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PM Davis: Artificial Intelligence Micro-Course Graduation is ‘something very special’

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NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his Official Remarks at the University of The Bahamas-Partanna-King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Artificial Intelligence (AI) Intensive Micro-Course Graduation Ceremony, on May 22, 2024, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis said that he believed that those involved had accomplished “something very special.”

“I see this as the start of what will hopefully be an ongoing initiative, as we embrace the power of strategic partnerships and innovative ideas that can empower our people for success,” he said, during the ceremony held at Choices Restaurant on UB Main Campus.

Among those present included UB Acting President Janyne Hodder; UB Provost and Vice-President of Academic Affairs Dr. Maria Woodside-Oriakhi; Dean of the UB College of Business Dr. Marlo Murphy-Braynen; UB Chair of the School of Business Daniel Thompson; Dr. Dematee Mohan of the Office of the Prime Minister; and Director-General of Bahamas Information Services Elcott Coleby.

A number of podium guests also assisted in presenting five micro-course graduates with scholarships to KAUST.

Prime Minister Davis stated that the world was currently going through an era of “rapid, and, I dare say, epic change.”

“They are calling it the triple transition, which includes climate change, demographic change, as well as digital change,” he noted.  “The Bahamas is experiencing each of these changes in profound ways.”

He added: “Climate change represents the biggest threat we have ever, ever faced, as well as the biggest opportunity to re-align our society with our values to make the world cleaner, healthier, more prosperous, and more just.  And then there is digital transformation, which requires tremendous investments in infrastructure, and, of course, education in digital skills so that our workforce can remain competitive in this new era.”

Prime Minister Davis pointed out that the impact of that global transition was so broad that embracing those changes as opportunities required the integration of climate resilience and digital innovation into every aspect of The Bahamas’ national development models.

“That is why I am so proud of what we have accomplished today,” he said.  “We have opened the eyes of these young Bahamian scholars to the vast world of digital transformation through AI and machine learning.”

“We have placed this great potential at their fingertips so that they can go on to be, not just consumers of digital technology, but also digital producers, disruptors, and innovators,” Prime Minister Davis added.

He pointed out that they lived in a time when AI had become commonplace. Universities, Prime Minister Davis added, were grappling with the ethical implications of natural language algorithms, like Chat GPT, which produced essays with just a few prompts.

“Programmers and writers are using open-source AI apps to become more efficient and productive,” he said.  “We are seeing the widespread application of AI in every sector that is redefining how we work.”

“The AI revolution has already made waves here in The Bahamas,” Prime Minister Davis added.  “Local businesses are using AI to collect data and empower their marketing initiatives.”

He continued:  “My administration has pioneered the use of AI at the Ministry of Tourism, where AI chatbots are facilitating more efficient customer service and AI algorithms are helping us to identify and target likely visitors.  Even the Water and Sewerage Corporation has begun using AI to detect leaks.

“But this is just the beginning.”

Prime Minister Davis said that AI was still in its infancy. In the near future, he added, AI will take over repetitive, everyday tasks in fields as vast as engineering, programming, law, accounting, marketing, and healthcare administration.

“We also anticipate using AI in our current efforts to fight climate change and make our nation more climate resilient,” Prime Minister Davis noted.  “With these changes, some current jobs may become obsolete, but new jobs within data science and AI will emerge.”

“We will need a robust supply of well-trained, well-educated professionals to ensure that The Bahamas continues to keep pace with global economic developments,” he added.  “And we want those professionals to be Bahamians.

“Today, we have taken steps toward building that future-focused workforce with 20 bright young scholars here at UB.”

Prime Minister Davis thanked KAUST, with special mention to Director Albarakati and Professor Khan for “partnering with us on this groundbreaking initiative.”

“I hope this is the beginning of a fruitful partnership that will enrich our students and allow for the exchange of knowledge between faculty to strengthen our institutions,” he said.

Prime Minister Davis also thanked Partanna, and its CEO, His Excellency, Ambassador Rick Fox, for helping to make the partnership happen through its funding and support.

“Thank you, as well, for your continued commitment to the environment through your groundbreaking carbon-negative concrete that will transform the global construction industry,” Prime Minister Davis said.

“Ambassador Fox, you are truly a proud son of our soil, and you continue to inspire us all,” he added.

Prime Minister thanked the faculty and staff at the University of The Bahamas for “their support in making this happen.”

“They often say if you can make it at UB, you can make it anywhere,” he pointed out.  “This saying has proven true, not just because of the academic integrity and rigour of UB’s programmes, but because of UB’s willingness to embrace change and opportunity.”

He added:  “Thank you to UB’s dynamic leadership team, President Hodder, UB’s Chair Mrs. Maynard Gibson, the Dean of the College of Business, Dr. Marlo Murphy Braynen, Dr. (Woodside-) Oriakhi and your team for making this possible.  Most importantly, thank you to the students who enrolled and committed to completing this course as an investment in your future and your future prospects.”

For those students who go on to continue their studies in AI, either at King Abdullah University or through other avenues, Prime Minister encouraged them to continue exploring their interests and talents.

“Continue adding in-demand skills to your repertoire and continue being trailblazers in your respective fields,” he said.  “Congratulations to all of you.”

“We will need bright, young leaders to take on the challenges that lay ahead of us,” Prime Minister Davis added.  “Based on what I am seeing today, I am confident that the future is in good, good hands.

“God bless you all and may He continue to bless our nation.”

PHOTO CAPTION

Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis takes part in the University of The Bahamas-Partanna-King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Artificial Intelligence (AI) Intensive Micro-Course Graduation Ceremony, on May 22, 2024, held at Choices Restaurant on UB Main Campus.  Among those present included UB Acting President Janyne Hodder; UB Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Maria Woodside-Oriakhi; Dean of the UB College of Business Dr. Marlo Murphy-Braynen; UB Chair of the School of Business Daniel Thompson; Dr. Dematee Mohan of the Office of the Prime Minister; and Director-General of Bahamas Information Services Elcott Coleby.  A number of podium guests also assisted in presenting five micro-course graduates with scholarships to KAUST.  (BIS Photos/Eric Rose)

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Bahamas Government to meet with SpaceX

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PRESS STATEMENT

Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation

 

The Bahamas, February 6, 2025 – A delegation inclusive of all relevant agencies is meeting with SpaceX officials as The Islands of The Bahamas finalise preparations for the historic landing of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket booster on February 17.

This landmark moment will make The Bahamas the first international destination to host the Falcon 9 rocket booster landings. This historic event, set to take place off the coast of The Exumas, marks a significant leap for The Bahamas into the realm of space tourism.

The collaboration between Bahamian officials and SpaceX positions The Bahamas as a key player in the growing space tourism industry, with 20 scheduled landings to take place in Bahamian waters on autonomous drone ships. The country will be the exclusive location to witness these remarkable events, offering unique economic opportunities and advancements in technology.

The delegation includes senior representatives from the Royal Bahamas Defense Force, the Bahamas Air Navigation Services Authority, the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection, and the Port Department.

The relevant senior officials will remain on hand during the launch sequence and launch and ascent. They are fully engaged to ensure all safety, regulatory, and operational measures are in place for the scheduled landing. Every effort is being made to facilitate this historic event while maintaining the highest standards.

Further details regarding the landing and related activities will be forthcoming.

The Hon. I. Chester Cooper
Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation

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Young Bahamian Storytellers Use Media to Highlight Conservation in The Bahamas

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February 5th, 2024 – Nassau, Bahamas

 

Two young Bahamians are using the power of media to inspire environmental action through compelling storytelling. The Conservation Storytelling & Media (CSM) Internship, designed to equip young conservation communicators with hands-on experience, has culminated in two impactful capstone projects created by interns Lauren Ritchie and Quintez Bethel.

The internship, created by The Bahamas National Trust (BNT), provides emerging conservationists with the skills and experience needed to use film, photography, writing, and other forms of media as tools for advocacy. The projects from the first year of the internship showcase the unique perspectives of two passionate storytellers working to raise awareness about conservation in The Bahamas.

Lauren Ritchie’s capstone project, a short film titled “Preserve Our Heritage, Protect Our Future,” examines the historical relationship between Bahamians and their ecosystems – once balanced and thriving but now increasingly threatened by environmental degradation and climate change. Her film calls viewers to recognize the urgency of conservation and take meaningful action to protect The Bahamas’ natural heritage.

Quintez Bethel’s project, an immersive photo essay titled “Through the Lens: Photography as a Tool for Conservation,” presents a striking collection of wildlife images captured throughout the internship. His work highlights the power of visual storytelling in conservation, illustrating how photography can inspire emotional connections to nature and drive environmental awareness.

The CSM Internship is a pioneering initiative that empowers young Bahamians to tell conservation stories that resonate with diverse audiences. By equipping them with the technical and creative skills necessary to produce impactful media, the program plays a critical role in shaping the future of conservation communication in The Bahamas.

“Proud doesn’t even begin to describe the feeling of seeing Lauren and Quintez’s completed capstone projects,” said Elijah Sands, BNT Senior Communications Officer and CSM Internship Coordinator. “From the start, this internship was about giving young Bahamians the opportunity to tell conservation stories in ways that resonate, inspire, and drive action—and that’s exactly what they accomplished with their projects. Witnessing the public’s response to these projects reinforces why investing in the next generation of conservation communicators is so critical. We can do all the conservation work we want, but if we can’t inspire people to care, the mission falls short. Lauren and Quintez have created powerful narratives that inspire action, and we are incredibly proud of their work.”

The Bahamas National Trust invites the public to experience these inspiring projects and support the next generation of conservation storytellers. To view the projects, visit: www.bnt.bs/csmcapstones.

To learn more about the BNT’s role in managing national parks, protecting wildlife, and informing environmental policy, please visit its website: www.bnt.bs, and follow its various social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

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PM Davis advocates tech innovation; and calls to millennials and Gen Z legal practitioners to let voices be heard, at Law Society’s Legal Week 2025

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By ERIC ROSE
Bahamas Information Services

 

NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his Official Remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the University of The Bahamas Law Society’s Legal Week 2025, on January 27, 2025, at the Harry C. Moore Library, Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis noted that, as a region, they all recognise the need to invest heavily in technological innovation.

“After all, digitalisation is a part of the three biggest changes impacting the world — what we refer to as the triple transition of climate change, digitalisation, and social justice,” he said. “We must ensure that our legal system is keeping pace with these rapid global changes.”

He added: “Take our court system, for example. The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare the real need for digital technologies. In many ways, we were forced to swiftly and aggressively adopt new technologies. Technologies supporting widespread digital recording, digital meetings, digital hearings, cloud-based storage, and remote access were all rolled out at record speed.”

Prime Minister Davis stated that they “must not let this momentum subside”.

“Just last year, we were able to roll out an electronic filing system for our Supreme Courts, as another important step forward,” he said. “We must continue to be guided by the needs of the courts, the needs of the people, and the need to facilitate justice as we invest in technologies.”

“We must ensure that we are expanding capacity by building new courts such as the Family Courts, like the Juvenile facility that we just opened, and we must ensure that our legislation is keeping up as well,” Prime Minister Davis added. “Locally, we must build on the changes brought in over the past few years to amend the Supreme Court Act, the Judges Remuneration and Pensions Act, the Magistrates Act, the Coroners Act, and the Court of Appeal Act as we work toward the swift and effective administration of justice.”

Prime Minister Davis pointed out that, in 2024, the Trial by Judge Alone legislation was another step in the right direction. However, he added, there was still a lot that his Government must do to “equip our judicial system with everything it needs to facilitate justice in all contexts”.

“That is the only way we will ensure that our legal system is ready to take on the challenges of the 21st century,” Prime Minister Davis said.

He added: “Of course, the biggest shared regional challenge looming on the horizon is climate change. I’m excited to see that we are having a session for millennials and Gen Z to discuss opportunities for innovation and reform. I encourage all young legal practitioners and scholars to speak up and have their voices heard.”

Prime Minister Davis told those in attendance that, sooner rather than later, they will be called upon to “take on our biggest challenges, as the old gives way to the new”.

He said: “You must begin using your influence and your innovative mindset to make a difference right now — and that must include climate change. As we take on climate change, we can anticipate opportunities in sustainability and environmental law. This also applies to areas like financial services where carbon offsetting, impact investment, and compliance with environmental, social, and governance standards will all require the guidance of bright, young legal minds.

“Of course, we cannot anticipate all the changes that the future holds, but we can equip ourselves with the timeless values that will prepare us for any change.”

Prime Minister Davis noted that his experience as both a legislator and an attorney had taught him that the law must “serve the public interest – from the wealthiest and most powerful to the least among us who too often do not have a voice”.

“You are called on to be, among other things, a voice for the weak, powerless and voiceless; to ensure justice is always evenly served,” he said. “In doing so, you will promote social order, civility, equity, peace, and the protection of individual rights and freedoms.”

“There is great opportunity to be found in promoting social justice as we work toward building a better Bahamas, a better Caribbean, and a better world,” Prime Minister Davis added.

PHOTO CAPTION

Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis speaks, during his Official Remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the University of The Bahamas Law Society’s Legal Week 2025, on January 27, 2025, at the Harry C. Moore Library.

 

(BIS Photos/Eric Rose)

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