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Bahamas Youth Apiculture Commercial Initiative Has Successful Launch

Published

7 years ago

October 28, 2017

#Bahamas, October 28, 2017 – Grand Bahama – “I didn’t come here to offer any of you a job, even though I know that for us here in Grand Bahama, that’s not something that you want to hear.”

With those words, Minister of State for Grand Bahama in the Office of The Prime Minister, Senator Kwasi Thompson welcomed participants of the first ever Youth Apiary Business Venture, which got underway on Thursday, October 26, 2017, at the Bahamas Union of Teachers Hall.

“One of the things that we must be able to do is to continue to create that entrepreneurial spirit and bring that spirit back to Grand Bahama. I don’t want to give any of you a job. I don’t want you to just think about where you can find a job, because in this economy and in this Grand Bahama, that is simply not just enough. It is not enough for young people to continue to come to events like this and believe that it’s enough for them to just go out and look for a job.

“That may seem like a very harsh statement for a Minister to make, but today, I want to give you an opportunity to start your own business. So you don’t just provide a job for yourself, but you provide a job for other people as well.”

That opportunity could come in the form of a new business venture in the field of beekeeping, or ‘apiculture,’ an initiative geared toward the development of entrepreneurs in Grand Bahama. A week ago Minister Thompson had announced the Government’s intent to start the programme and invited interested persons to sign up to be a part of the opportunity to own a business.

Just over a week later, Minister Thompson was on hand to welcome the first group of participants: more people than expected turned up, which Minister Thompson was excited about. Thursday was the first of a two-day seminar for all of the participants; it was designed to give them an in-depth look into the world of beekeeping.

Although only 30 individuals will be chosen to form the new company, there were over 100 individuals who showed up for the primary launch on Thursday morning.

“Today is really the beginning of a package deal for you,” Minister Thompson told the participants who had gathered for the first day of the programme. “I don’t know of many programmes that provide the kind of package deal you will be getting today — you will be trained in a skill; a skill [with which] you will be able to make money; in a skill where there is a genuine need in Grand Bahama, in The Bahamas and even a genuine need in the world.

“I don’t want you to just think about having a business on the side where you can make a couple dollars – take that out of your mind. I don’t even want you to just think about having this business to help you make a product just for Grand Bahama or maybe even provide a product for The Bahamas. I want you to take that out of your mind too.

“Today could be the start of you producing a business that can provide honey to the rest of the world and in the process become a multi-million dollar company. It is possible.”

Minister Thompson added that producing such a company, although possible, will not be an easy task. He reminded them that it will take commitment, hard work and a desire to succeed.

The group that will eventually be chosen to set up this new company venture will go through a 14-week training programme and be paid a stipend. At the end of the 14 weeks those individuals will be provided with funding from the Bahamas Development Bank to get the business started.

Once the company is set up, the business owners will go through more training to give them insights into business management, marketing, distribution, and sales. The apiculture programme is a partnership of the Government of The Bahamas, the Bahamas Development Bank, and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture.

“I want you to really grasp this opportunity before you and drive at it with passion, because the government is very aware of the economic situation in Grand Bahama and we have to be very creative in our approach to dealing with solving this dilemma,” said Minister Thompson. “This is one of the creative ways we are confident will yield exceptional results, not just for now, but far into the future.

“At the end of the day, somewhere sitting in this very room, I expect to see successful businesses coming out of this.”

By: Andrew Coakley (BIS)

Photo caption: SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH – Minister of State for Grand Bahama in the Office of The Prime Minister, Senator Kwasi Thompson (seated, fourth left) is pictured with participants in the new youth apiculture commercial venture launched on Thursday, October 26, 2017, at the Bahamas Union of Teachers Hall. Of the participants at the two-day workshop, 30 will be chosen for the venture. (BIS Photo/Andrew Coakley)

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International Community must address conflict between Israel and Iran

Published

7 days ago

May 12, 2024

Shanieka

Garfield Ekon

Staff Writer

With tensions between Israel and Iran at an all-time high, a United Nations affiliated group is urging for calm and dialogue as their violent actions can cause tragic devastation on innocent civilians.

According to Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), an organisation that is dedicated to promoting peace through civilian-led initiatives, “it is a clear indication that the greatest victims of war are innocent civilians.

“How could those lost lives ever be brought back? What could compensate for the outcry of children and the anguish of the youth in devastated dwellings?,” the group noted in a media statement, adding that the international community should take “decisive measures” to address the conflict.

It is also advocating for the establishment of “comprehensive international laws” to safeguard peace for future generations. “HWPL remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering dialogue and reconciliation, offering hope for a peaceful resolution to the conflict between Israel and Iran,” the group said.

HWPL is a non-profit organisation, with a mission to promoting peace through education, and advocacy. It has a global network spanning over 170 countries. The organisation works to build bridges of understanding and cooperation, striving towards a world free from conflict and violence.

According to reports in various international media outlets, Iran and its militant partners on April 13 initiated a large-scale attack against Israel through launching several hundred ballistic missiles and drones. The international society expressed concerns over the possibility of war between the two states, since Tehran’s direct attack on Israel was unprecedented.

Experts have pointed out that the attack on Israel was Iran’s response to an airstrike on the Iranian embassy in Syria on April 1, which killed seven military advisers including three senior commanders.

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CTO’s Sustainable Tourism Conference Presents Dynamic Study Tours to Promote Sustainable Practices

Published

4 weeks ago

April 22, 2024

Shanieka

The Caribbean Sustainable Tourism Conference (STC 2024), slated for April 22-24, 2024 in Grenada, will feature a series of exclusive study tours aligned with the conference theme, The 5 Ps – People, Planet, Prosperity, Purpose and Partnership. These tours have been thoughtfully curated to offer participants an enriching and unique opportunity to delve into innovative sustainability practices and glean insights intended to catalyze transformative action for a more resilient and sustainable Caribbean.

STC 2024 is jointly hosted by the Caribbean Tourism Organization in collaboration with the Government of Grenada, through the Grenada Tourism Authority, and will welcome a wide range of participants, including government officials, tourism professionals, environmentalists, members of the media and researchers.

This valuable addition to the conference will allow participants to visit various sites and interact with local communities, gaining firsthand knowledge of best practices in sustainable tourism management, conservation efforts, and community engagement.

Study Tour Options:

The Underwater Sculpture Park/Grand Anse Artificial Reef Tour: Led by Aquanauts Grenada, guests dive into the intricate ecosystem of the Underwater Sculpture Park and Grand Anse Artificial Reef and learn about sustainable practices aimed at protecting and preserving these vital marine habitats.
Grand Etang Nature Tour: Dr. Guido Marcelle, an esteemed botanist, guides participants through the lush rainforests surrounding Grand Etang Lake to explore Grenada’s rich biodiversity and gain valuable insights into rainforest conservation efforts.
The Rasta Roots Expedition: Immersive Journey into Rastafari Culture and Lands: Led by Ras Ginga, an elder of the Nyahbinghi Tribe, guests experience the Rastafari culture firsthand, learning about organic living practices and farming practices of Grenada’s Rastafari community, complete with a taste of local culinary delights.
Mt. Parnassus Plantation and Cocoa Pod Botanicals: Experts Michael Jessamy and Tricia Simon guide participants through the cocoa and spice plantation, uncovering innovative applications of these crops in cosmetics and health products.

The conference’s diverse program, comprising presentations, panel discussions, workshops, study tours and networking opportunities, aims to foster collaboration and facilitate knowledge sharing to advance sustainable tourism in the Caribbean region.

Event sponsors and partners include interCaribbean Airways; Royal Caribbean International; Silversands Grenada; Six Senses La Sagesse, Grenada’s newest resort; and LINK Strategic Partners, an international strategic communications and community engagement consulting firm with offices across the U.S. and in Manchester, England.

Visit caribbeanstc.com for further information about the conference and registration details. To learn more about the Grenada Tourism Authority, visit puregrenada.com.

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RTCIPF Observes World Down Syndrome Day

Published

2 months ago

March 28, 2024

Shanieka

On March 21st, 2024, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force joined the international, regional and local communities in observing World Down Syndrome Day.

Officers showed their support by wearing brightly coloured and mismatched socks to raise awareness.

The head of the Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit, Assistant Superintendent of Police Grantley Williams, Training Manager Mrs Odessa Forbes and Media Relations Officer Denyse Renne visited the SNAP Centre and interacted with the students.

: Constable Angelic Forester and a member of the public

: Police Constable Delroy Green with a member of the public

: Constable Jason Crossman and Insp Michael Francois

In a message to the TCI community, the RTCIPF noted that stereotypes perpetuate stigma and hinder inclusion, preventing individuals from reaching their full potential.

Instead, the RTCIPF calls for individuals to foster an environment of acceptance and support where everyone is valued for who they are.

By breaking down barriers and challenging misconceptions, we can create a more inclusive society where individuals with Down Syndrome are empowered to live fulfilling lives and contribute meaningfully to their communities and, by extension, the TCI.

As law enforcement officers, we must protect and serve all members of society, regardless of their abilities.

Let’s work together to ensure that individuals with Down Syndrome are treated with dignity and respect and that their rights are upheld.