Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: BAMSI Students Dive Against Debris
#Nassau, October 16, 2018 – Bahamas – For many people marine debris is out of sight, out of mind. Thankfully however, divers have the unique 
ability to bring to the surface what is going on beneath the waves…and this is exactly what the student dive team of the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Institute (BAMSI) has been engaging in over the past few weeks. The project is part of a global initiative called ‘Dive Against Debris’ which was first launched in 2011 by Project AWARE.
The dive team, accompanied by Dr. Vallierre Deleveaux, head of BAMSI’s marine science division and a PADI open water scuba instructor, removed debris from Captain Bill’s Blue Hole located in Blue Holes National Park in Central Andros. As a popular tourist attraction on the island the team felt it was important for the community to present the best possible image. At the end of the day the team collected nearly 80 pounds of garbage and debris from the blue hole.
Also working with the dive team – who are all open water and advanced open water certified – was a student snorkel team who provided surface s
upport by collecting the debris-filled mesh bags from divers at the surface. The clean-up project removed several bags of debris, totalling 250 articles and weighing about 80 pounds. The largest offenders in terms of materials included glass, aluminium products and plastic materials. Beer bottles and cans formed the vast majority of these articles.
The main objective of the clean-up initiative and similar projects that BAMSI’s Student Affairs division is planning, to raise awareness and educate the students and the community at large about the importance of keeping the island’s environment clean. It only takes a small effort and consistency to work towards creating a cleaner and pristine environment for this and future generations.
Additionally, a second Dive Against Debris was conducted with a small dive team under the supervision of Dr. V. Deleveaux on October 3 at Uncle Charlie’s Blue Hole in North Andros. The site showed promise as marine debris pollution was found to be minimal within the blue hole. Further, the site had healthy aquatic fauna with a population of crabs and a blind fish species being present. The aquatic site exhibited relatively little anthropogenic impacts when compared to the first dive site.
The student dive team’s clean up initiative was encouraged and future efforts are planned to clean up other marine environments around the island of Andros.
‘Dive Against Debris’ includes two parts: debris removal and reporting. Removing rubbish improves the underwater habitat. Reporting any findings helps reveal the extent of the global marine debris crisis. Without debris data, scientists and conservationists cannot advocate for change. Since its initial launch, more than 30,000 divers in 50 plus countries have geared up to protect the ocean and the creatures who live there.
Release: BAMSI
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 News5 days agoBelize, Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Syphilis
-
TCI News5 days agoEquity in Energy says Bahamas Energy & Transport Minister in legislative roll out
-
TCI News5 days agoFamily of 16 tourist claims negligence in Grand Turk jet ski death; Coroner’s Court hearing evidence
-
Caribbean News5 days agoMagnetic Media attends Caribbean Media Summit, in focus AI in Journalism
-
world news6 days agoElectricity Access for 600 Million a goal of UN Sustainability Week
-
TCI News3 days agoAMERICAN MOTHER AND DAUGHTER ALLEGEDLY ARRESTED FOR TWO BULLETS
-
Bahamas News5 days agoThe Bahamas Successfully Hosts Its Fourth World Athletics Relays