Families who have bought homes in an area south of the C. W. Saunders Highway say their land titles have been set aside by the court, and that some 156 acres of land have allegedly been granted to Arawak Homes development leaving them in a vulnerable position.
The area, which was formerly known as Nassau Village before the highway was built, is now being called Pinewood Gardens by the developers.
The families contend that the lands were bought legally after their lawyers had done title searches and declared the land fit for purchase. One resident who wishes to remain anonymous for fear of repercussions, said Arawak Homes has stated that they do not want the homes. They just want their money for the land. She said this means families would have to pay for the same land twice, and in the second instance, much more than they paid the first time.
The woman also said the company is using the courts, and the ministry and Minister responsible for BEC to deny the families necessities such as light and water.
She added that the veiled threat of losing their home hangs over them everyday. “Some of these properties have been in families for generations, yet the court granted the land to this wealthy company. The poor people of The Bahamas are crying out for help, but so far no one has come to their rescue,” the woman said.
In an interview with the Guardian, families presented documents showing purchase of the lands. These families stated they have been served injunctions that prevent them from proceeding with the building of their properties, which result in vandalism. Others complained that they have only recently found out about an injunction placed on BEC, which has prevented them from receiving water and light for over five years now.
Some residents are now in a state of panic because a road is being built, which will run through their properties. One resident said a big red ‘X’ has been marked on her porch as an indicator that the road will go through that section of her property. She said the land has been re-plotted by Arawak Homes and as a result they are destroying people’s homes and spirits for their own benefit.
The home owners are pleading for their elected officials to intervene. “It is very sad that foreigners can come to our country and own land, even immigrants from Haiti can build houses on land that is not their own and have light and running water,” one home owner commented. Many of the residents who have children said their children are witnessing the victimisation of their parents and are very disillusioned about the state of affairs in the country.
When contacted for comment Franklyn Wilson, Owner of Arawak Homes said, “If you own a property, no one can put you off it.”
By: Nadine Thomas-Brown, The Nassau Guardian
