#NASSAU, The Bahamas – May 13, 2020 – Employees across the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development are continuing to fulfill the needs of their regular clients while working to address the influx of new requests for social assistance as a result of the presence of the COVID-19 Pandemic in The Bahamas.
These include employees from the Department of Social
Services, the Department of Gender and Family Affairs, the Department of
Rehabilitative Welfare Services and Urban Renewal, in addition to key Divisions
and entities such as the Disability Affairs Division, Community Affairs
Division, Community Support Services Division, and the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and its
Secretariat.
Employees continue to work on
the frontlines of the Government of The Bahamas’ overall response to the
COVID-19 Pandemic along with the other government agencies that have been
declared essential services.
(Social
assistance refers to government programmes that provide a
minimum level of income support to individuals and households living
in poverty. These programmes lend support either in the form of
direct cash transfers or through a variety of in-kind benefits, for example,
food coupons and certain other subsidies.)
Department representatives are called upon to provide
assistance to regular clients in areas such as disability allowance, foster
care assistance, food assistance for families, older persons and persons with
disabilities, and assistance with payments of utilities (electricity and
water), among others.
Personnel are also on call around the clock to provide access
for persons in the event any domestic violence and child abuse matters occur,
while others are working within communities to help address anger management
and temperament issues.
Staff assigned to the various
residential facilities for children and senior citizens, in addition to the juvenile
facilities, are also at work ensuring that these facilities continue to operate
at an optimum level. Rental cars that are used for deliveries during the day
are also being used to transport staff in need of transportation, to the
various facilities in order to accommodate their shifts.
The Department of Social Services continues to provide
regular food assistance to its regular clients, in addition to Emergency Food
Assistance for walk-in clients seeking food assistance as
a result of the presence of the COVID-19 Pandemic in The Bahamas.
Those latter persons are provided with a $50 Food voucher to
address their immediate need, and are later assessed by social assistance
providers to be placed on the Temporary Food Assistance Programme upon which
the client can be placed for up to three years.
Social Services personnel, who have been allowed to work
from home in order to follow the social distancing guidelines – have joined
colleagues at the centres in ensuring that assessments on the many new
applicants as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic, are done as quickly as
possible.
The Department’s regular clients who
receive food assistance through The Bank of The Bahamas VISA Prepaid Card, have
funds uploaded to the approximately 8,000 cards each month for recipients
throughout The Bahamas.
The Department has also been managing the
provision of special food assistance to the thousands of persons in the tourism
industry who were placed on a reduced work hours with effect from March 1, 2020
as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic; and has been working in
partnership with the National Emergency Management Agency, the Ministry of
Health, the Ministry of Agriculture, and various non-government organizations
to promote food safety and security.
Meanwhile, team members from the Urban Renewal Department continue
to have a presence in the communities within which Urban Renewal Centres have
been established. Teams have distributed food packages to senior citizens
utilizing curbside distribution policies, all while ensuring that the Ministry
of Health’s protocols were strictly followed in the collection, preparation and
distribution of those food packages.
(Plans are underway for similar deliveries in Grand Bahama,
Abaco and the Family Islands in order to be consistent with Minister of Social
Services and Urban Development, the Hon. Frankie A. Campbell’s mandate “of not
being just New Providence-centric.”)
Additionally, Dr. Eric Fox, an Anger Management and
Temperance Expert and Consultant with the Urban Renewal Commission, who has
done tremendous work in the inner-city communities over the past 32 years,
continues to perform those services within the various communities — utilizing
various forms of social media and other communication to remain “in close
contact” with graduates and participants of his programme.
The Executive Director of Teen Challenge, Dr. Fox has also
reached out to those members of the public at-large who may need his
assistance, while adhering to the personal distancing protocols.
The Ministry has also made provisions
for the community of persons with disabilities who are not clients of the
Department to provide their information via telephone to the Social Workers at
the Disability Affairs Division so that they can receive Emergency Food
Assistance. They are required to show their ID’s upon collection. Persons with
disabilities can contact the Disability Affairs Division at telephone:
325-2251/2 for assistance.
Additionally, officials at the National
Commission for Persons with Disabilities, and its Secretariat, have also been
diligently working to ensure that the needs of the community of persons with
disabilities are being met.
The Commission has established a 24hr
call and WhatsApp line at 376-8328. The community of persons with disabilities
can also register online through the Ministry’s link on the government’s website:
www.bahamas.gov.bs. They may also email the Disabilities Commission at
Disabilitiescommission@bahamas.gov.bs.
“The Ministry’s response to COVID-19,
through its various Departments and Divisions, takes into account the needs of
our most vulnerable groups of clients consisting of our children, senior
citizens and persons with disabilities, in addition to our regular clients and
those persons who now find themselves in need of social assistance as a result
of the COVID-19 Pandemic,” Minister of Social Services and Urban Development,
the Hon. Frankie A. Campbell said.
“We have endeavoured to use every
avenue to remain accessible to not only our community of persons with
disabilities, but those who are generally in need.
“I extend my sincere thanks to my staff who have persevered
through the increased demands of Hurricane Dorian (2019) and have now risen,
yet again, to the challenge of executing their normal duties while providing
special assistance to those in need as a result of the economic fallout from
COVID-19. Many do so amidst fears for their own safety and that of their
families,” Minister Campbell added.
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April 29, 2024 – Freeport, The Bahamas – In line with its mission to create a stronger, more connected Freeport economy, the Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA) is pleased to share details of the upcoming Freeport Business Expo: Tourism Edition, taking place on Thursday, May 2, 2024 at the Grand Lucayan Convention Center in Grand Bahama.
“As the GBPA continues its work to attract investors to Freeport, we offer this showcase of local and international businesses offering services and opportunities to potential and existing licensees,” stated Ian Rolle, GBPA President. “This Expo will not only connect unique international service providers with Bahamian entrepreneurs aiming to introduce new tourist attractions, but also bring together financing institutions to support Bahamian-owned start-ups and existing businesses in the industry.”
The emphasis on tourism at the 2024 Expo ensures that those in tourism-focused businesses are certain to benefit. The event will offer opportunities to meet potential business partners, gain insight on financial opportunities, engage with leaders in workshops and one-on-one sessions, and get answers on starting a Freeport business and obtaining a GBPA license.
“We regularly host community business expos,” said Glendia Sweeting, Manager of Quality Assurance and Special Projects. “But we recognize the significant benefit of an expo focused on enhancing tourism business offerings through connecting international service providers and Bahamian entrepreneurs. We have more than thirty local and national exhibitors taking part on May 2nd, along with several international service providers.”
Multiple investment projects currently in progress and planned in the city of Freeport is creating anticipation for existing and potential entrepreneurs and this expo is geared towards preparing them for these opportunities. “Grand Bahama is going to experience a significant growth spurt in the next one to three years. I would strongly encourage everybody who wants to get involved in business to look at Grand Bahama as one of the top choices, especially over the next three years,” said Mr. Rolle.
The Expo opens on Wednesday, May 1st with a welcome reception from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A full day of learning and networking opportunities follows on Thursday, May 2nd. GBPA’s partners in the Freeport Business Expo include:
Grand Bahama Island Promotion Board
Ministry for Grand Bahama
Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce
Ministry of Tourism
Bahamas Immigration
Bahamas Customs
Five Star Shipping Company
Viva Wyndham Fortuna
Bahamas Air
Grand Lucayan Hotel
Registration for access to the Expo’s exhibitors is free, and all-access passes are available for purchase. Event details and registration information may be found at freeportbusinessexpo.com.
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.
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.”