Guest Speaker at True Utila 2025: Honoring the Bay Islands’ Heritage

I had the honor of participating as a guest speaker in the first edition of True Utila, a new annual event created to highlight and protect the heritage, culture, and natural beauty of the island. The gathering took place on Utila and was organized by Trey and Marichi, the owners of SafeSpot, who greeted us warmly from the moment we arrived.

Their vision for True Utila is to create a space where history, culture, and conservation come together, and it was inspiring to see that vision come to life.

I represented the Bay Islands Historical and Cultural Preservation Society, joining fellow speakers Kayla Thompson, Byron Brooks, and Tom Brown. Each of us shared our work and the areas we focus on—ranging from historical preservation, cultural storytelling, and environmental conservation to the scientific understanding of the island’s biodiversity. It was a meaningful experience to stand together and speak about the different ways we contribute to safeguarding the Bay Islands.

The support surrounding this event made it even more special. We were honored to stay at Eastern Harbor Resort, which offered a peaceful place to rest and prepare. We also received sponsorship from Dream Ferries, whose contribution helped make the event possible.

After the morning presentations, the day continued with a visit to Pumpkin Hill on the north side of the island. There, we shared traditional island food, desserts, and drinks, surrounded by the landscape that brings so much pride to Utilians. Some people gathered for a friendly game of dominoes, while others walked around, talked, and enjoyed the atmosphere. It felt like a true community moment—simple, relaxed, and full of appreciation for the island.

To close the event, all four speakers received a recognition for our efforts in preserving the history, culture, and biodiversity of the Bay Islands. It was a thoughtful gesture and a reminder of how important this work is for the future of our islands.

True Utila is set to become an annual tradition, and I’m grateful to have been part of its very first edition.