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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
 Nearly one year ago, the PLP government set out on a mission to rid the island of New Providence and eventually the country of the scores of shanty town communities inhabited by illegal migrants. The Minister responsible for Immigration, even made an impassioned contribution from the floor of Parliament detailing government’s plans and further, orchestrated very public media displays in which a handful of buildings in a few of these communities were actually demolished. Now, months later however, it would appear that the government has lost its zeal for this effort, again proving that its promises of sustained action in addressing this long standing problem, were simply that, promises; and a promise is a comfort to a fool.
As this year has progressed, the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) has received reports that those “cleared” communities are not only being repopulated, but that new shanty towns continue to pop up all across New Providence and throughout the country. During my time as State Minister of Immigration, the Department of Immigration recorded up to 37 of these illegal communities in New Providence which housed hundreds of families (and in particular young children) living in what can only be described as deplorable conditions…conditions not fit for human habitation.
The existence of these illegal shanty towns continue to pose a threat to the development of a healthy and law abiding society. Data compiled by this and previous administrations have detailed the dangers which exist as a result of illegally run electrical wiring that have already resulted in countless fires. The environmental concerns arising out of such communities are equally alarming; however the government continues to lack the political will to sustain the push to rid the country of this element.
How many more times will the PLP government promise to do its job and fail? How many more chances will the PLP administration be given to get it right? And what about the government’s commitment to spreading these efforts to the family islands?
The DNA demands that the government provide an update on its efforts in fulfilling this promise to the Bahamian people thus far. We further call on the government to say definitively what action, if any, is being taken, or will be taken against the owners of the shanty town properties. For too long, the protectors of these communities, many of whom belong to the elite among us, have been allowed to profit by allowing such individuals to break the law.
The DNA is of the view that many of these shantytowns are owned by prominent PLPs and FNMs, a reality which has facilitated their unrestricted development over many years.
To the government, we say, this effort does not require sporadic bursts of interest and energy. The eradication of shanty towns will only occur through a demonstration of sheer political will. It will require the focused attention of a caring government who is committed to its responsibilities as mandated by the people of the Bahamas.
Branville McCartney
DNA Leader
© Copyright 2014 by thebahamasweekly.com
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