By Shenia Roberts
Journal Staff Writer

The Bahamas Wildlife Enforcement Network (BAHWEN) led by
Commander Desiree Corneille has officially announced their plan for the
thorough policing of environmental crimes.
According to Commander Corneille BAHWEN has already been leading
the charge in environmental law enforcement ensuring that crimes
against natural resources, wildlife and the environment are taken just as
seriously as any offence. She said that it is the agency’s aim to not only
hold violators accountable but to educated stakeholders to prevent these
incidents from occurring,
During her contributions at the Office of The Prime Minister’s “Clear
Hold Build” press conference she sought to shed light on the agency’s
intended purpose and how it will effectively combat environmental
crimes. She said “BAHWEN is intended to be launched as a dedicated ,
law enforcement agency and disciplined force bringing environmental
criminals to justice.” This she says will conserve our lands and waters,
strengthen the tourism industry, secure our fishing industry and preserve
our natural resources for generations to come.

Furthermore, she emphasized that due to the agency’s continued effort to
educate stakeholders over the past year no leniency will be given to
offenders. Corneille expressed that “we have been actively educating
them on what the laws are that will be enforced.” Therefore, she advised
that spot fines would be issued immediately if an environmental crime is
discovered.
She also sought to discourage the practice of environmental crimes by
advising residents that fines for offenders are not cheap. She shared that
“for those of us involved with anchoring that’s a 20,000-dollar spot fine,
commencing project works with approval or a certificate of
environmental clearance that’s 10,000 dollars. So, these aren’t small
fines.”
Commander Corneille also emphasized that it is important that residents
are aware of what is considered an illegal environmental practice as
many of us may be in the dark. According to officials’ destruction of
reefs, mangrove removals, unauthorized fires and burning, derelict
vehicles and illegal dumping are all punishable offences by law.
She also raised the issue of smuggling, noting that our natural resources
and native animals are being smuggled out of the country without our
knowledge. Similarly, she explained that tourists and residents sometime
smuggle plants and animals into our country that can be harmful or

invasive to the environment. These offences she reiterated will not be
taken lightly and will result in hefty fines.
Officials say the implementation and enforcement of these fines
demonstrates The Bahamas government’s commitment and support to
protecting the environment and its natural resources.