Carnival Bought 5,000 Trees for Celebration Key Private Island

Carnival Corporation has acquired 5,000 mature palm trees for its new destination, Celebration Key. It was reported that 40 percent of these trees were bought from small-scale community growers on the island through the company’s “Plant a Tree” initiative.
Raquel Mota, senior port services manager at Carnival Corporation, acknowledged the vital role played by the Grand Bahama community in reaching this milestone. She revealed that the initiative, launched in October 2023, has already met its initial target. Mota extended her congratulations and gratitude to all local growers who participated and encouraged them to continue their excellent efforts, as Carnival Corporation plans to maintain partnerships with as many Grand Bahamians as possible as they progress towards the opening of Celebration Key.

To celebrate the top contributors to the initiative in categories such as ‘Best Quality Plants’ and ‘Most Plants Provided’, the company organized a tree planting event on Wednesday, April 24. The winners were awarded project shirts, dinner vouchers, and an invitation to visit Celebration Key once the port opens to see the fruits of their labor.
Leslie Saunders, who contributed over 200 plants to Carnival Corporation, expressed deep appreciation for the initiative: “We are very thankful for this initiative as it has allowed us to profit from working on the land. I want to thank Carnival for believing in Bahamians and supporting the efforts of local growers in a meaningful way. It is also a source of pride to know that the development will be beautified by native plants, born and raised in Grand Bahama.”
Following the completion of Phase One, Carnival Corporation is set to launch Phase Two of the initiative on May 9, 2024. Mota called upon the Grand Bahama community once again for active participation, emphasizing the need for plants that meet certain quality standards including good foliage and roots. She encouraged them to bring their best efforts.
As of May 9, contributions of plants can be made on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 am to 11 am at ATO Landscaping, Gina Farms Site, on the Grand Bahama Highway.