National

A Fight for the Shore; Vendors Aren’t Backing Down

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Vendors and protesters at Cabbage Beach are pushing back against newly erected fencing, demanding public access and clear terms on relocation and compensation as concerns grow over safety and the future of the beach.

Published

11 hours ago

September 28, 2026

Chinasa Outten

NASSAU , BAHAMAS –

Vendor – Cabbage Beach
“Y’all is just do us any kind of thing. Dogs is get treat better than this dogs.”

Vendor – Cabbage Beach
“I don’t wanna be moved. I haven’t pick up no papers from no place. I haven’t take nobody money yet.”

These vendors say they’ve built their livelihoods here for more than 40 years, and despite discussions about relocation and compensation, many remain unwilling to leave without clear terms and guarantees.

The latest erection of fencing at Cabbage Beach has sparked a battle over public access and the future of vendors. It’s an issue that has been simmering for weeks amid construction by a nearby developer.

But today, vendors and protesters continued to take matters into their own hands, pulling down the fence themselves.

Coalition of Independents Leader Lincoln Bain was among them, making it clear how he feels about the fence.

Lincoln Bain – Leader, Coalition Of Independents
“This is the ultimate insult to Bahamians.”

After attempting to move the fence, Bain was soon approached by police, leading to this exchange…

[NAT SOUND OF LINCOLN BAIN TALKING TO POLICE]

Bain was eventually seen being escorted off the beach by police during the protest, but Our News understands he was later released and returned to the beach.

The fence has also raised safety concerns.

Over the weekend, a 60-year-old American tourist was reportedly swept into the rough water while trying to get around the fence.

In this viral video, vendors, protesters from Dis We Beach and lifeguards rushed to her aid, with rescuers eventually bringing her back to shore.

The incident sparked public outcry, and the government later released a statement saying the fence would be removed, after acknowledging it was erected without the necessary notice.

But hours passed, and the fence remained, raising concerns, especially for Dis We Beach founder Selina Archer.

Selina Archer – Founder, Dis We Beach
“It’s quite, again, disturbing that we are not acting quickly. We’ve put out a press statement. In the time it took to take out that press statement, I’m pretty sure we could have had a crew down here.”

Selina Archer – Founder, Dis We Beach
“All of our beaches are under siege, and we really need, as a people, to stand up and say enough is enough.”