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Arawak Port Development Ltd. Celebrates 10 Years As Regional Shipping Leader

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#Nassau, April 11, 2019 – Bahamas – BISX-listed Arawak Port Development Ltd. (APD), which has been heralded as “an example The Bahamas should be proud of” by the Inter-American Investment Corporation, celebrated ten years as a pioneer in the commercial shipping industry in February.

The formation of APD in 2009, which owns and operates the Nassau Container Port (NCP) and Gladstone Freight Terminal, marked the establishment of the first commercial maritime public-private partnership (PPP) in The Bahamas and provided a blueprint for similar projects to be developed across the country. One of the most significant terms of the historic project agreement was that it was the first to offer ownership shares to public servants to help make more Bahamians owners of a larger portion of the economy.

Mike Maura, Jr., President & Chief Executive Officer of APD, recalled the significant impact of the launch of this important venture.  “The incorporation of APD was a landmark event. The idea of moving the commercial shipping port out of downtown had been pursued by successive political administrations for many years. 

One of the central issues that we were facing at the time was that the shipping operations on Bay Street were in direct conflict with a major part of the country’s tourism and retail sector, which negatively affected the area’s stakeholders and even national revenues. Through extensive collaboration between various government entities and other parties, we were finally able to make it happen.”

“The ownership structure under the PPP is very clear – The Government of the Bahamas invested $20 million for 40% stake in the company; twenty corporate shipping sector stakeholders invested $20 million for another 40% equity through Arawak Cay Port Development Holdings Ltd.; and the remaining 20% is fully owned by over 11,000 Bahamian public investors through their subscriptions to the $10 million IPO we offered in 2012. Since the IPO, the company’s share price has traded on BISX by as much as 74.3% over the initial offer price, establishing APD as one of the best infrastructure investments in The Bahamas to date.”

Dion Bethell, Vice President & Chief Financial Officer of APD, reflected on the financial performance of the company and other achievements earned over the years. “The benefits to the development of our country and our community since the inception of the company have been substantial. As the single largest government revenue collection point in the country, the Nassau Container Port plays a critical role in The Bahamas’ fiscal management.

Furthermore, the creation of APD has provided the government with a new income stream, contributing in excess of $35 million to the public treasury since 2012, with approximately $7 million of that number generated in 2017 alone. We’ve also donated over $350,000 to 150 charities and non-profit organizations. Over 400 Bahamians work at NCP, so it’s important for us to be socially responsible and to promote community involvement because we are the community. ”

Mr. Bethell continued, “Many of our team members are recognized internationally as industry experts. In fact, in recent years, APD employees have been called upon to make presentations on public infrastructure, container shipping, port operations, and public-private partnerships at many global conferences. We’ve also been recognized by international associations for our efficiency and reliability – we were ranked as the number one port in Port Efficiency by the Caribbean Development Bank in May 2016 and received the award for the Most Reliable Port by the Caribbean Shipping Association in October of that year.”

Mr. Maura shared his appreciation for his team, stating,  “We are extremely proud of all we’ve accomplished over the last ten years and the impact that our Bahamian team has had on the regional maritime sector.  It is my sincere pleasure to thank the employees of APD Ltd., our shipping partners, the men and women which work tirelessly every day in our maritime space and each of the various government agencies who have supported us on this journey. I must make special mention of the 10-year partnership with Bahamas Customs and the Ministry of Finance which has directly influenced the port’s success. Through their diligence and commitment, APD has become an internationally-renowned model for excellence in port operations and commercial shipping. We are among the best and the brightest in the world, and we’re delighted and grateful to be able to say that.”

Over the next few months, APD will host a series of events and activities to educate the public about the necessary and valuable role of the many maritime stakeholders that support its operations. These include agencies involved in environmental protection & management, international & domestic shipping, national and border security, health & safety, road safety, and trade & commerce.

These initiatives will also help the public understand more about operations at Nassau Container Port, emerging careers in the field, and how the work of the port and maritime community impacts our economy and the lives of everyday Bahamians.

Press Release: Blue Orchid Advertising Agency

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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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