Connect with us

News

Stuart Halbert – 7 time Winner as Bahamas Realty’s Top Producer

Published

on

Nassau, 29 Jan 2015 – Sixteen years after he first walked into Bahamas Realty as a nearly novice agent with two years’ experience abroad and more hope than history, Stuart Halbert still can’t believe his good fortune. He loves Mondays, thinks Fridays come too soon and as for the weekend, well, that’s for working, too.
It’s that attitude that has just made Halbert Bahamas Realty’s top producer in 2014 for the 7th time, a journey that has taken the industry through thick and thin and been peppered by sea changes in the economy and the profession.
“When the economy took a sudden and dramatic turn for the worst in 2008, Stuart went on, working hard, never giving up,” said Larry Roberts, chairman of the real estate company celebrating its 65th year. “But for several years, the returns did not match the energy he expended and what made everyone admire him so much is that he was always there, always ready to show a property, to co-broke a sale, to bring a positive approach. He put in the extra hours and is always highly motivated.”
That drive and motivation paid off again in 2014 for Halbert, who is among fewer than 5% worldwide to qualify as a Certified Residential Specialist. Halbert says much of the success is due to advent and growth of MLS, the Multiple Listing Service that permits all participating firms to share information on listings.
“The MLS has changed the way we do business, allowing us to expose our listed properties to a much wider market, accumulate more statistics, provide better information to prospective buyers or sellers, maintain more accurate appraisals, enjoy more co-brokes (sales shared by listing agent or firm and other participating BREA MLS agents),” said Halbert, a director of the Bahamas Real Estate Association for the past six years and a past treasurer.
While the MLS has boosted activity, Halbert suggests other measures he is convinced would substantially open up the industry and provide a flash charge to a housing ownership phenomenon with positive broad and sustained economic benefits.
The first, he believes, is banks releasing their hold on foreclosed properties and, instead, letting industry professionals take the lead. “People wanting to buy a home go to real estate agents, not to banks,” says Halbert, calling the hundreds of homes being held by local banks “the 500-pound elephant in the room.”
He also believes that an increase in inventory is needed, with a greater number of small scale developments.
“Given that more people are out looking (for homes) now than had been for several years and the name Bahamas is synonymous with a fabulous place to live, I am always surprised that there are not more developments underway,” said Halbert, claiming that older estates that are harder to maintain in today’s environment along the waterfront would make logical locations for small scale townhome or condo living.
“Barring any international financial crisis, we are on our way to a very good run,” says Halbert, who is still singing the praises of living in The Bahamas and working at a company he believes is highly charged and on the cutting edge. But then singing has always been Halbert’s style. Long before he walked into that office that still makes him glad to be alive and in The Bahamas, the Scottish-born winner was the composer, musician and entertainer who penned and sang such favourites as Goombay, Goombay Summer as a member of the Nassauvians and entertained at the historic King and Knights Club on West Bay Street.
“Sixteen years and still having fun, can’t ask for more than that,” says Halbert, a twinkle in his eye, a smile on his face and the newest trophy in his hand.

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.

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

Nassau Cruise Port Expands Waste Management Program to Champion Sustainability

Published

on

Solange Carter, Guest Experience Concierge, disposes of plastic bottles in new recycle bins at Nassau Cruise Port. The bins are a part of the new sustainable waste management program that was recently implemented at NCP to reduce waste and promote environmental sustainability to protect marine life.

[Nassau, Bahamas, March 18, 2025] – Today, Nassau Cruise Port (NCP) is excited to celebrate Global Recycling Day by announcing the launch of its new ‘Cruisin’ Green’ sustainable waste management program. This timely initiative focuses on promoting sustainable practices and reducing waste throughout the port in alignment with our broader commitment to environmental sustainability and protecting our marine ecosystems.  Through this highly anticipated initiative, NCP will engage tenants, vendors, employees, cruise lines, cruise passengers, and local visitors in creating a cleaner, greener environment by collecting and sorting cardboard, aluminum cans, glass, and paper products.

This significant initiative also signifies the growth of our partnerships with key local organizations, including the New Providence Ecology Park (NPEP), the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP), and the Department of Environmental Health Services (DEHS).

“Cruisin’ Green is not just a recycling program; it represents a significant part of our ongoing dedication to sustainability and sets a benchmark within the cruise and maritime industry,” said Mike Maura, CEO and Director of Nassau Cruise Port. “Our mission is to lead by example and inspire the industry to adopt similar green initiatives, By collaborating with our partners, tenants, and community, we intend to create lasting changes that benefit the environment and future generations of Bahamians for many years.”

Yeshantai Thompson, Health, Safety, & Environment Manager at Nassau Cruise Port, explained how the program will be implemented and emphasized its importance. “By integrating strategically placed recycling bins, clear signage, comprehensive training, and community-driven initiatives, we are fostering a culture of environmental responsibility. Through collaboration with our partners, we aim to engage as many stakeholders as possible in this movement toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.”

Nassau Cruise Port is committed to minimizing its environmental impact and playing a key role in promoting a more sustainable and eco-friendly future within the cruise industry and throughout The Bahamas.  For more information about the Cruisin’ Green initiative and details about how to get involved, follow Nassau Cruise Port online or visit nassaucruiseport.com.

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

GBPA LAUNCHES TECH EDGE 2.0 – INTERNSHIP PROGRAM FOR BAHAMIANS

Published

on

PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE GRAND BAHAMA PORT AUTHORITY, LIMITED

 

Tuesday, March 18, 2025 – Grand Bahama, The Bahamas – The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) is proud to announce the launch of Tech Edge 2.0, a paid remote internship program, connecting eligible Bahamian candidates—both locally and abroad—with global career-building opportunities in the fields of cybersecurity, mobile app development, data science, and artificial intelligence (AI). According to GBPA executives, this initiative is a significant step in positioning Grand Bahama as a leader in the digital economy while providing Bahamians with valuable experience in high-demand tech fields.

“Tech Edge 2.0 is more than an internship program—it is a pipeline to professional success”, commented Derek Newbold, Chief Investment Officer for GBPA and Invest Grand Bahama. “With nearly 200 Bahamians already registered, including Bahamians residing in Canada, the U.S., the U.K., and across the islands of The Bahamas, this program is bridging the gap between education and employment, equipping participants with job-ready skills and fostering a new generation of innovators ready to contribute to the advancement of technology and innovation in The Bahamas.”                                                                                                                                                                                                          Currently, there are 10 internship placements available, with additional spaces being added as more companies join the program. GBPA, through its Tech Edge 2.0 program, has partnered with four leading international technology firms, including Prophaze (California, USA), Cognetik Labs, Cybermindr, and Digital5 Solutions, to provide paid remote internship training and employment opportunities. All are start-up companies and emerging titans across cybersecurity, API security, and AI-driven threat detection fields. They also cover software development, IT infrastructure, and cloud computing.

Pleased with the evolution of the Tech Edge Program, which initially launched in 2023, President of GBPA, Ian Rolle, noted that he is highly optimistic about the program’s success to date and its proven potential to help drive Grand Bahama as the Tech and Innovation Hub of the nation. “These partnerships are unlocking global opportunities for Bahamians and proving that Grand Bahama is serious about technology. Further, it offers Bahamians direct access to the international job market—without having to leave home.” Rolle stated. “This program is about ensuring that our people are equipped with top-tier training to develop the requisite skills and career pathways to thrive in the digital economy,” Rolle continued.

The Tech Edge 2.0 Internship Program is open to eligible Bahamians worldwide who hold a college degree or are currently pursuing one in a technology-related field, have a strong interest in cybersecurity, AI, mobile app development, data science, or IT infrastructure, and are eager to gain real-world experience and work remotely with cutting-edge tech companies.

Ian Rolle

Applications for Tech Edge 2.0 are now open and will close on March 21, 2025. Interested candidates can apply online at www.techedgebahamas.com, where they will find step-by-step guidance on the application process.                                                                                                                                            GBPA’s project coordinator for Tech Edge 2.0, Jecholiah Braynen, described the initiative as a long-term investment in The Bahamas’ tech workforce and economic growth. “Through our partnership with Quess Corp, a multinational business service provider, based in India, GBPA is building the requisite skills within the Bahamian workforce and equipping them with job-ready skills and experience. This program creates opportunities to drive economic growth, establish new career opportunities, and attract tech companies to the Bahamas by creating a sustainable ecosystem where Bahamians can thrive in the tech industry,” she emphasized. “This is just the beginning. As Tech Edge grows, so will the number of available opportunities.”

Bahamians interested in expanding their career opportunities are encouraged to apply today and become part of The Bahamas’ digital transformation.

For more information, visit www.techedgebahamas.com for updates, success stories, and insights into the tech industry.

Continue Reading

Government

Elisann Delancy Appointed Deputy Director of Education

Published

on

PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR

AND HEAD OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Tuesday, 18 March 2025: The Office of the Deputy Governor is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Elisann Delancy as the new Deputy Director of Education within the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture.

Ms. Delancy began her career as a Graduate Teacher at the Marjorie Basden High School, where she quickly made a significant impact on her students and the community. She progressed through various positions, including Assistant Curriculum Development Officer and Curriculum Development Officer. Throughout her career, she has played a pivotal role in shaping local and regional literacy and numeracy programs, serving as the Turks and Caicos Islands Focal Point for the CARICOM, CDB, and OECS LET’s REAP Initiative.

Ms. Delancy holds: a Teacher’s Diploma (Honours) from Mico University College; a Bachelor of Education in Technical and Vocational Education from the University of Technology, Jamaica, and a Master of Education in Curriculum Development with Distinction from the University of the West Indies. Her award-winning research on the “Impact of Teacher Quality on Students Performance” in the Turks and Caicos Islands has garnered recognition and has been published, further demonstrating her expertise and dedication to the field of education.

In addition to her academic credentials, Ms. Delancy has honed her leadership and management skills through various professional development opportunities, including Organisational Leadership from Harvard Business School and Contemporary Project Management from UWI Cave Hill. She is also a Level 4 Caribbean Vocational Qualifications Assessor and an active member of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD). Currently, she is pursuing Public Financial Management qualifications through ACCA, London, to enhance her knowledge in this critical area.

Commenting on her appointment, Ms Delancy stated, “The responsibility of leadership comes with great expectations, and I embrace this calling with gratitude and humility. Luke 12:48 states, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” I am deeply grateful to God for guiding my path as I continue working to advance education for all. I did not stumble into the path of Educating; I chose this path because I recognised its power as the greatest equaliser, a force that can break cycles of disadvantage and create opportunities for all. The work ahead remains critical, and I am fully committed to working with the new Director of Education and our team at the Department of Education to build a progressive and responsive education system.”

Meanwhile, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service H. E. Anya Williams congratulated Ms. Delancy on her new appointment, stating, “We are thrilled to have Ms. Delancy stepping into this vital position. Her passion for education, proven leadership skills, and commitment to developing our youth will undoubtedly propel our educational system forward. We look forward to the positive impact she will have in this role.

Congratulations, Ms. Delancy, on your well-deserved promotion.”

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING