The Tribune

BY FAY SIMMONS

TRIBUNE Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

JUNKANOO Beach businesses hit with temporary closures over fire-safety violations are back in operation after addressing required safety measures, with the operators now pushing for greater engagement and reasonable time to comply before future enforcement action.

In a statement, the Junkanoo Beach Association said the recent closures, while difficult for affected businesses, highlighted the importance of fire prevention and public safety, particularly following a series of fires affecting tourism and hospitality businesses.

The association said businesses have since taken steps to ensure required fire and safety equipment is in place, strengthening safety at the popular tourism attraction for employees, residents and visitors.

They also welcomed the intervention of Tourism Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin, who met with the association and Ministry of Tourism officials to discuss the future development and revitalisation of Junkanoo Beach.

The association said the meeting, which also included Parliamentary Secretary Randy Rolle and Permanent Secretary Lorraine Armbrister, marked a positive step towards a more collaborative approach between government and beach operators.

Going forward, the association said businesses should be given an opportunity for proper engagement, guidance and reasonable time to address regulatory deficiencies before enforcement action is taken.

Rather than creating what it described as an “I-got-you” or “catcher” situation, the association said government agencies and businesses should work together to identify deficiencies, explain requirements and give operators sufficient time to comply.

“This does not mean that regulations will be ignored. Quite the opposite,” the association said, adding that it fully supports compliance with Bahamian laws and regulations.

“However, compliance is most effective when it is supported by communication, education, cooperation and accountability.”

The association said the approach would allow government agencies to carry out their regulatory responsibilities while giving businesses a fair opportunity to meet required standards.

They also said the recent meeting addressed the future of construction and development on Junkanoo Beach, including the situation involving a vendor whose business was destroyed by fire.

The association said a temporary arrangement has been made to allow the vendor to operate from a tent while outstanding regulatory matters are addressed.

It said the broader revitalisation process should ensure that the vendor and other affected operators are included.

“We want every Bahamian to have an opportunity to succeed on Junkanoo Beach,” the association said.

“The revitalisation process should not be about excluding people. It should be about creating a better, safer, more attractive and more sustainable environment in which Bahamian entrepreneurs can thrive.”

The association identified a number of priorities for the beach, including improved vendor compliance and regulation, enhanced fire and security measures, standardised employee identification, bathroom renovations, stronger lifeguard services and improved visitor safety monitoring.

They also wants a Ministry of Tourism welcome and information booth, better signage, visitor maps and information, greater ministry presence, solar energy and other sustainability initiatives, climate-resilient infrastructure and cultural programming celebrating Bahamian heritage.

Focused subcommittees are also expected to be established to address specific issues and develop practical solutions.

The association said it is committed to working with the Ministry of Tourism and the government, while recognising that responsibilities also rest with the association and individual vendors.

“We will respect the laws. We will respect the regulations. We will respect the protocols. We will communicate. And we will work together,” it said.

The association described the meeting as a potential turning point for Junkanoo Beach and said the success of the revitalisation effort would benefit visitors, businesses, employees and the wider Bahamian economy.

“Junkanoo Beach is a vital part of Nassau’s tourism product,” it said. “With the right partnership, the right standards and the right spirit of cooperation, we believe it can become an even safer, cleaner, more vibrant and world-class experience for visitors and Bahamians alike.”