NASSAU, Bahamas -- From May 7 until June 15, Stony Brook University’s Institute for Ocean Conservation Science School of Marine and Atmospheric Science and the Cape Eleuthera Institute are tracking the movements of three species of endangered sharks and sawfish (a close relative of sharks) in the central and northern Bahamas.

The research team, led by Dr. Demian Chapman of Stony Brook University, is also conducting surveys to identify important shark nursery areas.

Students from the Bahamas Environmental Steward Scholars (BESS) program and C.V. Bethel Magnet Marine Science Program -- are participating in parts of the research and education program being conducted in collaboration with BREEF and sponsored by the Moore Bahamas Foundation, an affiliate of the Moore Charitable Foundation. The Foundation has quietly funded many local causes over the decades quietly and behind the scenes. Now, in an effort to bring heightened awareness to the need for environmental management of land and marine resources, its funding is becoming more public.    

Joining scientists for part of the Shark Research Expedition are Jessie Courtemanche and Christina Roberts, two young Bahamian BESS interns. (www.islandschool.org/admissions/bess).  

NASSAU, Bahamas -- Senior aviation attorney Llewellyn Boyer-Cartwright has been invited by the Aircraft Registry of Aruba to speak at the 2013 Aeropodium offshore aircraft conference scheduled for later this year. The conference is expected to attract top experts in private and corporate jet aircraft-related arenas.  

Boyer-Cartwright, a partner at Callenders law firm and the leading proponent of an international aircraft registry for The Bahamas, said the invitation to address the influential group came as a complete surprise.

"It is a great honour for The Bahamas to address a prestigious conference in the private and corporate jet arena," he said, noting that networking and relationships established at events like Aeropodium in Aruba will assist The Bahamas as the country considers the benefits, framework and responsibilities associated with an international registry.

"Given that the present Government, like any government today, has so much to deal with, I think it is only fitting that we take the opportunity to note the progress that the Ministry of Transport & Aviation is making and thank the Minister and Minister of State who have been solidly behind this movement, appreciating the potential value of an international aircraft registry and the kind of quality aircraft we want to attract," said Boyer-Cartwright who believes the registry will fuel new businesses, boost employment, bolster financial services and attract additional foreign direct investment. Eventually, he believes, it could position the country as a regional aviation hub.

NASSAU, The Bahamas --- The Royal Bahamas Defence Force has made remarkable strides in becoming one of the region’s “most professional and progressive” military establishments in its short, 33-year history, Minister of National Security Dr. the Hon. Bernard J. Nottage boasted during a ceremony observing the 33rd anniversary of the sinking of the HMBS Flamingo by Cuban MiG Fighter jets.  

The RBDF became an official entity on March 31, 1980, following the enactment of the Defence Force Act. Thirty-six members of the Police Marine Division joined the Defence Force increasing the Defence Force human capital to 200 Officers and Marines.  

That same year, almost seven years after independence and 40 days after its inauguration, Cuban MiG Fighter planes attacked and sunk the HMBS Flamingo, killing four Bahamian sailors.  

The four – Austin Smith, Fenrick Sturrup, David Tucker and Edward Williams – have forevermore been immortalised in the history of the Defence Force and indeed the country after paying the “ultimate sacrifice” a serviceman can give to his country.  

Fifteen others were able to survive the attack, conducting searches for their missing shipmates before being forced to seek help at Ragged Island using one of the Cuban boats they had apprehended.  

NASSAU, The Bahamas --- The Government of The Bahamas has signed a Letter of Intent with DAMEN Shipyards to augment the Royal Bahamas Defence Force’s fleet with nine medium-to-long range vessels, Minister of National Security Dr. the Hon. Bernard J. Nottage said.

The deal also includes improvements to the RBDF’s existing bases and harbours and a 70 per cent increase in human capital.

“This $200 million venture will represent the single largest investment to date in the Defence Force’s history,” Dr. Nottage said. “Nonetheless, this investment fades in comparison to the priceless sacrifice made by the members of the HMBS Flamingo crew. Today we stand on their shoulders and recognise their invaluable contributions to our nation’s development and sovereignty.”

Addressing persons attending a ceremony held in Rawson Square to observe the 33rd anniversary of the sinking of the HMBS Flamingo on May 10, 1980, Dr. Nottage challenged Bahamians “to acknowledge that freedom is not free.”

“As we celebrate 40 years of independence we acknowledge that as a fledgling nation, ‘freedom is not free’. Moreover, we remember and acknowledge these who have paid the ultimate price,” Dr. Nottage said.

IMBARI, Japan -- With the words "I name you Campbell Ship Jaden, and I pray that all who sail on you will do so with God's blessings and in joy and good health," Her Excellency Joan Lady Foulkes launched the latest ship which is to be added to the fleet of Campbell Shipping Company Limited and is to be registered in The Bahamas.

The C/S Jaden is a 38,000 dead weight tons dry bulk carrier which is constructed by Imabari Shipping at the Shimanan Shipyard in Japan.

His Excellency Sir Arthur Foulkes accompanied Lady Foulkes to Japan for the launching.

Their Excellencies are the guests of Mr. Lowell J. Mortimer, the President of Campbell Shipping Company Limited which has offices at Campbell Maritime Centre, West Bay Street, Nassau.

Photo 1: Lady Foulkes launches the C/S Jaden, the latest ship which is to be added to the fleet of Campbell Shipping Company Limited and is to be registered in The Bahamas.