Bahamas News
The Bahamas Prepares for Upcoming UN CEDAW Convention
#Nassau, June 26, 2018 – Bahamas – The Bahamas, through the Department of Gender and Family Affairs of the Ministry of Social Services a
nd Urban Development, is diligently preparing to ensure proper representation at the upcoming United Nations CEDAW (Committee on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women) Convention, which takes place October 22 to November 9, 2018.
Social Services and Urban Development Minister, the Hon. Lanisha Rolle addressed an Information Luncheon, June 22, 2018 at Luciano’s of Chicago, organized by the National Women’s Advisory Council on the topic ‘What you need to know about the CEDAW Convention on Women’s Rights.’
She said, “As we report on our country’s progress in the framework of our national strategic plan, I am pleased that The Bahamas is on a pathway to success in the area of social development. The multi-agency CEDAW taskforce led by the Department of Gender and Family Affairs, under the able supervision of First Assistant Secretary, Melvelyn Symonette, has worked diligently over many months to ensure the country offers the best representation and reaps fruitful exchange and dialogue with our international partners on issues affecting women and girls, designed to positively impact the lives of every individual.”
The Bahamas first appeared at the CEDAW Convention in 2012. This year marks 25 years that The Bahamas has ratified the CEDAW Convention. The Bahamas will submit its second report at the 71st session in the fall of this year.
Among those present at the luncheon were Mrs. Patricia Minnis, wife of Prime Minister Hubert Minnis; the Hon. Janet Bostwick, Kay Forbes-Smith, President of the Senate; senators, members of parliament, permanent secretaries, representatives of other government agencies and 
members of the National Women’s Advisory Council.
Minister Rolle related that her visits to the United Nations 52nd Session of the Commission on the Status of Women, and the recently held Women’s Forum of CHOGM, were both “enlightening” and have inspired the Ministry’s recommitment towards achieving the international Sustainable Development Goals — in particular the virtues incorporated in Goal 5, to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
“The undertone of both sessions aforementioned, encouraged all nations to give concerted effort and attention to the needs of our women and girls, particularly in rural areas,” she said, and to the goal that no woman be left behind.
She praised Marion Bethel — United Nations CEDAW Committee member, and the first Bahamian selected to sit as an expert on the CEDAW Convention — for her service. And she expressed hope that the information meeting would inspire agencies, departments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other establishments to partner with the Ministry for other formal sessions.
Ms. Bethel gave an extensive overview of the CEDAW Convention. She said under every human rights convention it is the obligation and responsibility of the state to do certain things; and in this case it is to advance the human rights of women.
“Once you ratify the convention you have basically agreed to the norms and standards that have been collectively agreed universally by all state parties,” said Ms. Bethel.
“The Bahamas has agreed in principle to all the norms and standards of the CEDAW Convention. Secondly, we’ve put ourselves forward to be scrutinized and monitored by the experts for CEDAW on the basis of compliance with the norms and standards.”
Ms. Bethel explained that the CEDAW Convention is looking for state parties to really show the ‘spirit’ of the convention and make efforts to comply, so that when they appear before the convention, they can report progress. If they have not been in compliance, those states must give reasons.
Ms. Bethel told those gathered that The Bahamas has “a duty” to advance the human rights of women and an obligation to put in place laws, institutions and mechanisms to make this happen. She said it is important for NGOs to understand how to use the UN CEDAW Convention, and for all women to hold the state party accountable under the convention.
By: Kathryn Campbell (BIS)
Photo Captions:
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The Hon. Lanisha Rolle, Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, speaks at the National Women’s Advisory Council’s Information Luncheon, June 22, 2018 at Luciano’s of Chicago.
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Marion Bethel, United Nations CEDAW Committee member, during presentation on ‘What You Need to Know About the CEDAW Convention on Women’s Rights.’
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A view of the audience at the National Women’s Advisory Council’s Information Luncheon. Pictured (clockwise from left): the Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin; the Hon. Janet Bostwick; the Hon. Katherine Forbes-Smith, Senate President; Mrs. Patricia Minnis, wife of Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert Minnis; the Hon. Lanisha Rolle, Minister of Social Services and Urban Development; Miriam Emmanuel, MP; and Cora Bain-Colebrooke, Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development. (BIS Photos/Patrick Hanna)
Rashaed Esson
Staff Writer
#TheBahamas#RoyalCaribbean, April 23, 2024- After being delayed following its announcement in 2020, Royal Caribbean’s new 17 acre Royal Beach Club on Paradise Island in Nassau, Bahamas, is now in the works and is scheduled to be ready for 2025, according to reports. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Monday April 22, signifying the start of construction in the next few months. This project is huge for The Bahamas as it’s a first of kind for the nation, with a unique public private partnership allowing Bahamians to hold up to 49 percent in equity.
Nassau, THE BAHAMAS — Some of the most successful and accomplished professionals and business leaders in the country
recently shared their experiences and nuggets of wisdom with students at University of The Bahamas (UB) about thriving in a wide range of careers.
The University Centre for Counselling and Career Services and the Career and Job Placement Advisory Unit collaborated to host the 2024 Career Symposium which brought students face to face with leaders in the careers to which they aspire.
Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Maria Oriakhi, said the symposium was key to developing potential as university students strive to leave their mark on the world.
Ms. Rickell Curry
“In the spirit of collaboration and growth, let us engage in meaningful dialogue, cultivate relationships, and harness the power of collective wisdom to shape our futures,” said Dr. Oriakhi. “Together, let us embark on this journey of exploration and discovery, united in our commitment to realizing our fullest potential and making meaningful contributions to our communities and beyond.”
Promoting careers in psychology, Ms. Curry noted that psychologists are equipped with the ability to help others, troubleshoot areas of weakness within themselves, and become better people and professionals in the process.
“The floor is yours to be able to explore. There’s no job where you don’t have to deal with people, so learning, even if you get a bachelor’s in psychology, is a great grounding,” she said.
Dr. Darville, one of few interventional radiologists in The Bahamas, offered another nugget of advice on choosing an area of study.
Dr. Elizabeth Darville
“It is important to know enough about yourself in order to make the decisions you want to make,” said Dr. Darville. “You have to work on yourself first and know what you want to do. Radiology gives you a chance to have fun. It gives you a chance to mold your career closer to your personal life than other medical specialties might.”
Another growing field is project management which Mr. Hepburn called a life skill. He also urged a commitment to lifelong learning.
“Individuals that continue to learn become unstoppable, period,” said Mr. Hepburn. “It is so true. When you learn, you become unstoppable because nothing can stop you in your process of development.
Mr. Wellington Hepburn
“The more you know, the more valuable you are. We need individuals who are cross functional—that can operate in different capacities. So please understand that your learning should never stop.”
With small and medium-sized businesses helping to drive the economy at an incredible rate, Ms. Rolle affirmed the importance of entrepreneurship in any economy.
“When we talk about entrepreneurship, we usually look at it from a myopic standpoint,” she said. Ms. Rolle. “What do I mean by that? Small, but usually about self: ‘how do I make more money?’ And in some cases, some look at entrepreneurship as a way of survival. ‘I need to make a couple extra dollars, I have this bill to pay’. Those types of things.
Ms. Samantha Rolle
“But entrepreneurship really, in its truest form, is about innovation, whether it’s a new concept or any existing concept that you innovate new ways, or help expand the economy.”
The career symposium was held at the Harry C. Moore Library and Information Centre and is held every academic year.
PHOTO CAPTIONS
- Career Symposium 1: UB Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Maria Oriakhi, delivers the opening address at the 2024 Career Symposium.
- Career Symposium 2: Students and guest speakers enjoy a lighthearted moment during the 2024 Career Symposium.
- Career Symposium 3: Ms. Rickell Curry speaks to students during the 2024 Career Symposium.
- Career Symposium 4: Dr. Elizabeth Darville delivers remarks during the 2024 Career Symposium.
- Career Symposium 5: Mr. Wellington Hepburn educates students on the importance of project management during the 2024 Career Symposium.
- Career Symposium 6: Ms. Samantha Rolle talks about the role and importance of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship in any economy.
Office of University Relations
University of The Bahamas
2nd Floor, Michael H. Eldon Complex
Oakes Field Campus
P.O. Box N-4912
Nassau, The Bahamas
Tel: (242) 302-4355/4354/4365
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