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COVID crisis to make 25,000 Bahamians jobless; unemployment expected to soar to 30 percent says Prime Minister

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#Nassau, The Bahamas – May 13, 2020 – With each passing day, COVID-19 is devastating the Bahamian economy.

“Not since the outbreak of World War II over 70 years ago have we lived through such a devastating impact on our economy and the livelihoods of so many Bahamians. Tourism, trade and commerce are all suffering devastating and deep blows. We are in very difficult and uncharted waters,” said Dr. Hubert Minnis, Bahamas Prime Minister on Mother’s Day during a National Address. 

As the Caribbean region braces for what is forecast to be another high performing hurricane season, countries like The Bahamas, which is still reeling from the historic hit of Hurricane Dorian last year, may see the jobless rate soar to 30 percent.

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The Prime Minister shared, “Based on applications to NIB, more than 25,000 people have been laid off or have lost their income to date.   This number will likely increase.    The initial numbers from the Treasury indicate that the tax revenues for April were just about one-half of what was collected in April, 2019.    Our unemployment rate in the near term will likely exceed an unprecedented and extraordinary 30 percent.  The entire global economy is in freefall and in unchartered territory.”

It is excruciating imagery, to accept that 25,000 Bahamians will be unemployed and as many as 12,000 others, who are work permit holders will be without a job and an income.  The future looks grim, and the Prime Minister on Mother’s Day did not attempt to paint a rosy picture.

“Even the most powerful and developed countries in the world have entered into deep recession with very high unemployment and the loss of scores of businesses, especially in service industries like tourism, hospitality and entertainment.”

It is true that the International Monetary Fund, a month ago in a video statement told the global community that the crisis precipitated by the continuing impact of the Coronavirus contagion would bring about a global recession akin to the Great Depression, which  tragically spanned a decade beginning in October of 1929.

“The IMF predicts that the economic fallout will surpass “that seen during the global financial crisis a decade ago,” said Dr. Minnis.

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva

The Bahamas, according to the nation’s chief, is forecast to see its economy contract by 14 to 20 percent; a one-year decline.  And the driving engine, Tourism, is severely stalled.

“Our closest economic partner, the United States of America, is now seeing job losses like that of the Great Depression. By some estimates, our economy may shrink by between 14 to 20 percent during 2020.  This will represent a historic one-year decline.   Tourism, the leading engine of our economy, is being devastated.  Many businesses that closed during the lockdown are not confident they will be able to reopen once the restrictions are lifted.   We are facing a stark reality that the vast majority of us have never seen in our lifetimes,” explained Dr. Minnis.

On May 27, The Bahamas is expected to hear the fiscal plan by Dr. Hubert Minnis’ FNM Government Administration, when it presents the National Budget.

“It will be a budget that is shaped to match the unprecedented nature of the times we are living in.   What I will say at that time is that your government will ensure that social welfare allocations are expanded to meet the basic food and other core needs of those economically displaced because of COVID-19.”

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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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