Aga Khan IV - Bahamas Environmental Controversy

Bahamas Environmental Controversy

The Aga Khan has recently sparked an eco-political debate in the Bahamas following his dredging of the sea bed and construction measures on his private island Bell, which is situated in the middle of Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park and where he is arranging for a new residence. The controversy, involving politicians and environmentalists, was regarding a permit to dredge a channel for the Aga Khan's yacht to his private island. Environment minister Earl Deveaux, "Helicopter Earl," admitted to using the Aga Khan's 12-seat luxury helicopter to survey the area prior to granting the permit. Additionally the Aga Khan donated $1 Million to Bahamas National Trust. A lawsuit was filed by an environmental group known as Save the Exuma Park (STEP) in attempt to prevent or reduce the dredging. Bahamas senator Jerome Fitzgerald claims that the dredging, on behalf of the Aga Khan, in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, has violated environmental impact requirements and caused considerable environmental degradation – potentially affecting the many Bahamian entrepreneurs that rely on the park for their income.