“ENCOURAGING FIRST STEP”: Abaco chamber welcomes housing proposal and other infrastructure initiatives

Govt reviewing 150 house-building proposals for Abaco Davis said his govt focused on “the ongoing suffering of the people” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Abaco Chamber of Commerce Director Krista Albury said yesterday Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis’ announcement that the government is reviewing a housing proposal for 150 homes is a “breath of fresh air”. “I […]

“DOING IT WITH DECENCY”: 10 shantytown structures demolished; 200 more to go

What happens to displaced shantytown residents? Bannister says that’s not his problem “It’s not my responsibility to take care of those residents” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The government demolished 10 illegal housing structures in the Farm shantytown on Abaco over the weekend, as it continues its third phase of eradicating such dwellings throughout the country. Deputy […]

BAD TO WORSE: Shantytown resurgence further exacerbates Abaco’s “housing crisis”, says Chamber president

ABACO, BAHAMAS — The re-emergence of shantytowns on Abaco is merely exacerbating the housing crisis on the hurricane-ravaged island, according to its Chamber of Commerce president. Ken Hutton, the Abaco Chamber of Commerce president, told Eyewitness News: “I’m not taking sides on the issue, because that is not we do that, but we support the […]

DEMOLITION BEGINS: Govt begins removing structures in The Farm; issues “final warning”

Human Rights Bahamas denounces the move ABACO, BAHAMAS — Forty-five incomplete and unoccupied structures in the shantytown known as The Farm on Abaco were demolished yesterday, making good on Minister of Public Works Desmond Bannister’s promise of resolute action in the area to remove those homes. Heavy-duty equipment tore the structures down as some residents […]

Three men arrested and charged for illegal landing following viral video showing migrants living in bus

ABACO, BAHAMAS — A widely shared video allegedly showing three undocumented Haitian migrants living in a school bus on Abaco led to their arrest and ultimate conviction for illegal landing in the Magistrate’s Court today. The Department of Immigration in a statement said an investigation was launched into the video after an official complaint was […]

GET OUT: Shantytown demolition to begin in two weeks; residents have 28 days to leave

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Minister of Public Works Desmond Bannister yesterday affirmed that demolition of unfinished and unoccupied structures in the shantytown known as The Farm on Abaco will be demolished in 14 days, while occupied structures will face the same fate in 28 days. Notices have been erected on newly constructed structures — outside the […]

FARM SWEEP: Govt arrests residents in shantytown; confiscates suspected stolen property

Rights Bahamas condemns the govt’s actions as “illegal, shameful spectacle” ABACO, BAHAMAS — A multi-agency operation launched in The Farm yesterday led to the arrest of irregular migrants and “other persons who are suspected of being involved in various criminal offenses”, according to the Ministry of Works. The operation follows warnings from Minister of Public Works […]

Water restoration work on Abaco on target, says WSC head

ABACO, BAHAMAS — Water restoration efforts are progressing on Abaco almost two years since the passage of Hurricane Dorian. Executive Chairman of the Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) Adrian Gibson said the COVID-19 pandemic has created logistical issues and impeded work but the corporation is on target. “COVID has had the greatest impact. Without COVID, […]

LET THERE BE LIGHT: Power restored to most of mainland Abaco communities, BPL reports

ABACO, BAHAMAS — According to Bahamas Power and Light (BPL), all mainland Abaco communities except Eastern Shores have had power restored after being knocked offline in Hurricane Dorian in September 2019. “As we have reported, power supply has been restored to all mainland communities with the exception of Eastern Shores, where work continues on the […]