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Home Fabrics set to open in Grand Bahama

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#GrandBahama, June 18, 2018 – Bahamas – Grand Bahama is set to get yet another economic boost with the opening of the largest fabric distributor in the country, Home Fabrics.  With an estimated $2 million initial investment, the company will hire 10 people and more as the business grows.

Minister of State for Grand Bahama in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator the Hon. Kwasi Thompson, during a press conference to announce the business expansion on Thursday, June 14, congratulated the Benjamin and Laura Pinder of Home Fabrics on the venture.

“I’m told that Home Fabrics is the largest fabric distributor in The Bahamas and they have a number of locations. We are happy that Home Fabrics has chosen a location of their newest store will be right here in Grand Bahama.

“That really speaks volumes for Grand Bahama.  It also speaks about investor confidence in Grand Bahama.  One of the things that we have noticed and have continued to inform the public about is that we’ve seen and uptick in investor confidence and investor interest.”

Minister Thompson added that there has been an increase in Bahamian domestic investment and described the investment by Home Fabrics as “significant”.

With the fabric industry being an important one, he said, he is sure Home Fabrics will be comfortable in Grand Bahama, at an unfinished warehouse on Milton Street, that has already been secured.  Queen’s Highway is one of the island’s business centres, said Minister Thompson, and it is hoped that there will be further improvements and investments as it is revitalized.

“The government has also embarked upon a budget process and are encouraging  Bahamians to take advantage of one of the aspects of the budget, which is refurbishment and for dilapidated business.  You are able to apply to the Ministry of Finance for a duty-free exemption on materials. This has been extended in this year’s budget, so we are encouraging those businesses that may be on Queen’s Highway, and those businesses that may be in other locations that may need refurbishment or are in a dilapidated state, to take advantage of this duty-free exemption.”

Minister Thompson also used the opportunity to mention the duty-free exemptions to be introduced on clothing, shoes and fabrics.  “Bahamians are able to take advantage of those local stores that are going to be selling clothes, and they should be able to sell clothes at duty-free rates.   And those businesses, like Home Fabrics, that sell fabrics should be able to do so at a duty-free rates.  The purpose behind this project or behind this incentive, is to assist local businesses in this area.”

Benjamin Pinder, accounting manager at Home Fabrics, gave some history of the company in that they have been in existence since 1976 in Nassau. The family business has been expanding: 2009, opened a store in Abaco; 2011, opened a branch in Carmichael in Nassau; and now they feel it is the time expand in Grand Bahama.

Praising the Office of the Prime Minister, Mr. Pinder said Minister Thompson has assisted greatly in getting their business to the point it is now for the intended opening in October, and “we are very excited to be a part of the revitalization in Grand Bahama.”

He added, “We not only expect to have an impact on the economy by employing people, but a trickle down effect as well to garment manufacturers, interior decorators, designers and industries of that nature.”

His wife, Laura, is the buyer for the company and said they hope to be open on October 1, to be ready for their busy seasons, Halloween and Christmas.  She added that many people do not realize that a big part of their business is seasonal and so everytime everyone goes into the store, it’s different.  Grand Bahamians have asked for years for them to open a branch on the island, and now “seems like the right time to pull the trigger.”

 

By: Robyn Adderley (BIS)

Photo Caption: Minister of State for Grand Bahama in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator the Hon. Kwasi Thompson announced on Thursday, June 14, that Home Fabrics will expand their business to Grand Bahama and is set to open in October. Shown from left during the announcement are: Benjamin Pinder, Accounting Manager, Home Fabrics; Minister Thompson; and Laura Pinder, Buyer, Home Fabrics.

(BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)

 

 

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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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