The Bahamas Bureau of Standards and Quality (BBSQ), with reporting relationship to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, has introduced a new Legal Metrology Prover Truck, a significant addition that will further support the Bureau’s ongoing efforts to uphold accuracy, efficiency, and fairness in commercial fuel transactions across The Bahamas.

The Minister of Economic Affairs, Senator, Hon. Michael Halkitis, viewed the newly acquired truck on 24th July, 2025, during a visit to the Bureau’s office alongside members of the BBSQ Standards Council and Executive Director Dr. Renae Ferguson-Bufford.

“This new truck allows BBSQ to carry out its work with even greater reach and reliability,” said Minister Halkitis. “It also reflects the Bureau’s consistent growth and commitment to doing the work necessary to support Bahamians through quality service and consumer protection.”

BBSQ’s Legal Metrology Unit has long carried out the verification of fuel dispensers and commercial scale measurements to ensure accuracy in trade. The new prover truck will enhance its fuel verification efforts, especially in the Family Islands, by making it easier for the team to conduct fieldwork efficiently and consistently.

“This investment builds on the foundation we’ve already set,” said Dr. Renae Ferguson-Bufford, BBSQ Executive Director. “It helps us reach more people, respond faster, and ensure consistency in the services we provide, not just in Nassau, but across all of our islands.”

Looking ahead, BBSQ is also working to expand its legal metrology services to include the verification of blood pressure monitors, an important tool in protecting public health and promoting accuracy in clinical settings.

In the near future, BBSQ will also launch its Industrial Metrology Unit, which will provide mass and volume calibrations. These services will be especially valuable for industries such as manufacturing, shipping, and healthcare, where precise measurement is critical to both safety and productivity.

“This is a proud moment for BBSQ and the advancement of quality infrastructure across The Bahamas,” said Chairwoman of the Standards Council Pauline V. Curry. “We remain committed to national progress through improved systems and trusted public service.”

As the national body responsible for the development, adoption, and promotion of standards and quality services, BBSQ continues to lead in strengthening the country’s Quality Infrastructure. Through its expanding work in standards, metrology, and conformity assessment, the Bureau plays a key role in consumer protection, trade facilitation, and building national trust in systems that impact everyday life.
 
Pictured, Standing from L to R: Minister of Economic Affairs, Senator, Hon. Michael Halkitis; BBSQ Standards Council Chairwoman, Pauline V. Curry; BBSQ Executive Director, Dr. Renae Ferguson-Bufford; BBSQ Standards Council Vice Chairman, Arnaldo Basden; BBSQ Standards Council Member, Cadrington Coleby, Summer Intern, Soraya Halkitis, BBSQ Standards Council Member, Edgar Hanna.

Pictured, Kneeling from L to R: Legal Metrology Inspectors III, Nekco Kelly and Kyle Smith; and Metrology Field Service Technician, Joshua Symonette.

The Bahamas Bureau of Standards and Quality (BBSQ), with reporting relationship to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, has introduced a new Legal Metrology Prover Truck, a significant addition that will further support the Bureau’s ongoing efforts to uphold accuracy, efficiency, and fairness in commercial fuel transactions across The Bahamas. The Minister of Economic Affairs, Senator, Hon. Michael Halkitis, viewed the newly acquired truck on 24th July, 2025, during a visit to the Bureau’s office alongside members of the BBSQ Standards Council and Executive Director Dr. Renae Ferguson-Bufford. “This new truck allows BBSQ to carry out its work with even greater reach and reliability,” said Minister Halkitis. “It also reflects the Bureau’s consistent growth and commitment to doing the work necessary to support Bahamians through quality service and consumer protection.” BBSQ’s Legal Metrology Unit has long carried out the verification of fuel dispensers and commercial scale measurements to ensure accuracy in trade. The new prover truck will enhance its fuel verification efforts, especially in the Family Islands, by making it easier for the team to conduct fieldwork efficiently and consistently. “This investment builds on the foundation we’ve already set,” said Dr. Renae Ferguson-Bufford, BBSQ Executive Director. “It helps us reach more people, respond faster, and ensure consistency in the services we provide, not just in Nassau, but across all of our islands.” Looking ahead, BBSQ is also working to expand its legal metrology services to include the verification of blood pressure monitors, an important tool in protecting public health and promoting accuracy in clinical settings. In the near future, BBSQ will also launch its Industrial Metrology Unit, which will provide mass and volume calibrations. These services will be especially valuable for industries such as manufacturing, shipping, and healthcare, where precise measurement is critical to both safety and productivity. “This is a proud moment for BBSQ and the advancement of quality infrastructure across The Bahamas,” said Chairwoman of the Standards Council Pauline V. Curry. “We remain committed to national progress through improved systems and trusted public service.” As the national body responsible for the development, adoption, and promotion of standards and quality services, BBSQ continues to lead in strengthening the country’s Quality Infrastructure. Through its expanding work in standards, metrology, and conformity assessment, the Bureau plays a key role in consumer protection, trade facilitation, and building national trust in systems that impact everyday life.   Pictured, Standing from L to R: Minister of Economic Affairs, Senator, Hon. Michael Halkitis; BBSQ Standards Council Chairwoman, Pauline V. Curry; BBSQ Executive Director, Dr. Renae Ferguson-Bufford; BBSQ Standards Council Vice Chairman, Arnaldo Basden; BBSQ Standards Council Member, Cadrington Coleby, Summer Intern, Soraya Halkitis, BBSQ Standards Council Member, Edgar Hanna. Pictured, Kneeling from L to R: Legal Metrology Inspectors III, Nekco Kelly and Kyle Smith; and Metrology Field Service Technician, Joshua Symonette.

The Ministry of Works & Family Island Affairs continues to make significant strides in the repair and renovation of the Thomas A. Robinson Stadium.

Acting Director of Works Robert Mouzas has confirmed that the stadium will be the proudhost of the World Relays on May 4-5th, despite the ongoing renovations. Mr. Mouzasreassured the public that the stadium will be fully operational and ready to welcome athletesand spectators. He emphasized that while the ongoing work is visible to residents andvisitors, phase one of the project is on track for completion in May.

This initial phase includes:

- Replacing the roof of the Eastern grandstand
- Upgrading the lighting in the eastern and western canopy
- Conducting concrete repairs to the columns and beams of the eastern grandstand
- Repairing seats and handrails to prepare for the World Relays
- Finishing concrete repairs to the western grandstand
- Painting external areas of the eastern and western grandstand
- Installing a new track by Mondo America Incorporated to meet World Athleticscertification for the World Relays.

Phase 2 of the project is scheduled to span 22 months, from June 2024 to April 2026.

This phase will involve the following works:

- Replacing the roof of the western grandstand
- Conducting concrete repairs to the columns and beams of the western grandstand
- Indoor and outdoor architectural decoration and renovation
- Replacement of the fire suppression system
- Repairs and renovations to the water-supply and drainage systems
- Replacement of the ventilation, air-conditioning, power supply, and distribution systems
- Renovation of the sports ground, including the installation of new seats, jumbotrons, andequipment.

The Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, completed around 2012, currently facessignificant structural challenges. There are widespread instances of spalling concrete andnotable corrosion affecting the structural steel roof truss. These issues necessitated acomprehensive repair schedule to ensure the facility could continue to host major sportingevents and provide a safe and comfortable environment for staff, tenants, and the public.

In December 2024, an implementation agreement was reached between the Government ofthe People's Republic of China and the Government of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.This agreement outlined the China-aid Maintenance and Renovation Project for the NationalStadium, through which the Chinese Government committed to undertaking the necessaryrepairs and renovations.

The Ministry of Works & Family Island Affairs continues to make significant strides in the repair and renovation of the Thomas A. Robinson Stadium. Acting Director of Works Robert Mouzas has confirmed that the stadium will be the proud host of the World Relays on May 4-5th, despite the ongoing renovations. Mr. Mouzas reassured the public that the stadium will be fully operational and ready to welcome athletes and spectators. He emphasized that while the ongoing work is visible to residents and visitors, phase one of the project is on track for completion in May. This initial phase includes: - Replacing the roof of the Eastern grandstand - Upgrading the lighting in the eastern and western canopy - Conducting concrete repairs to the columns and beams of the eastern grandstand - Repairing seats and handrails to prepare for the World Relays - Finishing concrete repairs to the western grandstand - Painting external areas of the eastern and western grandstand - Installing a new track by Mondo America Incorporated to meet World Athletics certification for the World Relays. Phase 2 of the project is scheduled to span 22 months, from June 2024 to April 2026. This phase will involve the following works: - Replacing the roof of the western grandstand - Conducting concrete repairs to the columns and beams of the western grandstand - Indoor and outdoor architectural decoration and renovation - Replacement of the fire suppression system - Repairs and renovations to the water-supply and drainage systems - Replacement of the ventilation, air-conditioning, power supply, and distribution systems - Renovation of the sports ground, including the installation of new seats, jumbotrons, and equipment. The Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, completed around 2012, currently faces significant structural challenges. There are widespread instances of spalling concrete and notable corrosion affecting the structural steel roof truss. These issues necessitated a comprehensive repair schedule to ensure the facility could continue to host major sporting events and provide a safe and comfortable environment for staff, tenants, and the public. In December 2024, an implementation agreement was reached between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. This agreement outlined the China-aid Maintenance and Renovation Project for the National Stadium, through which the Chinese Government committed to undertaking the necessary repairs and renovations.

AS the demolition crews moved into Kool Acres shanty town yesterday, resident Souvenance Similien watched, hoping to reclaim the abandoned car he calls home.

Construction of a $2,600,000 covered pavilion at R. M. Bailey Senior High School, Robinson Road, is presently underway.

The pavilion is among the notable projects to be undertaken by the Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training during the fiscal period 2023 to 2024.

The Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin, Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training, in her Budget contribution to Parliament June 15, 2023, said the Ministry will embark on an “aggressive” programme throughout the country to improve and enhance the deteriorated conditions of the 160-plus educational facilities.

She said, “Capital expenditures required during the upcoming fiscal period to facilitate the corrective measures at the various facilities, construct extensions and commence the construction of three needed schools are in excess of $37,000,000.”

During the 2023 - 2024 fiscal year, the Ministry will undertake the construction of several classroom blocks at various schools to alleviate overcrowding and replacement of structures that have deteriorated structurally.

“We expect to undertake these works during the summer break and as soon after school closes at the end of this week.  Repair and rejuvenation of the physical environment is a matter of priority and was prioritized before schools reopened in January 2022 after two years of closure,” said Minister Hanna Martin.

Construction of a $2,600,000 covered pavilion at R. M. Bailey Senior High School, Robinson Road, is presently underway. The pavilion is among the notable projects to be undertaken by the Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training during the fiscal period 2023 to 2024.   The Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin, Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training, in her Budget contribution to Parliament June 15, 2023, said the Ministry will embark on an “aggressive” programme throughout the country to improve and enhance the deteriorated conditions of the 160-plus educational facilities.   She said, “Capital expenditures required during the upcoming fiscal period to facilitate the corrective measures at the various facilities, construct extensions and commence the construction of three needed schools are in excess of $37,000,000.” During the 2023 - 2024 fiscal year, the Ministry will undertake the construction of several classroom blocks at various schools to alleviate overcrowding and replacement of structures that have deteriorated structurally.   “We expect to undertake these works during the summer break and as soon after school closes at the end of this week.  Repair and rejuvenation of the physical environment is a matter of priority and was prioritized before schools reopened in January 2022 after two years of closure,” said Minister Hanna Martin.