The Tribune

THE Bahamas National Trust (BNT) was saddened to learn of the passing of Sir Jack Hayward, who died last Tuesday at the age of 91.

The BNT said Sir Jack was a long-time friend, and benefactor, supporting the Operations Raleigh Initiative which built the first bridge in the Lucayan Park, as well as purchasing half the property value of the Retreat, which became the headquarters of the BNT, from Arthur Langlois in 1975.

“Sir Jack is probably best known among Trust supporters for his challenge gift of $1m which created an incentive for donors to give to the Heritage Fund Endowment raising $2m,” the BNT said in a statement.

“Sir Jack honoured his pledge in March of 1989 presenting the BNT with a cheque for $1m dollars thus creating the Heritage Fund Endowment to support the work of the Trust. Such an act of unselfish generosity is indeed rare, as was the man behind it.

“Sir Jack is by far the most significant donor to date – his support for the BNT was very generous and sustained across several decades,” said Eric Carey, BNT executive director. “He supported the BNT in Grand Bahama, but he also supported core BNT programmes and operations at the national level. The BNT will be forever grateful for his kind support of our work over these many years.”

Another such instance of his generosity was his donation to rebuilding after hurricane damage to a BNT national park. In 2005, due to damage from hurricanes, the BNT was forced to close the bridge built by Operation Raleigh in 1985. Raising $250,000 to replace the bridge was a daunting task made easier by a very generous donation of $130,000 from Sir Jack. In a special ceremony in 2012 to thank donors, Sir Jack was the guest speaker.

“I remember when we first built this bridge with Operation Raleigh in 1985,” said Sir Jack. “Thanks to the many dedicated volunteers who tirelessly trenched in the swamp, we were able to create a wonderful path for visitors and Bahamians to see our beautiful beaches.”

Sir Jack was a renowned philanthropist giving money to causes close to his heart.

He had been unwell for several months and died in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

“We will ensure that Sir Jack is forever memorialised by the BNT for his generosity towards our organisation,” said Larry Glinton, BNT president. “Sir Jack was one of our most steadfast supporters and our organisation was immeasurably strengthened because of it.”