The Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources with 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.
This critical meeting marks not just the beginning of a new council, but the ‘dawn of a transformative era in our approach to understanding and utilizing geospatial information and technologies in The Bahamas’, said Minister of the Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Vaughn P. Miller.
“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.”
“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,” Minister Miller said, “A nation where technology and data are not just tools, but catalysts for progress and prosperity meeting international standards.”
In its 20th year of geospatial service (from 2004 to 2024), Minister Miller celebrated The BNGIS Centre for its achievements over the years. This statutory unit is governed by the 2014 Bahamas Spatial Data Infrastructure Act and is now led by its second Director, Mr. Duane Miller. Minister said this team lives in the geospatial domain. They know and appreciate the value and have been actively representing the Bahamas, since 2013, in the United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management (UNGGIM) Initiative, with membership of over 93 countries from around the world including the Caribbean region.
“Talking about geospatial technologies is not merely a technical endeavor, it is a profound and transformative mission that shapes a country’s future and redefines paths for the way forward… The Bahamas is no exception,” said Minister Miller.
He told the Geospatial Advisory Council: “Each of you, with your diverse expertise, geospatial needs and experiences, brings invaluable insights that will guide us in maximizing the potential of geospatial technologies and data.”
“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.”
“This is the vision we strive for — a future where our geospatial capabilities across agencies are collectively harnessed to their fullest potential, driving sustainable development, enhancing the quality of life, and creating opportunities for all.”
Cross cutting, high level membership include 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.
During the Meeting, Members of the GAC viewed a special presentation on the Centre’s “Bahamas Geospatial Strategic Transformation and Implementation Plan” prepared by Location International, a United Kingdom Firm attached to the BNGIS Centre.
Source: Min. Of Environment
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