The Tribune

Auto rickshaws ARE a viable alternative to surrey horses in Nassau, according to voters in The Tribune online poll.

74 per cent were in favour of using rickshaws – an idea recently suggested by Bahamas Humane Society President Kim Aranha.

Commenting on the issue, user 'henny' said: "There are too many cars in Nassau to have horses on the street. The car drivers can be a threat to the horses by their sometimes reckless driving. Weather conditions also are too hot in summer for them to be running up and down. I feel it is much better and safer to let them live their life in the pasture."

'Pat242' agreed: "I disagree with the conditions of the horses that are being used to tour the streets of New Providence. I have seen men racing the horses south on Market Street at times and when I attempt to talk to the guys they use obscene language towards me. Plus the way the men who sell the idea of a horse and surrey ride to tourists, they look very unprofessional. I have been a witness where they tell tourist that Fort Charlotte was visited by Christopher Columbus. So in conclusion discontinue the use of horses and use auto rickshaws."

'Kalypso' thought the condition of the surrey horses called into question Bahamian pride: "Do most Bahamians have no shame? Look at these half dead horses dressed in blue, black and gold hats. Bahamian pride? Look at the dilapidated surreys on congested downtown streets. Bahamian pride? Listen to the surrey drivers who sound like automated recordings, who can hardly converse to be understood. Bahamian pride? Is this what tourism is selling? Shame!"

'Pfitz' had a creative suggestion: "Of course the rickshaw is viable!! Painted by local artists, fun looking, less expensive, no cruelty for any animal, because there wouldn't be any animals. This is not rocket science!! Get these poor, abused, starving pitiful horses OFF OUR ROADS!!! G L Gunner."

And the last word goes to 'sherco', who thinks everyone would be a winner with rickshaws: "This is a win-win situation for everyone: horses, drivers, Bahamian artists and whoever else may be involved in putting the rickshaws together. These rickshaws would also promote us as a compassionate country which doesn't think that the busy, polluted, hot and dangerous streets are anywhere for horses to be, much less horses that are ill kept and ill treated as many of them are that the tourists see."