I read with interest a recent news article on the restoration of Villa Doyle, as a National Art Gallery for The Bahamas. The objective is to add an attraction to the historical centre of Nassau, a showcase for Bahamian culture and identity.
The article stated that over $3 million dollars has been spent to date on the renovation and a further amount of almost $2 million was required to complete it. With the investment of that kind of money, one hopes for a positive and proportionate result.
However, one of the access roads to Villa Doyle, by a person coming on foot from Bay Street, is West Street. This street passes in front of the Greek Orthodox Church, a picturesque site itself. The problem is that West Street is also a hangout for vagrants and addicts known for their vandalism and harassment.
In November 2001, the Board of Trustees of the Orthodox Church sent a letter to the Commissioner of Police stating that vagrancy and assault in the area was a problem. Father Kolyvas, now 85 years old, had been assaulted twice between the Church grounds and the church parking lot across the road.
On 28th August 2001, a visitor to the Church at noon was stabbed three times and robbed. His wife was also assaulted. More recently, one of the church members was held up at gunpoint and robbed in that area. All this, not 50 yards from Bay Street, and in the vicinity of the British Colonial Hotel, and the American Embassy.
Vagrancy in the area continues to be a problem. Having regard to the expectations for Villa Doyle, and for the safety of residents and visitors alike, the Commissioner needs to take action and have the area patrolled, before a tragedy occurs.
Yours, etc.,
Leandra Esfakis
Letter To The Editor, The Nassau Guardian
