The Tribune

Businesses in Smith’s Point are aiming to capitalise on their renowned Wednesday Night Fish Fry by adopting a pirate theme for the Grand Bahama settlement.

This aims to capitalise on both the Bahamas’ history and the fact the Pirates of the Caribbean II and III films were shot at the nearby Bahamas Film Studios.

Thosuands of tourists and locals alike descend on Smith’s Point to eat fish and dance until the wee hours. From the original intention of just raising money to build their church, the Fish Fry has become internationally famous and attracts locals and tourist alike.

The Smith’s Point residents discussed the plan at a recent community meeting, after the Fish Frey evolved from simply raising money to build a church into an internationally-known event.

Clifford Edden, community leader and owner of the popular Da Bus Stop, said he felt the people of Smith’s Point were a hard working group and willing to do whatever it takes to create more business for their area.

”We created Fish Fry on our own, and when the hotels started bringing in the tourists by the bus load, we rose to the occasion to accommodate the crowds and still keep our original island atmosphere,” he said.

“There are six established bars and restaurants in Smith’s Point and we are all working together towards the same goal.”

He was joined by the other popular spots in the settlement: Mama Flo’s, White Wave, Penny’s, Gully Wash and Outriggers. The Fish Fry has been voted the ‘number two’ attraction on Grand Bahama Island on the influential Tripadvisor.com.

After deciding that they all wanted to move forward to create new activities, they announced the first new event, Pirate Night, starting on February 28 from “5pm - Arrrgn-til!”

All the restaurants will feature BBQ menus ranging from chicken to roast pig, accompanied by local favourite side dishes.

Smith’s Point is receiving assistance from the Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board to make this and future events a success. The Tourism Board, made up of hoteliers and tourism businesses, said it is willing to help with upgrades, including possible improvements to the bathrooms, facades and promotions for special events.

Plans are already underway for future events, including working with the Grand Bahama Regatta Committee for the July Regatta, and developing an annual weekend Pirate Festival.

Mr Edden said the community was serious about creating its own success, and will be looking to form a business association to create unity and work towards the common goal of making Smith’s Point a tourist attraction every day, not just one or two nights a week.