Daily Archives: August 24, 2021

Kristal Ambrose is the founder of the Bahamas Plastic Movement and is often credited as the person who convinced The Bahamas to do away with single use plastics, after years of advocacy, in a ban that came into effect in January 2020.

She is a 2020 Goldman Environmental Foundation Prize winner for her advocacy work. She is currently based in Sweden, where she is studying towarda PhD focused on marine debris threats and solutions for the Caribbean region.

Here, she writes about why she decided to work to protectThe Bahamas oceans through her work.

You can read more from the In My Own Words serieshere.

Im Kristal Ambrose aka Krista Ocean a kind, fun-loving, easy-going, jovialisland gal who happens to love nature and the ocean and has dedicated my life to protecting it, namely from plastic pollution.

Im very optimistic.I love to laugh and see others happy. This is why my health and wellness, the state and health of the environment, and the well-being of my family and friends matter to me.

Growing up in the Bahamas was fun.I had everything I needed food, love, shelter. I spent a lot of time with my family and I went to the beach often. Education was a priority in my household so I had to study hard. I had great friends throughout elementary through high school, grew up with both parents, and spent the weekends at my grandparents home. I would describe it as a typical Caribbean upbringing grounded in manners and respect,a village of family and friends raising you withaccess to natureand giving youa wealth of memories.

I didnt set out to become an environmental activist, but I just loved the ocean and loved nature, and that love and passion translated to activism. So the activist was perhaps just lying dormant within, and through conversation and connection with others to share messages of protecting the earth, it arose.

The Bahamas Plastic Movement, which I founded, believes that through research, education, citizen science, andpolicy change, we can create a healthy marine and terrestrial environment free of plastic pollution. Our mission is to build a community of education and activism around plastic pollution and we do this by engaging youth and communities of The Bahamas and globally.

By empowering Bahamians to contribute to hands-on citizen science and environmental leadership, we aim to evolve mindsets and spark cultural practices that will be pivotal in executing changes at the policy level and envision a Bahamas where an engaged public has created a nation free of plastic debris.

Image: Courtesy of Kristal Ambrose

Last year, The Bahamas became the latest region to begin phasing out single-use plastics and styrofoam food packaging. It sounds so simple when written down, but this was a culmination of years of research, education, youth activism, and citizen science around plastic pollution that was administered through Bahamas Plastic Movements Plastic Pollution Education and Ocean Conservation Summer Camp (#plasticcamp), which started in 2014.

It wasnt until summer 2017 that we decided to take on a plastic bag ban for The Bahamas. During this time, studentscreated a call to action video for the nations leaders, pleading for their help to ban plastic bags in the country. The video was great, but I knew it wasnt enough. That fall, in December 2017, I decided to host a youth activism workshop to equip both the students and myself with the tools needed to approach policy measures for a single-use plastic (SUP) ban. We convened for three days, where we studied plastic pollution reduction policies from different countries, and worked with a social scientist who taught us how to make surveys to measure the attitudes and perceptions of locals as it related to a SUP ban.

We also worked with a local lawyer who taught us all about how legislation worked in The Bahamas and what we should consider when trying to draft a bill. With her guidance and based on the data gathered from our surveys and studies, we drafted a bill for what a plastic bag tax could look like for The Bahamas.We started with this low-hanging fruit to entice our minister of environment. Once we got confirmation of a meeting with the minister, we flew from Rock Sound, Eleuthera, to the countrys capital, Nassau, New Providence, for a scheduled meeting with the minister to present our bill and the urgent need for The Bahamas to act now against SUPs.

Our students, known as #plasticwarriors, were between the ages of 10 and 14 years old and confidently, eloquently, and passionately spoke truth to power during the meeting, calling for a change, and even singing to the minister: We are the change, were the solution, we can fix this plastic pollution.

The minister revealed that he and his team were working on a ban but seeing the students passionately petitioning for their future set the fire under his feet to push the ban forward faster. This policy intervention is important because as a small island developing state, The Bahamas is susceptible to receiving streams of waste to our shorelines thats disproportionate to our consumption and production level of plastic. And the waste that we do generate within the country lacks adequate waste management systems, so policies such as the SUP are a step in the right direction toward reform.

The ban went into effect on Jan. 1, 2020, and was fully implemented on July 1, 2020, to forbidsingle-use plastic bags, straws, food utensils, and styrofoam cups and food containers from being "imported, distributed, or sold anywhere in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas."

Now that the ban has been enacted, Id also like to see less reliance on fossil fuels and more adoption and reliance on solar and wind energy to fuel our country, which has a surplus of sunshine for most of the year. As climate change continues to intensify as weve already seen during Hurricane Dorian in 2019, the strongest, deadliest storm to hit our nation, we have to start considering a climate adaptable Bahamas that addresses and implements mitigative measures for climate change.

And we can start with small actions, such asassessingyour footprint first to figure out whatsingle-use itemsyou are using a lot of and begin there. Refusing plastic bags and water bottles and swapping them for reusables is anothergreat place to start. What you do doesnt need to be anything fancy or super expensive meet yourself where you are and use what you have. Take a metal utensil from home and keep it in your bag to avoid SUP ones, keep your glass pasta jar and turn it into a cup or food storage container. Say, No plastic straw, please when you dine out and take a reusable one with you.

The possibilities are endless;you just have to start.

Image: Courtesy of Kristal Ambrose

If you're a writer, activist, or just have something to say, you can make submissions to Global Citizen's Contributing Writers Program by reaching out to contributors@globalcitizen.org.

You can join the Global Citizen Live campaign to defeat poverty and defend the planet bytaking action here, and become part of a movement powered by citizens around the world who are taking action together with governments, corporations, and philanthropists to make change.

Read the rest here:

How I and Other Young Activists Convinced The Bahamas to Do Away With Single-Use Plastics - Global Citizen

The Bahamas declared elections eight months before the due date. The country will go into general elections on September 16, 2021. Prime Minister Hubert Minnis said that whoever wins must make important decisions in the fight against the pandemic.

Governor-General Cornelius Smith released a proclamation ordering the dissolve of the parliament.

Discussing the snap elections, Prime Minister Minnis said it is the right time for the public to choose who will lead the upcoming Bahamian government.

The current term does not end constitutionally until May 2022, five years after the Minnis Free National Movement (FNM) won over the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) in the previous election and won 35 of the 39 seats in parliament.

The prime minister stated the election comes between the worst public health crisis in our modern history, referring to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Even though the Bahamas is an independent country, the British Monarch acting as the head of state still appoints the governor-general representative in the archipelago. While the executive power is handled under the leadership of a Prime minister, and the overall legislature is exercised by a two-chamber parliament.

He said his administration has so far secured more than 550,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccines. Our goal is to make the Bahamas one of the most vaccinated small islands of the developing world in the world, he said.

It is time for the people to choose who they want to lead if we vaccinate in the direction of all Bahamians, he stressed.

Prime Minister Minnis said the next government would have to make essential decisions on implementing post-pandemic public health and economic growth. A new mandate is needed to ensure that there is a government to do this difficult long-term work because we are reaching a critical inflation point in the pandemic, he stressed.

With the election date now set, Minnis called on the Bahamians to ensure that the country continues its long and proud tradition of peaceful elections.

We must discuss issues strictly and peacefully, contrasting our different visions for the country. In our democratic tradition, the people rule. Their collective wisdom will decide our way forward; their collective wisdom will decide our common future, he said.

Prime Minister Minnis further urged political parties to conduct their campaigns in accordance with public health guidelines to ensure that there is no increase in the prevalence of Covid-19 cases.

Read this article:

Bahamas announces general election eight months before the due date - WIC News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Several independents and third parties are reportedly finalizing details for a new coalition to increase their chances at the polls come September 16.

Eyewitness News understands that former FNM MPs were courted alongside established third parties like the Bahamas Constitution Party, and the Bahamas Democratic Movement.

The group met over the weekend, and the results of a vote taken yesterday determined BDM Leader Cassius Stuart would helm the organization, with Bain coming in second.

Eyewitness News understands Bain was offered an agreement to co-lead, and the position of prime minister if they won but he and his financial backers pulled out.

The group is expected to reconvene again today to finalize a list of candidates, after which a formal announcement will be made.

Eyewitness News understands that the Democratic National Alliance was also involved in initial discussions but did not return to the table.

COI Leader Lincoln Bain insisted today the decision not to join the collective was not motivated by ego but after a full analysis.

We already have a full slate of candidates, no one else does, Bain said.

I participated in talks now for several months, this is the final hour and we have already ratified a full slate of candidates so we will move forward and if there is anything possibility of coming together after we win our seats then we can talk.

He continued: I was the one reaching out to try and get everyone to come together. I have no ego as it relates to this.There is no ego issue. I have an organization and Im very transparent and whatever decision my executives make, thats the decision I go with.

Bain added: At a certain point (party executives) they realized that they didnt want to go forward. I didnt make the decision, my executives made that decision.

Originally posted here:

STRONGER TOGETHER?: Independents, third parties forming coalition to challenge general election - EyeWitness News

ANDROS, BAHAMAS Promising an intense review of the natural bounty and investment opportunities of The Bahamas largest island, the 9th annual Andros Business Outlook (ANBO), in the form of a webinar, is scheduled to be held on Wednesday, August 25.

Under the 2021 theme for the now eight-island Bahamas Business Outlook Series (BBO), Facing Unprecedented Times: Recover. Adapt. Advance, presenters will discuss investment opportunities, both available and potential, in the areas of fly fishing, lodges, agriculture, community tourism, birdwatching and other avenues for ecotours, with the focus on conservation and protection of the globally recognized environmental assets of the big yard.

Joan Albury, president of TCL Group and founder of the Bahamas Business Outlook Series, announced the speaker lineup and spoke to the urgency of a deeper look at the social and economic potential of Andros and the need to protect its natural bounty and exploit them sustainably.

She noted further that TCLs main aim is to have more Bahamians, local and international decision makers, entrepreneurs and investors, current and potential, learn of the challenges and opportunities that drive or slow adaptation and advancement in local business and national development.

Moderated by Benjamin Pratt, senior manager, Sustainability Department, Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, the lineup will feature the following topics and speakers: A Brief Andros Update by Carlton Bowleg, MP and parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources; Fly Fishing: Is Business Booming in Andros? by Ian Davis, owner, Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures; Robert Mouzas, deputy director, Ministry of Public Works; Glenn Gaitor, assistant fisheries superintendent, Nicholls Town, Andros, and Sarah Swainson, Private Charters and Business Development, Makers Air; Ensuring Value, Conservation and Long-Term Stability for Fly Fishing Lodges by Cheryl Bastian, proprietor/owner, Swains Cay Lodge, Mangrove Cay; Justin Lewis, Bahamas initiative manager, Bonefish and Tarpon Trust and Liz Bain, proprietor and managing director, Mangrove Cay Club; Making Andros a Bird Watchers Paradise by Matthew Jeffery, deputy director, Audubon Americas; Authenticity and Sustainability: Community-Based Tourism by Dr T Jennifer Edwards, strategy & development specialist; Peter Douglas, senior manager, North Andros Tourist Office and Tarran Simms, coordinator, Sustainable Tourism Unit, Ministry of Tourism and Aviation; Developing a Culture for Agriculture by Dr Raveenia Roberts-Hanna, executive director, the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute; Stimulating Growth In Your Business by Chantelle Sands, head of Family Islands Business, Cable Bahamas Business Solutions; Financing Options by Samantha L Rolle, director of external relations, Access Accelerator, Small Business Development Centre; Ashley Outten, financial controller, Bahamas Development Bank; Kimwood Mott, project manager, Digital Currency Implementation, Central Bank of The Bahamas; and Herbert Cash, director and chief financial officer, CaribPay (Bahamas) Ltd | Kanoo.

For more information or to register, visit http://www.tclevents.com or contact Margaret Albury at 322-1000.

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THE BIG YARD AWAKENING: 9th annual Andros Business Outlook coming up - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Minister of Foreign Affairs Darren Henfield said yesterday that the government is in discussions on how it would be able to provide assistance to Haiti, whichwas struck by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake over the weekend.

Henfield told reporters outside the Office of the Prime Minister that The Bahamas is currently in discussions with its CARICOM partners to provide assistance through that mechanism.

Our prayers and thoughts are with the people of Haiti, he said.

Just coming out of a political crisis almost with the assassination of President [Jovenel] Moise, exacerbated by the fact that they hadnt begun their COVID vaccinations, and to add insult to injury comes an earthquake at a time that is really inopportune for them.

We have not yet determined what we will do as a country but we are determined to work with CARICOM through CDEMA (Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency) to respond to Haiti in whichever way we can, as we always do in these incidences.

The death toll in Haiti has climbed to 1,900 people and thousands were injured or displaced from damaged or destroyed homes. An unknown number of people are still missing.

Henfield said there were no reports of Bahamians in Haiti being injured or killed inthe earthquake.

Several Bahamians and residents have been stuck in the country due to an ongoing travel ban, which was issued in mid-February for 21 days and has since beenextended several more times.

Following the ban, Henfield said the government was concerned citizens traveling from Haiti could pose a greater risk of spread of the virus, especially as Haiti had yet to implement a vaccination program.

Haiti began its vaccination program in recent weeks.

The foreign affairs minister said yesterday that the government is still working assiduously to see how to remedy the situation.

View original post here:

HELP FOR HAITI: Bahamas govt to work with CARICOM on providing support to disaster-stricken nation - EyeWitness News

Disaster preparedness minister acknowledges it is a problemAbaco Chamber of Commerce has expressed concerns amid active season

NASSAU, BAHAMAS The designated $1.8 million shelter on Abaco in the event of a major storm will not be completed until the end of the year, months after the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which has already seen eight named storms.

In an interview with Eyewitness News, Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness, Management and Reconstruction Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe attributed the slowed pace of construction to the ongoing pandemic and surges, which have impacted construction sites throughout the country.

It does not appear as though that will be finished before the year is out, she said.

That is what we know. Currently, persons have been contractedand they are moving forward with construction.

The concern is a legitimate one, simply because of the fact that after Abaco would have experienced such a horrific hurricane, residents there want to feel secure in knowing that they do have shelter.

I am keeping in mind, nonetheless, that while this is under construction, we continue, particularly NEMA (National Emergency Management Agency) and social services, to work in areas which we can make sure that shelters are there in the local schools, which would have received a lot of upgrades and repairs, will be utilized.

Earlier this month, Abaco Chamber of Commerce Director Krista Albury expressed grave concern about the level of preparedness, noting that Abaco does not have sufficient shelter capacity.

She said: A lot of people are in homes that may not be able to take a Category 1 and there is no information on when is the shelter going to open. When is the shelter going to be finished for Central Abaco?

The minister said at this stage, the government can only move forward with the completion of the actual center, and I hope it comes sooner rather than later.

The Bahamas has been spared for the 2021 hurricane season thus far, though three more disturbances in the Atlantic have a 40 percent chance of development in the next five days.

The government broke ground on the project in December 2020.

At the time, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis indicated the facility would be completed by the end of May, but there were initial delays.

The project was expected to be paid for primarily by donor funding, with $1.75 million coming via gift agreements and another $75,000 being finalized.

In June, Parker-Edgecombe said she was hopeful for the project to be completed before the end of the summer months, and ideally before the hurricane season.

Here is the original post:

COMING EVENTUALLY: Abaco designated shelter won't be completed before year's end - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Following Hurricane Dorian and COVID-19-related delays, the Census of Population and Housing will commence in January 2022.

Kim Saunders, chief census officer, while addressing a press conference on the upcoming census, noted that a prelisting exercise is being undertaken between August and November and is aimed at collecting information from the public, which will create a database to allow for the digital and online census to be taken.

Saunders noted that the census is usually carried out every 10 years and was initially set for May 2020 but was delayed due to Hurricane Dorian and the pandemic. The overall budget of the census is roughly $6 million.

The census will take place starting in January 2022 and for the first time, the census will be completely digital, said Saunders.

The digital format will not only change how data is managed and analyzed, but it is also changing the way data is collected. For the first time, there will be three ways to complete the census questionnaire online, via the telephone and in person.

She added: For the online census, there will be a questionnaire individuals can complete from the comfort of their home, over the phone and in-person interviews. Census workers will collect data using digital devices.

Saunders noted that the data collected will be used for important planning and policy decisions in the government and private sectors. She further noted that it helps to determine school zones and the location of housing developments, and to assist the government in making decisions on the allocation of resources.

According to Saunders, the census will begin in January and run through March. She further noted that a few weeks in April will be used to clean-up the data, with the preliminary census results to be released after three to six months.

The census is targeting 119,000 households.

See more here:

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER: Delayed housing and population census to commence January 2022 - EyeWitness News