JSS Consulting Interns Shine in Simulated Public Consultation Experience  

NASSAU, BAHAMAS (June 27, 2025) JSS Consulting’s Augusta and Virginia Street office recently transformed into a mock public hearing room as environmental knowledge, technical training, and presentation skills were put to the test. The firm’s 2025 collegiate summer interns led a dynamic, real-time simulation of an environmental consultation to showcase the professional readiness being developed over the course of the internship.                                                                                                                                                                                                      Backed by weeks of research, fieldwork, and mentorship, the college-level interns presented a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for a hypothetical boutique hotel and marina development on a private cay in Exuma. The mock session reflected the same structure and pressure of a live public consultation, including stakeholder presentations, impact analysis, and public question and answer (Q&A).

JSS team members participated as engaged members of the public and challenged the interns with tough but realistic questions. The simulation tested the interns’ ability to present scientific data, respond to environmental concerns, and recommend mitigation strategies for issues such as vegetation clearance, marine biodiversity protection, and pollution management.

This year’s college-level interns, Shayel Curry, Davinci Williams, Kaylin Dorsett, Empress Sears, and Carrington Bain, brought diverse academic backgrounds and personal perspectives to the project. Hailing from institutions such as the University of The Bahamas, University of Central Florida, Dalhousie University, University of Northern British Columbia, and Valencia College, the group collaborated seamlessly to deliver a unified, professional presentation that reflected their growth throughout the program.

The session concluded with advice and valuable feedback from the firm’s leadership team, including Janeen Bullard, Principal and Lead Environmental Consultant and Tamanji Bethel, Senior Environmental Specialist.

Janeen said, “This exercise is about more than just practice. It is about empowering our interns to recognize their voice and expertise in this space. We want them to walk away with the confidence to lead, the clarity to communicate complex issues, and the readiness to offer meaningful solutions.”

Tamanji Bethel added, “Watching our interns rise to the occasion and deliver at such a high level makes us incredibly proud. Their growth, teamwork, and professionalism reflect the impact of intentional mentorship and immersive learning.”

The mock consultation is a core feature of JSS Consulting’s summer internship program, which blends real-world training with mentorship. The program is part of the firm’s broader mission to build capacity, foster innovation, and prepare future environmental leaders for meaningful careers in sustainability and development.

Photo Captions

1st insert: JSS team members such as Tara Levarity participated as engaged members of the public and challenged the interns with tough but realistic questions

2nd insert: The JSS Consulting team stands in front of the firm’s Augusta and Virginia Street office, which recently transformed into a mock public hearing room