Bob and Jeanne Coughlin Boost Future of Exuma’s Moriah Harbour Cay National Park with $600,000 Gift to the Bahamas National Trust

April 27th, 2026 – GEORGETOWN, EXUMA

The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) announces Bob and Jeanne Coughlin have extended their support through a new three-year $600,000 commitment from their family foundation, earmarked for the protection of Moriah Harbour Cay National Park (MHCNP) while expanding environmental education and local stewardship.

This transformative gift follows more than $1 million in support provided by The Bob & Jeanne Foundation over the last five years, solidifying the Coughlin’s role as a cornerstone “Conservation Champion” for the Exuma community.

Their foundation’s initial investment of $200,000 in 2026 will help advance the BNT’s vision for national parks, with a strong focus on environmental education and youth engagement. Expanded support will strengthen both existing and new environmental youth programmes in Exuma, creating opportunities for hands-on learning, stewardship, and pathways into conservation careers for the next generation of Bahamians.

“The Bahamas needs a strong BNT to steward and protect its environmental heritage,” said Bob Coughlin. “Our support is grounded in a belief that conservation and education go hand in hand. By investing in this work, we’re helping equip the next generation of Bahamians to lead, protect, and sustain these natural resources for years to come,” said Bob Coughlin. “We believe in the BNT’s role and are proud to stand behind a team delivering meaningful, long-term impact in Exuma.”

“Through their efforts, Bob and Jeanne [Coughlin] have provided foundational and transformative support for the conservation and programming at Moriah Harbour Cay National Park,” shared MHCNP Manager Catherine Booker. “Understanding the need to be responsive and timely in giving, as well as appreciating the variety of needs under the umbrella of conservation, makes their contributions uniquely impactful.”

The foundation’s support already facilitates several integral roles within the park, including an Exuma Park Manager, two Park Wardens, and an Education and Outreach Officer. By covering these essential operating costs, the Foundation helps ensure that the park’s 22,833 acres of pristine beaches, sand dunes, coral reefs, and mangrove creeks remain protected, while deepening community engagement through education and outreach.

“The Coughlin family represents the spirit of visionary philanthropy,” said BNT Executive Director Lakeshia Anderson-Rolle. “Their commitment to the people and environment of Great Exuma allows us to invest in our greatest asset—our young people—by connecting them with nature, building environmental awareness, and inspiring the next generation of conservation leaders.”