Bahamas News
Guardians of the Deep: With Training from PIMS, Key Government Staff Become PADI Certified Divers
Dr. Craig Dahlgren
Aug 9, 2024 – NASSAU | In a landmark initiative to protect coral reefs and nurture environmental stewardship, the Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS), in collaboration with the Bahamian government is spearheading a program to provide key government officials with scuba training.
The initiative aims to elevate the conservation skills and awareness of young professionals in government regulatory departments. These individuals, integral to ministries dedicated to marine research and conservation, are regarded as key to the country’s environmental future.
Dr. Craig Dahlgren, executive director of PIMS, said: “We see so much potential in these individuals. Armed with the right tools and training, they can lead transformative efforts to protect Bahamian marine environments for future generations. This partnership is an embodiment of that shared vision.”
PIMS has championed ocean health and longevity for over five decades. Its unparallelled experience in preserving coral reefs, coastal habitats like mangrove ecosystems, and critical fisheries, especially in The Bahamas and the Caribbean, positions PIMS as the ideal partner in this collaboration.
So far, the Perry Institute’s dive teams have conducted a PADI Open Water SCUBA certification program for nine government employees. This comprehensive training program, conducted over five days, blends theory with practice.
Herbert Pinder, Assistant Environmental Officer at The Department of Environmental Planning & Protection (DEPP), said: “The experience and thrill that a person has when diving is completely different. It opens our eyes to what the marine environment conditions are currently and how we can conduct developments in an environmentally sound manner.”
Quetta Gibson, DEPP’s Assistant Environmental Officer, said: “The underwater experience is like none I’ve ever encountered. You are able to view the peace and tranquility of the marine world. You are able to participate in underwater activities that impact or potentially impact the environment and provide feedback.”
Akehia Thompson, Assistant Fisheries Superintendent at the Department of Marine Resources (DMR), said: “Taking my first giant stride off the side of the boat, I knew I was right where I belonged. Diving into a whole new world, where theory
comes to life, this course has not only been enjoyable but enlightening, and l look forward to utilizing all the skills I’ve gained during this course for the betterment of my unit.”
Putting Those Skills To Use
The timing of this collaboration is significant, as Bahamian reef systems are currently facing unprecedented urgent and serious threats. Recent spikes in ocean temperatures have wreaked havoc on coral reefs in The Bahamas, triggering extensive coral bleaching and threatening to erase the marine beauty integral to the region. Adding to this catastrophe is the onslaught of the Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) pandemic. Without drastic action, these twin dangers will have long-lasting repercussions on the Bahamian way of life – which is inextricably connected to the sea.
To help mitigate the effects of SCTLD, a new coral nursery was established in Ma offshore of Lighthouse Point, Eleuthera, thanks to a dynamic collaboration between Disney Cruise Line, PIMS, and the Cape Eleuthera Institute. This nursery is dedicated to cultivating critically endangered staghorn and elkhorn corals, with scientists meticulously selecting the most resilient specimens to withstand coral bleaching. These robust corals are then relocated to struggling reefs in the area. Disney has worked since 2007 to rehabilitate coral reefs in The Bahamas, including donating millions of dollars from the Disney Conservation Fund to important conservation projects.
In June, two DEPP officers visited the coral nursery managed by PIMS at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point to place new coral onto fish habitats that Disney installed beside the island destination’s trestle pier. These unique fish habitats use native limestone from the island to conserve local marine environments. PIMS and Disney are proud to share their work with the young professionals at DEPP who are committed to preserving these vital marine habitats. Notably, one of the officers earned her SCUBA certification during this trip.
Research and Regulation for the Blue Economy
Coral reefs in the US contribute a remarkable $3.4 billion to the economy each year. On a global scale, that figure skyrockets to an astounding $2.7 trillion. Bahamian reefs, with a potential value of $135 million per square kilometer, stand not only as ecological wonders but also as significant economic pillars. These reefs play a vital role in serving as natural barriers against severe weather, supporting the seafood industry, and providing a sanctuary for diverse marine life, thus ensuring the livelihood of local communities, creating jobs, and safeguarding coastlines. Undoubtedly, the imperative to protect and sustain them is paramount.
Bradley Watson
Through the collaborative efforts of PIMS, Disney Cruise Line, and local regulatory bodies, The Bahamas is raising awareness on the importance of protecting these reefs and responding to the coral crisis with vigor. As a collaboration between regulators, researchers, and conservationists, this new alliance hopes to steer The Bahamas towards a future where marine conservation isn’t just a goal but an intrinsic part of the nation’s ethos.
This capacity building effort is a cornerstone of PIMS’ strategy to preserve the natural beauty of The Bahamas, made possible through the unwavering support of Disney. Bradley Watson, Conservation Program Manager at Disney, said: “Seeing those nine newly certified SCUBA divers was a dream come true for us at Disney. We believe in the Bahamian Blue Economy and we know that the public sector needs skilled officers to protect the ecosystems that economy is built on. Every time a new student, public servant, or nature lover puts on their gear and takes their first big step off the back of a boat, our marine resources get a little safer and our future gets a little brighter.”
Photo Captions:
Header: Akehia Thompson (DMR), Quetta Gibson (DMR), and Gilles Deal (DEPP) share a moment of camaraderie in their scuba gear, embarking on their training journey with smiles and determination.
2nd insert: Ready for the Deep Blue: Arnold Hamilton, Herbert Pinder, Laurent Beckman-Miller, and Khadejah Thompson from the Department of Environmental Protection and Planning, beaming with anticipation as they embark on their first ocean dive adventure.
3rd insert: Government Officials Inspect a Coral Nursery: Fostering New Life for Endangered Staghorn Coral in The Bahamas
4th insert: Future Guardians of the Deep: Aspiring Divers Mastering the Essentials During Their Safety Stop Training.
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor is proud to announce the launch of Monument Beverage Co., its newest 100% locally produced ready-to-drink alcoholic cocktail.
Monument, “Made to Celebrate”, perfectly encapsulates everything the brand represents. Created and distributed by CWS, Monument is
inspired by culture, crafted with excellence and bursting with innovation.
This unique beverage celebrates island living with three bold flavors, Ginger Lime, Peach Passion and Melon Fizz. All of which can be enjoyed at an ABV of five-point-two percent.
The brand’s creativity really shines through each can’s packaging. Bold colored stripes, cherished native flora and fauna and of course, national monuments can all be found on each can.
The beverage’s two year plus development is a testament to CWS’ dedication to quality and innovation. Countless hours of tastings, reformulations, focus groups and package design reviews all paid off with the creation of Monument.
Karla Wells-Lisgaris, Chief Commercial Officer of Caribbean Wines & Spirits and Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, shared what this authentically Bahamian made product launch means for the company.
“When we were conceptualizing Monument, we wanted to create a product that not only tasted like The Bahamas but would be an ode to the
nation as well. With those two thoughts in mind, I, along with a team of experts, created three incredible flavors we believe really connect with and celebrate the essence of island living,” she said.
“Additionally, being that Monument is the first product to be 100% manufactured by Caribbean Wines & Spirits, we really wanted to ensure that both the flavors and packaging honored our rich heritage. On each of the cans, you can find various monuments such as the Nassau Public Library in New Providence, the Garden of the Grove in Grand Bahama and the Hatchet Bay Silos in Eleuthera; all of which pay homage to our diverse Bahamian heritage.” Wells-Lisgaris concluded.”
The historic monuments found throughout our islands are more than places we pass every day; they are reminders of who we are, where we’ve come from and the stories that connect us as Bahamians.
Monument is perfectly formulated with quality ingredients, and each can celebrates a collection of these cultural icons from across The Bahamas.
Whether chilling solo beachside, gathered around a family table or backyard a grill with friends, make Monument your sip of choice. Monument is made to celebrate, visit www.cwsbahamas.com today for more details.
NASSAU, Bahamas —– Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to crown Lady
Kayla of Exuma as this year’s annual Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup winner.
CBC created the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup to further the advancement of sailing and Bahamian culture through monetary and social support. The competition judges the skipper’s performance across three regattas, The Best of the Best, the National Family Island and Long Island Regattas.
The winning sloop led by Kianno Hutchinson and Joss Knowles showcased their skillmanship in the E-Class category across each round of competition. In addition to winning the trophy, the skippers were awarded a $5,000 donation, an $8,000 stipend to the junior sailing club of their island and a limited-edition Lady Kayla Bahamas Goombay Punch commemorative can, which will be released soon.
Jonathan Thronebury, Marketing Director of CBC shared the significance behind The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup.
“The Bahamas Goombay Punch is more than a beloved local brand; it’s a vibrant part of our cultural fabric. Just like sailing, our national sport, it carries a rich legacy that spans generations. Recognizing this shared history, we’re proud to support initiatives that celebrate and advance Bahamian culture,” he said.
Hutchinson and Knowles shared what this win meant for them.
“I felt super proud when I realized we won. I am grateful and thankful to God, for good coaches and Joss. It was really an honor winning the
Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup,” Hutchinson expressed.
“I am very honored to have been able to compete in the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup, I think it is a great concept and idea for a competition and really adds a new motive throughout the regattas. The whole championship was super competitive, and every single race was a fight. Alvington McKenzie was extremely competitive and had us until the Long Island regatta, which made it a very fun and tough competition. Very excited to have been the winner of a super close championship,” Knowles revealed.
Lady Kayla’s owner, Dallas Knowles, shared the team’s winning strategy.
“In sailing consistency is key and our guys in Lady Kayla are some of the best in the business at staying near the top. In the end, that was enough to secure their first Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup win. We are so proud of Joss and Kianno for what they have done in Lady Kayla. Thank you to Caribbean Bottling Company for such an amazing and forward-thinking initiative,” Knowles shared.
The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup is proud to continue its impact on sailing and community building through clean and fair competition.
For more updates on the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup and Caribbean Bottling Company visit the website www.cbcbahamas.com today.
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to once again support Basketball Smiles for their 27th year.
Upholding its corporate pillar of community outreach, CBC proudly donated $2,000, over 75 cases of Dasani, Powerade and Sprite, reusable
Powerade water bottles and numerous marketing materials.
The annual sporting summer camp offers free basketball and life skills training to Junior and High School students.
Basketball Smiles’ mission of developing leadership qualities while fostering children’s academic achievement and self-esteem aligns perfectly with CBC’s commitment to supporting and empowering youth.
Jazmin Darling, Assistant Marketing Manager for Caribbean Bottling Company shared why the company continues to support this program each year.
“At CBC, we believe investing in our youth is one of the greatest ways to strengthen our communities. We’re proud to support Basketball Smiles each year because it goes beyond the game. This program champions healthy lifestyles, positive values and brighter futures. It’s a privilege to play a role in helping these young athletes reach their full potential each year,” she shared.
Sam Nicholls, Basketball Smiles Camp President and Founder expressed.
“Caribbean Bottling Company is an incredible partner. We are truly grateful for their generous support, which will go a long way in making a positive impact on the lives of our campers,” Nicholls expressed.
CBC is always ready to lend its support toward initiatives and programs that uplift young Bahamians. The impact Basketball Smiles makes on the community is undeniable and is why CBC remains a historic sponsor.
For more information on sponsorship, events and new products, visit www.cbcbahamas.com today.
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