Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Defence Force assists country in attaining Marine Stewardship Council Certification
#Nassau, August 13, 2018 – Bahamas – The Bahamas recently became the first country worldwide to earn a certification from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) for spiny lobsters. The Royal Bahamas Defence Force was proud to be a part of a collaborative effort that resulted in this award.
Spearheaded by the Bahamas Marine Exporters Association, the collaborative effort also consisted of the Marine Resources Unit of the Ministry of Agriculture, nongovernmental marine conservation, and other agencies within the Bahamas commercial fisheries sector. A major benefit of this certification is the enhanced access to foreign markets, which is expected to translate into long-term benefits for local fishermen and exporters of Bahamian spiny lobster.
With approximately 9,000 people employed in fishing and a 90 million-dollar Bahamian fishing industry, many major leading companies and corporations in the USA view this achievement as a milestone in conducting business with The Bahamas. The MSC certification provides the credible endorsement for export to foreign markets while promoting sustainability for the lobster industry.
Before attaining this notable achievement, a country’s fisheries industry must meet the minimum standards for sustaining the industry. These include taking into account the health of the stock of spiny lobster; the impact of fishing on the marine environment; and the management of lobster fishing inclusive of marine law enforcement efforts of the Defence Force.
Commander Defence Force, Commodore Tellis Bethel credits the hard working Officers and Marines of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force in ensuring that protection of the country’s marine resources are enforced.
“In the wake of two major Dominican poaching apprehensions, there is more work to be done,” acknowledges Commodore Bethel. “Poaching by Dominican fishermen in the southern Bahamas, the exceeding of catch limits by American sports fishermen in the north, and the indiscriminate fishing of local fishermen threaten the health of Bahamian fish stocks.”
Nevertheless, he maintains that the resolve of the men and women of the Defence Force to safeguard our marine resources continues to be a determining factor for the positive impact the Force is having on the industry.
With The Bahamas being the first within the Caribbean Region to receive this award; it now joins just 8 percent of developing countries to achieve this award. In January 2017, a detailed assessment was conducted that included review and input by a team of fishery science and policy experts.
The Defence Force is currently working in collaboration with nongovernment and other Government agencies to implement a 5-year action plan to retain the country’s MSC Certification status.
Photo shows: Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resource, the Honorable Michael Pintard along with Commodore Tellis Bethel and representatives from nongovernmental marine conservation, and other agencies within the Bahamas commercial fisheries sector at the Ministry of Agriculture Headquarters, East Bay Street.
(Photo courtesy of Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resource)
-rbdf-
#GuardOurHeritage
#MarlinSpike
#OperationConservation
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.”
-
Health1 week agoAstraZeneca withdraws COVID vaccines after millions took their jabs
-
Caribbean News6 days agoBelize, Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Syphilis
-
TCI News6 days agoEquity in Energy says Bahamas Energy & Transport Minister in legislative roll out
-
TCI News6 days agoFamily of 16 tourist claims negligence in Grand Turk jet ski death; Coroner’s Court hearing evidence
-
TCI News4 days agoAMERICAN MOTHER AND DAUGHTER ALLEGEDLY ARRESTED FOR TWO BULLETS
-
Caribbean News6 days agoMagnetic Media attends Caribbean Media Summit, in focus AI in Journalism
-
world news1 week agoElectricity Access for 600 Million a goal of UN Sustainability Week
-
Bahamas News6 days agoThe Bahamas Successfully Hosts Its Fourth World Athletics Relays