Grand Bahama Island - On Thursday, October 30th the newly restored Garden of the Groves, an 11 acre tropical garden, and the Island's 'little piece of heaven' was re-opened and officially handed over to Bahamas Garden, Parks, and Recreation founders, Mrs. Erika Gates, and Mrs. Michelle Hanson. The 35 years old garden was originally dedicated in 1973 to Wallace Groves for his accomplishments in creating the city of Freeport.
Graham Groves, son of the late Wallace Groves, was present with his wife to bring special remarks on behalf of his family.
He said, "This was a great tribute to my parents. They were always very proud to have their name on this facility. My dad especially loved the name. He wasn't big on tributes, but this was a tribute he knew would develop, mature and grow, very much like the city of Freeport, and I can't tell you how tremendous it is to see it rejuvenated."
Photo: Derek Carroll
Other distinguished guests included Minister of Housing the Honourable Kenneth Russell; Senators Kay Forbes-Smith and Frederick McAlpine; members of the Groves family; officers and executive members of the Grand Bahama Port Authority, including Erik Christiansen and Albert Gray.
Also on hand was Sir Albert Miller and Bishop Sobig Kemp, president of Grand Bahama Christian Council who officially consecrated the Garden's newly restored Chapel, a replica of the first church on the island.
Photo: Derek Carroll
The following are remarks made by Senator Kay Forbes-Smith:
It is a pleasure for me to be here this morning in what I regard as one of the most tranquil settings in Freeport, and I say Freeport, because there are a number of places in the East and West of Grand Bahama that offers one, the same kind of peace and enjoyment, but few other places like the Gardens in the City of Freeport.
As many of us who grew up in this community and those who have made Freeport their home would know, when you heard the name “Groves” you knew it had something to do about the early development of Freeport in some way.
The Garden of The Groves is named after the founder of Freeport and his wife Georgette, who first came to The Bahamas in the 1940’s.
The garden was a gift to the community and it was in 1973 when it was officially opened and dedicated.
This 11 acre site has perhaps been on the tour list of all tour operators on Grand Bahama Island as a must see for tourists visiting our Island.
So today after 35 years from its original opening and dedication it is great to stand here and be a part of this re-opening and hand-over.
A few weeks ago we had the honor of hosting the Governor General of The Bahamas and other Governor Generals and Presidents from within the Caribbean region and thought to have them visit the Gardens.
The bus driver and those who accompanied the group here, could not get them to leave and as a result the rest of the day was off schedule.
Erika you and your group obviously did a wonderful job at that point, a few weeks ago, because they thought it was certainly a highlight of their visit to Freeport.
I understand that the Gardens is truly a labour of love and there is no question that the work done so far is proof of that fact.
I would like to encourage our local residents to take advantage of the facility, bring the kids and family and appreciate what we have in Freeport, after all it was a gift to the community.
This is another step toward improving our product on Grand Bahama. There is no secret these are tough times for us. Those ladies Wilma, Jeanne and Frances have caused much distress for many.
The Gardens had to endure them as well.
Gas prices, food prices, the US financial crises and the need to provide more jobs on the island remain a focus for this Government.
Grand Bahama residents are a resilient people.
Step by step, one project after another, one hotel opening after another, one job at a time, there has to be light at the end of the tunnel.
Congratulation Erika I wish you and your team all the best and continued support for the Garden of the Groves.
Become a 'Friends of the Garden'! Memberships are reasonable and can be purchased at the garden gate. Benefits include free admission, free guided tours, half off movie and event entry fees, use of the facility at discounted rates for private functions and so much more.
Photo: Derek Carroll
The Gardens Boast:
- A children's playground perfect for birthday parties
- The Grand Bahama Labyrinth, the only labyrinth in The Bahamas
- The chapel on the hill for weddings, ceremonies, prayer, etc.
- The Lofty Fig Cafe for lunch and dinners. Happy Hour at 5pm
- THE Gallery, at the back of the chapel and featuring the artworks of Bahamian artists, Claudette Dean, Chantal Bethel and Antonius Roberts. Open daily for viewing or purchase.
