Frances Singer-Hayward and her beloved potcake Amigo, who passed away last year.

In my ‘tenure’ as Chairman of The Humane Society of Grand Bahama perhaps my proudest accomplishment was my founding of the Spay/Neuter Campaign in 1998. For many years I, with my darling ‘Amigo’ as our Poster Boy, not only campaigned vigorously to ‘have every owned animal on GBI neutered’ but completely underwrote the cost (before the Port Authority ultimately agreed to generously assist) to insure that every animal possible was neutered, free of cost to those who could not afford it, as the ONLY solution to the tragic feral animal problem that pervaded – and, alas, still pervades our lovely Island. I cannot imagine a more worthy expenditure! There was no possible material possession that could have given me more joy than the knowledge that thousands upon thousands of tragic lives had been prevented. Innocent creatures put on this earth merely to suffer endlessly……

All of my dreams were taken to a new, wonderful level, when I was privileged to attend the spay/neuter clinic in West End last week, organized and executed by Managing Director Tip Burrows, whose ‘brainchild’ these clinics are, on behalf of The Humane Society. One absolutely had to have been there, to ‘inhale’ all of the incredible ‘vibes…’ the dedication, the commitment, the enthusiasm, the selflessness, I could go on and on and on….The wonderful veterinarians who travel here, completely donating their time and services, the local resident volunteers….. Words fail.  It is inspirational beyond all description and underscores the DEEP PASSION that committed animal lovers share in trying to make the world a better place for our precious animals who endure UNSPEAKABLE suffering at our cruel hand, and who are not able to speak for themselves.

This particular clinic also represented a new, very important milestone in terms of sponsorship. In the past the clinics have required private funding. This time, however, the bill was paid by the Ginn Foundation - such a terribly important step, hopefully ushering in a new era of Civic Responsibility on the part of the business community in recognition of the fact that our animal over-population problem is THEIR problem as much as it is ours, going far beyond the pure humanitarian tragedy of suffering animals…. It is an issue that affects tourism, house sales, public health and of course glaringly reflects upon us as a caring community. It is now up to other businesses on GBI to take Ginn’s lead.

The importance of spay/neuter cannot possibly be underscored enough. I always said, that ‘if every owned animal on GBI were neutered, the feral animal problem would be drastically cut’. It is up to every pet owner to do the responsible thing and have their pet neutered. Especially since HSGB offers the service free to those who cannot afford it.

There are, mercifully, many animal lovers out there, more and more ‘coming out of the closet’ as the issues of animal protection become more and more ‘mainstream’ through the wonderful work of organizations like The Humane Society of the United States, on whose National Council I have the honor of sitting.  An active and effective Humane Society, and a business community that recognizes animal welfare as an issue requiring their support, can only have a positive effect on the future of our island.

The Humane Society of Grand Bahama, run by a committed, highly competent and entirely dedicated Board of Directors, has been the only animal welfare organization on the island since 1968.  As the island has grown, the animal issues have multiplied and I am happy that the HSGB is working hard to make a real and lasting difference.  As we prepare to move into our beautiful new shelter, I can only applaud everyone involved and HOPE that initiatives, like these will continue with the full support of the community. BRAVO to everyone involved.

Frances Singer-Hayward
Honorary Chairman,
The Humane Society of Grand Bahama