The Pineapple Festival Committee chaired by Mrs. Patsy Fowler, in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Rotary and the North Eleuthera District Council, on Friday, October 4th, 2019, erected a number of safety and other pertinent signage at the Sapphire Hole and Preacher’s Cave locations, with the assistance of Ministry of Works personnel.
Seating at the Sapphire Hole was installed by the North Eleuthera District Council earlier in 2019, and upcoming installations planned at the site included a ladder formation to be put in by the Rotary Club of Eleuthera, as well as a platform and guard rail to enhance both the level of safety and functionality of the local landmark, said Ms. Jacqueline Gibson, Eleuthera Tourism Manager and Rotarian. Seating signage was also posted at Preacher’s Cave and Tay Bay, where large benches were recently erected by the Rotary Club of Eleuthera for the enjoyment of locals and visitors.
Following the sign installations, the Pineapple Festival Committee Chairwoman joined Ms. Jacqueline Gibson and her team from the Ministry of Tourism at the Gregory Town Primary School, where a check for $1200 was donated and presented to the school, which came directly from proceeds of the gate fee, during the 2019 Pineapple Festival.
A teacher at the school, Ms. Clarke, accepting on behalf of the principal expressed their appreciation, stating, “It’s challenging here in a very small setting, to raise funds to provide the items that we need, that are not provided by the Ministry of Education. So, we thank you guys for thinking of us, and considering us with this donation today. It will be used for the benefit of our children. Thank you very much.”
In response, Ms. Gibson expressed how important it was for the Pineapple Festival as a Signature Event of the Ministry of Tourism, along with the local committee to give a portion of the proceeds from the event to the local school. Funds raised she explained, were used to offset the cost of the Pineapple Fest weekend, and she said they were so pleased to be able to also contribute something of significance to the local school within the Gregory Town township, as well as to the island and nation, by erecting the safety signs and no dumping signs at the Sapphire Hole and Preacher’s Cave locations.
Appealing to Eleutherans and Bahamians throughout the country, Ms. Gibson encouraged all to support and enjoy next year’s Fest, saying, “We want to do more things like that, but we can only do it if we have 100% support. Not only from this local community, but the island, and the Bahamas at large – to come and support Pineapple Festival 2020. We indeed want to make a difference.”
