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Bahamas Social assistance programmes continue despite increased demands due to COVID-19

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#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.

Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon. Frankie A. Campbell, utilizing technology to conduct regular online meetings with the senior directorate of the Ministry in accordance with the social distancing measures that have been implemented. (BIS Photo/Matt Maura)

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.

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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.

Bahamas Phased ReOpening plan

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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Bahamas News

Nassau Cruise Port Expands Waste Management Program to Champion Sustainability

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Solange Carter, Guest Experience Concierge, disposes of plastic bottles in new recycle bins at Nassau Cruise Port. The bins are a part of the new sustainable waste management program that was recently implemented at NCP to reduce waste and promote environmental sustainability to protect marine life.

[Nassau, Bahamas, March 18, 2025] – Today, Nassau Cruise Port (NCP) is excited to celebrate Global Recycling Day by announcing the launch of its new ‘Cruisin’ Green’ sustainable waste management program. This timely initiative focuses on promoting sustainable practices and reducing waste throughout the port in alignment with our broader commitment to environmental sustainability and protecting our marine ecosystems.  Through this highly anticipated initiative, NCP will engage tenants, vendors, employees, cruise lines, cruise passengers, and local visitors in creating a cleaner, greener environment by collecting and sorting cardboard, aluminum cans, glass, and paper products.

This significant initiative also signifies the growth of our partnerships with key local organizations, including the New Providence Ecology Park (NPEP), the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP), and the Department of Environmental Health Services (DEHS).

“Cruisin’ Green is not just a recycling program; it represents a significant part of our ongoing dedication to sustainability and sets a benchmark within the cruise and maritime industry,” said Mike Maura, CEO and Director of Nassau Cruise Port. “Our mission is to lead by example and inspire the industry to adopt similar green initiatives, By collaborating with our partners, tenants, and community, we intend to create lasting changes that benefit the environment and future generations of Bahamians for many years.”

Yeshantai Thompson, Health, Safety, & Environment Manager at Nassau Cruise Port, explained how the program will be implemented and emphasized its importance. “By integrating strategically placed recycling bins, clear signage, comprehensive training, and community-driven initiatives, we are fostering a culture of environmental responsibility. Through collaboration with our partners, we aim to engage as many stakeholders as possible in this movement toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.”

Nassau Cruise Port is committed to minimizing its environmental impact and playing a key role in promoting a more sustainable and eco-friendly future within the cruise industry and throughout The Bahamas.  For more information about the Cruisin’ Green initiative and details about how to get involved, follow Nassau Cruise Port online or visit nassaucruiseport.com.

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GBPA LAUNCHES TECH EDGE 2.0 – INTERNSHIP PROGRAM FOR BAHAMIANS

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PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE GRAND BAHAMA PORT AUTHORITY, LIMITED

 

Tuesday, March 18, 2025 – Grand Bahama, The Bahamas – The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) is proud to announce the launch of Tech Edge 2.0, a paid remote internship program, connecting eligible Bahamian candidates—both locally and abroad—with global career-building opportunities in the fields of cybersecurity, mobile app development, data science, and artificial intelligence (AI). According to GBPA executives, this initiative is a significant step in positioning Grand Bahama as a leader in the digital economy while providing Bahamians with valuable experience in high-demand tech fields.

“Tech Edge 2.0 is more than an internship program—it is a pipeline to professional success”, commented Derek Newbold, Chief Investment Officer for GBPA and Invest Grand Bahama. “With nearly 200 Bahamians already registered, including Bahamians residing in Canada, the U.S., the U.K., and across the islands of The Bahamas, this program is bridging the gap between education and employment, equipping participants with job-ready skills and fostering a new generation of innovators ready to contribute to the advancement of technology and innovation in The Bahamas.”                                                                                                                                                                                                          Currently, there are 10 internship placements available, with additional spaces being added as more companies join the program. GBPA, through its Tech Edge 2.0 program, has partnered with four leading international technology firms, including Prophaze (California, USA), Cognetik Labs, Cybermindr, and Digital5 Solutions, to provide paid remote internship training and employment opportunities. All are start-up companies and emerging titans across cybersecurity, API security, and AI-driven threat detection fields. They also cover software development, IT infrastructure, and cloud computing.

Pleased with the evolution of the Tech Edge Program, which initially launched in 2023, President of GBPA, Ian Rolle, noted that he is highly optimistic about the program’s success to date and its proven potential to help drive Grand Bahama as the Tech and Innovation Hub of the nation. “These partnerships are unlocking global opportunities for Bahamians and proving that Grand Bahama is serious about technology. Further, it offers Bahamians direct access to the international job market—without having to leave home.” Rolle stated. “This program is about ensuring that our people are equipped with top-tier training to develop the requisite skills and career pathways to thrive in the digital economy,” Rolle continued.

The Tech Edge 2.0 Internship Program is open to eligible Bahamians worldwide who hold a college degree or are currently pursuing one in a technology-related field, have a strong interest in cybersecurity, AI, mobile app development, data science, or IT infrastructure, and are eager to gain real-world experience and work remotely with cutting-edge tech companies.

Ian Rolle

Applications for Tech Edge 2.0 are now open and will close on March 21, 2025. Interested candidates can apply online at www.techedgebahamas.com, where they will find step-by-step guidance on the application process.                                                                                                                                            GBPA’s project coordinator for Tech Edge 2.0, Jecholiah Braynen, described the initiative as a long-term investment in The Bahamas’ tech workforce and economic growth. “Through our partnership with Quess Corp, a multinational business service provider, based in India, GBPA is building the requisite skills within the Bahamian workforce and equipping them with job-ready skills and experience. This program creates opportunities to drive economic growth, establish new career opportunities, and attract tech companies to the Bahamas by creating a sustainable ecosystem where Bahamians can thrive in the tech industry,” she emphasized. “This is just the beginning. As Tech Edge grows, so will the number of available opportunities.”

Bahamians interested in expanding their career opportunities are encouraged to apply today and become part of The Bahamas’ digital transformation.

For more information, visit www.techedgebahamas.com for updates, success stories, and insights into the tech industry.

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Beyond the Mainsail: The Sailors of Sassie Sue and Patton Pride

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On the High Seas: Action shot of Sassie Sue racing. Photo credit: Phillip Figdore

Nassau, BAHAMAS — The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup has garnered a lot of chatter for the year, with many have sharing their strong opinions on the limited-edition Bahamas Goombay Punch cans, which highlight the six sloops competing in the 3rd Annual Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup.

The limited time designs was created to display the fine details and unique features of each sloop, while giving the sailors the recognition they deserve for their contribution to the country’s national sport, Sailing.

While the cans shine beautifully in the stores, at your desks at work or on your dinner table Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola products want to give the consumers a deeper look into each boat and its team.

The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup was created to amplify the sport of sailing through monetary and social support. In upholding that, captain Leander Pinder of ‘Patton Pride’ and Stefan Knowles of ‘Sassie Sue’ shed intimate details about their sloops.

How did your sloop’s name come to be?

Both men shared how the name for their sloops is rooted deeply in honoring their family. Sailing and Regattas are synonymous with family life and all members young and old, men and women can be seen participating.

Pinder: “I want to carry on my family name on Patton – my grandparents, my uncle, aunt and of course my mother.”

Knowles: “My mother’s name is Sue, and she is considered to be a sassy woman, hence the name.”

Who are the members of your sloop?

Sailors of ‘Patton Pride’: Dwight Fly Rolle, Prince Patton, Keshone Rolle, Shannon Rolle Leander, Magic Pinder.

Sailors of ‘Sassie Sue’: Stefan Knowles Captain and Owner, Vardo Turnquest Bowman, Anthony Knowles Pryman, Garret Knowles Main Sheet Man, Meko Knowles Pryman, Donnie Bastian Pryman, Kahden Huyler Pryman and Roger Fox Pryman.

What’s the history of your sloop?

Pinder: “For my love of the sport of sailing, five years ago Mr. Mark Knowles built this boat. I told him I wanted a fast boat, one that could beat the best of the best and that’s what he created.”

Knowles: “I previously sailed Whitty K for over 10 years and decided it was time to build my own C class. I had a boat in the original E class (14ft long) that my Dad built for me in 1998. The class was discontinued around 2003. Fast forward to July 2022, Sassie Sue was born”

What are some structural features that make your boat special?

Pinder: “She’s special by way of her width and depth and the slick entrance.”

Knowles: “It is built from some of the strongest, most durable and lightest wood available.”

What does the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup mean to you?

Pinder: “I think the Goombay Punch Cup is a good promotion for the Patton Pride to be known worldwide and of course I am in the tourism business and whenever I take my guests out on a tour the number one beverage, they request is Goombay Punch.”

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