Port partners with Aliv to honour women scientists

THE Grand Bahama Port Authority’s (GBPA)

Keep Grand Bahama Clean organisation has teamed with Aliv to honour women and girls who excel in the sciences.

“Science is elementary to our very existence, and the importance of attracting and retaining women and girls in the diverse field of science here at home and around the world cannot be overstated,” said the GBPA’s vice-president of building and development services, Nakira Wilchcombe.

“Our health and the health of our planet – today and in the future – relies on scientific research and development in a range of disciplines, so it is fitting that the United Nations (UN) has focused the 2023 International Day of Women and Girls in Science on sustainable development goals.”

The awards ceremony marked the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, which was held last Friday, February 10. Among the guests was Ginger

Moxey, minister for Grand Bahama. “In proud partnership with ALIV, Keep Grand Bahama Clean welcomed honorees, dignitaries, media and some of our island’s brightest young female science students to this inaugural event where we celebrate 16 Grand Bahamian women for their work in, and advocacy of, the sciences,” said Mrs Wilchcombe. “Science is vital to a healthy and sustainable economy in Freeport, and it is our great honour to promote and celebrate our own – both accomplished scientists and scientists-in-the-making.” Among those honoured were: Dr Catherine Adderley; LaKeisha Anderson; Samantha Colton; Dr Pamela Etuk; Berthamae McPhee-Duncanson; Shayvonne Moxey-Bonamy; Gia Minns; Nikita Mullings; Letitia Parker; Dr Charlene Reid-Morris; Dr Shamel Rolle-Sands; Bronwen Smith; Meritta Strachan; Annaleta Swann; Dr Chante Wildgoose; Gail Woon.

Mrs Wilchcombe was also honoured for her own 20-year contributions in the areas of environmental science, sustainable planning and development, regulatory compliance, and policy formation. She helped create the Keep Grand Bahama Clean initiative and is a contributing author/ editor to a number of environmental publications and reports.

“In keeping with the International Day of Women and Girls in Science this month, Keep Grand Bahama Clean is also pleased to sponsor and launch an essay competition among Grand Bahama’s female students,” added Mrs Wilchcombe.

“Through this competition, we have asked young women to share their perspectives, experiences and ideas on science using the essay topic: ‘As The Bahamas celebrates 50 years of Independence, how far have our women come in the field of science, and what role do Bahamian women play in the further advancement of science in the country?’.”