Bahamas News

BAHAMAS: Rotary to the Rescue

Published

4 years ago

October 31, 2019

#Freeport, GB, October 31, 2019 – Bahamas – Keenly aware of the decimation Hurricane Dorian left behind on Grand Bahama, particularly over the eastern end of the island, taking with it loved ones and homes, members of the five Rotary clubs on island rode a convoy into Pelican Point last week with desperately needed building materials, generators, fuel and more fresh drinking water.

The elated and grateful residents welcomed the cavalry when the two 40-foot trailers laden with roofing and building materials and truckloads of essentials arrived.

“I’m overwhelmed with joy because I didn’t know that this day would come that somebody would really think about us enough to want to do this for us,” Ianthe Laing, a resident of 49 years said. “It is a new start, a new beginning.”

Most of the residents in the east have lost everything and a number of them, loved ones, including entire families, who remain missing after they were swept out to sea during Dorian’s raging surge.

For some, before now the road ahead seemed bleak and onerous, not knowing how and if they can rebuild with no insurance, financial aid or clue where to start. Much of the homes that remain are for the most part unlivable and camping tents erected in front of these structures act as make shift lodgings.

But with some relief in sight for residents of Pelican Point who are living out their worst nightmare, it is literally a dream come true.

“I’m so happy, I can’t even express my feeling right now,” said Elvina Bain. “I’ve been hearing that supplies are coming since the hurricane left and this is the first time that I’m seeing it.”

Bain has resided in Pelican Point all of her life but moved inland to escape the impending forecasted monstrous hurricane. When she returned a week after the storm after the roads were made passable again, she found her house was in-tact but had suffered extensive roof damage and flooding.

Now, after gutting out her home and attempting to salvage what she can, picking up the pieces to the life she and her family once knew is proving to be one mammoth task. Making their efforts all the more egregious is the sporadic downpour of rain which gives birth to a new leaky episode.

“When it rains it pours,” said Bain who has moved back home and like many others who have returned are determined to rebuild the community of Pelican Point.

It was day 51 after Hurricane Dorian left its deadly path of destruction on Grand Bahama and Abaco and that many days since the Rotary Clubs of Lucaya, Freeport, Sunrise, Sunset and Grand Bahama have galvanized into action and pooled its resources with Rotary International to bring more help and relief to residents on the island. This time, Pelican Point would be the first settlement in the east to receive building materials.

Rotarian volunteer Rich Halpern, a member of the five person central committee whose responsibilities include setting up and managing the rebuilding program said the program was initiated exclusively for East Grand Bahama.

“We’re going to be the first ones out there actually bringing them hammers, nails, sheetrock, plywood and peel and stick. We had a benefactor that came to us, no strings attached, and just said ‘I want to give this to you and I want you to use it wisely and account for it’ and it was a lot of money,” Halpern said, pointing out that it is a global relief effort and one that is giving him goose bumps just talking about it.

Disaster Relief Committee Director James Sarles said Rotary operating as first responders initially brought in totes to be able to supply water, survivor goods and basic supplies to the residents of East Grand Bahama which was hardest hit.

The second phase, he added, is to get people back in their homes.

“So the monies that we raised with generous partners like Equinor, we’re going through the building phase. Today, it’s very exciting. Two 40-foot trailers, all of those building materials, have been paid for through our generous sponsors and it’s exciting for us today with just weeks after the storm that we are here on the ground,” he said.

“Rotary, which is a service organization – all volunteers – has been working tirelessly for five weeks, some of them had similar problems with their own home but they still came out.”

Local contractors are carrying out the work and will go from house to house.

“Once everything is dried in, then we’re going to do mold remediation. Mold is a very serious issue. Everything’s got to come out of the house and it has to be treated properly and you have to wear the right mask and protective tie-back suits,” said Sarles.

After that work is completed, Sarles said they will bring in the sheetrock and before long the residents will be able to move back into their homes.

“Then we’re going to help them with airbeds and doing everything that we can to get them back and to create some sort of normalcy with their life. That’s really what Rotary is all about. We’re a service organization and our motto is service above self,” he added.

“It makes me proud to be a Rotarian to help the people and certainly Grand Bahama is in a situation that we need the help and we’re doing the best we can.”

Area Governor of Rotary 6990 for Grand Bahama Lisbeth Knowles noted that the goal is to start with Pelican Point, move to Free Town and then on to McLean’s Town.

“We’re just really happy that we can help everybody here in Pelican Point and later the rest of East End. We’ll do as much as we can with the donations that we have received so far and we are really grateful. We are trying to get as many donations in as possible because there is a lot of work to do,” she said.

Contractor Steve Laing, who is also from Pelican Point, was overjoyed to see the outpouring of donated building and roofing materials for the people of East Grand Bahama.

“This is the first set of materials to hit the ground in Pelican Point and we are so thankful because the people were so discouraged and this brings a ray of hope in [them] at least starting to put their life back together,” said Laing who was speechless when he first returned home after the storm.

“You can’t imagine the beauty of this place before the storm and the horror of this place after the storm. People who know Pelican Point, this is the cleanliest settlement on the island, but now it just lies in ruin and the folks are really in despair.”

Laing said their new reality makes one learn to appreciate the simple things in life.

“I want the folks in Freeport and the rest of The Bahamas to know that even though they are living a somewhat normal life, 95 per cent of the people in this area don’t have a home. There is no place to use the restroom, no power, no running water, there’s no restaurant, no shops, no nothing,” he said.

“In the nighttime it’s just darkness. So to have these guys come and bring these supplies it really makes us feel good.”

The Rotary Clubs plan to head back to the east shortly to take supplies into residents of Free Town.

Release: Rotary International

Photo Captions:

Header: The Rotary Clubs on Grand Bahama are on a mission to get help to residents of East Grand Bahama whose homes were destroyed after Hurricane Dorian hit the island nearly two months ago. From left are Jaims Carey, president of the Rotary Club of Lucaya; Jackie Russell, secretary of the Rotary Club of Grand Bahama; Lorine Miller, president of the Rotary Club of Freeport; James Sarles, past president of the Rotary Club of GB Sunrise; Christine van der Linde, president of the Rotary Club of Grand Bahama and Lisbeth Knowles, Area Governor for Grand Bahama District 6990.

1st insert: It was a happy day for residents of Pelican Point to witness the first delivery of building materials brought into their area by Rotary International for the purpose of repairing and rebuilding their homes after Hurricane Dorian.

2nd insert: Members from the five Rotary Clubs on island were on hand and ready to off load the desperately needed supplies they delivered for the residents of Pelican Point in East Grand Bahama.

3rd insert: Residents of Pelican Point are ready to start rebuilding their community and can now do so with the generosity of Rotary International and other private sponsors.

4th insert: Area Governor of Rotary 6990 for Grand Bahama Lisbeth Knowles was excited to be a part of the cavalry bringing in much-needed materials, generators and water to the residents of Pelican Point who were displaced after Hurricane Dorian.

5th insert: Area Governor of Rotary 6990 for Grand Bahama Lisbeth Knowles, left, and Rotarian volunteer Rich Halpern, a member of the committee responsible for setting up and managing the building program, at Gold Rock Creek just after the building materials were loaded on to trailers before heading out to deliver the goods to residents of Pelican Point

Bahamas News

Pacesetting Cohort of Eleuthera Residents Graduate from Leading Light Programme

Published

5 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Shanieka

Office of University Relations

22^nd April 2024

Eleuthera, THE BAHAMAS – A pioneering cohort of 43 Eleuthera residents graduated from the University of The Bahamas’ (UB’s) free Leading Light Programme, sponsored by Disney Cruise Line (DCL) on Friday 19^th April, 2024.

The programme, launched in February 2024 and delivered through UB’s Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning (CeLEARN), offers a series of courses to ensure Eleuthera has a proficient workforce capable of delivering unparalleled hospitality leadership as the island experiences a sharp growth in tourism arrivals. The graduation ceremony was held at the Eleuthera Chamber of Commerce Business Hub in Rock Sound, Eleuthera.

The courses focused on tourism and hospitality skills, leadership development and effective communication. They were taught by UB faculty and included guest lecturers such as former Director General of Tourism, Minister of Tourism and Secretary General of the Caribbean Tourism Organization Vincent Vanderpool Wallace and veteran hospitality professor Dr. Lincoln Marshall.

“This programme represents the mission-driven collaboration and skills-building that University of The Bahamas is committed to fostering, supported by an important industry partner like Disney Cruise Line,” noted UB President (Acting) Janyne Hodder. “Given the importance of the tourism industry to our nation, we know how vital it is that we continually equip our workforce with diverse expertise to uphold our reputation for excellence in hospitality. We are grateful for this collaboration with Disney Cruise Line which has facilitated programme delivery in Eleuthera, enabling UB to broaden access to much sought-after professional development.”

As training and skills development programming grows across the island of Eleuthera, the Leading Light Programme experience was tailored to be free of charge, accessible and conclude with participants earning a UB certification that signals the high standard of education for which the University is recognized. Students came from all walks of life and traveled from as far away as Hatchet Bay in the North, and Bannerman Town in the South to Rock Sound for classes. Programme participants also received a stipend to defray the cost of commuting and other personal expenses.

Nora Smith, a manager at the picturesque Jack’s Bay Club, yearned to increase her skills.

“I would recommend this programme to anyone because The Bahamas is known as a tourism destination. Taking this course in tourism and hospitality, can help me to go far in dealing with tourists daily in my workplace,” she said.

Graduate Javonne Richards appreciated the comprehensive curriculum and the ease of access to the courses that were offered.

“This programme not only fills a gap in our Eleuthera education offerings, but also equips participants with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in dynamic work environments,” he noted.

Director General of Tourism Mrs. Latia Duncombe, who delivered the keynote address at the graduation ceremony, shared three essential qualities for successful tourism professionals: energy, creativity and a welcoming personality.

“Your fresh perspectives and innovative ideas are invaluable to creating unique, unforgettable customer experiences,” said Mrs. Duncombe. “While technology such as Artificial Intelligence, also have a role to play, human interaction remains essential.”

Minister of Works and Family Island Affairs and Member of Parliament for Central and South Eleuthera the Honourable Clay Sweeting commended the partnership that is supporting community growth.

“I am proud of every Eleutheran who came from near and far to take advantage of this opportunity,” said Minister Sweeting. “As Eleuthera’s economy continues to grow, especially in Central and South Eleuthera, I encourage more corporate partners to invest in the local community in innovative ways, like the University of The Bahamas and Disney Cruise Line have, so that we can continue to strengthen our local communities.”

Two additional cohorts will be offered this year, increasing the pipeline of Eleutherans who are optimally skilled as hospitality and tourism ambassadors. Registration for the summer programme will open on May 17 and the second cycle of courses begins June 17, 2024. Fall programme dates are September 23 through November 29, 2024. To learn more about the Leading Light Programme and how to enroll, please email atynes@eleutherahambercommerce.com.

Bahamas News

Royal Caribbean to open Royal Beach Club on Paradise Island in 2025

Published

14 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Shanieka

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 24, 2024

By LINDSAY THOMPSON

Bahamas Information Services

NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Government entered into a Heads of Agreement with Royal Caribbean International, followed by a Ground Breaking Ceremony for the construction of Royal Beach Club on Paradise Island, at an estimated $165 million.

The agreement was signed on Monday, April 22, 2024 during a press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister.

According to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation the Hon. Chester Cooper, the project will further enhance the tourism product, on the heels of an estimated 9 million visitor arrivals.

He deemed it “an eventful day” with a reliable partner in RCI of more than 50 years with The Bahamas, and the continued confidence that investors have in the tourism product and economy.

He said it is a partnership with “excellence experiences” as he delighted in the fact that there will be more for the 25,000 cruise ship guests in port.

Also on hand for the activities to seal the agreement were Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis; Minister of Health and Wellness, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville; Minister of Energy and Transport, the Hon. JoBeth Coleby-Davis; Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Senator the Hon. Ryan Pinder; Director of Investments Phylicia Woods-Hanna; executives of Royal Caribbean International and Royal Caribbean Group, and other officials.

“With the signing of this Heads of Agreement for the development of the Royal Beach Club on Paradise Island, we embark on a $165 million project to further enhance the vitality of our tourism product,” the prime minister said.

Spearheaded by RBC Paradise Island Ltd. and PDI Paradise Ltd., subsidiaries of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., the project will galvanize entertainment and recreational offerings for Bahamians and visitors alike.

The master plan for the Royal Beach Club includes pools, cabanas, and Bahamian boutiques, offering an unparalleled on-shore experience for visitors.

“This development will prove to be a monumental step forward for Bahamian inclusion in major tourism projects that will serve as a model for others to emulate,” the prime minister said.

The prime minister then underscored the importance of what the project would mean for Bahamians in the broader scope of things.

An estimated 200 jobs will be created for Bahamians. However, an opportunity is being provided for shared ownership in this development.

It is anticipated that PDI Paradise Ltd. will hold at least 51% of the shares in the Royal Beach Club, with the remaining 49 % shares being allocated to the National Investment Fund for the benefit of Bahamians.

“Through this partnership, we will provide new employment and economic opportunities for this nation. Local businesses will see their share of opportunities as well. There will be Bahamian boutiques creating avenues for small business ownership,” the prime minister said.

The project will also encompass a joint venture with a Bahamian-owned entity for the operation of a water taxi business; it will provide transportation options for guests of the Royal Beach Club, as well as other attractions in Nassau Harbour – enhancing accessibility while creating additional avenues for economic growth within the community.

“Ultimately, this project will largely be run by Bahamians, owned by the Bahamian people, and supported by Bahamian businesses.

“When we talk about the need to ensure that major tourism projects are primarily for the benefit of the Bahamian people, these are the kinds of opportunities that we are talking about,” the prime minister said.

He observed that the Royal Beach Club represents the latest successful chapter in the story of Paradise Island’s growth as a tourism mecca. Initial negotiations for the project began under the previous administration. Royal Club Beach is expected to open in 2025.

“By signing today’s agreement, we add another world-class experience to our tourism offerings. And even more importantly, we take a bold step toward greater Bahamian empowerment in the tourism industry. This is our nation, and we must ensure that, first and foremost, our service industries serve us,” the prime minister said.

He concluded, “We are more optimistic than ever before about our economic prospects with tourism leading the way as our number one industry that continues to grow at a record-breaking pace.

At the ground breaking site just west of the Atlantis Resort, officials tilled the soil, marking the beginning of the construction process.

Jason Liberty, president, and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group said that events regarding the agreement “symbolize partnership, momentum, and continued economic development for so many Bahamian entrepreneurs and the entire community.

“We are grateful to our partners for their support, especially the Bahamian government, who stand with us here today in celebration of what is to come.”

Bahamas News

Sister Province/Island Relationship Agreement Signed between Grand Bahama Island and Hunan Province

Published

20 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

By LLONELLA GILBERT
Bahamas Information Services

NASSAU, The Bahamas — A significant milestone was made in the development of bilateral relations between the Governments of The Bahamas and the People’s Republic of China by the signing of the Sister Province/Island Relationship Agreement between Grand Bahama Island and Hunan Province.

The signing took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. The Hon. Ginger Moxey, Minister for Grand Bahama; the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, Minister of Health and Wellness; Kingsley Smith, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry for Grand Bahama and Joel Lewis, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry for Grand Bahama represented The Bahamas at the signing.

His Excellency Mao Weiming, Governor of Hunan Provincial People’s Government; Qu Hai, Secretary General of Hunan Provincial People’s Government; Cui Wei, Charge d’Affaires, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China; and Yang Peiran, Interpreter represented the People’s Republic of China.

Minister Moxey explained that in February 2022, she and the former Chinese Ambassador to The Bahamas, Her Excellency Dai Qingli began discussion on the establishment of a province-island relationship between Hunan Province and Grand Bahama Island because of their “immense synergy”.

“Hunan has a vibrant creative industry and its capital city, Changsha is known as the entertainment capital of China, whilst Grand Bahama is poised to become the home of entertainment in ‘Our Bluepoint for Change’.”

She said Hunan Province boasts 11 industrial sectors and Grand Bahama is the industrial capital of The Bahamas. Further, innovation driven development has been a new driving force for Hunan, while Grand Bahama is poised to become the home of innovation for The Bahamas.

Minister Moxey said she is confident that an exchange of knowledge, ideas and culture will happen between the residents of Hunan Province and Grand Bahama.

“There is potential for robust trade in various sectors, opportunities for tourism promotion and intercultural appreciation, exchanges to support performing arts programs on our island, foster growth within the Orange Economy, and tap into China’s innovation, technology and vast expertise.”

She said that the formal signing aligns with the mission of Sister Cities International, which is to promote peace through mutual respect, understanding and cooperation, one community at a time.

The Minister said, “Through collaborative programs and initiatives, this connection will support the government’s vision to diversity Grand Bahama’s economy to become the Home of Maritime and Logistics, Home of Events and Entertainment and Home of Innovation.”

She noted that in addition to signing the agreement, she looks forward to Grand Bahama residents benefitting from the signing of the Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding between Central South University and University of The Bahamas (UB), which will expand educational and technical cooperation between the two universities. The northern campus of UB is located in Grand Bahama.

His Excellency Mao Weiming said although geographically far apart, China and The Bahamas are friends with mutual respect and understanding as well as sincerity.

He explained that 27 years ago, both countries established diplomatic relations and China and The Bahamas have deepened their cooperation, strengthened their friendship and carried out many activities in the field of economy, trade and people-to-people exchange.

His Excellency recalled that in August 2022, he and Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis had a video conference where they both reached a consensus to cooperate in order to usher a new chapter in the relationship between Hunan and The Bahamas.

“Today, we are here to sign a sister-to-sister relationship between Hunan and Grand Bahama. It is [a] concrete move to implement our consensus reached before and also to embark on a new journey of friendly exchanges.”

He added, “By establishing the relationship of sister cities, I believe the two sides will develop further in terms of economic and trade cooperation, people to people exchange, as well as friendship, and we will embrace new opportunities and deliver concrete benefits for the two peoples.”

He explained that Hunan, which is the home town of Chairman Mao, the founder of the People’s Republic of China, has developed very advanced industries of manufacturing, agriculture, education, culture as well as tourism.

His Excellency said he believes that Hunan and Grand Bahama enjoy very broad room for cooperation.

He said, “More efforts should be made to conduct cooperation in the fields of agriculture, tourism, culture, education and the film industry so as to realize a connectivity between our two sides in terms of logistics and the platform cooperation; so as to deliver concrete benefits for the people and to make our due contribution to the bilateral relationship between China and The Bahamas.”

PHOTO CAPTION

A significant milestone was made in the development of bilateral relations between the Governments of The Bahamas and the People’s Republic of China by the signing of the Sister Province/Island Relationship Agreement between Grand Bahama Island and Hunan Province. The signing took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. Shown from left: Qu Hai, Secretary General of Hunan Provincial People’s Government; Cui Wei, Charge d’Affaires, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China; Yang Peiran, Interpreter H.E. Mao Weiming, Governor of Hunan Provincial People’s Government; the Hon. Ginger Moxey, Minister for Grand Bahama; the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, Minister of Health and Wellness; Kingsley Smith, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry for Grand Bahama and Joel Lewis, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry for Grand Bahama.

(BIS Photos/Anthon Thompson)