Bahamas News
IDB Partners with UB On Gerace Research Institute Digitization Project 1
#Nassau, July 6, 2019 – Bahamas – The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is helping to fund a digitization project that aims to centralize data collected over the last 50 years from the rich and diverse ecosystem that surrounds the Gerace Research Institute (GRI) in San Salvador. GRI is part of the University of The Bahamas (UB) system.
Over the last five decades, national and international researchers have uncovered treasure troves of information. However, accessing the research has presented a challenge. Although some of this work has been published in either peer-reviewed journals or conference proceedings, much of it has yet to be properly disseminated.
As part of an ongoing IDB initiative which commenced in 2016, Support to Climate-Resilient Tourism Development in San Salvador, the IDB is providing $35,000 to support the digitization project which UB is undertaking in five phases.
“This is going to help propel the research capabilities at Gerace,” said UB President Dr. Rodney D. Smith.
The GRI has been in operation as a scientific field station since 1971. Thousands of professors, researchers, and students have conducted research there to examine the natural world and the unique environment of the island of San Salvador. During that time, a wealth of information has been recorded in the fields of archaeology, climatology, geology, marine biology, natural history, and other areas.
“While I was there, I remember being told that there was information that was housed on floppy disks and an assortment of media that had no way of being processed and we knew that we wanted to be a part of this,” noted Mr. Michael Nelson, COO at the IDB, who was pleased that the Bank is able to support such an undertaking.
The IDB Country Strategy for The Bahamas 2018-2022 cites timely data collection and dissemination as a challenge. Successful implementation of the Gerace Research Institute project could serve as a pilot for systematic and regular scientific data collection on climate change and environmental indicators that could be replicated by other organizations in The Bahamas.
Data for tropical marine environments dating back to the early 1970’s is available in the archives of the GRI. Given the changing climatic systems and ecological disturbances that the world is currently experiencing, having access to pre-disturbance, or baseline data, is vital to measure the intensity of current impacts against their previous historical state. Having this data publicly available will provide a unique glimpse into the climate, environment, and biodiversity of a Caribbean island before global changes severely modified those conditions. This, in turn, will advance and promote current studies in climate change, over-fishing, water resources, coral survivability, and other issues and inform mitigation strategies.
The project will also have a capacity building component with other organizations having the opportunity to participate in a training workshop in San Salvador to share the methods being used to digitize the data at GRI and share them through an online platform.
Release: UB
Photo Caption:From l-r: UB Provost Dr. Linda Davis; UB President Dr. Rodney D. Smith; IDB Chief of Operations Mr. Michael Nelson and University Librarian Mrs. Berthamae Walker.
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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