FELIX SANDS WRITES FROM GRAND BAHAMA

Felix Sands

Cabbage Beach Paradise Island fence. The misguided investor, beach access to the public, the tourism dollar, foreign direct investment and the symbiotic relationship.

These are the elements that from time to time investors seem to be unclear about and the role of the Bahamian population.

As a starting point, foreign direct investment and the developing dollars is absolutely meaningful for the orderly development of the Bahamas, at the same time, it becomes meaningless if the Bahamian citizen is unable to make a reasonable livable wage where they are able to provide for their family and rob them of their dignity.

The fencing off at Cabbage Beach last week , displayed a dark and misguided side of foreign direct investment. It speaks to a time and model that is long past when jurisdictions like the Bahamas would be grateful for the economic crumbs that fall from the Master’s table. Perish the thought of a Revival!
The arrogance and insult to the Bahamian people begs the question, is the investor a fit and proper developer? Is the apartheid business model workable in the modern Bahamas? Who would have given the developer the confidence that they could be able to displace vendors with 20 years standing and no consequences would be forthcoming from government?

The heavy hand of government must now be brought to bear. Impotence in the face of misbehavior could only encourage more bad behavior by other actors in the industry testing the limits. This, then, will relegate Bahamians to a position of second class citizens in the modern Bahamas.

If a Bahamian is unable to sell their wares or services on a beach where else in the world are they able to do so? The tourism dollar must always flow both ways; Bahamian and Investor.

Empowerment and opportunity are the guiding principles that will propel these islands called The Bahamas.

Thank you to the Ministry of Tourism for clearing the air on the grave insult of fencing on Cabbage Beach. Let us all be clear, ‘Beaches’ in the Bahamas are public. This is the symbiotic state of tourism in the Bahamas; Bahamians must be put first, at all times, without apologies.