FAQS

Who are Cat Island United (CIU)?

We are a Bahamian non-profit corporation dedicated to environmental preservation, youth empowerment and community support. Led by a diverse board of directors, our supporting members comprise native Cat Islanders, winter residents, visitors and partners. Our core values are: Our name reflects our fundamental belief that we are united in our love for Cat Island, its culture and the unspoiled beauty of its land, creeks and marine protected areas. And our core values are:

   Who are Friends of Cat Island United (FCIU)?

Friends of Cat Island United (FCIU) is a US incorporated non-profit supporting organation, whose mission is to raise funds to help our environmental, youth and community work. FCIU and CIU have interlocking Boards of Directors to assure alignment.

FCIU and CIU Core Values

  • SUPPORT-Support the Cat Island Community

  • COMPASSION-All our interactions with each other and the Cat Island community will be with

    compassion.

  • INTEGRITY-Conducting and communicating our business with openness and integrity.

  • TRANSPARENCY-Responsive to, representative of, and in service to our community

  • ACCOUNTABILITY -to ourselves, to the board of directors and to the community

How is CIU making a difference?

CIU has been operating a recycling operation since 2017 with one to two thousand pounds of aluminum removed annually from the Island and recycled back into manufacturing through our partner, Cans 4 Kids. “Smart farms” in the schools have taught youths how to grow food locally using solar driven pumps and drip irrigation for water management, as well as providing fresh vegetables and eggs to the community. Composting drives reduce the need for imported fertilizer and improve crops. And our solar project has given power to needy residents without electricity as well as diffusing the technology We’ve sought to inspire youth to become young entrepreneurs through the annual Shark Tank competition and arouse passion for environmental protection through summer camps, school enrichment programs, internships and student exchanges. We assisted in bringing to the Island more advanced medical facilities including its first x ray machine and dental equipment now available to all at the Smith Bay medical clinic. We support local community initiatives, including the prize winning Cat Island Youth Marching Band, the Bennetts Harbor Library and the Cat Island Cancer Society. Finally, we sponsor annually our flagship Cat Island Earth Day Festival.

How Can I Become Involved?

There are three ways to help: 1. Financial assistance 2. Volunteer 3. Introduce us to friends or….

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