(Deep Creek, Eleuthera, The Bahamas)―On May 31st, 2012, members of the Deep Creek Community Committee and staff from the Deep Creek Middle School (DCMS) gathered to sign a vision statement that formally declares the group’s intent to build a new community center for South Eleuthera. The group, which represents community members from Deep Creek, DCMS, The Island School and South Eleuthera, is excited about the partnership which will restore the Old Teacher’s Residence in Deep Creek and offer new community programmes.

The proposed Vision Statement reads: The Deep Creek community and the Deep Creek Middle School have partnered to restore and develop the Old Teacher’s Residence into a world-class community center and school, which engage the best practices in education and environmental sustainability, fostering a partnership that will be a model for future ventures of its kind.

The idea for this collaboration was born out of each group’s desire to have more afterschool, weekend and summer programs available for communities in South Eleuthera. “The Rock Sound Mission and Tarpum Bay Arts and Cultural Center have really shown us that community centers can revitalize the settlements. We would love to be able to work together to offer more to residents of The South,” says DCMS principal Dr. Joanna Paul. DCMS has offered some limited community programs for 10 years, but has been looking to expand its offerings to the community. The Deep Creek Community Committee (DCCC) was looking for a space to provide public access to a library, computer lab, and room for hosting community events and programming. These two groups decided to partner to maximize their resources and ability to offer services year-round.


Ms. Kate McAlaine reads the proposed Vision Statement at the Old Teacher’s Residence in Deep Creek.

The Old Teacher’s Residence in Deep Creek was selected as an ideal site as it would provide dedicated space for community programs and also provide the land that would give the option to add more facilities like meeting rooms, multipurpose and arts spaces as well as classrooms. According to Kate McAlaine, former DCMS teacher and consultant for this project, “On the heels of its 10th anniversary, DCMS was planning to create a new 21st century eco-friendly facility that is a model for teaching and sustainability. This partnership allows us to build this new school campus and increase services for the community at the same time.” Restoring the Old Teacher’s Residence together will provide the way for these mutually beneficial visions to align.

Bernie Miller, DCCC Co-Chairperson, expressed the importance of the partnership saying, “It would not only bring more jobs and more exposure to Deep Creek, but also provide a place for the younger kids to find more positive things to do with their time aside from being idle.” DCCC Chairperson, Rosie Wilkinson, also shared in the excitement for the future of the Old Teacher’s Residence. She remembered the space when it was in full-swing in the 1950s and 1960s, recalling visiting for domestic science class on Thursdays with the principal and his wife. “The place is like home to me,” Rosie shared. She is thrilled at the idea of it being revived as a productive place for students, teachers, visitors and community members to gather, learn, and exchange ideas. 

Although just a vision at this time, with support from the community, DCMS, The Island School and others, the Community Center and new DCMS campus is looking more like a reality, and the future is looking brighter in Deep Creek. The signing of the vision statement formalized this intent and was an opportunity to announce this exciting endeavour to the community. Those in attendance were Leviticus Anderson, Zilcas Thompson, Bernie Miller, Rosalee Wilkinson, Joanna Paul, John Pinder, Nicoya Taylor, Oral Pinder, Kate McAlaine, Sabrina Sweeting, Garric Sweeting, Nell Gluckman, Will Simmons, Jennifer Stone, Chris Maxey, Geoff Walton, Lindsay Erbaugh, and Caleb Oberst. For questions about the project, please feel free to contact any of the school or committee members.