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The Newsletter of The Bahamas National Trust - October 2011 Issue 7 No.4   

BNT Council Visits Inagua

The BNT Council held their fall meeting in Matthew Town Inagua from September 23 – 26. Th e meeting was hosted by Past President Glenn Bannister, CEO of Morton Salt Bahamas Ltd. Council conducted the business of the Trust receiving updates from divisional managers and executive management. Priority items for discussions were fund raising initiatives and the need for stronger
advocacy with regard to marine resources. The BNT was honoured to have the Hon. Earl D. Deveaux participate for a part of the discussion. The Minister spoke on the expanded role of the Trust as an advisory body to government and the need for collaboration in implementing the new Forestry Act.

The BNT held a special meet and greet event for community leaders and BNT members in Inagua on Friday evening, which was graciously supported by Morton Bahamas Ltd.

On Saturday, Council members visited Camp Vernay, the original fl amingo research camp, established by Robert Porter Allen and Alexander Sprunt IV. It was from this site that Allen and Sprunt conducted the historical research which helped to bring the flamingo back from the edge of extinction. The extensive damage to the camp is being evaluated so plans can be made for rebuilding.

On Sunday the Council visited Union Creek to assess the future of this site. The trip to Union Creek was led by Dr. Karen Bjorndal and Henry Nixon. Dr. Bjorndal has conducted over 35 years of sea turtle research at there. The decisions at Union Creek center around the accessibility of the area. Hurricane Ike opened up two new entrances to the tidal creek which breached the road that once led to the reserve.

“It was an excellent meeting” said Neil McKinney, President of the BNT. “Inagua has tremendous
potential for nature tourism and it was important to bring our Council members to the island so that they can understand the challenges and potential of these very special protected areas”.
Mark Lewis, Council representative from the US Parks Service echoed President McKinney when he said “Th is trip provided great insight into the challenges faced by the Trust in creating accessibility and infrastructure in the more remote parks.”

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