Cabbage Beach

FELIX SANDS WRITES FROM GRAND BAHAMA

Last week, a chain link fence was placed on Cabbage Beach, Paradise Island denying beach access to the public. This is an Apartheid style act of defiance to challenge the collective will of a government by wealthy corporations doing business in the Bahamas. This test case of defiance must not be met by vacillation as investment groups and various enclaves around the country are paying attention.

At the heart and soul of foreign direct investment by multinational corporations wishing to do business in the Bahamas must have mutual respect for the Dignity of the Bahamian people. This relationship must be founded on the knowledge of we have the location, you have the investment dollars, and together we form a partnership built on mutually beneficial arrangements to both parties.

If the placing of the fence was directed by The Ocean Club, we have a problem. The reason for this is the owners understand our culture and the environment in which they operate; nevertheless, they arrogantly crossed the line of decency with indifference. It remains to be seen how the government will respond to this blatant act of misbehavior.

Parliament must now Act to shore up what was thought to be settled law around beach access by enacting new legislation clearing up any ambiguities of law; and, go further with beach access at the shorelines throughout the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.

This will prevent our people from ever being denied access and becoming a landlocked people unabled to recreate on any beach in our beautiful country for generations to come. Ocean Club you are out of order and have gone too far. Thank you for showing us who you are. A business caring very little for the Dignity of the Bahamian people. Message received, clearly! Your attempts will not succeed: Shame On You Ocean Club!

Felix Sands