Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Stakeholders Laud Benefits of Solar Car Park
#Nassau, March 8, 2019 – Bahamas – As the solar car park project is slated to be officially opened on March 18, 2019, Senior Environmental Officer with the Ministry of the Environment and Housing, Dr. Rhianna Neely-Murphy gave insight on the project, during a recent site visit of the 900-kilowatt solar car park at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium.
“The Ministry of the Environment and Housing is responsible for renewable energy in The Bahamas,” Dr. Neely-Murphy said. “This is the largest project that we have been able to get off the ground so far, and it is the first one that we have been able to do through a grant. This is totally grant funded.”
Dr. Neely-Murphy noted that the project was the result of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Governments of the United Arab Emirates and The Bahamas in 2017.
“We are happy to have this as a display piece to awaken the minds of Bahamians, with respect to what can happen in their individual lives; and what could happen for us as a country, with respect to renewable energy and diversifying how we ‘flip our switches’,” she said.
Dr. Neely-Murphy noted that, as an Environmental Scientist and as a Bahamian, the sensibility of using solar power in the nation is apparent, especially when costs in the long term are considered.
Environmental Officer, Lyndee Bowe reiterated the importance of renewable energy for The Bahamas and noted that the Solar Car Park project had the significance of being a pilot project that could enable similar projects to be continued throughout the archipelago.
“We intend to roll out a number of solar initiatives this year; and this is just the first of many,” she said.
Project Coordinator at the National Stadium, Scott Ferguson pointed out that the stadium was directly affected by the projected as a beneficiary and noted talks that were ongoing at that time. He added that as a Bahamian he was “tremendously excited” about such a solar project.
“The facility, itself, will benefit a lot of the Bahamian public in terms of the power driving into the grid,” he said. “Each home consumes about 2.4 kilowatts of power. This facility is 900 kilowatts of power; so we are looking at about 600 homes being able to benefit from some of this power.
“It is one of the first prototypes that we see in the country, and we hope to see more.”
Senior Project Manager with Cavalier Construction Robert Hall noted that from an industry viewpoint, the project is good because it allowed the utilization of their skills in their trade.
“The work, from our point of view, was excavation, reinforced concrete, structural steel work and fixing solar panels,” Mr. Hall said. “It is good because of the utilization of labour … and the labour was all Bahamian.”
He noted that it was a three-month projected that incorporated an approximately 30-member work force. He added that he thought that a solar project such as that one was a “brilliant” idea for The Bahamas.
“I think that the Family Islands would benefit with this an awful lot,” Mr. Hall said. “There is an outlay to it, to put it in place; but it is the natural resources – you have the sun, you have plenty of sun. I think that it is a great idea, to be honest.”
By: Eric Rose
Release: BIS
Photo Captions:
Header: The 900-kilowatt solar car park at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium that is slated to be officially opened on March 18, 2019.
Insert: Senior Environmental Officer with the Ministry of the Environment and Housing Dr. Rhianna Neely-Murphy (left), Environmental Officer, Lyndee Bowe and Project Coordinator at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, Scott Ferguson speak during a recent site visit of the 900-kilowatt solar car park at the National Stadium. The project is slated to be officially opened on March 18, 2019.
(BIS Photo/Eric Rose)
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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