News

House Passes Bill To Regulate Nuclear Technology

Published

10 years ago

July 10, 2015

Providenciales, 10 Jul 2015 – KINGSTON, July 8 (JIS): A Bill seeking to create a legal framework for the regulation of activities, practices, apparatuses and facilities involving ionising radiation and nuclear technology was passed in the House of Representatives on July 8.

The Bill entitled, the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Act, was piloted by Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Anthony Hylton.

The Minister noted that all activities relating to radioactive material, nuclear material and ionising radiation apparatus should be made subject to standards of safety and security, as exposure to high levels of ionising radiation can have deleterious effects on people, property and the environment.

Accordingly, Mr. Hylton said the objectives of the Bill are to protect people and the environment from exposure to ionising radiation to the maximum extent that is reasonably practicable, taking into account social and economic factors, and recognising the need for the use of ionising radiation for beneficial purposes.

Other objectives of the Bill include: to protect radioactive sources from misuse that may result in harm to people or the environment; to promote radiation protection principles and an effective nuclear safety culture; to provide compensation for damage, loss and injuries caused by ionising radiation; to allow for the beneficial and peaceful uses of nuclear technology; and to facilitate Jamaica’s compliance with international obligations arising under the Conventions.

In addition, Mr. Hylton stated that the Bill makes provision for the establishment of a national regulatory body referred to as the Hazardous Substances Regulatory Authority.

“(This is) a body corporate which, will, among other things, grant authorisations, establish operational standards, regulate and monitor activities, practices and facilities utilising ionising radiation and nuclear technology,” he explained.

He further noted that the Bill makes provision for the establishment of a Board of Directors for the Authority, which will be responsible for the recommendation of policy and general administration of the affairs of the Authority.

The legislation also prohibits the building, importing, exporting, and operating of a research reactor; the acquisition or development of nuclear explosives; the developing, producing, otherwise acquiring, stockpiling or retaining of radioactive material or nuclear material for the purpose of producing a weapon, and the disposal of the said materials except in accordance with the authorization granted.

In his contribution, Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Fenton Ferguson, highlighted that the passage of the Bill will be of great importance to the health sector.

He explained that the Government is investing US$14.5 million in the setting up of two cancer treatment centres, which will be equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to deliver the most advanced cancer care to Jamaicans.
They will be outfitted with linear accelerator (LINAC) machines, which are the most modern technology in radiotherapy treatment.

“We will not be able to bring in the equipment without this piece of legislation,” Dr. Ferguson said.
For his part, Opposition Spokesman on Science, Dr. Andrew Wheatley, said that the Bill is a “vital measure, which brings Jamaica into compliance with international standards and best practices adopted in the safe handling of hazardous material.”

The Bill is to be sent to the Senate for debate and approval.

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On World Refugee Day, Global Solidarity Faces Critical Test

Published

24 minutes ago

June 21, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

On World Refugee Day, we reflect on the stories of millions forced from their homes. “Every individual carries a story of profound loss,” the UN Secretary‑General reminds us in today’s message. Refugees from Sudan, Ukraine, Haiti, and Myanmar—among other crises—highlight a surge in forced displacement matched by dwindling global support unhcr.org.

New figures from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees confirm this grim reality: more than 122 million people globally are forcibly displaced as of early 2025—up nearly 2 million from last year—while host nations, often low‑ or middle‑income, carry the heaviest burden

The World Health Organization adds that protecting the health of displaced people is “solidarity in action,” yet budget cuts threaten essential services in camps from Kenya to South Sudan.

The UN’s message is clear: refugees breathe courage and resilience, strengthening economies and communities when given opportunity. Yet xenophobia is rising; resettlement stalls, with under 8% of the world’s refugees finding safety abroad. Public opinion surveys show 67% support refugee protection, although 62% worry about economic impact.

Solidarity Means Action

On this day, unity must translate into support: humanitarian funding needs urgent replenishment; pathways to resettlement and asylum must be expanded; refugee voices need to shape policies; and long-term integration through education, decent work, and legal equality must become priorities.

“Becoming a refugee is never a choice,” the UN reminds us. But how the world responds is a choice. As crises persist—from Sudan’s civil war to Ukraine’s continued conflict—the choice is ours: uphold humanity and embrace solidarity, or let dwindling compassion define our legacy.

Bahamas News

SOILCARE PHASE II ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS HELD AS BAHAMAS JOINS A COALITION OF COUNTRIES COMMITTED TO RESTORING LANDSCAPES AND SECURING A RESILIENT AGRICULTURAL FUTURE

Published

28 minutes ago

June 21, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

ST. GEORGE’S GRENADA – The Bahamas is joining a coalition of Caribbean Small Island Developing States, that committed to restoring landscapes and securing a resilient agricultural future, by tackling land degradation and drought. The Bahamas is one of six new countries scheduled to benefit from the Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) multi-country soil management initiative for Integrated Landscape Restoration and climate-resilient food systems (SOILCARE), Phase II, implemented by the Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM).

SOILCARE Phase I has been helping adopt policies, measures and best practices and support review of legal and institutional frameworks to achieve Land Degradation Neutrality LDN and Climate Resilience.

As PISLM prepares to launch Phase II of its flagship regional project, adding six new countries, two consultation sessions were completed on 3^rd and 4^th June by PISLM’s Sustainable Land Management Specialist Dr. Ronen Francis.

Project updates were present to the Permanent Secretary responsible for UNCCD IN the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. David Davis, Director of Agriculture – Dr Jason Sands and Danielle Hanek- Director of Forestry Unit of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, the Bahamas.

This project will seek to assist the country in upgrading its National Soil Laboratories through provision of modern equipment, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and training of technicians. It will also help the Bahamas, to develop Digital Soil Maps, develop their national drought risk plans, including improved drought management, Cat Island. It will also support a youth agri-business programme that will foster youth-led innovation and align with the CARICOM 25×25 vision.

This project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Allocated funding is$17.9 million USD and $26.5 million USD in co-financing, by regional Governments, including the Bahamas.

Photo Caption:

Photo 1 Permanent Secretary responsible for UNCCD in the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. David Davis, Director of Agriculture – Dr Jason Sands Daniell, Ms. Danielle Hanek- Director of Forestry Unit of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, the Bahamas and Dr. Ronen Francis-PISLM.

News

CIBC Caribbean Hosts Career Day Experience

Published

2 hours ago

June 21, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

CIBC Caribbean proudly welcomed students from Shining Stars Preparatory School for an engaging and educational visit in celebration of the school’s annual Career Day.

Turks and Caicos Islands, June 19, 2025 –Shining Stars Preparatory School students got an inspiring introduction to the world of finance during a recent visit to CIBC Caribbean. Adorned in costumes, the future professionals were welcomed by the bank in recognition of the school’s annual career day. The visit formed part of CIBC Caribbean’s ongoing commitment to youth empowerment and education. With bright eyes and inquisitive minds, the students met with members of the Digital Banking, Personal and Business Banking (PBB) Sales, and Corporate Banking Support teams to learn more about the many career opportunities available within the financial services sector.

CIBC Caribbean Head of Country, Terrance Gibson, said, “At CIBC, we firmly believe that investing in our youth is investing in the future of TCI. Welcoming the students of Shining Stars Preparatory School into our space was not only a privilege, but a powerful reminder of why community engagement matters.” The students were enthusiastic throughout the visit, eagerly asking questions and expressing keen interest in the daily operations of the bank. Their curiosity was met with thoughtful insights from CIBC Caribbean team members, who shared their personal journeys and professional experiences in banking.

As part of its broader community outreach, CIBC Caribbean has adopted Shining Stars Preparatory School. The bank has collaborated on a number of initiatives that promote learning, growth, and opportunity for young people.

Gibson added, “These bright young minds are full of potential, and our hope is that by opening our doors and sharing our knowledge, we have helped to spark interest in careers in banking, finance, and beyond. This relationship with Shining Stars speaks to our long-standing commitment to youth development and supporting the communities we serve.”