Dear Sir,

I am aware that the Government is in the stages of planning some structural and entrepreneurial changes to John Smith’s Bay in Smith’s. This has certainly sent up red flags for me and I would like to address them.

First, often it seems to me when the Government desires to create ways to establish a more economically viable Bermuda, little consideration is given to the size of this small island, which is 22 square miles. Not a small country or continent, merely a dot on the map, which makes me wonder if we have the Napoleon complex.

We have limited resources, but one of the richest that we have is our natural beauty, and we cannot continue to jeopardise it by these get-rich schemes without first and foremost considering the impact on this resource — Nature’s gift.

The concerns I have in accordance with the selection of John Smith’s Bay being used as a resort-type beach begin with its location. It is directly on a main road and setting up structures will impede the flow of traffic in an already-dense area. It will also have an impact on the amount of area that will be available for local families to picnic during the summer season.

The proximity to the ocean will also be threatened during stormy weather, which we are experiencing not only during hurricane season, for I have witnessed the changes in the landscape of the beach in the past few weeks.

So, to develop John Smith’s Bay for commercial benefits is something that should be given great and grave consideration, for its natural beauty has been attracting visitors and locals for years.

Last, there are already three establishments in the east that are available for the similar scheme you are planning for John Smith’s Bay: Shelly Bay Beach, Clearwater Beach and Tobacco Bay.

Sometimes it is necessary to think outside of the box, and that may mean asking for enlightenment and wisdom, a soul/heart experience, rather than the head that decides from beliefs and perceptions. Let us be aware that there is a shift and people are desiring to find a quality of life not measured by the stuff they have, but by the time that they have to engage in activities that are meaningful and less stressful.

For many, that means enjoying and connecting with Nature. Know that Nature can survive without people, but people cannot survive without Nature.

In closing, remember we are all in this together and we need to decide what kind of world we will leave for our children. The Earth is our domain, not a resource pool that is constantly being depleted to satisfy our whims.

A. CONSTANCE McHARDY