Jacqueline Lightbourn, Estate Agent with Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty
When The Bahamas issued a mandatory shelter-in-place order in March, I anticipated that social distancing would make me feel isolated and lonely. However, living in Sandyport I have found the opposite to be true. Instead of feeling cut off from my neighbors, the sense of community here has never been stronger. As I’ve ventured outdoors during allowable hours to grab some fresh air, sunshine and exercise, I have witnessed kindness, sharing, laughter, support and acts of charity all of which has made me grateful to be quarantined in this live-work-play community.
Sandyport’s open space, calm canals and two-mile paved loop offers a variety of options for exercising outdoors safely and within the boundaries of the community, from paddle boarding and biking to walking and running. Residents cross to the other side of the road when approaching a neighbor to maintain social distancing, but even from behind their masks, you can hear a faint “Good Morning” or “Hello” as you cross paths. Tennis courts, swimming pools, children’s playgrounds, a batting cage and a basketball court are also available for use as a group for those who live in the same household.
Homemade signs of encouragement and thanks for healthcare workers adorn the windows of many homes in our neighbourhood, and on weekends it’s not uncommon to hear families whistling, clapping and banging pots in honour of the fearless heroes working on the front lines of the COVID-19 fight. On front porches you’ll find children’s toys and games available for exchange or purchase, and we had an animal-spotting scavenger hunt where residents placed stuffed animals around their properties for children to “discover.” I have even purchased homemade honey from a neighbor for my morning tea, and a thyme tree from another for use in my lemon garlic chicken.
Our community WhatsApp group has never been more active. Through this chat, neighbours share yeast or sugar for baking treats, offer to pick up food for the elderly and homebound, track deliveries for each other, or simply post uplifting thoughts and messages.
By far, the best part is being a part of the generosity of this community. Every week two families collect newspapers for the Bahamas Humane Society and there is a resident who collected t-shirts and bedsheets and created masks for the healthcare workers. On a community level, enough money was raised in a single day to provide donations to Lend a Hand Bahamas for Bain and Grants town, as well as gifts for our security and staff as a token of thanks for keeping our neighbourhood safe during lockdown and curfew.
I moved to Sandyport in 2002, and I have never been happier to have chosen this as my home. I am grateful to live in such a great community and to be surrounded by the kindness and support of the Sandyport residents.
Jacqueline Lightbourn joined Damianos Sotheby’s International Real Estate in 2019. Jacqueline’s strongest asset as an estate agent is her innate ability to genuinely connect with people from all walks of life on a variety of topics, including her deep love and knowledge of The Bahamas and its Family Islands.
About Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty
Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty has 10 offices located throughout the islands of the Bahamas, providing unsurpassed market knowledge of Abaco, Eleuthera, Harbour Island, Exuma, Nassau, Paradise Island, Ocean Club Estates, Lyford Cay, Old Fort Bay, Albany and Private Islands. Head office 75 Shirley Street, Nassau. For additional information, please contact 242-322-2305 or Info@SIRbahamas.com.
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