By BETTY VEDRINE, Guardian Senior Reporter , betty@nasguard.com

A developer confirmed yesterday that he had been given permission by the BEST Commission to proceed with the South Seas project near the Bonefish National Park,

Former parliamentarian and Cabinet minister Tennyson R. G. Wells told The Guardian that he was told to proceed by the Bahamas Environment Science and Technology (BEST) Commission.

Wells was responding to concerns voiced by the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) with regard to whether or not permits were issued by the government.

"I have met with the BEST Commission, Lands and Survey and the Docks Committee and was told to proceed," said Wells in a phone interview. He said that the only thing that his company is awaiting is permission to dredge a sea bed. "The only thing that we do not have permission for is to dredge the seabed."

On Wednesday, Executive Direct of BNT, Eric Carey, told The Guardian that the Trust had concerns after a recent site visit. "The Trust observed stakes planted in the pond marking what appeared to be the route for the development's marina channel located close to the western boundary of the park," he said.

But Wells said that he was advised to do this. "We were advised by the Department of Lands and Surveys to put the markers in place so we went ahead and did so," said Wells.

Carey said that he was able to speak with Wells and asked about permits issued for the dredging, which Wells said that he was still waiting for the government.

"I spoke with the developer, Tennyson Wells, [on Tuesday] and he says that they don't have the permits that are needed but he was awaiting a letter from the government to give him permission, nonetheless, the tractors are going over there," said Carey.

As a result, Carey said that the BNT was seeking clarification from the government on whether permits have been issued and if so, if they were issued based on a proper assessment of the impact on the environment.

"We can't wait for it to reach the park to act. By then it's too late. Clearly, for anyone to do that type of destructive development there must have been some permits issued," he pointed out.

Carey said that if the current dredging continues, it would destroy the environment.

"If allowed, this planned channel would probably stretch for at least a mile through this pristine wetland, and would wreak unimaginable havoc on the ecosystem," said Carey.

But Wells said that he has no intention of destroying the environment and will make every effort to ensure that his development doesn't have a negative impact on the environment. "We are prepared to work with BNT," said Wells. "We don't want to destroy the environment; after all we live here too."

According to BNT President Glenn Bannister, the Trust has requested a halt on canal dredging until a full assessment of its impact on the neighboring National Park can be determined.

"Letters have been sent to the Department of Physical Planning, the Port Department, the Ministry of Works and the BEST Commission requesting details on this development," he said.

Bannister added that the Trust was also concerned that the marina channel appeared to be heading directly into Fish Cays, untouched islands located just off the western end of Bonefish Pond National Park.

BNT members have been monitoring the bird life on the cay since the summer of 2007 when Reddish Egrets were discovered nesting there. The Reddish Egrets are a vulnerable species and these cays are the only nesting area for this species on New Providence.

Bonefish Pond National Park was established in 2002 and is a 1,280-acre wetland located on the South Central Coast of New Providence, which is east of the Bacardi plant and south of Millar's Agricultural Allotment, off Cowpen Road.

Carey said that most Bahamians have never seen it because it is currently inaccessible; however, plans are being discussed to develop the area for Bahamians to enjoy.

"We would have loved the opportunity to create activities, such as kayaking, for Bahamians to enjoy the park. But now, I'm not so sure that will happen," said Carey.

He said the park was inaccessible because the only access roads to the wetland systems are via unpaved farm roads, some of which have potholes.

The park is an important marine nursery for the island, providing habitat for juvenile stocks of fish, crawfish and conch. The wetland itself provides critical storm surge protection for communities along New Providence's southern shore.

The Bahamas National Trust is the mandated management authority for the country's 25 national parks and protected areas.