The Tribune

THE Bahamas has been named the first “Weather Ready Nation Ambassadors” by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for its “readiness, responsiveness and resiliency to handle all weather conditions it faces, especially in extreme weather cases, and to its safety and protection program of its people and communities”.

“This recognition bestowed on The Bahamas is monumental,” said Gregory F Romano, Director of Communications for the National Weather Service, at the 2016 EAA AirVenture Conference, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

As recipient of the award, The Bahamas will receive even greater support and resources from NOAA to aide in educating, training and the provision of tools, necessary to further protect its citizenry, visitors and communities.

NOAA, which has a membership of 3,300 weather professionals, started the ‘Weather Ready Nation Ambassador” initiative three years ago to educate its citizens on the importance of preparedness and protection in weather conditions.

“We commend The Bahamas and its Government on its readiness, responsiveness and resiliency to handle all weather conditions it faces, especially in extreme weather cases and to its safety and protection program of its people and communities,” Mr Romano said.

Representatives of the Bahamas Department of Civil Aviation, Royal Bahamas Police Force and Bahamas Ministry of Tourism accepted the award this week.

The Government has a comprehensive Disaster Management Committee composed of representatives from relevant ministries and departments as well as stakeholders in the private sector. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is dedicated to ensuring that The Bahamas, its inhabitants and visitors, is prepared ahead of any disasters.

The agency also co-ordinates and responds to any crisis or emergency matters quickly so as to reduce the loss of life and property and simultaneously, counteract the impact of any natural, man-made and technological hazards.

The EAA AirVenture Conference, which is the largest aviation show in the world, features more than 10,000 aircraft and 800,000 attendees.

The Bahamas is the only foreign country to serve alongside the United States in the exclusive Federal Pavilion, one of the main attractions at the conference and is headquarters for US Customs and Border Protection agencies including its air and marine operations, field operations, border protection (immigration) as well as NOAA.

“The partnership between the Bahamas Government agencies and that of the United States Federal Government including the US Customs and Border Protection agencies continues to strengthen, heighten in success and reap mutually rewarding dividends for the two nations,” said Greg Rolle, Senior Director of Sales, Marketing and Sports at the Ministry of Tourism.

Captain Rolle, a pilot, said “the relationship and partnership that The Bahamas enjoys with the US has been a long and fruitful one. Year after year, we have seen great synergy and improvements in our relationships and a deeper trust and respect for our agencies and each other which has unquestionably resulted in mutual growth and success for our nations.”

Kris Grogan, Public Affairs Officer, Department of Homeland Security, said the countries are committed to the safety and protection of borders and people. “We serve as each other’s eyes and ears, and support each other on so many fronts, from humanitarian needs to border protection that it is impossible for us to obtain and maintain the success we have, without a strong partnership with each other,” he said.