The Newsletter of the Bahamas National Trust

Transcription

1 Volume 15 Issue 6 June 2018 The Newsletter of the Bahamas National Trust IN THIS ISSUE: Bahamas Poker Run Introduces Over 400 Boaters to the Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park Kalik and The Bahamas National Trust joins forces to preserve the future of conch An Afternoon at the Zoo Harbour Safaris partners with the BNT P.O. Box N-4105 Nassau, Bahamas Tel: bnt@bnt.bs n n n

2 TrustNotes - Volume 15 Issue 6 June Bahamas Poker Run Introduces Over 400 Boaters to the Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park Bahamas Poker Run presents cheque donation to Bahamas National Trust. The Bahamas Poker Run co-founders, Jordan Lampkin and Shane Freedman, have concluded that by all accounts the 2018 Third Annual edition was a huge success. Bahamas Poker Run (BPR) committee members were elated at the turnout and support for this event, resulting in the event being able to make a sizeable $10,000 donation to the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) in support of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park (ECLSP). The Third Annual Bahamas Poker Run took place on Saturday, May 12th with more than 400 participants and 60 boats riding in caravan between New Providence and The Northern Exuma Cays. The Poker Run s first stop was Warderick Wells where the ECLSP Headquarters and Visitor s Centre is located. This stop allowed hundreds of Bahamians to visit their national park for the first time. This year, the BNT was the sole charity recipient of proceeds raised from the Poker Run. Shane Freedman presented the check to Janet Johnson, President of the BNT, and Eric Carey, BNT s Executive Director. Our charitable donation to the BNT is an important part of this event. We are proud to do our small part towards the awareness, education, protection, and conservation of these most beautiful Bahamian parks, said Shane Freedman, co-founder, Bahamas Poker Run. The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park was the world s first protected area of its kind when created in 1959 by the same legislation that established The Bahamas National Trust. This 176-square-mile park is known for its pristine beauty, outstanding anchorages, and breathtaking marine environment. According to BNT s Executive Director, Eric Carey: BNT deeply appreciates the much-needed contribution that the Bahamas Poker Run provides to support the Exuma Park, but we also are grateful that the event provides an opportunity for so many Bahamians to come and visit, and enjoy this incredible national park. Carey extended his gratitude to BPR partners adding that to operate a park continued on page 3

3 TrustNotes - Volume 15 Issue 6 - June continued from page 2 of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park s magnitude costs nearly half a million million dollars annually. He noted that, this cannot be done without corporate support. The seafaring event has garnered support from local partners who understand that The Bahamas is a prime destination for boating, and are thrilled to sponsor an all-bahamian event. They were pleased with this year s success and look forward to the continued success of Bahamas Poker Run in the years to come. Supporting partners included: BTC Business, Mercury Marine, Lightbourne Marine, Sands Beer, Highbourne Cay, Lampkin Marine Services, Muddasik, Bahamas International Foods, Prime Food Distributors, Tito s Vodka, Banrock Station Wines, Aquapure Water, Bahamas Poker Run participants in the Exuma Cays. Kalik and The Bahamas National Trust joins forces to preserve the future of conch The Commonwealth Brewery Brand is contributing $10, toward conch conservation efforts. The Bahamas National Trust has launched a nationwide campaign titled Conchservation, which is aimed at protecting the Queen Conch from the further decline of its stocks through the development and awareness of sustainable fishing practices. Managing Director of Commonwealth Brewery, Hans Neven noted that Commonwealth Brewery and Kalik are delighted to be a part of the Conchservation initiative as conch and Kalik go hand in hand. Conch is something we all cherish and it plays an integral role in this country and to the culture of The Bahamas. It is imperative that we are a part of this initiative to sustain conch and in turn, this precious culture, for countless years to come. Eric Carey, Executive Director of the Bahamas National Trust also made remarks to this effect, he noted that The fact that there is a real possibility we could lose this iconic culinary item, is almost unimaginable to most Bahamian. The Conchservation Campaign is an effort to bring awareness of the threat facing this important fishery species, and to hopefully bring Bahamians together to help ensure its survival. This support from Commonwealth Brewery helps to ensure that Bahamians everywhere will long into be able to enjoy their beloved Kalik and conch salad continued on page 4

4 TrustNotes - Volume 15 Issue 6 - June continued from page 5 Pictured from left to right: Hans Neven, Managing Director of Commonwealth Brewery; Queswell Ferguson, Beer Brands Manager, Commonwealth Brewery; Eric Carey, Director of The Bahamas National Trust; Dennis Hanna, Corporate Relations Director - Commonwealth Brewery. An Afternoon at the Zoo We recently visited the Ardastra Gardens Zoo and Conservation Centre to commemorate our renewed partnership. Ardastra is the leading local zoo which is home to a collection of over 135 animals including the national bird of The Bahamas, the Caribbean Flamingo. Thousands of visitors visit annually to marvel at the tranquil, restorative gardens, and enjoy close encounters with the wildlife. We took a scenic walk on the trails, filled with lush flora and fauna. Animal Curator Bonnie Young said, We are very happy that we were able to renew our partnership with and support the BNT formally through the reciprocal discounts for our members. BNT members will be offered a 10% discount on admission and as such we have agreed upon reciprocal entry whereas Ardastra members will be offered the same at BNT parks. Raquel Rolle, Membership Coordinator presented an exclusive flamingo pin to Ms. Young significant to the great work that Ardastra has done specifically with the Caribbean Flamingoes, that are protected at the Inagua National Park. Ardastra has supported the BNT for many years and we look forward to more to come. Animal Curator, Bonnie Young being pinned with an exclusive flamingo pin from BNT Membership Officer, Raquel Rolle. Exclusive BNT flamingo pin.

5 TrustNotes - Volume 15 Issue 6 - June Harbour Safaris partners with the BNT Operations Manager, Joanne Robertson and Membership Officer Raquel Rolle at Harbour Safaris. Harbour Safaris is full day all-inclusive excursion from Nassau to the Exuma Cays, also offering excursions to Spanish Wells, Rose Island and luxury tours. Becoming a rewardship partner was a natural fit, as Harbour Safaris already has a longstanding relationship with the BNT. Harbour Safaris has provided the BNT with custom charters to Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. Last year Harbour Safaris staff took part in an informational wildlife class with the BNT. The course itself was offered as a sign of gratitude to the company from the BNT in return for respecting to the plea that tour operators and visitors not feed the endangered Iguanas on Exuma visits. Membership Coordinator, Raquel Rolle said, We invite our members to take advantage of the member benefits that extend outside of our national parks and our list of extensive rewardship partners continue to make it easy and enjoyable. Building on this strong relationship, Harbour Safaris was thrilled to be asked to join the Corporate Rewardship Program. Operations Manager, Joanne Robertson said We really appreciate and admire all of the hard work the BNT does and we are happy to support them in their continued efforts. It s an honor to be associated with such a positive organization.

6 TrustNotes - Volume 15 Issue 6 June In Memorium Stephen Kemp The Retreat Garden recently lost a great friend and supporter. Stephen began working with his father in landscaping until he began his own landscaping company, Native Touches Landscaping which he grew to be a highly successful and well respected company. Steve loved The Retreat and was always willing to help or offer advice regarding care of the palms or other elements of the garden. He organized the Jollification Raffle for years coordinating great prizes which raised needed funds for Retreat projects. He will be greatly missed by all of us who worked with him over the years. In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations be sent to The Bahamas National Trust. The BNT extends sincere condolences to his wife Bridget, his family and many friends. The Bahamas National Trust was saddened by the passing of long time Jollification volunteer Colin Jones. Colin could always be found at The Bahamas National Trust s Jollification. He would put on his Christmas T-shirt and hat and, with a smile on his face, he would sell raffle tickets or books, thanking everyone for their support. The Retreat Garden held a special place in his heart and he enjoyed supporting this special event that raised funds for the garden. Colin founded Summit Insurance in He retired as General Manager of Summit at the end of 2005, handing over the reins to Tim Ingraham. He remained on the Board as Vice Chairman and became Chairman last year. Colin enjoyed his work and all his colleagues had a special place in his heart. He was a respected member of the Insurance Community both in The Bahamas and overseas. The BNT extends sincere condolences to his wife Sally, his family and many friends and colleagues. Colin was a true gentleman, respected and loved by all. He Colin Ellis Jones April 18, 1943 June 2018 May 18, 2018 never had a harsh word for anyone, always seeing the best in them. He will be missed by all who knew him.

7 TrustNotes - Volume 15 Issue 6 - June Retreat Volunteers help with Palm Care The Retreat Garden has always benefited from support by volunteers who love the garden and want to see it flourish. This past week Shannan Yates Assistant Curator reached out to Debbie Tomlinson and Sandy Towning for advice on repotting the Red Sealing Wax Palms Cyrtostachys renda which had become pot bound and were not looking healthy. Sandy Towning and her gardener Eneas and Debbie Tomlinson and Cindy Wilde (who donated the soil for the repotting) were happy to volunteer and with support from the BNT Staff all of the Sealing Wax Palms have been repotted, fertilized and are looking much happier. Palm replanting team. Support Friends Across the Flyway with The Bahamas National Trust Today The Bahamas National Trust is managing the parks that these Migratory Birds visit. Visit the link below to lend your support.

8 TrustNotes - Volume 15 Issue 6 - June Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park Benefits from Silver Fox Fishing Tournament Jason Callender and Silver Fox Fishing Tournament Committee, presenting cheque to the Bahamas National Trust. The Silver Fox Fishing Tournament has contributed $11, to The Bahamas National Trust, Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park s (ECLSP) operating efforts. Held in honor of the late Colin Callender, over eighty anglers gathered with Jason Callender and his family to honor his father Colin s memory and support The Bahamas National Trust. This was done through an exciting live raffle with incredible prizes ranging from a weekend stay at Kamalame Cay, a round of golf on Albany s championship course, a Tudor Watches timepiece, to elite fishing equipment by Alutecnos, Penn, and Shimano. Of the boats entered, Galatea won with a Sailfish Release followed by Rook with points in Mahi Mahi, and Kiss my Quads closely behind with points in Mahi Mahi. Camaraderie amongst the anglers grew at the weigh-in station as there was much talk on the dock of the ones that got away. Colin Callender was a longtime active member of our Wildlife Committee and special conservation advocate for the BNT. We are excited and grateful to be a recipient of funds raised by the tournament honoring his commitment to conservation in The Bahamas. said Eric Carey, BNT Executive Director. Carey added that the marine protected areas are nurseries and sanctuaries for an abundant array of marine organisms that help the sport. The donation made by the Silver Fox Tournament will assist us greatly in our marine conservation efforts. Captain Joseph Irna, Park Administrator for the ECLSP was also ecstatic for the National Park to be the recipient of the proceeds raised. He says; whether we call them National Parks, Reserves or Marine Protected Areas, a big question in the ocean conservation world is: How to pay for all these greatly needed MPA s? Donations such as this are much needed and help support our other diverse fundraising efforts for this important national park. The BNT and Tournament organizers for the Silver Fox Tournament want to thank the sponsors for their generosity towards conservation Albany, Callender s Realty, Crook Marine, Harbourside Marine, John Bull, John Watlings, KPMG, Lightbourne Marine, Longbow Marine, RBC, and Sun Bum. The late Colin Callender.

9 TrustNotes - Volume 15 Issue 6 - June Grand Bahama Public Lecture The Rand Nature Centre held another of its monthly Public Lecture Series presentations during the month of June. The presenters on this date were Dr. John Mylroie and his wife Joan Mylroie of the Department of Geosciences at Mississippi State University. The couple has spent over 30 years in the field of island cave and karst research in The Bahamas and Caribbean and Pacific regions. The presentation enlightened Public Lecture attendees about cave systems in The Bahamas and how they came to be. While it was the Mylroies first visit to Grand Bahama, they have plans to return to conduct geological research on some of the cave systems that they were able to see during their visit. Public Lecture at The Rand Nature Centre. World Ocean s Day - March for the Ocean Grand Bahamians celebrated World Ocean s Day in the Settlement of Williams Town. A march and clean up was organized by Coral Vita, The BNT, The Keep Grand Bahama Clean Committee, Save The Bays, and Earth care. Over 100 participants dressed in blue converged at the Charthouse Building in Freeport for a 1.5 mile clean up march to Williams Town Beach. After prayers for residents to be better stewards of our earth by KGBC member Edith Gardiner, concerned citizens were treated to presentations by Jinnel Sturridge of the Bahamas National Trust, Jensen Farqhuarson of Save The Bays, Gail Woon of Earth care, Nakira Wilchcombe of the Keep Grand Bahama Clean Committee and Stephen Ranson of Coral Vita. Jinnel Sturridge, BNT Membership Officer, GB addresses volunteers at World Ocean Day march.

10 TrustNotes - Volume 15 Issue 6 - June Members Matter Spotlight Our Rewardship Partners, will proudly display this partner seal at their respective store fronts. BNT members benefit from a wide range of products and services. We are constantly looking to do more with the help of generous corporate partners. Find out how your business can join the Corporate Rewardship Program by to bntmembership@bnt.bs. Event Calendar Jazz Fest July 7th, 2018 The Retreat, Village Rd. Nassau, Bahamas EcoCamp July 6th -13th, 2018 Andros, Bahamas Camp Safari June 16th-20th 2018 Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve Eleuthera, Bahamas BNT Eleuthera Members Mixer Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve Nassau, Bahamas Bahamas National Trust P. O. Box N-4105, Nassau, The Bahamas Tel: bnt@bnt.bs