Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Potable Water on the Way for Long Island
#Bahamas, May 14, 2018 – Long Island – The provision of potable water to Long Island will offer relief for the “severe hardship” that residents there have endured for many years. The Bahamas Government signed a $5.3 million contract Thursday, May 10, 2018 with BHM Company Limited for the installation of 100,000 feet of pipe in north and south Long Island.
Adrian Gibson, executive chairman, Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) and MP for Long Island led a delegation to the island for the ceremony held at Regatta Site, Salt Pond. In attendance were WSC board members and staff including Elwood Donaldson, Acting General Manager; Cyprian Gibson, Assistant General Manager; and Leslie Hutchinson, Senior Engineer/Project Coordinator. Also witnessing the signing were a cross-section of residents including primary school students.
Mr. Gibson described the event as “historic” for residents who have “suffered” for far too long without a reliable, potable water supply.
“Many Long Islanders are served via tanker, or forced to rely on ground water supplies where the quality of the water is questionable and the reliability of the supply is adversely affected during hurricanes due to power failures and storm surges that bring the seawater inland, directly contaminating the freshwater aquifer,” he said.
A native of Long Island, Mr. Gibson shared his familiarity with drawing and toting water from wells having been raised without piped water, and bathing in water that left a white residue on the skin.
Phase one includes the delivery of two new water tankers, which will service 100 connections extending from Salt Pond to Gray’s. One of the tankers was damaged in 2017 and has since been replaced. The second of the three-phase contract will provide service for 100 service connections from Turtle Cove in Stevens to the end of Clarence Town.
BHM will hold an open house on June 12 in Long Island with a view to hiring Long Islanders for positions including machine operators. Work is expected to begin in six weeks and take 12 months to complete.
Mr. Gibson challenged the contractors, notably Ebbe Saidi, managing director, and Paul Huckle, to hire and involve as many Long Islanders as possible. He said Long Island has industrious, talented and capable persons who possess the skill sets and are willing to work hard to improve their island: “I encourage you to patronize local vendors to satisfy the needs of your project, including lodging, food and building supplies, etc. This is a high value contract and we expect the benefits to be felt in the local community,” he said.
The third phase, which will increase the number of customers connected to this system from approximately 80 to over 255, will be implemented through a contract to extend the water supply system to other areas of Long Island including but not limited to the following settlements: northward, through the settlements of Deal’s, Bunches and Millerton and southward, through Morris and Wemyss, including all side streets from Millerton to Wemyss with occupied homes and businesses. A doubling of the capacity of the existing Simms desalination plant and a substantial increase in storage will be the result.
Moreover, the Chairman informed that prior to or following the annual June regatta the WSC will embark on a Non-Revenue Water Project to reduce the amount of leakage on the Central Long Island system. Funding options including public-private-partnerships will be sought.
“The Corporation has successfully completed the installation of a (100%) standby power generator in Simms to ensure that in the event of a power failure there will be no interruption in water production/supply to these customers. A similar system is already in place at our Deadman’s Cay Plant. This standby power generator has already been commissioned, well in advance of the 2018 Hurricane Season. The disruptions to the Simms Water Supply System would become a thing of the past,” he said.
Further, he noted that estimates and preliminary designs have been prepared to supply piped potable water for the resort communities of Cape Santa Maria and Stella Maris. He said the future sustainability of the resorts depends on the ability to provide worldclass utilities and services to the present and future homeowners of the communities.
He assured the residents that he will not rest until there is a “sustainable” means of providing potable water to each home and business in Long Island.
By: Kathryn Campbell (BIS)
Photo Captions:
Header: From left: Elwood Donaldson, WSC Acting General Manager; Deanne Wallace-Whitfield, WSC Deputy Chairman; Adrian Gibson, WSC Chairman; Ebbe Saidi, Managing Director, BHM and Paul Huckle, BHM.
First Insert: WSC Deputy Chairman Deanne Wallace-Whitfield observes as Adrian Gibson, Chairman, WSC (centre), and Ebbe Saidi, Managing Director, BHM, sign the contract.
Second Insert: Long Island residents listen attentively at the Contract Signing.
Third Insert: Deanne Wallace-Whitfield, Deputy Chairman, WSC Board, and Adrian Gibson, Chairman, WSC (centre), pictured at the ceremony at Salt Pond, Long Island, in which the Bahamas Government signed a $5.3 million contract Thursday, May 10, 2018 with BHM Company Limited for the installation of 100,000 feet of pipe in north and south Long Island to provide potable water.
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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