The Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES) has signed a landmark five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bahamas Association of Land Surveyors (BALS) and the Bahamas Institute of STEM Innovation (BIOSI), broadening international relations

The new agreement establishes a formal framework for practical cooperation, uniting the three organisations to advance professional standards in land surveying, geospatial sciences, civil engineering surveying, commercial management, STEM education and environmental sustainability.

This marks CICES's first formal agreement of its kind with institutions in the Bahamas. The partnership combines regional expertise with global reach.

BALS and BIOSI will contribute local resources, community engagement, regionally tailored educational content, curriculum development and mentorship opportunities for students and young professionals. Meanwhile, CICES will provide subject matter expertise, research leadership, potential certification and professional development pathways and leverage its international network.

Governance of the five-year collaboration will be managed by a joint steering committee comprising representatives from all three organisations, meeting quarterly to plan joint initiatives, webinars, workshops and global events such as Geospatial Week.

Commenting on the new MoU, Simon Hamlyn, CICES CEO, said:

‘This Memorandum of Understanding marks an important first step in strengthening professional relations and collaboration between the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors and the Bahamas Association of Land Surveyors. By sharing knowledge, supporting professional standards and creating new opportunities for members in both organisations, our MoU will help raise the profile of surveying in the built and natural environment, encourage international best practice and deepen the links between our professions for the benefit of the communities we serve.’

Thomas Ferguson, BIOSI & BALS Secretary, said:

‘This Memorandum of Understanding with CICES represents a transformative step for the surveying and geospatial professions in The Bahamas. Together with BIOSI, we are building a pipeline of excellence that will equip our young professionals with internationally recognized standards and create lasting pathways for innovation, capacity building, and regional leadership in the geospatial sciences.’

With the formal agreement now in place, the collaboration paves the way for a series of collaborative projects and ongoing strategic initiatives over the course of the next five years.

ENDS