FREEPORT, Bahamas -- The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) thanked its many Grand Bahama supporters yesterday at a ceremony at the Lucayan National Park Bridge at Gold Rock creek. Honorary Chairman of the Grand Bahama Port Authority, Sir Jack Hayward, who donated over $130,000 to the restoration project, was guest speaker at the ceremony.

“I remember when we first built this bridge with Operation Raleigh in 1984,” said Sir Jack. “Thanks to the many dedicated volunteers who tirelessly trenched in the swamp, we were able to create a wonderful path for visitors to see our beautiful beaches.” He went on to reminisce about his good friend David Knowles, whom the bridge observation deck is named after, who became a volunteer and strong devotee of the bridge and parks.

Trust Executive Director, Eric Carey, was on island for the event to personally thank all the donors who helped pay for the newly refurbished bridge – plank by plank. “We are extremely thankful to the many donors here and abroad who have contributed funds to our ‘Build a Bridge’ campaign for the Lucayan National Park,” said Carey.

“Today tourists can walk on a sturdy, beautiful bridge and visit one of our largest and most stunning parks. And thanks to our team, visitors can also read the names of those who helped us make this possible.”

As if timed perfectly, visiting tourists interrupted the ‘Thank you event’ and were allowed to pass through the ceremony being held on the David Knowles Observation Deck. Concluding the brief ceremonies was former GB BNT Branch Chairman, Karin Sanchez, who had helped raise the $230K funds needed to reconstruct the LNP Bridge, which had been destroyed due to wear and tear and hurricanes.

“In addition to Sir Jack, we would also like to thank Hartley Lowe and his team at Bahamas Docks who so ably built the bridge, and Glenn Bannister, Past President of the BNT who was instrumental in coordinating our refurbished bridge,” said Sanchez. “A special thank you goes out to Sonny Waugh, who served as the first Chairman of the local Regional Branch and was the first one to make a donation towards the bridge.”

Attendees at the event were then treated to light refreshments as they toured the bridge and read the names of those who had donated. “Gold Rock beach is a fantastic place that every visitor should come to,” commented Magnus Alneback, General Manager at Pelican Bay. “Our company was happy to support this worthwhile project to ease the visitor’s treck into our wonderful environment!”

 Thanks Sir Jack!

The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) thanked its many Grand Bahama supporters yesterday at a ceremony at the Lucayan National Park Bridge at Gold Rock creek.  Honorary Chairman of the Grand Bahama Port Authority, Sir Jack Hayward, who donated over $130,000 to the restoration project, was guest speaker at the ceremony. “I remember when we first built this bridge with Operation Raleigh in 1984,” said Sir Jack. “Thanks to the many dedicated volunteers who tirelessly trenched in the swamp we were able to create a wonderful path for visitors to see our beautiful beaches.”

(Photo courtesy of : Erik J. Russell for Barefoot Marketing)