FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
1. What is Cat Island United?
Cat Island United (CIU) is dedicated to the preservation and prosperity of Cat Island. It leads environmental preservation on Cat through volunteerism and bringing new resources to the Island—educational, technical, and financial. While CIU began as an environmental organization, our activities encompass traditional arts and crafts, farming and culture. CIU is incorporated in the Bahamas as a not-for-profit organization and is led by a diverse board of directors.
2. What is Friends of Cat Island United (FCIU)?
FCIU was formed in 2020 as a US based supporting organization to accept donations to support CIU. It is recognized as a US charitable organization under IRS 501(c)3 and donations may qualify for tax deductibility.
3. What are CIU’s accomplishments?
Cat Island Annual Earth Day Festival is the annual capstone event following three months of environmental activities in local schools.
Climate Smart Farming (2021) This award-winning project aims to improve food security and reduce carbon emissions by supplanting traditional “slash and burn” farming and expanding the growing season through water management and solar power pumps. The Sunshine Gardens are based in the two highs schools and one primary school and led by Agriculture teacher Mr. Horace Forbes. This project was made possibly by the Global Environment Fund (GEF) Small Grants Program (SGP)
Small Island Solar Solutions: CIU designed and installed economical small island solar solutions to provide electricity to unserved homes, irrigate farms, heat water and provide hurricane recovery. This project was made possible by the Global Environment Fund’s Small Grant Program, volunteer time and individual donations.
Healthy Lives CIU assisted in equipping the Smith Bay Medical Clinic with an x ray machine, available to all islanders and visitors. During the COVID pandemic, CIU equipped all four clinics with diagnostic equipment, therapeutic devices and PPE.
Young Entrepreneur Workshops train local teens to design and pitch a sustainable local business, which are challenged and judged in the local “Shark Tank” competitions Winners participate in environmental enrichment education at summer camps and abroad.
Youth Cultural Exchanges: Since 2015, about Cat Island High School students participated annually in a cultural student exchange with Bell High School. Washington DC.
Recycling: CIU set up and runs an aluminum can recycling activity, collecting cans from 12 recycling depots across Cat Island.
Marine Protected Areas: The Bahamian Government has gazetted 5 fragile creek and marine systems on Cat Island as protected areas and we are working with the government to help make these a reality.
4. How can I help?
You can donate directly at the Cat Island branch of the Bank of Bahamas branch or by wire. USD donations can be made by credit card on our website. To donate, go to https://catislandunited.com/support-usdonation.
To volunteer or serve on the board, we invite you to contact a Cat Island United board member.