Connect with us

Bahamas News

Veteran Educator, Community Advocate Joe Darville ‘PM’s Promise of Land a 41-Year Dream Come True’

Published

on

#Bahamas, February 16, 2018 – Grand Bahama – Joe Darville remembers the first time he proposed that every Bahamian be granted a plot of Crown Land at age 18.  “It was 1977 and I had just moved to Freeport to take up my post as principal of Catholic High School,” said the veteran educator and respected community rights and environmental advocate.   “The Bahamas was barreling toward a drug-involved culture. Drugs were infiltrating every level of society and I was sick about what I saw ahead – poverty, neglect, delusion, corruption, a widening gap between the haves and have-nots, a disrespect for law and order.”

But Darville, ever the faith-based optimist, also saw a solution.

“Make Bahamians owners of their own land and they would look after their country,” he says.   “Sixty percent of all the land in The Bahamas is Crown Land and successive governments have been trading it for a song to lure foreign direct investment.  I am not opposed to foreign investment.  We are a small nation and we need people from abroad who have vision, ideas and the wherewithal to carry them out.   But we also need to make Bahamians owners and the only way to do it for many who will not be able to afford to buy land, especially when they are young, is to offer that land as a grant and see how becoming a landowner changes people, making them stronger, more confident, more responsible.  They feel as though they belong.”

fortistci insert

Crown Land grants for Bahamians was a plea at Darville repeated for four decades, through his years as a high school principal, vice president of the Bahamas Union of Teachers, founding member and past president of the Bahamas Counselors’ Association, founding member of the Grand Bahama YMCA, chairman of the Bahamas Humane Society, more recently chairman of Save The Bays.

This week, Darville heard the words he had waited half a lifetime to hear.

“When the Prime Minister, Dr. Hubert Minnis announced that government would provide lots for under $30,000, a reduction of 70% of the market price, as part of its ambitious housing program and land reform initiatives, I wanted to jump up and shout congratulations.  This could be one of the most significant moves any government could ever make.  We do not know the details yet, how many lots, where they are, what size, any payment or loan arrangements so we await word on that but in principle, the move to make Crown Land available at reasonable rates to a broad base is a dramatic turn that will have tremendous positive benefits.”

Darville offered two suggestions to maximize the initiative.

“I would ask that the PM take into consideration the fact that even $30,000 may be out of reach for some and provide delayed payment plans or outright grants based on earning potential and individual interviews,” he said.   “I would also urge government to grant one-acre plots in the Family Islands to give recipients pride of ownership, open windows of opportunity and help revive our beautiful family islands.”

The prime minister made the announcement this week during a tour of The Pointe development, Bay Street.

global capital insert

“There are many Bahamians who want to own homes,” he said.  “Unfortunately, today, the average home may cost anywhere from $180,000 and up.  That is very cost prohibitive to the average Bahamian, and therefore we are introducing this program.  We would hope that we have lots available right after the new budget [in] May/June.  Those lots will be sold with all the infrastructure, amenities attached to it and be sold at a very, very low price.  The only thing I can say is that there’d be – I don’t want to give the exact cost – but to give you a ballpark figure, I can say they will be definitely be less than $30,000.”

Darville, who has won numerous awards for civic leadership, said one of the important components of the promise of land ownership is duty exemption on construction materials for first time homeowners, predicting an economic boost for contractors.

“But the most important outcome is that those who were once on the outside looking in will now feel a part of the mainstream,” he said.  “Home ownership changes how you view everything around you – your neighbours, your neighbourhood, the school in your area – they all become part of your world.  For those who have always lived behind the warm wall of wealth, it is hard to imagine how cold it is on the outside.  I commend Dr. Minnis and his team for taking this important step toward true land reform and hope that it is carried out especially in the Family Islands so young people can return to their roots and develop the land of their heritage and of their hearts.”

 

 

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