The Tribune

In October, 2009, Member of Parliament for what was then the constituency of Montagu, Loretta Butler-Turner, appointed a steering committee to make recommendations and spearhead the redevelopment of what was dubbed the “Montagu mayhem” referring to an area of public land and waterfront running from east of the Nassau Yacht Club to west of the Royal Nassau Sailing Club.

Over the years, what should have been prime public beachfront had evolved without plan or management into a state of disarray bordering on squalid insanity. Boaters, swimmers, fishermen competed with buyers and vendors on a narrow boat ramp and those trying to use adjacent space for recreation. Anger and trouble were as prevalent as the hundreds of flies buzzing around the morning catch.

The Montagu committee faced a myriad of challenges, how to tackle the horrendous traffic jam and daily congestion that backed up for blocks on end as boats on trailers crossed an already overcrowded and slow-moving road, what to do with fishermen who depended on the Montagu ramp for their livelihood. With no running water there were sanitation issues, recreational conflicts, environmental threats and dangers to swimmers who swam amid gutted fish attracting sharks.

For whatever has been her more recent history, Butler-Turner must always be remembered as the woman who saw the vision for Montagu. This, she said, would be her legacy and what has happened since is little short of miraculous.

The once dirty, crowded, unhealthy area and environmentally disastrous diamond in the rough has become a shining centerpiece of community activity. But that victory is not without its drawbacks and there is still much to be done. Among the priorities are dealing with parking and the establishment of a curfew to protect the peace of neighbours.

The successes tick all the boxes. The fishermen and their tables, relocated along a broadened shoreline, along with the second and third tiers of the Montagu economy are thriving. Locals and visitors buy fresh fish. Restaurants as far west as the western end of the island depend on Montagu’s daily supply of grouper and crawfish in season, mahi-mahi when they are running, conch, hogfish, snapper and Margot fish year-round. Conch salad vendors have added to the colourful atmosphere and if you are cooking at home and run out of lime or peppers, Montagu is the quick go-to stop and chances are you will meet a visitor tasting a fresh conch salad for the first time and posting photos. Early morning swimmers are protected by floating buoys keeping jet skis a safe distance away. There are restrooms.

Along with salvaging and revitalising the last piece of public beachfront on the eastern side of New Providence, the Montagu mayhem that is now the Montagu miracle has become one of the most popular venues in The Bahamas for the staging of events. Regattas draw huge crowds. Last weekend’s fund-raisers for baseball attracted thousands to a family-friendly atmosphere with games so sophisticated they involved a barge for ball tosses. The Royal Bahamas Police Force and Defence Force bands often perform and even the Prime Minister, Dr Hubert Minnis, participates in sports in this once derelict area that now shines and shows what can happen when vision and funds to support the vision come together.

But all is not so rosy for the neighbours who, while pleased that Montagu is a recreational safe haven, are disturbed by the parties that go on far into the night. The loud speakers, part and parcel of what seems like every Bahamian activity that involves entertainment, and announcements can be so loud that some complain they cannot carry on a conversation in their own home blocks away. Sleep eludes them until well into the wee hours.

Parking is also an issue. A few of the office buildings along the south side of the street are generous enough to allow overflow parking. For the time being the easternmost point, once the site of the Montagu Hotel, is also available. But there are plans to build a four-storey office building there and the owner will have to block it once construction begins. He paid handsomely for the property and has attractive plans that will add to the value of that area already dotted by prestigious office buildings south of the park and beach.

If the Montagu miracle is to continue to flourish, it will take another serious looking at. The Parks and Beaches Authority must get a handle on what is so popular that it verges on getting out of hand, consuming policing resources and using private parking without cost or obligation by the public to maintain it. And for major events that involve music, there must be a reasonable curfew.

Montagu can remain a shining star where recreation, entertainment and sports as well as the ability to just be quiet with nature blossom. The sunrise over the bay, the full moon reflected in the water, the enjoyment of walkers and swimmers and nature lovers must remain paramount. It is, after all, a beach.

And as we figure out how best to use it as a venue for events as well, let us remember and thank those who fought through the obstacles, created the vision - and Atlantis who helped fund it - and most especially the woman who planted the seed.