The Bahamas recently observed National Geospatial Data Week, also known as GIS Week, highlighting the critical role that Geographic Information Systems and the professionals that utilise them play in understanding and managing the nation’s land and resources. At the heart of this effort is the Bahamas National Geographic Information Systems Centre (BINGIS). The Centre is a unit within the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources. It has been instrumental in mapping critical aspects of the Bahamian landscape. BNGIS technicians have been leveraging cutting-edge geospatial technology to gather, store, and display precise data for specific locations across The Bahamas. Duane Miller, Director of BNGIS, emphasized the critical role geospatial data plays in addressing environmental challenges. He highlighted its potential to help mitigate the impacts of climate change, ensuring a more sustainable future for The Bahamas. With a dedicated team and a forward-thinking approach, BNGIS continues to provide essential data and insights to government agencies and private companies alike, cementing its role as a cornerstone of national development. During GIS Week, the BNGIS team travelled to Grand Bahama, especially to celebrate World GIS Day. The delegation included Jermaine Johnson, GIDS Technician II and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Employee of the Year; and Terrell Thompson, GIS Technician III, who shared the value of drones, ATVs and mapping software in accomplishing their work. The day included a series of insightful presentations from strategic partners, including: Dr. Ancilleno Davis, Assistant Professor, Environmental Science, University of The Bahamas; Shavonne Seymour, GIS Analyst, Grand Bahama Power Company; James Martin, Utility Technician, Grand Bahama Utility Co. Ltd.; Charles Pratt, Senior Manager, Commercial Development, Grand Bahama Port Authority; Amit Seeram, GIS Analyst, Grand Bahama Port Authority; and Gabrielle Hudson, GIS Analyst, BNGIS. Afternoon sessions for World GIS Day highlighted more presentations from experts including: Tammi Mitchell, Officer, DRM Authority, Disaster Consultative Committee; Suzanne Russell-Dorsett, GIS Analyst, Bahamas Department of Meteorology; Yvette Thompson, GIS Supervisor, Bahamas National Statistical Institute; Ldina Pelecanos, Assistant Fisheries Officer, Dept. of Marine Resources; Liyah Forbes, Water Quality Coordinator, Waterkeepers Bahamas; and Lindy Knowles, Senior Science Officer, Bahamas National Trust. Recognizing the importance of sustainability and innovation, BNGIS. is actively training the next generation of GIS technicians. These young professionals are mastering the skills needed to read and create maps, while utilizing advanced tools and technologies to better understand and protect the nation’s natural environment.
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