The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

THE Nassau Container Port's operator is seeking to obtain International Standards Organisation (ISO) environmental certification, as it works to determine and mitigate any impacts from its activities.

Arawak Port Development Company (APD) executives said it initiated its ISO 9001 quality management certification process earlier this year. The disclosure came as the port operator signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of the Bahamas (UB), which will allow students from the latter's Sustainable Development Programme to observe and work with the company's ISO 14001 implementation team.

The ISO, an international standard-setting body, has more than 22,000 standards for goods, services and process. Its certifications can be used when bidding for contracts or in advertising to clients.

Dr Rodney Smith, the University of the Bahamas' president, said: "Students in the small island sustainability programme will have the opportunity to participate in an observational learning experience

"They will shadow the company during the ISO 14001 environmental management certification process. This certification is increasingly important as we move to become a more environmentally sustainable country, and is certainly necessary for companies and institutions in small island states such as ours to ensure that we reduce our environmental impact." The first two students will be selected for the internship from the university's Small Island Sustainability affiliate initiative.

Mike Maura, APD's chief executive, said: "While it is a certification it is one that never ends.

"It is a journey. Being a responsible environmental citizen is one that never ends. We are very excited that this is an opportunity for young Bahamians to come on to our property and work beside us, shoulder to shoulder, and see what an opportunities APD might bright them in the future."

Mr Maura added that ISO certification is voluntary, and will include an internal as well as external observation. He described it as a statement of commitment to the company's environmental stewardship.

Yvette Rahming, APD's assistant vice-president, in-house attorney and head of safety, said the ISO 14001 standard is an international standard that helps companies develop a framework for their environmental management system.

"Many companies may have an environmental system in place, but they don't have the proper means of continuing to observe and develop their environmental plans," she said.

"With the ISO 14001 it provides the company an opportunity to layout the framework, continue to observe, redevelop and reengineer its means of dealing with the environment."