Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Many Lessons on Energy from Impacts of Recent Hurricanes
#Bahamas, March 27, 2018 – Nassau – The Minister of the Environment and Housing, the Hon. Romauld Ferreira said “Energy has become a part of our lives that is a necessity…. We have some of the highest energy rates in the region, if not the world” at the BCCEC’s (Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation) Bahamas Energy Security Forum under the theme, ‘Smart is the New Sexy’ on Friday, March 23, 2018 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Island House.
Minister Ferreira reflected on “The largest and longest blackout in US history” which took place in Puerto Rico as a result of category four Hurricane Maria on September 20, 2017 “And still 185 days later on March 23, 2018, just over six months, parts of Puerto Rico are still without energy.”
He also drew attention to Hurricane Matthew of 2012 which caused damage to power stations and communities due to insufficient planning. He stated that “Grand Bahama Power and Light had to replace over 2,000 distribution poles and close to 300 transmission poles contributing to an estimated $2,500,000 in restoration costs.” He said all of this to say that “There are many lessons that we can learn from these events.”
Minister Ferreira shared a finding in 2001 at the Bahamas’s first national address on climate change stating that “65% of carbon dioxide emission in The Bahamas is produced from gasoline, diesel and residual fuel oil” He also shared that “The 2005 Climate Adaptation Policy and National Energy Policy would support a transition towards renewable energy and use of household green technologies” for example, solar water heating.
“In 2012 The Renewable Energy Profile from the National Renewable Energy Entity was published and it revealed that The Bahamas’s electricity capacity was 493 megawatts and its generation was 2,139 gigawatts. None of which were produced from renewable sources despite national energy strategies advocating its use.”
In response to this revelation conveyed by Minister Ferreira, he stated that “The 2016 National Development Plan commits to meeting the sustainable goal of 7.1% renewable energy usage which is focused on granting provisions for affordable, reliable and modern energy service.” The Minister of the Environment and Housing also stated a reminder that “Nothing in environment or renewable energies can work unless the financing is right.”
In his own words, Minister Ferreira said that “The Government of The Bahamas has already taken strides to incorporate renewable energy and technologies while simultaneously strengthening public utilities throughout our islands.” He shared an example of this by bringing awareness to Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert Minnis’ budget address on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 which announced efforts to incorporate solar power generation into the Ragged Island electricity grid with plans to make Ragged Island “The first ever ‘green smart’ island in The Bahamas.” He added that “Other renewable energy products that are currently underway include six chargeable car ports at the Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium which is currently being facilitated by a grant from the United Arab Emirates Renewable Energy Plant.”
The Ministry of the Environment and Housing is also engaged in stabilising the cost of electricity, increasing the resiliency of distribution grids, and diversifying the job market to provide capacity-building opportunities for young Bahamians interested in the energy industry. Also the Ministry is working diligently to find suitable grants and partnerships that will help in expanding the renewable energy efforts.
Minister Ferreira was happy with the panel of speakers which was comprised of local and international professionals. He showed this by stating that “A goal this size needs joint effort… we alone, do not have all the answers.” He also thanked The Island House for its “continuous efforts in being good stewards of the environment.”
The forum invited smart, energy conscious consumers, business owners, entrepreneurs and environmentally conscious persons and companies with vehicle fleets to learn the latest about productive energy usage and the implementation of the 2014 Natural Energy Policy.
By: Sydnei L. Isaacs
Photo caption: Minister of the Environment and Housing Romauld Ferreira, left, and Chairman of the BCCEC, Gowan Bowe at Energy summit at the Island House on Friday.
(BIS Photo/Kristaan Ingrham)
RBC Royal Bank (Bahamas) Limited (“RBC”) is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Kerryl-Lyn King-Henry as Country Manager and Area Vice President (“AVP”), Personal and Commercial Banking, Turks & Caicos Islands (TCI).
In her new role as Country Manager and AVP, King-Henry will take on full responsibility for the bank’s operations, strategy, and development in the TCI market, with a strong focus on solidifying partnerships with the Government, regulatory bodies, and the local community.
King-Henry brings to the role a dynamism influenced by nearly 25 years of industry experience. Prior to her new appointment, she served as AVP of Business Banking in Trinidad and Tobago. She has held progressively senior roles within both personal and commercial banking, as well as various functional units.
King-Henry holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, with a specialization in Leadership, FinTech and Big Data Analysis, in addition to a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Further enriching her professional profile, Kerryl-Lyn is a certified John C. Maxwell Coach, Trainer, Teacher, and Speaker. Her passion for leadership and development is matched by her commitment to community service, as she actively volunteers her time and leverages her professional expertise to mentor and support others. “
Kerryl-Lyn’s extensive experience and proven leadership capabilities make her the perfect choice to lead our operations in the Turks & Caicos Islands,” said Ericka Rolle, RBC’s Managing Director and Vice President, Personal Banking, The Bahamas and TCI.
“Her commitment to excellence, combined with a genuine passion for community engagement, aligns perfectly with our Bank’s purpose of helping clients thrive and communities prosper. We are excited to see the positive impact she will undoubtedly bring to her new role,” she added.
Bahamas News
Get your laugh on, March On show coming to Turks and Caicos with box office at IGA Friday and Saturday
-
Crime5 days agoUnlocking Perspectives: Serious Tourist Incidents unveiled in TCI
-
TCI News5 days agoRegional SDGs Update; 22% to be reached by 2030
-
TCI News1 day agoBomb Threat No 6. In TEN days
-
Caribbean News4 days agoVISITOR ARRIVALS NOT NEGATIVELY AFFECTED BY TRAVEL ADVISORIES KINGSTON, May 1 (JIS):
-
Bahamas News4 days agoRBC appoints new Country Manager and Area Vice President for Turks & Caicos
-
Bahamas News5 days agoCIBC Caribbean announces the closure of Bay Street Branch
-
Bahamas News4 days agoBahamas economic growth
-
News5 days agoFamily of 16 yo Tourist claims negligence in jet ski death; TCI Coroner’s Court hearing evidence