No tropical cyclones as of Fri, 30 Nov 2018 11:27:49 GMT

CONSERVATION group Coral Vita officially broke ground in Freeport for the construction of the first, on-land commercial coral farm that will not only restore the country's dying coral reefs, but will "usher in sustainable investment initiatives" on Grand Bahama.

The Ministry of Public Works recognized and awarded employees, speakers and management at its first Distinguished Lecture Series (DLS) Awards Ceremony, Thursday, November 29, 2018.

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Hubert Minnis was among those presenting the awards.

The DLS was established as a forum to enhance the knowledge and improve the productivity of staff. Since its official launch in April over 30 lectures have been presented by leading public and private sector professionals.

They include topics on: Potholes, Drainage, Hurricane Preparedness, Auditing Capital Projects, Road Maintenance and Traffic Management, the Hawk Pedestrian Crossing, and Good Design and Your Role, Impacts on Engineering and Architectural Services Growth as a Result of the Bahamas' WTO Accession, Construction and Road Maintenance Service, Infrastructure Needed for Explosive Economic Growth, Risk Management and Tenders Board Procedures and Approvals.

Bahiyyah Hepburn, Assistant Engineer, said the DLS was created as a result of a directive from Melanie Roach, Director, to technical senior managers to ensure that all employees further their professional development and acquire knowledge and skills within their fields.

“Management at the Ministry of Public Works has taken a transformational approach with respect to executing the Ministry's mandate of developing, maintaining and protecting the built environment.

It has sought to accomplish this by focusing on its human capital by providing ongoing opportunities for training and personal development.

“The Lecture Series has become increasingly popular among staff. Lectures are held every Thursday between the hours of 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 pm and it is not an uncommon occurrence for venues to be filled to capacity with attendees, a stark comparison to its early perception, and an indication of this Ministry's ability to enhance the technical skills and knowledge of its staff so as to remain on the cutting edge of best practices and global standards, further their respective careers, and advance the work of this Ministry throughout the blessed Commonwealth of The Bahamas,” said Ms. Hepburn.

The Hon. Bannister Desmond, Minister of Public Works, commended the staff for the quality and standard of the “amazing” work they do.

He said, “This country doesn’t realize the amazing professionals we have in this ministry; the outstanding work that you do every day.

People are beginning to realize the fantastic things the Ministry does.

Initiative and leadership - I’ve seen so much of that in the Ministry.”

Antoinette Thompson, Acting Permanent Secretary, said she has worked in 13 ministries and the DSL has been one of the most “progressive” initiatives that she has seen.

She described the DLS as a “wonderful” way to empower employees.

Special prizes were presented to: Edwin Yuk Low, Ira Smith, Ordell Neely, David Davis, Cardinal Scott, Damian Francis and Selena Curry.

Members of the organizing committee are: Elouise Fernander, Bahiyyah Hepburn, Jipcho Johnson, Nandi Maynard, Winslownette Rolle, Harrison Thompson, Shakera Forbes, Christopher Farquharson, Thomas Frazer, Kristel Moss, Maegan Wilson, Darnell Whymns and Coralyn Adderley.

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Hubert Minnis and Director of Works Melanie Roach cut a cake in celebration of the success of the Distinguished Lecture Series put on by the Ministry of Public Works. From left: Elouise Fernander, Senior Quantity Surveyor; Antoinette Thompson, Actg. Permanent Secretary; Minister Desmond Bannister, Prime Minister Minnis, Ms. Roach, and Chuck Whisman, Geosyntec Consultants.

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Hubert Minnis (right) and the Hon. Desmond Bannister, Minister of Public Works converse during the awards ceremony of the Distinguished Lecture Series. Also shown from left: Melanie Roach, Director, and Antoinette Thompson, Actg. Permanent Secretary.

The Hon. Desmond Bannister, Minister of Public Works, speaks at the awards ceremony of the Distinguished Lecture Series. BIS Photos/Patrick Hanna

The Ministry of Public Works in conjunction with Water & Sewerage Corporation will be conducting road rehabilitation works on West Bay Street from Blake Road Junction to Tropical Gardens Road from Thursday, November 29, 2018 to Saturday, December 15, 2018.

There will be a combination of single lane closures and full road closures between the hours of 9:30am and 4:30pm as well as 7:00pm and 6:00am. The public is asked to adhere to all regulatory signage and detour routes posted.