Bahamas News

Bahamas AG Response to Erroneous News Reports and Commentary

Published

7 years ago

January 21, 2018

#Bahamas, January 21, 2018 – Nassau – Based upon news accounts and commentary upon my Report to the United Nations in Geneva during the recent Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process on Human Rights it has become apparent that there is a great deal of misunderstanding of the nature of the exercise.

The Bahamas has been a member of the United Nations since Independence, and every five years is called upon, along with every other member State, to report on what it has done to live up to the commitments that it made five years previously to address international concerns about Human Rights, which it has previously committed to undertake at the previous UPR held five years before.

Each country is obliged to show the extent to which it has lived up to its commitments or what they are in process of doing to live up to commitments made, and also whether or not it will seek to address other concerns of the international community, which it has not yet committed to address.

Over the past several days and during my absence abroad I have been accused of announcing government policy to the international community without having first announced these matters to the Bahamian people.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Over the past month or more I have given Press interviews and read Press reports or seen TV newscasts in which I have spoken about:

(1) “Marital Rape” and clearly stated that we were drafting an amendment to the Sexual Offences Act. I also clearly stated that the new proposed offence of “aggravated spousal abuse” was a preferred means to avoid stigmatizing incidents in a subsisting marriage as “rape”, but was necessary also as a means to provide protection to abused spouses;

(2) “The intention to amend the Bahamas Nationality Act” where I spoke to the Press about the government’s intention to provide a legal framework where children of Bahamian males or females, born in or out of marriage anywhere in the world could receive citizenship by being registered “upon application”.

(3) “The Independent Committee to review the backlog of constitution-based citizenship applications by persons born in The Bahamas to non-Bahamian parents after Independence”. Again, a number of Press reports covered my comments on this matter.

(4) “Immigration Law reforms” comments that I made were also reported, particularly the proposed increased penalties for harbouring and providing employment to undocumented migrants.

In each case mentioned in my remarks at the UN UPR in Geneva I was careful to state that these initiatives were “draft” Bills, “proposed” Laws or “being finalized”. Where I spoke about the Independent Committee on Citizenship applications, I mentioned the fact that the government “plans to introduce” a Review Committee chaired by a retired Chief Justice.

I further, in respect of the draft “aggravated spousal sexual abuse” amendment Bill, specifically stated in Geneva that the Bill had been forwarded to religious leaders and civil society for consultation; (each of whom having been specifically asked to consult with their associates or affiliated organizations). This had been done since early January, 2018. Up to the day of my comments I had received only one reply from civil society which reflected what I viewed as general support, with a few points of criticism as to certain aspects of the proposed Bill, such as the time limit.

All of these statements are facts; facts that I have spoken to the Bahamian People about, through the news media, on a number of occasions, and before going to defend my country’s Human Rights record in Geneva.

Each of these items were mentioned specifically to show the ongoing seriousness with which the government was either addressing previous commitments made to improve Human Rights, or grappling with the means to effect social progress, protect the vulnerable and take The Bahamas to a better place for the benefit of all Bahamians.

It is therefore deeply distressing to see my words apparently deliberately distorted, contorted and twisted out of all recognition.

I therefore urge all Bahamians to actually read the words in the Report that I gave to the UN, rather than to be driven by the excesses and errors depicted in Social Media and, most of all, to avoid knee-jerk commentary.

Senator the Hon. Carl Bethel, QC

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs

January 19, 2018

Bahamas News

BNT Releases 2023-2024 Impact Report Highlighting Conservation Achievements

Published

2 days ago

January 20, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

January 20th, 2024 – Nassau, Bahamas – The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) proudly announces the release of its 2023-2024 Annual Impact Report, which documents key conservation milestones achieved from January 2023 to June 2024.

Highlights from the report include: completion of the BNT’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan – a comprehensive roadmap to guide the organization’s efforts over the next five years; the declaration of Seahorse National Park in Eleuthera as the country’s 33rd national park; advancements in critical scientific research and the creation of conservation plans aimed at protecting endangered species; major infrastructure improvements in national parks, enhancing visitor access and recreational opportunities; and new strategic partnerships with local and national organizations for collaborative national park management.

“The past 18 months have been a pivotal chapter for the BNT,” said Lakeshia Anderson-Rolle, Executive Director of The Bahamas National Trust. “With the unwavering support of our members, donors, and partners, we’ve expanded our national park system, advanced critical conservation efforts, made major infrastructure improvements in national parks, and connected thousands of Bahamians to their parks. These achievements underscore the power of collaboration and inspire us to continue building a future where people and nature thrive together.”

Looking to the future, the BNT’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan prioritizes enhanced park management, tackling climate resilience, addressing invasive species, and strengthening community partnerships to ensure the sustainability of The Bahamas’ national parks.

The Bahamas National Trust extends heartfelt thanks to its supporters for making these achievements possible, and invites everyone to explore the full 2023-2024 Impact Report on its website at https://bnt.bs/2023-2024-impact-report/.

To learn more about the BNT’s role in managing national parks, protecting wildlife, and informing environmental policy, please visit its website: www.bnt.bs, and follow its various social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Bahamas News

Exclusive Offer Unlocks $300 in Instant Savings for the Ultimate Winter Escape to The Islands of The Bahamas

Published

4 days ago

January 19, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

The Bahamas, January 19, 2025 – From January 13 to February 28, 2025, travelers can book a 4-night (or longer) air-inclusive vacation to The Islands of The Bahamas and enjoy an exclusive $300 instant savings at participating hotels and resorts. Stays are valid from January 14 to June 30, 2025, making it the perfect time to swap snow for sand. Terms and conditions apply.

“The Bahamas has seen tremendous growth in visitors, and this offer underscores our commitment to expanding tourism as a key driver of economic growth,” said the Hon. I. Chester Cooper, The Bahamas’ Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation. “By offering an exceptional value to global travelers, we’re not only inviting visitors to explore our diverse islands but also supporting local businesses and fostering sustained economic development across The Bahamas.”

Booking a 4-night (or longer) air-inclusive vacation package with participating tour operators guarantees instant $300 savings, plus the opportunity to combine this offer with other deals for even more value. Travelers can also inquire about added perks like bonus nights, spa credits, and airport transfers when booking through participating tour operators.

Latina Duncombe, Director General of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, added, “Through our partnerships with international travel providers, we are creating opportunities for visitors to seamlessly explore the unique attractions, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural beauty that make The Bahamas truly exceptional.”

The islands of The Bahamas is the ultimate winter getaway, where adventure, luxury, and relaxation come together for an unforgettable escape from the cold. Take advantage of these major savings by visiting: Bahamas.com/300-off.

Bahamas News

Freeport Health Campus development, progressing steadily

Published

4 days ago

January 18, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

By DANIELLE ROLLON

Bahamas Information Services

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas — The Government of The Bahamas is committed to improving healthcare facilities throughout The Bahamas, with steady progress being made on the state-of-the-art Freeport Health Campus. With construction set in three phases, the Freeport Health Campus, when completed, will be a major development for Grand Bahama, providing comprehensive and essential healthcare services for all — citizens, residents, visitors, and those arriving on the new Celebration Cay.

Phase one of the project — a 60,000-square-foot clinic — is set for completion in late 2025, according to the Minister of Health and Wellness, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville. “The Freeport Health Campus is more than just a building; it is an embodiment of our collective vision for accessible, high-quality healthcare. Imagine a place where families can come together to receive a multitude of essential services, all under one roof — a hub of healing, equipped with cutting-edge technology and staffed by compassionate professionals dedicated to the well-being of our community,” said Dr. Darville.

With these ongoing improvements and the upcoming completion of phase one, the Freeport Health Campus is poised to see a significant boost in healthcare services in Grand Bahama, supporting the health and well-being of the community for years to come.

(BIS Photos/ Andrew Miller)