Ladies and gentlemen,
It’s a pleasure to be here at the signing of this latest Heads of Agreement between the Government of The Bahamas and Walker’s Cay Development Corporation, led by Mr. Carl Allen.
There is no doubt that the redevelopment of Walker’s Cay has breathed new life into the Abacos, bringing economic activity and numerous opportunities to the northern tip of our archipelago.
Walker’s Cay has long been an important maritime destination in the northern Bahamas, and there can be no greater testament to its revitalisation than the scores of boats that flock to its annual fishing tournaments.
Building on the success of earlier infrastructural upgrades, this agreement sees to it that Walker’s Cay realises its full potential, maximising both economic and environmental welfare.
Following this latest phase of its sustainable development, the island will feature 16 new hurricane-proof cottages, up to 30 ‘glamping’ units, and a Monte Carlo-style casino with a maximum seating capacity of 150.
I’m also proud to share that this HOA reflects our mutual commitment to preserving the tangible cultural heritage of The Bahamas.
In this latest phase, the historic church on Walker’s Cay will be restored in collaboration with the Antiquities Monuments and Museum Corporation, in strict accordance with legal and conservation standards.
Commerce on the cay will be further bolstered by the implementation of a fuel dock, retail dive shop, and scuba diving operations, further cementing Walker’s Cay as a hub for marine activity.
Altogether, Bahamians will benefit from meaningful employment across these latest phases of development.
New partnerships have also been brokered between Walker’s Cay and the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources, the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection, the Bahamas National Trust, and the University of The Bahamas. Working collaboratively, Walker’s Cay and these institutions will see to the removal of invasive lionfish while facilitating the training of Bahamian students and faculty, further augmenting marine research in The Bahamas.
With its storied past, and inspired future, Walker’s Cay is set to shimmer even more brightly as a cherished gem in our chain of islands.
My sincere gratitude goes out to Carl, and his wife Gigi, for partnering with this government to redevelop Walker’s Cay.
Their work, in conjunction with our agencies, includes remarkable initiatives like The Bahamas Maritime Museum in Freeport and the Historic Shipwreck Recovery project.
Walker’s Cay is the crown jewel of these efforts, a glimmering symbol of hope, heritage, and prosperity.
More than just an economic endeavour, the redevelopment of Walker’s Cay is part of a broader push to invigorate our Family Islands.
We want all citizens to share in the common wealth of our Bahamas, and so we have funnelled unparalleled levels of investment into airport, water, and road upgrades across Cat Island, Exuma, Bimini, and many more Family Islands.
As we look to the future, Walker’s Cay will serve as an example of what passion, collaboration, and a commitment to inclusive development can achieve.
Thank you, Carl and Gigi, for your dedication and partnership. And thank you to everyone who has participated in bringing this latest agreement to life.
We all look forward to a successful future for Walker’s Cay, the Abacos, and the entire Bahamas.