The Tribune

By Fay Simmons

Tribune Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

The Government senator in charge of downtown Nassau’s clean-up yesterday said several landlords and businesses have voiced an interest in partnering with the revitalisation project.

Senator Randy Rolle, the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation’s global relations consultant, said the project’s first phase - which saw the demolition of six derelict buildings on Bay Street - sparked interest from other property owners in the area in teaming with the Government to revive downtown.

He said: “It’s an ongoing process for us. We have just completed our first phase, which was tearing down a couple of buildings. I think, in total, we tore down about six so far.

“We have written a letter to several businesses who are eager and excited to partner with the Government in terms of beautification, and so many who we never thought would come forward are coming forward and saying that they want to be a part of it. And so it’s good when we have businesses who want to partner and keep Bay Street clean.”

Downtown Nassau contains numerous properties which are designated as historical buildings that cannot be demolished. Mr Rolle said the Government is working with the Ministry of Works and property owners to execute the demolitions on derelict buildings while preserving the charm of historical sites.

He said: “All of those are subject to approvals. These buildings were owned by the owners, so they weren’t owned by the Government. But there is a process when it comes to Ministry of Works, and so the Government will closely monitor because we do have a plan as to what we want to see.

“We want to keep the historic background of these buildings, and so we’re going to work again in partnership with the owners of these businesses to make sure that we give a product that is pleasing to all.”

Many visitors, including the up to 30,000 passengers that pass through the Nassau Cruise Port daily, stroll down Bay Street but many complain about the centre’s condition, cleanliness and the lack of activities. The Downtown Revitalisation project is aiming to give Bay Street a facelift through the installation of pedestrian zones, a business incubation centre, green spaces, a cultural village and other initiatives.

Chester Cooper, minister of tourism, investments and aviation, said that since the Bahamas surpassed 2019’s record 7.2m tourist arrivals by the end of September a new record is being set daily.

He said: “At the end of September we welcomed over 7.2m arrivals to our shores. So starting mid-October that was a record day. Today is a record day. Tomorrow will be a record breaking day as well.”