NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL
CONCLAVE The Ministry of the Environment and Housing held the country’s very first National Environmental Conclave this past January. Many ministry partners gathered to contribute to discussions on the way forward for the Bahamian environment. Organizations such as the Bahamas National Trust, the Nature Conservancy, the Andros Conservancy and Trust (ANCAT), the Island School of Cape Eleuthera, various private companies and government ministries, departments and agencies sent representatives to the event. On hand at the opening ceremonies, which were presided over by Environment and Housing Under Secretary David Cates, were Permanent Secretary Camille Johnson and Minister responsible for the Environment and Housing, Hon. Kenred Dorsett, who was the keynote speaker and officially opened the three day event. Following a warm welcome and introduction by Ms. Johnson, the minister began his remarks by stating that the significance of the gathering was not “just that we have gathered to discuss matters pertaining to the Bahamian environment but that we are Bahamians who have gathered to discuss matters pertaining to the environment of The Bahamas and the way forward.” Mr. Dorsett also said that the conclave is a step toward
his goal of “ensuring that there is a road map that charts the course in regard to environmental matters based on stakeholder input and that the consensus arrived at would not be hampered by or pinned to the five year election cycle.” The minister spoke fondly of his appreciation of the Bahamian environment and informed that he had gained a greater appreciation since becoming minister. Mr. Dorsett said that, “although we are still a developing nation, the beauty and diversity which the Bahamian environment holds should be protected zealously for and by the Bahamian people.” Highlighted in the presentation were some of the accomplishments of the Ministry of the Environment and Housing thus far as regards the environment. The minister said that, “we have introduced and implemented plans, tabled legislation and advanced policy positions which I think are taking the country in the right direction.” He outlined the introduction of the government’s new energy strategy and the realignment of BEC through the issuance of a Request for Proposals. The tabling of legislation such the Bahamas Protected Areas Fund Bill the objective 47