2018 Supreme Court Shantytown Injunction Lifted

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A Supreme Court judge lifted an injunction on Friday that has been in place since 2018 and prevented authorities from evicting shantytown residents.

Justice Cheryl Grant-Thompson delivered the long-awaited decision, as concerns mounted about the expansion of shantytowns while the injunction was in place.

The injunction was granted after shantytown residents asked the court to review the Minnis administration’s plan to demolish the unregulated communities.

Grant-Thompson lifted the injunction after ruling that the eviction notices were lawful.

However, Grant-Thompson said authorities must prove that structures in New Providence pose a risk to public health before they’re demolished.

The ruling gives the government the go-ahead to resume evictions and disconnect utilities in the communities however, the parties can appeal the judge’s decision.