Why is BEST raising funds?
To put it simply, BEST is working on several fronts to preserve Bermuda’s social, economic and physical environment. Developers often have at their disposal large amounts of money to push their causes. Without funds we are limited in what can actually be done to protect our open space, preserve our cultural integrity, and re-educate the Bermuda public and policy-makers.
Our mission is to continually raise awareness throughout the community on environmental and social issues, of which the proposed development at Southlands is but one. Funds raised are to be used for ongoing aspects of this education and action campaign, such as:
• Radio, TV and print adverts
• Hall rentals for public meetings and forums
• Equipment rentals for public events
• Posters and flyers
We are working on production of an informational video based on the speeches given at our first public meeting. This video will be broadcast on local TV and distributed to schools. Costs to be incurred for this project include:
• Production equipment rentals: camera, editor
• Production materials: videotape, blank DVDs
• Broadcast fees
Another current project is a public Round Table debate on this impact of the Southlands and other hotel development proposals. This will invite a range of experts and lay people to discuss the strain these individual and combined projects will have on Bermuda’s infrastructure (labour force, energy supply, transportation, etc.), as well as the importance of expanding the process to allow for community input into major policy decisions. In addition to the obvious costs of venue and publicity for this action, there are expenses for broadcast and related overheads.
The largest expense we can anticipate will arise from the costs of pursuing a Judicial Review if a Special Development Order (SDO) is issued. Costs may be incurred for:
• Specialist lawyers
• Research and legal consultants
• Transcription and secretarial services
We must emphasis that every member of BEST volunteers their services. No one asks for or receives any remuneration for the countless hours of time and the energy spent on behalf of the entire community. BEST’s fundraising is wholly for the public good.
April 20th, 2007 at 12:19 pm
For the many people who will not get to the fundraising stall on Sunday, how can they donate to BEST?