#TheBahamas, May 9, 2024 – Waterkeepers Bahamas (WKB) proudly announces the certification of three outstanding cadets as open-water scuba divers. Azaria Louis, Kyle Quijano, and Tafari Fountain have completed an intensive training program, enhancing their marine conservation exploration capabilities and paving the way for future environmental leadership.

For the past decade, Waterkeepers Bahamas has collaborated with Grand Bahama Scuba to offer scuba certification to students as part of its Cadets Program. This partnership enriches the cadets’ experiences and equips them with essential skills to pursue marine conservation studies or careers.

The certification process encompassed theory classes and practical sessions in the swimming pool and inland waters at Ocean Reef Yacht Club. The cadets completed two open-water dives off the south shore of Grand Bahama, including one at Shark Junction, under the expert guidance of their instructors.

Azaria Louis said: “Becoming a certified scuba diver has been a dream of mine since joining the Waterkeepers Bahamas Cadets Program. This certification opens up a new world for me to explore and protect.”

Kyle Quijano said: “The experience of becoming a certified diver has been unforgettable. I can’t wait to use this skill to further my understanding of marine conservation and make a positive impact.”

Tafari Fountain said: “This experience has deepened my understanding of marine ecosystems and fueled my passion for conservation. I’m excited to continue exploring and protecting our oceans.”

“We believe this certification is an amazing, enriching, and unique opportunity for our cadets,” said Liyah Forbes, Waterkeepers Bahamas Cadets Program Facilitator. “It empowers them to immerse themselves in the marine environment, fostering a deeper connection and understanding of our oceans.”

Waterkeepers Bahamas extends heartfelt appreciation to Fred and Melinda Riger, instructors and proprietors of Grand Bahama Scuba, for their unwavering dedication to training the cadets. Over the years, the Rigers have trained twenty-one cadets alongside all five members of the Waterkeepers Bahamas staff.

Fred Riger of Grand Bahama Scuba said: “Myself, Melinda and the entire team are immensely proud of the commitment and enthusiasm demonstrated by the cadets throughout this certification process, and we are honoured to have played a role in their journey.” He continued, “This collaboration not only equips the next generation with essential skills but also instils a sense of responsibility towards protecting our precious marine environment. Along with Waterkeepers, we empower these students to explore the wonders beneath the waves and become stewards of our ocean’s health.”

Past cadets and the Rigers have been prominently featured in Waterkeepers Bahamas’ docuseries, “Faces of the Water,” which showcases diverse narratives surrounding people’s water experiences. Through this series, the remarkable stories of individuals deeply connected to the ocean are shared with audiences worldwide, highlighting the importance of marine conservation, the profound impact of initiatives like the Cadets Program, and the exceptional training provided by Grand Bahama Scuba.

Waterkeepers Bahamas encourages students interested in environmental leadership to explore its youth programs. For more information, please visit www.waterkeepersbahamas.com or email connect@waterkeepersbahamas.com.

Freeport, Grand Bahama – May 9, 2023 – Showcasing their commitment and dedication, students from Sir Jack Hayward Senior High, Bishop Michael Eldon, and Lucaya International schools in Grand Bahama have planted hundreds of mangroves as part of the National Mangrove Project. Two plantings were held recently at Dover Sound and East Grand Bahama, two areas where mangrove forests were devastated during the passage of Hurricane Dorian in 2019.

The National Mangrove Project, a collaborative effort between Waterkeepers Bahamas (WKB), the Forestry Unit, and the 50th Independence Secretariat, continues to underscore the pivotal role of Bahamian students in conservation efforts. Students have embraced their roles as stewards of coastal ecosystems, actively participating in mangrove propagation and outplanting. Their involvement is a source of pride for the nation and a beacon of hope for the future of our coastal ecosystems.

Since its inception in October 2023, the project has been instrumental in empowering schools across The Bahamas to establish mangrove nurseries. Students diligently care for the red mangrove propagules until they are ready for outplanting, amplifying the project’s impact on coastal restoration and environmental education. In April 2024, six months after receiving their kits, Grand Bahama students significantly contributed, furthering the project’s mission.

Andurah Daxon, Waterkeepers Bahamas Programs Coordinator, praised the students’ unwavering dedication: “These students have shown remarkable commitment and dedication. Their efforts are a testament to the power of youth engagement in environmental conservation. Through hands-on activities like mangrove propagation and planting, they actively contribute to coastal restoration and develop a profound connection to their natural surroundings, paving the way for a more sustainable future.”

The outplanting events in Grand Bahama followed a successful initiative in March when four New Providence schools participated in planting mangroves at Adelaide Pond. Seven schools have completed the process, and eight schools on Andros, The Berry Islands, Bimini, Eleuthera and Exuma are currently growing their propagules for future outplanting.

Ni’kolaus Cartwright, Bishop Michael Eldon’s Student Nursery Manager, said: “Witnessing the growth and development of our mangrove propagules has been truly inspiring. Primary, junior, and senior high school students have poured their hearts and efforts into caring for these precious seedlings. It’s all a part of our commitment to being an eco-school and maintaining a sense of pride and responsibility for our environment.”

Follow Waterkeepers Bahamas on Facebook to stay updated on the progress of school nurseries and upcoming outplanting events. Join us in celebrating the National Mangrove Project’s success and the dedication of Bahamian students to safeguarding our precious coastal ecosystems. Your support and engagement are crucial to our mission.

Photo Captions:

Header:  Students receive instructions from Waterkeepers Bahamas Mangrove Nursery Coordinator Javan Hunt at Dover Sound.

1st insert:  Year 10 students from Lucaya International School share a laugh in the mud as they plant mangroves at Dover Sound.

2nd insert:  Jack Hayward Senior High students prepare to plant in East Grand Bahama with Waterkeepers Bahamas Program Coordinator Andurah Daxon.

3rd insert:  Bishop Michael Eldon Warriors feeling proud after planting mangroves at Dover Sound.