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Bahamas Social Services Minister Opens Inaugural Equal Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities Conference

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#Bahamas, October 7, 2017 – Nassau – The Bahamas Government will not renege on its commitment to ending disability discrimination and ensuring the equality of opportunities and the inclusion of persons with disabilities in Bahamian society.

“This Government is fully committed to upholding the legal and moral obligation to include and provide equal opportunity to persons with disability who are equal partners to the past, the present and promising future,” said the Hon. Lanisha Rolle, Minister of Social Services and Urban Development.

Minister Rolle addressed the first conference designed to raise awareness of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, The Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities Act 2014) Bahamas, and the administration of the law.

The conference was sponsored by the Law Department and Law Society of the University of The Bahamas (UB) in conjunction with the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development.   It was held at the Harry C. Moore Library Auditorium, University of The Bahamas (UB) on October 4, 2017.

Minister Rolle remarked that the conference is evidence of the will of Bahamians and institutions to acknowledge and include the disabled community as a group equally entitled to protection of the right of non-discrimination as outlined in the Constitution.

“The passage of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities) Act and the comprehensive provisions of the legislation make it inarguably one of the most important pieces of human rights, social justice and anti-discrimination legislation in our modern Bahamas.

0G7A9612“Indeed, as a nation we cannot effectively advance emotionally, physically or collectively unless we take steps to ensure that ‘no one is left behind’.

The Disability Act is intended to do just that.

“The core purpose of the Act is to achieve the equalization of opportunities for persons with disabilities and to eliminate discrimination on the basis of disabilities.

“The landmark Persons with Disabilities Act ensures dignity and protects the rights of persons with disabilities to fully participate in every aspect of society on an equal basis with others.” said Minister Rolle.

She remarked that the Government, through the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development, and the joint efforts of the Disability Affairs Division, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities will continue to work to enable the disabled through effective policies and programs.    “We hear the cries of the community of persons with disabilities for better access to employment and educational opportunities; for the provision of accessible public transportation; for better access to proper healthcare; and for better accessibility to buildings and services.   Indeed, as the chief representing agency for persons with disabilities, we see it as our duty to give attention to and address these matters promptly and effectively.”

The inaugural event, she said, heralds a “renewed” sense of cooperation and collaboration between government and important stakeholders within the society who are needed to assist in the quest to build a better Bahamas.

Minister Rolle congratulated and commended the organizers for hosting the “needed” dialogue regarding disability rights.  Other speakers included: Dr. Linda Davis, Provost, UB; Dr. Peter Maynard, Head of Law Department, Social Sciences, UB and Justice of the Supreme Court, the Hon. Bernard Turner.

By: Kathryn Campbell (BIS)

Header Photo:  The Hon. Lanisha Rolle, Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, opens the inaugural Equal Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities Conference at the University of The Bahamas, October 4, 2017.  (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)

Insert:  A cross-section of the audience.

(BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)

 

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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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