The Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce is an environmental watchdog whose mission is to preserve and enhance the quality of life on island for present and future generations. We engage with the community to advocate for sustainable management and development of the physical, social and economic environments.

As a campaigner for the preservation of Bermuda’s limited and diminishing green open spaces over the past 17 years, BEST reviews and, when required, objects to planning applications that propose development that will impact land with protective zonings.

We may also file a request for action/complaint when development occurs without an application or involves prohibited activities on protected land. Several 2024 news articles detailed such infractions. In some cases, BEST is contacted by members of the community who prefer not to make complaints directly, for fear of repercussions. In either case, BEST will make a formal complaint concerning threats and abuses to areas with conservation or protective designations.

Those complaints should be an effective means for such reporting and resolving an infringement. In our experience, however, that process gets a failing grade, because of the following:

• It is unlikely that the submitter will get a response within ten working days as indicated, if at all

• The information submitted is not always treated as confidential. There are instances where the “complainee” — the person being complained about — has been made aware of the complaint. This can serve to discourage persons from submitting concerns or complaints at all

• Of the numerous complaints submitted by BEST and others, few have been resolved in any meaningful way

The lack of progress on complaints is often blamed on the department's inadequate staffing and budget. Certainly, the Department of Planning has many skilled and committed planners on staff. If it requires additional resources, why has this not been rectified? Could the Government be avoiding strict enforcement of the rules to prevent losing political support from individuals who may be affected?

The problem with weak enforcement is that the original infraction remains and the community loses confidence in the system. Why should anyone follow the rules when others do not, especially in the absence of consequences?

The BEST vision for a sustainable Bermuda for future generations relies, in part, on sustainable development, which adheres more closely to the Bermuda Plan. It is vital that the Government shares the vision and supports stronger enforcement by our environmental departments.

We are asking and encouraging all of us to do the right thing by following the policies, rules and regulations associated with our environment, so that we are truly walking the talk when we claim to be concerned about our future generations. To assist in this, we are asking for stronger enforcement by the Department of Planning.

We invite anyone with concerns about illegal development or practices to let us know, by e-mail to office@best.org.bm or by telephone on 292-3782.

• Kim J. Smith is the executive director of the Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce