As the golden sun dips behind Nassau’s horizon, nearly two dozen travel writers, influencers, and explorers from across the globe — from New York to Serbia — gather in a lush backyard adorned with vibrant Bahamian decor. It’s the kind of welcome only a true Bahamian host could offer.

Their host, Anthia Butler, greets guests with a smile as warm as the evening breeze. A third-generation participant in the Ministry of Tourism’s People-to-People Program, Butler carries forward the legacy of her grandmother, Sheila Newchurch-Rolle, by opening her home — and heart — to visitors.

On offer: a mouthwatering spread of local favorites. Guests sipped chilled lemonade, sky juice, and local beers, while sampling grouper fingers, crab and rice, baked chicken, macaroni and cheese, and an array of fresh salads and sides. For dessert? A table full of island-made treats, from guava duff to tart pastries — each bite telling a story of heritage and hospitality.

“I welcome you to my home,” Butler said with pride. “From my family to yours, I hope you enjoy this experience.” 

A half-century of true island hospitality

Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, the People-to-People Program is one of the Caribbean’s most innovative and award-winning cultural exchange initiatives. With a presence on 10 islands across The Bahamas, the program pairs visitors with warm, welcoming locals from all walks of life — educators, artists, entrepreneurs, retirees — who volunteer their time to share authentic Bahamian life beyond the resorts.