April 29th, 2024 – Nassau, Bahamas

In April, The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) celebrated their most successful Cuban Pig Roast in recent years. In total, the sold-out affair generated $162,000 towards the development of Seahorse National Park (SNP) at Sweetings Pond and Hatchet Bay Caves in Eleuthera.

The event, held at The Maillis Farm in Adelaide, invited partners, supporters, and friends of conservation together for a night of premium drinks, fine Cuban-Caribbean cuisine, and music and entertainment – all in support of this year’s selected cause, Seahorse National Park.

As the latest addition to the National Park System of The Bahamas, Seahorse National Park boasts what is believed to be the densest population of seahorses in the world. These special marine animals are just one of many unique and incredible features within this fragile ecosystem that will now be safeguarded and managed by the BNT.

“Our vision for Seahorse National Park is to create a legacy for The Bahamas – a world-class, sustainable national park that supports community, scientific, and educational initiatives while safeguarding our natural treasures,” said BNT Executive Director Lakeshia Anderson-Rolle. “We have proven that community is an essential component of effective conservation. With continued community support, I have no doubt we will achieve great things for our Bahamaland, and for the bright future of Seahorse National Park.”

Pig Roast is the BNT’s annual flagship fundraiser, and each year it supports a different priority conservation project or initiative. Pig Roast 2023 raised more than $150,000 towards the development of a Welcome Centre at Moriah Harbour Cay National Park in Exuma; and Pig Roast 2022 raised $100,000 for flamingo conservation at the Inagua National Park. This year, the $162,000 raised at Pig Roast 2024 contributes to a $500,000 one-year fundraising goal for the initial development of Seahorse National Park.

During the event, the BNT honored past president Pericles Maillis for his unwavering commitment to the organisation and his role in making Seahorse National Park a reality by guiding the drafting of its lease agreement.

Throughout the night, attendees won exciting raffle prizes, such as luxury Graycliff chocolate, a gift certificate to Fox Hill Nursery, and a super raffle prize of an Eleuthera Park Experience vacation package for two, inclusive of a two-night stay at The Cove Eleuthera. The evening ended with a beach bonfire and dancing under the stars.

RBC Capital Markets said: “RBC is honored to collaborate with The Bahamas National Trust in their efforts to create and protect Seahorse National Park.  We are committed to supporting environmental and community initiatives, and we are thrilled to be a part of this important endeavor that will create a positive impact for Eleuthera and The Bahamas as a whole.”

Edward Zouein, Executive Vice President & Managing Director of Lombard Odier & Cie (Bahamas) Limited, said: “We believe in the exceptional vision for Seahorse National Park and are thrilled to have had this unparalleled opportunity to support it at Pig Roast 2024. As a responsible corporate citizen, Lombard Odier recognizes our duty to give back in sustainable ways. We can’t think of a more worthy cause than Seahorse National Park: a national treasure that deserves to be revered and preserved, and will no doubt benefit all Bahamians with its impact.”

The BNT’s Cuban Pig Roast is inspired by the joyous gatherings of family and friends in Cuba who unite in celebration and cheer. Similarly, the BNT’s Pig Roast provides an atmosphere of camaraderie during an evening filled with delightful buffet-style dining from Events by Alexandra, premium cocktail bars, live entertainment, a fundraising auction, and a chance to win exciting raffle prizes.

Pig Roast 2024 was sponsored by: RBC Capital Markets; Callenders Realty; Summit Developers; Albany; Sandyport Development Company; Baha Mar Foundation; Marlin Capital Partners; RF Group; Simplified Lending; The Cove Eleuthera; The Paint Place; Ernst & Young; West Bay Advisors; Bristol Wines & Spirits; Sands Beer and Jimmy’s Wines & Spirits; The Security Commission of The Bahamas; Caribbean Wines & Spirits; Caribbean Bottling Company; Expressions Entertainment; and Bahamas Waste.