Old Bahama Bay Has Been Chosen to Participate in the
International Renown Blue Flag Certification Program Promoting Environmental Conservation

WEST END, GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND - Old Bahama Bay,the first premier resort, marina and residential community to be built on Grand Bahama Island, has been selected by The Foundation for Environmental Education representing the Blue Flag Campaign to participate in the first-ever Blue Flag Certification program in the Caribbean.

Old Bahama Bay will begin the first phase of the marina certification program for the Blue Flag on May 30, 2003, according to Obie Wilchombe, Minister of Tourism, Grand Bahama Island. Spearheading the certification process for the resort is Peter Watson, dock master for the marina which is the closest port-of-entry to Grand Bahama Island from the U.S. “We are excited to have the opportunity to be the first to fly the Blue Flag in the entire Caribbean,” says Peter Watson. “But more importantly, it recognizes that Old Bahama Bay is doing all that it can to ensure that our beaches and marinas are kept environmentally safe.”

Over the next 12 months Old Bahama Bay will prepare to be nominated for marina certification with the assistance of a National Coordinating Committee. In addition to adherence to the criteria, Old Bahama Bay will conduct educational programs aimed at the boating community, school children and the community at large. Upon successful completion of the certification in 2004, the Blue Flag will be presented to Old Bahama Bay, one of the first two marinas in the Caribbean to fly the flag.

The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) is a not-for-profit, non-governmental organization consisting of members representing around thirty countries in Europe, Africa, and America. The Blue Flag was started in France, in 1985, where the first French coastal municipalities were awarded the Blue Flag on the basis of criteria covering sewage treatment and bathing water quality. In 1987, t he concept of the Blue Flag was further developed on European level to include other areas of environmental management, such as waste management and coastal planning and protection and thus the Blue Flag Campaign was launched. Since 1987, in addition to beaches, marinas have also become eligible for the Blue Flag, and the number of Blue Flags awarded has increased significantly, even though the criteria for an award have been stricter. In 1987, only 244 beaches and 208 marinas from 10 countries were awarded the Blue Flag. But today, 2087 beaches and 737 marinas in 23 countries fly the Blue Flag.

The award of a Blue Flag beach is based on compliance with 22 criteria covering the following areas:
• Water Quality
• Environmental Education and Information
• Environmental Management
• Safety and Services

Most criteria are imperative whereas others are guidelines. All imperative requirements must be fulfilled as well as a maximum number of guidelines. All Blue Flags are for one season only and can be revoked if the criteria are not fulfilled.

BLUE FLAG CRITERIA
	Water must be visually clean.
	Environmental information about natural sensitive nearby land and marine areas must be supplied to marine users.
	A code of environmental conduct must be posted in the marina.
	Information about the Blue Flag Marina Campaign and/or criteria must be posted in the marina.
	The marina must demonstrate that at least three environmental education activities are available to users and staff of the area.
	The Individual Blue Flag for boat owners must be offered through the marina.
	The marina must produce an environmental policy and plan. These plans should include references to the water, waste and energy consumption, health and safety issues, and the use of environmentally sound products when available.
	Adequate and identified segregated containers for the storage of hazardous waste should be available. Wastes should be handled by a licensed contractor and disposed of in a licensed facility.
	There should be availability of adequate and well-managed litterbins, recycling facilities for bottles, paper etc., bilge water pumping facilities (guideline), and toilet pumping facilities (guideline).
	All buildings and equipment must be properly maintained and comply with national legislation.
	Adequate, clean and well-posted sanitary facilities and a controlled sewage system must be available.
	Boat repair and washing areas may not pollute the sewage system, marina land and water or natural surroundings.
	Suitable transportation should be promoted (guideline).
	There should be no parking or driving in the marina except at designated areas.
	There must be adequate, clean and well-posted lifesaving, first aid equipment and fire-fighting equipment. National authorities must approve equipment.
	An emergency plan must be in place in case of pollution, fire and other accidents. Safety precautions must be posted at the marina.
	Electricity and water must be available at the berths. Installations must be according to national legislation.
	Disabled facilities should be available (guideline).
	There must be a map of the location of facilities in the marina.

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Old Bahama Bay was founded by the principals of Holding Capital Group, Main Street Resources (formerly Colt Capital Group), Allen & Company and Cavalier Construction, (the leading Bahamian construction firm). Old Bahama Bay’s management and advisory team has been involved in the development and operation of such world-class resort communities as South Seas Plantation, Parrot Cay, The Guanahani Hotel, The K Club, Little Palm Island, and many others.

Today Old Bahama Bay is one of the most naturally spectacular and elegant oceanfront residential,
Resort and Marina communities in the Caribbean.
For more information on Old Bahama Bay
contact us at 1-800-444-9469