The Tribune

By FAY SIMMONS

TRIBUNE Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

BUSINESSES that rely on customers driving through downtown Nassau were yesterday bracing for disruption from road closures surrounding King Charles III’s visit, with one restaurant owner noting some patrons are opting to avoid the area altogether.

Peter Maury, owner of the Green Parrot, said the closures would make it more difficult for customers to reach his restaurant, although he plans to remain open while restrictions are in effect.

“Just talking to people, they mentioned they want to stay out of the confusion,” Mr Maury said. “Some people will go downtown, but others will avoid it.”

Mr Maury said businesses that depend on cruise ship passengers walking through Bay Street could also be affected, while establishments that rely on customers driving to their doors faced a different challenge.

“For me, people got to drive through all of that,” he said. “Bahamians, they don't like to sit in traffic. I know I don't.” Mr Maury added that the restrictions will slow business, but his restaurant would remain open and wait for normal access to resume once the closures ended.

Rebecca Small, president of the Straw Business Persons Society, said the Straw Market was open and, to her knowledge, would continue operating despite the road restrictions.

Asked whether the closures were expected to affect vendors, she said the market relied largely on walk-in traffic. “For the most part, yes,” she said, when asked whether the market's reliance on pedestrians meant it would be less affected.

The road restrictions come as King Charles III starts his official visit to The Bahamas, with police announcing extensive closures and traffic diversions across New Providence to accommodate his movements between official engagements.

For the second day of the visit, downtown Nassau faces significant restrictions, with sections of Bay Street and Marlborough Street scheduled to close from midnight and remain closed until after the relevant ceremony.

Police have also announced diversions for motorists travelling through the capital.

The restrictions are not limited to the downtown area, with closures also planned along Shirley Street, West Bay Street, Gladstone Road, Carmichael Road and other major routes as the King travels between the Royal Bahamas Defence Force base in Coral Harbour, Bonefish Pond National Park, the National Boxing Academy, Parliament Square and Government House.

Police have said most closures along the royal convoy's routes will be temporary, with roads reopening once the motorcade has passed and it is safe to do so. However, roads immediately surrounding venues hosting official engagements will remain closed for security purposes.

Residents and businesses along affected routes have been advised to make arrangements in advance, while police said access to homes and businesses along outer security perimeters would be accommodated where practicable.