Month: February 2022

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GBUC Launches Smart Meter Upgrade Program

GRAND BAHAMA UTILITY COMPANY LIMITED- For Immediate Release –

February 21, 2022 – Freeport, GB, The Bahamas: – The Grand Bahama Utility Company (GBUC) Limited is excited to announce the launch of its smart meter upgrade program, which commenced Saturday, February 19, 2022, in West End and will work east to cover all customers across Grand Bahama.

Philcher Grant, Chief Operating Officer of GBUC & Public Affairs stated, “This is GBUC’s first step in the automation of our metering system.” She added that the completion of this project will improve the efficiency of operations and mitigate the need to estimate accounts, while providing a greater accuracy of metering. 

In addition to the smart meter upgrade program, GBUC has implemented an overall improvement strategy, which includes a leak detection program, preventative maintenance, and equipment modernization. Ms. Grant added, “As the company continues to progress and invest in building back stronger & better, all of these initiatives are a part of GBUC’s long-term asset management program to ensure we remain resilient against climate change and future storms.”

Anastasia Rahming, Utility Relations Supervisor noted that GBUC’s replacement of older meters with advanced technology smart metering, will enable the utility to address hard to access areas, as well as perform remote readings. “Our GBUC team encourages customers to assist us with the execution of this program by ensuring that crews can easily access the meters, by removing all debris from around the area of the meter and securing all dogs.”  She advised that there will be a brief interruption in service for 30-minute intervals while crews remove the current meter and replace it with the new smart meter. 

This past weekend the work in West End was completed and crews are scheduled to continue the program in the areas of Jones Town, Sea Grape, Pine Forest, and Holmes Rock on February 26 & 27, 2022.  Customers are encouraged to follow the Grand Bahama Utility Company Facebook page or visit www.grandbahamautility.com for the latest change-out area updates.

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Sports Minister Bowleg Urges Boxing Revival

Yama Bahama
Gomeo Brennan
Elisha Obed
Sherman ‘Tank’ Williams
Ray Minus Jr.
Jermain Mackey

Fred Sturrup | GB News Editor | [email protected]

A few weeks ago, Minister of Youth Sports and Culture, Hon. Mario Bowleg, met with Bahamas Boxing Commission Chairman Fred Sturrup and other commissioners for the first time.  The minister made it quite clear that he plans to fortify the commission, the government’s arm for the control of professional boxing, as best as is possible with the main objective being the full revival of the sport.  He requested that Sturrup lead an initiative that links all of the boxing programs in the collective interest of boosting the sport.  To that end, the commission has engaged with Vincent Strachan of the Bahamas Boxing Federation (Amateur arm of the sport); Meacher Major, the national director for the Pan American Caribbean Boxing Organization, which is headquartered in the Bahamas; and Patrick Strachan who just recently registered a veteran boxing body.  A conclave is scheduled for April in Grand Bahama, a day after the scheduled Boxing Reconstruction Invitational which is set to take place at the Castaways Hotel in conjunction with the YMCA of Grand Bahama.  The sport is on the move for sure. There is a great chance that this first joint effort by all of the leadership of boxing will bring about a revival nationally and bring back memories of the ring greats who once had boxing solidified as the most popular sport in the country.  The names Gomeo Brennan, Yama Bahama, Elisha Obed, Baby Boy Rolle, Sugar Cliff, Battling Douglas, Ray Minus Sr., Ray Minus Jr., Cassius Moss, Quincy “Thriller” Pratt, Ernie Barr, Freeman Barr, Nat Knowles, Gary Davis, Taureano Johnson, Jermain Mackey, Carl Hield, Wendell Newton, Rene Pinder, Boston Blackie, Tidal Wave Duncanson, Vogal Reckley, Roy Armbrister, Sammie Isaacs, and many others were once noted in households around the country.   It is the intent of the commission to coordinate and spearhead clinics throughout the land, the capital island of New Providence and the inhabited Family Islands.  The entire plan is to connect the country to boxing like never before and spawn champions and great athletes akin to the aforementioned.
No doubt, boxing development is a top agenda item for Minister Bowleg. The fistic fraternity is appreciative.

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TRIBUTES TO GEORGE CURTIS

George Curtis

Statement by GB News Editor Fred Sturrup

George Curtis, yet another of the fabled and meaningful characters from the St. James Road/Kemp Road/St. Margaret Road (New Providence) vicinity, has died. I knew him all of my life, lost contact with him for years when he moved to Grand Bahama, but renewed our relationship when I made the Second City my home a decade ago. He was class personified, an exceptional and engaging human being. Condolences go out to Ann Stevenson-Curtis and the rest of George’s dear family. 

Press Statement by Peter Adderley, President of Creative Works

The death of prominent Grand Bahama businessman George Curtis serves as a blow to our island’s courageous and colourful past. George Curtis’ journey to Grand Bahama from New Providence decades ago was one that demonstrated a belief in the Bahamian dream of ownership and Freeport’s promise of opportunity. 
His work ethic, business savvy and flamboyant love for life inspired those of my generation.  He unselfishly fought for a level playing field for Bahamian businesses in Freeport. 
George Curtis was an unsung political and community activist.  He was a family man and he valued true friendships.  His legacy marks our national progress, Grand Bahama’s best days and Freeport’s rich potential.  He will be missed. 
I extend condolences to his soul mate and wife, Ann, as well as his entire family and friends

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