From the Desk of the Executive Director (Bahamas National Trust)
To the people of Eleuthera,
The Bahamas National Trust is proud to be entrusted with the management of 33 national parks and protected areas across The Bahamas, each one unique and each one cared for with the same commitment to conservation, community, and long-term stewardship. Our mission has always been to protect these national assets while working closely with the people who live alongside them, ensuring that conservation and community go hand in hand. Seahorse National Park at Sweetings Pond and Hatchet Bay Cave is guided by this same responsibility and care.
Our team spend months and sometimes years working on the ground, listening to community members, partners, and government stakeholders. We talk not only about why certain areas need protection, but how they should be managed. These conversations are not always easy, and all parties do not always agree, but they matter. We welcome feedback, we value differing opinions, and we believe that strong parks are built through honest dialogue with the people who know these places best.
There is often a misconception that once an area is protected, it becomes completely restricted. While that can be true in some cases, our management strategies are carefully guided by the condition of the resources and the input we receive from local communities. Seahorse National Park is no exception. People locally, nationally, and internationally want to see seahorses in the wild, and we understand that interest. That is why the Sweetings Pond area of the park remains closed until further notice. This decision allows our science team, working alongside experts, to study the pond, identify the most sensitive areas, and establish monitoring systems so we can determine if and how future access can happen responsibly.
At the same time, it is important to note that Hatchet Bay Cave remains open to the public, and we encourage residents and visitors to continue enjoying that part of the park. Protection does not mean disconnect. It means care.
We have also been listening closely to what the community has shared with us. There is strong interest in minimal development to support visitation. Relocated farmers and crafters want opportunities to sell their produce and crafts. Researchers see potential for meaningful studies of this unique habitat. These voices have helped shape our next steps, which include electrifying the existing park office with solar power, hiring additional staff, building an educational pavilion, establishing water access, and installing a floating dock so small groups, including students, can one day visit the pond in a managed way. In partnership with the Bahamas Agriculture and Industrial Corporation (BAIC), we are also prioritizing the development of a farmers and craft market and preparing for a future concessions programme that supports local businesses while upholding environmental standards.
As part of strengthening shared stewardship, a new Seahorse National Park Advisory Committee was established in 2025. Early in the year, we will begin appointing officers to this committee to support on the ground engagement and community guidance.
Seahorse National Park Advisory Committee Representation:
- Central Eleuthera Family Island Administrator
- Chief Councilor for Gregory Town and Hatchet Bay
- Eleuthera Sustainability Council
- Ministry of Tourism (MOT)
- Department of Marine Resources (DMR)
- Bahamas Agriculture and Industrial Corporation (BAIC), and
- Bahamas National Trust
My journey in this field began by working directly with communities, and that remains our foundation. We will continue listening, serving, and being fair in how we manage and develop your parks. Protecting Seahorse National Park is not just about conservation. It is about people, shared stewardship, and doing what is right for Eleuthera now and for generations to come.
Sincerely,
Lakeshia Anderson – Rolle
Executive Director
Bahamas National Trust
