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Enrollment of Meteorological Cadets, almost double that of last year’s inaugural cohort

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From: Bahamas Information Services

 

NASSAU, The Bahamas —  The Niccolo P. Small Meteorology Cadet Programme was launched in 2023 with nine cadets; and now, in 2024 it boasts installation of 17 cadets.

Energy and Transport Minister, the Hon. JoBeth Coleby-Davis at the Baha Mar Closing and Recognition Ceremony for this year’s Meteorology Cadet  Programme, August 22, commended the young cadets’ achievement and, also, the service to the nation of past and present meteorologists.

Hon. JoBeth Coleby-Davis

She said: “The Bahamas Department of Meteorology is an important agency of the Government of The Bahamas.  Its work is truly invaluable and touches every facet of our lives.  Led by the Acting Director, Jeffrey Simmons, the Department of Meteorology has worked tirelessly over the years to provide a critical service to our country and the Bahamian people.

“I publicly express my sincere gratitude for the tremendous work that the Department of Meteorology does every day.”

She noted, “It is no secret that climate change is leading to more extreme weather and climate events such as longer and more intense heat waves, heavier rainfall, and severe hurricanes.

“Our vulnerability to the adverse impacts of weather events is increasing in many areas. It is a fact that our islands are low-lying, and that many Bahamians live near the sea.

“By investing in the Niccolo P. Small Meteorology Cadet Programme, the Government of The Bahamas is giving young Bahamians an opportunity to become meteorological scientists and foster a sense of environmental stewardship.   We launched the Programme in 2023 with 9 cadets. Today, in our second installment there are 17 cadets – all young Bahamians who represent the future of our nation.”

Minister Coleby-Davis spoke to the dedication and service of former and Met trail blazers and department directors: “As the Acting Meteorology Director indicated in his speech, the Department of Meteorology has provided dedicated service to our nation over the years.

“As Minister with responsibility for the Department, I am acutely aware of some of the personal sacrifices made by past and current staff members of the Department of Meteorology in the fulfillment of keeping our country updated on weather systems and Bahamians safe.

“In far too many instances, the work of these individuals has gone unnoticed and unrewarded. I intend to change this observation.

“Last year, we recognized the work of former Director, Kenneth ‘Ken’ Lightbourne and the first female meteorologist, Donna Duncombe.

“This year we acknowledge the work of former Directors, Arthur Rolle, and Trevor Basden, as well as the current Acting Director of the Department, Jeffrey Simmons.

“Mr. Arthur Rolle became the third Director of the Bahamas Department of Meteorology. Under his directorship, Family Island Weather Stations went fully automated. With the assistance of the United States of America Voluntary Co-operative Programme, Mr. Rolle developed a storm surge atlas for the Northwest Bahamas. In 2009, Mr. Rolle was elected President of the World Meteorological Regional Association IV.

“Mr. Trevor Basden was the fourth director of the Bahamas Department of Meteorology. Under his directorship, the Government of The Bahamas invested over twenty million dollars for acquisition and installation of four doppler weather radars to effectively cover the entire island chain. During his career, Mr. Basden was a member of The Bahamas Hurricane Forecasting Team and the principal officer from the Department of Meteorology attached to the then Bahamas National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). He has given numerous talks and lectures on hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis and disaster preparedness to schools, civic groups, and disaster preparedness officials.

“Mr. Jeffrey Simmons joined The Bahamas Department of Meteorology in 1979 as Meteorological Trainee and now serves as the Acting Director. Mr. Simmons has more than 44 years of experience in tropical meteorology forecasting with emphasis on hurricane tracking and forecasting. He has also been actively involved with climate change for more than 25 years contributing to many documents on global climate change issued by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.  Mr. Simmons is The Bahamas’ Permanent Representative to the World Meteorological Organization. Under his directorship, the Niccolo P. Small Meteorology Cadet Programme was established.

“In the future editions of the Niccolo P. Small Meteorology Cadet Programme, we will recognize other Bahamian pioneers in the field of meteorology and their contributions to the development of our nation.”

The Minister declared that she was proud of the young men and women in the second edition of the Niccolo P. Small Meteorology Cadet Programme, and encouraged other young Bahamians to enroll.  It was in 2016, under the leadership of then Minister of Transport and Aviation the Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin, she said, that the capabilities of the Bahamas Department of Meteorology were expanded.

 

(BIS Photos/Anthon Thompson)

Bahamas News

Nassau Cruise Port Expands Waste Management Program to Champion Sustainability

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Solange Carter, Guest Experience Concierge, disposes of plastic bottles in new recycle bins at Nassau Cruise Port. The bins are a part of the new sustainable waste management program that was recently implemented at NCP to reduce waste and promote environmental sustainability to protect marine life.

[Nassau, Bahamas, March 18, 2025] – Today, Nassau Cruise Port (NCP) is excited to celebrate Global Recycling Day by announcing the launch of its new ‘Cruisin’ Green’ sustainable waste management program. This timely initiative focuses on promoting sustainable practices and reducing waste throughout the port in alignment with our broader commitment to environmental sustainability and protecting our marine ecosystems.  Through this highly anticipated initiative, NCP will engage tenants, vendors, employees, cruise lines, cruise passengers, and local visitors in creating a cleaner, greener environment by collecting and sorting cardboard, aluminum cans, glass, and paper products.

This significant initiative also signifies the growth of our partnerships with key local organizations, including the New Providence Ecology Park (NPEP), the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP), and the Department of Environmental Health Services (DEHS).

“Cruisin’ Green is not just a recycling program; it represents a significant part of our ongoing dedication to sustainability and sets a benchmark within the cruise and maritime industry,” said Mike Maura, CEO and Director of Nassau Cruise Port. “Our mission is to lead by example and inspire the industry to adopt similar green initiatives, By collaborating with our partners, tenants, and community, we intend to create lasting changes that benefit the environment and future generations of Bahamians for many years.”

Yeshantai Thompson, Health, Safety, & Environment Manager at Nassau Cruise Port, explained how the program will be implemented and emphasized its importance. “By integrating strategically placed recycling bins, clear signage, comprehensive training, and community-driven initiatives, we are fostering a culture of environmental responsibility. Through collaboration with our partners, we aim to engage as many stakeholders as possible in this movement toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.”

Nassau Cruise Port is committed to minimizing its environmental impact and playing a key role in promoting a more sustainable and eco-friendly future within the cruise industry and throughout The Bahamas.  For more information about the Cruisin’ Green initiative and details about how to get involved, follow Nassau Cruise Port online or visit nassaucruiseport.com.

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GBPA LAUNCHES TECH EDGE 2.0 – INTERNSHIP PROGRAM FOR BAHAMIANS

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PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE GRAND BAHAMA PORT AUTHORITY, LIMITED

 

Tuesday, March 18, 2025 – Grand Bahama, The Bahamas – The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) is proud to announce the launch of Tech Edge 2.0, a paid remote internship program, connecting eligible Bahamian candidates—both locally and abroad—with global career-building opportunities in the fields of cybersecurity, mobile app development, data science, and artificial intelligence (AI). According to GBPA executives, this initiative is a significant step in positioning Grand Bahama as a leader in the digital economy while providing Bahamians with valuable experience in high-demand tech fields.

“Tech Edge 2.0 is more than an internship program—it is a pipeline to professional success”, commented Derek Newbold, Chief Investment Officer for GBPA and Invest Grand Bahama. “With nearly 200 Bahamians already registered, including Bahamians residing in Canada, the U.S., the U.K., and across the islands of The Bahamas, this program is bridging the gap between education and employment, equipping participants with job-ready skills and fostering a new generation of innovators ready to contribute to the advancement of technology and innovation in The Bahamas.”                                                                                                                                                                                                          Currently, there are 10 internship placements available, with additional spaces being added as more companies join the program. GBPA, through its Tech Edge 2.0 program, has partnered with four leading international technology firms, including Prophaze (California, USA), Cognetik Labs, Cybermindr, and Digital5 Solutions, to provide paid remote internship training and employment opportunities. All are start-up companies and emerging titans across cybersecurity, API security, and AI-driven threat detection fields. They also cover software development, IT infrastructure, and cloud computing.

Pleased with the evolution of the Tech Edge Program, which initially launched in 2023, President of GBPA, Ian Rolle, noted that he is highly optimistic about the program’s success to date and its proven potential to help drive Grand Bahama as the Tech and Innovation Hub of the nation. “These partnerships are unlocking global opportunities for Bahamians and proving that Grand Bahama is serious about technology. Further, it offers Bahamians direct access to the international job market—without having to leave home.” Rolle stated. “This program is about ensuring that our people are equipped with top-tier training to develop the requisite skills and career pathways to thrive in the digital economy,” Rolle continued.

The Tech Edge 2.0 Internship Program is open to eligible Bahamians worldwide who hold a college degree or are currently pursuing one in a technology-related field, have a strong interest in cybersecurity, AI, mobile app development, data science, or IT infrastructure, and are eager to gain real-world experience and work remotely with cutting-edge tech companies.

Ian Rolle

Applications for Tech Edge 2.0 are now open and will close on March 21, 2025. Interested candidates can apply online at www.techedgebahamas.com, where they will find step-by-step guidance on the application process.                                                                                                                                            GBPA’s project coordinator for Tech Edge 2.0, Jecholiah Braynen, described the initiative as a long-term investment in The Bahamas’ tech workforce and economic growth. “Through our partnership with Quess Corp, a multinational business service provider, based in India, GBPA is building the requisite skills within the Bahamian workforce and equipping them with job-ready skills and experience. This program creates opportunities to drive economic growth, establish new career opportunities, and attract tech companies to the Bahamas by creating a sustainable ecosystem where Bahamians can thrive in the tech industry,” she emphasized. “This is just the beginning. As Tech Edge grows, so will the number of available opportunities.”

Bahamians interested in expanding their career opportunities are encouraged to apply today and become part of The Bahamas’ digital transformation.

For more information, visit www.techedgebahamas.com for updates, success stories, and insights into the tech industry.

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Beyond the Mainsail: The Sailors of Sassie Sue and Patton Pride

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On the High Seas: Action shot of Sassie Sue racing. Photo credit: Phillip Figdore

Nassau, BAHAMAS — The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup has garnered a lot of chatter for the year, with many have sharing their strong opinions on the limited-edition Bahamas Goombay Punch cans, which highlight the six sloops competing in the 3rd Annual Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup.

The limited time designs was created to display the fine details and unique features of each sloop, while giving the sailors the recognition they deserve for their contribution to the country’s national sport, Sailing.

While the cans shine beautifully in the stores, at your desks at work or on your dinner table Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola products want to give the consumers a deeper look into each boat and its team.

The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup was created to amplify the sport of sailing through monetary and social support. In upholding that, captain Leander Pinder of ‘Patton Pride’ and Stefan Knowles of ‘Sassie Sue’ shed intimate details about their sloops.

How did your sloop’s name come to be?

Both men shared how the name for their sloops is rooted deeply in honoring their family. Sailing and Regattas are synonymous with family life and all members young and old, men and women can be seen participating.

Pinder: “I want to carry on my family name on Patton – my grandparents, my uncle, aunt and of course my mother.”

Knowles: “My mother’s name is Sue, and she is considered to be a sassy woman, hence the name.”

Who are the members of your sloop?

Sailors of ‘Patton Pride’: Dwight Fly Rolle, Prince Patton, Keshone Rolle, Shannon Rolle Leander, Magic Pinder.

Sailors of ‘Sassie Sue’: Stefan Knowles Captain and Owner, Vardo Turnquest Bowman, Anthony Knowles Pryman, Garret Knowles Main Sheet Man, Meko Knowles Pryman, Donnie Bastian Pryman, Kahden Huyler Pryman and Roger Fox Pryman.

What’s the history of your sloop?

Pinder: “For my love of the sport of sailing, five years ago Mr. Mark Knowles built this boat. I told him I wanted a fast boat, one that could beat the best of the best and that’s what he created.”

Knowles: “I previously sailed Whitty K for over 10 years and decided it was time to build my own C class. I had a boat in the original E class (14ft long) that my Dad built for me in 1998. The class was discontinued around 2003. Fast forward to July 2022, Sassie Sue was born”

What are some structural features that make your boat special?

Pinder: “She’s special by way of her width and depth and the slick entrance.”

Knowles: “It is built from some of the strongest, most durable and lightest wood available.”

What does the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup mean to you?

Pinder: “I think the Goombay Punch Cup is a good promotion for the Patton Pride to be known worldwide and of course I am in the tourism business and whenever I take my guests out on a tour the number one beverage, they request is Goombay Punch.”

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