Bahamas News
Small Island Sustainability Complex Opens at The University of The Bahamas
#Nassau, October 27, 2018 – Bahamas – The G. T. R. Campbell Small Island Sustainability Research Complex was officially opened during an opening at The University of The Bahamas (UB), Thursday, 25th October.
The complex is the result of a gift from the Freedom Foundation, led by Lowell Mortimer. It was built to honour the memory of Mr. George T. R. Campbell, a Scottish Naval Architect. During the 1960s, Campbell began visiting The Bahamas and in 1973 he formed a management company (Campbell Shipping) in Nassau. He died in Tokyo, Japan in 1993.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Prime Minister was the Minister of Environment and Housing, Hon. Romauld Ferreira, who said that with the rapid development of science and technology, the world is facing complex problems like never before.
“Small island developing states, like the Bahamas, particularly find themselves investigating practicable solutions to energy stability, waste management, disaster response and climate change adaptation as they simultaneously address socio-economic vulnerability issues such as poverty, crime and food insecurity,” said Minister Ferreira.
“To prepare our younger generation to meet the needs of their future and to address current environmental challenges, our educational systems, have to undergo a wide range of reforms.”
Accordingly, UB has placed itself in the position to prepare for the next generation with research centres. Spanning over 17,000 square foot, the George Campbell Small Island Sustainability Research Complex was built with the environment in mind.
President of the UB, Dr. Rodney Smith said that stakeholders took many issues into consideration.
“We were careful and deliberate in determining the location for this teaching and learning research complex. We wanted it to be a part of our thriving and bustling Oakes Field Campus, where students studying for one of our degrees in this signature sustainability programme can easily interact with other students, creating multi-disciplinary synergies for dynamic research,” said President Smith.
“The building itself will help to further uplift the area, adding beauty and interest to our campus. It has been designed so that we can satisfy the criteria required, as we aim to be one of the first LEED certified buildings in The Bahamas. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. LEED Certified buildings are internationally recognized as Sustainable or ‘Green’ buildings.”
He said, “According to the definition, such buildings are “designed and built using strategies aimed at improving performance across all the metrics that matter most: energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts.”
The building has three classrooms and a GIS teaching lab, 6 research labs, including 1 aseptic tissue culture Lab – which means that it will be a sterile lab, 11 staff/research offices, and office spaces for visiting researchers, graduate students and laboratory technicians. The six active research laboratories will focus, specifically, on
- Plant Tissue and Bio-technology
- Geospatial Visualization and Informatics
- Food and Natural Products Innovation
- Plant, Soil, and Water Sciences
- Applied Laser and Optical Science Research
- Chemical and Environmental Analysis
Dr. Smith said that the labs would help to revolutionize teaching, research and study in the Small Island Sustainability, or SIS programme.
“I really want to highlight that this building will not only be a hub for student and faculty research at the University but a national and international hub for sustainability research in and for the benefit of The Bahamas – there is space for visiting faculty and researchers. Our programme is a flagship programme, and the research that we produce, will help to change our country in myriad ways for the better,” he said.
He said that once successful, the centre would be able to help with several environmental concerns including:
Mitigation of the adverse effects of environmental and developmental damages;- Conservation and preservation of biodiversity;
- Restoration of ecosystems;
- Increased self-sufficiency and innovation;
- Geospatial visualization and analysis to determine the most sustainable and optimal utilization of our natural resources;
- Improved comprehensive development planning;
- Improved environmental stewardship;
- Research that can be of use to the government in the formulation of public policy; and, finally research on the many aspects of plants and crops, as well as the quality use of bush medicines and other natural products.
By: Betty Vedrine
Release: BIS
Caption: Minister of the Environment and Housing, the Hon. Romauld Ferreira, spoke at the opening ceremony of the G.T. R. Campbell Small Island Sustainability Complex located on the campus of The University of The Bahamas, Thursday, October 25, 2018.
(BIS Photos/Derek Smith)
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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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