The Tribune

FREEPORT – THE Grand Bahama Port Authority spearheaded a two-day workshop for environmental stakeholders on the island.

Facilitated by University of Florida professors, the in depth training was well-
received by participants.

According to Arthur Jones, vice-president of Building and Development Services at the GBPA, the exercise had been two years in the making.

“Today, we have various persons from different departments, the Port Authority, government and private.

“Our intent is to bring this technical expertise to the island for the members who make the difference, to be able at the end of the day to help the community.”

Discussions centred on environmental issues pertaining to mould, mildew and termites.

As Mr Jones revealed, his department has been bombarded with queries, so assistance was sought from experts.

“We’ve noticed in the recent past that methods utilised by local service providers have not been as effective as they used to be in treating and preventing termites. Additionally, ever since the ’04 and ’05 hurricanes, mould has become more pronounced,” he said.

Addressing these concerns and leading the discussions were University of Florida intellectuals Dr Rudolf Scheffrahn, who holds a PhD in entomology and is a world authority on termites; Dr William Kern, a Florida authority in Urban Wildlife and specialist in entomology and zoology; and Renato Perez, BCE, director, School of Structural Fumigation and Technical Training, University of Florida.

Topics included: mould identification, methodology for management and elimination, typical response to consumer and civil complaints, termite biology basics, inspection practices, best management practices, environmental concerns, and development of a standardised approach for inspectors.

Grand Bahama’s various sectors were well-represented with attendees from the GBPA, Grand Bahama Development Company, Sanitation Services, Freeport Harbour and Airport Company, Town and Country Maintenance Service, Ministry of Works, Ministry for Grand Bahama, Bahamas Customs, Department of Environmental Health Services, Rand Memorial Hospital, Social Services and the College of The Bahamas.