#Freeport, Bahamas – February 19, 2020 —Team RISE has approved another 14 companies for small business restoration grants as Cohort II of the programme recently completed its final Selection Committee process. RISE, which stands for Restoring Industries and Sustaining Employment, is a partnership between The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA), and Mercy Corps International (MC), a global humanitarian aid organization, along with key funding partners Bacardi Global and the American Red Cross.
The economic recovery initiative launched in December last year and has already awarded nearly $160,000 in funding to local businesses. GBPA Director, Henry St. George said, “We are encouraged by the quality of applications coming in for RISE and the diligence of the applicants. Our analysis of the incoming application data has reiterated a really pressing need for funding to micro and small business owners, post-Dorian, and we are pleased to be able to provide a comprehensive support mechanism for those businesses. We have now revised our goal remains to provide grants to at least 200 micro and small businesses.
RISE Grants provide up to $10,000 in business recovery funding for eligible businesses. Cohort III is now in process and accepting applications; and the deadline for Cohort IV is close of business on Monday, 9th March. Subsequently, Partners of RISE are encouraging all businesses that fit the selection criteria across Grand Bahama, to apply at www.risegbpa.com.
“Grand Bahama’s small business sector has endured enormous challenges since the storm,” St. George explained. “We designed RISE to support micro and small business owners with the reestablishment of their operations, to drive economic recovery, and to build resilience and sustainability against future catastrophic events through training. The goal is to rebuild a small business sector that is stronger and more robust in the face of the climate challenges that have become our new normal,” he added.
The RISE grants continue to gain momentum, with more businesses applying in Cohort II and even more anticipated for the upcoming Cohort. Additionally, GBPA/MC Team will host new information sessions in East Grand Bahama, to assist business owners with their applications; details on date and venue for the meeting will be announced at a later date
MC Country Director, Pete Sweetnam, stated, “Teaching businesses how to build a strong narrative with supporting documents, and guiding them on how to validate their need for the award is critical to the overall success of their application. Mercy Corps and GBPA want to see even more businesses apply for the grants and, even more receive funding. Through RISE, they will receive essential business training and have the opportunity to participate in the MicroMentor programme for 1-year free of charge. We all believe that this will add tremendous value and further enhance their operation,” he concluded.
Although retail and services sectors had the largest category of applicants, actual grant recipients represented a healthy cross-section of the local economy, including Maritime, Trade Services, Food & Beverage, and Technical trades; and, all recipients were extremely grateful to receive grants.
Stephanie Ferguson, President of Phoenix Brokerage & Shipping, expressed, “We would like to thank Mercy Corps and The Grand Bahama Port Authority for granting us the Rise Grant. This Grant is a Godsend and will assist Phoenix Brokerage with not only rebuilding but to grow our business bigger than it was prior to Dorian.”
Another recipient of RISE, Capt., Patrick Cartwright, owner of Triple-A Boatcare & Maintenance, said, “I would like to thank the R.I.S.E & GBPA project team for an expeditious process. The RISE Grant has not only opened many doors for me, but it has given me the hope needed to go on.”
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#Bahamas#Botswana, March 18th, 2024 – Prime Minister of The Bahamas Philip Davis is now in Botswana from March 18 to the 22, invited by Botswana’s president Mokgweetsi Masisi, and both nations, according to The Bahamas Office of the Prime Minister, are expected to sign agreements for trade, education, tourism, investment, banking and climate change in efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties. The Bahamian officials accompanying Davis are the Minister of Foreign Affairs; Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training; Minister of Economic Affairs; Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture and Parliamentary Secretary of Tourism, Investment and Aviation.
Defence Headquarters, 17 MAR. ’24: A joint operation between the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) and the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) led to the apprehension of 50 Haitian migrants approximately 5 nautical miles west of Bell Island on Saturday, March 16th.
The operation was initiated following the initial sighting of a sailing vessel, believed to be of Haitian origin, 8 miles southwest of Staniel Cay in the Exumas. RBDF swiftly deployed air and surface assets stationed at Matthew Town Inagua, supported by Police officials in Staniel Cay who verified the sighting. The migrants were intercepted by RBDF personnel stationed at the Land and Sea Park, Wardrick Wells Exuma, and subsequently handed over to the safe boat crew. They are currently under apprehension pending further investigation, with the imminent arrival of HMBS Rolly Gray.
In response to the ongoing instability in Haiti, Commodore Raymond King has announced the implementation of a strategic blockade in the southern Bahamas. This initiative includes the deployment of six surface vessels, one aircraft, and 120 highly skilled RBDF personnel. Patrol operations will be concentrated in critical areas such as the northern coast of Haiti, the Old Bahama Channel, and the Windward Passage, with the aim of deterring unauthorized entry attempts and preserving maritime security in the region.
The effectiveness of these decisive measures is evident, with recent apprehensions totaling 247 individuals by the RBDF. Commodore Raymond E. King emphasizes the commitment to bolstering maritime security through collaborative efforts with regional partners and local law enforcement agencies.
The Royal Bahamas Defence Force remains committed to safeguarding the nation’s borders and territorial integrity, working collaboratively with regional partners.
(For further information please contact the RBDF Public Relations Department or visit our website: www.rbdf.gov.bs, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and view our Youtube channel)
Nassau, Bahamas, February 28, 2024 – Enthusiastic girl guides, ranger guides, and girls representing schools across The Bahamas recently gathered at the first ever Delaney Leadership Seminar.
The seminar, named in honor of CIBC FirstCaribbean’s (now CIBC Caribbean) first female chief executive officer, Ms. Colette Delaney, empowered the next generation of female leaders through focused sessions on leadership development, cultivating a leadership mindset, and the importance of building strong, supportive friendships.
The event featured a series of team building exercises, interactive discussions, and a keynote address by Dr. Jacqui Bend, CIBC Caribbean’s Managing Director. Dr. Bend shared insights on the essence of leadership, guiding principles, and emphasized the role of young women in shaping a vibrant future for The Bahamas and beyond.
“It was a privilege to witness the incredible energy and budding potential of the young leaders that participated. Leadership is not just about guiding others; it’s about inspiring action and fostering an environment where everyone can thrive. The Delaney Leadership Seminar is a testament to CIBC Caribbean’s commitment to nurturing young, bright minds and equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to lead with purpose and passion,” said Dr. Bend.
Held under the theme, Our World, Our Bahamas, Our Thriving Future, the seminar underscored the importance of lifelong learning, perseverance, empathy, and collaboration in leadership, among other guiding principles. Dr. Bend highlighted the strides already being made by the participants and encouraged them to continue exploring their potential and envisioning their roles in creating positive change within their communities and the wider world.
Delina Rolle, a tenth-grade participant and aspiring lawyer from Preston H. Albury High School in Eleuthera, shared, “This seminar has been a life-changing experience for me. Hearing Dr. Bend’s success story and her tips were inspiring for me as a young girl trying to be a leader. I am happy I was selected by my school’s administration to attend and connect with so many amazing girls who share my dreams of making a difference.”
The Delaney Leadership Seminar has set a new benchmark for youth leadership programs in The Bahamas. The event concluded with a commitment from both CIBC Caribbean and the Bahamas Girl Guides Association (BGGA) to continue their support for youth leadership initiatives.
In 2022, CIBC FirstCaribbean donated to the BGGA to assist in completing the interior of its $1.5 million, West Bay Street headquarters, which will feature meeting rooms, office spaces, training areas, accommodations for girl guides visiting from other countries and other essential working areas.
It was at that time that Dr. Bend affirmed the bank’s commitment to support organizations that mirror the bank’s promise to assist women and girls in the communities it serves. Prior to that, the bank donated several native trees to BGGA, which were planted at its campsite, Camp Discovery, in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Housing’s Forestry Unit.