Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation the Hon. Chester Cooper (centre) planted a Lignum Vitae Tree on LPIA Departure parking lot grounds, May 3, in observance of Bahamas Independence Jubilee year and for International Arbour Day.  The National Tree, Lignum Vitae, was planted by government agencies around the island in celebration of the nation's 50th anniversary year.  Planting the Lignum Vitae along with Mr. Cooper were Her Excellency Leslia Miller- Brice, chair of the National Independence Secretariat (second left); Dr. Kenneth Romer, Deputy Director General of Tourism, Investments & Aviation and Director of  Aviation (left); Vernice Walkine, NAD, Chief Executive Officer (second right); and Peter Rutherford, Managing Director, Airport Authority (right). 

The Bahamas is for a third time the recipient of the Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum (CREF) Industry Award -- this time for Climate Resilience in the Energy Sector for the Abaco Schools’ Solar Installation Project. 

The project was a partnership between the Government of The Bahamas, the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), Compass Power and Rotary Bahamas Disaster Relief (RBDR).

The Hon. Vaughn Miller, Minister of the Environment and Natural Resources accepted the award at the 15th annual Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum held in Miami, Florida, from April 26th-28th.  Also in attendance were Phedra Rahming-Turnquest, Permanent Secretary and Dr. Rhianna Neely-Murphy, Director, Department of Environmental Planning and Protection.

Minister Miller expressed thanks to the RMI which, he said, has been a major partner in the transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy.

Said Minister Miller, “Our experience has taught us that we must look at development differently. Climate Change has placed the imperative upon us to build resilience and we are responding with the assistance of international partners like RMI and local partners like Rotary Bahamas Disaster Relief. We are moving in the right direction.

“The solar installation with battery back-up across these four schools will change the life of the Abaco Community. It will open up the imagination of the children. It will improve the quality of life for the residents and it is a clear indication to all of what is possible. It provides hope, and for that, we are grateful.”

Dr. Neely-Murphy said, "The aftermath of Hurricane Dorian provided us with an opportunity to rebuild smarter and better. The schools also serve as hurricane shelters and with the solar and battery back-up systems, they will be able to keep the lights on to continue to service the target communities during power outages and storm events."

The CREF Industry Awards recognizes excellence across clean energy programs and projects in the Caribbean. Nominees are judged across a series of criteria, including innovative approaches to development, value to investors and customers, and social and environmental impact.

 

The Bahamas is for a third time the recipient of the Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum (CREF) Industry Award -- this time for Climate Resilience in the Energy Sector for the Abaco Schools’ Solar Installation Project.   The project was a partnership between the Government of The Bahamas, the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), Compass Power and Rotary Bahamas Disaster Relief (RBDR).   The Hon. Vaughn Miller, Minister of the Environment and Natural Resources accepted the award at the 15th annual Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum held in Miami, Florida, from April 26th-28th.  Also in attendance were Phedra Rahming-Turnquest, Permanent Secretary and Dr. Rhianna Neely-Murphy, Director, Department of Environmental Planning and Protection. Minister Miller expressed thanks to the RMI which, he said, has been a major partner in the transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy. Said Minister Miller, “Our experience has taught us that we must look at development differently. Climate Change has placed the imperative upon us to build resilience and we are responding with the assistance of international partners like RMI and local partners like Rotary Bahamas Disaster Relief. We are moving in the right direction. “The solar installation with battery back-up across these four schools will change the life of the Abaco Community. It will open up the imagination of the children. It will improve the quality of life for the residents and it is a clear indication to all of what is possible. It provides hope, and for that, we are grateful.” Dr. Neely-Murphy said, "The aftermath of Hurricane Dorian provided us with an opportunity to rebuild smarter and better. The schools also serve as hurricane shelters and with the solar and battery back-up systems, they will be able to keep the lights on to continue to service the target communities during power outages and storm events." The CREF Industry Awards recognizes excellence across clean energy programs and projects in the Caribbean. Nominees are judged across a series of criteria, including innovative approaches to development, value to investors and customers, and social and environmental impact.

THE public consultation process for Royal Caribbean International's proposed Paradise Island Beach Club project will reopen next month, allowing people to hear how the cruise lines will address their concerns.

Dr Rhianna Neely-Murphy, director of the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection, confirmed yesterday that environmentalists would have the chance to press the cruise line about its plans separately. # Her comments came after environmentalists sent a letter with questions about RCI’s project to the DEPP. # The letter was signed by several environmentalists, including Joseph Darville, executive chairman of Save the Bays; Eric Carey, former executive director of the Bahamas National Trust; Sam Duncombe, executive director of reEarth; Rashema Ingraham, executive director of Waterkeepers; Casuarina McKinney, executive director of Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) and Gail Woon, president of Earthcare. #  RCI’s initial DEPP consultation meeting took place on September 8, 2021, just eight days before that year’s general election, which resulted in a change of administration. # RCI recently said it aims to answer 120 questions sparked by its initial consultation in the next few weeks. # The letter from environmentalists said: “As Bahamian citizens and environmentalists, we are counting on you to fulfill your mandate to protect our nation’s precious natural resources and unique environment by demanding detailed answers from Royal Caribbean — in as transparent a manner as possible — regarding its plans and promises. From what the cruise line has revealed publicly, we fear that if the project receives your approval, the full transition and complete decimation of this small, fragile strip of Paradise Island will be inevitable and irreversible.” # Among the questions asked is whether RCI has mapped the coral reef on the north seabed of Paradise Island and proposed steps to mitigate damage during construction. # Questions also focused on how RCI intends to prevent “catastrophic erosion on its site”. # The letter requests details about the cruise line’s plans for waste treatment, noise pollution, emergency and life safety services, and evacuation. # Dr Neely-Murphy said yesterday: “RCI has been advised that the public consultation process will be reopened. As a part of that consultation process, all questions or concerns will be addressed as appropriate. They will also have 21 days after that event to provide questions to RCI for them to be answered.”

Dr Rhianna Neely-Murphy, director of the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection, confirmed yesterday that environmentalists would have the chance to press the cruise line about its plans separately.

Her comments came after environmentalists sent a letter with questions about RCI’s project to the DEPP.

The letter was signed by several environmentalists, including Joseph Darville, executive chairman of Save the Bays; Eric Carey, former executive director of the Bahamas National Trust; Sam Duncombe, executive director of reEarth; Rashema Ingraham, executive director of Waterkeepers; Casuarina McKinney, executive director of Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) and Gail Woon, president of Earthcare.

RCI’s initial DEPP consultation meeting took place on September 8, 2021, just eight days before that year’s general election, which resulted in a change of administration.

RCI recently said it aims to answer 120 questions sparked by its initial consultation in the next few weeks.

The letter from environmentalists said: “As Bahamian citizens and environmentalists, we are counting on you to fulfill your mandate to protect our nation’s precious natural resources and unique environment by demanding detailed answers from Royal Caribbean — in as transparent a manner as possible — regarding its plans and promises. From what the cruise line has revealed publicly, we fear that if the project receives your approval, the full transition and complete decimation of this small, fragile strip of Paradise Island will be inevitable and irreversible.”

Among the questions asked is whether RCI has mapped the coral reef on the north seabed of Paradise Island and proposed steps to mitigate damage during construction.

Questions also focused on how RCI intends to prevent “catastrophic erosion on its site”.

The letter requests details about the cruise line’s plans for waste treatment, noise pollution, emergency and life safety services, and evacuation.

Dr Neely-Murphy said yesterday: “RCI has been advised that the public consultation process will be reopened. As a part of that consultation process, all questions or concerns will be addressed as appropriate. They will also have 21 days after that event to provide questions to RCI for them to be answered.”

The Hon. Vaughn Miller, Minister of the Environment and Natural Resources, underscored to R.M. Bailey Senior High School students the importance of making informed decisions that benefit the environment. 

“You are the next generation of leaders, and your actions will significantly impact the quality of life for yourselves and future generations,” Minister Miller told the students during a special assembly Friday, April 21, 2023.

In celebration of Earth Day (April 22nd) Minister Miller and Rhianna Neely-Murphy, Director, Department of Environmental Planning and Protection assisted by Agriculture students, planted two Yellow Elder trees on the school’s campus.

Minister Miller remarked that climate change, deforestation and pollution are significant environmental challenges that The Bahamas faces and must address.

“The good news is that we can make a significant difference by taking individual and collective action,” said Minister Miller. “We can reduce our carbon footprint by utilizing public transportation, biking, or walking instead of driving. We can also minimize the amount of plastic we use by using reusable bags and water bottles.

Additionally, we can recycle and reduce waste, and we can also advocate for environmentally friendly policies.”

He told the students that The Bahamas has been the “voice of reason” globally on the impact of climate change on Small Island Developing countries for a long time.

“As global temperatures rise, so does the sea level around us, making life more difficult for life on land and in the water.

“When we litter and pollute the environment, it makes it harder to provide those critical ecosystem services that it’s designed to provide.

“If you see something, say something.

“Do not sit by and allow neighbours and friends to destroy our forests, beaches and mangroves,” he said.

 

The Hon. Vaughn Miller, Minister of the Environment and Natural Resources, underscored to R.M. Bailey Senior High School students the importance of making informed decisions that benefit the environment.   “You are the next generation of leaders, and your actions will significantly impact the quality of life for yourselves and future generations,” Minister Miller told the students during a special assembly Friday, April 21, 2023. In celebration of Earth Day (April 22nd) Minister Miller and Rhianna Neely-Murphy, Director, Department of Environmental Planning and Protection assisted by Agriculture students, planted two Yellow Elder trees on the school’s campus. Minister Miller remarked that climate change, deforestation and pollution are significant environmental challenges that The Bahamas faces and must address.   “The good news is that we can make a significant difference by taking individual and collective action,” said Minister Miller. “We can reduce our carbon footprint by utilizing public transportation, biking, or walking instead of driving. We can also minimize the amount of plastic we use by using reusable bags and water bottles. Additionally, we can recycle and reduce waste, and we can also advocate for environmentally friendly policies.” He told the students that The Bahamas has been the “voice of reason” globally on the impact of climate change on Small Island Developing countries for a long time.   “As global temperatures rise, so does the sea level around us, making life more difficult for life on land and in the water. “When we litter and pollute the environment, it makes it harder to provide those critical ecosystem services that it’s designed to provide. “If you see something, say something.   “Do not sit by and allow neighbours and friends to destroy our forests, beaches and mangroves,” he said.