Bahamas News
Thousands of University of The Bahamas students benefit from Govt’s tuition-free programme
#NASSAU, Bahamas – February 3, 2020 — Approximately 2,900 of almost 5,000 students enrolled at the University of The Bahamas (UB) are benefitting from the Government’s Tertiary Education Grant Programme initiated last August to increase tuition-free access to tertiary education for qualified Bahamians, said Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis.
Of that number, 178 are receiving the additional $500 per month residential grant to help defray the cost of housing for qualified students who must relocate from the Family Islands to attend UB, the Prime Minister added.
The Prime Minister was speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for UB’s $95-million-dollar Residence and Multi-Purpose Complex on Thursday 30 January.
“The progressive and sustainable economic development of The Bahamas rests on the proper education and training of our people,” said Prime Minister Minnis.
“The University of The Bahamas plays a fundamental role in this regard.”
The complex will encompass: 1,000-bed capacity for student residents; 400 parking stalls; more than 50,000 square feet of common areas including a fitness centre, study rooms, a 200-seat dining hall, a 500-seat ballroom and a spiritual life centre; a University Village for leased retail commercial and business operations, and faculty residences.
UB has entered into a public-private partnership for the new complex. Providence Investment and Asset Campus International, an affiliate of the third-party student housing operator Asset Campus Housing, are designing, constructing and will operate this multi-purpose area.
The principals of the Bahamian-owned Providence Investment and Development Company Ltd. have advised that construction of Phase 1 is anticipated to be completed by June 2021, and Phase 2 is scheduled to be completed by November 2021.
Prime Minister Minnis said the groundbreaking marked the start of one of the single largest investments in the Over-the-Hill community in the country’s history.
Given the particular vulnerabilities posed by severe weather produced by Hurricane Dorian, the project team modified the design to mitigate against potential wind damage and flooding, said the Prime Minister.
The design and construction is based on climate change adaptation. Building for resilience was a fundamental consideration, Prime Minister Minnis noted.
“Once completed, this University and Residence and Multi-Purpose Complex will help to revitalize surrounding communities, injecting new vitality and providing opportunities for community engagement and business investments,” said the Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Minnis said his administration has been resolute in its determination to revitalize Over-the-Hill communities, particularly through several innovative initiatives.
“We are vigorously supporting small- and medium-sized businesses by providing them with the incentives and assistance needed to nurture the dreams and develop the skills and talents of Bahamian entrepreneurs,” said Prime Minister Minnis.
“We are also encouraging absentee landowners to re-develop their ancestral homes, properties and abandoned buildings.”
The Prime Minister also pointed to the creation of tax-free economic zones in Over-the-Hill communities to encourage business growth and spur job-creation, and legislation that allows for duty free concessions on construction materials and building supplies used in the construction of business premises and new and/or refurbished owner-occupied homes. The Government is also helping to develop these tax-free economic zones within a safe and clean environment with each zone addressing the socio-economic situation in the area, through tripartite arrangements with landlords, government agencies and Bahamian investors, said Prime Minister Minnis.
Bahamas News
National Reference Lab being restored and strengthened to ensure quality and reliability of health data and early warnings of health threats
By Betty Vedrine
Bahamas information Services
NASSAU, The Bahamas — The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) has new leadership. Commander Dr. Raymond King, with 38 years of RBDF service, passed the baton to Captain Floyd P. Moxey during an official ceremony held at the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Coral Harbour Base on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Captain Moxey assumed the position of ninth Commander Defence Force.
In attendance were Governor General, Her Excellency the Most Hon. Dame Cynthia Pratt; Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Philip Davis; Minister of National Security, the Hon. Wayne Munroe; cabinet ministers, senators, justices and senior government officials.
Prime Minister Davis thanked Commodore King for his long service and said that Commodore King has been an outstanding contributor to
the nation and wished him well in his future endeavors. He commended Commodore King for leading the nation through several crises, including Hurricane Dorian, unrest in Haiti, and the COVID-19 Pandemic.
He welcomed Captain Moxey and said that he epitomized the essence of what a public servant should be.
“Captain Moxey is, in many ways, what public service ought to look like — not glamorous, not boastful, but honest, professional, thoughtful,” said Mr. Davis. “He started out as a marine mechanic in Mangrove Cay, Andros, worked his way up across 40 years of service, mastering technical operations, legal frameworks, and the complex workings of a national security policy.” The Prime Minister said that history was also being made as for the first time ever, the new Commander will be supported by two deputies, both of whom are females.
Outgoing Commander King thanked his staff, colleagues and family for their support over the course of his career. “As I exit the highest office in this distinguished military, I do so with a sense of pride in the work that we have accomplished together,” he said, describing his leadership style as defined by professionalism, fairness, and service to the public.” Delivering a personal tribute was his wife, retired Force Chief Petty Officer Fredricka King, who serenaded him with the hit, “Never Enough” from The Greatest Showman musical.
Commander Moxey noted his work began immediately with addressing the fleet, which is currently running at just 65 percent capacity — far below the 85 percent target.
“Our operations must be intelligence-driven and forward-looking,” he said. To this end, he pledged to boost patrol rotations, set up small boat stations in key locations, and ensure personnel are well-supported and mission-ready.
Plans were also announced to introduce a family support event and expand welfare programmes. An anonymous feedback system, he said, will give marines and staff a safe channel to raise concerns, reinforcing internal transparency and trust.
“To strengthen capabilities, the RBDF will pursue long-term maintenance contracts, adopt a predictive supply model, and invest in training
for pilots, mechanics, and unmanned aerial vehicle operators.” He confirmed that four new safe boats will soon be commissioned, stationed alongside coastal radar systems to expand surveillance coverage.
“The growing instability in Haiti, where gang violence and political turmoil have displaced tens of thousands, has pushed regional governments — including The Bahamas — to bolster border controls and intelligence operations.” Consequently, Commodore Moxey said the RBDF will deepen partnerships with regional allies like the Turks and Caicos Islands, focusing on intelligence sharing and formal agreements to better manage migrant activity.
He added that a new entry of 150 personnel in May will help address manpower needs.
Commodore Moxey is a distinguished Bahamian military professional and legal expert, with over four decades of experience in various agencies including the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, the Office of the Attorney General, and the Ministry of National Security.
Born in Mangrove Cay, Andros, he joined the RBDF in January 1982. He earned a Bachelor of Laws (LLB Hons.) in 2008 from the University of Wolverhampton and a Certificate of Legal Education from the Eugene Dupuch Law School in May 2011. Four months later, he was called to the Bahamas Bar and was subsequently seconded to the Office of the Attorney General.
In 2017, Commodore Moxey returned to the RBDF and became Staff Officer, Legal Affairs. In October 2021, he was appointed Legal Counsel to the Ministry of National Security. He is an active member of Saint Francis Xavier Cathedral. Married to Theresa Sturrup, Commodore Moxey is the proud father of three children — Marcus, Maurice and Theresa, and a proud grandparent.
The ceremony also included Medal Presentations, Three Cheers/Gun Salute for the outgoing Commander and Inaugural Salute to the incoming Commander, the Presentation of Sword and Commander Defence Force Pennant, and a March Past. The RBDF Band provided entertainment.
A reception followed on the grounds.
(BIS Photos/Letisha Henderson)
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