Connect with us

Uncategorized

Greetings Delivered by the Hon Leader of the Opposition National Heroes Day 2015

Published

on

I greet each of you in your respective places.

It is certainly a privilege to be given this opportunity to bring brief greetings on behalf of the Peoples Democratic Movement and the Official Opposition. I therefore wish to extend my sincerest thanks to the National Honors and Awards Committee.

Another year has passed and each year we meet here to remember, to celebrate, to honor and each year we are charged as individual citizens to be more and to do more from where we stand or rather the place we occupy. This year is no different. I pay homage to the Late JAGS McCartney whose life and legacy continues to speak from beyond the grave. I am especially proud to celebrate him from the platform on which I stand as Leader and on behalf of his Great Party. I recognize that I stand on his shoulders and all those that fought alongside him.

The McCartneys (his wife and children) have a reason to be proud. His brothers and sisters have a right to be proud. North Backsalina and Grand Turk have a right to be proud. But that young man called Slim, Woopie, Barba Jaggie, JAGS belongs to the Turks and Caicos Islands. His dream and vision was for the Turks and Caicos Islands and we honor him today and ought to each day of our lives and not just on National Heroes Day.

In my brief greetings and I promise you that I will be brief, I choose to remember a few things about JAGS that continues to validate his heroic status year after year and that prove to be relevant and the best way forward even decades later.

This year we celebrate 40 years since the Junkanoo Club incident which no one can deny was a catalyst for change in elective representation. That struggle was the sum total of several initiatives and an attempt to change the culture not just of how we were treated as Turks and Caicos Islanders but how we treated each other.

In this climate – in this period which causes us to reflect on us as a people, I charge us to follow in McCartney’s footsteps in how he treated his brothers and sisters. McCartney respected all people – People who society rejected, who some people thought had the wrong last name, or who was of the wrong social class or poor. He respected everyone and included all. We must learn from McCartney how to treat each other for I am convinced that we can only move forward when we do this. We are often confused as to why persons who come to live among us treat us the way they do and why so many people among us disrespect us and without providing excuses, we must look at how we treat each other; how disrespectful we are to each other. We must look within and correct this from within. JAGS respected everyone and dismissed no one.

Secondly. JAGS used education to inspire and ignite a passion for change. No hero manipulates or tells lies lest when that lie is exposed, the flame dies. The issues are in too many respects the same and we seem to have regressed and have lost some gains. We must see the importance of educating our people in all disciplines but more so, on the issues that we as a people face. And when we are aware, we must not be selfish in our accomplishment and seek to hold back but must each one reach one – each one, educate one.
JAGS used education and respect to inspire but above all, he made citizens: ordinary citizens see their self worth and value.

We are at a dangerous place that threatens his dream. Whilst I celebrate the man, the life and the legacy, I caution us to not trample on the dream and the vision. JAGS’ vision was not a secret. He shared his vision. That was how he was able to inspire and ignite flames that shone bright even in the face of danger. In his words “it is not an idle dream…some may think it an impossible task…”. He pledged to not stop fighting until we would have achieved social, economic and political advancement for all – freedom, equality and justice for all.

In realizing this dream, in 2015, there are new and not so new frontiers to conquer and the times and circumstances can in different instances dictate a change of method and strategy but these tenets of the movement I highlight today remain relevant and constant. We must respect each other. We must be educated on and understand the issues as they really are. And we must be taught and learn our own self worth in this struggle. 40 years later, the struggle is real, but it is too real among ourselves. In 1979. JAGS said “we must pull together if only for survival”. I say to you in 2015, that we must pull together if only for survival.

JAGS’ dream is the dream and ought to be the dream of every right thinking Turks and Caicos Islander. His dream calls for unity at all levels.

We must pull together if only for survival.

His dream and his struggle remind us that we need each other.

We must pull together if only for survival.

I say to you that we cannot and will not get anywhere pulling each other down. We cannot attain advancement in this country politically, socially or economically until we realise this. You pull me down, we fall. I pull you down, we fall.

We must pull together if only for survival.

JAGS’ dream reminds us that we must allow a passion to be ignited in us, inspired only by the need for change and inspired only by selflessness. I recognise however that JAGS’ dream is being fulfilled in some areas and I celebrate this because his dream sees a little black girl like me (married to little black boy (handsome little black boy) from the Garden come to a high decision making office in this land.

JAGS’ dream says we all have a part to play regardless of who you are or who people say or think you are; regardless of how much money you have; regardless of your social standing. JAGS’ dream calls for no one to be left behind, trampled on, disrespected, dismissed, lied to or manipulated.

I say to you, what are you doing to advance the cause?

What are you doing to realise the dream?

Have you captured the vision? It is for us all. His vision is no good to us staying buried in the grave. We must capture it and see our individual roles. We must accept and see our individual roles.
Let us honor our National Hero by respecting each other, by bringing each other along, by ensuring each one understands his/her value because this struggle requires all hands on deck.
We are in a frightening place but it is not an impossible task.

JAGS calls out to us today. Can he trust us with his dream? Can he trust us?

Yes let’s celebrate and honor our only named National Hero. Yes let’s celebrate our past but let us fight for the future that he saw for us.

Let us always remember we each have a role to play. We are all legends in the making and we all can leave a lasting legacy of good and wholesome outstanding contributions.

I say Happy National Heroes Day to all of you and may God bless you and may He continue to bless these Turks and Caicos Islands.

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.

Uncategorized

Government dismisses IDPADA-G remarks as nonsensical, divisive

Published

on

– Labour minister reaffirms the government’s inclusive approach

Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton has dismissed as “nonsensical” and “divisive” the recent comments made by Chairman of the International Decade for People of African Descent-Guyana (IDPADA-G), Vincent Alexander, which accused the government of marginalising Afro-Guyanese.

The comments were made following Minister Hamilton’s address at the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, held at the UN Headquarters in New York.

The forum, which runs under the theme “United for reparatory justice in the age of artificial intelligence,” concludes on Thursday.

In a Tuesday interview with the Department of Public Information, Minister Hamilton said the claim bears no relation to the government’s track record.

“It’s so sad that when these guys who want to suggest that they represent people of African descent’s interest, when they have the opportunity…they [would] rather utilise their two minutes to…bring this narrative that is profane in nature [and] has no basis in reality,” he said.

The minister added that while the forum was designed to address developmental challenges, such as those posed by artificial intelligence, individuals had used the platform to promote what he described as hate, racism, and division.

The labour minister argued that Afro-Guyanese have begun to reject what they see as an attempt to monopolise their representation.

“Vincent Alexander and IDPADA-G have assigned to themselves that they are the spokespersons for Afro-Guyanese.  And daily, thousands of Guyanese are saying to them, ‘you go to hell, you don’t speak for me’,” he stated.

Responding to criticisms that the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) had failed to include an Afro-Guyanese commissioner in its delegation, the minister said this was not intentional.

“The reality is that Norris Whitter, who is a member of the ERC, was slated to come to New York…and at the late moment, he declined to come,” he explained.

Minister Hamilton stressed that the Government of Guyana remains committed to delivering inclusive development policies.

“We have rolled out educational programs that will affect positively every Guyanese, including people of African descent. The University of Guyana, being free from this year, will affect positively thousands and tens of thousands of Afro-Guyanese…so the government’s program is delivering to the Guyanese people [and] that includes people of African descent,” he said.

Continue Reading

Uncategorized

PM Davis: New Solar Power PPA is ‘a bold step forward’

Published

on

NASSAU, The Bahamas – Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis said, during his remarks at the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) signing between Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) and Madeleine Solar Power Ltd., on March 17, 2025, that it was “a bold step forward”.

“We take a step toward energy security, where clean, reliable, and affordable power is no longer a distant dream but a reality unfolding right before us,” Prime Minister Davis said, during the ceremony held at the Blue Hills Power Station.

“This signing represents a promise fulfilled: a declaration made by this administration signaling to the nation and the world that The Bahamas is ready to embrace renewable energy,” he added.  “For too long, we have been at the mercy of volatile fuel markets, burdened by high electricity costs, and vulnerable to the devastating impacts of climate change. From this moment onward, we will begin redefining our energy reality.”

Prime Minister Davis noted that, with that agreement, his Government accelerated its” mission to achieve 30% renewable energy by 2030.

“As we advocate for more international action to lower global carbon emissions, we are demonstrating to the world that we will lead by example,” he said.                                                                                                                                                                      Prime Minister Davis added:  “INTI’s – trading as Madeleine Solar Power, Ltd. — project will integrate seamlessly into the national grid, adding critical capacity right here at Blue Hills Power Station. Seventy megawatts of solar power is supported by 35 megawatts of battery storage.  That is the overall goal; but this contract provides for 20 megawatts. This system is designed to stabilize, sustain, and support our growing energy demands.”

He pointed out that, of course, his Government’s solar expansion was bigger than New Providence.

“Across our Family Islands, independent power producers are laying the foundation for a cleaner, more independent energy future for our Family Islands – Abaco to Andros, Eleuthera to Exuma, Long Island to San Salvador – the shift is happening with tailor-made solutions for each island,” Prime Minister Davis said.

“Minister Coleby-Davis and her team have worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life,” he added.  “I commend their dedication, and their determination to push past bureaucratic barriers and drive real, tangible change.”

He also thanked the Energy Committee for their integral role.

Prime Minister Davis said:  “To INTI – trading as Madeleine, partners – thank you. Your investment, expertise, and commitment will power homes, businesses, and industries. More importantly, we will power hope.  We are powering a future where Bahamians no longer ask, “Can we afford electricity?” but instead ask, “What more can we achieve with it?”

“Let me be clear – this is only the beginning,” he added.  “As we continue to integrate renewables and invest in cleaner fuel alternatives, we are creating a new energy paradigm for future success where Bahamian families and businesses no longer struggle with keeping the lights on.”

He continued:  “We are proving that small island nations can think big; that we can innovate; that we can rise above our challenges, carve out a sustainable path forward, and lead the way.

“Today, we sign this contract.  Tomorrow, we break ground.  Soon, we will enter this new era for energy in this country, powered by the sun.”

PHOTO CAPTION

Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis takes part in the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) signing between Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) and Madeleine Solar Power Ltd., on March 17, 2025, at Blue Hills Power Station.  Also bringing remarks was Minister of Energy and Transport, the Hon. JoBeth Coleby-Davis.

(BIS Photos/Eric Rose)

Continue Reading

Uncategorized

NASSAU CRUISE PORT AND ARAWAK PORT DEVELOPMENT CELEBRATE WOMEN’S ACHIEVEMENTS IN MARITIME AND CRUISE

Published

on

Dr. Brenda Cleare of the LJM Maritime Academy with students

Nassau, Bahamas, March 15, 2025 – On Friday, March 7, 2025, Nassau Cruise Port (NCP) and Arawak Port Development (APD) held an exclusive luncheon in honour of International Women’s Day.  The goal of this special event was to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Bahamian women in the maritime and cruise industries under the theme “A Sea of Change: Women Accelerating Action.”

The event brought influential women from Nassau Cruise Port, Arawak Port Development, Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Bahamas Maritime Authority, the Port Department, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Royal Caribbean Group Bahamas, LJM Maritime Academy, and other key stakeholder organizations together, providing an elevated platform for networking, collaboration, and empowerment.

“Women have been instrumental in the driving growth of the Bahamian maritime and cruise industries in many ways, and it is important that we recognize and celebrate their outstanding contributions.

“Women play a vital role in the success of Nassau Cruise Port with over 50% of our team being female maritime professionals,” stated Mike Maura, CEO & Director of Nassau Cruise Port.

“This event marks the beginning of an annual tradition to empower the women in our sector and to inspire future female leaders.  Congratulations to all the women who were honored today and attended this event, and to women everywhere. Your efforts are driving positive change in our industry, and we wholeheartedly support your success.”

Dion Bethell, President & CFO of Arawak Port Development, provided some additional perspective. “Women are making waves in the maritime sector, and their impact is undeniable. According to recent statistics, women now represent 20% of the global maritime workforce—an impressive increase that highlights the potential for growth, innovation, and leadership in this vital industry.  At Arawak Port Development, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where women are empowered to chart new courses and redefine the future of maritime.”

The keynote address was delivered by Senator Ja’Ann M. Major, a Director at the Bahamas Maritime Authority, who highlighted some of the major accomplishments of Bahamian women in the maritime industry. She also encouraged the audience to embrace leadership opportunities and to continue to advocate for a more inclusive industry.  “It is often said that when women gather with purpose and passion, the energy is palpable, and theimpact is transformative. Standing here today, I can’t help but feel inspired by the resilience and unwavering commitment of Bahamian women to making a difference in our maritime industry.”

She continued, “Women are increasingly taking on pivotal roles, steering the industry toward a more inclusive and dynamic future.  Events like this one are not only necessary to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women in this industry, but it underscores our collective commitment to fostering an environment where women continue to thrive and lead.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING