New Category : Education

PM Davis encourages students to be environmental stewards: "Our country is worth fighting for -- to preserve all that is beautiful about our environment, our way of life, and our people"

Mon, Mar 18th 2024, 09:43 AM

During his Official Opening Remarks at the Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) Extreme Hangout Bahamas climate change student workshop, on March 8, 2024, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis pointed out that the formative experiences in his life continued to be a “guiding light” for him.  That included, he said, his early years growing up on Cat Island and “the natural beauty of island life”.

“Because I’ve always known the sacred beauty of our natural environment, I have always been a firm advocate for conservation,” Prime Minister Davis said, at the event held at St. John’s College.

He added:  “What we have here in The Bahamas is unlike anywhere else in the world. Our landscapes, both marine and terrestrial, are contenders to be world wonders.  US astronaut Scot Kelly has said on multiple occasions that The Bahamas is the most beautiful place from space.  And we are just as beautiful up close as we are from hundreds of miles away.”

Minister for the Environment and Natural Resources the Hon. Vaughn Miller also brought remarks; and students from New Providence, Grand Bahama and Cat Island were participants in the workshop.

Prime Minister Davis noted that within “this immense beauty” was also the potential to support livelihoods through fishing, agriculture and aquaculture, and tourism.

“That is why my Government has priortised the cultivation of the blue and green economies from day one,” he said.  “It is critical that we protect our marine and coastal environments to fully tap into the unbridled potential for economic growth and sustainability that we know exists. For this reason, we must remain committed to protecting and preserving the valuable natural assets that we have.”

“Our waters are the lifeline of our economy, our heritage, and our people. It is our duty to protect them,” Prime Minister Davis added.  “Organisations like BREEF are doing incredibly valuable work that benefits us all.”

Prime Minister Davis stated that they must all support those efforts and work together to mitigate the ongoing threats to the environment.

“Some of the threats are internal, like overconsumption, which is one of the biggest contributors to pollution of our environment and the depletion of stocks of marine species due to unsustainable harvesting practices,” he said.

“Other forces at work are external, particularly climate change, which poses the biggest threat to our environment and our people,” he added.  “We have already seen the effects of temperature increases on our waters, triggering coral bleaching events that impact the entire region.”

Prime Minister Davis pointed out that the effects of climate change were only projected to get worse, which “puts both us, our environment, and the flora and fauna that coexist with us at risk”.

“That is why I continue to advocate for more action and assistance for Small Island Developing States like ours on the world stage,” he noted.

“We must also lead the way by adopting a cleaner, more environmentally-friendly way of life,” he added.  “The Government recognises the important role it plays as we transition our islands to renewable forms of energy like solar.”

Prime Minister Davis told the students that he had no doubt that he was standing in the presence of “some of the brightest young minds in The Bahamas."

He said: “As young leaders, you have the power to promote conservation, to advance climate justice, and to effect change. And we all have individual contributions we can make as well. We can all use less single-use plastics, for example, and less fossil fuels in our personal lives -- whether that means a future vehicle purchase that is hybrid or electric, being more conscious of our electricity consumption, or choosing sustainably packaged products and finding ways to reuse the plastic products that we purchase.”

Prime Minister Davis said that, as young leaders, they must not underestimate the impact of their voices.

“Speak up and speak loudly,” he stated.  “Each one of you has a part to play in securing a sustainable future.”

He added:  “We can all be effective advocates. So stand up today, and demand a better future.  Absorb these discussions you have today so you can arm yourself with even more knowledge to be a more effective advocate and change maker in this world.

“Our country is worth fighting for -- to preserve all that is beautiful about our environment, our way of life, and our people. Let’s all commit to doing our part to fight for progress.”  

During his Official Opening Remarks at the Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) Extreme Hangout Bahamas climate change student workshop, on March 8, 2024, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis pointed out that the formative experiences in his life continued to be a “guiding light” for him.  That included, he said, his early years growing up on Cat Island and “the natural beauty of island life”. “Because I’ve always known the sacred beauty of our natural environment, I have always been a firm advocate for conservation,” Prime Minister Davis said, at the event held at St. John’s College. He added:  “What we have here in The Bahamas is unlike anywhere else in the world. Our landscapes, both marine and terrestrial, are contenders to be world wonders.  US astronaut Scot Kelly has said on multiple occasions that The Bahamas is the most beautiful place from space.  And we are just as beautiful up close as we are from hundreds of miles away.” Minister for the Environment and Natural Resources the Hon. Vaughn Miller also brought remarks; and students from New Providence, Grand Bahama and Cat Island were participants in the workshop. Prime Minister Davis noted that within “this immense beauty” was also the potential to support livelihoods through fishing, agriculture and aquaculture, and tourism. “That is why my Government has priortised the cultivation of the blue and green economies from day one,” he said.  “It is critical that we protect our marine and coastal environments to fully tap into the unbridled potential for economic growth and sustainability that we know exists. For this reason, we must remain committed to protecting and preserving the valuable natural assets that we have.” “Our waters are the lifeline of our economy, our heritage, and our people. It is our duty to protect them,” Prime Minister Davis added.  “Organisations like BREEF are doing incredibly valuable work that benefits us all.” Prime Minister Davis stated that they must all support those efforts and work together to mitigate the ongoing threats to the environment. “Some of the threats are internal, like overconsumption, which is one of the biggest contributors to pollution of our environment and the depletion of stocks of marine species due to unsustainable harvesting practices,” he said. “Other forces at work are external, particularly climate change, which poses the biggest threat to our environment and our people,” he added.  “We have already seen the effects of temperature increases on our waters, triggering coral bleaching events that impact the entire region.” Prime Minister Davis pointed out that the effects of climate change were only projected to get worse, which “puts both us, our environment, and the flora and fauna that coexist with us at risk”. “That is why I continue to advocate for more action and assistance for Small Island Developing States like ours on the world stage,” he noted. “We must also lead the way by adopting a cleaner, more environmentally-friendly way of life,” he added.  “The Government recognises the important role it plays as we transition our islands to renewable forms of energy like solar.” Prime Minister Davis told the students that he had no doubt that he was standing in the presence of “some of the brightest young minds in The Bahamas." He said: “As young leaders, you have the power to promote conservation, to advance climate justice, and to effect change. And we all have individual contributions we can make as well. We can all use less single-use plastics, for example, and less fossil fuels in our personal lives -- whether that means a future vehicle purchase that is hybrid or electric, being more conscious of our electricity consumption, or choosing sustainably packaged products and finding ways to reuse the plastic products that we purchase.” Prime Minister Davis said that, as young leaders, they must not underestimate the impact of their voices. “Speak up and speak loudly,” he stated.  “Each one of you has a part to play in securing a sustainable future.” He added:  “We can all be effective advocates. So stand up today, and demand a better future.  Absorb these discussions you have today so you can arm yourself with even more knowledge to be a more effective advocate and change maker in this world. “Our country is worth fighting for -- to preserve all that is beautiful about our environment, our way of life, and our people. Let’s all commit to doing our part to fight for progress.”  

Environment Minister, inspired by dedication of youth climate advocates at first BREEF 'Extreme Hangout Bahamas'

Wed, Mar 13th 2024, 09:36 AM

Environment and Natural Resources Minister the Hon. Vaughn Miller addressed the first 'Extreme Hangout Bahamas' and emphasized his commitment to fostering environmental awareness and sustainability among young people in The Bahamas.

The one-day climate change workshop put on by Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) was held Friday, March 8, 2024 and brought together youth climate advocates from students in New Providence, Grand Bahama, and Cat Island.

Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis gave the keynote address at the workshop held at St. John’s College, Bethel Avenue.  The theme for the event was 'Fossil Fuel-Free Bahamas: Building a Climate Resilient Future.' 

Participants in the opening ceremony included Nikita Shiel Rolle, YME; Casuarina McKinney-Lambert, Executive Director, BREEF; and Amber Nuttall, founder, Extreme Hangout. 

The workshop presenters were Kishan Munroe, University of the Bahamas, and Rashema Ingraham, Executive Director, Waterkeepers.

In brief remarks, Minister Miller said by engaging in interactive activities and discussions, students are not only learning about the impacts of climate change but also becoming empowered to take action as climate stewards.

Said Minister Miller, “I am inspired by the dedication and enthusiasm demonstrated by our young participants and I am confident that they will emerge from this event with the knowledge and determination to advocate for a better, more sustainable future for our country and our planet.”

The workshop also comprised a coral presentation, a panel discussion, drummers cultural display, and student activities. 

Environment and Natural Resources Minister the Hon. Vaughn Miller addressed the first 'Extreme Hangout Bahamas' and emphasized his commitment to fostering environmental awareness and sustainability among young people in The Bahamas. The one-day climate change workshop put on by Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) was held Friday, March 8, 2024 and brought together youth climate advocates from students in New Providence, Grand Bahama, and Cat Island. Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis gave the keynote address at the workshop held at St. John’s College, Bethel Avenue.  The theme for the event was 'Fossil Fuel-Free Bahamas: Building a Climate Resilient Future.'  Participants in the opening ceremony included Nikita Shiel Rolle, YME; Casuarina McKinney-Lambert, Executive Director, BREEF; and Amber Nuttall, founder, Extreme Hangout.  The workshop presenters were Kishan Munroe, University of the Bahamas, and Rashema Ingraham, Executive Director, Waterkeepers. In brief remarks, Minister Miller said by engaging in interactive activities and discussions, students are not only learning about the impacts of climate change but also becoming empowered to take action as climate stewards. Said Minister Miller, “I am inspired by the dedication and enthusiasm demonstrated by our young participants and I am confident that they will emerge from this event with the knowledge and determination to advocate for a better, more sustainable future for our country and our planet.” The workshop also comprised a coral presentation, a panel discussion, drummers cultural display, and student activities. 

Doctors Hospital Health System Solidifies UBFIT Title Sponsor with $71K

Thu, Mar 7th 2024, 09:39 AM

University of The Bahamas (UB) proudly announces Doctors Hospital Health System as the Title Sponsor for UBFIT, the institution's flagship fundraiser. The leading healthcare provider in The Bahamas has committed a generous sum of $71,000 over three years to support the UBFIT fun run-walk event in New Providence and Freeport, Grand Bahama.  

UBFIT is a significant annual event that not only promotes health and wellness but also plays a vital role in raising funds for the University's Annual Fund  providing funding namely to students and faculty for research, study abroad and technology needs. The partnership with Doctors Hospital Health System reflects a shared commitment to the growth and development of University of The Bahamas 

UB President, Janyne, expressed her gratitude to Dr. Charles Diggiss and his team at Doctors Hospital Health System for their unwavering support. She emphasized the importance of such partnerships in advancing the institution's mission and fostering community engagement. President Janyne lauded the commitment of Doctors Hospital Health System to the success of UBFIT and acknowledged the positive impact it will have on the University's initiatives. 

Dr. Charles Diggiss, CEO of Doctors Hospital Health System, spoke about the significance of this partnership and the commitment to the University's development. "We are proud to be the Title Sponsor for UBFIT and to support University of The Bahamas in its pursuit of excellence," said Dr. Diggiss. "This is just the beginning of our collaboration with UB, and we look forward to being a part of many more initiatives that contribute to the growth of the institution." 

In addition to the sponsorship of UBFIT, Dr. Diggiss announced an additional investment in University of The Bahamas. He expressed eagerness about future collaborations, particularly in the field of Nursing and Allied Health programmes. Dr. Diggiss highlighted the importance of supporting education and training in healthcare, emphasizing the positive impact it can have on the community. 

UBFIT Co-Chair Ms. Inga Bostwick expressed gratitude to Dr. Diggiss and his team underscoring both entities commitment to education and community well-being.  “We deeply appreciative of Doctors Hospital Health System’s strong support of the University’s signature community-building and fitness fundraising event. Since UBFIT’s inception in 2017, Doctors Hospital came on board as an In-Kind Donor - providing ambulance services and forming large teams annually. Your generous seventy one thousand dollar sponsorship supports UB’s mission to drive national development,” expressed Ms. Bostwick.  

UBFIT Grand Bahama, chaired by Ms. Rickelle Albury will take place on Saturday, 16th March in Freeport and the generous Title Sponsorship of Doctors Hospital will enhance the race experience for all participants. “Thanks to your contribution, we are able to kick our race up a notch and provide the same experience that our counterparts offer here in New Providence. It is a pleasure to promote health, wellness, and community engagement, because we know our health is worth it. UBFIT GB funds UB North’s Student Support Award (SSA) as well as the rebuild campaign. The SSA allows financial assistance to students who are not on the government’s tertiary grant,” Ms. Albury shared. 

UBFIT New Providence will take place on Saturday, 20th April 2024 at 6:00am at the Oakes Field Campus. Registration is open at Chapter One Bookstore on online at ubfit@ub.edu.bs. For more information, call 424-8887 or email ubfit@ub.edu.bs. 

University of The Bahamas (UB) proudly announces Doctors Hospital Health System as the Title Sponsor for UBFIT, the institution's flagship fundraiser. The leading healthcare provider in The Bahamas has committed a generous sum of $71,000 over three years to support the UBFIT fun run-walk event in New Providence and Freeport, Grand Bahama.   UBFIT is a significant annual event that not only promotes health and wellness but also plays a vital role in raising funds for the University's Annual Fund  providing funding namely to students and faculty for research, study abroad and technology needs. The partnership with Doctors Hospital Health System reflects a shared commitment to the growth and development of University of The Bahamas  UB President, Janyne, expressed her gratitude to Dr. Charles Diggiss and his team at Doctors Hospital Health System for their unwavering support. She emphasized the importance of such partnerships in advancing the institution's mission and fostering community engagement. President Janyne lauded the commitment of Doctors Hospital Health System to the success of UBFIT and acknowledged the positive impact it will have on the University's initiatives.  Dr. Charles Diggiss, CEO of Doctors Hospital Health System, spoke about the significance of this partnership and the commitment to the University's development. "We are proud to be the Title Sponsor for UBFIT and to support University of The Bahamas in its pursuit of excellence," said Dr. Diggiss. "This is just the beginning of our collaboration with UB, and we look forward to being a part of many more initiatives that contribute to the growth of the institution."  In addition to the sponsorship of UBFIT, Dr. Diggiss announced an additional investment in University of The Bahamas. He expressed eagerness about future collaborations, particularly in the field of Nursing and Allied Health programmes. Dr. Diggiss highlighted the importance of supporting education and training in healthcare, emphasizing the positive impact it can have on the community.    UBFIT Co-Chair Ms. Inga Bostwick expressed gratitude to Dr. Diggiss and his team underscoring both entities commitment to education and community well-being.  “We deeply appreciative of Doctors Hospital Health System’s strong support of the University’s signature community-building and fitness fundraising event. Since UBFIT’s inception in 2017, Doctors Hospital came on board as an In-Kind Donor - providing ambulance services and forming large teams annually. Your generous seventy one thousand dollar sponsorship supports UB’s mission to drive national development,” expressed Ms. Bostwick.   UBFIT Grand Bahama, chaired by Ms. Rickelle Albury will take place on Saturday, 16th March in Freeport and the generous Title Sponsorship of Doctors Hospital will enhance the race experience for all participants. “Thanks to your contribution, we are able to kick our race up a notch and provide the same experience that our counterparts offer here in New Providence. It is a pleasure to promote health, wellness, and community engagement, because we know our health is worth it. UBFIT GB funds UB North’s Student Support Award (SSA) as well as the rebuild campaign. The SSA allows financial assistance to students who are not on the government’s tertiary grant,” Ms. Albury shared.  UBFIT New Providence will take place on Saturday, 20th April 2024 at 6:00am at the Oakes Field Campus. Registration is open at Chapter One Bookstore on online at ubfit@ub.edu.bs. For more information, call 424-8887 or email ubfit@ub.edu.bs. 

Healthy Buildings to be explored at upcoming Green Tech initiative

Wed, Feb 28th 2024, 10:20 AM

Healthy or sustainable buildings, an emerging concept, is one of the disciplines that participants in an upcoming Green Tech programme will be exposed to; the initiative was officially launched at the University of The Bahamas Friday, February 23, 2024 

The programme is a partnership of Green Tech in collaboration with a global society of sustainable designers, National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) of University of The Bahamas (UB) and the Ministry of Works and Family Island Affairs for senior high school children, university students and professionals. The objective is to expose participants to multiple disciplines in sustainability including the goals of the United Nations.

Darnell Whymns, founder of Green Tech Ambassadors, an architectural designer with specialty in Green Building Design, said the idea is to educate students and encourage them to, “consider the resources that we have and how we use them even after their life cycle.

“One of the things that we learned in sustainable design is that healthy buildings increase not only the health of the occupants but their performance. In schools, take for instance, according to Harvard University, students learn and have higher results as a result of being in green buildings as opposed to the traditional, conventional buildings.

“It will leave a mark in our culture. Green building design affects health, it affects behavior. I studied behavioral sciences and how building design can impact social behaviour. It is very important as we approach design in our country, that we consider the whole -- how would we feel, how would we react and what would be the end result -- performance, pleasure, satisfaction and comfort.  [The sessions will include] how do we look at our resources now, conserve them, but use them to our benefit now and also consider future generations,” said Ms. Whymns.

The programme offers a series of in-person and virtual courses for individuals with careers in the built environment, in architectural construction, electrical engineering and for high school students who are looking for a new approach to career paths.

A pilot programme will be included in public and private schools to address sustainability and the built environment.

Participants in the launch included Perlene Baker, Assistant Director of Education; Dr. Phillip Rahming (author of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas), Jack Travis, celebrity black architect, who gave a virtual charge, and David Whymns, president, NSBE who introduced the organization’s honorees for Black History Month.

Ms. Baker gave a declaration on behalf of the Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin, Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training and Dominique McCartney-Russell, Director.

Ms. Baker said, “Sustainable education is critical for all of us.

“Your programme will indeed be beneficial to the country. Why you may ask?  Because our country needs you; our country needs this.”

Healthy or sustainable buildings, an emerging concept, is one of the disciplines that participants in an upcoming Green Tech programme will be exposed to; the initiative was officially launched at the University of The Bahamas Friday, February 23, 2024  The programme is a partnership of Green Tech in collaboration with a global society of sustainable designers, National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) of University of The Bahamas (UB) and the Ministry of Works and Family Island Affairs for senior high school children, university students and professionals. The objective is to expose participants to multiple disciplines in sustainability including the goals of the United Nations. Darnell Whymns, founder of Green Tech Ambassadors, an architectural designer with specialty in Green Building Design, said the idea is to educate students and encourage them to, “consider the resources that we have and how we use them even after their life cycle. “One of the things that we learned in sustainable design is that healthy buildings increase not only the health of the occupants but their performance. In schools, take for instance, according to Harvard University, students learn and have higher results as a result of being in green buildings as opposed to the traditional, conventional buildings. “It will leave a mark in our culture. Green building design affects health, it affects behavior. I studied behavioral sciences and how building design can impact social behaviour. It is very important as we approach design in our country, that we consider the whole -- how would we feel, how would we react and what would be the end result -- performance, pleasure, satisfaction and comfort.  [The sessions will include] how do we look at our resources now, conserve them, but use them to our benefit now and also consider future generations,” said Ms. Whymns. The programme offers a series of in-person and virtual courses for individuals with careers in the built environment, in architectural construction, electrical engineering and for high school students who are looking for a new approach to career paths. A pilot programme will be included in public and private schools to address sustainability and the built environment. Participants in the launch included Perlene Baker, Assistant Director of Education; Dr. Phillip Rahming (author of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas), Jack Travis, celebrity black architect, who gave a virtual charge, and David Whymns, president, NSBE who introduced the organization’s honorees for Black History Month. Ms. Baker gave a declaration on behalf of the Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin, Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training and Dominique McCartney-Russell, Director. Ms. Baker said, “Sustainable education is critical for all of us. “Your programme will indeed be beneficial to the country. Why you may ask?  Because our country needs you; our country needs this.”