The Tribune

Jermaine Johnson quietly goes about mapping vital areas and collecting data from the Bahamian landscape, but his work speaks volumes. He is a GIS Technician II for Bahamas National Geographic Information Systems (BNGIS) within the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources (MENR). 

The Geographic Information (GIS data) he collects is vital, because it supports government decision-making. He performs spatial collection using Global Positioning System (GPS) and other advanced technology tools, and helps create metadata. His work must be accurate as he handles massive amounts of data, and he must edit and interpret that data for the benefit of Bahamians.

Jermaine excels in collaborative environments. He encourages team members to think creatively while maintaining clarity in everyday operations. Despite his naturally quiet demeanor, Jermaine’s efforts did not go unnoticed. The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources named him Employee of the Year 2024/2025.

He explained the importance of his work: “As GIS Techs, we use GPS devices and mobile GIS apps to capture the exact location and attributes of key features - like boundaries, infrastructure, or environmental elements. Depending on the nature of the data needed, we may also take photos or use drones for aerial imagery. Other projects may allow for additional data from sensors, such as air or water quality, and sometimes notes or local insights are gathered to provide context. As the data is collected we always ensure the quality of the data by checking for accuracy and completeness in real time, and we troubleshoot any issues that may come up, making any necessary adjustments to the method used for the collection.”

Jermaine thoroughly enjoys his work, noting that with climate change becoming the focal point over the recent years, GIS has become a high demand across multiple industries - from urban planning and environmental management to emergency response and public health.

“It gives me the chance to have a different work day each day,” he said. 

“Just like climate, the GIS field is active and fast-evolving, which gives me the opportunity to work with the latest technology - such as drones, remote sensing, and advanced spatial analysis software. This pushes me to have more analytical and critical thinking skills. It also allows me to enjoy a variety of offices as the collection of data may vary from working in a traditional cubical to driving an ATV through the rough terrain of our islands.”

Jermaine has ten years of experience in project management, relationship building, and IT systems across government, technology, and human resources sectors. He holds a postgraduate diploma in human resources management, a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems, and a certificate in hospitality and tourism management.

He is committed to high performance standards and consistently strives to deliver quality results. His resourcefulness and solution-oriented mindset enable him to align outcomes with organisational goals and client needs, whether in fast-paced or slower environments. With a blend of technical expertise and a commitment to excellence, Jermaine Johnson continues to make significant contributions to the fields of project management and IT within the government sector. His ability to foster collaboration and innovate processes positions him as a valuable asset that the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources values, deeming him as an example of professionalism that others could follow, especially during his time as Employee of the Year.