Naming Our Waters

Did you know that the national, territorial, and regional waters surrounding the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands are unnamed? Author, historian, and former Commodore of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Tellis A. Bethel, believes that in naming our unnamed waters, there is a myriad of benefits that, if efficiently executed, can recapture national heritage in a way that becomes a symbol of freedom, justice, and peace for the betterment of the people within the nation and region. Commodore Bethel believes that the national waters should have a name that reflects the country's authentic heritage. He also believes that in branding the waters of a nation(s), a statutory body comprising a public-private partnership can be established to manage the brand's promotion and marketing.

This venture seeks to promote national pride, heritage, culture, and unity; while establishing the name as a brand that can be monetized to create a revenue through licensing of products & services to create entrepreneurial and business development opportunities. A venture of this magnitude would generate employment through cottage industry, manufacturing, wholesale, and so forth while creating an additional source of government revenue. Commodore Bethel hopes that this initiative would be poised to raise funds for environmental conservation projects via taxes on commercial maritime traffic, marine mining operations, environmental conservation projects, maritime security operations, community & business development projects, academic and vocational scholarships, and military (Coast Guard/Naval) welfare. By embarking on such a program, The Lucayan Sea initiative could also have numerous social benefits such as:

a. Strengthening of national pride;

b. Promotion of a 'peace' mindset throughout communities;

c. Promotion of personal health and environmental integrity.

What people say about naming the waters

Having visited these beautiful waters, and knowing they have been described throughout history in early sea faring diaries, to Astronauts circling the earth far above, as among the world's most beautiful waters, and knowing of the Lucayan's settlements along these archipelagos, it seems appropriate to gift these lovely waters with a more appropriate name other than one that implies they are merely an appendage of the Atlantic Ocean. Naming these waters the Lucayan Sea would indeed help denote their unique, special significance, both as beautiful and scientifically valuable, supporting a vast array and diversity of life in many forms.

Andrea Burr

Such beautiful waters deserve an identity. I can already picture "Lucayan Sea" printed on a map where a blank space used to be!

Patricia Mulligan

It would be great to honor for posterity, the first known inhabitants with the naming of the waters surrounding our islands.

Cheryl Stubbs

I love the name and as an educator I notice that alot of people are misinformed and call it the caribbean or just do not know what to call it.

Stanley Burnside

I'm fed up with being told we're in the Caribbean -- we're not, so let's make it more definitive, Lucayan Sea is an excellent idea.

Chris Dale

This is a wonderful idea that would pay tribute to the original people of these waters and land.

Shade' Rahming

Everywhere else in the world has their waters named. I think this is a great idea and the name The Lucayan Sea is a perfect and original name. It just fits. I fully support and endorse this naming.

Lance Pinder

What a great idea! I'd rather the Bahamas have it's own name rather than being part of the massive Atlantic. The Lucayans were our first inhabitants and while the Caribs have the Caribbean Sea, our Lucayan heritage is not being honoured. Also, it will bring attention to the beautiful marine resources that supports the Bahamas.

Bob Bower

Considering we have the Caribbean Sea, why not have the Lucayan Sea to represent the original inhabitants of the area. Plus it will hopefully raise the awareness of what unscrupulous businesses are attempting to do in this extremely beautiful part of the world.

Chidi Madi

I love the Bahamas , my country, my home and we must claim our territory and appreciate what's ours.

Renaldo Francis

As a young student I've been privileged to interact with many foreigners and the majority are always comparing us to other countries or regions. This is just one more step towards making the Bahamas recognized as the unique nation that it is.

Isaiah Seymour

I am a proud Bahamian and would love to have our waters named after the original inhabitants.

Gregory Bowe