Bahamas News
Coordinator for NEMA Grand Bahama Updates the Community at Press Conference
#Freeport, GB, September 19, 2019 – Bahamas – A more efficient system to deal with the influx and distribution of the much-needed hurricane relief supplies is in place, along with many volunteers and organizations to better assist the affected residents of Grand Bahama and surrounding cays following the passing of Hurricane Dorian, said newly-appointed Coordinator for NEMA Grand Bahama, Senator the Hon. Katherine Forbes-Smith during a live press conference at NEMA headquarters in the C.A. Smith Building on Monday.
Noting that it was her sixth day since having been appointed to the position, and 16 days since Hurricane Dorian ravaged the island of Grand Bahama, Senator Smith said that as soon as the ‘all clear’ was given, teams were mobilized to search, rescue and recover.
“Emergency security, food, water and other resources were deployed as quickly as was possible once the all-clear was given, so that first responders and aid workers were not put at risk in harm’s way. Shortly thereafter, additional aid, in the form of supplies and volunteers from all over the globe started arriving to Grand Bahama. The outpouring of generosity and caring has been, and continues to be, truly remarkable. As we move forward with the relief operation, we ask that all residents of Grand Bahama remain focused on caring for the needs of our people and ultimately rebuilding our community. Now is the time that we all need to pull together as one, and be strong and supportive neighbors for each other.”
The need for an efficient warehouse and distribution system were set up immediately following Senator Smith’s appointment, to manage the influx and distribution of supplies.
“As of today, NEMA has set up a warehouse in Freeport to receive shipments of donated food, water and other supplies intended for Grand Bahama, and our goal is to establish at least two more warehouses in the coming days. It is imperative that we do our absolute best to process the supplies and aid in a very efficient manner. Supplies, such as food and water, in a warehouse do us no good unless we can quickly get them inspected, sorted and packaged for delivery or pick up.”
Assisting with this are the United States Coast Guard and the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, or OCHA — all experts in logistics, warehouse management and distribution.
Also assisting with this mammoth task are dozens of volunteer organizations, NGOs, and faith-based organizations who all help with the distribution of food, water, medical care and other necessities in those communities most affected.
Senator Smith thanked all those who have given time, money and resources so generously and added, “To that point, let me also humbly mention that we will continue to need assistance and donations as we pull ourselves up and begin rebuilding Grand Bahama, rebuilding our future. It may seem premature to some to think about rebuilding, but that’s really the ultimate objective of any disaster recovery – to restore people’s lives, and livelihoods, back to normal.
“Bahamians are strong and resilient people. We know that even the largest, most destructive hurricane cannot destroy our spirit. And, thanks to so many wonderful and caring people and organizations, we are on the path to rebuilding. We as a community, and as a nation, must remain focused on serving the needs of our citizens and rebuilding our local economy. To that point, we would strongly discourage any form of price gouging as that only hinders the rebuilding effort.”
Focus is also on the removal of debris from roads and neighborhoods as well as de-mucking homes. Mold remediation on structures that have flood and water damage will also have be dealt with. Senator Smith noted that there are volunteers and organizations dealing with this.
Also, of note was the presence of a team from the Ministry of Public Works who will begin assessing damage to assist NEMA Grand Bahama prioritize rebuilding efforts.
Minister of State for Grand Bahama, Senator the Hon. Kwasi Thompson, was also present giving details on the operation of various government departments. The Office of the Prime Minister is now open daily from 9am to 12pm, while many government agencies have a representative present at the C.A. Smith Building.
Iram Lewis, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Public Works and Member of Parliament for Central Grand Bahama; Tammi Mitchell, Supply Officer for NEMA; Island Administrator for East Grand Bahama, Gaye Antoine-Bowe and Island Administrator for West Grand Bahama, Cristian Palacious along with representatives from the Grand Bahama Power Company; Cable Bahamas; Grand Bahama Utilities Company; the Royal Bahamas Police Force; the Royal Bahamas Defence Force; as well as the various international organizations were present for the live press conference.
In closing, the Grand Bahama native urged Bahamians to remain strong as there are many from around the world assisting residents to rebuild.
“As we move forward, we will be sharing lists of what we need most for the relief effort – and encourage cash donations to the government’s disaster relief fund or to reliable NGOs to help us with the long-term rebuilding. All of us at NEMA Grand Bahama are very optimistic about the progress we have made in just a few short days. NEMA will open two more warehouses soon to help process the growing amount of relief supplies that we are taking in, and then processing out.
“In fact, this past Saturday, in what we called ‘Operation Relief Saturday,’ volunteers and NEMA staff assembled hundreds of boxes of basic supplies – including food, water and hygiene products and then delivered them directly, door to door, in the Hawksbill and Regency Park neighborhoods.
“In addition, as you heard today, we are pleased to report that the Ministry of Public Works has arrived today and will begin the process of assessing damage to help us prioritize rebuilding efforts while we at NEMA Grand Bahama work to ensure residents have access to food, clean water and shelter.
“We are committed to providing regular updates, in full transparency, so that all of our community are aware of developments and progress we are making in rebuilding our great island of Grand Bahama. We applaud each and every one of you for your dedication, compassion, and commitment to our nation. This is not just a whole-of-government response, but a whole-of-community endeavor. Let’s rebuild Grand Bahama together and make it better than ever!”
By Robyn Adderley
Release: BIS
Photo Captions:
Header: President of the Senate and newly-appointed NEMA Grand Bahama Coordinator, the Hon. Katherine Forbes-Smith, on Monday, September 16, 2019 told a live press conference that a more efficient method of dealing with the influx and distribution of hurricane relief supplies is now in place. Also shown are Minister of State for Grand Bahama, Senator the Hon. Kwasi Thompson; and NEMA Supplies Manager, Tammi Mitchell.
Insert: During a live press conference, President of the Senate and NEMA Grand Bahama Coordinator, the Hon. Katherine Forbes-Smith on Monday, September 16, 2019 thanked the hundreds of volunteers assisting Grand Bahamians rebuild. Shown are representatives from the various organizations assisting, following Category 5 Hurricane Dorian. (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)
Nassau, Bahamas, 22 September 2026 – Six Bahamians whose service is making a difference in communities across the country were recently celebrated by CIBC Caribbean as the bank brought together its top 2026 Unsung Heroes finalists for a special recognition event.
The 2026 finalists were Kristin Butler-Beneby, Dinola Williamson, Amanda Knowles, Tamara Clarke, Ruth Fawkes, and Jaquay Adderley.
During the event, CIBC Caribbean also announced Dinola Williamson as the first runner-up in this year’s program. Williamson is an educator and community activist who has spent more than two decades in education and leads the Family Better Together Kabbalistic Kids Club. Her community work has reached children in Englerston, Fox Hill, Acklins, Crooked Island, and Grand Bahama through mentorship and activities designed to support their holistic development.
CIBC Caribbean Head of Country Terrance Gibson said the gathering was intentionally focused on celebrating the collective impact of the finalists.
“Unsung Heroes is about recognizing the people who may not always receive the spotlight, but whose commitment is felt every day in the lives of the people and communities they serve,” he said.
“While Kristin emerged as our 2026 Unsung Hero, and Dinola as our runner-up, each nominee represents the spirit of this program. They
saw needs in their communities and made the decision to act, to serve, and to keep showing up. CIBC Caribbean is proud to recognize them and to help bring greater attention to the work they are doing.”
The recognition event also brought together members of the judging panel who reviewed this year’s nominations and selected the program’s honorees. The panel comprised Olympic gold medalist Tonique Williams, Bahamas Red Cross President Edison Sumner, Guardian Lifestyles Editor Shavaughn Moss, and Organization for Responsible Governance Executive Director Matt Aubry.
During the event, each finalist spoke about the community work that led to their nomination. The judges were also recognized for lending their time and expertise to the selection process.
Gibson added, “Recognition is important, but we also hope that sharing these stories encourages others to look around their own communities, see where they can make a difference, and act.
“Our Unsung Heroes remind us that meaningful change often begins with an individual who simply decides to help.”
Bahamas News
Public Hospitals Authority Foundation Donates Dialysis Machines to Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH)
The Bahamas, September 21, 2026 – The Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) Foundation, a philanthropic organization launched in January 2024 to support public hospitals and healthcare clinics, donated eight additional dialysis machines for the PMH Renal Services unit.
Director of Foundations, Corporate and Community Relations for the Public Hospitals Authority and Executive Director of the foundation,
Alana Major, said this initiative is a part of the foundation’s “Sun, Sea and Second Chances” campaign. PHA Foundation aims to secure 30 machines for Princess Margaret Hospital.
“As of today, with this donation, we are now up to 15 machines, so we are very excited about that,” Ms. Major said.
Other members of the foundation were present, including PHA Foundation Chairman Mr. Selvin Basden, who said the foundation is committed to doing its part in fulfilling the mandate of the Government of the Bahamas.
“One of the tenets of the Government is to ensure that access to healthcare is a human right. We are committed to ensuring that, at least from our part, we can deliver on that principle,” Mr. Basden said.
The PMH Renal Services Unit dialyzes about 150 to 170 patients annually. The unit provides care for patients who have been diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease and now need renal support. Patients who receive dialysis typically come to the unit three times a week, either on a Monday-Wednesday-Friday schedule or a Tuesday-Thursday-Saturday schedule.
Head of Department for Renal Services, Dr. Thurston Carroll, said she and the unit are excited to receive the donation, as it will replace
machines that are not operating optimally.
“We are particularly excited about today’s donation because, although we have 20 stations within the dialysis unit, we have an aging fleet. These new machines and new water-treatment equipment will allow us to replace some of our aging equipment so that we can continue providing services to our patients.”
Foundation representatives noted that one or two organizations are already considering making bulk donations and if it happens, the foundation may be able to secure another 10 machines or another five machines in the very near future.
PMH Deputy Hospital Administrator Angelica Lockhart-Bastian and Hospital Administrator Mr. Tevard Bastian thanked the PHA Foundation for its donation to Princess Margaret Hospital.
Also in attendance were PHA Foundation Deputy Chairman Dr. Erecia Hepburn; Foundation guest Dr. Maria Oriakhi; Chief Biomedical Engineer Mr. Theodore Nottage; Administrative Officer Ms. Appapisa Neely; and Senior Assistant Hospital Administrator Mr. Valdez Bowe.
By Christina Williams
Bahamas Information Services
BIS Photos/Mark Ford
PHOTO CAPTION:
Group Photo, from left:
– Dr. Rhea Thurston Carroll, Director, Renal Services, PMH
– Nurse Kim Harris, Dialysis Nurse, Dialysis Unit, PMH
– Sister Darnell Roker, Nurse Manager, Dialysis Unit, PMH
– Mrs. Angelica Lockhart-Bastian, Deputy Hospital Administrator PMH
– Mr. Tevard Bastian, Hospital Administrator PMH
– Mrs. Alana Major, Director, Foundations, Community and Corporate Relations, PHA
– Mr. Selvin Basden, Chairman, PHA Foundation
– Dr. Erecia Hepburn, PHA Foundation Board
– Ms. Donette Danvers, Executive Assistant, Foundations, Community and Corporate Relations, PHA
Miami, Florida – Director of Aviation and Deputy Director General of Tourism, Dr. Kenneth Romer was presented with The 2025-2026 Infrastructure Leadership MVP Award, during the 10th Annual Caribbean Infrastructure Forum (CARIF) held in Miami September 15-16, 2026.
According to event organizers, New Energy Events, the MVP Leadership Award is the highest individual honor in the industry and is
presented to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional, strategic and visionary leadership in advancing infrastructure in the Caribbean. Chosen by an independent jury of regional industry leaders, “The recipient is recognized for their sustained impact, influence across sectors, and dedication to driving meaningful progress in policy, investment, or project delivery”, said Event Organizers.
Romer becomes only the third person from the Region, and the first from The Bahamas to receive the Leadership MVP Award, joining last year’s winner The Honourable Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados.
Represented among the Conference Speakers and present at the Award Ceremony was Minister of Energy, Utilities and Aviation, The Honourable JoBeth Coleby-Davis, who said that, “This award amplifies The Bahamas Government’s commitment to executing a vision that sets the benchmark for infrastructural investments opportunities across our archipelago while supporting exemplary Bahamian leaders like Dr. Romer, who are steering the Caribbean toward more resilient, investable, and innovative infrastructure”.
“While this award is deemed an individual honor, it is a recognition of the Bahamas’ position as a respected regional leader and more so, a
reflection of the incredible talent that resides within our small, but indomitable nation that continues to punch above its weight class as the world marks the manner of our bearing”, said Dr. Romer.
Dr. Romer has been instrumental in driving post-pandemic tourism recovery alongside the transformation of airports across the Family Islands through the Government’s landmark Family Islands Renaissance initiative. Under his leadership as Director of Aviation and Deputy Director General of Tourism, the sector has embraced a strategic, forward-looking approach focused on modernizing over 19 runways and terminals, strengthening safety and resilience, expanding international and regional connectivity, and leveraging public-private partnerships to deliver world-class facilities.
Dr. Romer’s work has helped translate the National Aviation Strategic Plan into tangible infrastructure projects that are creating new opportunities for tourism, investment, entrepreneurship and economic growth across the archipelago.
In 2025, he became the first person from the Caribbean and LATAM Region to be appointed to the Board of the International Association of Airports Executives.
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