AS key government facilities were among dozens of areas struck by power cuts yesterday, Bahamas Electrical Workers Union president Paul Maynard said the ongoing situation is at its “worst” as he suggested Bahamians needed to protest against this electricity crisis.

Bahamas Power and Light had little update to give consumers yesterday outside of its Facebook page, which only provided a running list of areas from east to west affected by widespread load shedding.

These included the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services, Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre (SRC), Simpson Penn School for Boys, private healthcare facilities, Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre, dozens of residential areas and some small and medium sized businesses.

Minister of Public Works Desmond Bannister will have private legal representation in the civil case filed against him by former board members of Bahamas Power and Light (BPL), Attorney General Carl Bethel said yesterday.

He will be represented by Rolle & Rolle.

“It is a very basic retainer and basic retainers are between $5,000 and $10,000 so somewhere in that region for every case you would have to pay that,” Bethel said.

He added, “Litigation costs money but not an inordinate amount of money. Ms. Rolle received a basic retainer to conduct litigation. It’s a basic amount. It is not an extraordinary amount and successive governments at different times have paid big money for foreign lawyers to come and represent their interests.”

Fifteen parks and basketball courts in the Over-the-Hill community have been identified for restoration as part of the Government’s plan to enhance and redevelop parks and green spaces throughout New Providence, said Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis.

The Prime Minister was speaking at the official opening of the Silver Gates Community Park in the Carmichael constituency, on Saturday 22 June.

A detailed assessment of parks in the inner city has been performed to identify specific spaces, along with a needs assessment to restore the parks over time. Restoration of the historic Southern Recreation Grounds has already begun through the Over-the-Hill Community Development Partnership Initiative. “From Gambier to southern New Providence and throughout our island, residents need beautiful and safe spaces for relaxation, community activities, sporting events, exercise and recreation,” said Prime Minister Minnis. 

The Prime Minister said spaces like the Silver Gates Community Park will help to foster a greater sense of community. He hailed the family park as a model for New Providence.

“We need places to go to let go of stress and to stay physically, mentally and spiritually healthy,” said Prime Minister Minnis.

The 2.3-acre Silver Gates Community Park features a cushioned basketball court, a tennis court, a walking trail, exercise equipment, fruit trees, a Great Lawn, a play area for children, unique benches, secure restrooms, CCTV cameras for added security, free WiFi and a unique blue hole.

Prime Minister Minnis thanked the MP for the area, Minister of Works Hon. Desmond Bannister, and residents for caring so much about their community.

“I am told that you have been waiting for this park for the better part of two decades,” said the Prime Minister.

“[Minister Bannister] has gone all out to make this community park a very special place for all of you to exercise and to enjoy relaxing days and evenings with family members, neighbors and friends.”

The Silver Gates Community Park project was developed by Attilio Holdings, a subsidiary of the Bahamas Striping Group of Companies.

As part of its plan to enhance and redevelop green spaces, the Government is also working through a public-private partnership to transform Clifford Park into a central park for New Providence.

Concept plans have also been announced for the redevelopment of Western Esplanade, which is expected to include the enhancement of the beach areas, the beautification of the area and enhanced spaces for cookouts, community events and Junkanoo practice.

Prime Minister Minnis, Carmichael MP Desmond Bannister, and officials opened Silver Gates Community Park on Saturday. The Prime Minister is pictured addressing the audience at the festivities. (BIS Photos/Yontalay Bowe)

ARAWAK Cay and Junkanoo Beach stakeholders will get an opportunity to meet with officials overseeing the proposed “Nassau Entertainment District” project, a spokesperson from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) confirmed on Friday.

Insisting that plans for the project remain in the “planning stages”, OPM officials said stakeholders, including vendors and taxi drivers, will have an opportunity to discuss the project as it progresses.

The concept for the area was announced by Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis on Tuesday during his 2019/2020 budget contribution.