NASSAU, Bahamas, June 23, 2019 — Describing it as “a very special place,” Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert A. Minnis officially opened the Silver Gates Community Park in the Carmichael Constituency of New Providence on Saturday, June 22, 2019.
“I had a chance to drive on your newly paved roads, to see your beautiful sidewalks, and to admire how well-kept your community is,” the Prime Minister said in his opening remarks, during which he had high praise the Hon. Desmond Bannister, Minister of Works, who is Carmichael’s representative in the House of Assembly.
“I can feel the sense of pride you have in this wonderful community,” Dr. Minnis said. “As Minister Bannister told me, Silver Gates is a very special place. What makes Silver Gates extra special is this beautiful park that we are opening tonight. I am told that you have been waiting for this park for the better part of two decades. Desmond has gone all out to make this community park a very special place for all of you to exercise and to enjoy relaxing days and evenings with family members, neighbors and friends.”
The Prime Minister added, “In Desmond Bannister, you have a dedicated and caring Member of Parliament. In Desmond Bannister, the country has an exceptional Minister of Works and a dedicated public servant.”
Declaring that the new park “will help to foster a greater sense of community,” Dr. Minnis said, “This family park is a model for New Providence. One of the Government’s commitments is to enhance and to redevelop parks and open green spaces throughout New Providence. By example, there are over fifteen parks and basketball courts in the Over-the-Hill community, all in varied stages of repair.”
The Prime Minister said the Government has “performed a detailed assessment of the parks in the inner city and created a needs assessment to restore these parks overtime.”
“From Gambier, to Southern New Providence, and throughout our island, residents need beautiful and safe spaces for relaxation, community activities, sporting events, exercise and recreation,” Dr. Minnis said. “We need places to go to let go of stress and to stay physically, mentally and spiritually healthy. We are working through a public-private partnership to transform Clifford Park into a central park for New Providence.”
He added, “As I said on Wednesday past, during my budget contribution in the House of Assembly, we are going to redevelop Arawak Cay, Junkanoo Beach and the Western Esplanade. This new Nassau Esplanade will include the enhancement of the beach areas. The beautification of the area and enhanced space for cookouts, community events and Junkanoo practice.
Highlighting the features of the new park, the Prime Minister noted that it has “beautiful 242 cushioned basketball court; a wonderful tennis court; a walking trail; exercise equipment; fruit trees; a great lawn; a play area for the children; unique benches; secure restrooms; CCTV cameras for added security; free Wi-Fi; and a unique blue hole.”
“I know that Minister Bannister is quite proud of this park,” Dr. Minnis said. “I hope that you will all enjoy using it. I have no doubt that you will take care of the facilities.”
The Prime Minister added, “As Minister of Works, Desmond has responsibility for infrastructure all over The Bahamas. One day he is in Andros. The next day he’s in Abaco, Eleuthera, Exuma or some other island. His responsibilities to the country require him to be on the move all the time.
“So please understand that you will not see him as often as you may want to because the country needs him. But you can all see from your streets, sidewalks and this very beautiful park that he is thinking about the Carmichael community and working for you all of the time.”
In thanking Mr. Bannister “for all that you do for Carmichael and the entire Bahamas,” the Prime Minister added, “And I thank all of you for caring so much about your community. May God bless the residents of Silver Gates, Carmichael and The Bahamas. It is now my honour to declare the Silver Gates Community Park officially open for all of you to enjoy.”
Commenting on the park on his Facebook page, Lincoln Deal, a resident of the Carmichael constituency, said the grand opening of the Silver Gates Community Park “was nothing short of amazing and inspiring.”
“It is the newest, one of the biggest, and most modern community park in The Bahamas,” Mr. Deal declared. “The future of the Bahamas should take a more innovative approach to how we view public and green spaces. This park has done just that. Apart from the basketball and tennis courts, restroom and the play area made from recyclable materials, it is over 2 acres outfitted with: 22 Security Cameras (done by a young Bahamian); built-in exercise equipment; wrap around tree benches and high-grade walking trails; wheelchair accessible, from the parking lot to the walking trails; a Gazebo & Fruit Trees; a blue hole inspired floor work created by my brother Jamaal Rolle ; and FREE Wi-Fi.”
Mr. Deal congratulated Bahamas Striping Group of Companies, Dominic Sturrup and Atario Mitchell, declaring that “It’s inspiring to see what you’ve been able to accomplish in less than 4 months.”
He also congratulated “Desmond Bannister, M.P., Carmichael for his vision, noting that he first met “Mr. Bannister 18 years ago when he first asked my family for their vote on Mermaid Blvd.”
“He delivered on a his commitment,” Mr. Deal said. “Open, green spaces like this are needed in many neighborhoods. Hopefully, this initiative is just the beginning of many more to come.”
