Former Chairman of the Grand Bahama branch of the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) Darius Williams plans to transport you back to the early days of Freeport and its unique history with the national park system during the GB BNT’s final evening of their public lecture series for the summer.
Williams will speak on Tuesday, June 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the Rand Nature Centre and will tell the story about why Grand Bahama must celebrate its entire history to advance tourism on the island. Williams will also touch on the story of the people of Grand Bahama and the current and proposed GB national parks.
“During my lecture, I’ll be giving an overview of historical events in and adjacent to existing and proposed Grand Bahama national parks which can enhance the park visiting experience,” said Williams.
“Grand Bahama has been grappling with its identity and methods for attracting tourists. Surveys consistently reveal that tourists to Grand Bahama prefer their visits in the non-port areas as compared to the port area of the island, and the national parks have historical links that can provide a great visitor experience to tourists to the island.”
Williams is the owner of Curley Tail Services and Darius Williams & Associates, with a background in art and engineering. He is also the author of ‘The Rail and Locomotive History of The Bahamas’. Additionally, he is working on a second book, ‘The Heritage of Grand Bahama and its People.’
He is a member of the Bahamas Society of Engineers, the Bahamas Historical Society, the Grand Bahama Heritage Foundation and past Chairman of the GB regional branch of the BNT. As a result, it is a special treat for the BNT to host him once again.
“This should be an exciting event as Darius will be speaking to us on the topic Sun, Sand, Sea and History – inclusive of BNT GB national parks,” said Shamie Rolle, chairman of the Grand Bahama regional branch of the BNT.
“It will address some historic value to local settlements and connecting our tourism product to more than just sun, sand and sea as local settlements are beginning to take on the nature of touristic destinations. So, make this night a part of your evening plans and join us as Mr. Darius William shares his research that will both enlighten and elate us with a local settlement history of almost 200 years.”
The BNT is currently working on a park expansion for Grand Bahama, so the topic he is presenting is extremely timely for the GB branch of the BNT as well as all Grand Bahama residents.
You can visit the BNT on Facebook or their website to learn about the proposed park expansion for Grand Bahama and the past public lectures.