Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Over-the-Hill project engages environmental monitors
#Nassau, December 21, 2018 – Bahamas – Aspects of the Over-The-Hill Community Development Partnership Initiative are taking shape with the latest being the hiring and training of environmental monitors to ensure clean and safe areas.
This particular effort sees a partnership between The Over-the-Hill Initiative and the Ministry of the Environment & Housing, which earlier this year introduced the #Be a Hero Campaign to recognize community leaders for going the extra mile.
A press conference was held Monday at the Wesley Methodist Church Hall, where some 42 Environmental Monitors have been undergoing a 10-week intense training programme being conducted by personnel from the Department of Environmental Health Services and related institutions.
Samita Ferguson, Executive Manager of the Over-the-Hill Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister underscored the importance of the partnership initiative. Also present were the Hon. Romauld Ferreira, Minister of the Environment & Housing, and Members of Parliament for Centreville, and Bain and Grant’s Town, Reece Chipman and Travis Robinson, respectively.
“The Over-The-Hill Community Development Partnership Initiative is serious about its mandate to transform lives and bring rejuvenation to the Bain & Grants Town and Centerville communities,” Mrs. Ferguson said.
She also noted that the Over-The-Hill Communities were known to produce “giants of society” whether from a medical, educational or business perspective.
Mrs. Ferguson encouraged the trainees to remember that they are ‘change agents’ and that their names can also be heralded throughout history as individuals who made a difference in their communities. The trainees were also reminded that it did not matter “how they started, but how they finish.”
The Environmental Monitors hail from the various communities within the Over-the-Hill area. And once training is completed, their responsibilities will vary from ensuring the areas are free from environmental infractions such as illegal dumping. Monitors target areas daily, file weekly reports and present evidence that could lead to offenders being charged in a revived environmental court.
Project Manager for Over-the-Hill Initiative Rocky Nesbitt said that the cleanup campaign comprises a four-pronged approach.
He confirmed that once the monitor identifies an abandoned vehicle or another hazard, a notice would be placed on it and the owner given seven days to remove it. Failing that, the Department of Environmental Health Services will do so and the owner or responsible party will be fined and possibly face legal action in the environmental court.
Another aspect calls for doubling of regular garbage collection with twice weekly pick-ups in the targeted areas. The third aspect of the campaign deals with abandoned, derelict buildings.
Already, the first such structures were ploughed down through Rupert Dean Lane and Scott Street. The fourth phase will call for demolition to take place.
“We will not just tear down a building. We will repurpose the property so it may become a vegetable garden, a community park, a green space,” Mr. Nesbitt said.
He added, “This is how serious we are about creating a better environment and the targeted areas will serve as the model for a broader programme in conjunction with the Ministry of Environment and the Department of Environmental Health Services.
“This represents a new chapter in citizen responsibility and government initiatives and we are very excited about what it means to the future of our Bahamas.”
The Over-the-Hill Community Development Partnership Initiative, officially launched in May 2018, is built around six key pillars designed to fully restore the Over-the-Hill community communities. These areas include:
- Social Empowerment;
- Economic Empowerment;
- Rejuvenation;
- Smart Technology;
- Green and Sustainable Technology; and
- Programmes for the Youth and the Elderly.
The Over-the-Hill Community Development Partnership Initiative is the brainchild of Prime Minister Dr. the Most Hon. Hubert A. Minnis, whose goal is to transform those communities into cleaner and safer environments, while economically empowering residents.
By Lindsay Thompson
Release: BIS
Photo Captions:
Header: The Over-The-Hill Community Development Partnership Initiative and the Ministry of the Environment & Housing teaming up to train environmental monitors to ensure their areas are safe and clean. A press conference was held Monday at Wesley Methodist Church Hall, where the 10-week training is taking place. Pictured from left are Travis Robinson, Member of Parliament for Bain and Grant’s Town; Samita Ferguson, Executive Manager of the Over-the-Hill Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister; and Reece Chipman, Member of Parliament for Centreville.
Insert: The Over-The-Hill Community Development Partnership Initiative and the Ministry of the Environment & Housing teaming up to train environmental monitors to ensure their areas are safe and clean. A press conference was held December 17, 2018 at Wesley Methodist Church Hall, where the 10-week training is taking place. Pictured addressing the audience, from left are Project Manager for Over-the-Hill Initiative, Rocky Nesbitt; Travis Robinson, Member of Parliament for Bain and Grant’s Town; the Hon. Romauld Ferreira, Minister of the Environment & Housing; Reece Chipman, Member of Parliament for Centreville; and; Samita Ferguson, Executive Manager of the Over-the-Hill Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister.
(PHOTO/OTHU)
NASSAU, Bahamas —– Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to crown Lady
Kayla of Exuma as this year’s annual Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup winner.
CBC created the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup to further the advancement of sailing and Bahamian culture through monetary and social support. The competition judges the skipper’s performance across three regattas, The Best of the Best, the National Family Island and Long Island Regattas.
The winning sloop led by Kianno Hutchinson and Joss Knowles showcased their skillmanship in the E-Class category across each round of competition. In addition to winning the trophy, the skippers were awarded a $5,000 donation, an $8,000 stipend to the junior sailing club of their island and a limited-edition Lady Kayla Bahamas Goombay Punch commemorative can, which will be released soon.
Jonathan Thronebury, Marketing Director of CBC shared the significance behind The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup.
“The Bahamas Goombay Punch is more than a beloved local brand; it’s a vibrant part of our cultural fabric. Just like sailing, our national sport, it carries a rich legacy that spans generations. Recognizing this shared history, we’re proud to support initiatives that celebrate and advance Bahamian culture,” he said.
Hutchinson and Knowles shared what this win meant for them.
“I felt super proud when I realized we won. I am grateful and thankful to God, for good coaches and Joss. It was really an honor winning the
Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup,” Hutchinson expressed.
“I am very honored to have been able to compete in the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup, I think it is a great concept and idea for a competition and really adds a new motive throughout the regattas. The whole championship was super competitive, and every single race was a fight. Alvington McKenzie was extremely competitive and had us until the Long Island regatta, which made it a very fun and tough competition. Very excited to have been the winner of a super close championship,” Knowles revealed.
Lady Kayla’s owner, Dallas Knowles, shared the team’s winning strategy.
“In sailing consistency is key and our guys in Lady Kayla are some of the best in the business at staying near the top. In the end, that was enough to secure their first Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup win. We are so proud of Joss and Kianno for what they have done in Lady Kayla. Thank you to Caribbean Bottling Company for such an amazing and forward-thinking initiative,” Knowles shared.
The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup is proud to continue its impact on sailing and community building through clean and fair competition.
For more updates on the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup and Caribbean Bottling Company visit the website www.cbcbahamas.com today.
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to once again support Basketball Smiles for their 27th year.
Upholding its corporate pillar of community outreach, CBC proudly donated $2,000, over 75 cases of Dasani, Powerade and Sprite, reusable
Powerade water bottles and numerous marketing materials.
The annual sporting summer camp offers free basketball and life skills training to Junior and High School students.
Basketball Smiles’ mission of developing leadership qualities while fostering children’s academic achievement and self-esteem aligns perfectly with CBC’s commitment to supporting and empowering youth.
Jazmin Darling, Assistant Marketing Manager for Caribbean Bottling Company shared why the company continues to support this program each year.
“At CBC, we believe investing in our youth is one of the greatest ways to strengthen our communities. We’re proud to support Basketball Smiles each year because it goes beyond the game. This program champions healthy lifestyles, positive values and brighter futures. It’s a privilege to play a role in helping these young athletes reach their full potential each year,” she shared.
Sam Nicholls, Basketball Smiles Camp President and Founder expressed.
“Caribbean Bottling Company is an incredible partner. We are truly grateful for their generous support, which will go a long way in making a positive impact on the lives of our campers,” Nicholls expressed.
CBC is always ready to lend its support toward initiatives and programs that uplift young Bahamians. The impact Basketball Smiles makes on the community is undeniable and is why CBC remains a historic sponsor.
For more information on sponsorship, events and new products, visit www.cbcbahamas.com today.
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines and Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wine and spirits distributor is thrilled to once again lend its support to Transforming Spaces (TS).
CWS is a proud historical partner of the annual art week which highlights Bahamian art and art spaces. Under this year’s theme, “Chasing
Light” Transforming Spaces and Caribbean Wines & Spirits created a memorable art experience.
To mark 21 years of the upliftment and exposure of culture and Bahamian art, CWS offered award winning wines St. Francis, Rebellious, Bottega and Excellsior; premium spirits, Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka, along with the newly added Coors Light Beer from its portfolio.
To kickstart the annual art week, CWS delighted attendees with a tasting of globally renowned Bottega Wines at TS’ Poetry Jam, held at ICE Bahamas. Throughout the event, Bottega brand representatives shared tasting notes, ideal pairings, and insights into the brand’s portfolio.
During the highly anticipated Saturday and Sunday tours, CWS showcased its premium products at select art galleries.
Attendees enjoyed Rebellious and St. Francis wines at The Current: Baha Mar Art Gallery and Museum, Bottega and Excellsior wines at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, Coors Light beer at the University of The Bahamas Pro Gallery and hand-crafted Schweppes mixes featuring Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka at CAB Gallery & Studio.
Throughout the two-day tour, CWS product specialists enriched the experience by providing a deeper appreciation for their exceptional beverage portfolio.
Members of the Transforming Spaces Committee expressed their appreciation towards CWS’ support after another successful art week.
“Transforming Spaces is deeply grateful for the continued support of Caribbean Wines & Spirits over the years. Their partnership has become such an important part of the TS experience, helping us create welcoming and vibrant moments for our audiences across the tour weekend. From signature wines and cocktail bars to refreshments at gallery stops and pop-up events, their contribution brings an added sense of hospitality, celebration, and connection to the journey through Bahamian contemporary art.” — TS2026 Committee.
Caribbean Wines & Spirits is proud to partner with Transforming Spaces in supporting and elevating the voices and works of Bahamian artists and looks forward to strengthening this partnership for years to come.
To learn more about CWS’ involvement in the community, follow on social media @caribbeanwinesandspirits or visit the website at www.cwsbahamas.com today.
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