Connect with us

Bahamas News

Residents in East Grand Bahama benefit from solar streetlights, thanks to the DRA

Published

on

#TheBahamas, May 11, 2021 – Thanks to the Disaster Reconstruction Authority (DRA) and Food for the Poor, residents of East Grand Bahama have street lighting as crews of the Grand Bahama Power Company continue to work towards full restoration of electricity to those communities.

Since devastation by Hurricane Dorian in 2019, which ravaged East Grand Bahama, residents have had to endure living without electricity for months. Because the damage was so extensive in East Grand Bahama, the Power Company attended to getting other communities up and running first.

In the meantime, the Ministry of Disaster Preparedness, Management and Reconstruction, responsible for the DRA, joined forces with Food for the Poor and the Ministry of Grand Bahama, to help provide much-needed street lighting within the East Grand Bahama communities.

Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness, Management and Reconstruction the Hon. Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe, along with Minister of State for Finance and for Grand Bahama, Senator the Hon. Kwasi Thompson and Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister (GB), Mr. Harcourt Brown, toured portions of East Grand Bahama on Saturday, May 8, 2021, to view the work that has already been done on the project.

Minister Parker-Edgecombe said: “This is really the result of partnerships, not only on a local level, but on an international level — the Ministry of Grand Bahama, the DRA and the company responsible for what’s going on here in the East communities, as well as those NGOs that came in and assisted us in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian.

“Food for the Poor has been instrumental in donating these solar lights and we are thankful for them coming in and assisting us in repairing and rebuilding our communities.”

Minister Parker-Edgecombe said efforts by the government and working along with NGOs and other private partners is all about sustainability, moving forward and building back better.

“We look forward to these lights benefiting these communities in a significant way,” she added. “Moving forward, this is what we are going to be bringing to the table to ensure that our communities are safer. We are very appreciative of all of the hands that went into making this project a success.”

The project, which costs over $200,000, is something that has been well-received by the residents in each community.

The solar streetlights have been installed throughout the Eastern District – inclusive of Sweeting’s Cay, McClean’s Town, Pelican Point, High Rock, Free Town and Water Cay.

Minister of State for Finance and for Grand Bahama, Senator Kwasi Thompson pointed out that the solar light project has been a way to take advantage of an opportunity that was created by a crisis. He noted that the devastation of communities in East Grand Bahama has become known not only locally, but on an international scale.

“This really is a model of what really can be achieved in most or many of our Family Islands, he said.  “So, we want to congratulate the DRA and the Minister responsible for making this project a reality. This is just one of a number of renewable energy projects that’s going to come to East Grand Bahama.”

One of those major projects, according to Minister Thompson, will be a micro grid project that will help to make East Grand Bahama resilient in the face of future storms.  “We’re building it back, but we’re building it back better,” said Minister Thompson.

The solar lights are an all-in-one assembly, consisting of the light pole, the solar panel, battery and light fixture.  The solar panel collects power from the sun during the day, and at nightfall the streetlights come on automatically.

Release: BIS

By Andrew Coakley

PHOTO CAPTION

CHECKING OUT PROGRESS OF PROJECT – Minister of State for Finance and for Grand Bahama, Senator the Hon. Kwasi Thompson (center), along with Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness, Management and Reconstruction, the Hon. Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe and Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister (GB), Mr. Harcourt Brown (second from right) were in East Grand Bahama on Saturday, May 8, 2021 to check out progress being made on the East Grand Bahama Solar Lights Project, which provides street lighting for all of the communities of East Grand Bahama, which were severely damaged by Hurricane Dorian in 2019.  Joining the team were Mr. Derek King, Electrical Engineer with Grand Bahama Procurement Construction Company Limited (right) and Mr. Hutchison, project manager (left).   

(BIS Photo/Andrew Miller)

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

Bahamas Officials in Botswana

Published

on

Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

 

#Bahamas#Botswana, March 18th, 2024 – Prime Minister of The Bahamas Philip Davis is now in Botswana from March 18 to the 22, invited by Botswana’s president  Mokgweetsi Masisi, and both nations, according to The Bahamas Office of the Prime Minister, are expected to sign agreements for trade, education, tourism, investment, banking and climate change in efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties. The Bahamian officials accompanying Davis are the Minister of Foreign Affairs; Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training; Minister of Economic Affairs; Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture and Parliamentary Secretary of Tourism, Investment and Aviation.

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

RBDF Operation Strengthens Maritime Security Amidst Regional Turmoil

Published

on

Defence Headquarters, 17 MAR. ’24: A joint operation between the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) and the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) led to the apprehension of 50 Haitian migrants approximately 5 nautical miles west of Bell Island on Saturday, March 16th.

The operation was initiated following the initial sighting of a sailing vessel, believed to be of Haitian origin, 8 miles southwest of Staniel Cay in the Exumas. RBDF swiftly deployed air and surface assets stationed at Matthew Town Inagua, supported by Police officials in Staniel Cay who verified the sighting. The migrants were intercepted by RBDF personnel stationed at the Land and Sea Park, Wardrick Wells Exuma, and subsequently handed over to the safe boat crew. They are currently under apprehension pending further investigation, with the imminent arrival of HMBS Rolly Gray.

In response to the ongoing instability in Haiti, Commodore Raymond King has announced the implementation of a strategic blockade in the southern Bahamas. This initiative includes the deployment of six surface vessels, one aircraft, and 120 highly skilled RBDF personnel. Patrol operations will be concentrated in critical areas such as the northern coast of Haiti, the Old Bahama Channel, and the Windward Passage, with the aim of deterring unauthorized entry attempts and preserving maritime security in the region.

The effectiveness of these decisive measures is evident, with recent apprehensions totaling 247 individuals by the RBDF. Commodore Raymond E. King emphasizes the commitment to bolstering maritime security through collaborative efforts with regional partners and local law enforcement agencies.

The Royal Bahamas Defence Force remains committed to safeguarding the nation’s borders and territorial integrity, working collaboratively with regional partners.

(For further information please contact the RBDF Public Relations Department or visit our website: www.rbdf.gov.bs, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and view our Youtube channel)

-rbdf-

#GuardOurHeritage

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

CIBC CARIBBEAN and Bahamas Girl Guides Association host inaugural Delaney Leadership Seminar

Published

on

Nassau, Bahamas, February 28, 2024 – Enthusiastic girl guides, ranger guides, and girls representing schools across The Bahamas recently gathered at the first ever Delaney Leadership Seminar.

The seminar, named in honor of CIBC FirstCaribbean’s (now CIBC Caribbean) first female chief executive officer, Ms. Colette Delaney, empowered the next generation of female leaders through focused sessions on leadership development, cultivating a leadership mindset, and the importance of building strong, supportive friendships. 

The event featured a series of team building exercises, interactive discussions, and a keynote address by Dr. Jacqui Bend, CIBC Caribbean’s Managing Director. Dr. Bend shared insights on the essence of leadership, guiding principles, and emphasized the role of young women in shaping a vibrant future for The Bahamas and beyond.

“It was a privilege to witness the incredible energy and budding potential of the young leaders that participated. Leadership is not just about guiding others; it’s about inspiring action and fostering an environment where everyone can thrive. The Delaney Leadership Seminar is a testament to CIBC Caribbean’s commitment to nurturing young, bright minds and equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to lead with purpose and passion,” said Dr. Bend.

Held under the theme, Our World, Our Bahamas, Our Thriving Future, the seminar underscored the importance of lifelong learning, perseverance, empathy, and collaboration in leadership, among other guiding principles. Dr. Bend highlighted the strides already being made by the participants and encouraged them to continue exploring their potential and envisioning their roles in creating positive change within their communities and the wider world.

Delina Rolle, a tenth-grade participant and aspiring lawyer from Preston H. Albury High School in Eleuthera, shared, “This seminar has been a life-changing experience for me. Hearing Dr. Bend’s success story and her tips were inspiring for me as a young girl trying to be a leader. I am happy I was selected by my school’s administration to attend and connect with so many amazing girls who share my dreams of making a difference.”

The Delaney Leadership Seminar has set a new benchmark for youth leadership programs in The Bahamas. The event concluded with a commitment from both CIBC Caribbean and the Bahamas Girl Guides Association (BGGA) to continue their support for youth leadership initiatives. 

In 2022, CIBC FirstCaribbean donated to the BGGA to assist in completing the interior of its $1.5 million, West Bay Street headquarters, which will feature meeting rooms, office spaces, training areas, accommodations for girl guides visiting from other countries and other essential working areas.

It was at that time that Dr. Bend affirmed the bank’s commitment to support organizations that mirror the bank’s promise to assist women and girls in the communities it serves. Prior to that, the bank donated several native trees to BGGA, which were planted at its campsite, Camp Discovery, in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Housing’s Forestry Unit.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING