Cabbage Beach Vendor: “Should I Just Pack Up My Stuff and Just Jump on a Beach?”

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – As the October 1st deadline quickly approaches, some Cabbage Beach vendors say their livelihoods are still up in the air, despite relocation efforts pledged by the Ministry of Tourism and the Public Parks and Public Beaches Authority.

About 21 Cabbage Beach vendors are set to be temporarily relocated, as development work prepares to move ahead in the area.

It comes weeks after a fence was erected along a section of the beach to allow work on the development to begin.

The development is being carried out by Access Industries, the owner of the Ocean Club.

Since then, several relocation sites were identified, including Goodman’s Bay, Junkanoo Beach, and Montagu.

However, some vendors say they have yet to receive a clear way forward.

Jonise of HS Paradise Drinks says she has heard nothing further from the Ministry.

Jonise – Vendor, HS Paradise Drinks

“The last thing I heard from the Ministry of Tourism was I have to move my stuff from here and put it over there. That’s all. That was the last thing I heard from the Ministry of Tourism. That was it.”

However, she says she’s not alone, as some of her colleagues are also waiting for answers.

Jonise – Vendor, HS Paradise Drinks

“A lot of us home right now because we don’t even know where we going. So bills ain’t getting paid, money ain’t coming in, and they don’t really care about us.”

Some vendors have received relocation arrangements.

However, others say there are still questions about the details, after they claim they have been assigned to a relocation area, but not given a specific spot.

This is the case for one vendor – Ishmel Sutherland of Under The Sun Chairs and Umbrellas.

Ishmel Sutherland – Vendor, Under The Sun Chairs and Umbrellas

“I’m just waiting on them to call me and let me know which spot I have at Goodman’s Bay.”

Our News did speak with Beaches and Park Chairman Jamahl Strachan about these concerns, where he gave some insight into the relocation process, including what is being done to address vendors’ concerns as that October 1st deadline looms.