The University of The Bahamas, Nassau Campus, this weekend became the epicenter of a national transformation as the groundbreaking Geospatial Week 2025, concluded with the announcement of a comprehensive Action Plan that positions The Bahamas at the forefront of Sustainable Development and Land Reform in the Caribbean.

The event was held in-person and online from Thursday to Saturday, October 16-18,
2025, successfully integrated three critical forums: the Land Reform Awareness, Youth
Forum, and Geospatial Symposium, creating an unprecedented collaboration between
Government, Academia [The University of The Bahamas], Civil Society, and Technical
Professions.

Youth Innovation Takes Center Stage
The Youth Forum emerged as a highlight, with students from Akhepran International
Academy and other institutions presenting groundbreaking geospatial solutions to
longstanding Bahamian challenges. Their proposals included:

1. Advanced GIS (Global Information Systems) mapping systems (e.g. UAVs—
   Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) for hurricane recovery in Abaco
2. Real-time flood monitoring for Pinewood Gardens
3. Data-driven approaches to Nassau’s drainage and pothole crises
4. Digital tools for sustainable agriculture and marine conservation
   “These young minds have demonstrated that Bahamian innovation can solve Bahamian
   problems,” said Mr. Thomas Ferguson, Secretary of Bahamas Association of Lands
   Surveyors and Geospatial Expert and President of The Bahamas Institute of STEM
   Innovation (BIOSI). “Their geospatial applications represent exactly the kind of
   homegrown technology leadership our Nation needs.”

Comprehensive National Dialogue
The event featured presentations with robust discussions across multiple sectors,
including the Family Islands, such as: Abaco, Acklins, Andros, Berry Islands, Bimini, Cat
Island, Crooked Island, Eleuthera, Exuma, Grand Bahama, Inagua, and Long Island. Key
outcomes, encompassing Conclusions and Recommendations, follow:

Land Reform Breakthroughs

1. Comprehensive geospatial, geological and ecological analyses of The Bahamas
   Archipelago as an “Ocean State”
2. Detailed analysis of Commonage Land Rights by competent and specialised [Real
   Estate] Attorneys
3. Call for financial support to Bahamian families with the high cost of surveying
   their “Generation Properties”
4. Comprehensive review of the New Land Registration Act 2025 and Land
   Adjudication Act 2025
5. In-depth comparative analysis of the various Acts in relation to The Constitution
6. Agricultural sector representation addressing land access, ownership and
   investment accountability as indispensable for sustainable farming, and resultant,
   guaranteed Food and Nutrition Security.

Environmental and Economic Stewardship

1. Marine and fly-fishing professionals presented conservation mapping
2. Mining and natural resource management received detailed technical analysis
3. Tourism development considerations integrated with environmental protection
4. The challenge of the Environmental Stewardship and Development of the
   globally unique, diverse, fragile and immense Natural Resources Wealth of The
   Bahamas Archipelago, marine, terrestrial, submarine and airspace.
5. Call for the Sovereign Bahamian ownership of the Port of Morgan’s Bluff, North
   Andros, never to be relinquished, except by a National Referendum.

Academic and Technical Excellence

1. University of The Bahamas professors advanced data collection methodologies
2. GIS experts addressed data storage, processing, and application frameworks
3. Bahamas Association of Land Surveyors (BALS) emphasized the urgency for
   immediate, targeted incentives for the upgrading and expansion of the
   Profession as one of the indispensable guarantors for Land Reform
4. BALS also issued a clarion call for youth engagement
5. High school students presented innovative environmental stewardship and
   Technology solutions for vexing problems of flooding and natural disasters
6. On-the-spot feedback from Scientists and other Technical Experts present,
   refined Youth Proposals, such that recommendations were made for copyrighting
   and commercialization

Action Plan Launch and Public Engagement
Civil Society Bahamas announced the preliminary Strategic Action Plan, emphasizing it
as a results-oriented, but also a living, responsive document, open for continued public
refinement. “This is not the final word, but the first draft of our collective future,” stated
CSB President Dr. Anthony Hamilton. President Hamilton further observed: “The input
from legal professionals, academics, surveying experts, youth, and community members
across New Providence and the Family Islands has been invaluable, and we invite all
Bahamians to continue contributing during our Bahama Islands ‘townhall’ meetings.”
The hybrid, in-person and online format of the event enabled widespread participation,
with online attendees joining not only from multiple islands but also from international
locations. Senators and senior Government representatives engaged directly with the
public, creating an unprecedented dialogue between policymakers and citizens.

Path Forward
Organizers confirmed this marks the first in a series of ongoing engagements, with the
Strategic Action Plan serving as the foundation for continued development. The
Bahamas Association of Land Surveyors announced mentorship programs and training
opportunities to build national capacity in geospatial fields.
“The success of Geospatial Week 2025 demonstrates our nation’s readiness to embrace
technology while honoring our land and heritage,” said University of The Bahamas Vice
President and Academic Affairs and Provost, Dr. Maria Oriakhi. “This is just the
beginning of a sustained national effort and the University of The Bahamas was pleased
to serve as a partner in this historical, national awareness forum.”

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