Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Water Corporation Breaks Ground for Potable Water in Cat Island
#Bahamas, March 16, 2021 – Very soon Cat Island residents will no longer have to harvest rain water or obtain this valuable commodity from private wells, standpipes or water tanks in well fields.
The Water & Sewerage Corporation (WSC) broke ground, Monday, which will bring potable water to Cat Island for the first time. “Oh Cat Island, it’s your time.
This is your historic undertaking today,” said WSC Executive Chairman Adrian Gibson.
“The purpose of this project is to provide you with a safe, sustainable, reliable supply of potable water that meets World Health Organization water standards by all parameters. It will be delivered directly into your homes, on demand any time that you want. You don’t have to worry about drawing water from your well or about rationing water from your tanks,” he told the residents.
“We know that wells, stand pipes and all others are subject to changing weather patterns, drought, sea water infiltration, interrupted water supply and poor water quality — especially when it’s a hurricane; we intend to change that.”
The ceremony was held on the grounds of the District Council Office in New Bight. Among those in attendance: Bennett Minnis; board member; Elwood Donaldson, general manager; Cyprian Gibson, assistant general manager, Family Island Division; Donnie Newbold, chief operator; Dale Gelin, administrator; Chris Wilson, Island Site Development Bahamas, Local Government representatives and local community leaders.
Approximately 12 miles of pipe will be installed in the work which is scheduled to be undertaken in two lots within 12 months at a cost of more than $3 million. They are:
Lot #1: Wilson Bay and Bennet Harbour settlements (120 service connections)
350-feet of 6-inch pipe
10,400 feet of 4-inch pipe
6,100 feet of 2-inch pipe
Lot #2: Douds and Moss Town ending at Old Bight (175 service connections)
3,500 feet of 6-inch pipe
32,500 feet of 4-inch pipe
9,500 feet of 2-inch pipe
The Corporation is presently executing a Water Supply Improvement project which is funded through a $28.3 million from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and $13.3 million counterpart funding from the Bahamas Government. This initiative includes two projects in New Providence and six Family Islands.
“We are here to fulfill a commitment to deliver potable water to you the people of Cat Island. It’s the first ever installation of water mains on the entire island and it is anticipated that these works would spark a boost to your economic outlook and a population growth on the island.
“Cat Island, we are here to lay some 780,000 inches/65,000 feet of pipe and we expect that once done it would reduce the amount of tankering that you now see on this island and it would be the start — step at a time — to getting the whole of Cat Island potable water. Today we want to reduce and eventually end your days of toting water from the well.”
Moreover, the Chairman indicated that although the initial project work will only include a fraction of the island, the WSC is committed to expanding the system and providing the entire island with water as far as possible and as future budgets would allow.
He appealed to Island Site Development Bahamas to give local contractors consideration and to also hire as many local residents as possible on this central island.
He highlighted plans which are underway for the construction of two new reverse osmosis plants for Bennett’s Harbour in the north and Douds in the south. He said the construction of these plants will be executed under a separate contract.
Mr. Gibson recognized Mr. Newbold, referred to as a one-man-band, for his commitment to providing service in Cat Island, including delivery of water to residents.
He thanked Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Works the Hon. Desmond Bannister for their unwavering support of the Corporation; the CDB for continuous support of projects throughout The Bahamas and the staff of WSC, the Family Islands Division, external engineers and engineers and technicians of the project management unit.
Mr. Gibson assured residents throughout all Family Islands of a safe and reliable water supply. He said the Government is keenly aware of the needs of the Family Islands and is currently formulating plans to address them.
To date, major infrastructural projects have been completed in Long Island, Eleuthera, Spanish Wells, Russell Islands, South Andros, San Salvador, Ragged Island, Abaco, Inagua, Crooked Island, New Providence, Moore’s Island, Harbour Island, North Andros and now Cat Island.
By Kathryn Campbell (BIS)
Photo Captions: Scenes from the ground breaking ceremony at the District Council Office grounds in New Bight, Cat Island, March 15, 2021. WSC Executive Chairman Adrian Gibson gives remarks at the ground breaking ceremony to bring potable water to Cat Island and, at centre, leads the shovel ground-breaking. General Manager, WSC, Elwood Donaldson is also pictured speaking at the ceremonies.
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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