West End is the oldest settlement on Grand Bahama Island and known as the capital of Grand Bahama Island. The Star Hotel built by Austin Grant Sr. and his brother, James, is the primary landmark in West End from the 1940s.
As a resident of West Grand Bahama, one can reminisce of the times when events throughout the community were lit. I’m talking about Jack Tar Village Resort which flourished during the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. There were great jobs which allowed families to support their financial obligations.
Over the years native hot spots like the Chicken Nest, The Porch, Shebo Conch Stand, Ian Neeley’s, and Coffees On The Bay emerged. Artis Neely who operates the marina hosted the West End Annual Power Boat Race.
The elders in our community would agree that these were the ‘good old days’ when tourists would line our bay shores enjoying a naturistic scene; purchased souvenirs from straw vendors, or enjoyed a scrumptious Bahamian dish like peas n grits/rice, fried snapper/grouper, stew fish, conch salad, or conch fritters, just to name a few.
From Lover’s Beach, Friendship Shopping center, The Sunset Village, N&A, Borden’s Ice cream Parlor, to The Star Hotel, West Grand Bahama as many know it, has drastically changed.
The Magic City as the island was affectionately called brought many visitors to our shores. As time progressed we watched as it quickly took an economic hit after experiencing hurricanes Frances, Jeanne, and Wilma, then came Matthew, the worst of them all.
In my Bahamian vernacular, ‘tings look mash up’ now since experiencing devastation from numerous hurricanes and lack of foreign investors on our island.
For the record, tourist or investors did not take away that magic. Where did it go? The magic city, a figure of speech to express elaborate structure, extravagant entertainment, and hospitable natives has been an experience that many enjoy going down memory lane.
Our community is made up of not only first-generation Bahamians, but also second and third generation Bahamians with Jamaican, Turks and Caicos, and Haitian descents.
As members of the largest community on Grand Bahama Island, our love for one another and passion to stand up and be the change the community needs is the magic that has always been there. It was our forefathers who have made a difference in the community; not by sitting and waiting for change to take place, but by putting in their time and effort to impact others, to create an environment not only for ourselves, but also for those who would visit.
The results were astounding! Their actions brought neighborly love, support, opportunities for growth, entrepreneurship, and most importantly a place we all are proud to call home.
As we aim to rebuild, will you stand with us? Let us be the next generation of change that is needed to continue the magic that exists to create the environment we want not only for ourselves, but for our children and their children’s children?
This is my community, my responsibility!