The Bahamas Government signed a Heads of Agreement with the Bahamas Aviation, Climate and Severe Weather Network Ltd. (BACSWN) at the Office of the Prime Minister on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis said the Government and the BACSWN will establish the Caribbean’s first NextGEN Meteorological Watch Office.

“This is a major step forward. The new Watch Office, alongside BACSWN’s advanced weather and flight-tracking technologies, will allow The Bahamas to monitor atmospheric and aviation conditions in real-time across every part of our archipelago. It will place us among the most capable meteorological jurisdictions in the region.”

The Prime Minister noted that this partnership is about more than new equipment or modern tools.

“It is about transforming a critical public institution – the Department of Meteorology — into one that is not only more effective, but more financially sustainable. One that continues to serve the public interest, while opening the door to new partnerships, revenue streams, and regional leadership.

“And crucially, it is about investing in our people.

“This agreement includes the provision of at least ten scholarships and clear commitments to train and employ qualified Bahamians in meteorology, aviation law, weather broadcasting, and other technical fields.”

He explained that there is a pathway for young Bahamians with talent and ambition — to build careers that serve both them and their country.

The Prime Minister said, “The partnership will also support the development of new technical courses at the University of The Bahamas, the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute and the Bahamas Baptist Community College. Because education must match opportunity, and ambition must be met with access.”

He added, “We are advised that this initiative will bring with it an investment of over $400 million over three years. That scale of commitment signals confidence—not just in the project, but in The Bahamas itself.”

The Prime Minister also noted that the Agreement comes at a critical time, as the nation is on the frontline of climate change.

“The storms we face are stronger. The risks to life and property are growing.

“In such a world, data is not a luxury – it is a necessity. Forecasting is not optional – it is a matter of safety and survival.”

He said, “This agreement strengthens our national resilience. It gives us tools to better protect our people, our economy, and our way of life. It enables us to take our responsibilities seriously in aviation, in climate readiness, and in public service.”

The Prime Minister added, “This is what good governance looks like: building stronger institutions, preparing for the future, and ensuring Bahamians benefit at every level.”

The Minister of Energy and Transport the Hon. JoBeth Coleby-Davis; Secretary of the Cabinet, Nicole Campbell; Permanent Secretary, the Ministry of Energy and Transport, Donella Bodie; Director, Bahamas Department of Meteorology, Jeffrey Simmons; Founder, BACSWN, Robert Carron and the Group Financial Advisory, BACSWN, Michael Strachan were also in attendance at the signing.

Mr. Strachan, the Group Financial Advisor of BACSWN said the company in coordination with the Department of Meteorology, will be installing, upgrading and maintaining current equipment.

He said based on that, the company will be going to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) with a proposal for a fee restructure regarding the overflight fees in the country’s airspace.

Mr. Strachan said, “Based on that process, which we anticipate to take anywhere between six months to a year, once that is completed and we have met all the ICAO requirements, we will be able to increase the overflight fee charges from its current structure to what we estimate to be about $775 per flight, and the Government will have a net benefit of $550 per flight.”

By Llonella Gilbert/Bahamas Information Services

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