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Grand Bahama Port Authority’s RISE initiative more success, more grants for Local Businesses

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#Freeport, Bahamas – February 19, 2020 —Team RISE has approved another 14 companies for small business restoration grants as Cohort II of the programme recently completed its final Selection Committee process.  RISE, which stands for Restoring Industries and Sustaining Employment, is a partnership between The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA), and Mercy Corps International (MC), a global humanitarian aid organization, along with key funding partners Bacardi Global and the American Red Cross.

Photo provided by GBPA

The economic recovery initiative launched in December last year and has already awarded nearly $160,000 in funding to local businesses.   GBPA Director, Henry St. George said, “We are encouraged by the quality of applications coming in for RISE and the diligence of the applicants. Our analysis of the incoming application data has reiterated a really pressing need for funding to micro and small business owners, post-Dorian, and we are pleased to be able to provide a comprehensive support mechanism for those businesses. We have now revised our goal remains to provide grants to at least 200 micro and small businesses.

RISE Grants provide up to $10,000 in business recovery funding for eligible businesses. Cohort III is now in process and accepting applications; and the deadline for Cohort IV is close of business on Monday, 9th March. Subsequently, Partners of RISE are encouraging all businesses that fit the selection criteria across Grand Bahama, to apply at www.risegbpa.com.

“Grand Bahama’s small business sector has endured enormous challenges since the storm,” St. George explained. “We designed RISE to support micro and small business owners with the reestablishment of their operations, to drive economic recovery, and to build resilience and sustainability against future catastrophic events through training.  The goal is to rebuild a small business sector that is stronger and more robust in the face of the climate challenges that have become our new normal,” he added.

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The RISE grants continue to gain momentum, with more businesses applying in Cohort II and even more anticipated for the upcoming Cohort. Additionally, GBPA/MC Team will host new information sessions in East Grand Bahama, to assist business owners with their applications; details on date and venue for the meeting will be announced at a later date

MC Country Director, Pete Sweetnam, stated, “Teaching businesses how to build a strong narrative with supporting documents, and guiding them on how to validate their need for the award is critical to the overall success of their application. Mercy Corps and GBPA want to see even more businesses apply for the grants and, even more receive funding.  Through RISE, they will receive essential business training and have the opportunity to participate in the MicroMentor programme for 1-year free of charge. We all believe that this will add tremendous value and further enhance their operation,” he concluded.

Although retail and services sectors had the largest category of applicants, actual grant recipients represented a healthy cross-section of the local economy, including Maritime, Trade Services, Food & Beverage, and Technical trades; and, all recipients were extremely grateful to receive grants.

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Stephanie Ferguson, President of Phoenix Brokerage & Shipping, expressed, “We would like to thank Mercy Corps and The Grand Bahama Port Authority for granting us the Rise Grant.  This Grant is a Godsend and will assist Phoenix Brokerage with not only rebuilding but to grow our business bigger than it was prior to Dorian.”

Another recipient of RISE, Capt., Patrick Cartwright, owner of Triple-A Boatcare & Maintenance, said, “I would like to thank the R.I.S.E & GBPA project team for an expeditious process. The RISE Grant has not only opened many doors for me, but it has given me the hope needed to go on.”

Magnetic Media is a Telly Award winning multi-media company specializing in creating compelling and socially uplifting TV and Radio broadcast programming as a means for advertising and public relations exposure for its clients.

Bahamas News

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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Bahamas News

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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Bahamas News

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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