The Tribune

BY DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FREEPORT – Efforts are underway to restore heritage sites in the southern shore communities of Pinder’s Point, Seco Town, Lewis Yard, Hunters, and Mack Town.

The Southern Community Eco-Tourism Association (SCETA) is seeking to revitalise and develop the southern shores into a tourist destination that will bring some economic boost in those settlements.

The association’s first project will be the renovation of the lighthouse at Pinder’s Point.

The organisation held its first fundraising event on the lighthouse grounds during the holiday weekend of October 12-14.

Money raised by the organisation will also go towards the clean up of the lighthouse, and other eco-heritage sites, including the Mermaid Pond in Lewis Yard.

The organisation believes that these sites could be major tourist attractions on the island, and increase visitor traffic in the southern shore communities.

“If they are kept clean and enhanced, they can play a vital role in creating more tourist traffic, and address health issues in the area,” said a spokesperson.

Phase one of the clean-up campaign will be the removal of debris followed by landscaping in the immediate area of the lighthouse and driveway. They also plan to create a parking area and a walking path.

Phase two will begin early next year to create designated green spaces and nature trails that will connect the various communities along the southern shoreline.

This will lead to a rebranding of the area as “South Bay Shores – a uniquely Bahamian destination”.

According to statement issued by SCETA, one of its areas of focus is community tourism.

“We believe that if we can create or improve a local product, employ locals and provide opportunities for entrepreneurs, the community will be empowered and the Bahamian tourism product will be more appreciated by residents and our visitors would gain a truly “people to people” experience,” according to statement issued by SCETA.

“‘Tourism is our business’ means that we all have to do our part in keeping the industry alive; our economy, our future and our very survival all depend on it.”
SCETA is a non-profit organisation whose mission is to assist the needs in the area through educational training, providing scholarships, enhancing area recreational parks, and maintaining ecological wetlands and historical sites of the southern bay area communities.

The organisation is calling on the entire Grand Bahama community to support them in their efforts.

“We need the wider community to support us in this great venture as we seek to bring tourists to the south. This getaway has rich, unspoiled beauty that needs to be tapped into and exposed to the locals and tourists alike,” the spokesperson said.

SCETA has received donations from Freeport Oil, Freeport Power, B&B Galaxy, Sawyers Fresh Market, Twist N Style, Architects Incorporated, Gold Rock Concrete Products, B&B Trucking, Bahama Rock Ltd, Virmar Construction, Nesbitt Tents, Franks Ice Cream, Imagine Graphic, Jay Browne Arts, Coral Springs Ice, and the Grand Bahamas Taxi Union, especially taxi drivers at the airport and harbour.

Anyone with inquiries can call SCETA on 225-8617 or 559-7100 or email sceta242@gmail.com.