Bahamas News
Beneath the Waves’ summer camp inspires young Bahamians to become stewards of the environment
#TheBahamas, August 10, 2022 – While the waters near Great Exuma are renowned for their unmatched beauty, last weekend, more than 40 students spent a day with Beneath the Waves learning the deeper value of the marine ecosystems that surround their islands and act as a bedrock for the Bahamian economy and way of life.
As participants in the non-profit’s summer camp, the young students learned about mangrove and coral reef habitats and the many species that live among them.
They heard about some of Beneath the Waves’ research, including studies of sharks, seagrass and blue carbon, and research methods like underwater video surveys.
Coral Vita Conservancy, which has been working relentlessly to restore coral reefs off Grand Bahama, sent team member Joe Oliver , Director of Restoration Operations, to assist with the camp and provide in-depth information on corals in The Bahamas.
Team ECCO, a North Carolina-based ocean education organization, also provided in-depth lessons on invertebrates and fish.
Long after the taste of ice cream at the end-of-day party has faded, campers will remember learning how to tag a lifelike shark. And they’ll wear their camp t-shirts with pride, remembering this is the day they learned to value the water all around them and what lies beneath the waves.
Eleven-year-old twin sisters Kassidy and Kaylee Burrows described the camp as a highlight of their summer vacation.
“We had a lot of fun,” said Kassidy. “And we learned all about sponges, the water, mangroves, coral reefs — how they protect animals and how they protect the shore — and also about animals themselves, aquatic animals, for example, sea anemones, corals, sponges and sharks.”
Kassidy was especially enthused to share her experience with helping to plant new mangroves.
“We found out how mangrove seeds can actually disperse into the water,” she said.
“And I thought they were going to be small seeds, but, in my opinion, they looked like asparagus kind of.
“We also got to go in the water and plant new mangroves.”
Beneath the Waves’ scientists have been studying The Bahamas’ waters for more than a decade, having helped with the creation and management of conservation policies, including the legislation that made the country’s waters a shark sanctuary in 2011.
The non-governmental organization knows that in continuing efforts to protect The Bahamas’ greatest asset, its natural environment, community buy-in is vital.
And in that context, the value of helping young Bahamians gain these kinds of hands-on experiences and lessons, ones they’ll undoubtedly carry with them through life, can’t be overstated.
Kaylee Burrows is already brainstorming the ways she can apply what she learned in her future career.
While the mangroves piqued her sister’s interest, Kaylee said she was fascinated by coral reefs and the important role they play on a global scale, though she noted they don’t seem to be sufficiently appreciated.
“I learned that The Bahamas has some of the biggest coral reefs in the world,” she said. “We actually put pieces of coral on a pipe to help build a platform for the coral. The reason I chose coral reefs over all of the topics is because we the people of the Bahamas, don’t even recognize how important our islands are. These coral reefs are very beneficial to the whole world.”
Kaylee said she hopes to one day become a veterinarian and an author.
“As a vet, I can help not just land animals, but marine animals too,” she said. “As an author, I can write books on marine biology. I think this experience helped with my future career, and I’m forever grateful.”
Beneath the Waves Managing Director Jamie Fitzgerald said plans are underway to make the camp an annual event.
“We look forward to being able to work more closely with local schools in the islands we frequent, such as Exuma and Nassau, to develop educational materials around sharks and marine science, and to foster opportunities for internships and future careers for any aspiring Bahamian marine biologists,” Fitzgerald said.
Photo Captions:
Header: Hands-on experience – Exuma students planting mangroves with the help of research scientists from Beneath the Waves — just one of the many memorable moments from the non-profit’s summer camp that was held on July 23. (Photos courtesy of Beneath the Waves)
1st insert: Learning about coral — With the help of experts from Coral Vita, a Grand Bahama-based organization working to restore reefs near the island, students built plaforms for coral. (Photos courtesy of Beneath the Waves)
2nd insert: More to come – Camp leaders and participants posed with the inflatable shark, as the first of what is hoped to be many Beneath the Waves summer camps came to an end. (Photos courtesy of Beneath the Waves)
Release: Beneath the Waves
By LINDSAY THOMPSON
Bahamas Information Services
NASSAU, The Bahamas –– Due to measles outbreaks in countries in close proximity to The Bahamas, the Ministry of Health and Wellness is taking no chances and officially re-launched its Community Vaccination Outreach Programme, to keep the public aware of the contagious disease.
A press conference was held on Wednesday, April 23 2025 at the Ministry on Meeting Street, during which health officials also discussed the immunization and vaccination status locally.
Present were the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, Minister of Health and Wellness; Dr. Philip Swann, Acting Director, Department of Public
Health; Dr. Jillian Bartlett, Senior Medical Officer; Nurse Gina Ferguson-Rose, National Immunization Coordinator; and Dr. Eldonna Boisson, PAHO/WHO Representative for The Bahamas, and Turks and Caicos Islands.
The update coincided with observance of Vaccination Week in The Americas, April 26 to May 3, 2025 under the theme ‘Your Decision Makes a Difference. Immunization for All.’ According to the Centre for Disease Control, the United States confirmed over 800 cases of measles this year, including a death in Texas, and cases in Florida, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, and Washington. This is compared to 248 cases for the entire year, 2024. In Canada during the first two months of 2025, there were 227 measles cases, with many requiring hospitalizations. Compared to 146 for the whole of last year. Last week, Belize reported two cases.
“Which is one of the reasons the Department of Public health is having this press conference to alert parents of the danger and the need to ensure your child is immunized,” said Dr. Darville.
He noted that many of the confirmed measles cases in the US are in states that have direct flights to The Bahamas, which can result in possible imported cases.
“Secondly, the country’s current Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) immunization rates are just under 85 percent which makes us very vulnerable as a nation,” he said.
Dr. Darville said he was pleased to report that “there are no reported cases of measles in the country and the Department of Public Health along with our partner PAHO, is launching a community based door-to-door programme to promote public awareness and education programmes about measles, mumps and rubella, and to immunized those children that may have been missed.”
He reminded the public that measles is a highly contagious disease and the rapid spread is of great concern to public health. And, he reaffirmed that immunizations are free at the public clinics, urging parents and guardians to review their children’s immunization records. If they have any concerns, contact the team at the newly reopened Baillou Hill Road Community Clinic or the EPI center at 341-1741 or 341-1766.
“Remember these vaccines have been around for decades. They are safe, effective and are provided free of charge at all public health facilities,” said Dr. Darville.
Dr. Swann reinforced the message that the measles vaccine is a vital tool in protecting public health. It prevents measles, a highly contagious
disease that can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death, especially in young children and individuals with weakened immune systems.
“By achieving high vaccination rates, communities benefit from herd immunity, which helps shield those who cannot receive the vaccine due to medical conditions. The vaccine has played a key role in drastically reducing measles cases worldwide, contributing to efforts toward the potential elimination of the disease. Promoting widespread access to the vaccine is essential to safeguarding lives and preventing outbreaks,” he said.
He added, “We believe that combining these strategies can boost vaccination rates and help protect entire communities through herd immunity.”
Dr Swann advised the public that the Department of Public Health is re-launching its community programme. The first wave will be the teams of nurses and nurse extenders who will be wearing Vaccination Week in the Americas t-shirts. And, they would be in communities this week with a blitz being planned for the communities served by the Baillou hill Road and Fleming Street clinics this coming weekend.
Dr. Eldonna Boisson, PAHO/WHO Representative for The Bahamas, and Turks and Caicos Islands also stressed the importance of being vaccinated.
“The problem for us is that our vaccination coverage is dangerously low. What this means is that if a case of measles comes into The Bahamas, we are at a very high risk of that case spreading the diseases to the Bahamian population, particularly children.
“We run a very real risk of having a measles outbreak, which needless to say will also severely affect tourism.
“So, what can we do? The answer is simple. Ensure that we are vaccinated with two doses of the MMR vaccine. This will protect the children and prevent spread of this potentially very severe disease,” she said.
(BIS Photos/Mark Ford)
Bahamas News
Bahamian Archivist Antoinette Seymour Preserves Cultural Heritage with New Book “Been to Cat Island”
The Bahamas, April 25, 2025 – Bahamian archivist and international chess legend Antoinette Seymour has undertaken the significant
endeavor of archiving the rich cultural history of the Bahamas’ major islands. In her recent publication, “Been to Cat Island”, the first title in the “Been to Bahamas” series published by Inspire Publishing (Bahamas) 2024, Seymour passionately explores this vital task.
For many, the prospect of documenting the complexities of island history could seem daunting. However, Ms. Seymour, inspired by the strategic teachings of her late father, renowned chess master Warren Seymour, embraces the challenge. “Archivists preserve and safeguard culture, history, heritage, identity, legacy, and memory,” she asserts, referencing a 1996 UNESCO publication that states, “The loss of archives is as serious as the loss of memory in a human being.”
“Throughout my life, I have heard fascinating stories about Cat Island and from Cat Islanders—stories that deserve safeguarding,” Ms. Seymour emphasizes. “If these narratives are not preserved, they will tragically vanish.”
In “Been to Cat Island,” readers can explore the unique identity of Cat Island through Seymour’s passionate lens. Discover the origins of icons like Sir Sidney Poitier, encounter delightful anecdotes such as pigs feasting on lobster, and revel in the island’s rolling hills, pristine beaches, and vibrant heritage. This book is not merely a historical account; it is an intimate portrayal of resilience, culture, and connection.
While holding a critical archival position at her alma mater, the University of Windsor in Ontario, Canada, Ms. Seymour remains devoted to
her Bahamian roots. She aims to ensure that current and future generations of Bahamians cherish our nation’s rich history. When not archiving, Ms. Seymour travels throughout the island and shares her expertise in chess with children across The Bahamas. She is a proud mother of two and a grandmother of one.
“Been to Cat Island” is available now at Chapter One bookstore, Logos Bookstore, Cia Monet, select museums in The Bahamas and bookstores in Canada, and on Amazon.com in both paperback and eBook formats.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Antoinette Seymour
Author Email: antoinetteseymour@yahoo.com
-
Health1 week agoPAHO/WHO Representative for Bahamas and TCI and Technical Team Conduct Official Visit to the TCI
-
Bahamas News1 week agoCARIFTA Games 2025 – Trinidad & Tobago
-
Bahamas News1 week agoOut of this World History: Aisha Bowe the Astronaut in her Own Words
-
Bahamas News1 week agoFanta is Dripping in Deliciousness with New Flavors Green Apple and Banana
-
Crime1 week agoFormer Police Officer Opens up to Eagle Legal about Frightening Kidnapping and Robbery at Gunpoint; alarmed at TCI Police silence
-
News1 week agoCARICOM, insurance companies meet on regional ferry matters
-
Bahamas News1 day agoBahamas Shifts Stance on SpaceX Flights After Debris Discovery
-
Government2 days agoThe Department of Gender Affairs Celebrates Girls in ICT Day 2025 with an Inaugural Speech Competition