The Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources which has responsibility for The Bahamas National Geographic Information Systems (BNGIS) Centre, convened the Inaugural meeting of the Geospatial Advisory Council (GAC) on Thursday, September 19, 2024.
Minister of the Environment and Natural Resources, the Hon. Vaughn Miller was in attendance at the meeting and delivered remarks. During his presentation he said, “as we stand at the crossroads of opportunity and innovation we are presented with a unique and exhilarating challenge that we must embrace in order to build a nation that is resilient and thrives on the cutting edge of geospatial technologies and Spatial Data Infrastructure.”
He added, “imagine our nation, where every decision – from E-Government, urban planning, national security, agriculture, health and wellness, land and marine management, conservation, investment planning, natural resource management to disaster management – is data driven and guided by the clarity and precision of authoritative spatial data.”
The Minister told the members of the Council, “your role on this council is critical as it is not just a platform for discussions, but a catalyst for action. The government is entrusting you with the responsibility of providing expert guidance, recommending innovative solutions, and ensuring the viability and sustainability of the BNGIS centre to regulate our geospatial strategies in alignment with both national interests and global advancements.”
The Council is comprised of representative of various stakeholders of the public and private sectors including the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources, The BNGIS Centre (with its Director as Technical Advisor to the Minister with responsibility for the BNGIS Centre, and Chief Executive Officer to the GAC), Ministry of Finance, Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Works and Family Island Affairs, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Ministry of National Security, Department of Inland Revenue, Department of Legal Affairs, Office of the Attorney General, Bahamas National Statistical Institute, Department of Lands and Surveys, Disaster Reconstruction Management Authority, Civil Aviation Authority, Grand Bahama Port Authority, Registrar General’s Department, Department of Marine Resources, Department of Physical Planning, Department of Environmental Planning and Protection, Bahamas Telecommunications Company, Cable Bahamas Ltd., Bahamas Power and Light, Water and Sewerage Corporation, Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and two representatives from the Private Sector.
