Dear Sir,



            I would first like to congratulate you and your people on the official designation of the Bimini Marine Protected Area in December of 2008.  In the year 2000, during the FNM 's last period in parliament, your party put forth a plan to establish a network of Marine Protected Areas throughout the Bahamas, at the time; this idea was truly visionary and very positively proactive in sustaining the beauty and natural resources of the Bahamas.

            Now, just a few years later the concept of establishing Marine Reserves has become far more than just a way to sustain small regions of the ocean, it has now become the most promising remedy for curing a global problem.  Recent reports have shown the ocean's fish stocks to be in a state of dramatic collapse, with over-fishing, habitat destruction, and climate change pushing our marine resources past their limits.  MPAs, when staffed, managed, and enforced,  have been proven more effective than any other legislative or fishery management efforts to date.



            The Commonwealth of the Bahamas has been given the opportunity to be seen as a world leader in dealing with a global problem that is wreaking havoc on many coastal countries and their economies.  Your party had the solution to this problem identified nine years ago, designated the MPA eighteen months ago, now we are asking you to follow up on your promise and prevent further development within and adjacent to the MPA and prevent the Bahamas from losing its most valuable resources. 

            Five sites were identified as top-priority for the Bahamian Marine Reserve Network, with Bimini topping the list.  The original plan called for these five sites to be fully implemented and established by 2003.  Tragically, during the PLP's reign in office, no movement was made towards establishing these reserves.  Over the last five years, it seemed as if the PLP's loyalty lied closer to foreign developers than to the Bahamians themselves.  This was undoubtedly a factor in the recent FNM victory.  Simply stating that the MPA is official does not serve its purpose in protecting the citizens, environment, and longevity of your nation. 

            Around the world, millions of people have learned of Bimini's plight from National Geographic magazine, U.S. & Bahamian news reports, and dozens of websites.   This is both a local and international priority.  All who love the amazing islands of Bimini are desperate for action to be taken to preserve them.  There exist the opportunity to create firm statutes that will be binding agreements, more than simply statements of intent, such as the Heads of Agreement, which is currently being ignored by the Capo developers.  By following up on a promise made nine years ago, that seemed to be honored in the announcement of the Bimini MPA, you have the chance to not only guarantee economic and ecological sustainability for the future of Biminis, and indeed all the Bahamas, but to truly become a world leader in tackling a global crisis.

  We now look to you to take action; the world is truly watching.



Respectfully yours,