he Bahamas National Trust (BNT), the nation’s leading environmental conservation organization, hosted its Annual General Meeting on October 21 at The Retreat Garden on Village Road. The event highlighted a special honor, major organizational progress, including the recognition of two Conservation Champions and a Conservation Legend.
The AGM brought together BNT members to review the past year’s achievements, elect new council representatives, and receive an update on the organization’s progress during the last year.
BNT President Joanne Smith updated members on progress over the past year. She emphasized the importance financial sustainability and the outstanding work of the BNT staff throughout the year.
The key operational advancements and achievements shared during the AGM included the success of several fundraising initiatives–Christmas Jollification which supports The Retreat Garden and Festival Noel in Grand Bahama supporting the Grand Bahama National Parks. Special mention was made of the annual Cuban Pig Roast which raised over 150,000 to support the five national parks on San Salvador. The Silver Fox fishing tournament organized by the Callendar Family and Albany raised over $70,000 serving as an important philanthropic pillar in preserving the marine environment.
Seahorse National Park in North Eleuthera, the BNT’s newest park in the system, has great biodiversity importance but will also be an important economic contributor to Eleuthera’s tourism product. The President was excited to share the architectural renderings for the Phase 1 Infrastructure Farmer’s Market and Crafts Market as well as the Education Pavillion. A groundbreaking ceremony is planned for January 2027.
After a six-year hiatus, EcoCamp a youth environmental leadership programme, returned as a signature initiative of the BNT’s education and outreach programme. Learning came to life across the landscapes of Andros, where EcoCamp participants hiked, swam in blue holes, examined local species and camped beneath the stars. EcoCamp brings together teenagers from across The Bahamas for eight days at the Forfar Field Station.
This year’s activities centered on the critically endangered Smalltooth Sawfish. Fieldwork gave campers a closer understanding of the species, the habitats it needs to survive and what is involved in protecting it.
Elections at the AGM saw the election of five new positions that were filled mainly by returning members with Emmanual Alexiou joining the BNT Council for the first time. BNT officers for the next 12 months are President, Joanne Smith; Vice President, Janet Johnson; Honorary Secretary, Jasmin Strachan and Honorary Treasurer, Geoff Andrews.
At the October meeting, BNT Executive Director Lakeshia Anderson-Rolle announced that His Majesty King Charles III had graciously accepted the Patronage of the Bahamas National Trust, continuing the Trust’s longstanding royal association. This honor recognizes the dedication of the BNT in protecting The Bahamas’ national parks and natural heritage. His Majesty’s commitment to environmental stewardship deeply aligns with the organisation’s mission. A special honor was given to the BNT as Bonefish Pond National Park was selected as the conservation site for the King’s visit.
A key highlight of the meeting was the recognition of three outstanding BNT volunteers and supporters. Mark Gonsalves and Jason McDowall were honored as Conservation Champions and The Bob and Jeanne Coughlin Foundation was acclaimed as a Conservation Legend.
Mark Gonsalves is a long serving volunteer in Abaco. He has maintained the moorings in the Pelican Cays Land Sea Park for over 20 years and assisted with marine research on sea turtles, crawfish and other marine species Mark’s exceptional seamanship, environmental expertise, and unwavering devotion to Abaco’s protected areas exemplify the spirit of community stewardship. The BNT was pleased to recognized Mark as a Conservation Champion for his distinguished service and sustained commitment to marine conservation in Abaco since 1999.
Jason McDowall was recognized as a Conservation Champion for his exceptional philanthropic leadership and ongoing dedication to the protection of The Bahamas National Park system. The BNT introduced Parks Fest in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic as a virtual event and marketplace app created by the Bahamas National Trust and Bahamas Local to support local artisans, crafts, and conservation efforts when traditional, in-person festivals were paused. The successful execution of the digital initiative relied heavily on the expertise and generosity of Bahamas Local and Mr. Jason McDowall. The team fully conceptualized, engineered, and donated a custom online auction platform and payment processing architecture. Furthermore, they provided essential technical onboarding for participating vendors, enabling local artisans to transition seamlessly to e-commerce during the peak holiday season.
The Bahamas National Trust recognizes Conservation Legends for their outstanding leadership, vision and spirit of philanthropy that builds and supports the National Parks of The Bahamas.
The Bahamas National Trust extends its deepest gratitude to the Bob and Jeanne Coughlin Foundation for their extraordinary dedication to preserving the natural heritage of The Bahamas. As true “Conservation Legends” for the Exuma community, Bob and Jeanne Coughlin have demonstrated transformative vision and unwavering support for environmental protection and local stewardship.
Building on more than $1 million in support over the past five years, the Coughlin family foundation has pledged a new three-year, $600,000 commitment to safeguard Moriah Harbour Cay National Park (MHCNP) and empower the next generation of Bahamian conservation leaders. Their initial $200,000 investment in 2026 continues to advance the protection of 22,833 acres of pristine beaches, sand dunes, coral reefs, and vital mangrove ecosystems.
Beyond land protection, the foundation’s philanthropy sustains essential operational roles—including a Dedicated Park Manager, Park Wardens, and an Education and Outreach Officer—while expanding hands-on environmental education and youth programs in Exuma. By investing in youth engagement, community outreach, and pathways to conservation careers, the Bob and Jeanne Coughlin Foundation is helping ensure that the natural treasures of Exuma are protected, sustained, and cherished for generations to come.
