If you ever needed proof that Bahamians do not just talk but act, take a walk through Conservation Cove in Freeport. This is where the restoration of The Bahamas is beginning, not just with buildings or businesses, but with mangroves, coral, and a serious commitment to saving what is ours.

Conservation Cove is the work of Blue Action, a climate-focused organization born in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian shook our islands to the core. That storm was a wake-up call. Lives were lost. Homes gone. And the message was clear: if we do not take care of our environment, we will keep paying the price.

Blue Action responded by turning pain into purpose. Instead of rebuilding the same way and hoping for the best, they focused on future-proofing our communities with nature. Conservation Cove isn’t some imported idea. It’s a Bahamian-grown space for innovation, where local and global thinkers alike come together to build climate solutions.

One of the most impressive efforts underway is mangrove restoration. After Dorian, much of Grand Bahama’s natural mangrove forests were wiped out. Blue Action, along with partners like Waterkeepers Bahamas, has been leading hands-on planting missions to restore the coastline tree by tree. It’s hard work, but it’s paying off. Even the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited to plant one themselves, showing the world that something meaningful is happening here in our small country.

Beyond the shore, Conservation Cove is home to Coral Vita, the world’s first land based coral farm dedicated to reef restoration. Instead of watching coral die off in the ocean, Coral Vita is growing stronger, more resilient corals in tanks, then planting them back into our reefs.

Right alongside the mangroves and coral is another part of our culture that’s quietly slipping away, the Queen Conch. Once a symbol of abundance, conch numbers are dwindling. At Conservation Cove efforts are in place to keep them from disappearing. Hatchery work is being done to protect and rebuild conch populations.

The vision for Conservation Cove doesn’t stop there. In the coming years, the space will expand to include eco-tourism experiences with virtual and augmented reality. Guests will walk through time, from the early sustainable lifestyles of the Lucayans to the pirate era, the drug-fueled 80s, and into today’s climate fight. There will be co-working and event spaces designed to spotlight Bahamian NGOs and changemakers.

Founder Rupert Hayward puts it plainly: “If we don’t do our bit to create sustainable futures for our children and grandchildren, it’s going to be hard to be in The Bahamas. Rising seas and bigger storms are a threat to our communities and our way of life. Conservation Cove is one small way we can contribute to solving those problems.”

Conservation Cove is more than a project, it’s a shift in mindset. A reminder that we’re not helpless. That our best defense is our environment, and our best asset is our people.

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More Bahamian musicians are adopting American styles, rapping with U.S. accents, using trap beats, and referencing foreign lifestyles. While some of this is natural influence, too much of it makes the music feel inauthentic.

The Bahamas has its own rich musical identity, rooted in Junkanoo, rake n’ scrape, and a unique dialect. When artists abandon that, they lose what makes them different. Global success doesn’t require imitation, look at how Afrobeats and dancehall gained popularity by staying true to their roots.

Bahamian artists don’t need to sound like Americans to be successful. They just need to sound like themselves.

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Every now and then, you stumble upon a chef who doesn’t just cook, they create magic. That’s exactly what happened when I came across the Instagram page of Chef Angela Greene, the powerhouse behind Dirty Martini Catering. I was instantly hooked by her stunning presentation, and let me tell you — the taste lives up to the look!

From her crave-worthy charcuterie boxes (those cheese balls and homemade jams- my FAVORITE!) to her mouthwatering Thanksgiving plates packed with flavor and love, Chef Angela consistently proves why she’s a culinary force on this island. Her dishes don’t just feed you — they put you in such a happy place, a place I can only describe as a culinary haven.

Dirty Martini Catering is the epitome of elegance and flavor. Chef Angela’s signature style is clean, vibrant, and luxurious — every platter is a feast for the eyes before it even hits your taste buds. Her veggie wraps are bright, fresh, and bursting with crunch, layered like edible artwork. And those golden, crispy spring rolls? Absolute perfection — with a sweet chili dip that seals the deal. Her food speaks volumes without saying a word, telling a story of intention, finesse, and that undeniable homemade love. Whether you’re booking her for a luxe private event or grabbing a to-go treat, her catering doesn’t miss — ever.

Now here’s the best part. You can get in on this gourmet greatness next Sunday at one of the most anticipated foodie events of the season for me!

Dirty Martini Catering presents the 2nd Annual Mother’s Day Brunch this Sunday, May 11th, 2025 from 12 PM – 5 PM at the City of Life. Expect vibrant vibes, a cozy atmosphere, and a FREE mimosa for every mom. With live entertainment, prizes, and private cabanas, this isn’t just brunch — it’s a full-on celebration of motherhood while indulging in culinary excellence.

So if you’re in Grand Bahama and looking for somewhere special to treat mom (or yourself — no judgment because that’s exactly what I’m doing), this is the move. Don’t miss out, Chef Angela is bringing the flavor as always, and you’ll want to be there to taste every bite.

Freeport Business Expo 2: A Step Forward for Entrepreneurs

The Freeport Business Expo: Tourism Edition 2, hosted at the Grand Lucayan, brought together local entrepreneurs and tourism professionals to explore new opportunities. Attendees had the chance to connect with potential business partners, while learning about the development of historic and cultural tourist attractions. The expo also provided insights into the amusement industry and offered information on funding options to support business growth. Workshops and one-on-one sessions with industry leaders provided valuable knowledge for those looking to enter or expand within the tourism sector. It was a meaningful opportunity to build connections and gain practical advice for growing businesses.

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A New Wave of Bahamian Creativity: Inside The Current

The Current at Baha Mar is redefining how the world experiences Bahamian art and culture. Located inside the Baha Mar resort, it serves as a hub for both locals and art lovers from around the world to engage with Bahamian creativity and innovation.

At the heart of it are the artists. Whether it’s Lynn Parotti’s The Rewilding of Aquabotanica, which explores nature’s resilience, or There’s Always A Story, showcasing the works of Jason Bennett, Peter Bizzell, and Stacey Lawrence, The Current highlights Bahamian art that tells powerful stories of life, identity, and our relationship with the environment.

The Current also connects The Bahamas with the global art scene, hosting international events like the upcoming FUZE Art Fair, which will bring Caribbean artists and collectors from all over the world. For those wanting to take a piece of The Bahamas home, their boutique offers handcrafted jewelry and one-of-a-kind décor that reflects the soul of the islands.

The Current is playing a major role in helping Bahamian art grow and redefining what Bahamian culture can be on the world stage. It’s where past, present, and future Bahamian stories are shared.