NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Thirty students at the University of The Bahamas have been selected to participate in a 10-day Artificial Intelligence (AI) micro-course, which will be taught by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology instructors.

The collaboration between UB and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) seeks to provide students with the skills necessary to excel on a global scale.

The Dean of the College of Business at UB, Dr. Marlo Murphy Braynen, noted that upon successful completion of the 10-day course, five top performers will earn a scholarship to deepen their knowledge during an 8-week immersive experience in Saudi Arabia at KAUST during July and August 2024.

The scholarship will cover tuition, administrative fees, airfare, housing, and meals.

At the G7 Climate Ministerial, which brings together the leaders of the world’s richest economies, these countries must acknowledge the severe deficiencies in their existing emission reduction targets and demonstrate their global leadership by committing to lowering their greenhouse gas emissions by at least 58% by 2030.

The 2024 G7 Ministers' Meeting on Climate, Energy and Environment is being held from 28-30 April and the outcome is being closely watched by small island developing states (SIDS), countries which contribute the least to global emissions yet suffer the brunt of climate change impacts.  

The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) is calling for the G7 to bring the special circumstances of SIDS to the fore of their decisions. The unique challenges of small island nations include their small size and therefore small economies, locations remote from international markets, vulnerability to external shocks, and fragile land and marine ecosystems.

“The actions of the world’s most powerful must no longer lead to the oppression of the world’s most vulnerable,” said Ambassador Fatumanava Dr. Pa'olelei Luteru, Chair of AOSIS. “At our current level of warming we are seeing islands being swallowed by the seas, and record-breaking temperatures making essential activities like farming unbearable. Currently, the G7’s target of reducing emissions 40 – 42% by 2030 falls woefully short of what is needed to keep our world within the agreed 1.5°C global warming limit. Without significantly more ambitious plans to cut emissions we will veer off the path to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The lives and livelihoods of SIDS are already teetering on the brink due to climate impacts, and continued lack of ambition will send us over the edge.”

AOSIS also noted the technological and financial advantages of the G7 to achieve decarbonisation faster than the rest of the world, and how critical their support would be in helping developing countries decarbonise and achieve a just transition.

“I urge our world leaders to heed the cries of the people of small islands - we who protect our world’s seas, who keep our precious ecosystems maintained for the global good,” said Ambassador Luteru. “This year we urge bigger countries to commit to a robust new financial goal – the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance – and ensure this finance is readily accessible to our vulnerable countries. Urgently and drastically increasing your ambition is the only way we can safeguard a livable world for all.”

At the G7 Climate Ministerial, which brings together the leaders of the world’s richest economies, these countries must acknowledge the severe deficiencies in their existing emission reduction targets and demonstrate their global leadership by committing to lowering their greenhouse gas emissions by at least 58% by 2030. The 2024 G7 Ministers' Meeting on Climate, Energy and Environment is being held from 28-30 April and the outcome is being closely watched by small island developing states (SIDS), countries which contribute the least to global emissions yet suffer the brunt of climate change impacts.   The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) is calling for the G7 to bring the special circumstances of SIDS to the fore of their decisions. The unique challenges of small island nations include their small size and therefore small economies, locations remote from international markets, vulnerability to external shocks, and fragile land and marine ecosystems. “The actions of the world’s most powerful must no longer lead to the oppression of the world’s most vulnerable,” said Ambassador Fatumanava Dr. Pa'olelei Luteru, Chair of AOSIS. “At our current level of warming we are seeing islands being swallowed by the seas, and record-breaking temperatures making essential activities like farming unbearable. Currently, the G7’s target of reducing emissions 40 – 42% by 2030 falls woefully short of what is needed to keep our world within the agreed 1.5°C global warming limit. Without significantly more ambitious plans to cut emissions we will veer off the path to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The lives and livelihoods of SIDS are already teetering on the brink due to climate impacts, and continued lack of ambition will send us over the edge.” AOSIS also noted the technological and financial advantages of the G7 to achieve decarbonisation faster than the rest of the world, and how critical their support would be in helping developing countries decarbonise and achieve a just transition. “I urge our world leaders to heed the cries of the people of small islands - we who protect our world’s seas, who keep our precious ecosystems maintained for the global good,” said Ambassador Luteru. “This year we urge bigger countries to commit to a robust new financial goal – the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance – and ensure this finance is readily accessible to our vulnerable countries. Urgently and drastically increasing your ambition is the only way we can safeguard a livable world for all.”

In the largest ever outpouring of support for UBFIT Nassau to date, over 700 walkers, runners, bikers, and skaters recently participated in the 5K, 10K and 15K race courses through the streets of Nassau in support of health, wellness, and higher education.

Something else momentous happened. In its seventh year, the signature community-building event that attracts people from all walks of life throughout the country and beyond also raised approximately $80K. The funding is designated to help students advance and fulfil needs beyond tuition, faculty to thrive in research and scholarship, and to support the most vital needs of UB.

“This is the largest ever group we’ve had for UBFIT since we started, and it’s very fitting that it’s our 50th anniversary and we’re getting the largest turnout, well over 700,” said UB President Janyne Hodder. “People are looking happy and celebrating. For us at UB, being in the community, and a part of the community is who we are.”

Doctor’s Hospital Health System recognized the immense value of the event and is the three-year title sponsor, making a commitment of $71K. 

“It’s in keeping with our commitment to supporting community initiatives and supporting educational initiatives,” said Doctors Hospital Marketing Director Alexis Burrows. “When the UBFIT team came to us and said the donations and the proceeds from this event go back into the University, they help students, they help faculty, they help the overall experience at UB, it was a no brainer for us.”

Corporate Bahamas turned up in a major way to reinforce the clarion call for health, wellness and staying active. There were some 23 corporate booths at the race village, paving the way for deeper and stronger ties between the university and the community it serves. In a high-energy display, the Bahamas All Stars Marching Band capped off the event with entertainment.

The main entrance of UB's Oakes Field campus was transformed into a vibrant race village on Saturday, 20th April, teeming with excitement and entertainment. From the crack of dawn on race day, hundreds of people including UB faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends, donned in the iconic UBFIT apparel, were ready to hit the road. Race clubs, families, church groups, and even members of UB’s Board of Trustees participated. 

Island Luck claimed the trophy for the largest group of participants – some 85 IL employees who joined the race.  

“One of our pillars at Island Luck and IL Cares is community initiatives, so we’re going to do anything we can within our spectrum to make sure we contribute time, effort, and sometimes finances, to make sure we pull this off,” said IL Head of Brand, Events Loyalty & Rewards, Mr. Carlo Ramsey. “Coming together as a community internally and externally is very important for us, and this is a good example of us coming together.”

For Shell Western & Trading Supply (SWTS) Ltd., sponsoring UBFIT 2024 was worth it.

“It’s been an exciting experience, and we’re looking to partnering with UB beyond UBFIT, but also seeing how we can partner with UB to actually have persons join Shell Western & Trading Supply to develop a pipeline within the organization, so we’re excited,” said Mrs. Ashley Butler, SWTS Compliance Advisor. 

Other sponsors included Commonwealth Bank; Fidelity; Bahamas Power & Light (BPL); Deloitte; Ernst and Young (EY) Bahamas; and Commonwealth Brewery, Ltd.

UBFIT Co-Chair Kandice Weech said organisers were extremely grateful for the huge support for UBFIT 2024.

“In our seventh year of UBFIT, we are absolutely thrilled and grateful for the success of this year’s race,” said Ms. Weech. “UBFIT has become a fitness fundraising staple in the country, and we can only see growth and future expansion in years to come. We look forward to seeing everyone in year eight, and we are grateful to everyone that participated, contributed and volunteered to make this race a success.”

Cerio Rolle, winner of the 5K run category, said UBFIT 2024 definitely lived up to the hype, while Kohen Kerr, said winning the 10K run category capped off a positive first-time experience. UB’s very own assistant professor of Mathematics, Dr. Moussa Kounta, had nothing but praise for UBFIT and its organizers after winning the 15K running category. 

“It’s good for the country,” said Dr. Kounta. “I think we should encourage more people to do it. I like the organization. It’s enjoyable, friendly, and people are very nice. It’s something I would like to do every year.”

Over the years, community support has snowballed as UBFIT has become not only a conduit for health and wellness, but a means of sparking more broad-based support for the national university. Last month, UBFIT Grand Bahama attracted approximately 300 participants. Over the years, more than $400,000 raised from UBFIT have supported campus enhancements, technology and devices for students, research projects, study abroad opportunities and other beyond tuition needs.

In the largest ever outpouring of support for UBFIT Nassau to date, over 700 walkers, runners, bikers, and skaters recently participated in the 5K, 10K and 15K race courses through the streets of Nassau in support of health, wellness, and higher education. Something else momentous happened. In its seventh year, the signature community-building event that attracts people from all walks of life throughout the country and beyond also raised approximately $80K. The funding is designated to help students advance and fulfil needs beyond tuition, faculty to thrive in research and scholarship, and to support the most vital needs of UB. “This is the largest ever group we’ve had for UBFIT since we started, and it’s very fitting that it’s our 50th anniversary and we’re getting the largest turnout, well over 700,” said UB President Janyne Hodder. “People are looking happy and celebrating. For us at UB, being in the community, and a part of the community is who we are.” Doctor’s Hospital Health System recognized the immense value of the event and is the three-year title sponsor, making a commitment of $71K.  “It’s in keeping with our commitment to supporting community initiatives and supporting educational initiatives,” said Doctors Hospital Marketing Director Alexis Burrows. “When the UBFIT team came to us and said the donations and the proceeds from this event go back into the University, they help students, they help faculty, they help the overall experience at UB, it was a no brainer for us.” Corporate Bahamas turned up in a major way to reinforce the clarion call for health, wellness and staying active. There were some 23 corporate booths at the race village, paving the way for deeper and stronger ties between the university and the community it serves. In a high-energy display, the Bahamas All Stars Marching Band capped off the event with entertainment. The main entrance of UB's Oakes Field campus was transformed into a vibrant race village on Saturday, 20th April, teeming with excitement and entertainment. From the crack of dawn on race day, hundreds of people including UB faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends, donned in the iconic UBFIT apparel, were ready to hit the road. Race clubs, families, church groups, and even members of UB’s Board of Trustees participated.  Island Luck claimed the trophy for the largest group of participants – some 85 IL employees who joined the race.   “One of our pillars at Island Luck and IL Cares is community initiatives, so we’re going to do anything we can within our spectrum to make sure we contribute time, effort, and sometimes finances, to make sure we pull this off,” said IL Head of Brand, Events Loyalty & Rewards, Mr. Carlo Ramsey. “Coming together as a community internally and externally is very important for us, and this is a good example of us coming together.” For Shell Western & Trading Supply (SWTS) Ltd., sponsoring UBFIT 2024 was worth it. “It’s been an exciting experience, and we’re looking to partnering with UB beyond UBFIT, but also seeing how we can partner with UB to actually have persons join Shell Western & Trading Supply to develop a pipeline within the organization, so we’re excited,” said Mrs. Ashley Butler, SWTS Compliance Advisor.  Other sponsors included Commonwealth Bank; Fidelity; Bahamas Power & Light (BPL); Deloitte; Ernst and Young (EY) Bahamas; and Commonwealth Brewery, Ltd. UBFIT Co-Chair Kandice Weech said organisers were extremely grateful for the huge support for UBFIT 2024. “In our seventh year of UBFIT, we are absolutely thrilled and grateful for the success of this year’s race,” said Ms. Weech. “UBFIT has become a fitness fundraising staple in the country, and we can only see growth and future expansion in years to come. We look forward to seeing everyone in year eight, and we are grateful to everyone that participated, contributed and volunteered to make this race a success.” Cerio Rolle, winner of the 5K run category, said UBFIT 2024 definitely lived up to the hype, while Kohen Kerr, said winning the 10K run category capped off a positive first-time experience. UB’s very own assistant professor of Mathematics, Dr. Moussa Kounta, had nothing but praise for UBFIT and its organizers after winning the 15K running category.  “It’s good for the country,” said Dr. Kounta. “I think we should encourage more people to do it. I like the organization. It’s enjoyable, friendly, and people are very nice. It’s something I would like to do every year.” Over the years, community support has snowballed as UBFIT has become not only a conduit for health and wellness, but a means of sparking more broad-based support for the national university. Last month, UBFIT Grand Bahama attracted approximately 300 participants. Over the years, more than $400,000 raised from UBFIT have supported campus enhancements, technology and devices for students, research projects, study abroad opportunities and other beyond tuition needs.

TWO fatal shootings took place on Sunday, resulting in the death of a 27-year-old man and what is believed to be a male juvenile.