EDITOR, The Tribune.

The rest of the world is finally catching on. There is now widespread and vocal global opposition to the continued burning of fossil fuels. Oil, while having launched our industrial revolution, has now been shown, in no uncertain terms, to be a major destructive force on our planet. The effects are well documented. Be they atmospheric changes, catastrophic oil spills, destruction of habitat, the fouling of our air, the insidious effects on our health, or the violation of indigenous people’s rights, there is more than enough evidence which shows that the world needs to end our dependence on oil, and now. The scientists know this, the major corporations know this, most educated and well-read people know this. And yet, here in The Bahamas, we are still behind the world in coming to this realisation. There is a serious disconnect.

It is not as if major investment companies, universities, and corporations are not making this clear by their public announcements of divestment from fossil fuels.

Those who are most familiar with, I would go so far as to say, in love with, The Bahamas, know that drilling for oil is absolutely and unequivocally wrong for our low lying, pristine tropical paradise. And, this is more than just looking out for our own fisheries, tourism, and the health of our people. This is about becoming informed and participating in the world community at large. This is about being participants in the global decision making process, not just holding our hands out, asking for money, while blaming the rich countries for allowing sea levels to rapidly rise. We play our part, just as the rich countries do. We need to promote justice and righteousness, as well.

The promise of easy money will always have its choir. Pirating, rum running, drug running, gambling, some people have always been attracted to the easy money, no matter the moral implications. This is understood. Yet, to the global community, and to any with reasonable sensibilities our cries for Drill, Baby, Drill must be considered a mistake, a crime of massive proportions. The stakes are simply too high. I am extremely disappointed in the Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Hubert Minnis. I am extremely disappointed by Minster of the Environment, Romauld Ferriera. I am disappointed in our Parliament. I am disappointed in many of the so-called environmental organisations. I am disappointed by our business community. I am disappointed firstly by the short term vision they embrace. As if, money will solve all of our problems. Problems that have been generations in the making. As if this money will somehow provide for our children’s future, their health, our economy, our natural resources. These dollars, if any will materialise at all, will go into the same hands as they always do. Why are we fooling ourselves? The Bahamas is willing to risk it all, for some pie-in-the-sky promise of jobs and wealth for all? When will we ever learn?

To add insult to injury, our “leaders” would have us believe that they are scientific creatures, first and foremost. Minnis has said this himself. So, who the hell does he think he’s fooling by his silence on the most important scientific issue humanity has ever faced? The science could not be more clear. The science is absolutely clear on the damage done, and the urgent need to move away from fossil fuels immediately. There is nothing more clear in the scientific literature today. So, who are Minnis and Ferriera trying to fool? They keep on, as the political children they are, to blame previous administrations. Previous administrations are not dictating the decisions you make today. They are not fogging up your minds, so as to be complicit in these crimes against our earth, and our people. Previous administrations do not control what comes out of your mouths. Stop with the utter nonsense, Dr Minnis.

The time for every Bahamian to speak up is now. We must stop this crime being perpetrated on humanity, on our earth, on our very sensibilities. The Bahamian people must speak up loudly and clearly that this oil drilling will not happen in Bahamian waters. All of us must make our voices heard. It is absolutely incumbent upon our national leaders to speak clearly and loudly on this issue. Dr Minnis, please do your homework. There is nothing good that can come out of letting these foreigners despoil our homeland for the promise of a handful of dollars. The scientific community is perfectly clear on this matter. Perfectly clear. Why Dr Minnis, why are you ignoring the science? This is a legitimate question. Why Minister Ferriera, are you ignoring the science? And, why are the rest of us so damned quiet, when the future of our health, economy, and way of life is at stake?

I understand that COVID has placed seemingly unbearable burdens upon us. There is no denying that. However, the risks associated with this oil drilling are far too great to peg our children’s future on such a folly. There is an opportunity for us to prosper again. That opportunity comes from investing in our people, protecting our resources, making prudent economic decisions, and mostly, making sound responsible ethical choices. I urge The Bahamas to come together on this all important issue. Please stop this Drilling for Oil fiasco. We have other important things we must contend with. Tell BPC that the Bahamian people have spoken. We say no to Oil Drilling.

NORMAN TRABULSY Jr

Andros,

October 1, 2020.