Bahamas News
Bahamas Storm Preparation Protocols in Place, Says Minister Iram Lewis
#FREEPORT, Grand Bahama – July 29, 2020 — All of the necessary protocols are in place in preparation for the tropical disturbance currently in the region, said Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness, Management and Reconstruction, the Hon. Iram Lewis.
During a press briefing in Grand Bahama, July 29, 2020 at the Star Insurance building which houses the Ministry, Minister Lewis said hurricane shelters are being prepared and an update will be provided by Thursday.
All the necessary agencies are in place, he said, protocols are in place particularly with respect to COVID-19 considerations. The shelters will not be opened unless the need arises.
“One critical thing to note is that our emergency transport support is on the ground with both water and ground transportation in the event that we have to once again rescue or evacuate.” He continued, “If we have to bring the residents of Sweeting’s Cay across to the mainland — we did a drill in May before the hurricane season started with Tropical Storm Arthur, and it gave us a good idea of what we have to do in the event we have to do it this weekend, we have all of the mechanisms in place.”
He said, “COVID-19 protocol is really one of the major drivers with respect to how we prepare and manage these shelters.”
While there are no concerns as to whether the team is ready for the impending storm, he added that in some cases it’s “learn as you go.”
As for debris that is yet to be collected, the Minister added they have been in talks with City Manager, Troy McIntosh because while there is not expected to be a lot of wind, a lot of rain is anticipated and “we don’t want a lot of debris floating around our city.” Efforts are being made to manage the collection of the debris.
For Abaco, the Minister continued, meetings have been held to ensure the various settlements are preparing.
Also present were Orson Nixon of the Met Department, Administrator for West Grand Bahama Kirsten Palacious, Tammi Mitchell of NEMA and Dr. Gregory Swann, psychologist.
BIS News by Robyn Adderley
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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