Bahamas News
Furniture and Appliances for Grand Bahama residents impacted by Hurricane Dorian courtesy of GBPA
#Freeport, Grand Bahama – May 13, 2020 – The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA), through its charitable arm, the Grand Bahama Disaster Relief Foundation (GBDRF), has sourced greatly needed household goods for distribution to those in our communities who continue to recover from the impacts of Hurricane Dorian.
Many residents of Grand Bahama are still challenged by the devastation of last September’s hurricane while, at the same time, are coping with the economic and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The GBDRF, whose purpose is to provide hurricane relief efforts on Grand Bahama, continues to aid residents across the island,” said Ian Rolle, President of the GBPA. “We saw a significant need for furniture and appliances in homes that were flooded as a result of Hurricane Dorian. We tapped into our international network to explore the possibility that resorts may be going through renovations and, as a result of our efforts, were thrilled to identify a major resort willing to donate all of their furniture and appliances.”
The resort’s donation of an array of household items is valued at approximately $1.5 million. The GBPA’s charitable arm, GBDRF, covered shipping and associated fees of almost $500,000 to bring the goods to Grand Bahama. “We received refrigerators, stoves, washers and dryers, dishwashers, dining room tables, outdoor seating areas, sofas with pull out beds, television sets, and night stands,” added Mr. Rolle. “Particularly at this challenging time, we appreciate the value of relationships and community mindedness, and are so grateful for this generous donation.”
In November 2019, the GBDRF launched a home repair portal to gather information from residents needing assistance following Hurricane Dorian. “Within the first 48 hours of launching the home repair portal, we received well over 1,000 applications,” Mr. Rolle explained. “We currently have 1,200 Grand Bahamians registered, and their needs will be reviewed first. The portal is still open to the general public, and residents from across the island are encouraged to apply. As more furniture, appliances, fixtures and other goods are received, we will accommodate new applicants.”
Residents may apply for consideration at www.gbpa.com/homerepair.
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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