By Gerrino J. Saunders
Journal Staff Writer

Walkers Cay is a small island of just 58 acres that sits at the top of The
Bahamas chain of islands and is rich in angling history with a world-wide
reputation for premier deep sea fishing and this week Prime Minister Philip
Davis flew to the tiny island to sign a second major Heads of Agreement in the
Abacos after previously signing off on a $177 million dollar project for
Treasure Cay on mainland Abaco.
The Walkers Cay deal will be signed between the Government of The Bahamas
and Walker’s Cay Development Corporation, led by Mr. Carl Allen, and
according to Mr. Davis 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. 
He said, “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, maximizing
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,” said the Prime
Minister.
He noted that 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. 
And that 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 benefiting Bahamians with
meaningful employment.  
Additionally Mr. Davis informed that 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.
He said, “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. 
According to the Prime Minister 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 the Family Islands. 

He said, “we want all citizens to share in the commonwealth of our Bahamas,
and so we have funneled 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.”
Mr. Davis ended by saying the government looks forward to a successful
future for Walker’s Cay, the Abacos, and the entire Bahamas.