FOWPAL Visits The Bahamas: The 122nd Nation on Its Global Peace Journey

Located near the Bermuda Triangle, The Bahamas is an archipelagic nation of more than 700 islands with a population of approximately 390,000. As the wealthiest country in the Caribbean, its per capita gross domestic product ranks third in the Americas, supported primarily by tourism and financial services. Yet despite its economic strength, The Bahamas remains highly vulnerable to environmental forces. In September 2019, the nation was struck by the most powerful hurricane in its history, causing an estimated USD 7 billion in damages. The disaster served as a stark reminder of the profound impact of climate change on human civilization and underscored the urgency of sustainability as a global priority.

Against this backdrop, on January 18, 2026, the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL) arrived in The Bahamas, marking its 122nd nation in a global journey dedicated to spreading love, peace, and conscience, and inspiring hope for a sustainable future.

The visit comes at a time of mounting global challenges. In 2023, representatives from 193 nations gathered in New York for the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 78), where UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that humanity had “opened the gates of hell” in reference to the escalating climate crisis. With the Russia-Ukraine war unresolved and geopolitical instability intensifying, advancing peace, security, and sustainable development has become an unprecedented task for the international community.

The Bahamas’ First Lady, Ann Marie Davis, has long devoted herself to grassroots community service through non-governmental organizations, supporting underprivileged and marginalized groups. She expressed deep appreciation for FOWPAL’s vision of promoting conscience, peace, and sustainability through love. During a previous Bell of World Peace and Love ceremony, she shared her heartfelt aspirations: “To end gender based violence, discrimination, inequality and inequity, we need peace in the homes, peace in the family and peace on the streets. Protect our planet—plant a tree. Love and respect ourselves and others.”

FOWPAL’s first stop in The Bahamas was a modest church in an underprivileged neighborhood—one that the current Governor-General has attended since childhood and continues to worship at regularly. Despite her distinguished role as the representative of the British Crown, she has consistently chosen to pray alongside local residents in this humble setting, reflecting her accessibility, grounded character, and steadfast commitment to serving the people. During the visit, FOWPAL listened to the pastor’s sermon and invited congregants to endorse the Declaration of Transparency and Integrity. The FOWPAL delegation also offered two musical performances, The Power of Peace and Love and A Prayer for Peace. Their clear, heartfelt voices deeply moved the audience, resonating beyond words.

FOWPAL member Lorraine shared that while singing, she could feel the congregation’s emotional response and a shared commitment to advancing love and peace together. FOWPAL member Fabienne reflected that even across language barriers, music and positive energy can touch hearts and move people to tears. “Communication from heart to heart requires no words,” she noted, emphasizing the universal power of shared emotion.

On January 19, FOWPAL visited Atlantis Paradise Island, The Bahamas, a world-renowned resort celebrated for its architecture inspired by the legendary lost civilization of Atlantis. According to the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, as recorded in his Dialogues, Atlantis was once a powerful seafaring civilization in the Atlantic Ocean that vanished “in a single day and night of misfortune” due to catastrophic earthquakes and floods. The myth of Atlantis stands as a timeless warning, reminding humanity of the consequences of hubris and the enduring importance of love and peace.

This reflection lies at the heart of FOWPAL’s mission. By traveling across 122 countries through cultural exchange, FOWPAL seeks to connect hearts, sow seeds of love and peace, and inspire wisdom and holistic well-being—physical, mental, and spiritual—while helping to slow the destruction of the planet. Edward Huang, a tour guide, observed that in every era there are individuals of integrity and kindness who devote themselves to ideals beyond material wealth. He noted that Plato himself pursued a better future for generations to come, a spirit mirrored by FOWPAL’s leader and members who dedicate themselves wholeheartedly—often at great emotional and physical cost—to advancing love and peace worldwide.

The FOWPAL delegation also visited the Pirates of Nassau Museum, a full-scale replica of a 17th-century pirate ship that immerses visitors in the era of Caribbean piracy. In the early 1700s, Nassau was home to the so-called Republic of Pirates, where pirates practiced a form of democratic self-governance under Pirate Codes, sharing spoils equally and electing their captains. British rule was reestablished in 1718, ending the brief experiment in pirate self-rule. These stories of freedom, order, and conflict prompted reflection among visitors, many of whom responded positively to FOWPAL’s message by endorsing the Declaration of Transparency and Integrity.

Throughout the journey, FOWPAL continued to share messages of conscience, love, and peace. FOWPAL member Jiayi noted that the group’s brightly colored, shimmering athletic outfits often sparked curiosity, drawing people in to learn more. Visitors were attracted by the group’s joyful energy, with some spontaneously joining group photos and chanting “Love and Peace” and “Conscience,” sending heartfelt blessings to the land and the world.

One foreign visitor expressed admiration for FOWPAL’s global journey, observing that while many organizations speak about peace, FOWPAL stands out for actively spreading love as its foundation. “Peace can only truly emerge when it is rooted in love,” he said.

The FOWPAL delegation later visited Christ Church Cathedral in downtown Nassau, the oldest Anglican church in the area and widely regarded as the “Mother Church” of Anglicanism in the region. Dating back to 1670 and designated a cathedral in 1861, this historic landmark—renowned for its clock tower, stained-glass windows, and pipe organ—embodies the spiritual and cultural heritage of The Bahamas.

Reflecting on the journey, FOWPAL member Oliver remarked that advancing conscience, love, peace, and sustainability is a long and challenging path. He noted that FOWPAL’s efforts are observed by people around the world and expressed deep honor in being able to walk this meaningful journey alongside Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, contributing to a global movement grounded in hope, integrity, and compassion.