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BAHAMAS: Government launching “e-tendering” Program for Government contracts and services

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#Bahamas, February 25, 2018 – Grand Bahama – During his keynote address at the Grand Bahama 20th Annual Business Outlook at Grand Lucayan resort on Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Peter Turnquest outlined some of the programs and initiatives the government is taking in order to remain transparent in its fiscal policies.  One of those initiatives is one in which the Minister said the government is very proud of, as it relates to public financial management and reform.

“In this regard we are starting with an innovative program for e-tendering for government contracts and services,” explained Minister Turnquest.

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“We launched a pilot program two months ago, where we have an e-trade portal, where vendors can log on, put in their information and once that information is uploaded in that system, they (vendors) will receive automatic notifications of projects and services that are out for bid.  They will be able to submit their tenders or responses electronically and they will be able to track the process on line.

“They will be able to know every stage of the bidding process; they will know when it is closed, how many bidders bid on the work, they will know who received it and they will have a summary explanation as to why the contract was awarded to that person.”

The Minister said this program will be accompanied by legislation which will introduce a Tenders Review Board, which will act as a Tribunal, where individuals who may feel that they have been aggrieved or have not been treated fairly, can appeal and be heard.

Taking a look at fiscal policy and transparency in Government the Deputy Prime Minister pointed out that the choices and decisions the government makes in raising revenue, borrowing, allocating resources and its fiscal policy outcomes are at the core of the government’s relationship with the Bahamian people.

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The Deputy Prime Minister said that when his Government came into office in May of 2017, they were very forthcoming with the Bahamian people on the state of the country’s fiscal finances and the need for a plan to immediately address the deterioration and re-establish policy credibility.

Minister Turnquest said that the government has initiated a number of projects to aid in their efforts to ensure that reliable, consistent data is provided to the Bahamian people.

By: Andrew Coakley

Photo Caption: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest was the keynote speaker at the opening of the 20th annual Grand Bahama Business Outlook, which was held on Thursday, February 22, 2018 at Grand Lucayan.

(BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)

 

 

 

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Collaborative Efforts to Combat Cyber Crime Begins in the Bahamas

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Defence Headquarters  – The United States Northern Command, in partnership with local law enforcement agencies, has officially launched Cyber Shark 25, a pivotal cybersecurity initiative aimed at enhancing collaboration and developing strategies to combat cybercrime. The event commenced today and will run through Thursday, October 24, 2024, at the Training Auditorium aboard HMBS Coral Harbour.

In his opening remarks, the Captain of Coral Harbour, Captain Glenn McPhee welcomed participants from various sectors, emphasizing the critical importance of cooperation in addressing the evolving threats posed by cybercrime. He provided an overview of the course, highlighting its focus on knowledge sharing, skill enhancement, and the establishment of a unified front against cyber threats that transcend national borders.

The event has drawn representatives from various organizations, including the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF), the Central Bank of the Bahamas, the U.S. Coast Guard, and various law enforcement agencies from both the Bahamas and the United States. These stakeholders engaged in discussions aimed at identifying innovative approaches to prevent cybercrime and bolster the security of digital infrastructures.

Cyber Shark 25 serves as a vital platform for fostering dialogue and collaboration among experts and practitioners. By leveraging the expertise of both American and Bahamian representatives, the initiative seeks to cultivate a comprehensive understanding of the challenges posed by cybercrime, while also developing actionable solutions that can be implemented across jurisdictions.

As the event unfolds over the next three days, participants will engage in workshops, training sessions, and collaborative discussions designed to enhance their capabilities in combating cyber threats. The insights gained during Cyber Shark 25 are expected to contribute significantly to ongoing efforts to safeguard the cyber landscape for both nations.

Under the leadership of Commander Defence Force, Commodore Raymond E. King, the RBDF is dedicated to exploring advanced technology and fostering innovation. We value the passion and talent within our organization’s human capital, and through these efforts, we aim to unlock their potential. By embracing modern technology and encouraging creative thinking, we empower our personnel to contribute to the ongoing success of the RBDF.

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Partnership between BPL and Bahamas Utilities Holdings Limited (BUC) to allow greater BPL generation capacity and improved service

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From: Bahamas Information Services

 

 

NASSAU, The Bahamas —  The Ministry of Energy and Transport, in collaboration with Bahamas Power and Light and Bahamas Utilities Holdings Ltd. held a Commissioning Ceremony for Dual Fuel Turbine Engines, October 15, 2024 at Sun Oil Headquarters, Clifton Pier.

Minister of Energy and Transport, the Hon. JoBeth Coleby-Davis said: “Today, we are commissioning two dual-fuel turbine engines, because of a public-private partnership between BPL and Bahamas Utilities Holdings Limited (BUC).

“The partnership is guided by a Power Purchase Agreement, commonly referred to as a PPA. PPA’s are standard practice in the energy field.

The PPA for this project includes clearly defined key performance indicators and penalties for nonperformance. Provisions have also been included to lock down rates, which will protect Bahamian households and businesses from large cost fluctuations.”

She noted, “In many countries, including the United States, PPAs have been successful in positively transforming the energy system, delivering consistent electricity supply, reducing carbon emissions, and providing cost-savings.

“The partnership with Bahamas Utilities Holdings Limited will allow for BPL to increase its generation capacity, with direct benefits for households and businesses in New Providence such as improved reliability in electricity service.

“Currently, the available electricity capacity on New Providence is 256 megawatts.  At full capacity, these engines will add 62 megawatts of electricity to the grid.

“The engines allow for dual fuel technology which will enhance operational flexibility, however by June 2025, the engines will run on LNG.

“The LNG fuel will be provided by Shell North America.”

The Minister explained that for over 60 years, Shell has been a pioneer in LNG and today has a leading integrated gas and LNG business, from producing gas, liquefying gas, trading and shipping it, then turning the LNG back into gas and distributing it to customers.  Further, she said, Shell is one of the world’s leading LNG suppliers, trading 67 million tonnes of LNG in 2023, around 16 percent of the global LNG market.

Continuing: “The partnership between BPL and Bahamas Utilities Holdings Limited is representative of a strategic solution that has proven to be effective and successful in transforming the energy market.

“As a small island developing nation, we must embrace partnerships to grow and deliver meaningful benefits for the Bahamian people. And if we are to be honest, several of our nation’s most successful projects have been birthed through partnerships – Atlantis, Baha Mar, and Lynden Pindling International Airport all stand as testaments to the value of positive partnerships.

“By partnering with reputable companies – those with international experience and proven track records of success, we firmly believe that a brighter energy future for our nation will be secured.

“And let there be no doubt, that as we partner with international companies, we are also resolute on creating opportunities for Bahamian businesses.

“We are proud that all the successful partners for the renewable projects in New Providence and the Family Islands are at least 51 percent Bahamian owned – and in some instances 100 percent Bahamian owned.”

Minister Coleby-Davis said more of the energy vision and plans will be shared in the near future, and pointed out some significant steps that have already been taken, including:  “the passage of the Electricity and Natural Gas Acts, the implementation of the Equity Rate Adjustment initiative at BPL which zero rated the base rate for the first 200 kilowatts of electricity for all residential consumers, the expansion of renewable energy projects in Schools, and the selection of independent power producers to build utility scale renewable energy power in the Family Islands.”

The energy transformation is a journey towards positive and meaningful lasting results, she said, and promise of a brighter energy future, eliciting for households, lower power bills; for large businesses inventory expansion and the hiring of additional staff, and for small and medium sized businesses, improved cash flows and profits.

 

(BIS Photos/Anthon Thompson)

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Next-generation LNG-powered Sun Princess makes inaugural call on Nassau

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Sun Princess berthed at the Nassau Cruise Port on October 13th during the next-generation, LNG-powered cruise vessel’s inaugural visit to The Bahamas

The Bahamas – Sun Princess, the newest next-generation vessel operated by Princess Cruises, a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation & plc, made Nassau, Bahamas its first-ever Caribbean port of call on October 13 and was greeted by local dignitaries including Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper.

The Sphere-class cruise ship is the first vessel operated by Princess Cruises to be fueled by liquefied natural gas (LNG) as part of Carnival Corporation’s commitment to sustainability. The outward and suspended Sphere Atrium, the namesake of this new class of ship, takes the central Piazza hub of the ship into a new dimension. Here, guests are enveloped with expansive ocean views and an open concept, inspired to deliver the desired lifestyle of relaxed indoor and outdoor living. Like all ships in this brand-new class, it features an eye-catching architectural element known as The Dome, a groundbreaking glass-enclosed structure at the top of the ship which treats guests to expansive ocean views as it channels the relaxed lifestyle of indoor-outdoor living.

Guests were welcomed aboard and treated to tours of the vessel’s unique features, including a sustainability tour demonstrating how the company is leading the way in sustainable cruising by promoting positive climate action. From using LNG to deliver immediate greenhouse gas reductions today, to cutting food waste and removing single use plastic items from its ships, to installing energy-efficient technologies and equipment to lower fuel use, the company is making solid progress toward minimizing its environmental footprint. For more about the company’s commitment to sustainability, please visit carnivalsustainability.com.

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