Good afternoon,
For over six decades, the Bahamas Department of Meteorology has served our country with dedication. It has been there through storms and calms – collecting data, issuing warnings, and safeguarding lives. That work continues.
Today, we build on that legacy.
We do so with a clear purpose: to strengthen our national institutions, to prepare our country for the challenges of a changing world, and to create real opportunities for Bahamians.
Over the past twenty years, air traffic through our islands has increased significantly. That growth brings with it responsibility.
Responsibility to ensure aviation safety.
Responsibility to enhance our resilience.
And responsibility to use this moment to advance our economy and the services our people depend on.
That is why the Government of The Bahamas is signing this Heads of Agreement with BACSWN – the Bahamas Aviation, Climate and Severe Weather Network Ltd.
Together, we will establish the Caribbean’s first NextGEN Meteorological Watch Office.
This is a major step forward. The new Watch Office, alongside BACSWN’s advanced weather and flight-tracking technologies, will allow The Bahamas to monitor atmospheric and aviation conditions in real-time across every part of our archipelago. It will place us among the most capable meteorological jurisdictions in the region.
But this is about more than new equipment or modern tools.
It is about transforming a critical public institution – the Department of Meteorology — into one that is not only more effective, but more financially sustainable. One that continues to serve the public interest, while opening the door to new partnerships, revenue streams, and regional leadership.
And crucially, it is about investing in our people.
This agreement includes the provision of at least ten scholarships and clear commitments to train and employ qualified Bahamians in meteorology, aviation law, weather broadcasting, and other technical fields.
There is a pathway here for young Bahamians with talent and ambition—to build careers that serve both them and their country.
The partnership will also support the development of new technical courses at the University of The Bahamas, BTVI, and the Bahamas Baptist Community College. Because education must match opportunity, and ambition must be met with access.
We are advised that this initiative will bring with it an investment of over $400 million over three years. That scale of commitment signals confidence—not just in the project, but in The Bahamas itself.
And it comes at a critical time.
As a nation, we are on the frontline of climate change.
The storms we face are stronger.
The risks to life and property are growing.
In such a world, data is not a luxury – it is a necessity.
Forecasting is not optional – it is a matter of safety and survival.
This agreement strengthens our national resilience. It gives us tools to better protect our people, our economy, and our way of life. It enables us to take our responsibilities seriously in aviation, in climate readiness, and in public service.
This is what good governance looks like: building stronger institutions, preparing for the future, and ensuring Bahamians benefit at every level.
To the team at BACSWN: thank you for your partnership.
And to the Bahamian people: this is a step forward, taken in your name, and with your future in mind.
Thank you.