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BAHAMAS: PM opens Access Accelerator Small Business Development Centre, Over-the-Hill

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#Nassau, May 9, 2019 – Bahamas – Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis officially opened a branch of the Small Business Development Centre at the Edmund Moxey Youth and Community Centre, specifically for residents in the area to access funding for economic empowerment.

He deemed opening the branch as part of his government’s ambitious and broader Over-the-Hill Revitalization Programme.

Also, the SBDC is an intrinsic part of the six pillars of the Over-the-Hill Community Development Partnership Initiative which are: Social Empowerment, Economic Empowerment, Rejuvenation, Smart Technology, Green Technology, and Youth and Elderly Empowerment.

The opening of this branch of the SBDC took place Wednesday, May 8, 2019, just hours after the injection of private sector funding in the amount of $100,000 by businessman Mark Holowesko.  Before a packed community centre, the Prime Minister outlined to residents several goals of the SBDC, which they can take advantage of.

These goals include economic development and expansion for more Bahamians, the development of more small businesses and empowering entrepreneurs, and youth and community development Over-the-Hill.

“These goals share a single idea and objective, which is: One Bahamas for all Bahamians,” said the Prime Minister.

This SBDC branch at the Edmund Moxey Youth and Community Centre represents a dedicated location in the Over-the-Hill area as it is easily accessible and within walking distance for the residents.

“This new branch will provide enhanced, hands-on training with access to computers, and basic computer training through collaboration with existing programs,” the Prime Minister said.

Beginning May 14, classes will be held at the community centre on Tuesdays and Thursdays for 8 weeks between the hours of 6pm – 8pm.

Topics will include community tourism; sessions on taking advantage of concessions and financial management; and through a partnership with the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute — trade and entrepreneurship will be combined. The SBDC is also the product of a three-part arrangement between the Government (through the Ministry of Finance), the University of The Bahamas (UB) and the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC). 

“I am very pleased that we are able to partner with various businesses and companies in our program for social and economic renewal and development,” the Prime Minister said.

He then informed that towards this end, the first phase of the redevelopment of Southern Recreation Grounds is nearly complete, thanks to $600,0000 which was donated by Albany Bahamas.

“I am advised that the redeveloped grounds will be one of the sites on a proposed heritage tour for tourists,” he added.

Out of the SBDC is the Access Accelerator initiative, which has four goals in mind:

1.    To improve the environment that enables small business to flourish;

2.    To increase direct financing to micro, small and medium enterprises;

3.    To create and promote innovative programmes to support MSMEs; and,

4.    To foster a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation, with a particular focus on marginalized groups.

In the past seven months, the SBDC has trained nearly 500 people through its two-weeks of classes; provided almost 300 substantial hours with its one-on-one business advisory services and registered over 3,500 people throughout The Bahamas. Fifty percent of those registered are in New Providence.

“It is anticipated that with the launch of this branch of the SBDC here this evening, this number will significantly increase for New Providence.

“The vision of the Over-the-Hill initiative is to see communities most of us originally hailed from, [become] thriving, prospering, and revitalized,” the Prime Minister said.

He concluded: “Our mission and my mission is to offer tangible hope and opportunity.  Jobs and growth remain the government’s primary focus.

“More Bahamians must feel the economic recovery in their pocketbooks and bank accounts.”

By Lindsay Thompson

Release: BIS

Photo Caption: Prime Minister Minnis (at podium) officially opened a branch of the Small Business Development Centre at the Edmund Moxey Youth and Community Centre on Wednesday evening.  

(BIS Photos/Yontalay Bowe)

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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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