I totally agree that the practice of disposing of fish waste in the sea near the shore should be strictly prohibited. Additionally, it is recommended that a shark monitoring system employing tagging mechanisms be implemented. This would allow for the monitoring of shark populations and provide valuable insights into their movement patterns and behaviour. By introducing a tagging and monitoring regime, we can gather vital information to facilitate decision-making processes such as beach closures or the placement of warning signs, all while maintaining a non-intimidating approach that does not alarm beachgoers.
> Fish Waste As Fertilizer
In many Asian countries, especially in coastal areas, fish waste is commonly used as fertilizer. Fish waste, including parts like fish heads, bones, and guts, is rich in nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which are beneficial for plant growth. This practice helps in recycling organic waste from the fishing industry and contributes to sustainable agriculture.
The Royal Bahamas Police Force has been facing an ongoing challenge with regard to Red Light violations within The Bahamas for a number of years. To address this challenge, Chief Superintendent of Police, David Lockhart, has proffered a potential solution. However, questions have arisen about the racial qualifications of the Bahamian "Civilian Services" that have been ignored for years. Concerns have also been raised that investing millions of dollars in foreign services, promoted by retired consultants from the North, fails to provide any benefit to Bahamians. Instead, these consultants receive multimillion-dollar paydays, which has raised concerns about the fairness of the process. As such, it is imperative that the situation is evaluated to ensure that Bahamians are afforded equal opportunities to provide these services. These services
> (presented by Bahamian providers)
have been on the table for many years without any response, and require a thorough evaluation to ensure impartiality and fairness.
But, "People who struggle to afford basic necessities such as gas and food often find themselves in accidents just like anyone else. Unfortunately, regardless of their income, the cost of these accidents with uninsured drivers is not a matter of public interest. Once the debris is cleared and the initial curiosity fades away, the victim is left to deal with the aftermath, including medical bills and adjusting to any changes in their life if they survive. The only people who benefit from this human tragedy that this country is living with are the operators and owners of the criminal enterprise down at the RTD and their related entities.
> My bigger question is: Why is this > 'publicly known secret' of corruption > not a matter of criminal investigation > like so many other crimes in this > country?" How difficult can it be to > track down a 10 Million Dollar per > annum Vehicle License Plates, Driver's > License and other secure documents > 'criminal enterprise' that every > Bahamian (and their dog) knows > exists?
The Bahamas Road Traffic Department has a complete monopoly over the issuance of licenses, plates, and inspection decals. This has led to a history of issues, including corruption within the agency. Until the department's monopoly is broken and authority is placed in the hands of trustworthy individuals, these issues will continue to persist. The current state of affairs at the department is similar to that of a criminal enterprise. It is essential that changes are made to tackle the problem of uninsured vehicles and address the broader issue of criminal activity in the country. ...All of this stems from (the well-known) weakness of the Road Traffic Department and the years of some protecting their criminal enterprise.
The current discussion around uninsured drivers on Bahamian roads underscores the urgency of implementing PTI Bahamas' comprehensive 2019 proposal, which directly addresses this critical issue. While concerns about the 30% uninsured driver rate and the devastating impact on accident victims are valid, the solution lies in the blueprint laid out in our proposal three years ago.
Our proposal, developed in collaboration with experts and stakeholders, provided a roadmap for modernizing the Road Traffic Department (RTD) and tackling the challenges of uninsured vehicles. Key elements included:
Establishing a new RTD facility equipped with technology to:
- Issue digital driver's licenses and vehicle registrations efficiently.
Conduct comprehensive vehicle inspections, including emissions testing, which would identify and flag uninsured vehicles.
Implement a digital system linking the RTD, police, and insurance companies, seamlessly verifying insurance status and eliminating loopholes.
> This modernized system would empower > law enforcement:
- To quickly identify and impound uninsured vehicles, deter risky behaviour and protect innocent citizens.
To access real-time insurance data, streamlining investigations and accident response.
> The benefits extend beyond immediate > safety:
- Reduced burden on victims: Ensured access to compensation for damages and medical expenses from accidents involving uninsured drivers.
Reduced financial strain on the public healthcare system.
> Increased revenue for the RTD: The > proposal outlined opportunities for > new services and revenue streams, like > traffic school for violators.
The 2019 proposal was met with positive feedback from industry partners but received a mostly negative response from government ' technical' officials and the Cabinet Minister under the Minnis Administration. While delays are unfortunate, the recent Tribune article demonstrates renewed awareness of the problem. We at PTI Bahamas urge the relevant authorities to revisit our proposal and consider its potential to make Bahamian roads safer for everyone.
> [To address this issue, it is > recommended to establish an > independent body that comprises > industry stakeholders, including the > police, insurance companies, banks, > customs, and emergency medical > services. This body should operate > independently and without being > influenced by the inherent and > historic corruption within the > Department. By creating such an > independent body, we can ensure that > decisions are made impartially and > with the best interest of all > stakeholders in mind.]
> The Bahamas: Paradise or Shark > Capital? A Delicate Choice
The Bahamas basks in the image of a "paradise on earth," with shimmering waters, coral reefs teeming with life, and idyllic beaches lapped by gentle waves. However, beneath this postcard-perfect veneer lies a complex reality. The presence of sharks, particularly tiger sharks, in areas like Clifton and Blue Lagoon Island, raises legitimate concerns for visitor safety, especially with lucrative "Shark Dive Packages" drawing divers seeking thrills (and shelling out $400-$800 per day).
While this generates $100 million annually for the island nation, it pales in comparison to the $2.33 billion tourism industry, representing 18.10% of its GDP. Further complicating matters, the Bahamas boasts the first shark sanctuary in the Atlantic Ocean, protecting over 40 species across its vast 630,000 km2 marine area.
A 2019 horrific shark attack, tragically claiming a young tourist's life, has reignited the debate on how to navigate this delicate balance. Fingers point towards chumming - the controversial practice of attracting sharks with fish waste, potentially altering their behaviour and leading to increased aggression. Experts, including those in California facing similar concerns with great whites, caution against chumming near beaches, highlighting its potential dangers.
The Bahamas government has a crucial choice to make. One path prioritizes the "paradise on earth" image, focusing on responsible diving practices, clear beach safety zones, and educating tourists about respectful shark interaction. Conversely, the "Shark Diving Capital of the World" route requires stringent regulations, possibly including **a bold move: **making it illegal to put fish waste in the water from near shore or near beaches.**
This decision is not without its challenges. Banning chumming near beaches raises enforcement concerns and may impact fishing communities. Yet, the potential benefits, including enhanced safety for tourists and Bahamians, cannot be ignored.
An old story: the country's Auditor General published a report on the Road Traffic Department years ago. The report suggested that the department could be losing up to $20 million annually through fraud. However, the then Minister of Transport, Glenys Hanna Martin, rejected the report and accused the auditor of making guesses about road traffic.
The Report suggests that:
If a forecast were performed based on the total number of licence plates produced and issued, approximately 374,000 plates, to the public as of June 30, 2015, one would estimate that the motor vehicle licence revenue should be at a minimum of $73 million dollars (374,000 x $195.00) instead of the reported average of $26 million dollars per annum. If the approximate number of 374,000 plates were reduced by 50%, there would still be an estimated loss of $10 million dollars as compared to the actual recorded revenue noted herein.
When our company conducted research preparing our 2019 Road Safety Proposal, we were advised to "watch our backs."
Many seemingly "good" cars are Frankenstein creations stitched together from multiple wrecks.
It is a common misconception that vehicle inspections are designed to punish car owners, but this is far from the truth. Inspections are essential to ensure that vehicles are safe and roadworthy. The inspection report allows car owners to take corrective measures and bring their vehicles in line with safety regulations, thereby improving their efficiency. This ensures that the vehicle is fuel-efficient and safe to operate.
If a vehicle is found to be mechanically unsafe, and the owner is not aware of it, the vehicle will be deemed 'unroadworthy' and advised to be unfit from a technical mechanical point of view. Many vehicles, including salvage and junk vehicles, are imported into the Bahamas without being checked for mechanical and structural integrity. The United Nations has labelled Africa, The Bahamas, and other "third world" countries as "dumping grounds" for the world's used and unwanted cars.
It is important to remember that just because a vehicle starts and drives does not necessarily mean it is safe to operate. Many seemingly "good" cars are, in fact, Frankenstein creations stitched together from multiple wrecks in a salvage operation that is completed to look visually appealing but is unsafe. A technical inspection can expose this to owners and could be a valuable service before purchasing a potentially dangerous vehicle.
Most used and old vehicles in the Bahamas will fit an inspection category of - ***Pass and Advise***; however, some will undoubtedly fail an inspection.
IslandWarrior says...
> Fish Waste Collection and Disposal
I totally agree that the practice of disposing of fish waste in the sea near the shore should be strictly prohibited. Additionally, it is recommended that a shark monitoring system employing tagging mechanisms be implemented. This would allow for the monitoring of shark populations and provide valuable insights into their movement patterns and behaviour. By introducing a tagging and monitoring regime, we can gather vital information to facilitate decision-making processes such as beach closures or the placement of warning signs, all while maintaining a non-intimidating approach that does not alarm beachgoers.
> Fish Waste As Fertilizer
In many Asian countries, especially in coastal areas, fish waste is commonly used as fertilizer. Fish waste, including parts like fish heads, bones, and guts, is rich in nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which are beneficial for plant growth. This practice helps in recycling organic waste from the fishing industry and contributes to sustainable agriculture.
On Underwater photographer calls to regulate chumming
Posted 22 December 2023, 10:17 a.m. Suggest removal
IslandWarrior says...
The thing is, most of the "have-nots" shouldn't even be here in the first place. That's the bigger issue that we have allowed to get out of control.
On Bahamian ‘Russian roulette’ with 30% uninsured drivers
Posted 22 December 2023, 8:47 a.m. Suggest removal
IslandWarrior says...
The Royal Bahamas Police Force has been facing an ongoing challenge with regard to Red Light violations within The Bahamas for a number of years. To address this challenge, Chief Superintendent of Police, David Lockhart, has proffered a potential solution. However, questions have arisen about the racial qualifications of the Bahamian "Civilian Services" that have been ignored for years. Concerns have also been raised that investing millions of dollars in foreign services, promoted by retired consultants from the North, fails to provide any benefit to Bahamians. Instead, these consultants receive multimillion-dollar paydays, which has raised concerns about the fairness of the process. As such, it is imperative that the situation is evaluated to ensure that Bahamians are afforded equal opportunities to provide these services. These services
> (presented by Bahamian providers)
have been on the table for many years without any response, and require a thorough evaluation to ensure impartiality and fairness.
On Police Traffic Division looking to introduce red light camera technology
Posted 21 December 2023, 10:33 p.m. Suggest removal
IslandWarrior says...
But, "People who struggle to afford basic necessities such as gas and food often find themselves in accidents just like anyone else. Unfortunately, regardless of their income, the cost of these accidents with uninsured drivers is not a matter of public interest. Once the debris is cleared and the initial curiosity fades away, the victim is left to deal with the aftermath, including medical bills and adjusting to any changes in their life if they survive. The only people who benefit from this human tragedy that this country is living with are the operators and owners of the criminal enterprise down at the RTD and their related entities.
> My bigger question is: Why is this
> 'publicly known secret' of corruption
> not a matter of criminal investigation
> like so many other crimes in this
> country?" How difficult can it be to
> track down a 10 Million Dollar per
> annum Vehicle License Plates, Driver's
> License and other secure documents
> 'criminal enterprise' that every
> Bahamian (and their dog) knows
> exists?
On Bahamian ‘Russian roulette’ with 30% uninsured drivers
Posted 21 December 2023, 1:48 a.m. Suggest removal
IslandWarrior says...
The Bahamas Road Traffic Department has a complete monopoly over the issuance of licenses, plates, and inspection decals. This has led to a history of issues, including corruption within the agency. Until the department's monopoly is broken and authority is placed in the hands of trustworthy individuals, these issues will continue to persist. The current state of affairs at the department is similar to that of a criminal enterprise. It is essential that changes are made to tackle the problem of uninsured vehicles and address the broader issue of criminal activity in the country. ...All of this stems from (the well-known) weakness of the Road Traffic Department and the years of some protecting their criminal enterprise.
On Bahamian ‘Russian roulette’ with 30% uninsured drivers
Posted 19 December 2023, 10:07 p.m. Suggest removal
IslandWarrior says...
> Addressing Uninsured Drivers: Why PTI
> Bahamas' 2019 Proposal Offers the
> Answer
The current discussion around uninsured drivers on Bahamian roads underscores the urgency of implementing PTI Bahamas' comprehensive 2019 proposal, which directly addresses this critical issue. While concerns about the 30% uninsured driver rate and the devastating impact on accident victims are valid, the solution lies in the blueprint laid out in our proposal three years ago.
Our proposal, developed in collaboration with experts and stakeholders, provided a roadmap for modernizing the Road Traffic Department (RTD) and tackling the challenges of uninsured vehicles. Key elements included:
Establishing a new RTD facility equipped with technology to:
- Issue digital driver's licenses and
vehicle registrations efficiently.
Conduct comprehensive vehicle
inspections, including emissions
testing, which would identify and
flag uninsured vehicles.
Implement a digital system linking
the RTD, police, and insurance
companies, seamlessly verifying
insurance status and eliminating
loopholes.
> This modernized system would empower
> law enforcement:
- To quickly identify and impound
uninsured vehicles, deter risky
behaviour and protect innocent
citizens.
To access real-time insurance data,
streamlining investigations and
accident response.
> The benefits extend beyond immediate
> safety:
- Reduced burden on victims: Ensured
access to compensation for damages
and medical expenses from accidents
involving uninsured drivers.
Reduced financial strain on the
public healthcare system.
> Increased revenue for the RTD: The
> proposal outlined opportunities for
> new services and revenue streams, like
> traffic school for violators.
The 2019 proposal was met with positive feedback from industry partners but received a mostly negative response from government ' technical' officials and the Cabinet Minister under the Minnis Administration. While delays are unfortunate, the recent Tribune article demonstrates renewed awareness of the problem. We at PTI Bahamas urge the relevant authorities to revisit our proposal and consider its potential to make Bahamian roads safer for everyone.
> [To address this issue, it is
> recommended to establish an
> independent body that comprises
> industry stakeholders, including the
> police, insurance companies, banks,
> customs, and emergency medical
> services. This body should operate
> independently and without being
> influenced by the inherent and
> historic corruption within the
> Department. By creating such an
> independent body, we can ensure that
> decisions are made impartially and
> with the best interest of all
> stakeholders in mind.]
On Bahamian ‘Russian roulette’ with 30% uninsured drivers
Posted 19 December 2023, 2:30 p.m. Suggest removal
IslandWarrior says...
> The Bahamas: Paradise or Shark
> Capital? A Delicate Choice
The Bahamas basks in the image of a "paradise on earth," with shimmering waters, coral reefs teeming with life, and idyllic beaches lapped by gentle waves. However, beneath this postcard-perfect veneer lies a complex reality. The presence of sharks, particularly tiger sharks, in areas like Clifton and Blue Lagoon Island, raises legitimate concerns for visitor safety, especially with lucrative "Shark Dive Packages" drawing divers seeking thrills (and shelling out $400-$800 per day).
While this generates $100 million annually for the island nation, it pales in comparison to the $2.33 billion tourism industry, representing 18.10% of its GDP. Further complicating matters, the Bahamas boasts the first shark sanctuary in the Atlantic Ocean, protecting over 40 species across its vast 630,000 km2 marine area.
A 2019 horrific shark attack, tragically claiming a young tourist's life, has reignited the debate on how to navigate this delicate balance. Fingers point towards chumming - the controversial practice of attracting sharks with fish waste, potentially altering their behaviour and leading to increased aggression. Experts, including those in California facing similar concerns with great whites, caution against chumming near beaches, highlighting its potential dangers.
The Bahamas government has a crucial choice to make. One path prioritizes the "paradise on earth" image, focusing on responsible diving practices, clear beach safety zones, and educating tourists about respectful shark interaction. Conversely, the "Shark Diving Capital of the World" route requires stringent regulations, possibly including **a bold move: **making it illegal to put fish waste in the water from near shore or near beaches.**
This decision is not without its challenges. Banning chumming near beaches raises enforcement concerns and may impact fishing communities. Yet, the potential benefits, including enhanced safety for tourists and Bahamians, cannot be ignored.
On New ideas to curb shark attacks
Posted 19 December 2023, 12:22 a.m. Suggest removal
IslandWarrior says...
There goes the 'marijuana' vote.
On Recreational use of marijuana not included in draft legislation, says permanent secretary
Posted 18 December 2023, 1:05 p.m. Suggest removal
IslandWarrior says...
An old story: the country's Auditor General published a report on the Road Traffic Department years ago. The report suggested that the department could be losing up to $20 million annually through fraud. However, the then Minister of Transport, Glenys Hanna Martin, rejected the report and accused the auditor of making guesses about road traffic.
The Report suggests that:
If a forecast were performed based on the total number of licence plates produced and issued, approximately 374,000 plates, to the public as of June 30, 2015, one would estimate that the motor vehicle licence revenue should be at a minimum of $73 million dollars (374,000 x $195.00) instead of the reported average of $26 million dollars per annum. If the approximate number of 374,000 plates were reduced by 50%, there would still be an estimated loss of $10 million dollars as compared to the actual recorded revenue noted herein.
When our company conducted research preparing our 2019 Road Safety Proposal, we were advised to "watch our backs."
Glenys Hanna Martin:
http://www.tribune242.com/news/2016/may…
http://www.tribune242.com/news/2017/mar…
Road Traffic Department Audit Report
https://www.bahamas.gov.bs/wps/wcm/conn…
Bahamians are fast asleep on the level of corruption and would be surprised 'who knows, who knows' who is involved.
On ‘Fifty percent of cars in accidents are uninsured’
Posted 16 December 2023, 12:32 a.m. Suggest removal
IslandWarrior says...
Many seemingly "good" cars are Frankenstein creations stitched together from multiple wrecks.
It is a common misconception that vehicle inspections are designed to punish car owners, but this is far from the truth. Inspections are essential to ensure that vehicles are safe and roadworthy. The inspection report allows car owners to take corrective measures and bring their vehicles in line with safety regulations, thereby improving their efficiency. This ensures that the vehicle is fuel-efficient and safe to operate.
If a vehicle is found to be mechanically unsafe, and the owner is not aware of it, the vehicle will be deemed 'unroadworthy' and advised to be unfit from a technical mechanical point of view. Many vehicles, including salvage and junk vehicles, are imported into the Bahamas without being checked for mechanical and structural integrity. The United Nations has labelled Africa, The Bahamas, and other "third world" countries as "dumping grounds" for the world's used and unwanted cars.
It is important to remember that just because a vehicle starts and drives does not necessarily mean it is safe to operate. Many seemingly "good" cars are, in fact, Frankenstein creations stitched together from multiple wrecks in a salvage operation that is completed to look visually appealing but is unsafe. A technical inspection can expose this to owners and could be a valuable service before purchasing a potentially dangerous vehicle.
Most used and old vehicles in the Bahamas will fit an inspection category of - ***Pass and Advise***; however, some will undoubtedly fail an inspection.
On ‘Fifty percent of cars in accidents are uninsured’
Posted 15 December 2023, 1:53 p.m. Suggest removal