Bahamas News
NEMA Bahamas Receives Emergency Supplies From the United States to Tune of $92K
#NASSAU, The Bahamas – July 27, 2020 — The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) received an assortment of relief supplies from the United States Embassy in Nassau to enable a faster response to any disaster, and aid in COVID-19 fight.
The supplies, at an estimated cost of $92,000, were presented during a hand-over ceremony at NEMA on Gladstone Road on Wednesday, July 22, 2020.
Carl Smith, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Disaster Preparedness, Management and Reconstruction under which NEMA falls, was on hand to accept the supplies presented by U.S. Embassy Defense Attaché Commander Kevin Self of the U.S. Northern Command.
Mr. Smith thanked the U.S. Government through its Embassy for donating the supplies, which he said bodes well for the “deep relationship” between both countries.
The United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) is one of eleven unified combatant commands of the United States Department of Defense. This branch has been a strategic partner with NEMA in disaster management for many years.
Mr. Smith noted that an “extremely active” 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season has been forecast. Hence, the supplies will enable NEMA to also work in a COVID-19 pandemic environment, especially if shelters are activated during a storm.
The U.S. Northern Command, from local businesses, procured the equipment and supplies to support hurricane preparedness and COVID-19 fight, throughout the communities.
The supplies include plastic face shields, safety boots and gloves, spare radio batteries, flashlights, butane canisters, portable stoves, and reflective vests.
“It is Important to have supplies on hand because The Bahamas is an archipelagic nation and lifesaving support is critical,” Mr. Smith said. He added that the PPE “is very much needed, particularly if we have to shelter persons” amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The supplies will be stored in Emergency Relief Warehouses located on Grand Bahama, New Providence, and Great Inagua, making it easier for NEMA to access and distribute supplies and equipment when a disaster strikes.
Director of NEMA Capt Russell noted that over the past years, three warehouses were built in strategic locations “to quickly get to an impacted area instead of moving supplies from New Providence to an impacted area.”
Commander Self spoke of the longstanding cooperation between the United States and The Bahamas on disaster preparedness, assuring Mr. Smith that, “we stand by you.”
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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