The Bahamas Joins MACHC

17th December, 2025, Niteriói,  Brazil. A delegation headed by Duane Miller, Director of The Bahamas National Geographic Information Systems (BNGIS) Centre (first from left), supported by Janet Russell, Assistant Port Controller, Freeport, Grand Bahama (second from right) and Cidney Thompson, Foreign Service Officer in the Maritime and Ocean Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (second from left) were welcomed by the Director of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), Luigi Sinapi (first from right) and the Meso-American & Caribbean Sea Hydrographic Commission (MACHC) community at the Commission’s 26th conference, hosted in Niterió, Brazil from 8-12 December.

During the official opening of the conference on Wednesday, December 9th, Director Miller and the MACHC Chair, Bernice Mahabier of Suriname, signed the Commission’s statutes, signifying The Bahamas’ official membership.

Director Miller with Ms. Mahabier

Director Miller also presented a national report, highlighting The Bahamas’ progress this year, from joining the IHO on 7 May to establishing its Hydrographic Working Group and facilitating the IHO Technical Assessment Visit from 29 September to 3 October.

The Bahamas was highly commended for its achievements by the MACHC community and remains committed to its work with the IHO, the MACHC, and industry partners to ensure the enhancement of the country’s hydrographic services.