Bacardi Makes $150,000 Donation To Support Wetlands

Bacardi’s gift specifically supports the Harrold and Wilson Ponds National Park, the first for New Providence.

The Bacardi donation will allow for the extension of the boardwalk, nature trail and a viewing platform to observe the more than 100 species of birds in the park, including the globally threatened Bahama Swallow.

"Bacardi is thrilled to be making this donation for the betterment of The Bahamas and our precious national parks," said Andy Fowler, vice president of administration, human resources and environmental compliance for Bacardi & Company Limited.

"Around the world, Bacardi makes environmental stewardship a top priority."

The Executive Director of the Trust Eric Carey explained what officials envision for the network of wetlands in The Bahamas.

"The trust has big dreams for this national park; dreams of schoolchildren working in outdoor classrooms, families walking along the boardwalks and trails and nature enthusiasts staring in wonder at the beautiful species that call The Bahamas home," he said.

"We also dream of a first-class visitor centre with informative educational exhibits. We thank Bacardi for its generous support in helping make these dreams a reality."

Bacardi has been a longtime supporter of the efforts of the Trust.

The Bahamas National Trust was established by an Act of Parliament in 1959. It is a non-governmental, self-funded, non-profit organization mandated with the development and management of the National Park system in the Bahamas.

The Trust makes vital contributions to fisheries and wildlife management, environmental protection, historic preservation, coastal zone management, sustainable development, environmental impact assessment, game bird management and tourism development.

"Bacardi- both the corporation and the family- have been great supporters of The Bahamas National Trust for many years. We encourage other corporations and private citizens to follow suit," added Francisco Carrera-Justiz, chairman of the board of Bacardi & Company Limited and the former president and chief executive officer of the operation in New Providence.

The Minister responsible for lands Sidney Collie pledged to help the Trust to acquire the surrounding wetlands for inclusion in the Harrold and Wilson Ponds network.

Mr. Collie was present at the site on Wednesday along with Minister of Culture Hon. Charles Maynard; Minister of Works and Utilities Hon. Earl Deveaux; environmentalist Pericles Maillis, and other executives.