The Tribune

BY ANNELIA NIXON

TRIBUNE BUSINESS REPORTER

anixon@tribunemedia.net

THE FENCE erected at Cabbage Beach has been removed, Freetown’s MP announced yesterday, following mounting concerns that the private development could restrict public access to the popular beach and threaten the livelihoods of Bahamian vendors, watersports operators and taxi drivers.

Lincoln Deal welcomed the move as a necessary step toward protecting Bahamians who depend on Cabbage Beach for their income.

“The fence is coming down,” Mr Deal said in a social media post on Sunday. “Earlier this week, concerns were raised about the newly erected fencing, public access and the impact it could have on Bahamians who earn their livelihoods on Cabbage Beach. Today, that fencing is being removed.”

The development marks a reversal after the fencing sparked concern among beach vendors and operators who feared they could lose access to areas where they have conducted business for years.

Mr Deal said Cabbage Beach must remain accessible while acknowledging the need to balance development with lawful property rights.

“Cabbage Beach must remain accessible to Bahamians, while we continue to respect lawful property rights and ensure that development does not come at the expense of our people,” Mr Deal said.

The Ministry of Tourism last week said it was “deeply regrettable” that the developers erected the fence despite being asked to engage further with the government before beginning construction.

The ministry said an initial meeting was held with the developers, with plans for a subsequent site walk-through involving ministry representatives and the developers to assess the proposed works and their potential impact on vendors.

However, the site visit did not take place before the fencing was erected.

Following intervention by the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP), the Ministry of Tourism said it was advised that the fence would be removed.

The removal is expected to allow discussions between the developers, government agencies and affected vendors to resume, including how vendors can be accommodated while addressing environmental concerns such as beach erosion.

The dispute has highlighted the economic importance of Cabbage Beach beyond the vendors operating directly on the shoreline.

Taxi operators who depend on cruise passengers travelling to the beach have warned that restricted access could significantly reduce their business. Some drivers previously estimated that between 40 and 70 percent of their earnings could be affected if access to Cabbage Beach is lost.

Vendors have similarly warned that being pushed away from their established operating areas could jeopardise their ability to earn a living, particularly as the new school year approaches.

The Ministry of Tourism has maintained that Bahamians must continue to benefit from the country’s tourism economy and previously said there would be “zero tolerance for the economic displacement of Bahamians whose livelihoods depend on participation in the tourism economy.”

Mr Deal said the removal of the fence was an important step while urging continued protection of public access and Bahamian livelihoods.

“Keep Cabbage Beach accessible,” Mr Deal said. “Protect Bahamian livelihoods.”