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Storm Surge Workshop opens in New Providence

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By MATT MAURA

Bahamas Information Services

 

 

#NASSAU, The Bahamas, May 20, 2023 – Meteorologists, climatologists, oceanographers, Geographic Information Services experts, Emergency Managers and Planners, and storm surge experts from the Caribbean, Central America, and the United States of America, have joined their Bahamian counterparts in New Providence for the Bahamas Department of Meteorology’s Storm Surge Workshop.

The workshop, which opened Tuesday (March 16) and will conclude Thursday (March 18), drew participants from the Turks and Caicos Islands, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, St. Maarten, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Curacao, Belize, Costa Rica, Antigua and Barbuda, Trinidad and Tobago, and The Bahamas.

Included in the activities observing Disaster Preparedness Month throughout the month of May in The Bahamas, the event is facilitated by storm surge experts from the Storm Surge Unit of the National Hurricane Centre in Miami, Florida. The workshop is sponsored by the University for Corporation and Atmospheric Research (UCAR), located in Boulder, Colorado, U.S.A.

UCAR is a US non-profit consortium of more than 100 colleges and universities providing research and training in the atmospheric and related sciences and manages the National Centre for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) on behalf of the National Science Foundation. UCAR is a hub for the Earth system sciences, and a gateway to cutting-edge resources and services. Its community programmes offer essential resources and services to support the Earth system sciences.

Local, regional and global researchers say storm surge associated with tropical storms and hurricanes, when combined with waves, is one of the greatest threats to life, property and the environment — especially for low-lying, coastal areas such as The Bahamas.

Storm surge is primarily caused by the strong winds in a hurricane or tropical storm. Additional impacts of storm surge include extensive property loss, erosion of beaches, damage to coastal habitats, and undermining of the foundations of infrastructure such as roads, docks, bridges and government buildings in the case of The Bahamas. Storm surge also poses a serious threat of death by drowning.

Acting Director of The Bahamas Department of Meteorology, Jeffrey Simmons, said one of the expected outcomes of the workshop is two-fold — the development of a Storm Surge Atlas for The Bahamas, and acquiring the tools to better forecast storm surge.

“At the end of the day we definitely want to be able to have the tools to better forecast storm surge,” Mr. Simmons said. “We are looking at developing a model so that whenever we have a hurricane (or tropical storm) approaching, we can just put in all of the information pertaining to real time information with regards to intensity, size, its movement and then it will actually give us a map of how deep we can expect water in certain areas on certain islands that would be affected. It will also give emergency managers and planners, government decision-makers with more real-time data on a number of matters ranging from possible evacuations to shelter locations.”

Dr. Cody Fritz, PhD., is a Storm Surge expert and the Head of the National Hurricane Centre’s Storm Surge Unit. He spoke of the dangers associated with storm surge.

“We’ve done a lot of studies that have shown historically that storm surge is the leading cause of death on any given day for a hurricane and it has really been the Hurricane Centre’s position to work towards developing scenarios, introducing hypothetical scenarios to kind of understand the true vulnerability from storm surge,” Dr. Fritz said.

“Knowing that storm surge is a serious threat to loss of life and has historically been that leading cause of death in a tropical cyclone, it has been our approach to communicate just how threatening storm surge can be in any given event.

“I would really tell people in The Bahamas to heed those warnings that come as associated with tropical cyclones and hurricanes, and storm surge especially. You are low-lying and you have a lot of vulnerabilities, significant risk to storm surge in this area,” Dr. Fritz added.

 

PHOTO CAPTIONS

BIS Photos/Anthon Thompson

 

Header: Robbie Berg, NOAA/NWS/National Hurricane Center; Cody Fritz, NOAA/NWS/National Hurricane Center; Kathryn Payne, University Corporation for Atmospheric Research; Katie Chapman, University Corporation for Atmospheric Research; Raegan Kerfoot, University Corporation for Atmospheric Research; Jeffrey Simmons, Acting Director/Bahamas Department of Meteorology

1st insert: Members of the Bahamian delegation attending the Storm Surge Workshop which opened in New Providence Tuesday, May 16 at the Margaritaville Resort. The workshop is sponsored by the University for Corporation and Atmospheric Research located in Boulder, Colorado, United States of America. Pictured (from left) are: Dr. Brandon Bethel, University of The Bahamas; Jade Pearce, National GIS Centre, Ministry of the Environment; Suzanne Russell-Dorsett, NEMA/GIS Specialist, Grand Bahama; Jeffrey Simmons, Acting Director, Bahamas Department of Meteorology; Geoffrey Greene, Chief Meteorologist, Bahamas Department of Meteorology; Shayvonne Moxey-Bonamy

Chief Meteorologist/OIC, Bahamas Department of Meteorology, Grand Bahama Office; and Mary Butler, Chief Meteorologist, Bahamas Department of Meteorology.

2nd insert: Meteorologists, Hazard and Disaster Management Specialists, and Storm Surge Specialists from around the Caribbean for the 2023 Storm Surge Workshop.

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Health Officials Re-launch Vaccination Outreach Programme against Measles

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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)

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Bahamian Archivist Antoinette Seymour Preserves Cultural Heritage with New Book “Been to Cat Island”

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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

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Bahamas Shifts Stance on SpaceX Flights After Debris Discovery

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Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

 

 

The Bahamas, April 25, 2025 – The Bahamas has adopted a more cautious stance on spaceflight activity within its territory following the unexpected fallout from a recent SpaceX launch.

Deputy Prime Minister I. Chester Cooper, speaking at a national briefing on April 15, announced that no further Falcon 9 rocket landings will be permitted in The Bahamas until SpaceX completes a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

This decision follows the discovery of debris from a SpaceX Starship test flight in Bahamian waters, which Cooper emphasized occurred without prior Bahamian involvement or consent.

“The Bahamas was not involved in any way with the planning of that rocket’s flight, but we were impacted by it,” he said.

Cooper highlighted the success of a previous Falcon 9 booster landing, which was coordinated with Bahamian authorities and drew scores of space tourism enthusiasts to Exuma and Eleuthera.

The Falcon 9, known for its reusability and high safety record, has completed more than 400 successful landings. However, the recent March 6 launch of the more powerful and experimental Starship—intended for re-entry over the Indian Ocean—ended in a midair breakup visible from multiple countries, including The Bahamas.

The resulting debris field raised environmental and legal concerns.

According to Cooper, the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP) is leading the response, ensuring the recovery and removal of all debris at SpaceX’s expense. “None of it will remain in our country, and The Bahamas will incur no cost,” he confirmed.

The incident has triggered broader scrutiny of aerospace activities near Bahamian territory. Cooper revealed that additional debris linked to three other aerospace companies has also been found in national waters.

The Office of the Attorney General and DEPP are investigating these findings to determine responsibility and ensure compliance with international treaties.

While acknowledging the promise of the commercial space industry, Cooper stressed the need for stringent oversight. “Maximizing the opportunities and minimizing the risks will require a comprehensive strategy, including diplomatic agreements, regulatory enforcement, scientific partnerships, and legal reforms,” he stated.

The Bahamas remains committed to protecting its sovereignty, safety, and environment as it navigates its role in the emerging era of global space exploration.

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