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DECR Launches Important Tropical Plant Areas & Species in TCI Project

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#TurksandCaicos, May 19, 2022 – The Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) along with visiting scientists from Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBG Kew) will launch the DarwinPlus 114 Project Tropical Important Plant Areas and Important Plant Species in TCI. The project was originally to begin in May 2020, but with Covid-19-related travel restrictions, along with restructuring at DECR and RBG Kew, two years of deferments were necessary. The project has begun and will be officially launched this week in a workshop on Thursday 12 May 2022 beginning at 9:00 AM in the National Environmental Centre.

In reference to the project, DECR Director Lormeka Williams stated, “With the recent completion of the National Physical Development Plan, the signing of the Climate Change Charter, and the review of the National Parks Ordinance, we are poised and ready to utilise new information on land use and impacts to our Protected Areas and green spaces. We are newly energised to commit to the discovery and description of our most sensitive and significant plant diversity hotspots. We’re inspired by our colleagues in the British Virgin Islands having completed the pilot of this project. We are also ready and excited to find out what these plants are that evade identification and may prove to be something unknown to science.”

The project is focused on identifying Tropical Important Plant Areas (TIPAs) in Turks and Caicos Islands. TIPAs are a network of the key sites for wild plants and threatened habitats identified using scientifically robust data. They are not legal designations, but a means to identify the most important sites for wild plant diversity and to inform the protection and management of sites. Identifying TIPAs will help prevent the global loss of plant diversity, whilst safeguarding the role of plants as primary producers and providers of ecosystem infrastructure, products, and services.

TIPAs also provides a framework for Governments to implement target 5 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Global Strategy for Plant Conservation – to ensure the protection of at least 75% of the most important areas for plant diversity of each ecological region by 2020 with effective management in place for conserving plants and their genetic diversity. TIPAs also contribute to implementing the CBD’s Aichi Biodiversity Target 12 – by 2020 the extinction of known threatened species has been prevented and their conservation status, particularly of those most in decline, has been improved and sustained. Criteria for identification of Tropical Important Plant Areas were developed, and the first nationwide project was completed by RBG Kew and the Virgin Islands National Parks Trust in the British Virgin Islands in 2019. Assistant Director of Research and Development B Naqqi Manco participated in the April 2019 BVI TIPAs Workshop, and discussed the potential to replicate the project with long-established partners at RBG Kew in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Following the TCI TIPAs Launch Workshop, the DECR and RBG Kew team will trial the criteria over several sites of high plant diversity in Providenciales, North Caicos, and Middle Caicos. Over the next three years, the teams will cover other islands as well. Of particular importance will be the Turks and Caicos Islands eight known endemic plant species – those found nowhere else on earth. A secondary component of the project focuses on investigating some unique populations of rare plants in TCI, which may constitute new varieties or even species. RBG Kew will use DNA analysis to explore the relationship of these species to their closest relatives. Importantly, the rare and endemic species will be targeted for IUCN Red Data Listing as well, to assess their wild population status and trends.

 

Release: DECR

Photo: This beautiful Encyclia orchid is one of the unique groups of plants that will be studied by the project.

 

Bahamas News

Nassau Cruise Port Expands Waste Management Program to Champion Sustainability

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Solange Carter, Guest Experience Concierge, disposes of plastic bottles in new recycle bins at Nassau Cruise Port. The bins are a part of the new sustainable waste management program that was recently implemented at NCP to reduce waste and promote environmental sustainability to protect marine life.

[Nassau, Bahamas, March 18, 2025] – Today, Nassau Cruise Port (NCP) is excited to celebrate Global Recycling Day by announcing the launch of its new ‘Cruisin’ Green’ sustainable waste management program. This timely initiative focuses on promoting sustainable practices and reducing waste throughout the port in alignment with our broader commitment to environmental sustainability and protecting our marine ecosystems.  Through this highly anticipated initiative, NCP will engage tenants, vendors, employees, cruise lines, cruise passengers, and local visitors in creating a cleaner, greener environment by collecting and sorting cardboard, aluminum cans, glass, and paper products.

This significant initiative also signifies the growth of our partnerships with key local organizations, including the New Providence Ecology Park (NPEP), the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP), and the Department of Environmental Health Services (DEHS).

“Cruisin’ Green is not just a recycling program; it represents a significant part of our ongoing dedication to sustainability and sets a benchmark within the cruise and maritime industry,” said Mike Maura, CEO and Director of Nassau Cruise Port. “Our mission is to lead by example and inspire the industry to adopt similar green initiatives, By collaborating with our partners, tenants, and community, we intend to create lasting changes that benefit the environment and future generations of Bahamians for many years.”

Yeshantai Thompson, Health, Safety, & Environment Manager at Nassau Cruise Port, explained how the program will be implemented and emphasized its importance. “By integrating strategically placed recycling bins, clear signage, comprehensive training, and community-driven initiatives, we are fostering a culture of environmental responsibility. Through collaboration with our partners, we aim to engage as many stakeholders as possible in this movement toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.”

Nassau Cruise Port is committed to minimizing its environmental impact and playing a key role in promoting a more sustainable and eco-friendly future within the cruise industry and throughout The Bahamas.  For more information about the Cruisin’ Green initiative and details about how to get involved, follow Nassau Cruise Port online or visit nassaucruiseport.com.

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Bahamas News

GBPA LAUNCHES TECH EDGE 2.0 – INTERNSHIP PROGRAM FOR BAHAMIANS

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PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE GRAND BAHAMA PORT AUTHORITY, LIMITED

 

Tuesday, March 18, 2025 – Grand Bahama, The Bahamas – The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) is proud to announce the launch of Tech Edge 2.0, a paid remote internship program, connecting eligible Bahamian candidates—both locally and abroad—with global career-building opportunities in the fields of cybersecurity, mobile app development, data science, and artificial intelligence (AI). According to GBPA executives, this initiative is a significant step in positioning Grand Bahama as a leader in the digital economy while providing Bahamians with valuable experience in high-demand tech fields.

“Tech Edge 2.0 is more than an internship program—it is a pipeline to professional success”, commented Derek Newbold, Chief Investment Officer for GBPA and Invest Grand Bahama. “With nearly 200 Bahamians already registered, including Bahamians residing in Canada, the U.S., the U.K., and across the islands of The Bahamas, this program is bridging the gap between education and employment, equipping participants with job-ready skills and fostering a new generation of innovators ready to contribute to the advancement of technology and innovation in The Bahamas.”                                                                                                                                                                                                          Currently, there are 10 internship placements available, with additional spaces being added as more companies join the program. GBPA, through its Tech Edge 2.0 program, has partnered with four leading international technology firms, including Prophaze (California, USA), Cognetik Labs, Cybermindr, and Digital5 Solutions, to provide paid remote internship training and employment opportunities. All are start-up companies and emerging titans across cybersecurity, API security, and AI-driven threat detection fields. They also cover software development, IT infrastructure, and cloud computing.

Pleased with the evolution of the Tech Edge Program, which initially launched in 2023, President of GBPA, Ian Rolle, noted that he is highly optimistic about the program’s success to date and its proven potential to help drive Grand Bahama as the Tech and Innovation Hub of the nation. “These partnerships are unlocking global opportunities for Bahamians and proving that Grand Bahama is serious about technology. Further, it offers Bahamians direct access to the international job market—without having to leave home.” Rolle stated. “This program is about ensuring that our people are equipped with top-tier training to develop the requisite skills and career pathways to thrive in the digital economy,” Rolle continued.

The Tech Edge 2.0 Internship Program is open to eligible Bahamians worldwide who hold a college degree or are currently pursuing one in a technology-related field, have a strong interest in cybersecurity, AI, mobile app development, data science, or IT infrastructure, and are eager to gain real-world experience and work remotely with cutting-edge tech companies.

Ian Rolle

Applications for Tech Edge 2.0 are now open and will close on March 21, 2025. Interested candidates can apply online at www.techedgebahamas.com, where they will find step-by-step guidance on the application process.                                                                                                                                            GBPA’s project coordinator for Tech Edge 2.0, Jecholiah Braynen, described the initiative as a long-term investment in The Bahamas’ tech workforce and economic growth. “Through our partnership with Quess Corp, a multinational business service provider, based in India, GBPA is building the requisite skills within the Bahamian workforce and equipping them with job-ready skills and experience. This program creates opportunities to drive economic growth, establish new career opportunities, and attract tech companies to the Bahamas by creating a sustainable ecosystem where Bahamians can thrive in the tech industry,” she emphasized. “This is just the beginning. As Tech Edge grows, so will the number of available opportunities.”

Bahamians interested in expanding their career opportunities are encouraged to apply today and become part of The Bahamas’ digital transformation.

For more information, visit www.techedgebahamas.com for updates, success stories, and insights into the tech industry.

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Government

Elisann Delancy Appointed Deputy Director of Education

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PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR

AND HEAD OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Tuesday, 18 March 2025: The Office of the Deputy Governor is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Elisann Delancy as the new Deputy Director of Education within the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture.

Ms. Delancy began her career as a Graduate Teacher at the Marjorie Basden High School, where she quickly made a significant impact on her students and the community. She progressed through various positions, including Assistant Curriculum Development Officer and Curriculum Development Officer. Throughout her career, she has played a pivotal role in shaping local and regional literacy and numeracy programs, serving as the Turks and Caicos Islands Focal Point for the CARICOM, CDB, and OECS LET’s REAP Initiative.

Ms. Delancy holds: a Teacher’s Diploma (Honours) from Mico University College; a Bachelor of Education in Technical and Vocational Education from the University of Technology, Jamaica, and a Master of Education in Curriculum Development with Distinction from the University of the West Indies. Her award-winning research on the “Impact of Teacher Quality on Students Performance” in the Turks and Caicos Islands has garnered recognition and has been published, further demonstrating her expertise and dedication to the field of education.

In addition to her academic credentials, Ms. Delancy has honed her leadership and management skills through various professional development opportunities, including Organisational Leadership from Harvard Business School and Contemporary Project Management from UWI Cave Hill. She is also a Level 4 Caribbean Vocational Qualifications Assessor and an active member of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD). Currently, she is pursuing Public Financial Management qualifications through ACCA, London, to enhance her knowledge in this critical area.

Commenting on her appointment, Ms Delancy stated, “The responsibility of leadership comes with great expectations, and I embrace this calling with gratitude and humility. Luke 12:48 states, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” I am deeply grateful to God for guiding my path as I continue working to advance education for all. I did not stumble into the path of Educating; I chose this path because I recognised its power as the greatest equaliser, a force that can break cycles of disadvantage and create opportunities for all. The work ahead remains critical, and I am fully committed to working with the new Director of Education and our team at the Department of Education to build a progressive and responsive education system.”

Meanwhile, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service H. E. Anya Williams congratulated Ms. Delancy on her new appointment, stating, “We are thrilled to have Ms. Delancy stepping into this vital position. Her passion for education, proven leadership skills, and commitment to developing our youth will undoubtedly propel our educational system forward. We look forward to the positive impact she will have in this role.

Congratulations, Ms. Delancy, on your well-deserved promotion.”

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