Bahamas News
‘Mission for Mangroves’ eco-tour launched in Grand Bahama: visitors plant mangrove seedlings
#TheBahamas, December 5, 2023 – A newly launched tourism-based program will allow visitors to the shores of Grand Bahama to become a part of helping to restore the mangroves on the island, an important part of environmental sustainability.
‘Mission for Mangroves’ was officially launched in Grand Bahama on Monday, November 20, 2023. Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, the Hon. Chester Cooper, who was on island for the launch, said he was more than excited about having the opportunity to be a part of a program that was so tightly connected to the country’s tourism product.
“It is with great pleasure and unwavering commitment that we gather here today to celebrate a groundbreaking
initiative, poised to not only add another tourism experience in the Bahamas, but also to deepen our collective commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability,” Minister Cooper told those gathered at Pelican Bay Resort for the start of the program.
“Mission for Mangroves is not and should not be just an initiative, but it must herald the significance of mangroves themselves to our way of life. No mangroves, no environmentally sustainable eco-system: and without an environmentally sustainable eco-system, there would be no tourists and if there were no tourists, there is no economy, and if there is no economy, we could kiss our way of life good-bye.
“Therefore, we must herald the significance of living this mission and be sure that this is not just a pilot program, but we must be sure that all of our people are living this mission.”
The unique aspect of Mission for Mangroves is that it has been designed as a tour that tourists can participate in, as well as be a part of helping to restore the mangroves in Grand Bahama, by planting mangrove seedlings. The program is being promoted as an eco-tourism excursion. Tours will be conducted by specifically trained taxi drivers and tour guides, who were certified in Bahama Host as well as in aspects of the environment, including environment conservation and mangrove management. Certified as SOTES (Stewards of the Environment), these tour guides were trained by environmentally focused organizations in The Bahamas.
Hyped about the initiative and the potential for its future benefit to the country Minister Cooper challenged organizers to expedite the launch of the Mission for Mangroves initiative into other family islands.
“There is a great thirst for this program in all of our sixteen island destinations across our country,” Mr. Cooper noted. “When we did our research on sustainable tourism, we found that 76 percent of travelers have indicated that sustainability is important to them. Therefore, I can tell you today that our Director General of Tourism and all our executive directors are working diligently to relaunch sustainable tourism in all of our Family Island destinations.
“The mission for Mangroves clusters in Grand Bahama embodies our commitment to responsible governance and sustainability underpinned by a robust digital transformation strategy. Through this initiative we aim to empower designated stewards of the environment within the tourism sector, equipping them to deliver exceptional environmental tour experiences, centered on mangrove planting, conservation, and protection. Our objectives are clear – creating a sustainable link between tourism and coastal resilience, training and empowering our stewards of the environment, delivering customized environmental tour experiences. These experiences will not only create a destination allure but will also align with the growing demand for nature-based tourism, championing the eco-system, preservation and protecting vulnerable communities.”
Talks about sustainability and the eco-system are not new, Minister Cooper. In fact, he recalled his attendance at a World Tourism Organization forum in the Middle East, where he was asked about his thoughts on sustainability. He responded that sustainability was not a buzzword for The Bahamas, but rather a way of life. He added that it was not an option for The Bahamas, because it was how the Bahamian economy was built and, in a way, it represented what it meant to be Bahamian.
“I hope that the message that I gave to the world that day, can also be the message that our stewards can carry and the message that this initiative will send to the rest of The Bahamas, that what we’re doing here with the Mission for Mangroves is not optional and therefore we should all be stewards,” said Mr. Cooper.
“Individually and through the various entities we represent, we all must continue to be stewards of the environment. Hurricane Dorian left a profound impact on Grand Bahama, especially the significant loss of mangroves. A loss felt deeply by our community and our eco-system. But today we stand united, determined to not only restore what was lost, but to forge a path that elevates our environmental resilience, embraces responsible tourism, and addresses our climate commitment head-on.
“Our obligation to meet the nationally determined contributions to climate change impacts, is not just a commitment on paper, it’s a pledge etched in our actions. We are all aware of the fact that our Prime Minister has gone to the world stage as a champion on these matters. But I believe that there is a gap between the message that he is sending very eloquently and very strongly to the international community at the various COP seminars every year, and the regular man on the street.
“When I hear a grown man tell me that “we can’t eat climate change,” I believe that he has missed my message that with no mangroves, there will be no economy. It’s that simple. But it’s up to us in this room to send that message
clearly and to bridge the gap between the leadership our Prime Minister is having on the world stage and the regular man on the street.”
Minister Cooper noted that the Mission for Mangroves Project is a testament to the government’s adherence to the five essential pathways outlined in the Glasgow declaration for climate action in tourism: measuring impact, decarbonization, regenerating resources, fostering collaboration and ensuring sustainable finance.
He said the goal is to cultivate environmentally responsible nature-based tourism experiences that will not only support local hospitability entrepreneurs, but will also offer visitors to Grand Bahama a chance to experience firsthand the wonders of the mangroves, fostering a profound appreciation for nature’s magnificence.
“I’m happy to see that the world is finally catching up and having a greater appreciation for what has been our way of life for the last seven decades or more,” said Mr. Cooper. “This program is sustainable tourism on steroids, and I’m delighted that its starting in Grand Bahama Island. There is a close connection between the harrowing experiences that we’ve had in Grand Bahama and the need to protect our environment, but also the need to create and strengthen even more tourism product around sustainability and sustainable tourism.
The Bahamas, September 10, 2025 – Rescue swimmers from the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Aviation Training Center in
Mobile, Alabama visited Nassau to train Royal Bahamas Defense Force (RBDF) and Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) members in water survival skills as part of Operation Bahamas Turks and Caicos (OPBAT) earlier this week.
“Training alongside our USCG partners ensures our personnel are best prepared for the unique challenges of joint operations” said Superintendent Wendy Pearson, Commander Drug Enforcement Unit.
The multi-day exercise, centered on the USCG’s Shallow Water Egress Training (SWET), enhanced the safety and preparedness of Bahamian partners who routinely operate aboard USCG helicopters during OPBAT missions. The exercise provided hands-on instruction for 31 participants and strengthened interoperability between U.S. and Bahamian agencies engaged in counter-drug, search and rescue, and maritime security operations throughout the region.
“We were excited and proud to have the opportunity to share our expertise with our Bahamian partners. Not only did RBDF and RBPF
perform exceptionally well, they exceeded the standards we set for the event,” said Petty Officer Second Class Cole Johnson, USCG.
OPBAT is a cooperative multi-agency international operation supporting The Bahamas and Turks & Caicos Islands to stop illicit drug smuggling through the region. U.S. Embassy Nassau Chargé d’affaires Kimberly Furnish stated, “Since 1982, OPBAT has worked to stop the flow of illicit narcotics through the Caribbean, destined for the United States or other jurisdictions. This is international cooperation at its best.”
Bahamas News
Department of Gender Affairs Congratulates Rev. Clare Robinson on Historic Induction as First Female President/Bishop of BTCI Conference of The Methodist Church
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 4 September 2025 — The Department of Gender Affairs, within the Ministry of Home Affairs, Religious Affairs, and Transportation, extends heartfelt congratulations to Reverend Clare Robinson on her historic achievement of becoming the first woman in 213 years to be inducted as President/Bishop of the Bahamas Turks & Caicos Islands Conference (BTCI) of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas (MCCA); a Momentous Occasion in the History of Gender Equality.
The Department of Gender Affairs proudly celebrates this moment of progress and inspiration, recognising Reverend Clare Robinson as a beacon of faith and leadership for generations to come. Reverend Robinson’s induction is a monumental triumph for women in leadership, for the Church, and for society as a whole. Her trailblazing journey affirms the limitless potential of women to lead with wisdom, faith, and courage.
The induction service will be held at Wesley Methodist Church, Malcolm Road, Nassau, The Bahamas, in a landmark ceremony led by Reverend Ron Juan Simson, Connectional President of the MCCA. Joining in this historic occasion will be a high-level delegation from the Turks & Caicos Islands, underscoring the regional significance of this milestone and the unity of our Methodist community across the Caribbean and the Americas.
Born in South Caicos and raised in Grand Turk, Reverend Robinson is no stranger to breaking barriers. She is the first female itinerant
presbyter and the first female superintendent minister of both the North and South Turks & Caicos Islands circuits. Answering God’s call to full-time ministry in 2005, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theology (First Class Honours) from the University of the West Indies and a Master of Divinity, before serving faithfully within the MCCA. She will now lead 37 Methodist congregations across The Bahamas and Turks & Caicos Islands.
Reverend Robinson has been married to Mr. Irvin Robinson for 34 years, and together they are the proud parents of one daughter, Charnelle Robinson. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Robinson family for their unwavering support and understanding, which has been instrumental in Reverend Robinson’s journey and her ability to serve the Church and the community.
In celebrating this milestone, the Hon. Shaun David Malcolm MP, Minister of Home Affairs remarked:
“Today, we celebrate a truly historic achievement in the life of the Church and in the advancement of gender equality across our region. The induction of Reverend Clare Robinson as the first female President/Bishop of the Bahamas Turks & Caicos Islands Conference of the Methodist Church after 213 years, stands as a powerful testament to faith, perseverance, and the limitless potential of women in leadership. On behalf of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Religious Affairs & Transport and in particular, the Department of Gender Affairs, I extend heartfelt congratulations to Reverend Robinson on this remarkable accomplishment. Her elevation to this sacred office affirms God’s call on her life and inspires every woman and girl to know that their gifts, talents, and service are vital to nation-building and the advancement of God’s Kingdom.”
We are confident that Reverend Robinson’s leadership will strengthen the spiritual and moral fabric of our communities, as Minister responsible for Religious Affairs it is not only our responsibility but our obligation, to pledge and support as she embarks on this historic journey. May God grant her wisdom, courage, and grace as she fulfils this divine calling.
Mrs. Carolyn Dickenson, Director of gender Affairs, stated that “Reverend Robinson stands as living proof that faith knows no gender and leadership knows no bounds. Her induction is not just history, it is prophecy fulfilled. Her journey is a beacon of hope, not only for women of faith but for every woman who has ever been told her place was limited. Today, the glass ceiling within the Church has been shattered, and the sound of its breaking will echo for generations. This induction is more than a ceremony it is a revolution of possibility. To every girl across the Bahamas and Turks & Caicos Islands who wonders if she is enough, Reverend Robinson’s achievement shouts back: You are more than enough. Let this moment ignite dreams, stir courage, and remind us all that when women rise, communities rise, nations rise, and the Kingdom of God is strengthened. This is just the beginning of a brighter future.
Additionally, the officers and members of the Women in Development and Women in Sports, extends heartfelt congratulations to Rev. Clare on this historic milestone. Your achievement is not only a personal triumph but also an inspiration to women everywhere who strive to lead, to serve, and to break new ground.
The Department of Gender Affairs stands proudly with Reverend Robinson, pledging to continue championing equality, empowerment, and leadership for all women and girls.
Congratulations Rev. Clare.
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