BNT Congratulates Pericles Maillis & Colin Higgs for Recognition of Outstanding Services to The Bahamas

July 4th, 2023 – Nassau, Bahamas

The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) congratulates members Pericles Maillis and Colin Higgs, who have been recognized for outstanding services and contributions to the People of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas on the occasion of the King’s 2023 Birthday Honors.

Pericles Maillis will receive an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) for services to the environment; and Colin Higgs is receiving an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for services to the public. Both men are long-time members who previously served as President and Deputy President of the BNT, respectively.

Maillis is well-known as a crusader for the environment and an advocate for the planting of native trees; and he’s also acknowledged to be one of the nation’s most knowledgeable naturalists. He led the outcry against long-line fishing in The Bahamas, resulting in it being banned in 1993; conceived and chaired the regionally-recognized 1999-2000 Adelaide Creek Wetland Restoration Project; and prompted the inception of The Primeval Forest National Park with his rediscovery of the area from explorations as a young boy with his brother. The 7.5-acre park in southwest New Providence protects old-growth coppice forest and unique karst geology. During his time at the BNT, Maillis contributed to hunter education, historic preservation, sustainable fisheries initiatives, invasive species action, and youth development. He continues to support a strong Bahamian conservation ethic at the community level.

Higgs’ 41-year career in The Bahamas’ Public Service included 23 years at the Department of Fisheries (now Marine Resources), where he served as Director from 1994 to 1997; after which he became Undersecretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, and later Undersecretary at the Bahamas Environment, Science & Technology (BEST) Commission in the Office of the Prime Minister. His long service in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries ended in 2002 after he performed in the dual capacity of Permanent Secretary and Ambassador for the Environment. For many years, Higgs served as the Department of Fisheries’ representative on the BNT Council. Upon his retirement from the public service, he became an elected member of the BNT Council in 2016 and served as Deputy President of the BNT from 2019 until 2021, when he returned to public service in the Office of the Prime Minister. He also served on the Bahamas Protected Areas Fund (BPAF) Board from 2018 to 2021.

The BNT extends heartfelt congratulations to these two gentlemen, who have provided outstanding service to The Commonwealth of The Bahamas and to The Bahamas National Trust!

To learn more about the role the BNT plays to manage terrestrial and marine national parks, protect species that inhabit them, and inform environmental policy, please visit its website: www.bnt.bs and follow/subscribe to various social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.