The Bahamas National Geographic Information Systems (BNGIS) Centre in collaboration with the Ministry of Education successfully hosted its 6 th GIS Day Celebration, November 18 2009, Police Conference Centre, East Street, Nassau, Bahamas. This year’s theme was "Empowering Youth to understand Geography with GIS".
In a very competitive environment students from around The Bahamas took part in a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) competition while their peers from both private and public schools cheered them on.
The Winning school was North Andros High School. Teacher Mary Wallace was ecstatic to learn that her students had won the competition. Both presenters Master Valtio Cooper and Ms. Gabriell Campbell demonstrated their command of presentation skills and use of GIS and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) for data collection of illegal waste disposal sites located in and around their community. The dynamic duo and students of grade 11 also conducted surveys and offered relevant solutions for illegal dumping issue. As winners of the Competition the Andros Team won a HP Laptop, for use by the Social Studies Department, with the intent to facilitate the application of GIS and GPS in the classroom.
Last year’s second place winners Moore’s Island All Age School, travelled to New Providence with the goal to capture first place that eluded them last year, but unfortunately they fell short again this year and was awarded 2nd place.
New comer to the GIS Day Project Competition, Doris Johnson Senior High School placed 3rd, this finish was a pleasant surprise for Doris Johnson as they accepted the invitation to participate rather late and had limited time to prepare.
Ms. Carolann Albury, Director of the BNGIS Centre said that the Centre and officials of the Ministry of Education were impressed with students’ performance and competition presentations from schools in New Providence, Andros, Abaco and Inagua were very interesting This was all made possible through networking with the Ministry of Education, district superintendents, Principals, teachers and students who exhibited a keen interest in using modern technologies in the classroom where GIS and associated technologies such as global positioning systems can be taught. Indeed we are proud of all participants who have taken this opportunity to explore our world to understand their environment, address issues and suggest practical solutions for improved living conditions
Ms. Antonique Sweeting, coordinator and trainer for the GI Education Project applauded the work of all persons that made this competition a success. She indicated that the students have work hard and invested a great deal of time and effort in to the projects, and for this they are winners.
BNGIS Centre thanks the Ministry of Education, Dr. Jack Dangermond, Mr. Charlie Fitzpatrick from ESRI, Redlands California all sponsors from New Providence, Abaco , United States, Canada and Jamaica for their kind contribution in investing in our youth.