Yntegra Group proudly joined the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation as a gold sponsor of the 2025 Bahamas Bonefishing Tournament Series, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable tourism, community upliftment, and the preservation of Bahamian natural heritage.

Spanning Grand Bahama, Andros, Eleuthera and Exuma, the tournament brings together anglers from across The Bahamas and around the world to compete while promoting catch-and-release practices and conservation awareness. The championship round, set to take place in Black Point, Exuma from October 21 to 26, will conclude a season celebrating the beauty of the Family Islands and the vital role of local communities in the nation’s tourism industry.

“Events like this bring the community together. People are excited because it celebrates the culture and environment of the Bahamas and brings in tourists who eat at the restaurants and stay at the resorts. The tournament is also creating jobs and providing training for more residents to become bonefishing guides,” said Felipe MacLean, CEO of Yntegra Group. “We are proud to sponsor the Bonefishing Tournament because we believe in supporting initiatives that respect the environment, strengthen communities, and create opportunities for Bahamians.” . 

As a gold sponsor, Yntegra remains committed to promoting Bahamian culture and traditions while creating meaningful connections between visitors and local communities. In addition to the anticipated creation of more than 400 jobs and various opportunities for Bahamian businesses, Yntegra Group is also committed to supporting the local community. The sponsorship of the 2025 Bahamas Bonefishing Tournament Series is the latest in Yntegra Group’s ongoing community initiatives in Exuma, which also include sponsoring ‘Class A’ regatta champions Silent Partner, the 2025 SSCA Bahamas Gathering, and providing donations to the Black Point All-Age School and community clinic. 

Job seekers and business owners are encouraged to visit www.sampsoncayproject.com to sign up for employment and business opportunities.  

Yntegra Group proudly joined the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation as a gold sponsor of the 2025 Bahamas Bonefishing Tournament Series, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable tourism, community upliftment, and the preservation of Bahamian natural heritage. Spanning Grand Bahama, Andros, Eleuthera and Exuma, the tournament brings together anglers from across The Bahamas and around the world to compete while promoting catch-and-release practices and conservation awareness. The championship round, set to take place in Black Point, Exuma from October 21 to 26, will conclude a season celebrating the beauty of the Family Islands and the vital role of local communities in the nation’s tourism industry. “Events like this bring the community together. People are excited because it celebrates the culture and environment of the Bahamas and brings in tourists who eat at the restaurants and stay at the resorts. The tournament is also creating jobs and providing training for more residents to become bonefishing guides,” said Felipe MacLean, CEO of Yntegra Group. “We are proud to sponsor the Bonefishing Tournament because we believe in supporting initiatives that respect the environment, strengthen communities, and create opportunities for Bahamians.” .  As a gold sponsor, Yntegra remains committed to promoting Bahamian culture and traditions while creating meaningful connections between visitors and local communities. In addition to the anticipated creation of more than 400 jobs and various opportunities for Bahamian businesses, Yntegra Group is also committed to supporting the local community. The sponsorship of the 2025 Bahamas Bonefishing Tournament Series is the latest in Yntegra Group’s ongoing community initiatives in Exuma, which also include sponsoring ‘Class A’ regatta champions Silent Partner, the 2025 SSCA Bahamas Gathering, and providing donations to the Black Point All-Age School and community clinic.  Job seekers and business owners are encouraged to visit www.sampsoncayproject.com to sign up for employment and business opportunities.  

In 2020, a study found that there are more than 500 ingredients used in pet food recipes, including more than 8.5 million tons of animal- and plant-based products. Pet food makers consider a range of different needs that must be reflected in the food when formulating the ingredients available.
 
Most commercially prepared pet foods are “complete and balanced,” which means each serving meets a pet’s total nutritional needs and provides essential nutrients at the proper levels. Nutrients including vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and amino acids.
 
Dogs and cats require more than 40 essential nutrients to help support their growth, development and body systems. Although these nutrients may be found naturally in pet food ingredients, they are also added in supplemental forms to the food recipe to ensure pets are provided the proper ratios for complete and balanced nutrition.
 
Aside from providing essential nutrients these functions can also include tastiness, digestibility and the ability to hold shape, all of which contribute to your pet’s desire to eat the food or palatability.
 
What many people don’t know is that by-products, which according to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) are “secondary products produced in addition to the principal product,” can be excellent sources of nutrition for both cats and dogs. Animal by-products, such as organ meat, are typically the first part of prey consumed by animals in the wild because it offers the most densely packed and wide-ranging nutrients.
 
Some by-products may also be turned into a meal based on a process called rendering, when the plant or animal ingredient is cooked at a high temperature to ensure the destruction of any pathogens such as salmonella or E. Coli, while still providing the amino acids, vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates that support pet health.
 
The AAFCO or the U.S. Food & Drug Administration go through a rigorous review process to recognize the use of food coloring, artificial flavours and preservatives that are deemed appropriate.
 
Preservatives that are naturally sourced from vitamin E or other artificial sources may also be used in small, regulated amounts to prevent food from spoiling.
 
Small amounts of food coloring can come from either an artificial or natural source and may be added to a pet food recipe to satisfy pet owners’ preference. With exception to “smokey” or bacon flavors, pet foods rarely include artificial flavors. If they do, pet food makers will typically include a nutrient-dense rendered meal that pets find desirable.
 
Pet lovers should feel confident in their pet’s food after learning why an ingredient such as a rendered by-product, added vitamins or minerals, or preservatives may be included. When paired with important safety steps, it means that shoppers have access to multiple food choices to help their pet enjoy a long and healthy life.
 
About Pet Food Institute
The Pet Food Institute (PFI) is a non-profit organization that has been committed to helping dogs and cats live long and healthy lives for over 60 years.  PFI members make the vast majority of all U.S. pet food and treat products.  As the voice of U.S. pet food makers, Pet Food Institute provides information about pet food safety, nutrition and health to pet lovers. The organization works throughout the Caribbean region, particularly The Bahamas, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago and The Turks & Caicos Islands, promoting wellness and nutrition for dog and cat enthusiasts.

In 2020, a study found that there are more than 500 ingredients used in pet food recipes, including more than 8.5 million tons of animal- and plant-based products. Pet food makers consider a range of different needs that must be reflected in the food when formulating the ingredients available.   Most commercially prepared pet foods are “complete and balanced,” which means each serving meets a pet’s total nutritional needs and provides essential nutrients at the proper levels. Nutrients including vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and amino acids.   Dogs and cats require more than 40 essential nutrients to help support their growth, development and body systems. Although these nutrients may be found naturally in pet food ingredients, they are also added in supplemental forms to the food recipe to ensure pets are provided the proper ratios for complete and balanced nutrition.   Aside from providing essential nutrients these functions can also include tastiness, digestibility and the ability to hold shape, all of which contribute to your pet’s desire to eat the food or palatability.   What many people don’t know is that by-products, which according to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) are “secondary products produced in addition to the principal product,” can be excellent sources of nutrition for both cats and dogs. Animal by-products, such as organ meat, are typically the first part of prey consumed by animals in the wild because it offers the most densely packed and wide-ranging nutrients.   Some by-products may also be turned into a meal based on a process called rendering, when the plant or animal ingredient is cooked at a high temperature to ensure the destruction of any pathogens such as salmonella or E. Coli, while still providing the amino acids, vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates that support pet health.   The AAFCO or the U.S. Food & Drug Administration go through a rigorous review process to recognize the use of food coloring, artificial flavours and preservatives that are deemed appropriate.   Preservatives that are naturally sourced from vitamin E or other artificial sources may also be used in small, regulated amounts to prevent food from spoiling.   Small amounts of food coloring can come from either an artificial or natural source and may be added to a pet food recipe to satisfy pet owners’ preference. With exception to “smokey” or bacon flavors, pet foods rarely include artificial flavors. If they do, pet food makers will typically include a nutrient-dense rendered meal that pets find desirable.   Pet lovers should feel confident in their pet’s food after learning why an ingredient such as a rendered by-product, added vitamins or minerals, or preservatives may be included. When paired with important safety steps, it means that shoppers have access to multiple food choices to help their pet enjoy a long and healthy life.   About Pet Food Institute The Pet Food Institute (PFI) is a non-profit organization that has been committed to helping dogs and cats live long and healthy lives for over 60 years.  PFI members make the vast majority of all U.S. pet food and treat products.  As the voice of U.S. pet food makers, Pet Food Institute provides information about pet food safety, nutrition and health to pet lovers. The organization works throughout the Caribbean region, particularly The Bahamas, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago and The Turks & Caicos Islands, promoting wellness and nutrition for dog and cat enthusiasts.

Andros Nature Tour Guides and Turks & Caicos Islands Tour Guide Exchange

Nature tour guides from the Bahamas and the Turks & Caicos Islands recently embarked on an exciting field exchange, sharing their expertise and passion for birdwatching in a cross-cultural collaboration. This dynamic event followed the certification of Andros nature tour guides, and was brought to life by BAMSI, the National Audubon Society and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (TCI). The goal was to bring together guides from Andros and South Caicos for a transformational birdwatching adventure.

The Andros-based certified nature tour guides had the incredible opportunity to travel to South Caicos, where they shared their birdwatching knowledge with guides from Turks Island (bone-fishing) and expanded their understanding of wetland birds in the Caribbean. In return, the South Caicos team ventured to Andros in December 2024 for their own exchange.

Sponsored by the National Audubon Society, this exchange aimed to help the newly certified nature guides gain confidence in leading birdwatching tours, with a special focus on improving shorebird identification. Both Andros and South Caicos are known as hotspots for migratory shorebirds, such as the Piping Plover and resident species like the iconic West Indian Flamingo. The wetlands, rich in wildlife, proved to be the perfect backdrop for this exciting educational experience.

The Andros nature tour guides, trained to lead bird-centric tours, explored a variety of habitats, from the vast wetlands of mangroves and flats to the mystical pinelands of North Andros. They were thrilled to spot the elusive Great Lizard Cuckoo and the endangered Bahama Oriole, a species found only on Andros. The tour also took them to the mesmerizing blue holes and into the winding creeks of North Andros, offering a glimpse into the island's interior ecosystem.

This experience provided the nature tour guide trainees an opportunity to showcase their birdwatching skills and knowledge of the natural heritage trails of Andros. BAMSI degree program students of environmental science, agriculture and marine science are encouraged to take the nature tour guide certification course to bolster their understanding of the connection between birds and climate change impact.

The exchange also celebrated the rich cultural ties between The Bahamas and Turks & Caicos, with the group bonding over shared meals and thought-provoking discussions on topics from small business entrepreneurship to the price of food. From the hearty breakfast of ‘fire engine’ (grits and corned beef), which was no stranger to the Turks Islanders, to mouth-watering cracked conch, the culinary exchange was just as unforgettable as the birdwatching.

This collaboration not only strengthened the guides' skills but also forged lasting connections with our neighbours to the south, fostering a deeper appreciation for our shared unique natural wonders.

Andros Nature Tour Guides and Turks & Caicos Islands Tour Guide Exchange Nature tour guides from the Bahamas and the Turks & Caicos Islands recently embarked on an exciting field exchange, sharing their expertise and passion for birdwatching in a cross-cultural collaboration. This dynamic event followed the certification of Andros nature tour guides, and was brought to life by BAMSI, the National Audubon Society and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (TCI). The goal was to bring together guides from Andros and South Caicos for a transformational birdwatching adventure. The Andros-based certified nature tour guides had the incredible opportunity to travel to South Caicos, where they shared their birdwatching knowledge with guides from Turks Island (bone-fishing) and expanded their understanding of wetland birds in the Caribbean. In return, the South Caicos team ventured to Andros in December 2024 for their own exchange. Sponsored by the National Audubon Society, this exchange aimed to help the newly certified nature guides gain confidence in leading birdwatching tours, with a special focus on improving shorebird identification. Both Andros and South Caicos are known as hotspots for migratory shorebirds, such as the Piping Plover and resident species like the iconic West Indian Flamingo. The wetlands, rich in wildlife, proved to be the perfect backdrop for this exciting educational experience. The Andros nature tour guides, trained to lead bird-centric tours, explored a variety of habitats, from the vast wetlands of mangroves and flats to the mystical pinelands of North Andros. They were thrilled to spot the elusive Great Lizard Cuckoo and the endangered Bahama Oriole, a species found only on Andros. The tour also took them to the mesmerizing blue holes and into the winding creeks of North Andros, offering a glimpse into the island's interior ecosystem. This experience provided the nature tour guide trainees an opportunity to showcase their birdwatching skills and knowledge of the natural heritage trails of Andros. BAMSI degree program students of environmental science, agriculture and marine science are encouraged to take the nature tour guide certification course to bolster their understanding of the connection between birds and climate change impact. The exchange also celebrated the rich cultural ties between The Bahamas and Turks & Caicos, with the group bonding over shared meals and thought-provoking discussions on topics from small business entrepreneurship to the price of food. From the hearty breakfast of ‘fire engine’ (grits and corned beef), which was no stranger to the Turks Islanders, to mouth-watering cracked conch, the culinary exchange was just as unforgettable as the birdwatching. This collaboration not only strengthened the guides' skills but also forged lasting connections with our neighbours to the south, fostering a deeper appreciation for our shared unique natural wonders.

Pet Food Institute (PFI) in partnership with The Bahamas Humane Society (BHS) will be hosting its first annual fundraiser, “Wag & Walk,” a walkathon for dogs this Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 6am.  “Every member of the general public who loves animals and wants to help the Bahamas Humane Society is invited to join us at the shelter at 6am on Saturday morning,” says Hope Sealey, Caribbean Regional Representative for the Washington based institute.
 
The walk will begin in the cool of the morning at 6am and will start from the Bahamas Humane Society’s shelter at 35 Dunmore Avenue, Chippingham, and will journey roundtrip to Bay Street, pass Fort Charlotte and arrive at the beach at Long Wharf where the dogs will be allowed to take a dip in the sea.
 
Percy Grant, Chief Inspector at The Bahamas Humane Society expressed his gratitude for the fundraiser and for the opportunity for the dogs to get additional exercise outside of their kennels.  “Dogs love going for walks, and we have a faithful group of volunteers who currently walk as many of the dogs as they can twice a week.  However, we are thrilled at the opportunity to partner with Pet Food Institute with Wag & Walk which will allow an even larger number of our shelter dogs to not only walk but get socialized with new people and improve their chances of finding new, loving homes.  We find that walking the dogs provides mental stimulation, opportunities for behavioral training, prevents obesity and overall helps the dogs feel less stressed, which helps with their behavior while in the shelter.”
 
For more than 50 years, the Washington, DC-based Pet Food Institute, has helped spread the word about pet nutrition and wellness. They represent 99% of all commercial pet food manufacturers and their research through the US Department of Agriculture is ongoing.
 
A small registration fee of $10 is being charged to participants attending Wag & Walk, and all proceeds will  be donated to the Bahamas Humane Society.  Everyone is invited to come out and walk a dog!

ABOUT PET FOOD INSTITUTE

Pet Food Institute (Caribbean), the regional arm of the Washington, D.C.-based association, promotes initiatives to advance pet nutrition and the overall quality of pet care in The Bahamas, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago and Turks and Caicos. Committed to helping dogs and cats live long and healthy lives, PFI and its members make 98 percent of all U.S. pet food and treat products. 

Pet Food Institute (PFI) in partnership with The Bahamas Humane Society (BHS) will be hosting its first annual fundraiser, “Wag & Walk,” a walkathon for dogs this Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 6am.  “Every member of the general public who loves animals and wants to help the Bahamas Humane Society is invited to join us at the shelter at 6am on Saturday morning,” says Hope Sealey, Caribbean Regional Representative for the Washington based institute.   The walk will begin in the cool of the morning at 6am and will start from the Bahamas Humane Society’s shelter at 35 Dunmore Avenue, Chippingham, and will journey roundtrip to Bay Street, pass Fort Charlotte and arrive at the beach at Long Wharf where the dogs will be allowed to take a dip in the sea.   Percy Grant, Chief Inspector at The Bahamas Humane Society expressed his gratitude for the fundraiser and for the opportunity for the dogs to get additional exercise outside of their kennels.  “Dogs love going for walks, and we have a faithful group of volunteers who currently walk as many of the dogs as they can twice a week.  However, we are thrilled at the opportunity to partner with Pet Food Institute with Wag & Walk which will allow an even larger number of our shelter dogs to not only walk but get socialized with new people and improve their chances of finding new, loving homes.  We find that walking the dogs provides mental stimulation, opportunities for behavioral training, prevents obesity and overall helps the dogs feel less stressed, which helps with their behavior while in the shelter.”   For more than 50 years, the Washington, DC-based Pet Food Institute, has helped spread the word about pet nutrition and wellness. They represent 99% of all commercial pet food manufacturers and their research through the US Department of Agriculture is ongoing.   A small registration fee of $10 is being charged to participants attending Wag & Walk, and all proceeds will  be donated to the Bahamas Humane Society.  Everyone is invited to come out and walk a dog!