Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

The Bahamas’ Prime Minister Philip Davis reiterated the threats of climate change to The Bahamas, speaking at a Global Citizen Conference in New York on May 2. He spoke of The Bahamas’ vulnerability as an ocean state, highlighting that more than 85 percent of the landmass is less than 3 meters above sea level and is porous limestone; a huge issue as water is able to seep into the land due to rising sea-levels. He expressed that Bahamians are “Doomed” to become climate refugees.

Rashsed Esson

Staff Writer 

Bird Flu has been detected in domesticated birds in the US and now reports are saying in the next few months, chicken and turkey will more than likely be off the shelves as a result.

Bahamas supermarket mogul, Rupert Roberts, as owner of Super Value and Quality Supermarkets, is featured in a report by Guardian Business giving a frightening forecast. He fears poultry products will be wiped out.

This he says is scary.

He adds that suppliers are not saying much if anything at all, but are expecting this outcome worldwide.

The bird flu was found in chickens in Texas and Michigan, said media reports which also said one person was infected, as well as other livestock.

In response to the outbreak, the largest egg producer in the US, CalMaine Foods, temporarily stopped egg production in Texas and started executing over 1 million hens and 337 thousand chicks.

Despite this, Roberts reportedly said chicken and turkey supplies are safe for now. The Bahamas imports its turkey from Brazil, which Roberts hopes will grow to become the country’s main supplier.

However, the unfortunate outcome is that poultry prices are set to go up according to Roberts, as the small island nation competes with giant economies like China for poultry products.

NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Government of The Bahamas supports and embraces persons with disabilities and will continue to ensure that the requirements of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities) Act (2014) are enforced through positive and continuous actions, inclusive of new amendments to the Act, Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting, the Hon. Myles K. LaRoda said Thursday.

The year 2024 marks the tenth anniversary of the passage of the Act which was implemented to end discrimination against persons with disabilities as well as promote their rights and provide equal opportunities, amongst other provisions.

Mr. LaRoda said “disability inclusion” is an overarching goal of the Davis Administration. He was addressing the fifth in a series of ‘Let’s Talk Disability’ Town Hall Meetings hosted by the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities – two each in Andros and Long Island, and one in New Providence.

The Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting expanded upon the significance of disability inclusion – in action.

“Inclusion, in action, is the demonstration that we, in The Bahamas, are an inclusive society and that we celebrate and encourage persons with disabilities in the same way as we do others,” Minister LaRoda said.

“We are no different than other countries with regard to the range of disabilities which include physical, behavioural, emotional, sensory, neurological and developmental. As a country, we must focus on the role that we, the community, must play as it relates to persons with disabilities, recognizing that there should never be a distinction between one member of society over another. Disability Inclusion is an overarching goal of countries across the globe.”

Mr. LaRoda said “unfortunately,” people living with disabilities are still often marginalized and are seen as outsiders in the communities.

“But my Ministry and its partners are making every effort through events such as these Town Halls to correct this gross misconception and stereotypical belief.”

He told Persons with Disabilities, their families, friends, and advocates attending Thursday evening’s Town Hall Meeting (held at the Cleveland Eneas Primary School) that they too have a role to play.

“This also means that you too have a responsibility to share with us and to let us know how we might improve the quality of your life; let us know instances of unfair treatment or discrimination; let us know when our service to you needs to be improved. After all, we are the Ministry of Social Services and we are here to serve you and to understand how we might serve you better.

“Today, we address the concerns of this community in New Providence and I urge you to take this opportunity to voice your concerns to those who work every day, promoting the rights of Persons with Disabilities and celebrating them.”

Minister LaRoda said embracing the needs of the community of persons with disabilities “shows that we are serving in very pragmatic ways.”

He pointed to the efforts undertaken by corporate entities such as ALIV, NAD, Rotary, the Chinese Embassy and others, whom he said demonstrate, by their actions, that there is a serious attempt at inclusion.

“ALIV for example worked with the Ministry of Public Personnel to employ some 20 persons with Disabilities; NAD initiated the Sunflower Lanyard for hidden disabilities and continues to initiate trailblazing programs to ease travel conditions on behalf of persons with disabilities. Rotary consistently provides wheelchairs to the physically disabled as does NCPD, and with donations from the Chinese Embassy, we were able to donate educational toys and devices, hearing aids and other items.

“We are so very grateful for such corporate partnerships as it is important that the community is embraced at both a public and private level so that persons with disabilities can feel valued, respected, and supported. We welcome with open arms other corporate entities that may wish to become partners in this cause to improve the lives of those who live with a disability,” Mr. LaRoda added.