The Tribune | Weekend | 27
Friday, May 10, 2019
animals
The need for nature Animal matters | KIM ARANHA
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m I the only one who feels physically sick when you see the destruction of nature? Last week when I saw what they had done to the trees on the road from Old Fort to Lyford Cay I was devastated. This was one of the most spectacular drives in New Providence, especially since they plundered all the casuarina trees on West Bay. There is something very romantic and mystical about an alley of trees that grow across the road to hold hands and create a canopy, a tunnel of beauty to drive through. Just a few days ago I was thinking how wonderful to finally see the crimson flowers blooming and I was anticipating how beautiful it will be to drive through when the tunnel is ruby red and the road is covered with a scarlet carpet of poinciana petals. But it’s not to be anymore; the trees have been hacked to pieces by careless, untrained workmen, with no regard as to how a tree should be pruned. I was devastated when I saw the stacks of limbs literally torn off the trees discarded along the side of the road, some of them full of rich red flowers. I literally felt physically sick. This arbour-like road has been in existence all my children’s lives. The daughter of a friend of mine messaged me to say that her young daughter always says, “We are going in the pretty tunnel.” Why would you butcher and hack the limbs? if they need trimming then send somebody who knows what they are doing. Now they have sent in a team who has tried to repair the damage. The trees will grow back, hopefully not overly traumatised. New generators are being brought in along this road and they have to cut back the trees to enable it. First point: these trees were not cut back, they were hacked with a machete. Point two: Why bring the generator along a route that has a magnificent canopy
of trees when they could have routed the generators past Odyssey and down the Coral Harbour road. I suspect the canopy is perceived as a nuisance, not a thing of beauty. A thing of beauty for one is frequently an inconvenience for another. If we are to be a popular tourist destination, we need to preserve our beauty. We seem to be on a massive mission to destroy, ravage, plunder and level just about everywhere. I implore everybody to look at what is happening all around the islands in the name of advancement. Our natural beauty is our greatest asset. The beaches are beautiful, but covered in trash, and frequently trash that we have left behind ourselves. The sea is spectacular, wonderful colours and clear, for now, but we continue to allow ships and others to pollute it. Our sea life is magnificent; is it still? We are plagued with dying reefs, people continue to fish species out of season, and when somebody kills a protected turtle, do they pay the price of the law? Nah, they get a slap on the wrist. What about our bird population? There are far fewer birds now than
there were 30 years ago. Maybe it’s due to all the insecticides we spray indiscriminately. My community got sprayed one evening at dusk and I nearly landed in hospital. I couldn’t breath and was coughing and choking…what cocktail were they serving up? If it does that to a human, what does it do to a little humming bird? We see so few of them anymore. Lizards are becoming scarce too, probably because of that joy juice that almost choked me. And don’t let us even mention butterflies. Animal matters and plant matters walk hand in hand, you can’t love and admire nature without loving both. Nature, plant and animal life, needs to be nurtured, and held as precious to the survival of our amazing islands. The attitude that “it will grow back”, “there are others, so who cares”, “it’s only a cat, dog, bird”, “who needs butterflies anyway”, “I need to sell grouper when I want”, “the conch population is fine”, is a mindset that is gradually turning the Bahamas into a environmental wasteland. We fill in wetlands, we allow spearfishing where it is forbidden, and we get bad press over swimming pigs. The emphasis must be pput back to caring for nature. How do we stop this cyclone of disregard that is permeating our society to the detriment of our future? Why do so few stand up against this? I mourn Lighthouse Point and the fragile environment that will be destroyed; I mourn that peaceful point where my young children once played when we visited Eleuthera for a family vacation many years ago. Somehow I find it hard to imagine that Mickey and Minnie will fit in very well there.
(PHOTO/PATRICIA VAZQUEZ)
MEET YOUR NEW EXERCISE PARTNER By THE BAHAMAS HUMANE SOCIETY
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t’s still puppies, puppies, everywhere, but this crew are somewhat older, between four and seven months. While maybe not as cute and cuddly as their younger counterparts, older pups are still full of energy and willing to learn. If you need an exercise or beach companion, why not consider an older pup? They’re loving and smart, and sure to bring a smile to your face as you watch them continue to grow. Any dog can be a house dog with the right training and any one of these would make a great house dog. Come in to the Bahamas Humane Society to meet them today. Adoption hours are 11am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, and 10am to 4pm on Saturday, or you can call 323-5138 for more information. The puppies look forward to your visit. ‘Tea on the Terrace’ at Jacaranda House will be held on Sunday, May 26, from 4pm to 7pm. Signature iced teas, mimosas, a fashion show, live music, a live performance by Stazzie, and more, will promise to make this a memorable event. Tickets are $75, available from the BHS or any board member. We look forward to seeing you there!
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Trees that used to form a magical green tunnel on the Western Road appear to be have been hacked with machetes.