Bahamas News

Globally, One of Five Persons in the Workplace Will Experience a Mental Health Condition

Published

9 years ago

October 11, 2017

#Bahamas, October 11, 2017 – Nassau – Globally, it is estimated that one out of five persons in the workplace will experience a mental health condition, Dr. Keva Thompson, Consultant on Non-Communicable Diseases, Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) said.

Despite this, there is a lack of awareness of mental health in the workplace, Dr. Thompson said during the opening ceremony of ‘World Mental Health Day’ Symposium hosted by Public Hospitals Authority at Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre, October 10, 2017. She said, furthermore, people with mental illnesses typically conceal their illnesses for fear of discrimination and stigmatization when looking for or keeping a job.

Dr. Thompson noted that the WHO in collaboration with the World Mental Health Federation celebrates World Mental Health on October 10 each year with the objectives of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world, and mobilizing support for mental health. This year’s theme is ‘Mental Health in the Workplace’.

Dr. Thompson said, “Depression in workers is a leading cause of loss of work productivity, sick leave and premature retirement. “Research has found that the treatment of depression results in a 40 to 60 per cent reduction in absenteeism and/or ‘presenteeism.’

“A $1 investment in the treatment of depression or anxiety leads to a return of $4 in better health and the ability to work.”

She explained that mental health problems have direct impact in the workplace through increases in absenteeism, reduction in productivity at work, increase in disability claims, injuries, illnesses, grievances, high turnover of professionals and legal implications.

“Annually, the global cost of mental health problems in 2010 was estimated at US$2.5 trillion; two thirds of this was directly linked to indirect costs.”

Dr. Thompson said those indirect costs typically are absenteeism and lost productivity. Alarmingly, this number is expected to balloon to US$6 trillion by 2030. She said employers should proactively address poor mental health and depression in the workplace to increase productivity, to reduce costs, and more importantly to support a healthier employee base.

The Consultant added that it is important for both the employer and the co-workers to be able to recognize the signs of poor mental health and depression in the workplace.

She explained that employers can become agents of change and promote mental health in the workplace by considering measures such as:

Increasing awareness of mental health issues, and diminishing stressful workplace risk factors;
Developing an organizational climate that promotes well-being and creativity;
Facilitating access to healthcare for employees who may need it;
Being understanding and flexible to the needs of employees, and understanding their personal situations;
Combating stigma and encouraging open discussions in the workplace about mental health.

She said, similarly, colleagues can support those struggling with mental health conditions by making it clear that they want to help, showing they are willing to listen without argument and offering support, while encouraging them to seek professional assistance.

Dr. Thompson pointed out: “If you think for a minute that [a] person is in immediate danger, do not leave him or her alone, but seek help from the emergency services, crisis hotline or a healthcare professional.

“You should also stay in touch with that person and check in and see how they are doing.”

Dr. Thompson said a healthy work environment is important to positive mental health: “A mental health-friendly environment values diversity, offers healthcare that incorporates mental health, has programmes and practices that promote and support health and wellness, provides training for personnel to increase awareness of mental health issues and impact on the workplace, safeguards employee confidentiality, supports employees who seek treatment or require hospitalization or disability leave.

“Globally, the best companies have long [recognized] that employee well-being is a key element in a successful and happy workplace.

“How our employees feel about stress, pressure at work and life balance is integral to the company’s potential for sustainable growth and development,” Dr. Thompson said.

By: Llonella Gilbert (BIS)

Photo caption: Dr. Keva Thompson, Consultant on Non-Communicable Diseases, Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) brings remarks during the opening ceremony of ‘World Mental Health Day Symposium’ hosted by the Public Hospitals Authority at Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre, October 10, 2017.

(BIS Photo/Derek Smith)

Bahamas News

Royal Bahamas Police Force – ARRAIGNMENT NOTICE

Published

6 days ago

August 27, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

The Bahamas, August 27, 2026 – The Royal Bahamas Police Force wishes to inform members of the public that several individuals are scheduled to appear before the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 27th August 2026, at 12:00 noon.

The individuals and charges are as follows:

An 18-year-old female is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:

Three (3) counts of Murder
Three (3) counts of Attempted Murder
Three (3) counts of Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life
Three (3) counts of Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm
Two (2) counts of Possession of Ammunition
Armed Robbery
Abetment to Armed Robbery
Stealing
Receiving

The charges stem from three separate shooting incidents and an armed robbery that occurred on Friday, 21st August 2026, and Saturday, 22nd August 2026.

The first shooting occurred in the area of Soldier Road and Baillou Hill Road, resulting in the death of a 51-year-old male.

The second shooting occurred in the area of Joe Farrington Road, resulting in the death of a 52-year-old male.

The third shooting occurred in the area of Gladstone Road, resulting in the death of a 36-year-old male.

The armed robbery occurred at a business establishment in the area of Carmichael Road and Baillou Hill Road.

A 21-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on one charge of:

Murder

The charge stems from a shooting incident that occurred on Tuesday, 21st July 2026, in the area of Samson Street, Nassau Village, which resulted in the death of a 28-year-old male.

A 32-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:

Murder
Attempted Murder

These charges stem from a shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday, 24th December 2025, in the area of Graham Drive, Yellow Elder, which resulted in the death of a 25-year-old male.

RBPF, PACD

Bahamas News

Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday

Published

2 weeks ago

August 20, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos, August 20, 2026 – The planned participation of the Bahama Brass Band in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ inaugural Constitutional Holiday celebrations on August 30 has sparked public debate over culture, heritage and the historical contributions of Turks and Caicos Islanders abroad.

Organizers defended the invitation, saying the band’s inclusion is intended to highlight the deep historical ties between the two countries and honor Turks and Caicos men who helped establish and develop the institution in Grand Bahama.

According to the organizers, the Bahama Brass Band began in 1955 in Pine Ridge, Freeport, with Turks and Caicos Islanders, including the late Deacon Reuben Hall Sr. of Middle Caicos and Jenkins Williams and Mervin Hendfield of North Caicos, among those who helped build its foundation. The band eventually grew to more than 50 men.

The organizers also pointed to the participation of Turks and Caicos men in The Bahamas’ Independence celebrations on July 10, 1973, arguing that their contributions became part of Bahamian history while maintaining strong connections to their homeland.

Supporters say bringing the band home represents an opportunity to honor those pioneers, showcase their regional influence and expose younger generations to an important part of Turks and Caicos history.

However, concerns raised publicly described the invitation as potentially disrespectful to local culture and heritage. Organizers acknowledged those concerns, apologizing to anyone who felt overlooked or offended, while maintaining that no disrespect was intended.

The committee said the event should ultimately unite rather than divide, presenting the band’s history as evidence of the reach and resilience of Turks and Caicos heritage.

PHOTO CREDIT: Bahamas Brass Band

Bahamas News

CBC Supports Opportunities for Young Bahamian Basketball Players

Published

2 weeks ago

August 20, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Dasani products, proudly sponsored the fifth annual, Caribbean Hoopfest.

The tournament brings together Bahamian high school basketball teams and visiting teams from the United States for a competitive showcase at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs Gymnasium. Following its inaugural year at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym and last year’s event at Loyola Hall, the tournament returned to the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym this year.

During the weekend tournament, CBC kept athletes well hydrated with in-kind donations of Dasani Water, Powerade and Minute Maid Juices.

During the tournament’s final day, CBC provided additional support by offering Sprite No Sugar samples and inviting attendees to participate in its Spin the Wheel for a chance to win exciting prizes.

CBC was proud to support this incredible event, which provides young Bahamian athletes with valuable exposure to U.S. basketball scouts and coaches. This opportunity gives them the chance to earn scholarships, continue their education, and pursue their basketball careers in the United States.

Event organizer, Donald Francois shared his appreciation for CBC’s support.

“I want to express our sincere appreciation for Caribbean Bottling Company, who has been a tremendous supporter and an important part of the success of our program. Without CBC’s support, Caribbean Hoop Fest would not be able to function at the level it does today. And without Caribbean Hoop Fest, we would not have been able to provide the opportunities that have helped young Bahamian athletes gain exposure and pursue educational opportunities in the United States,” he expressed.

Since the program’s inception, several Bahamian student-athletes have been selected for scholarship opportunities, highlighting the tournament’s growing impact on the development and advancement of young basketball talent in The Bahamas.

They are: Kelvin McDowells – Guard, Wodson Antoine – Power Forward, Justin Lafleur – Guard and Sean John – Guard.

After another successful edition of the tournament, Francois shared what he hopes he and Caribbean Bottling Company can achieve in the future.

“Our vision is bigger than basketball. We want to use the platform of Caribbean Hoop Fest to educate, develop, and create opportunities for young people and their families throughout the Bahamas. With individuals and organizations committed to our mission, we believe we can continue to grow the program and make an even greater impact,” Francois said.

For more details on community support, events and new products visit Caribbean Bottling Company at www.cbcbahamas.com today.