Advocate and Vendors Speak Out on Erected Fence at Cabbage Beach

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Shortly after 9AM this morning over on Paradise Island, as crews continued fencing off access across the shoreline along Cabbage Beach, there was an active protest by vendors over public rights and the survival of local livelihoods.

The battle ignited back in August when developers first fenced off portions of the sand for the development of a $300 million project, sparking immediate protests.

While government eventually forced that first barrier down, earlier this month, confusion erupted again when vendors were offered $10,000 letters to pack up and move to alternative beaches across New Providence.

Founder of the Dis We Beach Advocacy Group, Selina Archer, explains that continuation of the fencing project triggered today’s confrontation.

While officials claim there is space for everyone on nearby shores, 21 vendors say they are playing a high-stakes game of musical chairs.

They argue the relocation spots are not able to accommodate them as well as the current vendors.

Cabbage beach vendor, Cheryl Forbes, says the promised sites are already a mess.

Cheryl Forbes – Vendor

“They send some of us to Goodman’s Bay, there’s no space there okay, one person is staying here okay, the straw market they send some of them to there telling them its no space okay, I was supposed to go Baha Mar, I haven’t been placed yet.“

Meanwhile, the fallout is already spilling over to the visitors who drive our economy.

Tourists arriving at the world-famous shoreline are now being met with construction workers and a shrinking public beach.

Nearby tourist, who wished to remain nameless, say the paradise they paid to see is quickly disappearing.

Tourist –

“This is already private so even for tourists it’s bad cause you have like a small space. I’m actually moving now.”

With the October first eviction deadline looming, vendors say they will continue to stand their ground on this shoreline.