BEST: Environmental Sustainability Blueprint

July 24, 2012

The Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce [BEST] released their Blueprint for Environmental Sustainability this morning [July 24].

BEST Chairman Stuart Hayward said: “This document was prompted by requests we received, from individuals and political parties, asking what we thought should go into the environmental platforms of candidates for political leadership.

“What you will find in this document are analyses-in-outline of various issues that fit into the social, economic and physical environments. With most of these issues, we describe the problem, using statistics where available, and positive actions that could be taken and/or that we would support. In areas where BEST has been more active, there will likely be deeper analysis and greater detail — that is to be expected.

“Some of our suggestions are already begun. Examples of these are efforts to reduce energy consumption and moves to reform and elevate the delivery of public education. For these we state our support.

“Some of our suggestions will be viewed as new or innovative, such as an Environmental Strategic Plan, or a Comprehensive Cultural Development Plan. For these we invite thoughtful discussion.

Mr Hayward continued: “Some seem to be just common sense. As examples, more diligent enforcement of traffic laws, and the need to be more friendly toward tourism and international business. For this we trust that common sense will become even more common

“And no doubt, some will be perceived as radical (by radical we mean addressing the root cause) and will prompt a challenge to the ways we’ve always done things. In this category we place a greater household and business responsibility for reducing waste, tighter rein on Ministerial discretion in Planning matters, and a review of the practice of using material wealth as the accepted, and sometimes sole, gauge for measuring success. These will stretch our comfort zones.

“Let me be clear, this is not a BEST manifesto. We believe that any individual or group aspiring to a position of policy leadership in our community ought to have, at minimum, these issues on their minds. . If they have already thought of these issues, that’s good. We can then offer our Blueprint as a stimulant for thinking in new or alternative directions. If they have not thought of them, then we anticipate our Blueprint will bring new issues, concepts, ideas to mind

“We have a talented, passionate and forward-thinking cadre of volunteers who make things happen for BEST. We all treasure this Island of ours. Our research team consider it a civic duty to put their thoughts about the future of this Island not just into the hands and minds of political leaders, but also out into the public domain. We have been careful to frame our Blueprint so that it represents glimpses into a sustainable future and is not pointing fingers of blame about the past or present.

“We have delivered printed copies of this Blueprint for Environmental Sustainability to Premier Paula Cox, and to leaders of the Opposition parties, MP Craig Cannonier and MP Kim Swan. Copies will also be available to other legislators, aspiring independent candidates and indeed the general public via the BEST website. We will place a copy with the National Library for its reference room.

“Our Blueprint deals mainly with content rather than process. This is deliberate intent on our part. Comments on process, such as “transparency”, “consultation” and “good governance” would of necessity focus on how the current government does things. We wanted to enable and join a discussion on what can be done, and not become embroiled in arguments on how and how well things are or are not being done.

“Ultimately, our Blueprint is unfinished. These are ideas that should be shared and discussed and re-shaped and added to, to help guide a future for Bermuda that truly meets the needs of all our Island’s residents and visitors,” concluded Mr Hayward.

The full document is below [PDF here] click ‘Fullscreen’ for greater clarity:

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Category: All, Environment, News

Comments (5)

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  1. Young Adult says:

    Ignorance! We tend to do things in Bermuda for all the wrong reasons!

  2. Pastor Syl Hayward says:

    @ Young Adult: Your post is ambiguous. Are you referring to the document or to issues addressed in the document?

    From my viewpoint, I am amazed and awed by this document, by its comprehensiveness, thoughtfulness and its supremely non-partisan approach.
    Congratulations and Kudos, Team BEST!! What a work!! I only hope those that have power, authority, and influence are listening and will make best possible use of all your work.

    • Young Adult says:

      Good day,

      My comment was made in reference to what was said on the news in regards to why some things in the document should be done! I agree with the document and the benefits to our country. However I don’t agree on what was said on why we should do what needs to be done! We should do it simply because it needs to be done and it benefits us!

  3. KitCat says:

    Go Mr. Hayward! If the people we have elected do really have the best interests of Bermuda and its future in mind, they’ll pay him and BEST some serious attention.

  4. unionmember says:

    This is a well rounded document and a good snapsot of the government’s Sustainable Strategy and Implementation Plan, with a few added suggestions. Our policy makers should consider both when making plans for Bermuda