YEAR IN REVIEW: Six Shantytowns Demolished Across the Country in 2024

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Three in New Providence, two in Abaco and one in Eleuthera – this past year government continued to roll out the bulldozers this year tearing down a total of six shantytowns across the country, turning tightly compacted communities into flat clear acres of land like this today.

Throughout the entire process, it’s been Superintendent Stephen Carey and his team, that have led the charge in handing out eviction notices and then tearing down the makeshift homes.

The first stop this year, the All Saints Way Shantytown back, in January. Thirty structures were torn down in that community. Following that, the rest of the structures went up in smoke a few days later.

Seven months later, the task force moved to Opulent Drive Shantytown which saw over 80 structures demolished.

The Family Islands were not exempt; 200 structures in Abaco and over 200 in Eleuthera were also flattened.

Works and Family Island Affairs Minister Clay Sweeting said they have had a no-nonsense approach all year.

During my visits to these shantytowns this year, the plea for more time has been the same everywhere.

While the task force has been on the move in 2024, one thing is certain; they say their work won’t be complete until there are no more illegal communities in the country.