The Freeport News: Grand Bahama welcomed its first gospel radio station yesterday, with the official launch of DOVE 103.7FM.

Located in the B&H Building, the newest station is touted as "a breath of fresh air" in the nation's second city.

The vision of a Christian radio station was birthed seven years ago and, today, DOVE 103.7FM is made up of a group of young individuals who are stirred up for God.

Convinced Grand Bahama is in need of change, the group believes the launch of the new station is the beginning of that transformation with the offering of a Christian alternative.

"We are here 24 hours, seven days a week — whether it will be automated or live in person," said Music Director Yolanda Hanna.

When asked why it was necessary to open a Christan radio station now, she pointed out that there is no time like the present as people are looking for hope and something new.

"People who I didn't even expect would be listening to DOVE are listening to DOVE," she said.

The radio station's frequency has also far exceeded the group's expectation and reaches as far east as McLean's Town to West End at the opposite end.

While its license only covers Grand Bahama, DOVE 103.7FM plans to be streaming online in short order.

The idea of the radio station has been on the drawing board since 2009 and, while it has taken all of two years to come to fruition, it is said to be by divine design.

The station has been carrying out on-air testing for the last two weeks and its team consists of Vanessa Clarke, known as Divine Lady, with "The Morning Show" from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.; Hanna with "The Midday Show;" and Narada Scott, a.k.a. Mighty Mouth, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Along with 100 percent Christian music, Dove FM will incorporate the programing aspect of a radio station.

"We're going to play music as long as we possibly can because a lot of the listeners have called in to say how much they have enjoyed just the music, but we are going to incorporate program as well," Hanna revealed.

The station's focus is going to be on grooming the whole and ensure that every aspect of a person's life is balanced through each of its programs — be it finances, marriage and everything else in between.

Dove FM also plans to offer interactive shows that will address those taboo topics and promises it will not be a regular radio or Christian station, as it will ensure that the listeners are kept engaged.

"I'm very excited to be a part of this brand new venture," Hanna said. "I think Dove FM is a station whose time has come and it's been long overdue for the people of Grand Bahama.

"People are looking for inspiration and motivation in their daily lives because there is so much that we are battling now, economically and in our families, and it is good to have a spot on your radio that you can turn to and hear something that is uplifting, that is refreshing and the entire family can listen to."

Hanna said the Dove FM theme is that it is a place where any and everybody can tune in and find something uplifting, motivational and inspirational on their dial 24/7.

Hanna said, while she is aware of a number of individuals have had aspirations of opening a Christian radio station in Grand Bahama who had asked her thoughts, she was anxious to see it come to fruition.

"I didn't think it would have happened as quickly as this did and it just goes to show that this was the right time and the right person and the dream was placed in the right hands," she said.

"Those other persons who came to me and said this is what we would like to do, they haven't materialized yet. So perhaps DOVE was meant to open the door for the others."

DOVE FM is a station for all people and provides all genres of gospel — contemporary, praise and worship, Christian, Bahamian, gospel rap and gospel reggae.

"You don't have to be Christian, you don't have to be saved, you just have to love the message. This is truly a feel-good station," said Hanna, adding that they intend to be here for the long haul.

"We're here to make sure that the word is spread just the way that God intended it. He wants us to have a balanced life and whatever it is that we need to learn, DOVE is going to teach us."