The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Kindly allow me space in your column to express an opinion in reference to Arawak Cay. I believe whenever the Rt Hon Hubert A Ingraham, former Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, passes Arawak Cay, he let’s loose some 500 pound words.

When the former PM developed and envisioned the cay I believe he envisioned a Bahamian cultural village for locals and tourists alike. To use a phrase a friend always tells me: “Mr Ingraham put them on the waterfront”. But now, depending on who you speak with, for whatever reason, Arawak cay is a far cry from a Bahamian Cultural Village. What was once a unique entrepreneurial opportunity for Bahamians is now, what seems to me, a foreign village.

When you enter Arawak Cay through the middle entrance, shouldn’t you turn left at the four-way crossing you would be entering what feels like Little Haiti. Creole language is ever present. Creole music is blasting from speakers. Should you turn right, you would enter what feels like Little Jamaica. The aggressive, loud vulgar songs and the language from the audience. One is forced to ask, is this environment of thugs, hoodlums and criminals?

I will put my neck on a chopping block that the former PM is disappointed in what’s happening at Arawak Cay. And I am sure I will live to see another day.

PAT STRACHAN

Nassau,

September 29, 2023.