Posted by Colin on April 08, 2002 at 08:52:59:
In Reply to: Girls Bay posted by Mr.Higgs on April 08, 2002 at 07:28:29:
Mr. Higgs,
What a fine sentiment. Though I don't own land on Briland, I would love to some day. To that end, here are the sentiments of someone who is neither a resident nor a citizen of the Bahamas, at least not yet.
The Bahamas and the United States are so closely tied that whatever one does, the other feels. The history lessons are plentiful: Prohibition, WW II, the sad tale of drug use in the US, etc.
I remember in the 1980s when my mother hoped to buy Runaway Hill. The Pindling government was considering legislation that would have made it very difficult for foreigners to own land in the Bahamas. My mother decided the risk was too great and did not act.
Crown Land, Briland's economy, the Commonage and the interests of Brilanders and foreigners are inextricably bound together. I hope you and your friends, as well as the current voters of North Eleuthera, carefully weigh the balance of interests between development, foreign investors, foreign buyers, the ecology and the rights of Bahamians.
Those of us who are long-time friends of Briland and the Bahamas love your home because of the open arms with which you, your relatives and friends have greeted those of us hoping to spend time their.
Some of us may have violated that trust. If the web reports about Ms. McPherson are true, she should be held accountable by the law and by her fellow residents. Bahamanians who violate the trust should be held to the same standards.
We depend on each other. Thank you and yours for the home you have built and share with us.
Colin