The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

I read in one of the dailies that Mr Paul Wynn made a proposal to the government to purchase the property just east of Goodman’s Bay, stating that if his proposal is granted, he would develop the property and spend an additional three million (or whatever the sum) towards the renovations or refurbishment of Goodman’s Bay for public use, as a goodwill gesture. Ha! ha!!!!

Firstly, let me say that Goodman’s Bay (especially the beach) should remain in its present natural state and should be reserved for Bahamians first. Mr Wynn’s report of live and dead rats, scattered garbage and flooding on the park was highly embellished. In my opinion it was a misrepresentation of the facts on the park. I visit Goodman’s Bay regularly (almost daily) so I know of what I speak. History would reveal that the park was upgraded when Tommy Turnquest was minister of works under the first Ingraham administration (correct me) and even before then, I, like many others, visited the park for recreation and meditation. The stories are shared, the unknown becomes the familiar, and casual acquaintances sometimes become lifelong friends.

Apparently, the good gentleman thinks that he sees an opportunity to seize, acquire, or annex (yea, all a dem) the eastern part of Goodman’s beach to expand his empire. If the property east of Goodman’s Bay is sold, then a sizable portion of Goodman’s beach would automatically fall into private hands (at least up to high water mark). As a result ordinary Bahamians would immediately be pushed off the eastern portion of Goodman’s beach, and would end up with even less beach space in their own country.

Too often our governments would accommodate foreign developers seeking to buy prime beachfront properties and these developers would build huge monstrosities that block the sea view, while Bahamians are relegated into the interior of the land, having no access to the beach. And even worse, “No trespassing” signs would spring up like shepherds needle after a rain. This is usually done for the promo of a few hundred low-paying jobs.

No developer would spend three million dollars of whatever, for the benefit of the public unless he sees an opportunity to accrue some benefits for himself. Long story short; Mr Paul Wynn is agreeing to renovate the park and hoping to acquire a portion of Goodman’s Bay in return. Let that sink in for a minute. In addition, the parking lot at the eastern end will be taken over mostly by workers and guests from Goldwyn resorts, which is happening now, but to a lesser degree. This unsolicited act of benevolence or kindness does not pass the smell test. If it walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it probably is a duck.

Goodman’s beach is one of the last pieces of prime public space to which Bahamians have unfettered access. The beach is for the people, all of it, and should be allowed to maintain its indigenous Bahamian looks. We are selling too much of our patrimony. We do not need a cheap imported replica of New York’s central park on our small island, which would further perpetuate the myth that “foreign is better”. Any ostensible talk of enhancement or beautification of Goodman’s Bay park comes with a caveat or strings attached (they want the beach) and should be met with the scepticism it deserves. If the property is sold, it would be a travesty of unequal proportions, and would be akin to selling our birthright for a bowl of porridge. Bahamians would lose half of Goodman’s beach. Call me xenophobic if you like, but “passionate” is my name. Wake up, Bahamians!

ZEPHANIAH BURROWS

Nassau,

February 9, 2024.