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Bahamas Minister of Education calls for keen attention to changes due to COVID-19

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#Nassau, Bahamas – March 19, 2020 — The Minister of Education, the Hon. Jeffrey Lloyd, urged Bahamians to participate consciously, patiently and with keen alertness to the changing demands that may come as a result of COVID-19 (Corona Virus).

In a Communication to Parliament, Wednesday, March 18, 2020, Minister Lloyd provided an update for the public and persons connected to education including leaders, superintendents, principals, administrators, teachers, students, other staff, parents and stakeholders.

“The reality is that we are in a National Public Health Crisis, evolving as we speak. The Bahamas has never been here before. Each day, the Science Community is learning more and more about the Corona Virus, which means that each day our response will have to adjust to conform to the new realities,” he said.

He acknowledged the stakeholders for their understanding, wisdom, patience and cooperation and expressed the leadership’s care for each member of the team.

Minister Lloyd also announced the following:

Support Staff

  • A rotation system is to be put in place for janitorial and clerical staff. The janitorial staff is to thoroughly clean all campuses using the protective equipment that will be provided.

Security Officers

  • All security officers are to report to work each day for their entire shift. Security officers that have large amounts of vacation time and or holiday days that they may have accumulated are advised to apply to take those days at this time.

Instructions

  • Teachers are to continue to engage students through the media they have established. Where that has not been done, they are directed to attend school, maintaining social distance, and secure the register of their students, while also utilizing sources for educational materials
  • Beginning March 30, 2020, the “live” instruction will be provided by teachers.
  • The Ministry of Education’s (MOE) Virtual School Platform is being upgraded and will be ready Monday, March 23, 2020. Fifty teachers have been trained for this platform which accommodates up to 100,000 students.
  • Over 500 devices have been given to students and teachers to access this program. Students can access this platform with any device that has internet connectivity such as cell phones, laptops, and tablets, etc.
  • The Ministry has approximately 1800 tablets for teachers and 2500 Amazon Fire 7 for students left to be distributed. It also has approximately 10,000 Amazon Fire 7 tablets that are in schools.
  • One-on-One ONLINE learning for after school and weekend personalized sessions are also being expanded which will be ready by Monday, March 23rd, 2020. Teachers will be allowed to use their personal devices for instructions or go to the campus and use those available there.
  • Remote conferencing capability is now being installed so that MOE leaders can communicate with all superintendents and principals in order to disseminate and receive information remotely.

     
  • By Friday, March 20, 2020, the Home Schooling Unit will be providing tips for parents working with their children at home and a list of educational links. The MOE will publish consistently and frequently Public Service Announcements, send out messages through WhatsApp, Facebook and the Ministry’s web site.

    Instructional Materials

    • Utilize existing resources that currently meet quality standards

    • Create instructional resource kits (digital, hard copies, etc.)

    • Publish list of topics in sequence by subject and grade level on MOE Website

    • Produce specific review package for National Examination candidates. To date, 1650 students have been engaged through our virtual learning platforms.
     
  • 19,829 Primary school students will participate in a one-hour daily live session as parents/guardians will be encouraged to follow the posted learning plans to support their children at home.
  •  The MOE will also be airing content via Our TV, ZNS, and radio.

    Lunch Program

    Meal vouchers will be provided for two weeks.  Parents will be required to collect and confirm the receipt of vouchers for their child/children. MOE will engage a number of eateries whereby students could be provided a meal.

    Guidance Counsellors

    Guidance Counsellors will be provided with cell phones so that psycho-social support could be given 8 to 4 for non-academic and psychiatric support.

    Security officers are also maintaining vigilance regarding persons accessing the building who are presenting with flu-like symptoms, and bringing such persons to management’s attention for further attention. It is anticipated that satellite offices will follow suit in these practices

    The Toll-Free numbers below would be available by this Friday:

    1. 300-2320

    2. 300-2319

    Proposed Revised Examination Dates

    Considerations are now being made to extend the Examination timetable. More information will be provided at a later date.

    Students have already received Individual timetables, however the large display timetables have not been printed as yet. It is proposed that the new dates, if agreed upon, will appear on the large/display timetables as well as placed in the media and on social media.


    To assist students with final preparations for examinations administrators, parents, guardians and other caregivers will be advised to:
  • Eliminate all non-instructional or non-essential observances in school e.g. Fun Day, field trips, special assemblies, sports days;
  • Provide opportunities for after-school instruction once students return to campus.

    University of The Bahamas

     
  • Effective Monday, March 16, 2020, UB campuses, centres and business operations including the Oakes Field Campus, Grosvenor Close Centre, and UB-North operations in Grand Bahama will transition to remote operations until further notice.
  • Additionally, Chapter One Bookstore will be closed until further notice. All events scheduled for the remainder of the Spring 2020 semester are cancelled or postponed until further notice. This includes Spring 2020 Commencement. A further announcement will be made about Commencement at a later date.

    Remote Instruction
  • Remote instruction and communications will commence on Monday, March 16, 2020 using online applications including MOODLE and Zoom.
  • Faculty and student communications on course content will continue via online channels. A decision will be communicated by Friday, March 20, 2020 regarding laboratory and practicum classes.
  • Teaching practice, kitchen classes and internships are suspended until further notice.
  • Students and faculty needing assistance with remote instruction should contact the IT Helpdesk at 302-4588 or ithelpdesk@ub.edu.bs. Academic Affairs faculty and staff will be permitted to access their offices on Monday, March 16, 2020 to secure their offices.
    Residential Life

  • Students who are residing in university dorms are advised to gather their belongings and initiate arrangements to leave the dorms and return home effective immediately. Students who are not in a position to do so, should contact the Director of Residential Life and Housing at 422-6429 and Dean of Students at 424-8559 for further instructions and assistance

    Administrative Operations

  • Staff are advised that although they are to work remotely, effective Monday, March 16, 2020 they should remain in contact with their supervisors. Staff members who provide essential services including Security, Physical Plant, Information Technology, and Business Office, are advised that they will receive further instructions from their department heads.
  • The public is advised to use all available online resources to complete business transactions where possible during this interim period.

    Bahamas Technical Vocational Institute

  • Effective Monday, March 16, 2020 all face-to-face classes at BTVI have been cancelled until Tuesday, April 14, 2020. Only limited services are available on campus. Updates on the services available are posted on social media and the BTVI website. Many classes have been and are being moved to an online format. Training on the use of online has been made available to faculty. In particular, BTVI will use technology to enhance course content until the end of the term.
  • A series of free online training programs/courses are available to faculty which can assist them in improving their teaching capabilities.
  • Finally, plans are being prepared to properly manage end of term issues such as exams.
    National Accreditation and Equivalency Council of The Bahamas

    As of March 2020, NAECOB will recognize all online programmes completed at institutions that have been accredited by agencies acknowledged by NAECOB.
  • Programmes completed by Institutions not recognized by NAECOB prior to March 2020, will not be accepted.

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National Reference Lab being restored and strengthened to ensure quality and reliability of health data and early warnings of health threats

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By Lindsay Thompson
Bahamas Information Services
 

 

NASSAU, The Bahamas –– In an effort to strengthen the public health system in the country, the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Inter-American Development Bank facilitated the signing of an estimated $2 million contract for the National Reference Laboratory.  The contract signing ceremony was held during a press conference at the Ministry of Health and Wellness on Meeting Street on Monday, May 5, 2025.

The agreement was entered into with Scorpio Construction Ltd., following a competitive bidding process.  The project is being carried out in partnership with the IDB for Health System Strengthening.

“Today marks an important milestone for my ministry’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the public health system of The Bahamas,” said Minister of Health and Wellness the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville.

The reference lab will be located at the former Mortgage Corporation Building on Russell Road in Oakes Field and will provide accessible services in New Providence.  Dr. Darville pointed out that in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian in 2019, healthcare facilities sustained an estimated $37.7 million in damage.

With construction of new ones, and renovations to healthcare facilities throughout the country, the ministry is focusing on three main areas:
resilience to natural disasters; sustainability and energy efficient design incorporating EDGE “green building” certification; and adequate design for infectious diseases.

Joana Pascual, IDB Group Chief of Operations/The Bahamas underscored the importance of IDB’s support in such undertakings.

“The health programme is an important aspect of the IDB’s portfolio in The Bahamas,” she said.

Through two investment loans, one non-reimbursable grant, and one non-reimbursable technical cooperation totalling approximately $65 million, she said that the bank is pleased to support the Government of The Bahamas and The Ministry of Health.

“Through the Health Systems Strengthening Programme of The Bahamas, we will finance renovations to the National Reference Lab (NRL),” she said.

And added, “While labs are essential to providing diagnostic information — data on the efficacy of treatment plans, indications of improvements in patient outcomes, early warnings of public health threats — the National Reference Lab is the central mechanism for ensuring quality and reliability of those results.”

Signatories to the contract were Colin Higgs, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Wellness and representative, Scorpio Construction Ltd.

PHOTO CAPTIONS

BIS Photos/Patrick Hanna

Pictured L-R: Colin Higgs, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Wellness; the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, Minister of Health and Wellness; and Joana Pascual, IDB Group Chief of Operations, The Bahamas.

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Bahamas News

Boost in Flights from Canada to The Islands of The Bahamas this Summer and Fall

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NASSAU, Bahamas  – The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation announces new and expanded airlift options from Canada making it easier than ever for Canadian travelers to experience the beauty and culture of the islands.

Air Canada is introducing new, nonstop flights from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) and Halifax-Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) to Nassau’s Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) this winter, with the addition of weekly flights starting Friday, 5 Dec. 2025 through 10 Apr. 2026.

Commencing on 20 June through 29 Aug., Air Canada will resume weekly nonstop flights from Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) to Nassau’s Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS). Operating every Friday, the Airbus A220seasonal service will provide additional fast and convenient service to the excitement of Nassau and Paradise Island.

Air Canada will continue to provide service from Toronto’s Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to Nassau’s Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) six to seven times per week.

Air Canada Vacations’ flights from Toronto’s Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to Georgetown, Exuma (GGT) is also scheduled to resume November 2025 through April 2026.

“Air Canada continues to demonstrate their commitment to expanding air travel from Canada to The Bahamas,” said Hon. I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation. “It also reflects the eagerness of Canadians to travel to The Bahamas.

We look forward to welcoming even more visitors from eastern Canada, to experience the warmth of our people, beauty, and culture of our islands this summer, next fall, and beyond.”

Sunwing Vacations also announced that their seasonal flights from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to Grand Bahama International Airport (FPO) will be extended to year-round weekly service as of this summer.

Sunwing will also continue to operate their nonstop flights from Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport Airport (YUL) to Grand Bahama International Airport (FPO) on a year-round basis, with weekly Saturday flights.

Latia Duncombe, Director General, BMOTIA added: “Canada remains a priority growth market for The Bahamas, and the expansion of the airlift by our longstanding partners reflects the sustained demand for our destination. These enhanced routes from key Canadian cities strengthen our connectivity, improve accessibility, and support our broader strategy to drive year-round visitation across the islands.”

In addition to the Montreal/Nassau route this summer, Canadians can also opt for the nonstop charter offered by Club Med (every Tuesday through 29 July), to experience their all-inclusive Columbus Isle Resort on San Salvador.

For the latest travel information and inspiration, visit www.bahamas.com.

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New Commander for the Royal Bahamas Defence Force

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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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