The Tribune

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

Tribune Staff Reporter

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

THE Davis administration is considering developing about 13 acres of vacant land along Bernard Road into an affordable housing subdivision that could accommodate roughly 80 homes, Fox Hill MP Fred Mitchell said yesterday.

Mr Mitchell said the property, located approximately opposite 700 Wines and Spirits, is being offered to the government after previous efforts to develop the land.

Mr Mitchell said the land could provide a significant number of homes for people in Fox Hill at a time when housing remains a major concern in the area.

“I think if we could develop the 13 acres it would be wonderful,” he said. “I think you could probably get 80 homes in there or so and it would be a good thing, and hopefully affordable housing for people because housing is a big issue in this area.”

Mr Mitchell disclosed the potential development during a service at St Paul’s Baptist Church as part of the annual church visits associated with Fox Hill Day celebrations.

Progressive Liberal Party and Free National Movement officials visited St Paul’s Baptist Church, Macedonia Baptist Church, Mount Carey Union Baptist Church and St Mark’s Native Baptist Church this year.

The annual visits traditionally bring government and Opposition parliamentarians together for services across the Fox Hill community. Politicians also form a combined choir and make presentations to the churches.

The programme this year included performances and short skits by children.

The church visits form part of the wider Fox Hill Day celebrations, which bring together residents, churches, community organisations and political leaders to celebrate the history, culture and heritage of the community.

Fox Hill Day, held annually on the second Tuesday in August, is reported to be the oldest festival in the country. It commemorates the emancipation of enslaved Africans in The Bahamas in 1838 and is traditionally marked by church services, Bahamian food and drinks, singing and dancing.