NASSAU, BAHAMAS —The Bahamas National Trust (BNT), in partnership with Carnival Cruise Line, proudly announced the unveiling of new park infrastructure at Lucayan National Park this weekend, made possible through a generous $30,000 donation from Carnival Cruise Lines.
The ceremony, held at the Lucayan National Park Visitor’s Centre, featured remarks from representatives of the Bahamas National Trust and Carnival, highlighting a shared commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainability, and community partnership.
Lakeshia Anderson-Rolle, Executive Director of the BNT, commended Carnival for dedication to preserving The Bahamas’ natural treasures. “On behalf of BNT, I want to express our heartfelt thanks for this meaningful investment in Lucayan National Park, one of our country’s greatest natural and cultural treasures. These improvements may seem simple, but they play a major role in how smoothly guests move through the park and how well we can protect the environment around them.”
The $30,000 donation funded two significant enhancements: the installation of new regulatory signs, which have been strategically placed throughout the park. The new signs provide visitors with clear guidance on park rules, safety protocols, and environmental awareness. And secondly, the construction of an arbour gate at the southern entrance. Replacing the previous gate with a vastly improved gate that now supports enhanced guest flow, improved accessibility, and streamlined entry for mobility aids, park wardens, attendants, and emergency personnel.
“This improvement ensures safer, more efficient access to the southern trails,” noted Anderson. “Especially important due to the proximity of the Grand Bahama Highway.”
Representing Celebration Key, Garelle Hudson, Health, Environment, Safety & Sustainability Manager, emphasized the importance of this milestone. “Today, we mark an important moment, the unveiling of new signage that will help educate, inspire, and connect visitors to the natural and cultural heritage of this remarkable landscape. These signs serve as symbols of progress, telling the story of our environment, the species that call it home, and the communities that protect it.”
Hudson also highlighted the significance of Lucayan National Park, which is just minutes from Carnival’s Celebration Key and is one of the places that their guests will visit during tours and guest adventures. “This park, home to one of the world’s largest underwater cave systems, pristine beaches, and the iconic mangrove wetlands, is a true symbol of Bahamian natural heritage.”
Adding to the day’s impact, following the ceremony, BNT staff and 25 Celebration Key team members participated in a Carnival Sustainability and Community Day, planting sea oats, removing invasive plants and refreshing the LNP Boardwalk. Their efforts contribute to preserving the park as a “living classroom” that represents Grand Bahama’s ecological and cultural richness.
Philcher Grant, Director of Public and Community Affairs, The Bahamas for Carnival Cruise Line, reaffirmed Carnival’s commitment to environmental stewardship. “Carnival is committed to making a positive difference in every community we touch around the world. Our partnership with the Bahamas National Trust underscores our dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship, as well as our shared vision for a thriving, sustainable future. By working closely with local communities and valued partners like the BNT, we aim to help preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of The Bahamas so that future generations can continue to flourish in harmony with their environment.”
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ellsworth Weir, Director of Parks at the BNT, who expressed deep appreciation for Carnival’s generosity, partnership, and hands-on approach to conservation.
“Carnival has long been an important partner to The Bahamas, and this project is a shining example of what can be achieved when corporate partners share a genuine commitment to conservation and community,” noted Anderson to media at the event. “What we are celebrating today is more than new infrastructure; it’s a renewed promise. A partnership grounded in stewardship, sustainability, and a shared vision for the future of Grand Bahama. We encourage Carnival and those coming to join Grand Bahama’s rebirth also to support our islands and protect our ecosystems, and beaches, which make their guests’ journeys here so worthwhile.”
