Editor,
Statistics revealed by a study done by the University of The Bahamas indicate a massive migration pattern of younger residents of the Family Islands migrating into New Providence. The beloved Prime Minister is correct in suggesting that this is ‘nothing new’, and I fully agree with him. This has been the norm for decades due to any number of salient factors.
Once he/she has completed secondary level education in his/her native Island, many tend to migrate to the metropolis seeking employment opportunities or to further their education. They may return to their Island every so often, but, in the main, they never return on a permanent basis. The stark lack of infrastructure and economic incentives go a long way in discouraging the bulk of them from staying or returning except for holidays, funerals, weddings, or family events.
New Providence itself, according to the study referred to above, contains more than 75% of the entire population of this wonderful nation. Residents are creased up like Sardines in an extra small can. There is a tremendous lack of affordable housing or even vacant land on which to construct a modest home. Over the 51 years that we have been ‘independent,’ nothing much has changed for the better. In fact, if I may be so bold as to say so, we as a nation have regressed more than progress in countless areas.
Statistics show that there is a tremendous amount of Crown Land throughout the Family Islands just sitting there and not being constructively utilized. Many persons who currently are jammed up here in New Providence would be, in my opinion, more than willing to move back to their respective Islands if the archaic Crown Land system were to be modernized; over in my paternal Island of Andros, there is enough Crown Land to enable ALL known Bahamians to own a piece of the proverbial rock; construct a modest residence or establish commercial and manufacturing buildings.
If Crown Land were to be freed up in the Family Islands, we’d see an immediate increase in the construction and development of those particular Islands. The administration of the day comes and goes, but the vast majority of the unwashed masses are relegated, after 51 years, to picking peas out of shaving cream, for want of a better adjective. Who cares?
Over a decade ago, when I was privileged to work as a Consultant at the Ministry of Housing & Social Affairs under the enlightened administration of former Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Hubert A, Ingraham, God bless his soul, I crafted and submitted a proposal for the development of a new city center in Andros called The New Jerusalem. Nobody paid me any attention. Now, the affordable housing crisis is almost out of control. Who cares?
The average politician—doctors, lawyers and other professionals—are able to purchase residences and office complexes in the hundreds or even millions of dollars while the rest of you unwashed Bahamians are consigned to eking out the most miserable of living and reside in literal hovels; in your break down vehicles or on the streets! Who cares? Certainly not the nouveau rich and their opulent allies, friends, family, and back-door lovers!
I urge the beloved Prime Minister of this wonderful nation to ‘free up’ and liberalize the application process and the actual granting of Grants for Crown Land. With less than two years to go before the next general elections, I submit that there is NO MORE time to be wasted in alleviating the very present and debilitating affordable housing crisis.
To God then, the Original creator of ALL land, in all things, be the glory!!
Written by: Ortland H. Bodie, Jr.
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