Bahamas News
Ministry of Agriculture Launches Digital Application Services Via MyGateway Platform
By: BETTY VEDRINE, BIS
NASSAU, The Bahamas — Persons wishing to do business with the Ministry of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs, will now be able to do so via the government’s MyGateway.gov.bs portal. On Monday, 19th June, the Ministry officially launched the services and marked a major milestone in its quest to elevate the country’s third largest industry.
In what is being hailed a ‘game changer’ for the farming and fishing industries, access to digital services will now be a
reality for customers. The Ministry officially launched the first-ever online services application via MyGateway.gov.bs during a ceremony held at the Digital Transformation Unit at Airport Industrial Park, June 19, 2023. The project was facilitated via a partnership between the Ministry of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs and the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs, the Hon. Clay Sweeting said he was proud to see the plan come into fruition.
“Ladies and gentlemen, today is a very important day and if you couldn’t tell already, I am so proud to see the fruits of many months of planning and coordination between teams in the Ministry of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs and in the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
I commend all teams involved as we jointly launch these 12 services, which are now available online via MyGateway.gov.bs.” said Mr. Sweeting. “Today, June 19th, is a sign that having a vision and persistence pays off. Two industries, vital to our nation’s survival, have weathered time and circumstances and now, this administration has made it easier for customers, specifically those in Agriculture and Marine Resources, to apply online for the various services offered by the ministry and departments. As the minister responsible and as a primary objective of my ministry in this digital age, I have prioritized the needs of our clients to access our services online, whether they themselves are on land or at sea.”
He said the day marked a transition in the way business is conducted at the ministry by utilising technology to improve and reduce the cost of and promote the ease of doing business with the government.
“For the first time in this nation’s history, customers of this ministry can now apply and pay for the following services online at MyGateway.gov.bs.
In the Ministry of Agriculture: Market at Gladstone Road – Vendor Application, and Agriculture Farm Land Lease Application
In the Department of Agriculture, applications for: Farmer’s Registration – New & Renewal Dog Registration & License – New, Renewal, & Transfer, and CITES Plants Permit (including Orchids)
In the Department of Marine Resources: Bonefishing Duty-Free Permit, Aquaculture (Culture Fishery Resource) Duty-Free Permit, and
Commercial Fishing Vessel/Equipment Duty-Free Permits.
“These online services,” he said “represent as you can see, the empowerment of the Bahamian people whereby the Farmer’s Markets on Gladstone Road will see new vendors join and legacy vendors continue. The lease provisions for land to farm on, being available here, give more farmers around the islands a convenient way to apply.”
He said that the Farmer’s Registration Certificate, gives farmers of crops, bee-keeping, livestock, or horticulture, access to a number of concessions and incentives. There are also provisions for the registration of dogs. The Minister said that although many persons may be unaware of it, the registration of dogs (3 months or older) is required by law.
The Minister also outlined other services that would be accessible via the applications.
“The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Plants (including orchids), can be imported and/or exported, and the permit to do either is also our responsibility,” said Mr. Sweeting. “The facilitation of a permit to import vessels and fishing gear to grow the bone fishing sector, which has carved out a vibrant niche in the sports fishing arena for the Bahamas is among today’s launched services. The ability to apply for a permit to import equipment and breeding/seedstock for fish farming, which is a steadily growing sector. The Importation of commercial fishing vessels and equipment is also possible with duty-free permits.
Mr. Sweeting noted that prior to the twelve new services, the Ministry already had eighteen services available on the MyGateway portal. These additional services, he pointed out, increases the ministry’s digital footprint and consequently places the ministry in a leading position in the government’s digital agenda.
Additionally, he said that Cabinet approval has also been received to proceed with the digitalization of the work flows within the ministry in order to improve overall efficiency to better serve customers. The result, he explained, would be the creation of a ‘paperless’ work environment employing electronic records, work flows and digitized file cabinets.
“MyGateway is an intuitive platform, designed to meet the unique digital needs of our agencies. It is a platform that allows customers of the government the easy completion of application forms for services, and uploading of supporting documents,” said the Minister.
“We are excited to reveal new suites of innovation, to better serve you and to leave our footprints and voice across these islands and seas. If you find that you have a need for any of these services, our appeal to you is to utilize the online portal to apply. The staff in the Ministry and Departments are trained and ready to serve you! MyGateway is equipped with an amazing help desk so that our clients can also have the technical support they need.”
PHOTO CAPTION
Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs, the Hon. Clay Sweeting speaks during the official launch of the ministry’s new services accessible on the government’s ‘MyGateway’ portal, June 19, 2023. (BIS Photos/Patrick Hanna).
Bahamas News
Get your laugh on, March On, family drama by Gea Pierre, debut this weekend in Turks and Caicos
This is the sixth edition of the relays and the fourth time that The Bahamas has hosted the event, which actually made its debut in The Bahamas in 2014.
President, World Athletics, Sabastian Coe said after three very successful editions from 2014 to 2017, the World Athletics Relays has quickly become one of the World Athletics vibrant competitions, developing a culture of fun and innovation that gives it a unique flavour.
He thanked the Bahamas Government, the local World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 committee and the Bahamian people for agreeing to host the relays. However, his main thanks were to the “world’s best sprinters” travelling from all the continents to compete in preparation for the road to Paris, France, in two months’ time.
During the opening ceremony, the athletes were given words of advice from Carl Lewis, one of only four Olympic athletes to have won nine Olympic gold medals, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
He said, “Keep it simple, do not try to do anything extra. Do what your coaches said. Leave on time, leave on time, leave on time.”
The athletes and crowds were treated to the sounds and sights of Junkanoo at the end of the opening ceremony. The Junkanoo performers stuck around for the two days of competitions, playing for the sprinters as they competed on the track.
Teams competed in the Women’s and men’s 4x100m, and the women’s men’s and mixed 4x400m. A total of 14 teams at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 automatically qualified for places at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Both days of competition were important, as day two offered another chance for qualifications for those teams unsuccessful on day one.
Bahamians were made proud as the country set a new national record during the mixed 4x400m relays thanks to the efforts of 16-year-old Shania Adderley, a student of Tabernacle Baptist Academy.
The team came first in their heat on Sunday evening after not being able to gain a spot for the Paris Olympics on the first day of competition.
Other sprinters on the team included Alonzo Russell, as well as Olympic champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his remarks at the Opening Ceremony for the World Athletics Relays 2024, on May 4, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis welcomed the special guests, athletes, officials, and “all lovers of athletics from around the world” to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium here in the “vibrant heart” of Nassau, Bahamas.
“This weekend, the world’s finest athletes gather on our shores to embark on a journey that is not only about speed and strength but also about dreams and determination,” Prime Minister Davis said. “From the serene beauty of our islands to the historic grandeur of Paris, this event marks a crucial path to the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.”
He added: “Here in The Bahamas, we are no strangers to world-class athletics or the warmth and exuberance that such international gatherings bring. It is a distinct honor to once again welcome the World Athletics Relays back to our islands. This event holds a special place in our hearts, symbolizing a bridge between nations brought together by the universal language of sport.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that that year’s theme, “Paradise to Paris,” captured the essence of that journey.
“It is here, amidst the splendor of our sun-kissed beaches and the rhythmic sway of our palms that the chase towards Olympic glory begins anew,” he stated. “We are thrilled to offer a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, where every sprint, every baton pass, and every victory lap is set against the picture-perfect canvas of our islands.”
He added: “To our athletes, I say this: as you stand on the precipice of your dreams, ready to catapult yourself into the annals of history, know that you are part of a legacy of excellence and determination. This weekend, you are not only competitors but also ambassadors of your countries and the spirit of sport. We are especially proud of Team Bahamas, who carry the weight of their performance and the hopes and pride of our nation. You embody the spirit of The Bahamian people, and we are behind you every step of the way.”
Prime Minister said that to the international visitors, he extended “the warmest Bahamian welcome”.
“Over the next few days, as you revel in the thrill of competition, take a moment to bask in the beauty of our island,” he stated. “Discover why we proudly say, “It’s Better in The Bahamas.” Whether it’s the hospitality of our people, the tranquility of our waters, or the rhythm of our culture, you are in for an experience that captures the heart and rejuvenates the soul.”
“Let us celebrate the unity and friendship that sports foster, cheering every athlete and savoring the spectacle of human potential at its best,” Prime Minister Davis added. “I hope the races are swift, the results are inspiring, and the memories are lasting.
“Welcome to The Bahamas, the paradise where champions chase their dreams to Paris. As your host, it is my immense pleasure to declare the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024 officially open. Let the games begin.”
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