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BBSQ Launches Mobile Metrology Laboratory Project

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By Betty Vedrine

BIS

 

#TheBahamas, January 15, 2022 – The Bahamas Bureau of Standards and Quality (BBSQ)officially launched its Mobile Metrology Laboratory project via a hybrid virtual ceremony on Wednesday, 12th January, 2022.  It is part of the government’s agenda to enhance the country’s National Quality infrastructure.

The two-year project will increase the services provided to the private sector by the Bahamas Bureau of Standards and Quality (BBSQ). Once capacity is enhanced at the BBSQ, it will also assist with increased competitiveness by the private sector. The project is being supported by the EPA and CSME Standby Facility for Capacity Building managed at the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and financed by the European Union (EU).

The project will assist BBSQ in its mandate to expand The Bahamas’ quality-based infrastructure and business environment to support commercial enterprises in producing superior, reliable, safe, and sustainable commodities of high quality for the marketplace.

Minister of Economic Affairs, Hon. Michael Halkitis, attended the ceremony. Expressing his gratitude to the European Union and the Caribbean Development bank for this partnership with The Bahamas, Mr. Halkitis said that the initiative will go a long way to enhance the country’s ability to meet first world standards in trade.

“The government deeply appreciates the efforts of the BBSQ, spearheaded by Dr. Ferguson-Bufford and her team, for the work they have done in seeking grants such as this one to improve the country in the trade sector,” he said. “This initiative will facilitate several steps including the procurement of a consultancy firm, providing infrastructure for the necessary framework, provisions for a public awareness campaign and provide the necessary training for qualified metrologists.”

Director of the Bureau, Dr. Renae Ferguson-Bufford said that the launch marked a major achievement for the country: “Since 2016, the BBSQ has been on a mission to enhance international trade and drive competitiveness of trade in the country.  Whether we drive a car, catch a flight, use gasoline or even use an iron, we are all affected by metrology. It is, therefore, of the utmost importance that we utilize it accurately,” she said.

Representing the CDB, was Daniel Best, who said that the new facility will not only improve standards in the Bahamas, but also the region. “I wish to congratulate The Bahamas in launching this initiative. I also wish to thank the EU for funding the project. This project will provide the necessary equipment, capacity support, and institutional strengthening required to further enhance the BBSQ’s ability to expand its platform. It will also positively impact the manufacturing industry, thereby, strengthening the local economy.”

Speaking on behalf of the European Union was Ambassador Marianne Van Steen, who said that the initiative will minimize barriers to trade.

“This much-needed intervention will ensure fairness in trade and will enhance economic activity,”she said. “The EU is pleased to support Caribbean member states in their quest to minimize impediments in providing outstanding products and services.”

The future outlook is that the BBSQ will be able to improve the current business environment and contribute to a more resilient Bahamas as the agency would be able to provide calibration and testing services, which meet internationally accepted and recognized ISO 17025 requirements in mass and volume.

The project will address the immediate needs of the BBSQ and aid in expanding the Bahamas’ quality infrastructure and the business environment. This has potential benefits for both exporters and local businesses ideally increasing the provision of quality, reliable, safe, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure. Successful implementation will lead to an increase in the standards of commodities and processes used in production locally. It will also entrench quality related actions throughout the economy.  The initiative which commenced in November 2021 will:

  • Aid in the establishment of a sustainable industrial metrology service for current and future needs
  • Create a quality management system that meets the requirements for accreditation to the ISO/IEC17025 standard, including training and supporting documentation
  • Procure and install laboratory equipment to provide basic metrology services in alignment with technical requirements and train staff in use
  • Execute a marketing and communications programme to promote the new services

EPA and CSME Standby Facility

The project was approved for implementation by the EPA and CSME Standby Facility Steering Committee in 2021.  The EPA and CSME Standby Facility is a EUR 8.75 million programme financed by the European Development Fund (EDF) and managed by CDB to support projects in Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, the Commonwealth of Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago (CARIFORUM).

It is intended to build capacity in the region and better position businesses to trade within CARIFORUM and the European Union.

 

(BIS Photos/Kristaan Ingraham)

 

 

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RBDF Operation Strengthens Maritime Security Amidst Regional Turmoil

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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

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

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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.

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BAMSI BRINGS IN PUREBRED ANIMALS TO DIVERSIFY NATIVE HERD

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Nassau, Bahamas, March 6th, 2024 – IN A STRATEGIC MOVE to boost the genetic quality of livestock available in the country, the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) recently collaborated with the Department of Agriculture to acquire purebred small ruminants (sheep and goats).  The initiative is part of BAMSI’s broader breeding programme to inject quality genetics into the local livestock population.  Shedding light on the project’s objectives and timeline, Dr Mark Butler, the Institute’s Veterinarian, said the animals promise a more sustainable and prosperous future for the local farming community.

The newly acquired stock of animals, Dorper and Barbados Black Belly sheep and Boer and Savanna goats, are integral to the upcoming artificial insemination programme which BAMSI is set to commence later this year.  

“The new animals will be used in one arm of our breeding programme, facilitating natural mating to ensure genetic diversity and quality,” Dr Butler explained.  “The goal is to increase the herd and improve genetic traits, and we anticipate over 85 per cent success in terms of animals giving birth—a crucial marker for the programme’s success.”

Currently, 30 sheep and 30 goats are part of the breeding programme, with the expectation of 50 to 60 live births by the end of the year.  The focus is not only on increasing the herd size but also on ensuring the genetic quality of the offspring.

“We want offspring that exhibit high genetic quality.  Purebred Dorper sheep and Boer goats show better growth rates and are ideal for farmers looking for efficient weight gain at market age,” Dr Butler emphasized. 

Ayrett Lightbourne, BAMSI’s Farm Manager, addressed why BAMSI chose these specific breeds, and their potential impact on the local livestock industry.  “The Dorper Sheep, for example, gains weight faster than native breeds, offering a different market for lean meat consumers.  Similarly, the Boer and Savanna goats, being larger and more meat-producing, contribute significantly to improving meat quality in the country.”

The imported purebred animals will create a nucleus herd at BAMSI’s farm in Andros to upgrade the existing livestock population.  Their offspring will breed with the native flock, and some of the offspring will be distributed to local farmers.  This collaborative effort between BAMSI and the Ministry of Agriculture aims to enhance the genetic potential of the native flocks, ultimately benefiting farmers and consumers alike.

The BAMSI herd, comprising 190 animals, is expected to grow as the breeding programme progresses.  The next phase involves artificial insemination, marking a crucial step towards achieving BAMSI’s goal of increasing the quantity and improving the genetic quality of Bahamian livestock.  The institute’s dedication to scientific advancements in agriculture promises a more sustainable and prosperous future for the local farming community.

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