The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune. YOUR article of Tuesday, November 15, "Bahamas aims to attract the Canadian tourist market" mentions many rehabilitation plans for downtown Nassau, including the opening of the new Straw Market, refurbishment of the Parliament buildings, establishment of green spaces and a small pedestrian area, extensive roadworks and re-paving, and re-siting the commercial shipping operations. All very laudable targets. But where, oh where, are the much-needed plans to refurbish the city's many derelict old buildings? There is never, ever, a mention of these properties - and yet they are dotted about everywhere - East Street, Shirley Street, George Street, Cumberland Street and the infinitely sad West Hill Street (which moves rapidly from the sublime to the ridiculous, depending which side one is looking at). Some of these edifices may belong to persons who perhaps don't know any better, but some to persons who absolutely do -- and I'm quite sure they know who they are! So where are the voices of the Bahamas Historical Society, the Bahamas National Trust, the Antiquities & Monuments Corporation and possibly other, similar groups? And why on earth does the government allow this state of affairs to continue, year in, year out? It truly baffles me - because, believe me, however much the tourists - Canadian or otherwise - are looking at the beautifully refurbished parliamentary buildings, they are also seeing at least one or two of these other sorry reminders of abject neglect. The overall impression, if not one of ignorance of Nassau's architectural heritage, then certainly is one of disrespect by the powers that be, for our everyday surroundings, and by extension for the tourists who spend their hard-earned money coming to visit. Surely those who rule us must see this - or are they really so blinkered as they roll past in their chauffeur driven carriages? Come on Bahamas - it was done (finally) with the magnificent Villa Doyle - now the National Art Gallery. How about starting the ball rolling again with the house at the top of George Street - in prime visual position right opposite the photogenic statue of Christopher Columbus on the steps to Government House. Where there's a will... MAGGIE ANSELL (Mrs) Nassau, November 18, 2011.