Former Managing Director of the Downtown Nassau Partnership (DNP) Ed Fields yesterday praised the government after demolition of dilapidated buildings on East Bay Street started on Wednesday night.

"Quite frankly, it is fantastic," Fields told The Nassau Guardian.

"It is action, action we have been pleading for, for years."

Fields also expressed disappointment in the previous administration's failure to take action in the exercise.

"It was disappointing that we could not have accomplished this sooner," he said.

"While some other achievements were accomplished, the demolition of these derelict buildings are a substantial and necessary step in the quest to revitalize downtown."

Fields is business development consultant at Nassau Cruise Port, and a director of the DNP.

On Wednesday, a tractor tore down the old dilapidated William's Shoe Store, not long after Prime Minister Philip Davis, Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper, Attorney General Ryan Pinder, Senator Randy Rolle (who is spearheading the effort on the government's behalf) and other officials toured the area.

In all, officials say nine buildings have been marked for demolition with four first in line to be taken down.

The old Pacific Restaurant, Hotel Corona and Union Wharf are among those set to be demolished. The property owners will pay for the demolitions, officials said.

When asked what he thinks should become of the area after demolition is complete, Fields said in the long term, it needs to be transformed in a "phased approach".

"In the short term, I would like the spaces to become green and that measures be taken to ensure that they do not become dumpsites," Fields said.

"Long term, I think these spaces have to be amalgamated and that someone with deep pockets and equally significant vision should transform the area in a planned, phased approach.

"A substantial investment is required, not just for a visionary development, but for the infrastructure to support it. This will require someone with a Sol Kerzner approach to partner with landowners and the government to bring to fruition a living city that includes residential and commercial enterprise."

When asked if the demolition should have started before or simultaneously with the revitalization of the cruise port, Fields said, "They are two separate initiatives.

"The demolition or remediation of dereliction should be ongoing. In fact, the maintenance of the entire island should not be related to whether developments are occurring, but as a matter of national pride."

He added, "The government has the power and the resources to enforce measures that address keeping our environment pristine. We are a country that invites guests to our shores. When I invite someone to my home, I wish it to be a reflection of my standards. More importantly, however, we should wish to take pride in our surroundings for ourselves. It is we who live here."

The unsightly state of Downtown Nassau has been a growing cause of concern for years, but even more so since the reopening of the country to tourists amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cooper previously stated that the government will take steps under the law if property owners are non-compliant with removing such eyesores, noting last December that five dilapidated properties had been demolished over the previous "six months to a year".

The demolition of the first four buildings will be paid for by the owners.

The post Fields praises demolition exercise on Bay St. appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

The post Fields praises demolition exercise on Bay St. appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

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