Volunteers organized by a leading real estate agency synonymous with luxury marked Earth Day in hands-on, dress down fashion -- with sleeves rolled up and garbage bags in tow for a seaside clean-up at Jaws Beach, Nassau, April 21. 

The project was the latest community initiative sponsored by The Agency Bahamas , the local branch of a franchise that has been a trailblazer in marketing upscale properties. 

“Our first year has been incredibly buoyant, exceeding all expectations, and we wanted to give back to the community,” said Danny Lowe, Managing Director of the Bahamas arm of the California-based firm. “We brought together volunteers from the local community, including environmentalists and concerned citizens who are passionate about protecting the earth.”

Armed with gloves, garbage bags, and determination to make a difference, the volunteers scoured the shores of Jaws Beach, picking up litter, plastic waste, remnants of parties and picnics and debris that had washed ashore. 

They collected what Lowe called “a shocking amount of trash,” including plastic bottles, cigarette butts, food containers, and other debris that posed a threat to marine life.

“Because we wanted to raise awareness about protecting our oceans, reducing pollution and preserving our beautiful shorelines, we kicked the event off with a pep talk about the importance of our coast, our waters and marine life, not just for the beauty or the difference it makes to our livelihood but what coastal living and the waters of The Bahamas do for our soul and spirit,” said Bobby Chen, sales associate.  

The firm that opened its doors in The Bahamas in October 2022 recently listed a 236-acre private island, Hummingbird Cay, in Exuma for $35 million. The Bahamas office is the third in the region for the boutique franchise that now operates some 80+ locales around the world focusing on extraordinary residential properties, including private islands, vast estates and sky-high penthouses. Its listings are so unique that Netflix has built a show around The Agency. That show is now entering its second season. 

 

Volunteers organized by a leading real estate agency synonymous with luxury marked Earth Day in hands-on, dress down fashion -- with sleeves rolled up and garbage bags in tow for a seaside clean-up at Jaws Beach, Nassau, April 21.  The project was the latest community initiative sponsored by The Agency Bahamas , the local branch of a franchise that has been a trailblazer in marketing upscale properties.  “Our first year has been incredibly buoyant, exceeding all expectations, and we wanted to give back to the community,” said Danny Lowe, Managing Director of the Bahamas arm of the California-based firm. “We brought together volunteers from the local community, including environmentalists and concerned citizens who are passionate about protecting the earth.” Armed with gloves, garbage bags, and determination to make a difference, the volunteers scoured the shores of Jaws Beach, picking up litter, plastic waste, remnants of parties and picnics and debris that had washed ashore.  They collected what Lowe called “a shocking amount of trash,” including plastic bottles, cigarette butts, food containers, and other debris that posed a threat to marine life. “Because we wanted to raise awareness about protecting our oceans, reducing pollution and preserving our beautiful shorelines, we kicked the event off with a pep talk about the importance of our coast, our waters and marine life, not just for the beauty or the difference it makes to our livelihood but what coastal living and the waters of The Bahamas do for our soul and spirit,” said Bobby Chen, sales associate.   The firm that opened its doors in The Bahamas in October 2022 recently listed a 236-acre private island, Hummingbird Cay, in Exuma for $35 million. The Bahamas office is the third in the region for the boutique franchise that now operates some 80+ locales around the world focusing on extraordinary residential properties, including private islands, vast estates and sky-high penthouses. Its listings are so unique that Netflix has built a show around The Agency. That show is now entering its second season. 

The Bahamas moved a step closer to mitigating the effects of climate change and transforming the energy sector with the opening of The Bahamas Energy Audit Training Program.

The 2-weeks program for key stakeholders who represent the energy and environment sectors including BPL, the Ministry of Works and Utilities, BTVI, civil society organizations among others, opened Monday, April 17, 2023 at National Training Agency, Gladstone Road.

The program is a collaboration of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MENR), the Green Climate Fund, the Rocky Mountain Institute and Abraxas Energy Consulting. In addition to providing the MENR with a core group of trained individuals to conduct energy surveys, the objective of the program is to assist with developing a national pipeline of retrofit and installation projects necessary to meet the nation’s energy policy commitments.

During the opening, Dr. Rhianna Neely, Director, Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP), Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MENR) said the Department saw it necessary to ensure that it increases physical resilience, that citizens are equipped to move with the technology and train future cohorts of professionals across sectors.

“We are making this transition in electric vehicles, energy efficiency, solar so we need Bahamians to participate in this transition. This is a part of our goal,” said Dr. Neilly.

"We are relying on the people in this room to do their very best. Pay attention, pass these exams so that when the MENR calls on you to conduct an energy audit, a solar assessment, you are well equipped to do it for yourself and on behalf of your country.”

The Hon. Vaughn Miller, Minister of the Environment and Natural Resources remarked that the workshop is a testament to the commitment the government has made to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change, and help citizens and residents adapt to climate change in ways that are as minimally intrusive as possible.

Said Minister Miller, “We have partnered with the GCF, the primary sponsors of this training, the RMI and Abraxas to ensure that as we build physical resilience, we are building capacity to continue to adapt to the impacts of climate change within our borders. The deployment of renewable energy and investments in energy efficiency technology go hand-in-hand with our country’s commitment to reduce our country’s carbon footprint, increase the quality of life for Bahamians and decrease the cost of living in The Bahamas. These investments also decrease our dependence on foreign oil and also decrease our dependence on country partners for assistance in the maintenance and operation of the systems that are being deployed across the nation.”

Minister Miller expressed thanks to GCF, RMI and Abraxas for the investment in the program to ensure a “just” transition from fossil fuels, to renewable energy and the insight to help to build the necessary human capacity to respond to the changes in the environment.

In 2021, the DEPP with RMI, applied for and received a grant from the GCF for a Readiness Proposal to build a framework for energy auditing and solar assessment required to scale a national pipeline of projects to achieve The Bahamas’ Nationally Determined Commitment (NDC) by 2030 and transform its energy sector to mitigate the effects of climate change.

 

The Bahamas moved a step closer to mitigating the effects of climate change and transforming the energy sector with the opening of The Bahamas Energy Audit Training Program. The 2-weeks program for key stakeholders who represent the energy and environment sectors including BPL, the Ministry of Works and Utilities, BTVI, civil society organizations among others, opened Monday, April 17, 2023 at National Training Agency, Gladstone Road.   The program is a collaboration of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MENR), the Green Climate Fund, the Rocky Mountain Institute and Abraxas Energy Consulting. In addition to providing the MENR with a core group of trained individuals to conduct energy surveys, the objective of the program is to assist with developing a national pipeline of retrofit and installation projects necessary to meet the nation’s energy policy commitments. During the opening, Dr. Rhianna Neely, Director, Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP), Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MENR) said the Department saw it necessary to ensure that it increases physical resilience, that citizens are equipped to move with the technology and train future cohorts of professionals across sectors. “We are making this transition in electric vehicles, energy efficiency, solar so we need Bahamians to participate in this transition. This is a part of our goal,” said Dr. Neilly. "We are relying on the people in this room to do their very best. Pay attention, pass these exams so that when the MENR calls on you to conduct an energy audit, a solar assessment, you are well equipped to do it for yourself and on behalf of your country.” The Hon. Vaughn Miller, Minister of the Environment and Natural Resources remarked that the workshop is a testament to the commitment the government has made to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change, and help citizens and residents adapt to climate change in ways that are as minimally intrusive as possible.   Said Minister Miller, “We have partnered with the GCF, the primary sponsors of this training, the RMI and Abraxas to ensure that as we build physical resilience, we are building capacity to continue to adapt to the impacts of climate change within our borders. The deployment of renewable energy and investments in energy efficiency technology go hand-in-hand with our country’s commitment to reduce our country’s carbon footprint, increase the quality of life for Bahamians and decrease the cost of living in The Bahamas. These investments also decrease our dependence on foreign oil and also decrease our dependence on country partners for assistance in the maintenance and operation of the systems that are being deployed across the nation.” Minister Miller expressed thanks to GCF, RMI and Abraxas for the investment in the program to ensure a “just” transition from fossil fuels, to renewable energy and the insight to help to build the necessary human capacity to respond to the changes in the environment. In 2021, the DEPP with RMI, applied for and received a grant from the GCF for a Readiness Proposal to build a framework for energy auditing and solar assessment required to scale a national pipeline of projects to achieve The Bahamas’ Nationally Determined Commitment (NDC) by 2030 and transform its energy sector to mitigate the effects of climate change.

From traditional crops like tomatoes and corn, to more specialized endeavors such as livestock farming, students displayed the fruit of their labor during the 10th Annual Agriculture Science Exhibition.

Innovation and dedication to their craft, and a range of agricultural practices that are being taught and implemented to help foster a sense of self-sufficiency, and promote sustainable development and environmental stewardship, were on display.

Participating schools – H.O. Nash Junior High School, L.W. Young Junior High School, The Stapledon School, T.A. Thompson Junior High School, D.W. Davis Junior High School, C.I. Gibson Senior High School, Anatol Rodgers High School, and C.V. Bethel Senior High School – presented a wide range of agricultural products, produced in a variety of ways including horticulture, dairy and poultry farming, and livestock farming.

H.O. Nash Junior High School featured fresh lamb and goat meat during the Department of Education Agricultural Science Unit's exhibition at the Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training's headquarters in the Ivy Dumont Building on University Drive.

Other fresh fruits and vegetables on display included pineapple, cherries, thyme, bib lettuce, kale, tomatoes, goat pepper, bell pepper, carrots, bok choy, eggplant, Swiss chard and arugula.

Glenys Hanna-Martin, minister of education and technical and vocational training, took time out to inspect each school's exhibit and what they produced.

Hanna-Martin praised the agricultural science program for educating students on cultivation methods, and enabling them to put food on the table.

She emphasized the added benefit of them selling their products and fundraising. And that the program provides invaluable exposure to the nuances of entrepreneurship.

Hanna-Martin said practical know-how and expertise acquired through the program could empower students to pursue a lucrative career in agriculture, further augmenting the country's employment opportunities and driving economic growth.

Hanna-Martin is an advocate for student passion pursuit outside of the traditional curriculum – and agriculture is no exception.

The education minister understands that not all students thrive in a traditional classroom setting and that many have interests and skills that are best developed through hands-on experiences. Emphasis has been placed on students obtaining technical certification, as well as the expansion of the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) and its Smart Start Initiative.

Zane Lightbourne, state minister for education and technical and vocational training, also toured the exhibition and was also impressed by what he saw.

Lightbourne said the exhibition showcased the potential for growth and development in the agricultural sector, which he said is a key national development goal for the nation's food security.

He spoke about how technology has revolutionized agriculture and how it is no longer the labor-intensive industry it used to be.

Lightbourne emphasized the profitability of agriculture and the opportunity it provides for children to use their passion for technology to produce food.

"Our children have an amazing opportunity to use something that they like - technology - to produce something that they need - food," said Lightbourne.

The Department of Education Agricultural Science Unit hopes to continue to promote the importance of agriculture in ensuring food security and sustainable development in The Bahamas.

Agriculture by its definition encompasses crop and livestock production, aquaculture, fisheries and forestry for food and non-food products. Different practices of agriculture include aquaculture, also known as aquafarming, which is the controlled cultivation of aquatic organisms such as fish, crustaceans, mollusks, algae, and other organisms of value such as aquatic plants. Horticulture and hydroponics are a type of horticulture that involves growing plants, usually crops or medicinal plants, without soil, by using water-based mineral nutrient solutions in aqueous solvents. Dairy and poultry farming are two types of livestock farming, with the key difference being the type of livestock raised and the purpose for which it is raised. With poultry farming, birds are raised as food sources, such as eggs or meat, while dairy farming involves raising animals, usually cattle, for milk production.

The agricultural science department observed March 2023 as Agricultural Science Month under the theme: "Progressing Towards Food Security".

Despite concerns from some fishermen and eco-tour operators regarding the impact of Carnival cruise port's construction on the surrounding environment, representatives from two environmental groups said upon visiting the site, they saw no cause for alarm.

"After a thorough and detailed visit from the oceanside by Waterkeepers and Grand Bahama News, I find, at this particular point and time, no untoward concern," said Joseph Darville, chairman of Save The Bays.

"And at this time, I personally would give Carnival a very high grade for how they are carrying out this particular project with respect to deep water dredging, coral movement and restoration in that particular vicinity."

Darville said there is still concern about the impact on the mangrove forest.

"We have been hesitating, me personally, to investigate the onshore section mainly where the abundance of the mangrove forest is found," he said.

"We will do that at a later date because we want to give Carnival the chance to correct any sort of untoward impact, if any, to the mangroves in that area."

He added, "We will inspect that in the very near future and I am hoping to be accompanied by the minister of environment, Vaughn Miller, to make sure that he has a clear understanding with respect to any unnecessary or any untoward impact upon the mangroves forest in that area."

Darville also stressed that, at a later date, divers will be engaged to investigate the corals that have been moved and transplanted.

Waterkeepers Bahamas Communication Officer Javan Hunt said he, too, was satisfied with what he saw.

"I didn't know what to expect, but I was happy; what was in my mind, I didn't see that in the water. I didn't see anything to be too concerned about other than murky water," Hunt said.

"We detected no indication of any oil sheen on the water, no debris on the shore nor in the water, and no gob of oil on the coastal area. The murky water would obviously be a result of the dredging. So, everything else seems to be in order, in my opinion."

After receiving several calls alleging debris in the water, cloudy water causing low visibility, the apparent unsuccessful replanting of the coral, and what appeared to be an oil sheen on the ocean surface in the area of the cruise port site, Grand Bahama News joined the environmentalists for a tour of the area on Friday.

Most of the callers making the complaints were reluctant to go on record because they say the project is needed for Grand Bahama.

However, they stressed that while the cruise port is welcomed, they expect the project to be carried out properly.

Owner of Calabash Eco Adventures Shamie Rolle shared his concerns on the record.

"Because of the dredging that's taking place for Carnival, I can't see three feet in front of me," Rolle said.

His company's kayaking and snorkeling tours usually take place at Peterson Cay, a few miles offshore from Carnival's construction site.

Rolle said during the three times he went out to the area recently, visibility was horrible, and he believes it will have an impact on the coral.

"I think for the coral, it's going to be very difficult to differentiate between a zooplankton (tiny floating animals they eat) and the particles in the water from the dredging," Rolle said.

"So, I do have a major concern with that."

But Carnival insists it is strictly following environmental laws.

Asked about concerns raised, a Carnival spokesperson said in a statement, "Carnival's work on the Grand Bahama Cruise Port has continued to advance, and we have made great progress, while keeping local and central authorities fully informed. We completed the coral relocation per the approved environmental plan, as well as the clearing of vegetation at the construction site.

"We are currently almost finished with the dredging component of the project, and are performing site filling at the construction site, which we plan to raise 12 to 15 feet above sea level to protect it from severe storms."

The statement continued, "Carnival follows strict environmental monitoring and reporting requirements from the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) and Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP). In fact, we just filed our monthly report this past week affirming the health of the coral mitigation reef.

"We continue to work with both agencies to ensure we are in compliance with all environmental regulations and welcome a site visit from DEPP as part of ongoing collaborative efforts, which is a standard part of the construction and regulatory process."

DEPP Director Dr. Rhiana Neely said her department received reports regarding coral replanting concerns.

"Those have not been confirmed at this time," Neely said. "A site visit is being scheduled to confirm the situation on the ground."

Neely did not give a date for the site inspection.

Meanwhile, Bahamas National Trust (BNT) Executive Director Lakeisha Anderson-Rolle said the organization was made aware of residents' concerns about the impact on the surrounding environment.

"Issues raised include how sedimentation and run-off from the construction site may be impacting corals and other marine life in the area," Anderson-Rolle said.

"The BNT is particularly concerned about how this construction can affect coastal and marine environments in the nearby Peterson Cay National Park.

"Following consultation with the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection and representatives from Carnival Cruise Lines, the BNT's parks and science team members will be included in an assessment to determine if there is any negative impact within the park boundary as a result of the port construction.

"We thank the Grand Bahama community for their concern and wish to assure them that the BNT will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide the public with an update if this development is affecting Peterson Cay National Park."

Carnival Cruise Line broke ground on the $200 million cruise port on Grand Bahama last May.

Prime Minister Philip Davis said at the time the East Grand Bahama project will generate 1,000 permanent jobs, and hundreds of construction jobs, and will play a critical role in engineering Grand Bahama's economic growth.