Lyford Cay Living: by Arthur Hailey  (Reprinted with permission)

A "Jewel in the Crown" describes this exclusive, gated community in The Bahamas, located on the western end of the island of New Providence, just 10 miles outside the capital city Nassau.

Home to many of the rich and famous from around the world, this spectacular, verdant setting encompasses 1,000 acres dotted with elegant homes on beautiful beaches, expansive waterways and a challenging golf course.

Lyford Cay enjoys an unmatched reputation for excellence in environment and amenities, and is the ultimate expression of privacy and elegance in The Bahamas.

The Many Faces of Lyford Cay

Most people who view Lyford Cay from outside think of it as a single entity. But it’s a vibrant community with different organizations, each with their various responsibilities. Here is a general guide.

The Cay’s oldest organization and its "Jewel in the Crown" was founded in 1958 by the late E.P. Taylor. Lyford Cay Club is independent, is owned by the membership, and run by a Board of Governors elected annually.

The Club carefully controls its membership. Owning property in Lyford Cay does not entitle the owner or owners to Club membership or use of Club facilities. Such persons, if they choose, must apply for membership and be considered through the application process. About one-sixth of Lyford Cay home owners are not Club members.

The Club’s direct physical responsibilities cover all Club buildings, including restaurants, meeting rooms, cottages and guest rooms, the golf course, tennis courts, main yacht harbour (though not canals) and Clifton Bay marina.

This is a separate organization and is run by a Board of Directors, elected annually. The P.O.A. was established in 1961 when only a few houses existed in the Cay and its tasks were minor. Now, with a large Lyford populace, its wide duties embrace general community management.

The P.O. A. is responsible for and controls: Security and Fire Protection, Maintenance of Roads and Canals, Landscape Maintenance (except for the Club grounds), Sanitation (garbage collection three times weekly), Mail Service, Building Approvals, Water and Electricity (liaison with suppliers), Environmental Matters, Hurricane Protection, Animal Control, and Financial Management of all the foregoing.

While the P.O.A. is an independent body, there is close liaison with Lyford Cay Club on matters of mutual concern. The Club contributes financially to the P.O.A. in return for services provided.

Lyford Cay Foundation Inc. and The Canadian Lyford Cay Foundation

The objective of these organizations is to facilitate the higher education of Bahamian students and provide support for Bahamian charities. Funds for these purposes, including large long-term endowments, are contributed by Club members and Lyford Cay residents.

At present, the Lyford Cay Foundation is funding scholarships for 94 undergraduates, 26 postgraduates, 70 technical, and 74 College of The Bahamas students. The Canadian Foundation is sponsoring 12 undergraduates at Canadian universities.

A totally independent body, operated by Governors and a Board of Directors and, since 1993, a non-profit corporation. While the school has no direct connection with Lyford Cay Club or the Property Owners Association, it contributes greatly to Lyford Cay’s prestige.

Although the school is within the Cay, it serves principally the outside New Providence community. 47% of all pupils are Bahamians.