Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Many Lessons on Energy from Impacts of Recent Hurricanes
#Bahamas, March 27, 2018 – Nassau – The Minister of the Environment and Housing, the Hon. Romauld Ferreira said “Energy has become a part of our lives that is a necessity…. We have some of the highest energy rates in the region, if not the world” at the BCCEC’s (Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation) Bahamas Energy Security Forum under the theme, ‘Smart is the New Sexy’ on Friday, March 23, 2018 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Island House.
Minister Ferreira reflected on “The largest and longest blackout in US history” which took place in Puerto Rico as a result of category four Hurricane Maria on September 20, 2017 “And still 185 days later on March 23, 2018, just over six months, parts of Puerto Rico are still without energy.”
He also drew attention to Hurricane Matthew of 2012 which caused damage to power stations and communities due to insufficient planning. He stated that “Grand Bahama Power and Light had to replace over 2,000 distribution poles and close to 300 transmission poles contributing to an estimated $2,500,000 in restoration costs.” He said all of this to say that “There are many lessons that we can learn from these events.”
Minister Ferreira shared a finding in 2001 at the Bahamas’s first national address on climate change stating that “65% of carbon dioxide emission in The Bahamas is produced from gasoline, diesel and residual fuel oil” He also shared that “The 2005 Climate Adaptation Policy and National Energy Policy would support a transition towards renewable energy and use of household green technologies” for example, solar water heating.
“In 2012 The Renewable Energy Profile from the National Renewable Energy Entity was published and it revealed that The Bahamas’s electricity capacity was 493 megawatts and its generation was 2,139 gigawatts. None of which were produced from renewable sources despite national energy strategies advocating its use.”
In response to this revelation conveyed by Minister Ferreira, he stated that “The 2016 National Development Plan commits to meeting the sustainable goal of 7.1% renewable energy usage which is focused on granting provisions for affordable, reliable and modern energy service.” The Minister of the Environment and Housing also stated a reminder that “Nothing in environment or renewable energies can work unless the financing is right.”
In his own words, Minister Ferreira said that “The Government of The Bahamas has already taken strides to incorporate renewable energy and technologies while simultaneously strengthening public utilities throughout our islands.” He shared an example of this by bringing awareness to Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert Minnis’ budget address on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 which announced efforts to incorporate solar power generation into the Ragged Island electricity grid with plans to make Ragged Island “The first ever ‘green smart’ island in The Bahamas.” He added that “Other renewable energy products that are currently underway include six chargeable car ports at the Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium which is currently being facilitated by a grant from the United Arab Emirates Renewable Energy Plant.”
The Ministry of the Environment and Housing is also engaged in stabilising the cost of electricity, increasing the resiliency of distribution grids, and diversifying the job market to provide capacity-building opportunities for young Bahamians interested in the energy industry. Also the Ministry is working diligently to find suitable grants and partnerships that will help in expanding the renewable energy efforts.
Minister Ferreira was happy with the panel of speakers which was comprised of local and international professionals. He showed this by stating that “A goal this size needs joint effort… we alone, do not have all the answers.” He also thanked The Island House for its “continuous efforts in being good stewards of the environment.”
The forum invited smart, energy conscious consumers, business owners, entrepreneurs and environmentally conscious persons and companies with vehicle fleets to learn the latest about productive energy usage and the implementation of the 2014 Natural Energy Policy.
By: Sydnei L. Isaacs
Photo caption: Minister of the Environment and Housing Romauld Ferreira, left, and Chairman of the BCCEC, Gowan Bowe at Energy summit at the Island House on Friday.
(BIS Photo/Kristaan Ingrham)
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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