In an effort to correct this the government has appointed a committee to plan the transformation of Bay Street and other seafront areas such as Arawak Cay and Montague.
This committee is co-chaired by Mr. George Mackey and Mr. Norman Solomon along with other members of the private and public sectors of Nassau.
The plan is to relocate commercial shipping to more appropriate coastal areas in the southwestern area of New Providence and also to restore the Straw Market and East Bay Street.
Mr. Arnold Forbes a businessman who works on Bay Street said that a plan is needed desperately because downtown is in terrible condition and needs to have proper trash collections.
Sherry who works on Bay Street also said that the trash is a big problem.
“I have been asked by tourists”, “Why aren’t there any litter containers in the area?”
She added that downtown has improved somewhat but feels that there is still work to be done.
But Mr. Forbes also added that the trash issue is not the only problem, he said peddlers on Bay Street are a problem as well.
“Too many of our visitors are being hassled by people who are peddling,” and said the matter should be addressed vigorously.
He believes strongly that these areas need to be improved and added that downtown is not what it used to be a few years ago.
“Even with the Straw Market issue, I think that it is moving fairly slowly,” said Mr. Forbes.
Straw vendor and president of the “Straw Vendors Advancement Association”, Celestine Eneas said she feels the government is not serious.
“I don’t think that they are going to start the market until just before election, it will be an election boost,” she said.
Monique Sawyer also a straw vendor told The Bahama Journal that the conditions they are forced to work in is ridiculous.
“Some days it is so hot working under this tent but we know that we have to do it because it is our only source of income.”
She added, ” We have poor ventilation, we are getting sick all the time and with six hundred and one employees in here, you can imagine how it gets sometimes.” They need to do something now said Sawyer.
Mr. George Mackey told The Bahama Journal earlier this week that a meeting is scheduled for next week Monday to discuss such issues.
When asked by The Journal, “What step has the group implemented to improve the downtown area since being appointed by Prime Minister Perry Christie late last year?”
Mr. Mackey said, “I do not wish to answer any questions right now, but after the meeting on Monday, I would be well prepared to address the media.”
Glen Saunders, The Bahama Journal
