Botanical Gardens Revitalization Continues

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A new and improved Botanical Gardens will be unveiled by the end of summer, with expanded and improved facilities and displays.

The deterioration of the Botanical Gardens, coming as a shock to Environmental Minister, Vaughn Miller. He speaks about the state of the gardens before renovations began this year.

The manager of Botanical Gardens, Karen Kikivarakis-Ferguson, tells Our News, plans include expansions for more display and research spaces, as well as improved restroom facilities on the property. She says she hopes the renovations will help attract students and inspire a new generation of environmentally conscious Bahamians.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources David Cates says he is hopeful the renovations will bring an influx of visitors, pointing out that many major cities benefit from the attraction of a botanical garden. Cates is also enthusiastic and hands-on in the effort to expand the catalogue of Bahamian plantlife on the property.

The renovations are slated to be complete by August – weather permitting – and Miller has a strong vision of what he’d like the outcome to be.