Connect with us

Bahamas News

No change, US travel requirements remain unchanged for Bahamians and TCIs; get the Do’s and Don’ts

Published

on

#Nassau, Bahamas  – June 1, 2018 – Thousands of residents from The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos have the opportunity to travel to the United States on a clean police character certificate, and that still remains the case despite a social media broadcast to the contrary.

It was rumored that police records would be an unacceptable entry documents by Summer 2018 but the US Embassy in Nassau said, “that’s just a rumor, that’s not true.”  

The US Embassy agreed to a one on one interview with Magnetic Media in an effort to clarify that any rumor stating that there is a change, is bogus.  Vice-Consul for the Bahamas-based office,  Jason Harms added that even changes in the near future are not on the radar.

“Turks (and Caicos) Islanders can still travel on their police record just as Bahamians can for B1, B2 purposes – for tourism, for vacations, shopping those sorts of things. Obviously, like Bahamians, if they want to go an study in the United States, they want to go and work in the United States they have to apply for a visa to do that.  The police certificate is a substitute, if you will, for the B1/B2 tourist visa and there is no change that I am aware of on the horizon for that.”

Residents of the region continue to be wildly suspicious of the Trump Administration and its tougher stance on immigrants, and while we did not get details on whether the qualification for getting that B1/B2 visa is more strict; there was assurance that the application process is unchanged.

It was explained in the over the phone interview that the opportunity to apply for US B1 and B2 visas online still exists, though residents interested in securing those categories of travel visas are urged to rush their applications as during late Spring and early Summer, the Embassy experiences a surge in interviewees.

Applicants living in the Turks and Caicos or the Family Islands of The Bahamas need to plan their trip into Nassau smartly, as the turn-around time on a US visa following the interview is 3 to 5 business days.  

“…which can be challenging for Turks and Caicos Islanders or Bahamians who live on the Family Islands if they come to Nassau for the interview, they need to allow for enough time in their travel to stick around to get the visa.”

Additionally, applicants travelling to Nassau to complete the visa process must be prepared.  Vice-Consul Harms had some cost-saving and time-saving advice.

“If you can bring everything with you and be prepared, be prepared for the interview by bringing any sort of documentation with you that the consular officer would need to see.  That way you won’t have to go back or go home – especially if you are from TCI.  For the standard B1/B2, that may mean nothing more than a job letter or maybe a bank statement or something like that.  For students, it’s gonna be a little more intensive; they’re gonna need their I-20 with them, they are gonna need their CETAS fee receipt, to prove that they have paid their SEVIS fee and then they are also gonna need bank statement from their parents or sponsor or whoever is paying for school to show that they’ve got proof of sufficient funds to support their education.”

It was also strongly encouraged that applications on line are filled out completely and accurately.

“That has been a problem as of late.  People are not filling out the application correctly.  It asks you for example, your last five trips to the United States.  They need to list all five of their trips to the United States.”

Giving information differently during the interview at the US Embassy, than what appears in the online form could be problematic for an expectant applicant.

Police certificates and passports require at least six months validity for travel into the United States and what may be a little known fact is that, passports must have one full blank page for the US Visa document; no blank page, no US Visa can be inserted and one’s process is delayed.

“Let’s say you’ve got a year left in your passport, okay that enough validity and there is one page left.  If we put the visa in there and then you go and get a new passport next year because you’re out of pages or its expired, you’re gonna have to carry around two passports for the next nine years. Go on and get your new passport, which is good for ten years and then your visa, which is good for ten years, then you’ve got it all in one document and you don’t have to worry about it.”  

One sure stumbling block for those applying for a US Visa, is having unpaid bills in the United States.  Applicants who have left bills at US medical facilities for example, have been stunned to find they are turned down for a visa because of the lingering debt.

The cost for the processing of the B1/B2 US visa is $160 and it is non refundable.

Magnetic Media is a Telly Award winning multi-media company specializing in creating compelling and socially uplifting TV and Radio broadcast programming as a means for advertising and public relations exposure for its clients.

Bahamas News

Ayla Isaacs Unveils Transformative Guide Amidst Challenging Times

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

Tired of Taking Notes? The new Samsung Galaxy S24 Will Transcribe and Summarize Your Voice Notes In A Snap! 

Published

on

 

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.

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

Weather Systems Affect Cuba and The Bahamas

Published

on

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.

 

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING