THE government is considering relocating some roads and highways due to climate change impacts, Works and Utilities Minister Alfred Sears said yesterday.

He revealed this while reflecting on recent flooding events in Exuma. #“We have our experts reviewing the situation, but where you have –– as in some of our islands, including Exuma –– where you have a port on both sides of the road, and you have an unusual downpour of rain as happened two and a half weeks ago, the challenge is if you pump, where do you pump the water.” #“What we have to do, and this is what we’re doing within the ministry, is looking at the whole ecosystem of islands, especially in light of climate change. We have to make decisions based on evidence, and there may have to be relocation of certain roads, of certain highways or causeways are built which would have the elevation. These are matters that we are looking and reviewing because climate change is really a very clear and present danger for us in The Bahamas.” #Mr Sears said his ministry is also looking to improve infrastructure throughout the country. #“For example,” he added, “the University of The Bahamas, how could you have students walking across a highway to get to one building to the next and I’ve asked the ministry to design a footbridge. We travel all over the world and we see over the road, you have a footbridge that enables one to safely move to one side of the road to the next.”

He revealed this while reflecting on recent flooding events in Exuma.

“We have our experts reviewing the situation, but where you have –– as in some of our islands, including Exuma –– where you have a port on both sides of the road, and you have an unusual downpour of rain as happened two and a half weeks ago, the challenge is if you pump, where do you pump the water.”

“What we have to do, and this is what we’re doing within the ministry, is looking at the whole ecosystem of islands, especially in light of climate change. We have to make decisions based on evidence, and there may have to be relocation of certain roads, of certain highways or causeways are built which would have the elevation. These are matters that we are looking and reviewing because climate change is really a very clear and present danger for us in The Bahamas.”

Mr Sears said his ministry is also looking to improve infrastructure throughout the country.

“For example,” he added, “the University of The Bahamas, how could you have students walking across a highway to get to one building to the next and I’ve asked the ministry to design a footbridge. We travel all over the world and we see over the road, you have a footbridge that enables one to safely move to one side of the road to the next.”

Celebrating the ocean and the significant role it plays in everyday life, the Mount Gay brand held a beach cleanup on Saturday, June 10th in honour of World Oceans Day, where bags of trash were removed from Coral Harbour beach.

The initiative was in keeping with Mount Gay’s commitment to the environment, in particular the ocean, according to Brand Manager Angela Moss, who called the event a success where Bahamians came together to clean and preserve.

“The Brand, Mount Gay, has made an oath to protect the earth’s natural resources and World Oceans Day is near and dear to the brand because of its commitment to keeping the waters surrounding our islands clean and plastic free,” Moss said. “On a global scale, Mount Gay has partnered with the 4ocean organization and have removed over 60,000lbs of plastic from the ocean to date.”

World Oceans Day was celebrated on June 8th, under the theme ‘Planet Ocean: Tides are Changing.’ Activities and community service initiatives were held all over the world as organizations sought to do their part to preserve and protect the ocean and shores.

Fifteen volunteers showed up to Coral Harbour Beach for the cleanup that saw them don gloves and Mount Gay paraphernalia as they filled trash bags, leaving the beach clean and pristine.

Moss added, “We decided to organize a beach clean-up in honour of World Oceans Day to reinforce Mount Gays commitment to sustainable practices and protecting our oceans. The ocean is what ties our relationship to the sailing community, and it is our duty as distributors to set the benchmark for change across our industry. This is what makes us more than a rum.”

The ocean covers 70 percent of the planet and provides 80 percent of the world’s biodiversity.

In The Bahamas, the ocean plays a major role in the livelihood of Bahamians.

Mount Gay continues to see the importance in preserving The Bahamas’ natural environment for many more generations to come.

Moss said the company’s passion for this commitment will see more initiatives aimed at sustainability and the overall well-being of the environment.

Celebrating the ocean and the significant role it plays in everyday life, the Mount Gay brand held a beach cleanup on Saturday, June 10th in honour of World Oceans Day, where bags of trash were removed from Coral Harbour beach. The initiative was in keeping with Mount Gay’s commitment to the environment, in particular the ocean, according to Brand Manager Angela Moss, who called the event a success where Bahamians came together to clean and preserve. “The Brand, Mount Gay, has made an oath to protect the earth’s natural resources and World Oceans Day is near and dear to the brand because of its commitment to keeping the waters surrounding our islands clean and plastic free,” Moss said. “On a global scale, Mount Gay has partnered with the 4ocean organization and have removed over 60,000lbs of plastic from the ocean to date.” World Oceans Day was celebrated on June 8th, under the theme ‘Planet Ocean: Tides are Changing.’ Activities and community service initiatives were held all over the world as organizations sought to do their part to preserve and protect the ocean and shores. Fifteen volunteers showed up to Coral Harbour Beach for the cleanup that saw them don gloves and Mount Gay paraphernalia as they filled trash bags, leaving the beach clean and pristine. Moss added, “We decided to organize a beach clean-up in honour of World Oceans Day to reinforce Mount Gays commitment to sustainable practices and protecting our oceans. The ocean is what ties our relationship to the sailing community, and it is our duty as distributors to set the benchmark for change across our industry. This is what makes us more than a rum.” The ocean covers 70 percent of the planet and provides 80 percent of the world’s biodiversity. In The Bahamas, the ocean plays a major role in the livelihood of Bahamians. Mount Gay continues to see the importance in preserving The Bahamas’ natural environment for many more generations to come. Moss said the company’s passion for this commitment will see more initiatives aimed at sustainability and the overall well-being of the environment.

Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister, the Hon. Myles LaRoda, Monday applauded the efforts of disaster risk managers and emergency response personnel on the ground in Exuma in the wake of the severe flooding that has impacted parts of the mainland.

 Mr. LaRoda provided an update to House Members with regards to the local and national efforts to address the flooding. Areas impacted included Rolleville, Farmer’s Hill, the Forest, Barraterre, East Exuma, George Town and Roker’s Point.

 State-Minister LaRoda, who is responsible for Disaster Risk Management and Emergency Response among his other duties, said the action taken by Disaster Risk Managers and Emergency Response personnel in Exuma highlighted a key component of the country’s Comprehensive Disaster Risk Management Strategy which plans for island-communities across The Bahamas to have the capability to effectively respond to disasters, emergencies and/or Severe Weather Events until help can arrive from outside of those communities.

 Some of the actions undertaken included the opening of shelters, conducting initial damage assessments, and creating run-offs for the standing floodwater in order to mitigate some of the short, medium and/or long-term negative impacts floods can have on lives, properties, infrastructure and businesses.

 Personnel from the Ministry of Public Works, the Department of Local Government and the Water and Sewerage Corporation, collaborated to determine the swiftest and safest ways to reduce water levels in order to avoid some of the potential hazards associated with floodwater – a priority. Their actions included using heavy equipment to create drain-offs for the floodwater to the ocean.

 Exuma’s Swift Water Rescue Team was placed on Alert in the event they were needed to conduct water rescues. Additionally, the island’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) was activated to effectively manage the situation from ground level, coordinating efforts with various agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency.

 “Madame Speaker, one major aspect of the country’s Comprehensive Disaster Risk Management Strategy is to ensure that island communities across The Bahamas are able to mobilize and assist themselves in the event of a disaster or emergency until help from the outside can arrive. This is exactly what occurred in Exuma,” the State-Minister said.

 (Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Philip E. Davis, K.C., toured the affected areas along with senior government officials.)

 Officials at the Bahamas Department of Meteorology, reported that rainfall amounts of 8.92 inches were recorded in Exuma on Wednesday, June 7, with an additional 2.73 inches recorded on Thursday, June 8. It is estimated that an additional 12 inches of rainfall occurred in Exuma over the Friday, Saturday and Sunday period. Long Island recorded 1.10 inches of rainfall on Wednesday June 7, 4.90 inches on Thursday June 8, and an estimated 6 inches (Friday, Saturday and Sunday).

 The trough responsible for the heavy rainfall over the past five days was forecasted to continue to linger over The Bahamas until Tuesday (June 13), before moving away from The Bahamas by Wednesday June 14.

 State-Minister LaRoda told Parliament that Damage Assessment Teams and Emergency Response personnel from New Providence -- including personnel from the Ministry of Works, Water and Sewerage, Social Services and the Ministry of Health -- were dispatched to Exuma to assist with the local efforts. They have been tasked with conducting further assessments, providing the necessary aid, and initiating relief measures where necessary.

 With regards to the National Response, Mr. LaRoda said the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), after contacting officials from the Ministry of Works and Utilities, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, and the Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) was able to facilitate the delivery of the following:

* Heavy duty pump from the WSC.

* 300 feet of hose for pump – MWU.

* Two (2) heavy duty pumps from Bahamas Striping

The following were made available from NEMA’s Coral Harbour

Warehouse:

 * Two pallets of tarps of various sizes to assist where necessary.

 * Four (4) dewatering pumps and hoses.

* Six (6) Chemical backpacks – for mosquito spraying.

* Two, 10 KW portable generators and fuel containers.

All items noted above were delivered to HMBS Lawrence Major for transport to Exuma.

 Mr. LaRoda took the opportunity to “once again” caution citizens and residents who haven’t already done so, to take action in order to be better prepared for all Severe Weather Events.

 “Disasters can occur at any time. Knowing your risks and vulnerabilities can help to save lives. Ensure that you understand how to interpret forecasts and alerts, and know what to do before, during, and after,” he cautioned.

 “Create emergency plans for your families. These plans should include evacuation plans, especially for persons residing in coastal, low-lying, and/or flood-prone areas. Know the location of shelters and the best, quickest and safest routes to get to them. Replenish your stock of emergency supplies, and take the necessary measures to protect property and possessions.

 “Additionally, remain attentive to all Advisories and Warnings issued by The Bahamas Department of Meteorology. We need to make ourselves ready to the best of our individual and collective abilities. The impact of our collective preparation efforts increases our capacity to quickly recover in the aftermath of a Severe Weather Event,” State-Minister LaRoda added.  

Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister, the Hon. Myles LaRoda, Monday applauded the efforts of disaster risk managers and emergency response personnel on the ground in Exuma in the wake of the severe flooding that has impacted parts of the mainland.   Mr. LaRoda provided an update to House Members with regards to the local and national efforts to address the flooding. Areas impacted included Rolleville, Farmer’s Hill, the Forest, Barraterre, East Exuma, George Town and Roker’s Point.   State-Minister LaRoda, who is responsible for Disaster Risk Management and Emergency Response among his other duties, said the action taken by Disaster Risk Managers and Emergency Response personnel in Exuma highlighted a key component of the country’s Comprehensive Disaster Risk Management Strategy which plans for island-communities across The Bahamas to have the capability to effectively respond to disasters, emergencies and/or Severe Weather Events until help can arrive from outside of those communities.   Some of the actions undertaken included the opening of shelters, conducting initial damage assessments, and creating run-offs for the standing floodwater in order to mitigate some of the short, medium and/or long-term negative impacts floods can have on lives, properties, infrastructure and businesses.   Personnel from the Ministry of Public Works, the Department of Local Government and the Water and Sewerage Corporation, collaborated to determine the swiftest and safest ways to reduce water levels in order to avoid some of the potential hazards associated with floodwater – a priority. Their actions included using heavy equipment to create drain-offs for the floodwater to the ocean.   Exuma’s Swift Water Rescue Team was placed on Alert in the event they were needed to conduct water rescues. Additionally, the island’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) was activated to effectively manage the situation from ground level, coordinating efforts with various agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency.   “Madame Speaker, one major aspect of the country’s Comprehensive Disaster Risk Management Strategy is to ensure that island communities across The Bahamas are able to mobilize and assist themselves in the event of a disaster or emergency until help from the outside can arrive. This is exactly what occurred in Exuma,” the State-Minister said.   (Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Philip E. Davis, K.C., toured the affected areas along with senior government officials.)   Officials at the Bahamas Department of Meteorology, reported that rainfall amounts of 8.92 inches were recorded in Exuma on Wednesday, June 7, with an additional 2.73 inches recorded on Thursday, June 8. It is estimated that an additional 12 inches of rainfall occurred in Exuma over the Friday, Saturday and Sunday period. Long Island recorded 1.10 inches of rainfall on Wednesday June 7, 4.90 inches on Thursday June 8, and an estimated 6 inches (Friday, Saturday and Sunday).   The trough responsible for the heavy rainfall over the past five days was forecasted to continue to linger over The Bahamas until Tuesday (June 13), before moving away from The Bahamas by Wednesday June 14.   State-Minister LaRoda told Parliament that Damage Assessment Teams and Emergency Response personnel from New Providence -- including personnel from the Ministry of Works, Water and Sewerage, Social Services and the Ministry of Health -- were dispatched to Exuma to assist with the local efforts. They have been tasked with conducting further assessments, providing the necessary aid, and initiating relief measures where necessary.   With regards to the National Response, Mr. LaRoda said the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), after contacting officials from the Ministry of Works and Utilities, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, and the Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) was able to facilitate the delivery of the following:   * Heavy duty pump from the WSC.   * 300 feet of hose for pump – MWU.   * Two (2) heavy duty pumps from Bahamas Striping   The following were made available from NEMA’s Coral Harbour Warehouse:   * Two pallets of tarps of various sizes to assist where necessary.   * Four (4) dewatering pumps and hoses. * Six (6) Chemical backpacks – for mosquito spraying.   * Two, 10 KW portable generators and fuel containers.   All items noted above were delivered to HMBS Lawrence Major for transport to Exuma.   Mr. LaRoda took the opportunity to “once again” caution citizens and residents who haven’t already done so, to take action in order to be better prepared for all Severe Weather Events.   “Disasters can occur at any time. Knowing your risks and vulnerabilities can help to save lives. Ensure that you understand how to interpret forecasts and alerts, and know what to do before, during, and after,” he cautioned.   “Create emergency plans for your families. These plans should include evacuation plans, especially for persons residing in coastal, low-lying, and/or flood-prone areas. Know the location of shelters and the best, quickest and safest routes to get to them. Replenish your stock of emergency supplies, and take the necessary measures to protect property and possessions.   “Additionally, remain attentive to all Advisories and Warnings issued by The Bahamas Department of Meteorology. We need to make ourselves ready to the best of our individual and collective abilities. The impact of our collective preparation efforts increases our capacity to quickly recover in the aftermath of a Severe Weather Event,” State-Minister LaRoda added.  

Prime Minister Philip Davis, who flew in from a meeting with CARICOM leaders in Jamaica on the crisis in Haiti to tour flooded Exuma yesterday, said the heavy rains that caused "traumatic" experiences for many Exumians in recent days was the result of climate change. 

"It is evidence of why it's important for us to ensure that the world appreciates what the consequences of climate change [do] to our country," Davis said.

"The flooding that you would have witnessed, the traumatic experience that many of the residents would have gone through during the course of all that torrential rainfall, speaks volumes to the fact that action is required and required now.

"Fortunately for us, we recently had a vulnerability study done for each of our islands by Pacific Disaster Center.

"We understand our vulnerabilities and we are addressing them, but the cost of addressing adaptation is enormous and we cannot do it alone and the resources that we have just are incapable of causing us to adapt in a way to respond to the consequences of such catastrophic events such as torrential rains that you see here today."

Met Department officials reported that 8.92 inches of rain were record on Exuma on Wednesday, an additional 2.73 inches on Thursday, and an additional 12 inches between Friday and Sunday.

A female wades through floodwater outside of a residence in Exuma yesterday, after the island experienced heavy rains.

Long Island recorded 1.1 inches on Wednesday, 4.9 inches on Thursday, and six inches over the weekend.

"These extreme rainfall amounts led to excessive flooding in Exuma and Long Island. There was also flooding in low-lying areas on other islands in the northwest and central Bahamas," said Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Disaster Risk Reduction Management Myles LaRoda in the House of Assembly yesterday.

He reported that 11 people were accommodated at shelters on Exuma.

There was extensive damage to the roof of the extended portion of the airport building, LaRoda reported, adding that there were other areas around the island where flood damage was reported.

He said the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), after contacting officials from the Ministry of Works, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and the Water and Sewerage Corporation, facilitated delivery of heavy duty pumps and other emergency equipment, as well as emergency supplies, including pallets of tarp, dewatering pumps, chemical backpacks for mosquito spraying and generators.

LaRoda encouraged residents throughout The Bahamas to remain prepared during hurricane season, which runs until the end of November.

"Disasters can occur at anytime," he said. "Knowing your risk and vulnerabilities can help to save lives."

The weather system, which is extreme at times, is expected to move away from The Bahamas by tomorrow. Showers and thunderstorms were forecasted to continue today.

The prime minister said yesterday he was pleased that there was no loss of life from the flooding.

"We see loss and damage to property and materials which could be replaced," Davis said.

"The relief that we have to bring to our people is costly and the time has come, as I continue to say to the world, for them to step in and let us do what we have to do to curb the impact of the changing weather brought about by the constant emissions of [greenhouse] gases."

Davis said government agencies were working to bring comfort to the "traumatized".

"As you would note, storms are more frequent," he added.

"They are more intense and they are more devastating, and so we have to be concerned and keep on our knees, as my grandmother would say, to wish no harm would come our way; that's all you could do because it is disruptive.

"It sets the whole program off stride and derails a lot of the progress we have. We have to continue to pray that we will be saved and spared another hurricane."

The prime minister is due to return to Jamaica today for the continuation of the meeting which Haitian stakeholders are also attending.

Davis is due to return to The Bahamas tomorrow.