Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: PM says church and state must work together to curb social ills
#Nassau, November 20, 2018 – Bahamas – Celebrating with his brother, Bishop Christopher Minnis, his 13th Pastoral Anniversary at Greater Bethel Cathedral, Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Hubert A. Minnis called on 
church and state to work together to curb the social ills plaguing the country.
The special mid-afternoon service was held Sunday, November 18, 2018 under the theme, “For the Earnest Expectation Anticipates a Magnificent Manifestation.” The sermon was delivered by Pastor Dwayne Fudge, Senior Pastor of the St. Mary’s Missionary Baptist Church, North Miami Beach, Florida.
Prime Minister Minnis congratulated Bishop Minnis on the achievement, after having stepped in following the passing of Bishop David Dawkins in November 2005.
And, he urged Bishop Minnis to continue to remain relevant in his teachings and incorporating technology, especially at the Sunday school level.
“While your message will never change, you must continue to review your methodologies,” the Prime Minister said. “Your message must be delivered in a way to keep the young people in the Church. Today’s messaging requires innovation and creativity.
According to the Prime Minister, a good church leader must be Christ-like in all his ways and possess excellent leadership qualities. He pointed out some of the qualities include integrity, honesty, capacity to love, compassion, respect for human dignity and a good reputation.
The Prime Minister also reflected upon the scripture, Romans chapter 10 vs. 14, which states: “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent?”
He said although not everyone can be a good Pastor that “Yours Bishop Minnis is a calling. Yours is a vocation.”
In this vein, the Prime Minister reflected upon the reason why he entered politics; to help people, to lift people up.
Hence, the Over-the-Hill Community Development Partnership Initiative came about — to improve the quality of life for residents of that area.
The three key objectives being ensuring a safer community, cleaner community and encouraging inclusive economic and social empowerment, through community development.
“In my government’s bold initiatives program, we introduced electronic tablets to pre-school students at Willard Patton School,” the Prime Minister said. “We are in public life to make a difference. We are duty bound to demonstrate love, not only in words, but in our deeds.”
The Prime Minister then called on State and Church to work together in the crusade to eradicate poverty and to address the social ills, which beset the communities.
“As we work together to build a stronger Bahamas, it is important that the Church remain relevant,” he said. “I am of the view that the Church and the State must work together to eradicate poverty and improve the quality of life for our Bahamians.”
The Prime Minister commended Bishop Minnis and his wife Melony and their children in ministry — Christopher Minnis, Jr., who serves as Youth Minister; Shanika Minnis who heads the Media Department; and Myra Minnis — Minister of Music for the work they are doing in the church and the community at large.
By Lindsay Thompson
Release: BIS
Photo Captions:
(PM – Remarks at Greater Bethel Cathedral)
Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Hubert A. Minnis brings remarks at the 13th Pastoral Anniversary Service of his brother, Bishop Christopher Minnis at Greater Bethel Cathedral, on Sunday, November 18, 2018. (BIS Photo/Yontalay Bowe)
(Congregation)
Congregation at the Pastoral Anniversary service. (BIS Photo/Yontalay Bowe)
Bahamas News
EducationUSA Bahamas Advising Center Officially Opens to Help Students Wishing to Study in the US
By LLONELLA GILBERT
Bahamas Information Services
NASSAU, The Bahamas — The EducationUSA Bahamas Advising Center was officially opened at The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) on Thursday, September 5, 2024, to help students throughout the country have personalized access to free, accurate, current and comprehensive information about US tertiary institutions.
Minister of Education & Technical and Vocational Training the Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin thanked the US government for opening
up the Center to help residents achieve the goal of going to a tertiary institution in the US.
The Education Minister said during a recent trip to Cuba, she learned that high school is called “pre-university”.
She noted that many students in The Bahamas believe that after high school, they should go out and work.
She said, “While there is nothing wrong with that, the secondary school experience should be seen as a launching pad for something more, further and greater. We want our young people to see themselves in that way.
“We want to encourage our young people, all of them going through high school, that they are in pre-university. It is just the launching pad for more that is out there for them.”
The Minister added that students should not only see their individual potential, but also come back home after going to a tertiary
institution abroad to help build national capacity.
President, BTVI, Dr. Linda Davis; US Chargé d’Affaires, Kimberly Furnish; EducationUSA Regional Manager for North America, Central America and the Caribbean, Giselle Dubinsky; Public Affairs Officer/US Embassy, Suemayah Abu-Douleh also attended the opening.
Dr. Davis said the use of the Center is not limited to BTVI students. “Bahamians and residents throughout The Bahamas wishing to study in the US should consider EducationUSA at BTVI as their official source of information.”
She explained that in 2019, BTVI and the US Embassy signed a Memorandum of Understanding, agreeing to establish the Center on BTVI’s main campus.
“The Center was operationalized in 2023 and today we celebrate its inauguration. BTVI is pleased to finally reach this milestone and join the global network of over 400 EducationUSA Advising Centers, tasked with facilitating much needed guidance and support for students wishing to matriculate to a US institution.”
The US Chargé d’Affaires said EducationUSA aims to make opportunities to study at US tertiary institutions more accessible to students by providing them with the guidance and resources they need to pursue their academic dreams in the US.
She also explained that part of the mission of the Center is to ensure that students choose tertiary institutions that are accredited.
“The Center will serve as a hub for students, parents and educators seeking information about US higher education. Our advisor Breann Marshall is here to assist every step of the way from selecting the right institution to understanding the VISA requirements.”
PHOTO CAPTION
BIS Photos/Patrick Hanna
Header : Ribbon Cutting
The EducationUSA Bahamas Advising Center was officially opened at The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) on Thursday, September 5, 2024, to help students throughout the country obtain personalized access to free, accurate, current and comprehensive information about US tertiary institutions. US Chargé d’Affaires, Kimberly Furnish and Minister of Education & Technical and Vocational Training the Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin performed the ceremonial ribbon-cutting.
Showcase
Advisor, The EducationUSA Bahamas Advising Center, Breann Marshall (centre) shows Minister of Education & Technical and Vocational Training the Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin and US Chargé d’Affaires, Kimberly Furnish around the Center.
Jael Joseph’s Digital Platform Embarks on a New Chapter of Empowerment and Creativity
Jael Joseph has officially relaunched BlackIslandGirl.com, transforming her passion project into a dynamic multimedia platform that caters to a wide array of interests and communities. Originally created in 2021 as Joseph’s capstone project at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), Black Island Girl has now evolved into a comprehensive digital space that reflects her creative vision and commitment to representation, storytelling, and empowerment.
The newly revamped site features a broad range of content sections, including Beauty, Business, Culture, Entertainment, Health and Wellness, Politics, and “The BIG Feature,” a spotlight segment focusing on in-depth stories and profiles. In addition to articles and features, the site’s new “What’s New” section provides event promoters with the opportunity to list their events, making Black Island Girl a go-to source for cultural and community engagement.
One of the most significant changes in this relaunch is the platform’s shift towards multimedia offerings. Businesses can now request
custom commercials and podcasts, giving them new avenues to promote their products and services. This expanded functionality opens the door for Black Island Girl to tap into every corner of modern media, creating a space that engages audiences through multiple forms of content.
Advertisers can now leverage the platform’s growing reach, promoting their brands and services within a diverse and inclusive community. Jael Joseph’s vision for the site goes beyond traditional media, offering opportunities for men and women alike to find inspiration, learn, and connect.
The relaunch of Black Island Girl comes at a time when Joseph is dedicating more time and energy to the project, following the registration of Black Island Girl Multimedia. This business venture further underscores her intent to build a creative and empowering space. Under the same multimedia banner, she also released her debut film Territory, a powerful short documentary that has been recognized internationally. Territory was nominated at several film festivals and took home the award for Best Short Documentary at the 2023 Caribbean Tales International Film Festival, marking another major achievement in Joseph’s creative career.
This relaunch highlights the multifaceted talent of Jael Joseph and her dedication to creating a platform that not only showcases her work but also serves as a source of inspiration for others. With its enhanced offerings, Black Island Girl is now positioned as a go-to multimedia hub for those interested in culture, wellness, business, and more.
As Joseph continues to focus her energy on Black Island Girl, the platform is poised to become an essential digital space that empowers and uplifts. Whether through its rich content, multimedia offerings, or community-focused event listings, Black Island Girl is set to carve out a unique niche in the media landscape, fueled by Jael Joseph’s passion and creativity.
Finance the Hon. Philip Davis said, on September 10, 2024, that it marked the start of an “extraordinary” new chapter for Cat Island.
-
Bahamas News3 days agoEducationUSA Bahamas Advising Center Officially Opens to Help Students Wishing to Study in the US
-
Caribbean News3 days agoJanelle Hopkin Shares Expert Insights on Securing the Future of Caribbean Hospitality
-
Africa4 days agoAfrica-CARICOM Day (September 7) Observed
-
Bahamas News5 days agoCIBC Caribbean Donates Computers Across the Country
-
Caribbean News5 days agoJamaicans leave Thursday September 12 for Haiti Stabilisation Mission
-
Caribbean News3 days agoACTION BEING TAKEN TO REMOVE SHIFT SYSTEM FROM SCHOOLS
-
Caribbean News5 days agoSANDALS RESORTS’ CXO JESSICA SHANNON, NAMED AMONG WORLD’S TOP CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE LEADERS IN 2024
-
News4 days agoAlpheaus Wallis Pinder Jr. A Multifaceted Leader in Hospitality