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Bahamas: Unsung Heroes Receive Nation Builder Awards

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#Bahamas, November 1, 2017 – Nassau – In observance of Older Persons Month, 13 senior citizens from throughout the community were saluted for their outstanding talents and contributions to the development of The Bahamas.   The Governor General Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling presented the honorees with Nation Builder Awards during the 20th Annual Nation Builder Awards Ceremony at Government House on Monday, October 30.

International Day of Older Persons is commemorated annually on October 1.   The Bahamas, in partnership with the United Nations General Assembly, is celebrating its 20th year of observing October as Older Persons Month.   The theme for this year’s celebration is, “Stepping into the future: tapping the talents, contributions and participation of Older Persons in Society.”

The Nation Builder Awards recipients are: Miriam Arnette, Victor Cooper, Remona Delancy, Ann Johnson, Sheila Johnson, Nora Knowles, Frances Rahming, Florence Ramsey, Drucilla Rhodriquez, Edith Brown-Rolle Chauncey W. Tynes, Thelma Walkes and Joyce Bannister-Young.

The Hon. Lanisha Rolle, Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, headed the list of Government officials at the ceremony.   Also in attendance were Parliamentary Secretary, Vaughn Miller; Lillian Quant-Forbes, Acting Director; Gwen McDeigan, President, Bahamas Association of Retired Persons; family, friends, senior citizens representing various Urban Renewal Centers and well-wishers. The Royal Bahamas Defence Force Pop Band provided music.

ln her remarks, Minister Rolle told the honorees that today’s event is only a “small” token of love and appreciation for them, their sacrifices and labor of love for their families, communities and the  Bahamian people.

2G7A1796As an advocate for older persons, Minister Rolle said it is “imperative” that a Senior Citizens line with comfortable seating is established in every institution.   She said older persons should have preference in medical institutions, and special discounts by virtue of their age, irrefutable contributions and distinct needs.

She suggested that older persons ought to be considered for tax exemptions and rebates, and it may be fitting to explore the possibility of a tax-free or discounted sales day for older persons in October.   Moreover, she said avenues for alternative jobs after retirement should be explored.

“Older persons may not be as young as they used to be, but they still have significant contributions they can make,” said Minister Rolle.

She remarked  that the purpose of the Senior Citizens Division in the Department of Social Services is to focus on persons 60 years and older who are considered “vulnerable” and are in genuine need of assistance in obtaining or maintaining an acceptable standard of living.

“One challenge we will continue to tackle head-on is “discrimination against persons because of their age. This form of discrimination is called ageism.

“Ageism assumes that discrimination against older persons is normal and acceptable.   It can manifest itself in individual and institutional behaviors and decisions which can have a negative impact on the lives of persons allowing for their marginalization and social exclusion from society.

“The Bahamas Government via the Department of Social Services Senior Citizens Division, plays a significant role in meeting the needs of as many older persons as possible.   This is also in keeping with the United Nations plan of action on ageing endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1982 after being adopted at the World Assembly on ageing at Vienna Austria.”

Minister Rolle explained that the plan aims to strengthen the ability of governments and civil society to better deal with ageing populations and to facilitate initiatives and polices that will positively impact the lives of older persons.

The first Nation Builder Awards Ceremony was held on October 31, 1997. The award was implemented to recognize persons who have worked tirelessly and given service to their family, community, church and civic groups.

By: Kathryn Campbell (BIS)

Photo Captions:

The Nation Builder Awards recipients are pictured on October 30, 2017 with Governor General Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling, seated centre; the Hon. Lanisha Rolle, Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, seated centre left; and Vaughn Miller, Parliamentary Secretary, seated centre right.  (BIS Photo/Letisha Henderson)

The Hon. Lanisha Rolle, Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, gives remarks at the Nation Builders Awards Ceremony at Government House, October 30, 2017.   (BIS Photo/Letisha Henderson)

 

 

 

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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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