The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

My recollection is that I began my campaign to have Eastern Cemetery Lane restored to its rightful purpose, sometime in 2008, now some ten years ago.

By deduction, this would have been during the third Government of Hubert Ingraham, and the FNM party. At some point during this term the southern part of this lane was actually cut away when UBS was constructing its new premises and parking lot.

The election of 2012 saw the second election of Perry Christie and the PLP and through continued agitation and numerous letters to The Tribune Editor, I believe it was Minister Brave Davis, who had that part of the road, that had been cutaway, restored. My high hopes were dashed, however when the road was never paved and was left to become a Jumbey and weed field.

In 2017, newcomer Hubert Minnis led the FNM to governance and a new MP, Dionisio D’Aguilar, was elected for Freetown, wherein Eastern Cemetery Lane was now.

As the old people used to say “nothing ventured, nothing gained” and being somewhat acquainted, on a personal level with Dionisio, through his parents, I reached out to him with a view to him looking into having the road restored. I was a little surprised, although I should not have been, when he responded very quickly to me and arranged a time when I could show him what I was talking about. We met shortly thereafter and walked to where the road currently ended, and he took a number of photos and promised to raise the matter with his colleague, Minister Desmond Bannister.

On 23rd May this year, I received an e-mail from Minister Bannister, requesting further information on the matter so that he could have it investigated.

A few more exchanges ensued and I was assure that it was being looked into and to my great surprise, and quite by accident this week, I saw that the Jumbey and weed had been cut down, and it really looks like Eastern Cemetery Lane will finally be restored. Attached is a recent photo from Shirley Street looking north.

I was interested to find on a website www.Bahamianology.com that The Eastern and Western Cemetery Lanes enclosed what was identified in 1906 as one of seven Cemeteries in New Providence, The Agricultural Grounds Formerly The Eastern Cemetery.

Many thanks to all concerned and I am sure I speak for a great many people who live and or work in this area.

BRUCE G.RAINE

Nassau,

November 23, 2018.