Bahamas News
Bahamas Fresh Water Resource Addressed at 12th UNESCO International Hydrological Meeting
#Bahamas, September 20, 2017 – Nassau – Fresh water is a “limited” and “critically” important resource to The Bahamas, however, its sustainability is threatened by climate conditions and changes, combined with the added pressure of an increasing population said the Education Minister, the Hon. Jeffrey Lloyd.
Minister Lloyd presented the keynote address at the official opening of the 12th United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) International Hydrological Programme (IHP) and Meeting of National Committees and Focal Points, September 18, 2017 at the British Colonial Hilton.
“Since the quantified freshwater resources of The Bahamas are best described as ‘limited,’ the provision of water supply is heavily sustained by means of seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO). SWRO is unfortunately a heavily energy-dependent means for the provision of fresh water.
Being the single source of natural fresh water for The Bahamas, the fresh groundwater resources have been identified for consideration as a strategic national resource,” he said.
The Meeting aims to agree on resolutions for implantation of the International Hydrological Programme in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) in the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals, and to discuss ways to achieve water security for Small Island Developing States.
Over 60 international delegates representing the Caribbean, South and Central America – inclusive of observers of the Centers, under the auspices of UNESCO, UNESCO representatives on water, other partners, and prominent scientists — are in The Bahamas for the meeting.
Among those in attendance were: the Hon. Romauld Ferreira, Minister of the Environment and Housing; the Hon. Frankie Campbell, Minister of Transport and Local Government and senior Government officials. E. P. Roberts Primary School Choir and the Government High School Band provided entertainment for the event.
Years 2015 thru 2017 — activities within the framework of IHP at the National Level for The Bahamas are:
-UNESCO Groundwater Resources under the Pressures of Humanity and Climate Change (GRAPHIC): North Andros Water Resource Area (a proposed UNESCO-IHP Project Site)
-UNESCO Ecohydrology: Lake Victoria, Exuma (a proposed UNESCO-IHP Project Site)
Minister Lloyd remarked that the GRAPHIC project is identified as being very “relative” to The Bahamas and that it can serve towards promoting and advancing sustainable groundwater management in The Bahamas and the Caribbean.
“In The Bahamas, we are an archipelagic state challenged with water resources, climate variation effects and effective renewable energy options. Sustainable use of all our natural resources must be a key consideration built within all of our development plans.”
Minister Lloyd said it is proposed that the UNESCO GRAPHIC program assists in the assessment and monitoring of the dynamic conditions of the Andros Island freshwater lens.
The long term goals of the effort would be to understand the dynamic geometry of the lens, identify areas of greatest sustainability for both resource protection and freshwater development, and to forecast the impacts of changing climate conditions, sea-level rise, and storm surge on the freshwater lens stability and longevity.
In welcome remarks, Chairman, Bahamas NATCOM, Desmond Edwards, said The Bahamas is an archipelagic state challenged with water resources, climate variation effects, and effective renewable energy options. Sustainable use of all our natural resources must be a key consideration built within all or our development plans.
He stated that the recent impact of Hurricane Irma on The Bahamas brings into focus the question of restoring and maintaining potable water for residents of the southern islands.
“It is, therefore, timely that your deliberations on hydrological matters will include strategies of achieving water security which are now more than ever of immediate concern to our nation. This is an urgent consideration of The Bahamas Government as it embarks upon the tasks to rebuild and or restore damaged infrastructure on our family of islands.”
UNESCO’s IHP was founded in 1975 and implemented in 6-year programmatic time intervals. It is now in its eighth phase to be implemented during the period 2014-2021.
Important achievements in water and ecosystem management have been addressed in LAC. In the future, UNESCO-IHP plans to address Natural Risks & Disasters in LAC.
The UNESCO-IHP Phase #8 Strategic Plan Theme Areas are:
-Water-related Disasters and Hydrological Change
-Groundwater in a Changing Environment
-Address Water Security and Quality
-Water and Human Settlements of the Future
-Ecohydrology, Engineering Harmony for a Sustainable World
-Water Education, Key for Water Security
By: Kathryn Campbell (BIS)
Press Release: BIS
PHOTO CAPTIONS
Header photo: The Hon. Jeffrey Lloyd, the Minister of Education, is shown in the front row with delegates and Cabinet colleagues (4th from left) including the Environment and Housing Minister, the Hon. Romauld Ferreira (3rd from left); the Hon. Frankie Campbell, Minister of Transport and Local Government (5th from left); and Chairperson of Bahamas NATCOM and Desmond Edwards (7th from left). Also pictured are John Bowleg, IHP (Bahamas) Focal Point and delegates attending the meeting.
Insert 1: The Hon. Jeffrey Lloyd, Minister of Education presents the keynote address.
Insert 2: Delegates.
Insert 3: Chairperson of Bahamas NATCOM, Desmond Edwards gives the official welcome.
BIS Photos/Patrick Hanna
Bahamas News
Get your laugh on, March On, family drama by Gea Pierre, debut this weekend in Turks and Caicos
This is the sixth edition of the relays and the fourth time that The Bahamas has hosted the event, which actually made its debut in The Bahamas in 2014.
President, World Athletics, Sabastian Coe said after three very successful editions from 2014 to 2017, the World Athletics Relays has quickly become one of the World Athletics vibrant competitions, developing a culture of fun and innovation that gives it a unique flavour.
He thanked the Bahamas Government, the local World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 committee and the Bahamian people for agreeing to host the relays. However, his main thanks were to the “world’s best sprinters” travelling from all the continents to compete in preparation for the road to Paris, France, in two months’ time.
During the opening ceremony, the athletes were given words of advice from Carl Lewis, one of only four Olympic athletes to have won nine Olympic gold medals, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
He said, “Keep it simple, do not try to do anything extra. Do what your coaches said. Leave on time, leave on time, leave on time.”
The athletes and crowds were treated to the sounds and sights of Junkanoo at the end of the opening ceremony. The Junkanoo performers stuck around for the two days of competitions, playing for the sprinters as they competed on the track.
Teams competed in the Women’s and men’s 4x100m, and the women’s men’s and mixed 4x400m. A total of 14 teams at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 automatically qualified for places at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Both days of competition were important, as day two offered another chance for qualifications for those teams unsuccessful on day one.
Bahamians were made proud as the country set a new national record during the mixed 4x400m relays thanks to the efforts of 16-year-old Shania Adderley, a student of Tabernacle Baptist Academy.
The team came first in their heat on Sunday evening after not being able to gain a spot for the Paris Olympics on the first day of competition.
Other sprinters on the team included Alonzo Russell, as well as Olympic champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his remarks at the Opening Ceremony for the World Athletics Relays 2024, on May 4, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis welcomed the special guests, athletes, officials, and “all lovers of athletics from around the world” to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium here in the “vibrant heart” of Nassau, Bahamas.
“This weekend, the world’s finest athletes gather on our shores to embark on a journey that is not only about speed and strength but also about dreams and determination,” Prime Minister Davis said. “From the serene beauty of our islands to the historic grandeur of Paris, this event marks a crucial path to the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.”
He added: “Here in The Bahamas, we are no strangers to world-class athletics or the warmth and exuberance that such international gatherings bring. It is a distinct honor to once again welcome the World Athletics Relays back to our islands. This event holds a special place in our hearts, symbolizing a bridge between nations brought together by the universal language of sport.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that that year’s theme, “Paradise to Paris,” captured the essence of that journey.
“It is here, amidst the splendor of our sun-kissed beaches and the rhythmic sway of our palms that the chase towards Olympic glory begins anew,” he stated. “We are thrilled to offer a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, where every sprint, every baton pass, and every victory lap is set against the picture-perfect canvas of our islands.”
He added: “To our athletes, I say this: as you stand on the precipice of your dreams, ready to catapult yourself into the annals of history, know that you are part of a legacy of excellence and determination. This weekend, you are not only competitors but also ambassadors of your countries and the spirit of sport. We are especially proud of Team Bahamas, who carry the weight of their performance and the hopes and pride of our nation. You embody the spirit of The Bahamian people, and we are behind you every step of the way.”
Prime Minister said that to the international visitors, he extended “the warmest Bahamian welcome”.
“Over the next few days, as you revel in the thrill of competition, take a moment to bask in the beauty of our island,” he stated. “Discover why we proudly say, “It’s Better in The Bahamas.” Whether it’s the hospitality of our people, the tranquility of our waters, or the rhythm of our culture, you are in for an experience that captures the heart and rejuvenates the soul.”
“Let us celebrate the unity and friendship that sports foster, cheering every athlete and savoring the spectacle of human potential at its best,” Prime Minister Davis added. “I hope the races are swift, the results are inspiring, and the memories are lasting.
“Welcome to The Bahamas, the paradise where champions chase their dreams to Paris. As your host, it is my immense pleasure to declare the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024 officially open. Let the games begin.”
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