NASSAU, The Bahamas -- The Government of The Bahamas is fulfilling its commitment to low-carbon economy.  

The Ministry of Environment and Housing along with the Ministry of Environment, Land and Seas, Italy (IMELS) and the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (5Cs) launched the Anatol Rodgers High School Energy Retrofit Project on October 23. 

In 2017, Anatol Rodgers received an $850K grant from IMELS, as part of a Regional Programme, funded by the Government and people of Italy. 

The school is the first government owned institution in the country to be the recipient of energy efficiency and renewable energy retrofits. 

The Hon. Jeffrey Lloyd, Minister of Education; Dr. Giovanni Brunelli, Director of Division, Ministry of Environment, Land and Seas, Italy; Dr. Rhianna Neely, Head of Climate Change Unit, Ministry of Environment and Housing and students and staff of Anatol Rodgers High School took part in the virtual ceremony. 

The project includes the installation of: vacancy sensors [devices that detect when a space is unoccupied and automatically turn off (or dim) the lights] in all classrooms, programmable thermostats, rooftop solar photovoltaics (PV) array, low-flow lavatory aerators (low-flow aerators reduce the flow of water from the faucet without reducing pressure, saving both water and energy) and the re-zoning of the interior lighting system at the school’s entrance. 

The Hon. Romauld Ferreira, the Minister of Environment and Housing, said as part of a planned mitigation and adaptation program, The Bahamas Government sought funding for a retrofitting project that addressed a key national issue of energy efficiency. He expressed appreciation to the Government of Italy for their donation and to 5Cs for its support. 

“The award-winning installation at the Anatol Rodgers High School was the first of a program of installations across Government owned schools and facilities in The Bahamas and fulfils one of the strategic objectives of the Government to realize a low-carbon economy,” said Minister Ferreira. 

“The vulnerability of The Bahamas to the impact of climate change is well known given its geographic vulnerabilities (limited land mass, low-relief and dispersion of islands, environmental vulnerabilities (high temperatures, storm surges, sea level rise, flooding, tropical cyclones and non-tropical processes), the concentration of socioeconomic activities and critical infrastructure in narrow coastal zones, its heavy dependence on tourism as a revenue source, and the limited human and institutional capacity.  

“The Energy Policy was drafted to address the vulnerabilities and weaknesses, identify all gaps and fill them.” 

Minister Ferriera informed that the project served as a learning tool, a tangible example in the lives of the students and offers a glimpse of what the future will be like.  

Dr. Colin Young, Executive Director, 5Cs, said the project showcases the achievements of The Government of The Bahamas, through partnership with 5Cs and the financial support of IMELS.  

“The projects were geared to contribute to the low carbon development growth that is resilient to climate change in the Caribbean region via the piloting of: electric school buses, energy efficiency and grid interactive solar PV systems for school, health centres, villages, sewage treatment plants, carport and electric vehicle charging stations and water production and distribution systems. 

“The 5Cs is pleased to be the implementing partner for these projects, on behalf of our Member States and IMELS. Today, we are virtually gathered with our partners to celebrate the fruits of our labour in The Bahamas,” said Dr. Young.