Connect with us

Bahamas News

Road to Recovery Begins with ‘Serious Determination’

Published

on

#Bahamas, September 12, 2017 – Southern Bahamas – The road to recovery for residents of those Bahamian islands negatively impacted by Hurricane Irma began with “serious determination,” Monday (September 11, 2017).

Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert A. Minnis and a team of senior Administration officials took the first, critical steps on the road to recovery from Hurricane Irma Monday, visiting the three islands in the Southern Bahamas that were most impacted by the very dangerous Category 4 storm, September 8, 2017.

They were there to get on-the-ground briefings from Damage Assessment Teams that traveled as part of the Prime Minister’s delegation, and to speak with residents – some of whom decided to “ride out” the dangerous storm.

IMG-20170911-WA0014Dr. Minnis was also briefed by Initial Damage Assessment Teams – particularly officers of the Royal Bahamas Police and Defence Forces and Local Government officials — who would have gone into the affected areas in the immediate aftermath of the storm.

The work of the Initial Damage Assessment Teams and the Damage Assessment Teams is critical in Disaster Management, as their assessments will be used to help provide Government planners with a road map towards determining the appropriate course of action to be taken on the path to recovery.

Prime Minister Minnis was scheduled to visit the islands on Sunday (September 10, 2017) after the ‘All Clear’ was given for the Southern Bahamas, but severe headwinds in New Providence forced aviators to push back Dr. Minnis’ visit to Monday.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by Minister of Works, the Hon. Desmond Bannister; Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, the Hon. Renward Wells; Minister of Education, the Hon. Jeffrey Lloyd; Minister of Health, Dr. the Hon. Duane Sands; Minister of Transport and Local Government, the Hon. Frankie Campbell; Minister of Tourism and Aviation, the Hon. Dionisio D’Aguilar; Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Darren Henfield; Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon. Lanisha Rolle, and Minister of Labour, Senator, the Hon. Dion Foulkes.

The delegation also comprised Opposition Leader, the Hon. Philip Davis, and administrative, technical and logistics experts from the Office of the Prime Minister; the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA); Ministry of Works (including those from the Water and Sewerage Corporation and Bahamas Power and Light); and the Ministry of Transport and Local Government; Tourism and Aviation and Agriculture and Fisheries, among others.

IMG-20170911-WA0023The delegation’s first stop was Salina Point, which bore the brunt of Irma’s wrath in Acklins.  Homes and small businesses were either destroyed or received some form of damage, while storm surge created by Hurricane Irma brought seawater from the surrounding beach onshore for an estimated several hundred feet in some areas.   The Homecoming site also received damage, as did the cemetery.   While there were downed power lines, there was no major damage to poles.

Mr. Mario Virgil, Chief Councilor for Acklins, said the majority of the 234 residents of Salina Point, either evacuated the area or sought shelter elsewhere on the island. Five persons were said to have remained behind to “ride out the storm.” All five have been accounted for and are safe and sound.

Chief Councilor Virgil said the island’s much valued cascarilla bark farming industry was not impacted by the storm, as the majority of the trees are grown in Central Acklins. Cascarilla bark farming and the fishing industry are the two major revenue generators for Acklins.

The island’s crop farming industry– watermelons, peas, honeydews, potatoes, sour limes – also fared well according to Chief Councilor Virgil. High winds did impact the corn crop, however.   The delegation’s next stop was Crooked Island, which sustained little damage to infrastructure.  Administrator Leonard Dames said cell and land phone service, electricity and water were “fully functional.”

Early reports indicate that the Clinic and Dock at Landrail Point also sustained some damage. The school in Colonel Hill was “slightly damaged.” A number of seawalls that were under construction were also impacted by the storm.

The final leg of the journey took the delegation to Ragged Island. It was clear to see from the air upon approach, that the island-community, had been ravaged by Hurricane Irma.   Downed power lines and poles snapped in half by hurricane-force winds still littered the community Monday as the Prime Minister and his delegation toured the island to assess and evaluate the damage brought on by Hurricane Irma.

IMG-20170911-WA0061Government buildings (school, police station, clinic, post office), homes and businesses were either flattened by the storm or severely damaged. Many of those that were left standing were only a shell, having had doors and concrete walls torn out; roofs torn off, and windows blown out.

Communications are also out due to the extensive damage caused to the island’s infrastructure.

Navigating the community on foot and in the few vehicles that survived Irma’s wrath, proved a bit tricky as assessment teams and members of the delegation had to manoeuvre around large electricity poles and wires that blocked pathways.   The stench from the rotting carcasses of dead animals was also evident.

Prime Minister Minnis told residents that he was ordering a second round of evacuation for the 17 persons who “rode out the storm,” in their best interest.    evacuations are set to begin Wednesday, September 13, 2017, for those willing to evacuate.

Story by: Matt Maura (BIS)

PHOTO CAPTION

Southern Island devastation in the wake of Hurricane Irma early September 2017.

(Photos/Yontalay Bowe, OPM Media Services)

 

 

 

 

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

Ayla Isaacs Unveils Transformative Guide Amidst Challenging Times

Published

on

Bahamian author Ayla Isaacs is making an impactful debut in the literary world with her book, “Achieving Optimum Spiritual Health—Transforming Your Wellbeing With Diet, Exercise, and Rest.” As crime rates surge and the aftermath of the pandemic leaving many grappling with hopelessness and a sense of abandonment, Isaacs’ guide offers a beacon of hope and a roadmap for personal transformation, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing spiritual resilience in navigating adversity.

Long-time Bahamian physician Dr. Horizal Simmons says, “Ms. Isaacs not only states the spiritual ingredient that we should use for our therapy, but she also explains how it works in our spiritual system and the beneficial changes that will bring the desired transformation or spiritual health benefits.” Applauding the soundness of the book and paralleling it to physical wellness, Dr. Simmons said he highly recommends it to anyone serious about their spiritual well-being and health.

Isaacs is a highly experienced Project Manager who draws from her background in Civil and Environmental Engineering, International Business, and Christian ministry, whether a physical structure or the wellbeing of an individual’s life. Her published work shows that she strongly believes in building with structural integrity. Isaacs provides readers with a holistic approach to welfare beyond traditional self-help. She explores the transformative power of simple spiritual practices integrated into daily life. Isaacs believes that prioritizing spiritual health can help individuals find inner fulfillment and a sense of purpose, which she believes are essential in combating the prevailing hopelessness.

Coach Gregory Cash, who has spent decades helping to develop great athletes and leaders in the country, believes the unique perspective shared, especially relating to spiritual exercise, can touch the hearts of so many. Wendy Fernander, PhD., a licensed clinical psychologist and president of the Bahamas Psychological Association, noted that too few of us think about our spiritual diet, which results in our spiritual wellbeing. When asked about the book, Dr. Fernander said, “This book will provoke you to do serious soul searching.”

Amid the challenges communities face, Isaacs encourages readers to initiate a positive “me” movement—a focus on self-improvement that, when embraced collectively, can lead to stronger families, churches, and nations. According to Isaacs, strengthened individuals become catalysts for positive change within their immediate circles, creating a ripple effect that extends to broader communities.

Ayla Isaacs, whose roots go back to South Eleuthera, is a founding member of the Smart and Strong Sisterhood (SASS) and the creative mind behind A.I. Paper, a gift-wrapping paper and bag company that celebrates the islands of The Bahamas. Isaacs believes that investing in spiritual wellbeing is pivotal for personal growth and resilience. A conference speaker who is actively involved in church ministries and affiliated with several civic organizations, Isaacs firmly believes in the balance between personal and community wellbeing.

“Achieving Optimum Spiritual Health” is now available on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com in paperback and eBook form and locally at Oasis Bookstore in Nassau. Isaacs encourages readers to embark on a transformative journey and be architects of their spiritual wellbeing. In times of uncertainty, “Achieving Optimum Spiritual Health” offers a guide and a message of hope and empowerment for individuals seeking personal and communal transformation.

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

Tired of Taking Notes? The new Samsung Galaxy S24 Will Transcribe and Summarize Your Voice Notes In A Snap! 

Published

on

 

NASSAU, Bahamas – Faster, smarter and more convenient than ever before, the new Samsung Galaxy S24 will revolutionize your productivity with its new Transcript Assist and Browsing Assist features. In the continuous pursuit of delivering innovative solutions that enhance productivity and user experience, Samsung Electronics is proud to introduce two groundbreaking features: Transcript Assist and Browsing Assist.

The Transcript Assist feature, powered by Galaxy’s advanced artificial intelligence, takes note-taking to a whole new level by enabling users to easily convert voice notes and conversations into useful and accessible notes. Whether in a business meeting, conference, or casual conversation, the Galaxy S24’s Transcript Assist makes capturing information easier than ever.

By utilizing Transcript Assist, users can effortlessly record any conversation with multiple speakers and transform it into a clear and concise transcript with just a few taps. This feature is particularly useful for those who need to keep a detailed record of discussions and decisions made during important meetings or collaborative work sessions.

“With Transcript Assist, we’re redefining the way people take notes and record information,” said Gianmarco Leri, Product Manager at Samsung Electronics. “No longer do you have to worry about missing important details during a conversation. With the Galaxy S24, you can capture every word and turn it into a useful reference that you can easily review and share.”

In addition to generating accurate transcripts, the Transcript Assist feature also offers the ability to generate quick summaries of conversations, as well as the option to translate the entire transcript into different languages, facilitating communication and collaboration among people from different regions and cultures.

On the other hand, the Browsing Assist feature allows users to navigate more efficiently and conveniently on their Galaxy S24 devices by providing intelligent and contextual suggestions during web browsing and online content exploration.

The Galaxy S24, equipped with Transcript Assist and Browsing Assist, marks the beginning of a new era of productivity and convenience in mobile devices. These innovative features demonstrate Samsung Electronics’ continued commitment to providing advanced tools that help people achieve their goals more effectively and efficiently in everyday life.

So, get ready! The new Samsung Galaxy S24 will be coming soon to tech stores in The Bahamas soon.

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

Weather Systems Affect Cuba and The Bahamas

Published

on

Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

#Weather#Cuba#TheBahamas, March 25th, 2024 – Serious weather struck The Bahamas and Cuba over the weekend, both nations receiving warnings from their meteorological entities. The Bahamas was affected by severe thunderstorms.  In fact, an area of the Carnival Freedom Cruise Ship, which was 20 miles off Eleuthera, Bahamas, caught fire and reports say it was possibly due to a lightning strike.  Fortunately no lives were reported lost.

Meanwhile, Cuba had intense rainfall and hailstorms, resulting in damage to surrounding areas, thousands left without electricity amid fallen trees and Flash Floods.

 

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING