The Eastern Community Association (ECA) is a non-political, a non- partisan organization, and a community oriented one, which began as the Yamacraw Community Development Association in August 2003. It was a precedent by the Ministry of Social Services and Community Development, then under Minister the Honourable Melanie S Griffin JP. In January 2008, the name was changed to the Eastern Community Association to reflect the extension to the surrounding areas in East New Providence.

The mission of the association is to positively impact the lives of the residents of the eastern communities through youth, sports, cultural, social and environmental development.
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Its goal is to improve eastern communities through partnership and outreach. Evidence of fulfillment of its goal is the Eastern Community Pacesetters Youth Marching and Concert Band. (This is a joint effort funded by the association and jointly administered by the Eastern Division of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the ECA.) Another example is the combined Annual Caroling and Tree Lighting hosted by the Eastern Community Association in conjunction with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture. Also there is the Annual Community Cultural Festival sponsored by the Eastern Community Association in conjunction with the Eastern Division of the Royal Bahamas Police Force. The ECA also partners with the Eastern Police Division to provide crime reports and give presentation on staying safe in our eastern communities.

The ECA’s structure is founded on a form of Local Government and is intended to serve as a basis for preparing the residents of the eastern communities for the extension of the Local Government Act to the Island of New Providence, when ever it becomes at reality.

The annual festival serves as the major fund raiser for the ECA and other events include Movie in the Park and our annual Health Walk and Sunday school in the Park. We also visit a given church in East New Providence on the fourth Sunday every January to give thanks to The Almighty God.

The ECA exists to enhance and develop the eastern communities of the Island of New Providence, making them vibrant, engaging and safe to raise families and enjoy the pristine and picturesque Bahamian environment.

The ECA aims to cultivate active community associations in the eastern communities where these associations do not exist. Since its inception, community associations have been formed in St. Andrews Beach Estates, Sea Gull Gardens, Eastern Estates, Leeward and Twynam Heights. Efforts are at foot to establish a community association in the Township of Colony Village. There are also existing associations in Eastwood, Winton Meadows and Camperdown. They all assist the Police in the prevention and solution of crimes which affect us all.

The ECA liaises with respective Members of Parliament for the far east communities who attend meetings and address community concerns such as road clearing and verges, road paving. installation of speed bumps, street names, stop signs etc.

Another part of community building is working along with non- governmental organizations such as the National Art Gallery and The Bahamas National Trust to present information on creating sustainable events and improve our environment. The association also liaises with governmental agencies for presentation on major projects that affect the eastern communities.

Membership in the ECA is available to all residents of East New Providence and Mr. Karl Paul John Nay Russell Spencer JP continues to serve as President of the Association since its inception.

The Eastern Community Association is delighted to become affiliated with WE THE PEOPLE as we together strive to build a better Bahamas.