Govt's response to SDO report 'inadequate': Ombudsman

Make text smaller Make text larger

Government’s response to her report on the SDO process was “inadequate and inappropriate”, said Ombudsman Arlene Brock.

Her comments came in a special report tabled today in the House of Assembly.

Said Ms Brock: “I find the continued challenge to my jurisdiction inappropriate and many of the responses to the recommendations inadequate or even unresponsive.

“With respect to the Government’s denial that the UK Environment Charter is a legally binding agreement, this special report sets out basic principles of international law on agreements between governments. Further, it details the genesis of the charter as well as statements and actions of the Bermuda and UK Governments that prove that the commitments were intended to be implemented.”

Ms Brock claimed in her February report that Government broke the law by failing to conduct an environmental impact analysis before granting Tucker’s Point a special development order on land deemed precious by green campaigners.

Environment Minister Marc Bean later insisted she wrong to say Government acted unlawfully.

He argued it is not illegal to break the conditions of the UK Environment Charter, the document stating an EIA is required before development is approved.

Stated Ms Brock in her report: "The ultimate question is whether Bermuda will join the rest of the modern world in making environmental impact assessment a requirement – prior to approval – for all proposed developments that are ‘major’ or ‘likely to cause significant adverse impact on the environment’”.

Make text smaller Make text larger

Take Our Poll