Bahamas News
Minister Dames: Bahamas not Immune to Cyber Crimes
#Bahamas, May 14, 2018 – Nassau – During his remarks at the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation’s (BCCEC) Cyber Security Forum, on May, 10, 2018, Minister of National Security the Hon. Marvin Dames noted that while The Bahamas, being a member of the global community, has embraced cyber opportunities, it is, of course, not immune to the negative effects of cyber crimes.
“With a population of less than 400,000 persons, a study conducted by International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in 2016 revealed that approximately 333,143 or 84 percent of the total population accessed the internet at home or via other device types and connections,” Minister Dames said at the event, which was held at the Island House. “Last year approximately 171 incidences of cyber crimes were reported in The Bahamas, compared to 95 in 2016.
“The cyber activity reflected an 80 percent increase and was inclusive of the crimes such as credit card fraud, identity theft, ransom ware, phishing attacks and data loss, all of which are expected to become more common in the future.”
Minister Dames said that, in The Bahamas, there are three vital legislative regulations that govern cyber security.
“The Computer Misuse Act (CMA) which was instituted in 2003 — this Act provides comprehensive criminalization of and procedural law for cyber criminal activity in the country,” he said. “Parliament also signed the Data Protection Act (2003) and the Electronic Communication & Transactions Act (2006).”
Both laws, Minister Dames pointed out, safeguard the rights of citizens online and establish norms and regulations for e-commerce and other online services. However, he said, much more work remains and the government is committed to providing the necessary safety and intelligence that will make all safer tomorrow than they were at that time.
“This is of paramount importance because, according to the Organization of American States Cyber Security Report 2016, Latin America and the Caribbean both have the fastest growing Internet populations in the world,” Minister Dames said. “While the region accounts for only a small 
percentage of global cyber crimes, and with the continued rise of Internet use, corresponding cyber security threats highlight the need for the development of effective cyber policies and defenses.”
He noted that the OAS report also asserts that regionally, several large scale data breaches showed that cyber crime remains rampant and threats from cyber criminals continue to menace government, businesses and individual users.
“Our Government is cognizant of the fact that much work remains if we are to properly address the cyber security challenges that we now face,” he said. “We have already taken decisive action to address this issue.
Minister Dames added: “Since addressing your confederation in November 2017, the Royal Bahamas Police Force has formulated a new Cyber Security Unit by combining the Tracing & Forfeiture Section of the Drug Enforcement Unit with the Commercial Crime Section at the Central Detective Unit. In the future, we hope to develop a National Cyber Security Strategy that will aim to fortify the country’s data protection capability by strengthening the cyber crime legislation. The expectation is to protect key industries such as government services, health, utilities, financial services, and container ports from criminal enterprises and criminal activity.”
Minister Dames stated that the global reliance on cyber activities will increase in this century and beyond, and as a tool, the Internet is expected to facilitate multiple legal activities. However, he noted, coupled with that will be cyber criminals using the limitless virtual world to commit cyber crimes.
“The challenge as it relates to cyber security in the 21st century means that by 2020 it is expected that 80 percent of all countries will have cyber security policies and it is expected that 30 percent will have Cabinet or senior government level positions solely focused on cyber security,” he said. “Rest assured that the Ministry of National Security is the vanguard of addressing both the national and international safety and security concerns of citizens, residents and visitors within The Bahamas, while being cognizant that we are a part of the global community.”
Minister Dames reassured those in attendance that the Government viewed cyber security as a serious threat to national security, economic development and way of life.
“Henceforth, we will strategically collaborate with our national, regional and global partners to promote cyber security,” he said. I would also like to take this opportunity to encourage business owners and the general public to safeguard your data, money and identities from cyber criminals, as much as possible.
“We will use every tool at our disposal to secure our nation’s cyber security and ensure that we are safer today than we were yesterday.”
By: Eric Rose (BIS)
Photo Caption: Minister of National Security the Hon. Marvin Dames speaks, on May 10, 2018, during the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation’s (BCCEC) Cyber Security Forum, held at the Island House.
(BIS Photos/Eric Rose)
Nassau, THE BAHAMAS — Some of the most successful and accomplished professionals and business leaders in the country
recently shared their experiences and nuggets of wisdom with students at University of The Bahamas (UB) about thriving in a wide range of careers.
The University Centre for Counselling and Career Services and the Career and Job Placement Advisory Unit collaborated to host the 2024 Career Symposium which brought students face to face with leaders in the careers to which they aspire.
Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Maria Oriakhi, said the symposium was key to developing potential as university students strive to leave their mark on the world.
Ms. Rickell Curry
“In the spirit of collaboration and growth, let us engage in meaningful dialogue, cultivate relationships, and harness the power of collective wisdom to shape our futures,” said Dr. Oriakhi. “Together, let us embark on this journey of exploration and discovery, united in our commitment to realizing our fullest potential and making meaningful contributions to our communities and beyond.”
Promoting careers in psychology, Ms. Curry noted that psychologists are equipped with the ability to help others, troubleshoot areas of weakness within themselves, and become better people and professionals in the process.
“The floor is yours to be able to explore. There’s no job where you don’t have to deal with people, so learning, even if you get a bachelor’s in psychology, is a great grounding,” she said.
Dr. Darville, one of few interventional radiologists in The Bahamas, offered another nugget of advice on choosing an area of study.
Dr. Elizabeth Darville
“It is important to know enough about yourself in order to make the decisions you want to make,” said Dr. Darville. “You have to work on yourself first and know what you want to do. Radiology gives you a chance to have fun. It gives you a chance to mold your career closer to your personal life than other medical specialties might.”
Another growing field is project management which Mr. Hepburn called a life skill. He also urged a commitment to lifelong learning.
“Individuals that continue to learn become unstoppable, period,” said Mr. Hepburn. “It is so true. When you learn, you become unstoppable because nothing can stop you in your process of development.
Mr. Wellington Hepburn
“The more you know, the more valuable you are. We need individuals who are cross functional—that can operate in different capacities. So please understand that your learning should never stop.”
With small and medium-sized businesses helping to drive the economy at an incredible rate, Ms. Rolle affirmed the importance of entrepreneurship in any economy.
“When we talk about entrepreneurship, we usually look at it from a myopic standpoint,” she said. Ms. Rolle. “What do I mean by that? Small, but usually about self: ‘how do I make more money?’ And in some cases, some look at entrepreneurship as a way of survival. ‘I need to make a couple extra dollars, I have this bill to pay’. Those types of things.
Ms. Samantha Rolle
“But entrepreneurship really, in its truest form, is about innovation, whether it’s a new concept or any existing concept that you innovate new ways, or help expand the economy.”
The career symposium was held at the Harry C. Moore Library and Information Centre and is held every academic year.
PHOTO CAPTIONS
- Career Symposium 1: UB Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Maria Oriakhi, delivers the opening address at the 2024 Career Symposium.
- Career Symposium 2: Students and guest speakers enjoy a lighthearted moment during the 2024 Career Symposium.
- Career Symposium 3: Ms. Rickell Curry speaks to students during the 2024 Career Symposium.
- Career Symposium 4: Dr. Elizabeth Darville delivers remarks during the 2024 Career Symposium.
- Career Symposium 5: Mr. Wellington Hepburn educates students on the importance of project management during the 2024 Career Symposium.
- Career Symposium 6: Ms. Samantha Rolle talks about the role and importance of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship in any economy.
Office of University Relations
University of The Bahamas
2nd Floor, Michael H. Eldon Complex
Oakes Field Campus
P.O. Box N-4912
Nassau, The Bahamas
Tel: (242) 302-4355/4354/4365
Rashaed Esson
Staff Writer
#TheBahamas, April 15, 2024 – After years of thorough maintenance, The Thomas A Robinson National Stadium in The Bahamas is finally getting a multi-million dollar makeover, readying the 10-year old facility ahead of the World Athletics Relays on May 5, 2024; it is being staged in Nassau for the fourth time.
This $36 million refurbishment is being funded by the Chinese Government, as part of a vision to enhance the country’s sport infrastructure to benefit youths in athletics. The stadium was gifted to The Bahamas in 2012 by the Chinese.
The relay is the qualifying event for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games and there will be 32 national teams, in each relay event, and 20 races on both days of competition, according to World Athletics.
Day 1, will have 20 heats across the five Olympic-calibre events (4 heats each for 4×100, 4×400, men, women and mixed) and will qualify 40 teams for the Summer Olympics.
Distinctly, the top two teams from each heat will directly qualify for the 2024 Games.
On day 2, 30 more national teams will be qualified through 15 heats and five finals, across those five events.
The upgrades which include new trusses, rooftops, seats, the lawn, score boards, LED displays and more, are expected to be complete at least two weeks before the relays, being held under the theme: ‘Chase the Sun’.
In a special ceremony on Monday April 8, The Bahamas Prime Minister, Philip Davis said:
In December 2023, our shared vision took shape, as the government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, and the government of the People’s Republic of China, inked an implementation agreement for the renovation of the stadium. This gesture of goodwill and friendship, from the Chinese government to undertake the China Aid Maintenance and Renovation project of our national stadium, stands as a testament to the strong bonds that unite our countries. This project, executed by China Urban Construction Research Institute Company Limited, and the China Machinery Industry Construction Group Company Limited, reflects our shared commitment to excellence, innovation and mutual development.”
Additionally, H.E Dai Qingli, outgoing Chinese Ambassador to The Bahamas who also attended that ceremony, spoke.
“At the end of the project, the Bahamian people will get a fully renewed and modern world class stadium because everything is going to be either renewed or repaired,” she said.
Some 1,600 athletes will be in The Bahamas for the World Athletics relays, with five events. The Bahamas won the bid over Lausanne, Rome in 2022.
Mario Bowleg, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture in reports, thanked China for their contribution to the redevelopment of the stadium.
“We thank them for their commitment to ensuring that they bring this facility back up to A1 standard so that we can continue holding international events and using these facilities as a development of our young people.”
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