what we support.
Community programs and initiatives that make a difference.
Conservation
Moriah Harbour Cay National Park.
The Moriah Harbour Cay National Park was established in 2002 to protect the beautiful land and seascapes of Moriah Harbour Cay and its surrounding coastal habitats. The park is managed by The Bahamas National Trust, a national nonprofit organization that manages parks throughout the Bahamian archipelago. We support the BNT’s efforts to protect the seagrass, coral reef, and mangrove ecosystems of Moriah Harbour Cay National Park and provide opportunities for park visitors to the area to learn, enjoy, and take part in conservation. For more information on the Bahamas National Trust, visit their website.
Elizabeth harbour partnership.
The mission of the Elizabeth Harbour Conservation Partnership is to guide the ecologically sustainable development of the coastal zone and waters of Elizabeth Harbour with the aim of enhancing tourism, fisheries, and recreational use, through stakeholder education and participation, and collaborative management of harbour facilities, for the benefit of present and future generations. Friends of Exuma supports the EHP’s initiatives to improve water quality in Elizabeth Harbour and minimize the impact of boating tourism. For more information, visit the Elizabeth Harbour Conservation website.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
exuma sailing club.
Where else in the world does sport and culture integrate so deeply? In the Exumas, sailing regattas are as much about homecoming, family, and celebration as they are teamwork and good sportsmanship. The ESC plays an integral part in keeping that spirit alive, allowing boys and girls to access the sport at a young age, to experience pride of racing their own sloops, and develop important core skills which help them excel into adulthood. Donations go towards prioritizing kids and boats, with a long-term goal of purchasing an A Class sloop for the George Town Community. For more information visit the Exuma Sailing Club website.
“ Sailing is a metaphor for living. The Exuma Sailing Club is magic that instills discipline, teamwork, and community.”
- KB, Owner of Chat ‘n Chill Restaurant
“The Exuma Sailing Club continues to positively impact the youth in our community. They have brought the joy, knowledge, and love of the sport of Bahamian sailing back to life and are a great asset to George Town as a whole.”
- Mrs. Deborah Parotti
Nelson ranger junior tennis program.
Nelson Ranger believes in giving back to the community. A product of a youth scholarship program that steamrolled him on a course that led him to pursue opportunities abroad, he is passionate about bringing similar opportunities to the youth in the Exuma community. His tennis program instills a sense of discipline, professionalism and comradery to boys and girls in this program. For more information visit Nelson Ranger’s website.
Tour de turquoise.
A 70k bike ride fundraiser in partnership with the local high school in Great Exuma. The next event will be held Saturday, January 21, 2023. Visit www.rideforhope.com for more information.
COMMUNITY RELIEF & CULTURAL PRESERVATION
St. Andrews Community relief program.
The St. Andrews Community Relief Program focuses on two areas: hurricane relief and the recent effects from the global economic shutdown. Support is administered by the church to assist the entire Georgetown community. This past year they served around 200 families by providing food and housing relief due to effects of unemployment. This program is now wrapped up, but we will continue to look at additional relief as needed.
Run for Pompey
Friends of Exuma is sponsoring and supporting the Run for Pompey to raise money for the event, as well as a scholarship fund. The 2021 event was not held, however the proceeds for 2020 were used to support Covid Relief and tablets for remote learning. This year, the event will be on November 12, 2022 and the running events include a 2K, 5K, 10K and a half marathon. This event is a unique mix of history, culture, and sport. For more information visit the Run for Pompey website.
exuma arts network.
The Exuma Arts Network has partnered with the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas to bring arts programming to the community in Exuma. One program is the NAGB’s Inter Island Travelling Exhibition (ITE) which will be on Great Exuma March and Apri 2022. One of the primary objectives is to expose students to Bahamian arts and culture through interactive workshops during the 1-2 months long exhibition by bringing them from across the island to the venue.
The Exuma Arts Network is also working towards obtaining their own space. A structured space opens a more consistent opportunity for the arts community to connect with the organization and the services it has to offer.