Minister Zane Lightbourne leads Bahamas Delegation To IAEA Nuclear Security Conference
22nd May, 2024
Vienna, Austria. The Honourable Zane Lightbourne, Minister of State for the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources, is currently leading The Bahamas delegation to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) International Conference on Nuclear Security: “Shaping The Future” (ICONS) in Vienna, Austria from 20-24 May 2024. The Minister is accompanied by Ms. Launa Williams, Acting Director of the Department of Environmental Health Services (DEHS), Ms. Ruth Munnings, Public Analyst of the Department of Environmental Health Services and Ms. Marjorie Julien, Head of the Multilateral and Political Affairs Bureau and National Liaison Officer to the IAEA, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Please note that DEHS was designated by Cabinet as the Interim Regulatory Body for matters related to radioactive and nuclear materials.
Minister of State Zane Lightbourne delivered the national statement of The Bahamas during the Ministerial segment of the International Conference on Monday, 20 May 2024. In his address, the Minister noted that The Bahamas has sought to develop and strengthen its national legal and regulatory framework, since becoming a member of the IAEA, focusing on building human and technical capacity in radiation medicine and control of radioactive sources.
He underscored The Bahamas’ deep commitment to protecting its territory and its people, as a result, has implemented robust measures to secure the transit and trans-shipment of radioactive material through our beautiful waters.
While noting the importance of resilience and climate change for The Bahamas as a small island developing state, Minister Lightbourne expressed gratitude to the Agency for its support in assisting The Bahamas in building national capacity in utilizing nuclear techniques to combat and mitigate climate change. He indicated that The Bahamas is especially excited and encouraged by Atoms4NetZero, an IAEA initiative which supports countries to harness the power of nuclear energy in the transition to net zero. He also expressed The Bahamas interest to deepen its partnership with the IAEA through participation in the Director General’s Rays of Hope Cancer Treatment initiative to provide greater access to cancer care and treatment in more practical ways. Minister also highlighted the importance of the peaceful use of nuclear technologies in achieving sustainable development goals with the need for nuclear security in this regard.
In closing, Minister Lightbourne stated, “a key element to shaping our future in this field, is international cooperation and assistance for countries like The Bahamas who require assistance in our efforts of maintaining international peace and security. As we share and explore what our future will look like, let us also consider who will fund it. The question that continues to resonate is – can small island developing states survive with this rapidly advancing world? We resoundingly say Yes, of course we can! The IAEA is evidence that with the proper tools and support, every state, large or small, can keep pace with the ever changing, ever advancing world.”
Minister Lightbourne and The Bahamas Delegation
The Bahamas became a member of the IAEA in January 2014. The International Conference on Nuclear Security (ICONS) provides a global forum for ministers, policymakers, senior officials and nuclear security experts to discuss the future of nuclear security worldwide, whilst providing opportunities for exchanging information, sharing best practices and fostering international cooperation.
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