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Disaster Risk Management Authority streamlines response agencies for greater effectiveness; this year, very active hurricane season predicted

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By BETTY VEDRINE
Bahamas Information Services

 

NASSAU, The Bahamas – The newly formed Disaster Risk Management Authority (DRM Authority), held a press conference, June 4, 2024 to mark the official opening of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. This season — which commences June 1 and ends November 30 — is anticipated to be the most active one seen in decades.  The press conference took place at the Disaster Risk Management Operations Centre, formerly NEMA, on Gladstone Road.

State Minister Leon Lundy

In attendance were: Minister of State in the Office of the Prime with the Responsibility for Disaster Preparedness and Management, the Hon. Leroy Lundy, along with several officials, DRM Authority Managing Director Aarone Sargent; DRM Authority Chairman Alex Storr; Director/former National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Captain Stephen Russell; and Permanent Secretary, Marcellus Taylor.

Delivering brief remarks, Minister Lundy assured the public that the government is taking every precaution to ensure the safety and welfare of Bahamians during the season.

“Our vision is clear: to have a country where every citizen and resident feels secure in the face  of a storm.  The government, along with our dedicated agencies, has been working relentlessly to enhance our disaster preparedness and response capabilities.  Central to these efforts is the establishment of the Disaster Risk Management Authority (DRM Authority), a body created to streamline and strengthen our disaster management functions,” said Mr. Lundy.

“The formation of the DRM Authority represents a pivotal change in our approach. By merging NEMA and the [DRM Authority], we have created a unified entity focused on preparing for, mitigating, and responding to disasters with unparalleled precision and efficiency. This consolidation ensures a comprehensive and cohesive framework for disaster risk management, embracing innovation to fortify our resilience.”

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric  Administration (NOAA) projects 8 to 13 hurricanes, with 4 to 7 of those being major hurricanes.  Mr. Lundy said that this ‘sobering’ forecast requires the highest level of preparedness and vigilance.

As Bahamians, he said, the nation has “faced the wrath of nature time and again” with hurricanes such as Frances, Joaquin, Matthew, and Dorian, which “have tested our resilience and left indelible marks on our history. However, it is from these trials that we draw our strength and resolve. Today, I  stand before you with an unwavering determination to outline our vision for a resilient and prepared Bahamaland.”

He explained that the DRM Authority is tasked with developing and implementing the National Disaster Risk Management Plan and the National Disaster Emergency Plan. These strategic blueprints, he said, cover risk assessment, disaster risk mitigation, preparedness measures, financial safeguards, and the strengthening of governance frameworks.

“Our ultimate goal is unequivocal: to enhance the  safety and security of our citizens in the face of hurricanes,” he said. “Our nation sits in the heart of Hurricane Alley, and the predictions are daunting. Yet, I have  complete faith in the dedication and capability of the agencies represented here today to  protect our people and our future.  The Royal Bahamas Defence Force, the Royal Bahamas  Police Force, the Water and Sewerage Corporation, BPL, BTC, Aliv, The Department of  Meteorology, The Department of Family Island Affairs, our Emergency Support Function  Groups (ESFs), and the DRM Authority all stand ready to meet the challenge.”

DRM Authority Chairman Alex Storr

He said that each agency plays a critical role in disaster preparedness and response strategy. He said that the government has been fortifying its ability to meet the requirements to meet its objectives, including upgrading the incident command systems for more effective coordination during disasters and deploying satellite data  systems throughout the Family Islands to provide real-time, high-quality insights for decision making. “Additionally, we are partnering with regional allies to incorporate advanced  technologies such as Unmanned Aerial Systems for rapid damage assessment and AI-driven early warning systems, thereby enhancing our ability to respond swiftly and effectively,” he said.

Mr. Lundy pointed out, however, that the government needed every Bahamian to take personal responsibility for their own preparedness. “Our message is simple and urgent: Don’t wait! Get  storm-ready now! Take the necessary steps to protect your home, your family, and your business. Ensure you have your supplies: stock up on canned goods, shutters or plywood, extra prescriptions, and other essentials. Make a plan and communicate it with your loved ones.  Knowing what to do in the event of a hurricane can save lives,” he said.  “Let us draw from the hard-earned lessons of past storms. We have harnessed those  experiences to strengthen our disaster management approach, and now we must apply that knowledge to prepare for what lies ahead.”

Representatives from a cross-section of agencies also gave preliminary reports on the progress in their respective areas. Those contributors included: Senior Officer, Bahamas Department of Meteorology, Jeffrey Greene; Chief Welfare Officer, Department of Social Services, Andrea Newbold; Officer in Charge of Communication in the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Superintendent Marlon Grant; and Officer for Training, Development and Disaster Management in the Department of Public Works, Bradley King.

(BIS Photos/Ulric Woodside)

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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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