Bahamas News
Energy Minister announces major steps in local use of cleaner, renewable energy
From: Bahamas Information Services
April 10, 2025
NASSAU, The Bahamas — Minister of Energy and Transport, the Hon. JoBeth Coleby-Davis on Wednesday addressed the signing
ceremony of a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Eco Energy Bahamas Limited, which emanated from Request for Proposals (RFP) for New Providence Micro-Grids and New Energy Generation via Renewables, with Energy Storage Systems. The RFP was launched last year by the Government of The Bahamas and BPL. The signing ceremony took place at the Office of the Prime MInister.
The goal of the RFP was to create more independence in energy generation on New Providence, utilizing clean fuel and renewables, with Wednesday’s signing representing a significant step forward.
In addition the minister announced the signing of three Power Purchase Agreements with EA Energy and The Exumas Renewable Energy Corporation for Abaco, Eleuthera, and Exuma as a result of Request for Proposals (RFP) for Family Island New Energy Generation via Micro- Grids, Clean Fuel & Renewables that was launched in 2023 by the Government of The Bahamas and BPL. These agreements were also signed on Wednesday, at the Office of the Prime Minister.
The goal of the RFP was to identify Independent Power Producer (IPP) projects to offer electricity generation with clean fuel, renewables and battery energy storage systems in the Family Islands, she said.
The minister said these projects will regulate resource management, install energy storage capacity, facilitate new generation capabilities, and enhance sustainability efforts. Further, the development of microgrids on these various islands will ensure consistent and reliable power output for its inhabitants, 24 hours a day.
Minister Coleby-Davis said: “The requirement for battery energy storage systems to be incorporated in each project is crucial for us to ensure
seamless backup power in the event of a loss of the primary generation system. To ensure the success of these projects, microgrid controllers will be employed across all microgrids around the Family Islands. This will improve efficiency, maximize savings, and increase reliability by alerting BPL of any outages or changes to the system.”
To ensure the successful day-to-day operation of the microgrid, “BPL staff on the respective islands will be trained to manage and operate
these new systems. BPL will sign two PPAs with EA Energy – one for Abaco
and the other for Eleuthera.
“In Abaco, the goal is 30MW of LNG generation with 13.3 MW solar and a 15MW hours battery energy storage system. In Eleuthera, the focus is 19.97MW LNG generation with 8.7 MW solar and a 10 MW hours battery energy storage system. The PPA with The Exumas Renewable Energy
Corporation will include 8.5MW LNG generation, 3MW solar, and a 6 MW hours of battery energy storage system.
“As I have said before, all PPAs include clearly defined key performance indicators and penalties for non-performance. Further, clear provisions have also been included to lock down rates, which will ultimately protect Bahamian households and businesses. In signing these PPAs, we are taking a pivotal step forward in the transition to cleaner and more efficient fuels in our Family Islands.”
PHOTO CAPTION
Eco Energy Bahamas signing at the Office of the Prime Minister, April 9, 2025: Seated from left, BPL Director Samuel Brown; BPL Deputy Chairman Dylan Sawyer; Arnold Forbes; Managing Director of Eco Energy Bahamas Limited Vince Pedican. Standing, from left: Energy and Transport Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis; Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Philip Davis; Works and Family Island Affairs Minister Clay Sweeting; and BPL COO Anthony Christie.
(BIS Photos/Anthon Thompson)
Bahamas News
National Reference Lab being restored and strengthened to ensure quality and reliability of health data and early warnings of health threats
By Betty Vedrine
Bahamas information Services
NASSAU, The Bahamas — The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) has new leadership. Commander Dr. Raymond King, with 38 years of RBDF service, passed the baton to Captain Floyd P. Moxey during an official ceremony held at the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Coral Harbour Base on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Captain Moxey assumed the position of ninth Commander Defence Force.
In attendance were Governor General, Her Excellency the Most Hon. Dame Cynthia Pratt; Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Philip Davis; Minister of National Security, the Hon. Wayne Munroe; cabinet ministers, senators, justices and senior government officials.
Prime Minister Davis thanked Commodore King for his long service and said that Commodore King has been an outstanding contributor to
the nation and wished him well in his future endeavors. He commended Commodore King for leading the nation through several crises, including Hurricane Dorian, unrest in Haiti, and the COVID-19 Pandemic.
He welcomed Captain Moxey and said that he epitomized the essence of what a public servant should be.
“Captain Moxey is, in many ways, what public service ought to look like — not glamorous, not boastful, but honest, professional, thoughtful,” said Mr. Davis. “He started out as a marine mechanic in Mangrove Cay, Andros, worked his way up across 40 years of service, mastering technical operations, legal frameworks, and the complex workings of a national security policy.” The Prime Minister said that history was also being made as for the first time ever, the new Commander will be supported by two deputies, both of whom are females.
Outgoing Commander King thanked his staff, colleagues and family for their support over the course of his career. “As I exit the highest office in this distinguished military, I do so with a sense of pride in the work that we have accomplished together,” he said, describing his leadership style as defined by professionalism, fairness, and service to the public.” Delivering a personal tribute was his wife, retired Force Chief Petty Officer Fredricka King, who serenaded him with the hit, “Never Enough” from The Greatest Showman musical.
Commander Moxey noted his work began immediately with addressing the fleet, which is currently running at just 65 percent capacity — far below the 85 percent target.
“Our operations must be intelligence-driven and forward-looking,” he said. To this end, he pledged to boost patrol rotations, set up small boat stations in key locations, and ensure personnel are well-supported and mission-ready.
Plans were also announced to introduce a family support event and expand welfare programmes. An anonymous feedback system, he said, will give marines and staff a safe channel to raise concerns, reinforcing internal transparency and trust.
“To strengthen capabilities, the RBDF will pursue long-term maintenance contracts, adopt a predictive supply model, and invest in training
for pilots, mechanics, and unmanned aerial vehicle operators.” He confirmed that four new safe boats will soon be commissioned, stationed alongside coastal radar systems to expand surveillance coverage.
“The growing instability in Haiti, where gang violence and political turmoil have displaced tens of thousands, has pushed regional governments — including The Bahamas — to bolster border controls and intelligence operations.” Consequently, Commodore Moxey said the RBDF will deepen partnerships with regional allies like the Turks and Caicos Islands, focusing on intelligence sharing and formal agreements to better manage migrant activity.
He added that a new entry of 150 personnel in May will help address manpower needs.
Commodore Moxey is a distinguished Bahamian military professional and legal expert, with over four decades of experience in various agencies including the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, the Office of the Attorney General, and the Ministry of National Security.
Born in Mangrove Cay, Andros, he joined the RBDF in January 1982. He earned a Bachelor of Laws (LLB Hons.) in 2008 from the University of Wolverhampton and a Certificate of Legal Education from the Eugene Dupuch Law School in May 2011. Four months later, he was called to the Bahamas Bar and was subsequently seconded to the Office of the Attorney General.
In 2017, Commodore Moxey returned to the RBDF and became Staff Officer, Legal Affairs. In October 2021, he was appointed Legal Counsel to the Ministry of National Security. He is an active member of Saint Francis Xavier Cathedral. Married to Theresa Sturrup, Commodore Moxey is the proud father of three children — Marcus, Maurice and Theresa, and a proud grandparent.
The ceremony also included Medal Presentations, Three Cheers/Gun Salute for the outgoing Commander and Inaugural Salute to the incoming Commander, the Presentation of Sword and Commander Defence Force Pennant, and a March Past. The RBDF Band provided entertainment.
A reception followed on the grounds.
(BIS Photos/Letisha Henderson)
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