Dear Editor,
Since my visit to Clifton Heritage Park in late February, during which a cleanup of the Sacred Space and adjacent property was underway, I have continued to monitor the progress.
A low wall of cut native stone is being constructed roadside opposite the Sacred Space and is very attractive. I am curious however as to why it would be built before the removal of the piles of rubbish and debris behind it is completed. Not only do the rubbish piles detract from the workmanship, but the risk of damage to the wall itself from heavy equipment operating around it will be considerable.
At Clifton Wetland and beach I encountered what has become the norm at public beaches in Nassau following any given weekend, two completely inadequate litter bins filled to overflowing and the top of the beach strewn from one end to the other with garbage. The 20 knot + winds from the cold front of the last few days will have seen most of that deposited in the wetland so recently cleaned up by the Clifton Heritage Authority.
The Public Parks & Public Beaches Authority needs to take a much more hands on approach in their administration of the above by providing, at the very least, adequate litter containers at parks & beaches and making sure that their contents are regularly collected and properly disposed of.
I was disappointed to find that the rotten cable reels and derelict Clifton Park tour buggy have still not be removed from the beach. In fact, the buggy has been further vandalized by someone smashing the windshield and crushing the roof, I also note that the piles of old tires and shipping pallets in the bushes at the side of the walking trail are still present.
In another letter written not quite a year ago, also attached, I advocated for the reinstatement of prison labour for the upkeep of public parks, buildings and monuments amongst other things; the use of prison labour was discontinued under the Pindling government as apparently the practice was considered demeaning to the dignity of the inmates.
Nonetheless, Clifton Heritage Park, wetland and beach as well as numerous other beaches, public areas and buildings could benefit immensely from this program being reintroduced and save the taxpayers some money into the bargain, for what it’s worth.
Sincerely,
Ian Mabon.
March 28, 2018
