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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
BNT Celebrates Grand Opening of Primeval Forest National Park. Pictured is the entrance to the park. Photo: Bahamas Visual Services
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Nassau, Bahamas – Elation and joy filled the air as the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) officially opened the Primeval Forest National Park located just south of Frank Watson Highway.
Opening the park for the Prime Minister was the Acting Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, the Hon. Bernard Nottage. Also in attendance were, His Excellency Mr. Yuan Guisen, the Chinese Ambassador and Mrs. Guisen, American Charge de Affaires John Armstrong, BNT members, donors, and government officials. Additionally, students from who are members of the BNT’s youth educational programme, BNT Discovery Clubs from Lyford Cay International and School Kingsway Academy participated in the opening.
Christina Maillis cutting the ribbon at the opening of Primeval Forest National Park. Photo: Bahamas Visual Services
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Acting Prime Minister Dr. Bernard Nottage complimented the Bahamas National Trust its efforts to preserve this approximately eight acre park which is one of the last old growth hardwood forests on New Providence.
“The Primeval Forest National Park is truly a gift to the educational system of our country. Students studying Bahamian ecosystems will be able to utilize this national park as a window into the Coppice Forest Ecosystem and Bahamian geological history. They will be able to see large examples of mahogany and a bent horseflesh tree that would have been a Bahamian Boat builders dream. The Bahamas National Trust is to be commended for not only preserving this park, but for providing infrastructure and creating a story that will provide an insight into the history of our islands both botanically but also geologically. A visit to the Primeval Forest will give our visitors and students an insight into how our islands were formed better than any geology book.”
The Rt. Hon. Bernard Nottage , Acting Prime Minister congratulated the BNT and Mr. Maillis on the opening of this special park. Photo: Bahamas Visual Services
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Dr Nottage specifically commended Mr. Maillis for his work in preserving this special national park.
Established in 2002, the Park protects a section of old growth forest that has remained remarkably undisturbed for hundreds of years. BNT Past President Pericles Maillis discovered the area as a boy and led the initiative in the late 90’s to protect the Land.
Pericles Maillis points out the beautiful Saffron - one of the hardwoods at Primeval Forest National Park. Pictured (left to right) are John Armstrong along with his security, Charge d'Affaires US Embassy, Dr. Bernard Nottage and Mr. Pericles Maillis, BNT Past President. Photo: Bahamas Visual Services
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“We create national parks to protect biodiversity, to protect habitat for endangered species, to showcase unique ecosystems and to provide support for education about the natural history of our county. I can say that this national park although just under 8 acres fulfills all of these needs.” said Lynn Gape, Deputy Executive Director of the BNT.
The Primeval Forest preserves a unique combination of diversity in both its biology and geology. There are few areas anywhere in The Bahamas that can provide all of these interesting facets in an easily accessible location.
BNT President Neil McKinney presents a special commemorative gift to Pericles Maillis, who was instrumental in making Primeval Forest National Park a reality. Photo: Bahamas Visual Services
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“This is truly a great day for the Bahamas National Trust. With support from the government, corporate and private donors and many volunteers, the BNT has been able create the infrastructure here today. This park provides a unique window into our history and geology for both the visitor and the student. ” commented Eric Carey, BNT Executive Director.
BNT is working on a strategy to facilitate visitation to this incredible National Park.
Guests at the Opening were entertained by Kingsway Academy's BNT Discovery Club. Photo: Bahamas Visual Services
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