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NASSAU, Bahamas – The Nicolo P. Small Meteorology Cadet Program begins in 2023 with nine cadets; by 2024, the program will have 17 cadets.
On August 22, the Honourable JoBeth Coleby-Davis, Minister of Energy and Transportation, attended the closing and recognition ceremony for this year’s Meteorology Cadet Program at Baha Mar, commending the achievements of the young cadets and hailing the contributions of past and present meteorologists to the nation.
She said: “The Bahamas Meteorological Service is a vital agency of the Government of The Bahamas. Its work is truly invaluable and touches every aspect of our lives. Under the leadership of Acting Director Jeffrey Simmons, the Service has worked tirelessly over the years to provide a vital service to our country and the people of The Bahamas.
“I would like to publicly express my sincere gratitude for the tremendous work that the Bureau of Meteorology does every day.”
She noted: “It’s no secret that climate change is leading to more extreme weather and climate events, such as longer and more intense heat waves, heavier rainfall and severe hurricanes.
“In many areas, we are increasingly vulnerable to the adverse effects of weather events. The fact is that our islands are low-lying and many Bahamians live near the sea.
“By investing in the Niccolo P. Small Meteorology Cadet Program, the Government of the Bahamas is providing young Bahamians with the opportunity to become meteorological scientists and develop environmental awareness. We launched the program in 2023 with nine cadets. Today, our second cohort has 17 cadets – all young Bahamians who represent the future of our country.”
Minister Colby Davis spoke of the dedication and service of predecessors and pioneers of the Weather Service and department heads: “As the Acting Weather Service Director noted in his remarks, the Weather Service has provided loyal service to our nation for many years.
“As the Minister in charge of the department, I am aware of the personal sacrifices made by past and current staff of the Meteorological Department to ensure our country is kept informed of weather systems and keeps the people of The Bahamas safe.
“Too often, these people’s work goes unnoticed and unrewarded. I intend to change that perception.
“Last year, we recognized the work of former Director Kenneth ‘Ken’ Lightbourne and the first female meteorologist, Donna Duncombe.
“This year, we are grateful for the work of past directors Arthur Rolle and Trevor Basden and current acting director Jeffrey Simmons.
“Mr. Arthur Rolle becomes the third Director of the Bahamas Meteorological Service. Under his leadership, the Family Island Weather Station is fully automated. With assistance from the United States Voluntary Cooperation Program, Mr. Rolle develops a storm surge atlas for the Northwestern Bahamas. In 2009, Mr. Rolle was elected President of the World Association of Meteorological Regions IV.
“Mr. Trevor Basden was the fourth Director of the Bahamas Meteorological Service. Under his leadership, the Bahamian Government invested over $20 million to purchase and install four Doppler weather radars to provide effective coverage across the island chain. During his career, Mr. Basden was a member of the Bahamas Hurricane Forecast Team and was the Chief Officer of the Meteorological Service, which was then part of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) of the Bahamas. He has given numerous presentations and lectures on hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis and disaster preparedness to schools, civic groups and disaster preparedness officials.
“Mr. Jeffrey Simmons joined the Bahamas Meteorological Service in 1979 as a meteorological trainee and currently serves as the Acting Director. Mr. Simmons has over 44 years of experience in tropical weather forecasting, with an emphasis on hurricane tracking and forecasting. He has also been actively involved in climate change work for over 25 years, contributing to many documents published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change on global climate change. Mr. Simmons is the Permanent Representative of the Bahamas to the World Meteorological Organization. Under his leadership, the Niccolo P. Small Meteorology Trainee Program was established.
“In future Niccolo P. Small Meteorology Cadet Programs, we will recognize other pioneers in the field of meteorology in the Bahamas and their contributions to the development of our nation.”
The Minister said she was proud of the young men and women who are part of the second class of the Nicolo P. Small Meteorology Cadet Program and encouraged other Bahamian youth to sign up. She said the capacity of the Bahamas Meteorological Service was expanded in 2016 under the leadership of then Minister of Transportation and Aviation, the Honourable Glenice Hannah-Martin. (BIS Photo/Anton Thompson)
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