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NEMA Gets Disaster Relief Equipment from Japan

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#Nassau, October 3, 2018 – Bahamas – The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) officially accepted equipment and products under the Government of Japan’s Economic and Social Cooperation to The Bahamas initiative, during an Official Hand Over Ceremony held Monday, October 1, 2018.

Worth an estimated $1.8 million, the equipment would be used to respond to adverse effects of climate change and especially boost the country’s ability to deal with natural disasters.  The contribution would facilitate disaster risk management, disaster response and disaster restoration. In addition, training and other necessary services for operation, maintenance of equipment or consultant services would be covered.

The ceremony was held at NEMA on Gladstone Road, where on hand to receive the equipment and deliver the government’s response was the Hon. Renward Wells, Minister of Transport and Local Government.  Also present were Captain Stephen Russell, Director of NEMA, Mr. Shinichi Yamanaka, Charge d’Affaires, ad interim, Embassy of Japan to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, and other officials.

“During the past years, The Bahamas has continued to forge stronger ties with other regional and international partners to support its mitigation and preparedness activities, all with a view of building capacity and knowledge exchange,” Mr. Wells said.

“It is through such relations and diplomatic ties that we are here today, with the Government of Japan handing over this equipment, which augurs well for NEMA’s overall disaster management plan.”

On Sunday, April 10, 2016 the Government of Japan extended a grant-in-aid to the Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, to acquire much-needed equipment and skills to enhance the disaster management programme of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA.

“The challenge faced in the immediate aftermath of a major storm is to render timely assistance to especially the far-flung islands in our archipelago,” Mr. Wells said.  The equipment augments NEMA’s Emergency Support Function.

The equipment includes a wheel crane, tractor head, 40-ft. semi trailers, flatbed cargo trucks, and refrigerated container. Other supplies are enroute to The Bahamas.

It is NEMA’s aim to have a set of equipment in the Disaster Relief Warehouses of Hawksbill, Grand Bahama (The Northern Bahamas); Coral Harbour New Providence (The Central Bahamas); Great Inagua (Southern Bahamas); and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Roll-On Roll-Off transporting relief apparatus.

The Bahamas benefited from similar aid from Japan in 1999 in the aftermath of Hurricane Floyd.  Products purchased included portable generators among other equipment used for storms and hurricanes that have impacted The Bahamas over the years: “For this, we are very grateful to the Japanese Government,” Mr. Wells said.

Captain Russell noted that local personnel are being trained in how to use and maintain the equipment.  “The collection of heavy duty equipment is to fill a gap as a result of the challenges encountered with our pre and post disaster logistics and transport mechanism,” he said.  “I am truly pleased about the continued partnership and friendships between the government and people of Japan, and the government and people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.”

 

By Lindsay Thompson

Release: BIS

Photo Caption: Official Hand Over Ceremony of disaster relief equipment from Japan to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, October 1, 2018 at NEMA.  Among officials at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, pictured, are Cora Colebrooke, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport and Local Government; the Hon. Renward Wells, Minister of Transport and Local Government; Mr. Shinichi Yamanaka, Charge d’ Affaires, ad interim, Embassy of Japan to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas; and Captain Stephen Russell, Director of NEMA.

(BIS Photos)

 

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Ayla Isaacs Unveils Transformative Guide Amidst Challenging Times

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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.

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

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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.

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Weather Systems Affect Cuba and The Bahamas

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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.

 

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