On November 23rd BTC staged an official celebratory opening ceremony for the Coconut Grove Local Heroes Park on Poinciana Avenue and a rededication and unveiling of the Hero’s Wall. The project was underwritten by BTC sponsorship monies and Career Builders. The upgraded and refreshed Local Hero’s Park was a gift to the community and one of many gestures made earlier this year on the occasion of the country’s 40th Anniversary of Independence.

A Hero’s Wall plaque was unveiled by Geoff Houston, BTC’s CEO and Cynthia ‘Mother ‘Pratt of Urban Renewal.

‘Mother’ Pratt said: “This Heroes Park is a tribute to the fine men and women who hail from Coconut Grove who have gone on to become leaders in all areas of the society. This park and the names on the Hero’s Wall represent community builders. This park is a collaboration of the efforts of so many people. This is what team work is all about. We thank BTC for erecting the Heroes Wall as a permanent reminder of the contributions of these men and women and also upgrading the Park for all of us to enjoy by completing the bathrooms, the fencing, painting and overall restoration of the park.”

Geoff Houston said that the Park and its Hero’s Wall served as both a reminder to us and a tribute to the Honorees and their families.
“It is both a tribute to the Honorees and a reminder to all of us not to forget those Bahamians born or raised in Coconut Grove who have contributed in a meaningful way to the development of the community and The Bahamas.”

The event was attended by some of the honourees and their families who received Certificates of Recognition of their outstanding contributions. The Urban Renewal Marching Band provided music for the event. Honourees • Bishop Albert Hepburn - Minister of the Gospel

• Maud Vernita Poitier – Community Leader

• Ruben Edward ‘RE’ Cooper – Educator / Theologian

• Charles Augustus ‘CA’Dorsett – Member of Parliament

• Harry Rudolph Allen – Contractor / Entrepreneur

• Rev. Dr. Eugene Butler – Pastor, Scholar, Community Builder

• Vincent “Vince” Ferguson – Educator , Coach & Community Leader

• Amos Isaac Ferguson – Artist

• Mary Magdalene Armbrister – Taxi Driver (first female)

• Caroline Advira Gibson Walker – Entrepreneur / Lunch Vendor

• Leonard ‘Skeeter’ Dames – Taxi Driver / Food & Beverage Manager

• Alfred Arcmie A. Mackey – Painter, Farmer, Shop Owner

• Myrtle Murphy – Community Activist

• Shadrack Pratt – Boat Captain / Businessman

• Edward Coleby – Senator

• Edmond Moxey – MP / Founder of Jumbey Village

In February this year BTC announced a sponsorship partnership with Urban Renewal (UR) in support of several inner city programmes to include a $20,000 financial aid package to expand the Urban Renewal Band, the upgrade and further development of the Coconut Grove Local Heroes Park, the BTC Urban Renewal Basketball League at the Cynthia ‘Mother’ Pratt Park and an ongoing supply of free phone cards to the Urban Renewal Centres for their use as positive reinforcement rewards for youngsters’ good behavior.

CEO Geoff Houston said at the time that BTC felt that Urban Renewal got to the very heart of inner city community needs but additional support and encouragement is still needed. “We applaud and salute Urban Renewal and the humanitarian efforts by the men and women who actively work the programmes and seek to better the inner city areas. BTC recognizes that a country’s success is based on the welfare and advancement of its people and inner city communities often struggle with the pressure, the effects of urban sprawl,” said the CEO. “So worthy organizations such as Urban Renewal deserve thanks and as much recognition and support from corporate Bahamas as possible.”