Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Students and Parents Sing Praises for National Arts Festival
#Bahamas, April 19, 2018 – Nassau – The Louise McDonald High School ninth-grader bashfully said that she was not ready to be interviewed on camera. No matter how much the other members of the school choir cheered her on, the young girl only blushed more and shook her head. It was not until her choir director – and Physical Education teacher at the school in Alice Town, Bimini – Ms. Stephanie Woodside stood next to her and encouraged her with a comforting smile, did she look up and flashed a shy grin.
“My name is Maya Saunders,” she began slowly, “and I enjoyed the experience of the National Arts Festival because I got to break out of my nervousness.”
She smiled broadly at Ms. Woodside and her schoolmates and continued on about the adjudicators coming from the capital to her little school.
“I appreciate it and I hope to see them again next year,” she said with a bit more confidence. “I will move around more (when singing her solo) and stop rocking and feel the song.”
Students throughout several Family islands sang along with Maya’s sentiments about the E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival adjudications. In fact, her fellow classmate Brian Rolle said that he enjoyed being part of the choir that performed that day.
“It is an honour for me, personally, to be in the school choir and attending the National Arts Festival – going on two years now,” he said. “Ms. Woodside has been a great teacher and I have some great (fellow) choir members, who really help me to explore your voice.
“It’s been a great learning experience, knowing the judge, getting to know the different tunes, exploring my voice and meeting new people.”
In Nicholl’s Town, Andros, Huntley Christie eighth-grader Elli Evans entered two pieces of craft for adjudication. She said that she felt good entering the Festival; but spoke honestly about the experience.
“I felt a bit scared, a bit nervous,” she said, while fiddling with the shell-covered hair accessories she had created. However, she was proud of her work. “I really like the colours,” she added. She even took the time to encourage her friends and classmates to enter next year.
“If they join, they could make something good – and they could get a grade for it and probably make some money (selling the crafts later),” she said, showing her entrepreneurial spirit.
Her fellow schoolmate and ninth-grader Tamari Wallace created a decorated mirror as his craft piece. He proudly showed it off and said that it was fun to enter the Festival. He also talked about using shells and dried pods from the Woman’s Tongue Tree to decorate his entry.
“I really like the design of it,” he said.
In the Abacos, students at the Hope Town Primary School chimed in and said that they enjoyed the experience and they worked hard to prepare.
While at at Every Child Counts, a school for special students in Marsh Harbour, Ronel Escarment is in his last year of school and said he has taken part in the Festival for a number of years. He noted that he was grateful to the judges, who took their time out to visit and adjudicate their performances.
“I think the National Arts (Festival) is very amazing,” he said. “I practice for it every year and get ready to be judge by people who know a lot about music, and who can help me to improve what I do and what I love to do. “It can make you very nervous; but I get to it and I do it,” he added.
Ronel’s mother, Caroline Sawyer said, “We are very proud of Ronel – of course — and we are quite pleased that he is able to perform at a National level, because the National Arts Festival makes it a possibility.”
From the Treasure Cay Primary School was Odell Cox, Jr. – a Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Foundation nominee who happens to have a love for Junkanoo. He was enthusiastic about the Festival.
“I like it. I love it a lot because I get to ‘beat drum’ and do what I like doing, Junkanoo,” he said with a broad smile and a drum almost half his size swung expertly over his shoulder.
He was equally as enthusiastic when asked how he felt performing with his schoolmates. “When I perform with them, I sound even better,” he exclaimed.
Odell’s mother and Principal of his school Chantell Cox said that it was a wonderful feeling to have her students participate in the National Arts Festival because it is a chance for them to showcase their culture.
“A lot of times we stay within the four walls and we tend to focus on academics; but then we have to realize that, to build a well-rounded child, we have to move away from just academics,” Ms. Cox said. “The children have to participate in more of the cultural experiences, as well as the sporting activities.”
Abraham’s Bay High School senior Destiny Hall said it was not only a great experience being in the National Arts Festival; it was also a chance for 
her to learn about her craft. “I learned some pros and cons and what I need to work on more,” she said with a confident smile.
The Mayaguana student’s smile became a lot broader when she was asked about Music Adjudicator Trent Elliott Davis, who took the time out after her singing to give her a few pointers on “finding her voice”.
“That was amazing,” she exclaimed. “Someone with such a big voice and a big name like Mr. Trent Davis was really awesome – and to hear that he thought that my voice was good! That was truly amazing.”
At the Arthur’s Town High School, in Cat Island, sisters Zoe and Erin Turner sang, played the guitar and danced in the Festival. Their mother, Ethel, was there and she is also the math teacher at the school, and worked along Senior Assistant and Religious Studies teacher Antoine V. Duncombe with preparing all the students who performed for the school.
Zoe, whose in grade nine, said that it was fun to perform with her 10th-grade sister in the Festival, even though performing together is something they do often. The girls always received a short lesson on ways to strengthen their choreography from Dance Adjudicator and cultural icon Lawrence Carroll.
Zoe added that she liked performing with her sister. “Especially because it makes her happy, sometimes,” she quipped with a smile.
“I am always proud of what they do,” Ms. Turner said. “I do appreciate the lesson from Mr. Carroll because we are not professional dancers, nor have any of us had dance lessons to that extent before; so, even as watching him teach them, it really helped me learn a bit more, so I really appreciate it.”
At the Old Bight High School, 12th-grader Alexandria Brown also enjoyed performing in the Festival and also echoed Ms. Turner’s sentiments.
“I love to dance! Dance is my passion, and that’s what I do. That’s how I express myself,” she said. “It was great because he (Mr. Carroll) would be able to expose me to more moves and make me a better dancer than I am.”
As of press time, the E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival was into its second week of Grand Bahama adjudications and will be heading to New Providence next.
By: Eric Rose (BIS)
Photo captions:
Header: Louise McDonald High School ninth-grader Maya Saunders (right) speaks about her experience in the E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival, during the recent adjudications at her school in Alice Town, Bimini. In the left background is Physical Education teacher at the school and choir director Ms. Stephanie Woodside.
First insert: Huntley Christie High School students Tamari Wallace (left) and Elli Evans showcase their arts and crafts pieces entered into the E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival, during the recent adjudications at the Nicholl’s Town, Andros school.
Second insert: Every Child Counts senior Ronel Escarment poses with his mother Caroline Sawyer, after the recent E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival adjudications at the Marsh Harbour, Abaco school.
Third insert: Treasure Cay Primary School student Odell Cox, Jr. talks about his love for performing Junkanoo, during the recent E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival adjudications in Marsh Harbour, Abaco. (MOYSC/BIS Video Capture Footage By Eric Rose)
Fourth insert: Abraham’s Bay High School senior Destiny Hall smiles as she gets pointers on her singing, after the E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival adjudications at her Mayaguana school.
(MOYSC/BIS Photos: Eric Rose)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 24, 2024
By LINDSAY THOMPSON
Bahamas Information Services
NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Government entered into a Heads of Agreement with Royal Caribbean International, followed by a Ground Breaking Ceremony for the construction of Royal Beach Club on Paradise Island, at an estimated $165 million.
The agreement was signed on Monday, April 22, 2024 during a press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister.
According to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation the Hon. Chester Cooper, the project will further enhance the tourism product, on the heels of an estimated 9 million visitor arrivals.
He deemed it “an eventful day” with a reliable partner in RCI of more than 50 years with The Bahamas, and the continued confidence that investors have in the tourism product and economy.
He said it is a partnership with “excellence experiences” as he delighted in the fact that there will be more for the 25,000 cruise ship guests in port.
Also on hand for the activities to seal the agreement were Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis; Minister of Health and Wellness, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville; Minister of Energy and Transport, the Hon. JoBeth Coleby-Davis; Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Senator the Hon. Ryan Pinder; Director of Investments Phylicia Woods-Hanna; executives of Royal Caribbean International and Royal Caribbean Group, and other officials.
“With the signing of this Heads of Agreement for the development of the Royal Beach Club on Paradise Island, we embark on a $165 million project to further enhance the vitality of our tourism product,” the prime minister said.
Spearheaded by RBC Paradise Island Ltd. and PDI Paradise Ltd., subsidiaries of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., the project will galvanize entertainment and recreational offerings for Bahamians and visitors alike.
The master plan for the Royal Beach Club includes pools, cabanas, and Bahamian boutiques, offering an unparalleled on-shore experience for visitors.
“This development will prove to be a monumental step forward for Bahamian inclusion in major tourism projects that will serve as a model for others to emulate,” the prime minister said.
The prime minister then underscored the importance of what the project would mean for Bahamians in the broader scope of things.
An estimated 200 jobs will be created for Bahamians. However, an opportunity is being provided for shared ownership in this development.
It is anticipated that PDI Paradise Ltd. will hold at least 51% of the shares in the Royal Beach Club, with the remaining 49 % shares being allocated to the National Investment Fund for the benefit of Bahamians.
“Through this partnership, we will provide new employment and economic opportunities for this nation. Local businesses will see their share of opportunities as well. There will be Bahamian boutiques creating avenues for small business ownership,” the prime minister said.
The project will also encompass a joint venture with a Bahamian-owned entity for the operation of a water taxi business; it will provide transportation options for guests of the Royal Beach Club, as well as other attractions in Nassau Harbour – enhancing accessibility while creating additional avenues for economic growth within the community.
“Ultimately, this project will largely be run by Bahamians, owned by the Bahamian people, and supported by Bahamian businesses.
“When we talk about the need to ensure that major tourism projects are primarily for the benefit of the Bahamian people, these are the kinds of opportunities that we are talking about,” the prime minister said.
He observed that the Royal Beach Club represents the latest successful chapter in the story of Paradise Island’s growth as a tourism mecca. Initial negotiations for the project began under the previous administration. Royal Club Beach is expected to open in 2025.
“By signing today’s agreement, we add another world-class experience to our tourism offerings. And even more importantly, we take a bold step toward greater Bahamian empowerment in the tourism industry. This is our nation, and we must ensure that, first and foremost, our service industries serve us,” the prime minister said.
He concluded, “We are more optimistic than ever before about our economic prospects with tourism leading the way as our number one industry that continues to grow at a record-breaking pace.
At the ground breaking site just west of the Atlantis Resort, officials tilled the soil, marking the beginning of the construction process.
Jason Liberty, president, and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group said that events regarding the agreement “symbolize partnership, momentum, and continued economic development for so many Bahamian entrepreneurs and the entire community.
“We are grateful to our partners for their support, especially the Bahamian government, who stand with us here today in celebration of what is to come.”
Bahamas News
Sister Province/Island Relationship Agreement Signed between Grand Bahama Island and Hunan Province
By LLONELLA GILBERT
Bahamas Information Services
NASSAU, The Bahamas — A significant milestone was made in the development of bilateral relations between the Governments of The Bahamas and the People’s Republic of China by the signing of the Sister Province/Island Relationship Agreement between Grand Bahama Island and Hunan Province.
The signing took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. The Hon. Ginger Moxey, Minister for Grand Bahama; the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, Minister of Health and Wellness; Kingsley Smith, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry for Grand Bahama and Joel Lewis, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry for Grand Bahama represented The Bahamas at the signing.
His Excellency Mao Weiming, Governor of Hunan Provincial People’s Government; Qu Hai, Secretary General of Hunan Provincial People’s Government; Cui Wei, Charge d’Affaires, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China; and Yang Peiran, Interpreter represented the People’s Republic of China.
Minister Moxey explained that in February 2022, she and the former Chinese Ambassador to The Bahamas, Her Excellency Dai Qingli began discussion on the establishment of a province-island relationship between Hunan Province and Grand Bahama Island because of their “immense synergy”.
“Hunan has a vibrant creative industry and its capital city, Changsha is known as the entertainment capital of China, whilst Grand Bahama is poised to become the home of entertainment in ‘Our Bluepoint for Change’.”
She said Hunan Province boasts 11 industrial sectors and Grand Bahama is the industrial capital of The Bahamas. Further, innovation driven development has been a new driving force for Hunan, while Grand Bahama is poised to become the home of innovation for The Bahamas.
Minister Moxey said she is confident that an exchange of knowledge, ideas and culture will happen between the residents of Hunan Province and Grand Bahama.
“There is potential for robust trade in various sectors, opportunities for tourism promotion and intercultural appreciation, exchanges to support performing arts programs on our island, foster growth within the Orange Economy, and tap into China’s innovation, technology and vast expertise.”
She said that the formal signing aligns with the mission of Sister Cities International, which is to promote peace through mutual respect, understanding and cooperation, one community at a time.
The Minister said, “Through collaborative programs and initiatives, this connection will support the government’s vision to diversity Grand Bahama’s economy to become the Home of Maritime and Logistics, Home of Events and Entertainment and Home of Innovation.”
She noted that in addition to signing the agreement, she looks forward to Grand Bahama residents benefitting from the signing of the Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding between Central South University and University of The Bahamas (UB), which will expand educational and technical cooperation between the two universities. The northern campus of UB is located in Grand Bahama.
His Excellency Mao Weiming said although geographically far apart, China and The Bahamas are friends with mutual respect and understanding as well as sincerity.
He explained that 27 years ago, both countries established diplomatic relations and China and The Bahamas have deepened their cooperation, strengthened their friendship and carried out many activities in the field of economy, trade and people-to-people exchange.
His Excellency recalled that in August 2022, he and Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis had a video conference where they both reached a consensus to cooperate in order to usher a new chapter in the relationship between Hunan and The Bahamas.
“Today, we are here to sign a sister-to-sister relationship between Hunan and Grand Bahama. It is [a] concrete move to implement
our consensus reached before and also to embark on a new journey of friendly exchanges.”
He added, “By establishing the relationship of sister cities, I believe the two sides will develop further in terms of economic and trade cooperation, people to people exchange, as well as friendship, and we will embrace new opportunities and deliver concrete benefits for the two peoples.”
He explained that Hunan, which is the home town of Chairman Mao, the founder of the People’s Republic of China, has developed very advanced industries of manufacturing, agriculture, education, culture as well as tourism.
His Excellency said he believes that Hunan and Grand Bahama enjoy very broad room for cooperation.
He said, “More efforts should be made to conduct cooperation in the fields of agriculture, tourism, culture, education and the film industry so as to realize a connectivity between our two sides in terms of logistics and the platform cooperation; so as to deliver concrete benefits for the people and to make our due contribution to the bilateral relationship between China and The Bahamas.”
PHOTO CAPTION
A significant milestone was made in the development of bilateral relations between the Governments of The Bahamas and the People’s Republic of China by the signing of the Sister Province/Island Relationship Agreement between Grand Bahama Island and Hunan Province. The signing took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. Shown from left: Qu Hai, Secretary General of Hunan Provincial People’s Government; Cui Wei, Charge d’Affaires, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China; Yang Peiran, Interpreter H.E. Mao Weiming, Governor of Hunan Provincial People’s Government; the Hon. Ginger Moxey, Minister for Grand Bahama; the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, Minister of Health and Wellness; Kingsley Smith, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry for Grand Bahama and Joel Lewis, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry for Grand Bahama.
(BIS Photos/Anthon Thompson)
Nassau, Bahamas: The Nassau Cruise Port has donated $1.95 million towards projects that will assist the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources in its aim to increase food security for The Bahamas.
The donation officially occurred at the Ministry’s offices recently, where Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources Hon. Jomo Campbell, Minister of Labour Hon. Pia Glover-Rolle, Permanent Secretary Neil Campbell and Nassau Cruise Port CEO Mike Maura listened to a number of presentations including one for a poultry programme for schools, a chicken broiler production programme, the redevelopment of the Blue Hill Road Farmers Market and an Authentic Bahamian Cultural Concept Store,
Mr. Maura said he was impressed by the presentations.
“I had the privilege to listen to the presentations and review presentations that touched on food security and the need for us to be self-sufficient, which as a Bahamian I support completely. At the Nassau Cruise Port, we get excited about the prospects of offering more authentic food to the millions of visitors that we have each year,” he said.
“And then, in addition to that, we had presentations around the further development of our artisans, which is so important to us as well. The guests visiting our shores are looking for something that really touches The Bahamas and can’t be found somewhere else. The Nassau Cruise Port has made a pledge to BAIC and its affiliates. We will be supporting the projects that were presented and we can’t wait to get started.”
Minister Glover-Rolle, who is also the Member of Parliament for Golden Gates, hailed Nassau Cruise Port as a “great community partner.”
“Thank you for the opportunity to not only present but agreeing to participate. Our Minister of Agriculture has a goal of reducing food imports by 25 percent by the year 2025 and our project in the Golden Gates Community speaks to that,” she said.
“We have a number of backyard farmers, farmers and fishers in our community in Golden Gates. Being able to use the Blue Hill Road Farmers Market, which is going to be dubbed the ‘Fish Fry of the South,’ as a hub for food security but also a hub where artisans and handicraft persons can come and sell their wares is wonderful. So, we are happy that you have agreed to partner with us and we look forward to a partnership and we hope to welcome some of your visitors when this amazing renovation is done.”
Minister Campbell also lauded the Nassau Cruise Port for its efforts.
“I would like to say thank you to the presenters for the presentations that are several steps in the right direction for our country, to Mr. Maura and his board at the Nassau Cruise Port and I would like to say thanks to God for this partnership and bringing us all together as we move forward, upward, together in building a better, brighter, future for The Bahamas,” he said.
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