By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

AMERICAN philanthropist and businessman Carl Allen, and his wife, Gigi, the new owners of Walker’s Cay, are in the process of cleaning up the island as the beginning of phase one of the redevelopment project to return the northernmost cay to its former glory.

The Allens plan to employ dozens of Bahamians directly and indirectly in the cleanup and prepping of the island for major upcoming projects.

Phase one of readying the island for redevelopment, according to Mr Allen, “is another step forward and closer” to fulfilling their commitment to reopen the island and provide jobs for Bahamians.

“This is another step forward and step closer to the day we will reopen Walker’s and return it to its former glory,” he said in a press statement issued in late December.

“While in some aspects we’re still in the planning phase, we continue to move quickly on all fronts. Gigi and I are so pleased to be able to announce we’ve started the cleanup and planning required to move forward. This next phase will include hiring, directly and indirectly, dozens of Bahamians. They will join in the efforts already underway that focus on prepping the island for many of the important, upcoming projects,” said Mr Allen.

The Allens purchased the island in May 2018. Its former owners closed Walker’s Cay in 2015 after two hurricanes hit it. Mr Allen, who has been coming to The Bahamas and Walker’s Cay since age 12, decided to purchase the island which he had come to love as a child and through frequent visits with his wife and children.

The first phase of the project will include the church restoration project. The historical and beloved church – a well-known site – will serve as a welcome destination for future travellers to Walker’s.

“The historic church stands as a beacon to many past visitors to Walker’s, and it will be again,” said Mr Allen.

“From clearing the island of trash and junk, to cleaning up some of the derelict buildings – as well as restoring the beloved church – this is an exciting step forward. It also marks the beginning of what will be a long-term partnership Walker’s will have with Bahamians; one that helps to create secure jobs as we work hand in hand to return it to its former glory,” he said.

Mr Allen said that the ramp-up of phase one follows extensive planning over the last year and will begin in the first quarter of this year.

“Things are happening, and progress is being made – especially with the church. It’s all very encouraging, but we know a lot more work needs to be done. And as we continue these efforts, we will look for more opportunities to partner up with Bahamians to create secure and long-lasting jobs. We look forward to creating even more opportunities as we ramp up our efforts to return Walker’s Cay to its former glory. The rebirth is well on its way,” Mr Allen concluded.

Mr Allen is a renowned Texas businessman and philanthropist, known for building his family run business from 130 jobs up to nearly 1,000. He, his wife Gigi, and their family strongly believe that creating good jobs and helping communities go hand-in-hand, so they invest in educational institutions and environmental causes that make the world around them a better place, a press release noted.