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 Bottling Company (CBC), local producers and distributors of Coca-Cola and Dasani products concluded their 10 weeklong Twist To Win campaign with four $5,000 Mall at Marathon shopping sprees.
The campaign which was available throughout the entire Bahamas allowed consumers to enter by purchasing a 20oz bottle with a yellow cap
from the following brands: Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola No Sugar, Sprite, Fanta Orange, or Fanta Grape. Each yellow-cap had a unique alpha numeric code underneath which they submitted to the Twist To Win WhatsApp number.
With each qualifying purchase, participants residing in The Bahamas were entered to win instant prizes and into a grand prize draw to win one of four $5,000 shopping sprees at the Mall at Marathon.
Participants also enjoyed exciting instant prizes such as: Airpods, JBL Speakers, premium Coca-Cola merchandise, $500 Visa gift cards and Amazon, Spotify and Apple Music digital gift cards.
Out of 76,000 plus submissions, Brian Bethel, Ashia Demeritte, Merlin Adams, and Taraceta Neely won the coveted Mall at Marathon shopping sprees at the following select stores, Kelly’s House & Home, The Sports Center, John Bull, Brass & Leather, and BTC.
Leading up to the grand finale shopping spree, Coca-Cola hosted a Trivia Showdown with the eight finalists to determine the four winners. Finalists were tested on their knowledge of World History, Pop Culture, Caribbean Bottling Company and Coca-Cola Facts!
After a few rousing rounds of trivia, the four winners were declared after each winning their spot in the shopping spree by answering their questions correctly and choosing the “Grand Prize” Coca-Cola labeled bottles at random.
The morning of the shopping spree Coca-Cola gave the winners exclusive access to the Mall at Marathon and its participating stores before
their usual operating hours. Grand prize winners were greeted with wide smiles from Coca-Cola brand representatives and morning bites before the big event.
At the start of the thirty-minute clock the grand prize winners along with each of their Coca-Cola shopping assistants ran to the various stores collecting items in their arms and carts.
Merlin Adams, a husband and father of four was proud to have executed his game-plan at the end of the shopping spree. With toys, a new phone and materials for his home from Kelly’s, Adams felt accomplished in what he gathered.
Taraceta Neely, a winner from Eleuthera collected beautiful bags for herself and relatives from Brass and Leather and Brian Bethel bought matching athletic and outdoor wear from The Sports Center for his family.
The final winner Ashia Demeritte bought linens and household items in addition to a new phone from BTC right in time for Christmas.
Caribbean Bottling Company is proud to share the real magic of Coca-Cola with the grand prize winners and the may instant prize winners across the Twist To Win campaign. For more updates on new products, promotions, and events follow www.cbcbahamas.com.
Bahamas News
The Coca-Cola Art Project Astonishes Art Lovers at The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers and distributors of Coca-Cola and Dasani products displayed
their astonishing Coca-Cola Art Project (CCAP), during Baha Mar’s five-day Culinary & Arts Festival. Earlier this year, Coca-Cola partnered with The University of The Bahamas’ Visual Art and Design Department for a culturally rich art competition. UB’s art students were challenged to create pieces surrounding the theme, Bahamian music.
As a result, 20 student works of art were made, with four students declared as winners at the CCAP exhibit opening in Baha Mar’s ECCHO: Art Gallery in August. To recreate the culturally stimulating magic felt at the exhibit’s premiere, the CCAP was featured at the FUZE Art Tent during The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival.
Nine incredible pieces of art lined the walls of the Coca-Cola Art Project, four of which included the winning pieces from Jhanaisia Cole,
with ‘Gaulin Bride’; Alyssa Pinder, with ‘Shotgun Wedding’; Nelson Gray, with ‘Untitled’; and Jaela Bowe, with the piece ‘Whims of Obeah, a Folktail’. Additionally, an intimate listening room was built. It displayed students’ artistic processes, UB Visual Art and Design representatives, and a recap of the exhibit opening for audiences.
Art enthusiasts also enjoyed premium limited-edition CCAP keepsakes at the booth. Journals which featured a collage of all 20 student submissions on the front and back cover, postcards with an art piece on the cover along with the student’s name, title, dimension and materials on the back and pens designed with the CCAP’s dynamic logo.
Throughout the art festival diverse groups of people visited the art tent taking in the displays while enjoying the artistic insights from the
listening booth.
Community and culture are always at the forefront of Caribbean Bottling Community, and it was boldly showcased during The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival for the third consecutive year.
For more details on the Coca-Cola Art Project, events and new products visit www.cbcbahamas.com today!
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor delighted Jollification
attendees with bubbles from their Bottega and Bouvet Ladubay sparkling wines and Besserat de Bellefon champagne lines.
Located in the Monument Circle on The Retreat grounds, CWS transformed The Retreat Garden into a lush lounge with Besserat, Bouvet and their latest product addition, Bottega, during the two-day affair.
The festivities kicked off Friday during BNT Member’s Night. Guests enjoyed exclusive offerings from CWS’s catalogue, offered exclusively to members. Complimentary mixes or glasses on the rocks included El Tequileno tequila, Hard Truth whiskey, House of Angostura rum, Cross Keys gin, Nemiroff vodka and a slew of wines such as Fonesca Bin, Bottega and Besserat.
Guests also savored the ‘Jolly Paloma’ cocktail, an instant favorite made with El Tequileno tequila, Schweppes Grapefruit and Domaine de Paris rose wine. To end the night, guests were treated to branded limited-edition wine tumblers as keepsakes.
On Saturday and Sunday, Jollification attendees delighted in glasses or bottles of champagne and sparkling brut or rosé wines while taking
in the comfort of the chic lounge. In addition to purchasing bottles for onsite consumption, consumers were also able to purchase bottles as gifts whether for themselves or someone special.
The sophisticated “bubble lounge” lounge was decked with velvet couches, gold rimmed cocktail tables, blue and pink pillows, and a white floral branded backdrop created for capturing the perfect picture.
Caribbean Wines & Spirits, a historic partner of the Bahamas National Trust was pleased to support Jollification 2025 to kick off the festive season and share their expansive range of spirits.
To keep up to date with all CWS products and events, visit their website at www.cwsbahamas.com today.
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