Intro: Take Initiative Nassau (or TIN)! This group of dynamic young people have decided to jump in and get involved in this once-in-a-lifetime project, with the objectives of putting our stamp on it, adding to the discussion about it, and urging others to get involved. The reality is that our downtown is the result of community. Right now, that community is largely represented by tourist-oriented retail stores (liquor, jewelry, t-shirts, souvenirs and fragrances) and under-performing real estate. I’m sure that I’m missing others, but you get the point.
We believe that our city now needs to cultivate a new community – one that features dynamic entertainment, city dwellers, new restaurants, bars and similar enterprises, appealing public spaces and vibrant artistic expressions. We hope that through our website and ongoing events, we can get you involved in the push toward a better city and by extension, better communities. How can you help?
1. Volunteer! As the year progresses, there will be many opportunities to lend your assistance, either in time or resources to our events/projects and those of other similar community groups
2. Visit the website, Facebook Group and blog! You’ll stay up-to-date on the latest happenings and have a chance to add your opinions
3. Participate! Whether it means showing up to events, spreading the word to your friends, finding ways to use the city more or all of the above, we want you to take action in whatever ways work best for you
In the next post, we’ll give an update on the recent public discussion about the downtown mural project (“Love My Bahamas”), which was held this past Saturday on Frederick Street. There were many great points and we plan to put on another discussion in the weeks ahead. Plan to be there! In the meantime, please visit our brand-spanking-new website – www.tinassau.org - and answer the new poll question:
“Do you think that the new straw market should carry native products only?”
We’d love to get your feedback and opinions!
Thanks for your support!
TAKE INITIATIVE NASSAU
In the next post, we’ll give an update on the recent public discussion about the downtown mural project (“Love My Bahamas”), which was held this past Saturday on Frederick Street. There were many great points and we plan to put on another discussion in the weeks ahead. Plan to be there! In the meantime, please visit our brand-spanking-new website – www.tinassau.org - and answer the new poll question:
“Do you think that the new straw market should carry native products only?”
We’d love to get your feedback and opinions!
Thanks for your support!
TAKE INITIATIVE NASSAU
Re: what to do with the are where the shipping companies are now.
ReplyDelete1. Parking lot!
2. Outdoor square with a bandstand
3. Park/greenspace with picnic tables, benches, swings, etc.
4. More shops, restaurants and bars
All of these things could be done in this huge area.
Regarding our NEW STRAW MARKET building currently under construction, what is the point of B.A.I.C. encouraging Bahamians to develop new Bahamian products to be sold alongside cheap imports? I understand that our vendor's association argue that the tourists want their imported items, so why not let that association develop a new venue for a "craft centre" within a walking distance to downtown. For instance, The Botanic Garden's property stretches south of Fort Charlotte to an eastern entrance, and that land I believe still sits there idle! Why not invite them to create island stalls to sell their wares, an island restaurant could be built (indoor-outdoor) - art, music can be incorporated, it could be along the lines of our annual CULTURAL FESTIVAL, could reflect all the cultures of the Bahamas. Over the years, our horticulture and garden societies have put time and money into developing the gardens, perhaps with more activity, the gardens could be developed into a "better product" along the lines of other Caribbean islands - we are actually put to shame (again), as their gardens are very popular with cruiseship and hotel guests! The new "craft centre" could be a "walking tour via Fort Charlotte" or obviously via taxi. Chippingham could be revived, and in addition we have local artists already represented in this district. Downtown can be expanded to incorporate this area, and parking which we all know is a great issue. Bahamians and other residents could benefit greatly from an idea such as this, and with "thoughtful development and management" the tennants could and should be responsible for maintaining the space. If we want to encourage our youth to be pro-active and work for themselves/develop a new business, then lets also offer to empower them with the tools and have The Government fund training seminars, have professionals from the community speak on their success. Yes, change is scary for Bahamians, at least those who've not had the opportunity to travel and see what "change" can bring - but we must all learn to move forward together to allow our island to grow with new opportuntites!
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