Dear Sir,

I thank you for the fine recent articles by Mr Huggins on development in the Bahamas calling for an approach that recognises the need to integrate concern for the environment along with concern for a healthier economy. I have been following developments in particular in Guana Cay when I first learned about the plans for the large resort by the Discovery Land Company.

I have been most interested in how citizens and officials concerned about such projects can have the earliest input as well as access to needed information to protect the larger public interest, a role the Sierra Club has played for over 100 years in protecting the larger public interest in securing the important natural resource base that sustains our livelihoods and protects the many important values of our wild places and respective inhabitants.

For the last nine years, in the San Francisco Bay area, I have been working regionally with governmental, business, environmental and social equity leaders to assure that we find the best ways to protect the region's natural assets, so important to a vibrant economy, including tourism, while addressing the basic needs of a growing population.

We have agreed that planning for our future generations needs to be based on the carrying capacity constraints imposed by the environment and infrastructure.

Business leaders have been major partners in the effort to limit the region's environmental footprint and to help promote a common vision for the region.

As you understand so well for the Bahamas, the future of a healthy economy will depend on how well the natural assets are protected and that will include addressing each development through adherence to legal obligations locally as well as internationally. That task will require better information and more transparent processes throughout the Bahamas with governmental officials willing to help advance implementation of a vision that respects protection of its valuable natural assets from the cumulative impacts that now threaten them as seen in some recent proposed developments.

In the specific case of Guana Cay, Mr. Huggins in his article of May 23, 2006 has contributed to the dialogue by suggesting a less environmentally risky alternative in favor of one which would integrate the proposed development with the existing infrastructure, rather than adding another golf course and marina.

We support his creative approach and trust it will receive serious consideration by decision makers.

Yours etc.,

Michele Perrault

Provide for disabled at Parcel Post

Dear Sir,

I have been disabled since 1990 but always managed the two steps up to Parcel Post to collect any packages addressed to me. This past January I unfortunately had another fall which further disabled me and I can no longer manage those steps without assistance. In reference to the steps it would be a great help not only to me but I'm sure to many others who would feel considerably safer with a railing to hold onto.

Also, as both the National Insurance and Bahamas Electricity have service windows on the premises, and there are folks going up stairs to get their mail, it has become very hard to find a parking spot.

May I suggest that you designate at least one area close to the ramp for us old and disabled folks. With a proper sign as well as the disabled symbol painted on the tarmac at least we'd have a chance.

We still can drive but the legs just won't hold us up for very long any more.

Yours, etc.,

HELEN ASTARITA (MRS)