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Over $8.3 million in contracts to rebuild Water & Sewerage infrastructure in Abaco post Hurricane Dorian

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#Nassau, The Bahamas – February 19, 2020 — STATEMENT ISSUED FEBRUARY 13 – The Corporation (WSC) can confirm that we have restored normal water supply to our customers in the following settlements on mainland Abaco – Crown Haven, Fox Town, Mount Hope, Wood Cay, Cedar Harbour, Coopers Town, Fire Road, Blackwood, Casaurina, Cherokee, Crossing Rocks and Sandy Point.

File Photo: WSC Staff in October 2019, Abaco

We have experienced some recent challenges with our water supply systems on the islands of Moores Island and Grand Cay and we expect those to be fully rectified in the coming days. The Grand Cay storage tank was destroyed during the hurricane and a contract has been issued for the demolition of that tank and another contract has been issued for a new 125,000 imperial gallon storage tank.

Last week, WSC mobilized a private contractor to assist our team working to complete extensive repairs to our Marsh Harbour distribution system which includes the communities of Marsh Harbour, Spring City, Dundas Town, Murphy Town, Central Pines, Pelican Shores and Eastern Shores. It is expected that these works will continue for the next few months resulting in substantial improvements in the reliability of our Marsh Harbour water supply system.

At the Marsh Harbour pumping station site, WSC will commence major clearance works in the coming days for a new 1,500,000 imperial gallon storage tank that has already been contracted, a new pumping station building and two (2) new solar power fields. New standby generators were also delivered this week for both the new pumping station and another for the wellfields. When completed, our Marsh Harbour pumping station will be our most advanced water pumping station in the Family Islands with sufficient solar capacity to operate our entire wellfield and pumping station along with standby power and BPL power for use when the sunlight is not available.

File Photo, WSC in Abaco post Hurricane Dorian

This week, WSC mobilized a private contractor to assist our team working to complete extensive repairs to our Treasure Cay distribution system which includes the communities of Treasure Cay and Green Turtle Cay. These works are also expected to continue for the next few months. At the Treasure Cay pumping station, a new standby generator has already been installed and this generator is powering our facilities as no BPL power is available at this location as yet.

The storage tank at this facility was destroyed during the storm and demolition works will be starting in the coming days to remove the collapsed tank and tank slab to make room for a new 750,000 imperial gallon tank that already been contracted.

A contract has also been issued for the repair of the Green Turtle Cay storage tank that was damaged during the hurricane.

Rebuilding of W&S infrastructure started in Abaco, WSC photo

Our Treasure Cay commercial office was destroyed during the hurricane and our Board is expected to approve the commencement of a procurement exercise for several building contracts shortly including a new Treasure Cay commercial and operations center, the new pumping station for Marsh Harbour, two (2) solar power equipment buildings and refurbishment of all of our existing buildings on the mainland and cays.

On Sweetings Cay, which is managed as a part of our Abaco operations, the nongovernmental organization (NGO), WaterMission has provided a standby generator and a desalination plant as the complete water production facility on island was destroyed during the hurricane and the distribution system also experienced substantial damage. The generator and desalination plant are operational and providing water for the remaining residents.

Water Mission on the ground in Abaco assisting restoration and rebuild of water infrastructure; WSC photo

WSC is presently exploring an offer from another NGO to assist with the required distribution system improvement works. Notably, WSC has purchased a plant to replace the plant we lost in Sweetings Cay; at present, it is in Grand Bahama awaiting shipment to Sweetings Cay. Detailed Condition Assessment Reports have been completed for our Treasure Cay and Spring City sewerage systems, both of which incurred substantial damage during the passage of the hurricane.

Our Board is presently reviewing options to commence the required sewerage refurbishment works and it is anticipated that a contract award will be made in the coming weeks.

To support our operational and commercial teams, a fleet of new vehicles and required equipment has been procured. Some items have already been shipped to Abaco and additional items will be shipped in the coming days.

To date, WSC has awarded contracts for vehicles, equipment, new facilities, restoration works & services in excess of $8.3 million and we anticipate another several million dollars in contracts will be awarded in the coming weeks. WSC appreciates the understanding, patience and support of our valued customers in the Abacos as we work to rebuild a stronger, more climate resilient water and sewerage infrastrustructural system.

Bahamas News

Perry Institute for Marine Science Celebrates the Opening of the Bahamas Coral Gene Bank at Atlantis Paradise Island

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— The nation’s first coral gene bank will preserve, propagate and replant coral to reverse devastation from rising ocean temperatures and a rapidly spreading disease –

 

PARADISE ISLAND, The Bahamas (June 13, 2025) — The Bahamas has launched an aggressive national conservation initiative to address and reverse the devastating effects of warming ocean temperatures and a disease ravaging its coral reefs. The country’s first coral gene bank is operated and managed by coral experts from the Perry Institute of Marine Science. The biosecure facility opened today at Atlantis Paradise Island to house, propagate, and replant healthy coral on damaged reefs.

“Coral has become increasingly endangered over the years, but the introduction of Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease completely changed the game and created extreme urgency to act,” said Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS) Executive Director Dr. Craig Dahlgren. “Transmitted among corals through direct contact and water circulation, the disease has spread to all major Bahamian islands and causes a high death rate in corals. Treatments are emerging slowly, but corals need to be rescued and isolated from the disease while these methods are perfected.”

Part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ global Saving Animals from Extinction (SAFE) program, onsite management of the new bank is led by PIMS experts, including a former Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) graduate and student interns from BAMSI and the University of The Bahamas, with support from marine-life experts at Atlantis.

“Our collective vision is not only to preserve coral currently under threat, but also to foster new generations of corals that, when planted, are more resilient to disease and other dangers. Longstanding support and funding from our contributors and supporters, including Disney Conservation Fund, Atlantis Paradise Island, and Atlantis Blue Project Foundation, have been essential in making this national effort possible.”

“Our investment in the Coral Gene Bank builds on Disney’s decades-long commitment to protecting coral in The Bahamas,” said Andy Stamper, Conservation Science Manager for Disney Conservation. “This facility is a vital step toward preserving biodiversity and restoring reef health for generations to come.”

The Bahamas Coral Gene Bank can accommodate up to 200 large, mature coral colonies, in addition to smaller fragments and juvenile corals. PIMS has already rescued and relocated fifteen coral species to the biosecure Gene Bank research facility. Coral fragments collected from the ocean are placed in pristine, on-site aquaria, and once stable, they grow and reproduce quickly with the aid of innovative reproduction techniques such as lunar-cycle simulations.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

Header:  A proud moment for coral conservation: Scientists from Perry Institute for Marine Science, Atlantis, and partner organizations stand over the newly established coral gene bank at Atlantis Paradise Island, having just populated its tanks with rescued coral colonies.

 1st insert: One coral at a time—This fragment of a highly susceptible coral species is now safe inside the Bahamas Coral Gene Bank. Here, it can grow and reproduce under expert care, protected from the deadly Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease.

2nd insert: Hope in their hands: Two coral researchers at the Bahamas Coral Gene Bank share a moment of joy after placing healthy coral colonies into their new biosecure home—an act that could help restore entire reef systems.

About the Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS):

For more than 50 years, Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS) has advanced ocean stewardship around the world. Guided by our vision “Thriving Seas, Empowered Communities,” our scientists pair cutting‑edge research with hands-on conservation to protect coral reefs, mangroves, fisheries, and coastal habitats while supporting sustainable livelihoods. We collaborate with governments, NGOs, schools, and forward‑thinking businesses to turn data into action—whether restoring reefs through our Reef Rescue Network, mapping coastal ecosystems with drone and photogrammetry technology, or training the next generation of marine leaders. By discovering solutions, creating opportunities, and inspiring action, PIMS works to ensure a healthy ocean for people and the planet alike. Learn more at www.perryinstitute.org.

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The Government Signs Power Purchase Agreements to Help Transform Power Generation Across the Family Islands

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By Llonella Gilbert
Bahamas Information Services

 

NASSAU, The Bahamas — During a press conference at the Office of The Prime Minister on Sunday, June 1, 2025, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis announced the signing of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with two Bahamian partners who will help to transform power generation across the Family Islands.

The Prime Minister said, “We have made incredible progress in such a short amount of time.  When we took office in 2021, we encountered a power grid and power generation system on life support.”

He explained that Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) was drowning in over half a billion dollars of debt, plus another $100 million in unfunded pension obligations.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The Prime Minister noted that at the same time, the country’s energy infrastructure required $500 million in critical upgrades to prevent catastrophic failure.                                                                                                                                                                                                       He said, “In New Providence, 60 percent of power generation equipment needed replacement, while our Family Islands were in even worse shape, with 80 percent of equipment requiring replacement within five years.

“For Bahamian families, our energy failures caused unnecessary hardship for a population that was still staggering from the effects of Hurricane Dorian, COVID-19, a deflated economy, and crippling inflation.”

The Prime Minister said the Government is committed to taking on these challenges head-on, with energy reform near the top of its list of priorities as one of the most meaningful ways to lower costs for families and local businesses.

“Ultimately, we see energy reform as a catalyst for economic empowerment and growth for all Bahamians.”

He added, “Our vision extended to every island, not just New Providence, not just the major economic and population centres, but to every island where Bahamians live, work, and raise their families.”

The Prime Minister noted that it is an ambitious undertaking requiring the Government to take on multiple Bahamian partners to deliver on its promise of widespread change.

“The PPAs we are signing today represent our unwavering commitment to keeping that promise.

“These partnerships will bring modern, reliable, affordable electricity to islands that have, for too long, endured aging infrastructure, frequent outages, and exorbitant costs.”

He explained that through these agreements, the Government will establish solar microgrids combined with advanced LNG and multigas systems across nine different areas in the Family Islands.

“This hybrid approach represents the perfect balance for our archipelago. We are harnessing our abundant sunshine while introducing cleaner fuels to ensure that our power needs are met, regardless of what the weather looks like.”

The Prime Minister said, “All of our partners are Bahamian-owned enterprises with the resources to expedite development to ensure that our people will benefit from these changes as soon as possible.

“In fact, each one of the PPAs we have signed this year will be initiated before year’s end and will be completed in 2026.”

He said among the companies the Government is partnering with is Family Island Microgrid Co., which will develop and operate new energy systems on five islands: Harbour Island, Bimini, Moore’s Island, Farmer’s Cay, Black Point and Staniel Cay in the Exumas. These communities will soon benefit from efficient multi-gas generation.

The Prime Minister said the second partnership is with RenugenPro Co. Ltd.   RenugenPro who will bring an energy revolution to San Salvador, Long Island, and Cat Island, with solar, battery energy storage and LNG facilities.

“These islands, each with their own unique energy challenges, will soon enjoy reliable, affordable electricity that should be the right of every Bahamian citizen.  The impact of these changes will be felt within months, not years.”

He explained that as large-scale solar and hybrid facilities spring up, Bahamians will benefit immediately from these comprehensive energy reforms.                                                                                                                                                                                            The Prime Minister said by this time next year, Bahamians across 14 islands will experience the benefits of modern, reliable, affordable electricity.                                                                                                                                He added that by 2030, 32 per cent of the nation’s electricity needs will be met by solar power – surpassing the global target of 30 per cent.

“Finally, after years of falling behind in the adoption of renewable energy, we will lead the way using the power of the sun in this new energy era:

“No more sky-high electricity bills at the end of each month.

“No more sweating in the dark at night because of power failures and load shedding.”

The Prime Minister said, “No more appliances shorting out and food going bad because the power went off for far too long.  That is the energy future we are striving for.”

(OPM Photos/Bradisha Fraser)

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Bahamas Goombay Punch Makes a Huge Splash at National Family Island Regatta Again

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Nassau, BAHAMAS — Bahamas Goombay Punch is proud to once again offer its support with a $5,000 donation at the 69th National Family Island Regatta (NFIR) in Georgetown, Exuma.

Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, donated 480 cans of Bahamas Goombay Punch and 280 bottles of Dasani water to the event.

Jonathan Thronebury, Marketing Director for CBC spoke to the company’s continual support of the regatta.

“Bahamas Goombay Punch is more than a beloved local brand—it’s a vibrant part of our cultural fabric. Just like sailing, our national sport, it carries a rich legacy that spans generations. Recognizing this shared history, we’re proud to support initiatives that celebrate and advance Bahamian culture. ” he shared.

Bahamas Goombay Punch engaged regatta goers in the beautiful Elizabeth Harbor with trivia games, exciting prizes, branded giveaways and of course complimentary samples of the official soft drink of The Bahamas!

Family-friendly fun and Bahamian culture aside, the NFIR served as the second round of competition for the third annual Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup.

The Goombay Punch Cup competition is initiative developed by Caribbean Bottling to further the advancement of sailing and Bahamian culture through monetary and social support. The competition judges the skipper’s performance across three Regattas, The Best of the Best, the National Family Island and Long Island Regattas.

This season focused on the skillsets of all the skippers and sloops in the C-Class category. The winner, who will be announced at the end of the Long Island Regatta, will receive a $5,000 award, an $8,000 stipend towards the junior sailing club of the winning island, and a first-place commemorative limited-edition Bahamas Goombay Punch featuring the winning sloop’s design.

Congratulations are to Exuma’s ‘H20’, led by captain Efford Kemp  for winning the second leg of the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup. Their win follows Long Island’s ‘Sassie Sue’, led by Stefan Knowles, at the 2024 Best of the Best Regatta in New Providence.

For those who didn’t get to experience in the Bahamas Goombay Punch joy in Exuma there will be another opportunity to win exciting prizes in Long Island. Sailing enthusiasts will also get to watch fierce competition between the C-Class sloops as they fight for the first-place title of the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup during the final round of competition.

To keep up-to-date with the Goombay Punch Cup and all things Bahamas Goombay Punch, visit Caribbean Bottling Company’s website at www.cbcbahamas.com.

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