West End, Grand Bahama - The Royal Bahamas Police and the West Eco-Fishing Camp Association recently hosted it’s second annual awards ceremony to recognize 72 children for their accomplishments in first aid, boating safety, swimming, ecology and fishing. Each Saturday morning for the past 13 weeks kids from Pine Ridge, 8 Mile Rock and West End would meet to engage themselves in a hands-on learning experience as future caretakers of the earth and living seas.

The closing ceremony was held on May 29, 2010 at the Church of God of Prophecy in West End. Senior officers from the Royal Bahamas Police Force West End Police Station in attendance were Superintendent Wendall Deveaux-O/C, ASP Kenwood Taylor and Sergeant Terry Barry. Superintendent Deveaux remarked , “The camp was well run and no major incidents were reported. This year has seen some seventy-two campers in the program and it speaks volumes for the future of the camp. We are very pleased with program and look forward to 2011 with another exciting program for the kids.”

Welcome remarks by Donald Glass, representing the Ginn West End Foundation was on hand to recognize the achievements of the campers. The Ginn West End Foundation was created to support worthwhile initiatives that improve the quality of life for the residents of West End.

Member of Parliament for West End and Bimini Obie Wilchcombe was the keynote speaker for the event. MP Wilchcombe stated,  “ The residents are extremely proud of the community building efforts made by Mr. and Mrs. Cooper and on the excellent job by the Royal Bahamas Police, camp leaders and volunteers have provided to the kids of West End. This highly effective and successful program should be offered in communities throughout the islands of the Bahamas.”

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Superintendent of Fisheries for Grand Bahama Clement Campbell, commented - “We challenge each camper to share the knowledge gained to work toward ideas on how to improve their community and to encourage friends and parents that we must build a sustainable fishing industry for future generations to enjoy.”

West End Fishing Camp Chairwoman, Linda Barry Cooper who led the program thanked everyone who supported the camp and praised Janet Albury, Distribution Committee Member for the Ginn West End Foundation for the generous support they provided as major sponsor of the 2010 camp. Mrs. Cooper added, “The support from Ginn and other sponsors allowed the camp to complete a number of objectives that benefited more than 70 children. As the program grows we anticipate a number of churches, local and national corporations’ as well individuals would also support this unique community program. The campers needs are great and we appreciate any support to grow this program into a year round initiative.”

A standing room only crowd gathered to enjoy the praise and worship from the young campers and testimony of 7-year old Trevesia Rolle who eloquently described how her participation in the camp has impacted her life. It was obvious to all that this was a very special child who confidently articulated the meaning of the camp motto – “Esprit de Corps” or group spirit. She earned the admiration and smiles from the audience for her excellent account of the weeks of activities during the camp.

All 72 campers received certificates for their participation in the camp. A total of forty-seven new campers received trophies. Campers Darius Laing and Shylock Edwards received the awards for the biggest fish caught. Camper Max Armbrister was awarded a trophy for the most fish caught during the camp. Camper India Robinson and Patriquo Hanna received the first ever Bonefish awards.  Camper Shylock Edward earned the Most Helpful Award, and Camper Trevesia Rolle the Most Outgoing Camper Award. A future Olympian - Camper Steven Roberts received the Top Swimmer Award and the Most Distinguished Graduates Awards went to campers Max Armbrister and the talented Kenria Taylor who sang an inspiring solo during the ceremony. Ten of the new campers who demonstrated good swimming skills in this year’s camp will be chosen to attend a six week snorkeling camp in September/October. The 2010 Eco-Snorkeling Camp will expose the campers to the proper use and care of snorkeling gear, and allow them to explore and learn about the natural marine environment along the shoreline, mangroves and around the cays.

Organizers of next year’s eco-fishing camp promises to be even better and more exciting with a new group of campers from selected communities across Grand Bahama.

To learn more about the West End Eco-Fishing Camp Association please visit their page on Facebook or contact Sergeant Terry Barry at the West End Police Station at 242-346-6444.

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The West End Eco-Fishing Camp Association in conjunction with the Royal Bahamas Police Force is pleased to offer this unique ecology, fishing, boating and swimming program to members of the West Grand Bahama community. To learn more about the program visit us on FACEBOOK – just enter WEST END ECO FISHING CAMP in the search box.

“Preparing the next generation as caretakers of the earth and living seas” 
For more information on WEEFCA

Contact us at 242-688-4439 or 242-346-6444

We are on FACEBOOK!