerns and being chastised by visiting government officals. Being told that the project was "good for them" and "good for Bimini". Many felt as if the project was being "rammed down Bimini's throat". I remember attending a luncheon where the project developer spoke to the attendees (including then PM Perry Christie). During his speech he told the group that he intended on pushing forward with his development whether or not he had the support of Bimini's community.
Bimini is a small community of hard working people, trying to make it during a period of great economic uncertainty. For many right now, they must spend all of their available time, efforts, and resources, just providing for themselves and their families. They have neither the economic resources nor the specific scientific and legal know-how to take on a multi-million dollar realestate developer. One thing is for certain though. They know what they know. They know that their environment is being ripped out from underneath them. They know that 70% of their home island now belongs to a foreign developer. They know that as bad as things are now, the worst is still yet to come in the form of golf courses, further dredging, and more mangrove destruction. They know that for the past 8 years their concerns have fallen on deaf ears. And finally they know that the frustration that comes with having little or no control over your communities future can suck the energy out of you, leaving you in a state that others may mistakenly identify as apathy.
So congratulations Marty for speaking up. We can all hope that someone is listening.

Bill Keef

The only way to solve this issue is to have a vote by the residents of Bimini to see where they stand. It is very easy to see that the development is not good for the environment,but this is a Democracy. As Little Fisherman says "there are three sides to every story,yours,mine and the truth"......very tru words.:)