The launch of the Rebuild Bodden Town Action Campaign by the Bodden Town Action Committee is gearing up for its first official event, a family-oriented ‘Discover Bodden Town’ treasure hunt to be held on 15 September.
In an effort to improve the quality of life in their community, the BTAC recently initiated a raffle and a tree-purchasing programme, as well organising the upcoming treasure hunt.
‘While almost three years have passed since Hurricane Ivan destroyed buildings and much of Bodden Town’s mature vegetation, residents and visitors are still seeing its effects,’ says BTAC member Lynn Smith-Moore
‘Many of the large trees that lined the main street and beach were destroyed during the storm, and many homes are sitting in their post-Ivan state.’
She says the area has been described in Fodor’s Guide as a ‘broken Village’.
However, new hope is on the way thanks to the group’s renewed efforts, bolstered by a $19,000 boost from the Beautification Committee of the Cayman Islands, and from Bodden Town’s three MLAs, Osbourne Bodden, Minister Anthony Eden and Minister Charles Clifford.
The BTAC hopes to eventually raise CI$50,000 toward a number of specific projects.
‘It’s not only a question of beautifying the town, it’s also about giving the people who live here a renewed spirit,’ says BTAC member Marleine Gagnon.
One of the group’s goals is to raise funds and garner both corporate and private sponsors so that mature trees can be planted on the main road and on the beach.
‘With a $1,000 donation, your tree will get a plaque recognizing your sponsorship, but you can do what others have done, which is to dedicate the tree to your grandchildren, or memorialize a loved one,’ says Ms Gagnon.
‘I’m going to donate a tree in memory of my mother.’
The trees will be planted at the beginning of October 2007 to mark Cayman’s Island-wide beautification month
Bodden Town’s buildings will also be getting much needed attention from the funds. The BTAC intends to use the funds raised to spruce up the houses that most need it on the main road, add signs at the entrance of the district and at the entrance of the town, and add plaques to historic houses.
In addition, the group hopes to use the funds to clean up trash and find ways to stop littering, as well as to provide landscaping improvements to Guard House Hill.
‘We will also support the Government’s efforts aimed at demolishing dilapidated houses, and to find ways to regulate traffic on the main road,’ said Ms Smith-Moore.
Treasure hunt
Sponsors and donors to the fundraising project will be announced at the Discover Bodden Town Treasure Hunt, which is being hosted by the Bodden Town MLAs.
‘Our objective is to bring 500 people to Bodden Town where they will discover the treasures of Bodden Town with the help of a map and clues. The clues will help participants find historic sites, local businesses and public services offered in Bodden Town, said Ms Gagnon.
‘And of course, this relates well to the Go East Initiative promoted by Tourism Minister Charles Clifford,’ she said.
On the morning of the event, Bodden Town’s main road will be blocked to traffic, with gates at each end to divert traffic along the Anton Bodden bypass. Cars will be able to park along the road before arriving at Guard House Hill when coming from George Town, or before getting to the Pirates Caves when coming from East End.
Early risers need not worry about eating at home, as breakfast will be sold in the parking lot of the Public Library as of 7am, and the Treasure Hunt will start at 8am.
Ms Gagnon says the focus will be on fun for the whole family, with Cayman traditional Junkanoo characters entertaining the crowd.
All participants who complete the Treasure Hunt will be eligible for a prize draw, with a weekend stay in Bodden Town at the Sea Breeze Condos as first prize.
In conjunction with the event, CI$10 raffle tickets will be sold, with the first prize being a travel package for two to New York City donated by the Ministry of Tourism.
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