(Eleuthera, Bahamas) – The Single Parents Foundation of the Bahamas (SPF), a young organisation founded by its current President Jennifer Hadland, has announced an inaugural ‘A Day on the Docks’ at Davis Harbour Marina in South Eleuthera at the end of May.
The organisation according to Mrs. Hadland has strived to create a common thread for personal growth, family development and sustainability; It is doing so in The Bahamas where single parent households have been reported to currently be just under 60%.
“We cannot rely on the already overloaded government entities like Social Services to take care of what is now the norm. We must go back to the village mentality and sustain ourselves now that we are the majority”, states Jennifer Hadland, the Foundation’s Founder and President.
Mrs. Hadland, a single parent herself, says the organisation is seeking to assist, encourage, support and teach every single parent how to strive for personal and economic self-sufficiency and to understand their significance in God’s sight. Further, the SPF understands that single parenting is not gender or age based and covers every level of society. An aim is to have Resource Centres constructed throughout the Bahamas for continued access to counselling, workshops and a shared knowledge of family and networking for the betterment of families and ultimately our Bahamas.
‘A Day on the Docks’ is scheduled for May 28th, at Davis Harbour Marina. The all-day event will include a Lionfish Derby (The derby will include research and an educational seminar hosted by Cape Eleuthera Institute – www.ceibahamas.org), an Art Walk along the docks, a Junkanoo Rush-Out, and a live concert featuring the Bahamian artist, Tebby.
“Being on the water is just a special feeling, and we wanted to capture this around the waterfront at Davis Harbour Marina as we take part in a good cause and share the Single Parents mission throughout Eleuthera and beyond,” says Mrs. Hadland.
The day is slated to begin with the Lionfish Derby. Captains and their mates will be invited to enjoy an instructional seminar for the entire family on lionfish handling and safety prior to the start of the Derby conducted by CEI. In the afternoon, participants will return with their catches to the docks for weigh-in and awards with $600 in cash prizes available for largest lionfish, smallest lionfish and most lionfish caught. All of the lionfish will also be used for data collection and contribute to lionfish research at CEI.
“The lionfish is a prominent member of modern Bahamian reefs and has the ability to decrease native fish populations by 65%. This is a major concern to all who enjoy the beauty and fisheries that our Bahamian reefs provide. Harvesting lionfish for consumption is one-way people can help contribute to healthy reefs, therefore, we promote the safe removal and consumption of these fish and we are excited to help host the first Lionfish Derby of Eleuthera!”
Boat ramp fees at the marina have been waived for participating boats.
SPF has indicated that it is able to help organize a boat and captain for participants or a participant may simply bring their own boat for this exciting event. Space is limited so to sign up for the Lionfish Derby, please call 242-376-5591.
After the Lionfish Derby, Davis Harbour Marina will be transformed as national artists and native chefs are showcased for the Art Walk on the docks. The ticketed event will bring together the best in art and cuisine as guests enjoy personal interaction with our artists and sample the catches of the day from the Lionfish Derby.
For purchase, South Eleuthera’s best chefs; Frigate’s Lisa Guina, Apple Hole master grill chef Edrin Syomnette, tropical conch salad by The Carey boys of Seaside Breeze Take-away and sweets by dessert specialist Jacquel Kemp.
The day will conclude with an inspiring young Bahamian artist, Tebby, and her five-piece band. With personal ties to Eleuthera, Tebby has been able to open for such artists at Joss Stone.
A Day on the Dock’s event schedule for May 28th at Davis Harbour Marina is expected to become an annual event that will bring international and national attention to the education of the Lionfish and the plight of the SPF and other non-profit groups.
Lionfish Derby ($75 per boat)
8:30am – 9am – An instructional seminar on the invasive Lionfish hosted by Cape Eleuthera
9:30am – 2pm – Lionfish Derby
Weigh-in – Closes at 2pm
2:30pm – Awards ceremony
$600 in prize money
Art and Music ($35 per person on-line or $40 day-of the event)
5:30pm – 7:30pm – Art Walk
7:30pm – 8:00pm – Junkanoo Rush Out
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm – “Tebby” Live at Davis Harbour Marina
“It takes a village to raise a child”, and we at the SPF are very excited and grateful to be partnering with CEI as our educational partner and Davis Harbour as our venue host. We look forward to seeing you all at this great event and thank you in advance for your continued support.
For more details, check out the event’s Facebook page for all the latest updates, artist announcements, and to purchase your tickets; www.facebook.com/adayonthedocks or contact J. Hadland at exclusively.yours37@gmail.com or 242-376-5591.
