Bahamas News
Bahamas gets timeline and assistance update on COVID-19 plagued Cruise Ship, Braemer
#Nassau, Bahamas – March 18, 2020 — FULL STATEMENT by Renward Wells, Minister of Transport
Mister Speaker;
Today I wish to report that the humanitarian relief afforded The Bahamas Flag cruise ship Braemar is completed and that the ship has departed Bahamian waters.
Mister Speaker;
I wish to provide a chronology of events regarding this matter in order to fully apprise Bahamians of the sequence of events that led to the resolution of this matter. We were initially advised via email on 11th March, 2020 that the Cruise Ship Braemar was en route to Barbados with confirmed coronavirus cases looking for a port of call to dock. The ship was denied entry into Barbados which was its home port.
Mister Speaker;
The ship entered Bahamian territorial waters on 13th March, 2020, with a crew of 381 and 682 passengers, including citizens from 33 countries. More than 97% of the ship’s passengers were of British nationality, and more than 90% were over 60 years of age.
A few people on board had tested positive for COVID-19, and the ship which had been on a Caribbean itinerary, had already been denied entry into several Caribbean ports, including Barbados.
The owners of the Cruise Ship, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, opened dialogue with The Bahamas, since it was registered under our flag. They also engaged the UK authorities due to the fact that there were hundreds of British citizens on board.
Mister Speaker;
The Bahamas Government’s course of action was to immediately establish an inter-agency team which comprised of representatives of The Office of The Prime Minister, the Ministry of Transport and Local Government, the Bahamas Maritime Authority, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Health, all at the highest level, to set The Bahamas’ policy and establish parameters for this national issue. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Transport and Local Government and Minister of Grand Bahama headed this team, whose remit was to set policies and action points and to interface with the government of the United Kingdom. The Minister of Disaster Management and Reconstruction, Iram Lewis, also offered invaluable advice to the operations’ team.
The ship’s owners requested The Bahamas’ assistance with supplying the vessel with essential medical supplies, provisions and fuel; and also for the disposal of refuse and the disembarkation and repatriation of passengers; which they anticipated would occur at a dock and other facilities in The Bahamas.
The Bahamas Government however, did not allow the ship to dock at a Bahamian port or berth and advised that any discharges from the ship were prohibited in Bahamian waters. Further, we declined to accept any refuse from the ship and did not allow any disembarkation whatsoever and/or repatriation from The Bahamas by any of the passengers – in light of the broader health risks posed.
Mister Speaker;
We did, however, offer to provide humanitarian relief to the ship – without the ship docking at a Bahamian port.
The conditions advised were that this would occur at a location out at sea where the ship could be given aid in an isolated area.
Acting Port Controller, Lieutenant Commander Berne Wright assisted in this endeavor by identifying a temporary safe anchorage site for the ship in a remote area in the Great Isaac Bank, which is some twenty-five (25) nautical miles from Freeport, where the required humanitarian operation could be safely carried out.
Mister Speaker;
Permit me to now provide a more comprehensive and detailed timeline from the cruise ship Braemars arrival to its departure from Bahamian territorial waters.
On Friday 13th March, 2020, the Braemar entered Bahamian territorial waters from the South. The vessel was reported, at the time, to have on board five (5) persons that is; one (1) passenger, and four (4) crew members with confirmed cases of COVID-19, and a number of persons in quarantine with flu-like symptoms. The Bahamas Government’s, inter-agency team held a telephone conference, which was joined in part by the UK High Commissioner, to review possible arrangements.
British Officials requested that a few medical and support personnel and six (6) additional crew members be allowed to embark the ship during The Bahamas’ humanitarian operation. It was made unequivocally clear that no one would disembark the ship in The Bahamas.
Our next course of action was to establish an on-site team for the Freeport and Great Isaac Bank operations. This team was headed by the Acting Port Controller and representatives of the Chief Medical Officer in the persons of Dr. Bartlett and Dr. Hedge (pronounced Heggee) of Freeport; both of whom provided invaluable assistance on the ground.
The ship’s managers were advised of the location of refuge and the conditions for the planned operations were discussed. The ship’s managers provided details of their proposed arrangements for refueling; details of the embarking crew and identification of the local ship’s agents were provided.
The proposed plan was reviewed by the Acting Port Controller and Chief Medical Officer’s representatives, who made amendments to ensure that best safety practices were employed at all times.
Six (6) crew members arrived in Nassau and were cleared in the charge of the ship’s agent who subsequently transferred the crew to Freeport.
The next day, which was Saturday 14th March, 2020, the ship arrived at the identified anchorage and the Acting Port Controller arrived in Freeport to act as the on scene Coordinator for the proposed operation.
The proposed operational plans were further fine-tuned, additional control measures and protocols were also introduced.
Mister Speaker;
On the second day of the plan, Sunday 15th March, 2020, in keeping with the operational plans, the Bahamian tug crew were all fully briefed and provided with appropriate protective gear prior to departure. A barge with the provisions and the ship’s crew members who had flown in, were towed by tug from Freeport to a designated point in the vicinity of the vessel, and anchored at that location.
It is important to note here Mister Speaker, that the provisions were then loaded on to the Braemar by its crew – with no physical contact of any nature between the Bahamian crew and any Braemar personnel. The medical personnel bound for the ship arrived in Freeport after air transfer from Nassau, and the arrangements for the transfer of these persons to the ships were reviewed by the on scene Coordinator and his team with agreed control measures and medical control introduced.
Mister Speaker;
The medical team was transferred to the ship by launch and they boarded without any contact between the ship or the launch’s personnel who had been fully briefed and equipped regarding proper medical protocol.
Mister Speaker;
On the final day of the operation which was Monday 16th March, 2020, the Braemar cruise ship departed Bahamian territorial waters with its full complement of passengers, crew and personnel.
Mister Speaker;
I wish to advise that as a precautionary measure, the barge will remain on its own at anchorage (at sea) for a period of seventy-two (72) hours before The Bahamas medical authorities initiate a complete cleaning and disinfecting process.
Mister Speaker;
I am pleased to also report that the ship’s owners were fully cooperative throughout the operation. Additionally, it is instructive that at all stages of the operation none of the passengers left the ship and there was no contact whatsoever between the ship’s crew and the Bahamian tug or crew.
Mister Speaker;
The success of this aspect of the operation was contingent on the involvement and coordination by Acting Port Controller Lieutenant Commander Berne Wright, with the support and assistance of Captain Dwain Hutchinson and the Bahamas Maritime Authority and the representatives of the Chief Medical Officer.
Mister Speaker;
We are all keenly aware of the devastating impact that this pandemic has had on many countries in the world. We must all acknowledge however, that challenges will continue to abound in combating its spread. Ultimately however, we have to determine what is in the best interest of the Bahamian people. That is paramount. Notwithstanding, we continue to pray for the safe and successful passage and well-being of the passengers and crew of the cruise ship Braemar.
The Government of The Bahamas by way of the Bahamas Maritime Authority will continue to be in constant communication with the owners of the Braemar, and in so doing we will continue to update the Bahamian people as warranted.
In closing, Mr. Speaker, I wish to embrace this opportunity to thank the numerous people who came together, whether hands on, or remotely, to ensure the successful outcome of this operation and invariably for the safety, well-being and best interest of all Bahamians.
Office of University Relations
22nd 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 19th 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.
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
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)
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