Bahamas News
Nature positive technology, Bahamas partner with Actor to build carbon eating houses
Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TheBahamas, November 14, 2022 – Houses that breathe are coming to The Bahamas thanks to a new climate-focused partnership between the government and former NBA champion and actor Rick Fox.
Canadian-Bahamian Fox heads Partanna Global, a housing initiative that aims to create ‘carbon negative’ communities with the help of building material that absorbs carbon and will see the company investing $50 million into the Bahamian economy.
The company’s website says the project in The Bahamas is the first step in laying the foundations for the future we need to build and that future is ‘a world that breathes’.
The housing complex will be the first of its kind in the world; in a statement on Monday, November 7, Phillip Davis, Bahamas Prime Minister described the partnership, signed at COP27 in Egypt as, “Both an exciting innovation in helping to reduce carbon, and for The Bahamas, a path to sustainable, long-term adaptation in the face of climate change.”
“This arrangement satisfies two key priorities of the Government of The Bahamas: firstly, to provide affordable, sustainable housing in The Bahamas, and secondly, to meet the carbon priorities of the country,” Davis said. 
Partanna is not just the company but the name of the material that will make up the houses.
The company says one 1,250 sq ft cement home emits 70.2 tons of CO2 while the Partanna-made equivalent absorbs 22.5 tons of CO2. The secret the company says is the makeup of the product. Created from sea brine and recycled steel, Partanna houses can withstand hurricane-force winds that destroy traditional CMU-constructed homes, and as Partanna is made with brine, it gets stronger through exposure to saltwater.
Davis says initially Partanna will be allowed to build 30 homes in a pilot project, and then the company must provide proof of verification for the Carbon Credit (CER) in relation to the technology used in the construction of the homes.
A single CER represents one tonne of CO2 that a company is allowed to emit, and the amount of carbon credit bought represents the amount of carbon a company can emit acting as a cap on emissions. Companies and even regular individuals around the world can buy carbon credits by choosing an environmental project, paying to support that project and receiving their attestation.
Once Partanna provides attestation of their carbon credits to offset the building process they will be allowed to build 1,000 more homes over three years in The Bahamas.
Davis explained that this will come full circle as Partanna technology is forecast to become one of the environmental projects people can pay to support, generating approximately 260 of the highest-valued carbon credits on the market, per home.
Founders Rick Fox and Sam Marshall say the inspiration came from shared experiences of extreme weather events, Fox from his time growing up in The Bahamas, where tropical storms were a constant and Marshall who hails from California which is plagued with more frequent and widespread wildfires.
Davis said this was part of the country’s fight against climate change.
“We are not the polluters, not the ones emitting the carbon, and yet we are already suffering the worst impacts of climate change. We heeded our own call, and resolved to act to do whatever we could, to help avert a climate-based disaster.”
Davis said he was pleased that Rick Fox, a Bahamian, accepted his invitation to bring his industry home to The Bahamas.
The project will provide jobs for at least 100 Bahamians, and Partanna “will provide training in the new skill sets required to create the foundation of this new global industry, with The Bahamas leading the way.”
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.”
-
Health1 week agoAstraZeneca withdraws COVID vaccines after millions took their jabs
-
Caribbean News6 days agoBelize, Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Syphilis
-
TCI News6 days agoEquity in Energy says Bahamas Energy & Transport Minister in legislative roll out
-
TCI News6 days agoFamily of 16 tourist claims negligence in Grand Turk jet ski death; Coroner’s Court hearing evidence
-
TCI News4 days agoAMERICAN MOTHER AND DAUGHTER ALLEGEDLY ARRESTED FOR TWO BULLETS
-
Caribbean News6 days agoMagnetic Media attends Caribbean Media Summit, in focus AI in Journalism
-
world news1 week agoElectricity Access for 600 Million a goal of UN Sustainability Week
-
Bahamas News6 days agoThe Bahamas Successfully Hosts Its Fourth World Athletics Relays