The value of public space in Nassau is acutely underestimated in our most urban areas. Urban Renewal 2.0 demolished dilapidated buildings under the premise of eradicating areas that harbor and facilitate criminal activity. Such government intervention is needed but it should not come at the cost of maintenance on public parks and spaces within those affected communities. Undeniably, crime negatively affects communities across New Providence. Its presence and persistence has led many Bahamians to retreat to the confines of their homes for safety behind bars and security alarms. Such insulation from the outdoors only perpetuates anxiety and restlessness, stealing from us and our youth the joys of being outside.
Public spaces like parks are needed most in urban areas where safety concerns collide with limited access to the outdoors. The psychological recourse of being a prisoner in one's home very likely contributes to the plaguing crimes affecting our youth and young adults. The rapid urbanization of New Providence continues to erode easy access to the coast and other recreational areas. Though the northern coastline offers Saunders Beach, the Montagu foreshore, and numerous pull-off areas, these areas are only readily accessible by automobile or bus. The southern coastline of New Providence begs for redevelopment, particularly South Beach, where an adjacent empty tract only promotes illegal dumping and criminal activities.
Places like Big Pond and Harold Pond, located within walking distance of fringing Bahamian communities, are vital as natural recreational areas. Establishing and maintaining safe outdoor spaces is just as crucial to the battle against crime as razing nuisance buildings. But a community park cannot suffer neglect at the mercy of government funds distributed elsewhere. Our public spaces, including basketball courts, playgrounds, open fields and the like require consistent maintenance to encourage their use. A public space overrun by weeds and trash is no different than an abandoned or run-down parcel. Aesthetics very much contribute to a sense of place and drive the use of a public space by a community.
Therefore, it is disheartening to find garbage overflowing from waste bins next to basketball courts. How can The Bahamas expect to instill a sense of responsibility when the government neglects its own? With Urban Renewal 2.0 wrapping up its first phase of removal of abandoned or derelict buildings, we are surprised to find that rather than taking a community approach, it will shift focus to individual homes. Persons struggling to maintain a property should certainly be afforded the opportunity for some assistance from the government, but it is not the place for Urban Renewal 2.0 - especially when there is already a Ministry of Housing.
Deputy Prime Minister Philip Davis has impressed communities that were recipients of urban renewal that they "must be a part of protecting the gains made and keeping clean the communities in which they live." He was right. Davis also added: "They must be sure to tell the police of things that bother them and their safety. We are all part of the effort, and our combined energy will be the impetus guiding us to success." The government is not our keeper on private property and success for urban renewal requires community participation and personal responsibility. We urge the government to maintain its commitment to public spaces so that all Bahamians have access to safe outdoor and recreational areas.
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