Bahamas News
Bahamas: Rand Memorial Hospital taking precautions ahead of potentially severe weather weekend
#FREEPORT, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas – May 13, 2020 – With possible severe weather expected to affect the Central and Northwest Bahamas this weekend, officials of the Grand Bahama Rand Memorial Hospital are taking extra precautions ahead of the system to secure patients in Samaritan’s Purse tents.
Ms. Sharon Williams, Administrator of the Rand, said the hospital is concerned about the report from the Bahamas Met Office about bad weather expected to pass through or near Grand Bahama during the weekend.
“Since April 26, our last encounter with severe weather conditions, where our tents hospital at Samaritan was severely impacted by the weather conditions, we have been working very closely with the local Met office in monitoring local weather conditions,” said Ms. Williams.
“We have been advised that from Wednesday through late Saturday that there will be the possibility of heavy rain and wind that could impact the Grand Bahama area. That, no doubt, brings concern again for our tents at Samaritan’s Purse and in addition, our modular isolation facilities near our Emergency Room which we have set up for Covid-19 response.”
The Bahamas Department of Meteorology issued a statement on Tuesday (May 12) of a frontal boundary over the southeast Bahamas that will back up over the Central Bahamas on Wednesday and stall through Thursday.
During that time conditions are expected to become favorable for the development of an area of low pressure along the frontal boundary by Friday afternoon in the vicinity of Cat Island.
As a result, “pockets of squally showers, heavy thunderstorms, strong, gusty winds and the potential for water spouts and tornadic activity can be expected over portions of the Northwest and Central Bahamas from Wednesday through Saturday,” according to the Meteorology Department.
The Hospital Administrator said that they have proactively advised their managers to meet with Administration to devise plans for the movement of patients and clients in those areas that could be adversely impacted by bad weather. She said that those plans have already been put in place.
“We are looking at our new facilities at the Cancer Association to be able to house some persons if necessary,” said Ms. Williams. “Also, our Emergency Room facilities is also a consideration, if it isn’t too crowded – we will have to see what patient load we will have there at the time. Of course, our facility at the Freeport Community Clinic, at our IAT building is also under consideration for use if necessary.
“Between those three locations, we will house our patients temporarily until the weather returns to normal.”
In terms of preparing for the upcoming hurricane season, the Rand Memorial Hospital Administrator said that the close communication with the Met Office will continue and that all weather systems – inclusive of tropical storms and hurricanes – will be monitored by the hospital’s Administration extra closely and that even more proactive measures will be taken when necessary.
“We do this every year, but the only difference this year is that we do not have use of the full hospital,” Ms. Williams pointed out. “So, we are engaging the various health care facilities, as we usually do around the island, and discussing with them about moving our clients to those areas if it becomes necessary. Of course, we have to solidify those arrangements, before announcing their names to the media.
“But we are definitely looking into alternatives for housing our patients, inclusive of the Government working very aggressively to complete the renovations for the Rand in a timely manner. We might not be finished for the beginning of the hurricane season, but we hope to be finished very soon and we are praying that it is before any significantly severe weather patterns hit this area.”
The Bahamas Meteorology Department said that the low pressure will move northeast and away from The Bahamas late Saturday night, and partly sunny and drier conditions are expected to return on Sunday.
Rashaed Esson
Staff Writer
#TheBahamas, September 29, 2023 – With moves to deepen ties, governments of The Bahamas and Qatar have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to solidify agreements in principle surrounding the development of aviation and other related services.
This is according to Chester Cooper, The Bahamas Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investment and Aviation in a Facebook post.
This comes after The Bahamas Government in a press release on September 24th, revealed that Cooper, was set to meet with the head of Qatar Airways to have talks regarding “multiple mutually beneficial aviation opportunities for both countries.”
The release also said the deputy prime minister and the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investment and Aviation are working on “forging strategic partnerships with several Middle Eastern countries to strengthen ties to The Bahamas and the Caribbean,” and this new signing is indicative of such efforts.
Following the September 25th signing, on September 27th, Kenneth Romer, Deputy Director General of Tourism for The Bahamas informed via Facebook some details of the agreement saying, “we have now established a framework for cooperation and formed strategic partnerships with Qatar Airways, Qatar’s Transport, Aviation and Investment Agencies and The Qatar Aeronautical Academy, that will benefit our country.”
Regarding further efforts for the improvement of The Bahamas, Cooper announced on Facebook again on Tuesday September 26th that both countries are working to make Nassau a passenger hub for Latin America and the Caribbean adding that talks are being held for Grand Bahama as a cargo hub.
Additionally, as the press release informed, Cooper is preparing for an on ground visit of Bahamasair domestic operations by Qatar Airways Technical team sometime in October.
Defence Headquarters 28 SEP ’23: HMBS P-45 under the command of Chief Petty Officer Acadia Smith
detained a group of Cuban migrants in Cistern Cay, Exuma on September 27, 2023, due to information received from a Good Samaritan vessel in the area that handed them over to the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.
Members of HMBS P-45 retrieved twenty-eight (28) Cuban nationals and transported them to HMBS Coral Harbour in New Providence. All individuals appeared to be in good health and will undergo further processing and assessment by Immigration officials.
The Royal Bahamas Defence Force remains dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in guarding our heritage and
appreciates the sharing of information and intelligence provided by the boating community to affect migrants and other unlawful interdictions at sea.
(For additional information, contact the RBDF Public Relations Department or visit our official website at www.rbdf.gov.bs. Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates and explore our engaging content on our YouTube channel).
RBDF
#BARBADOS (September 26, 2023) – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) deeply mourns the loss of distinguished Bahamian leader and former chairman of the inter-regional body, Obediah Wilchcombe.
At the time of his passing, Mr. Wilchcombe was serving as Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting
and Leader of Government Business in the House of Assembly of the Bahamas.
“We extend our heartfelt prayers and condolences to Minister Wilchcombe’s family, as well as the government and people of the Bahamas. He was a true champion for the people of the Bahamas and the wider Caribbean region,” remarked Kenneth Bryan, CTO Chairman and Minister of Tourism and Ports of the Cayman Islands.
Chairman Bryan recalled Minister Wilchcombe held the position of CTO Chairman twice (2002-2004 and 2016-2017) while serving as Minister of Tourism for the Bahamas, and contributed significantly to the advancement of sustainable tourism development in the Caribbean.
Chairman Bryan noted that the CTO plans to honor the life and legacy of “this eminent Bahamian leader” at the organization’s upcoming business meetings and the State of the Industry Conference (SOTIC) in Turks and Caicos next month.
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