FAQS

Who is Cat Island United?

We are a Bahamian non-profit corporation led by a volunteer board and supporting members bringing resources to support conservation efforts, enrichment programs for youth and community initiatives.    We began in 2013 as a group of like-minded friends to sponsor the first Cat Island Earth Day Festival, working with the schools to raise awareness of Cat Island’s eco system and threats. In 2017, we organized as a non-profit with a board comprising Cat Islanders and winter residents. Our name reflects our underlying belief that we are united in our love for Cat Island, its culture and people, and our appreciation for the unspoiled beauty of both the land and marine areas.

   Who are Friends of Cat Island United?

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

How is CIU making a difference?

CIU has been operating a recycling operation since 2017 with over 1,000 pounds of aluminum removed from the Island and recycled back into manufacturing. Beach clean ups of washed-up plastic and dissecting of fish stomachs have help raise young people’s awareness of the dangers of single use plastics both for the environment and the food chain. “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 solar panels have given power to needy residents without electricity. 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, which have included the prize winning Cat Island Youth Marching Band, the Bennetts Harbor Library and the Cat Island Cancer Society and sponsor annually the Cat Island Earth Day Festival.

How Can I Help?

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

We need volunteers to assist us in the following programs

  • Cat Island Earth Day Festival (April)

  • Schools: art, poetry, farming, beach clean-ups

  • Young Entrepreneurs: mentoring youth with business start-up ideas to pitch at the annual Shark Tank competition (February to April)

  • Recycling

  • Community Composting

  • Journalism and news