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Last Updated: Feb 6, 2017 - 2:32:04 PM |
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ELEUTHERA, Bahamas - Eleuthera
non-profit organizations are being united as one group to strengthen the
island's communities and better plan development, including tourism
development.
The
organization, One Eleuthera Foundation, seeks to create a comprehensive
plan for the social and economic grown of Eleuthera. The non-profit
entity exists to strengthen communities, to connect residents throughout
the island and to craft a comprehensive development plan for Eleuthera,
said executive director Shaun Ingraham.
Mr. Ingraham pointed out that the organization will encourage domestic tourism to Eleuthera.
"A
lot of people travel now for homecomings or regattas and what not," Mr.
Ingraham said. "So we want to deepen that experience a little bit more
by saying come back to Eleuthera at times other than regatta or
homecoming."
Mr.
Ingraham said that Bahamians will be encouraged to visit Eleuthera for
the arts and cultural events. In addition, they will be invited to visit
historic sites.
"We
believe that on Eleuthera, we have a very rich culture and heritage and
we believe that if we strengthen that and promoted our culture and
heritage, it could be a key to our future. So we talk about the creative
economy," Mr. Ingraham said.
Part
of the heritage offerings will be a heritage and conservation trail
that is being developed. The trail will consist of 12 to 14 sites, Mr.
Ingraham said.
"Our
assets are natural assets," he said. "Some of them are land-based. Some
of them are part of the marine. So we had to look at what they formerly
called marine protected areas or even replenishment zones where we
allow fish to be replenished. We also wanted to look at natural
landscape sites such as caves and cliff locations. We know that a lot of
people are traveling for heritage tourism. A lot more people are
traveling for recreational tourism."
Through
the installation of interpretive signs and infrastructural improvements
at historic sites, One Eleuthera is seeking to make heritage sites more
accessible to those who want to tour them. Maps marking the special
sites have also been printed, including additional information on their
significance.
Mr.
Ingraham said One Eleuthera Foundation has already made an impact on
the economy since founders started on it 18 months ago. Several
tradesmen were engaged to work on various project such as the
restoration of Lil Prep, a vintage building that outfitted for the
encouragement of performing and fine arts. Approximately $300,000 has
been invested in the building so far, Mr. Ingraham said.
One
Eleuthera, which had an official launch on Earth Day, April 22, will
continue to work to positively impact the lives of Eleutheran, Mr.
Ingraham said. He said the organization looks to make strides in health
care, education, the environment, and culture and heritage.
© Copyright 2012 by thebahamasweekly.com
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