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University of The Bahamas UBFIT 5K/10K Race Exceeds Participation Goal

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#Bahamas, April 12, 2021 – More than 350 persons participated in the University of The Bahamas (UB) Virtual UBFIT Fun Run Walk Bike Skate Push 5K/10K race that happened over the weekend in a tangible display of support for wellness and the University.

In its fourth year, but the first in a virtual format, the UBFIT race attracted participants in Exuma, Andros, Long Island, New Providence, Grand Bahama and internationally as the excitement spread. Each participant completed either a 5K or 10K race course on their own, as a family, or in small groups and submitted the results tracked in their apps in order to receive a finisher’s medal. The event was held from 9th to 11th April.

“Despite the pandemic and the many restrictions we faced, as a committee, we re-envisioned what UBFIT could look like this year in a virtual capacity,” said Ms. Kandice Eldon, UBFIT Co-Chair and UB Executive Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations. “And we are so pleased that members of the public, corporate Bahamas and the University participated in such a major way.”

UBFIT has become one of UB’s staple community building and fundraising initiatives. In its inaugural year, more than 500 people participated, consequently contributing to UB’s Annual Fund and supporting the goal of increased mobility for students with special needs. The event grew from the University’s annual Health and Safety Week, held under the theme “Fit. Healthy. Safe.”

To date, more than $180,000 has been collectively raised from sponsorships, registrants and generous in-kind donations. Funds raised this year from UBFIT will support the COVID-19 Technology Relief Fund and Annual Fund to provide laptops, tablets and other technology for students in need.

“We have exceeded our fundraising and registration goal with more than 350 registrants who participated especially dedicated community running groups, friends of UB, and corporate Bahamas,” said Ms. Eldon. “I wish to thank all of our sponsors and title sponsor Oaktree Medical Center for joining us for the next three years as we expand this health and wellness initiative.”

Oaktree Medical Center Director Dr. Don Diego Deveaux noted that he was more than happy to be UBFIT’s title sponsor as the health and education of a nation is its wealth.

“To whom much is given, much is required, and for the Oaktree family the opportunity to partner with University of The Bahamas for UBFIT represents many of the core values we believe in and is picture perfect and timely,” said Dr. Deveaux. “We are delighted to strengthen our relationship with University of The Bahamas and encourage corporate Bahamas to continue doing the same.”

Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) Company Ltd. was another corporate partner and expressed pride in being a founding UBFIT sponsor.

“We have committed to improving the lives of Bahamians by improving access to safe, reliable and affordable energy, and we believe University of The Bahamas is equally as committed to improving the lives of Bahamians by both preparing our young people for a job and preparing them to thrive in their overall lives,” said Mr. Quincy Parker, BPL Director of Public Relations. “UBFIT targets its fundraising to help people discover and live out their own, individual purpose and find purposeful work, and we at BPL are proud to help that effort succeed.”

Additional corporate and in-kind sponsors of Virtual UBFIT included Bahamas First, J.S. Johnson, Leno Corporate Services Ltd., Public Hospitals Authority, Walk-In Clinic, BowFlex Barbie, Caribbean Bottling Company and UB’s Alumni Association.

Participants in New Providence collected their finisher’s medals at a drive-by collection site on Sunday, 11th April at UB’s main entrance on University Drive.

Release: University of The Bahamas

For photos and video of UBFIT race participation visit the UBFIT Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/UBFIT2021

                                                                                                                                 
Photo captions:

Header: Check presentation with University President Dr. Rodney D. Smith; Vice President, Division of Institutional Advancement, Dino Hernandez; Oaktree Medical Center Medical Director Dr. Don D. Deveaux along with UBFIT Leadership team. (UB file photo)

Insert: BPL Check Presentation: From left: Ms. Inga Bostwick, UBFIT Co-Chair, Assistant Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations, University of The Bahamas; Mr. Quincy Parker, Director of Public Relations, Bahamas Power and Light Company; and Ms. Kandice Eldon, UBFIT Co-Chair, Executive Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations, University of The Bahamas.

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Bahamas Tourism, on Track for Further Expansion

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By LINDSAY THOMPSON
Bahamas Information Services

 

NASSAU, The Bahamas — Key indicators show that The Bahamas experienced unprecedented growth in tourism, particularly in the Family Islands over the past year, and is on track for further expansion.

This was revealed by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation the Hon. Chester Cooper as he highlighted 2024 successes, and shared the 2025 Strategic Plan Update, during a press conference on Wednesday, February 5, 2025.

Held at the ministry’s conference room at the British Colonial, also present were Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, Lisa Adderley-Anderson; Latia Duncombe, Director-General, Tourism; Dr. Kenneth Romer, Deputy Director-General, Tourism and Director of Aviation; Dwight Gibson, Director, Tourism Development Corporation; and Anthony Bostwick, Consultant, Downtown Development.

Deputy Prime Minister Cooper reported that at the end of 2024, The Bahamas recorded a record-breaking 11.22 million overall in foreign air and sea arrivals, surpassing the previous year’s number by 16.2 percent and 2019 figures by 54.7 percent.

“This is the best year ever, exceeding 2023,” he said.

Out of that number, foreign air arrivals across all destinations exceeded 1.72 million, equaling arrivals recorded in 2023, and surpassing the 1.67 million foreign air arrivals recorded in 2019 by 3.3 percent.

“December 2024 was the best month ever in terms of arrivals with 1.15 million visitors, posting 14 percent ahead of 2023 and 62 percent ahead of 2019. There was an 8.7 percent growth in air arrivals in Grand Bahama, second only to Abaco with an 11.9 percent growth over 2023. This is cause for celebration given the devastation and heralded a return to pre-Dorian and pre-Covid levels. This is truly a remarkable rebound,” he said.

The above results are notwithstanding the interruptions of Hurricanes Milton, Oscar, and the USA elections, he added.

The 2024 Impact of Cruise Tourism Report by the Business Research and Economic Advisors as commissioned by the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association has The Bahamas ranked as number one in the Caribbean and Latin America in terms of total economic benefit.

“These passenger and crew visits along with additional expenditures by the cruise lines generated a total of $654 million in cruise tourism expenditures in The Bahamas during the 2023/2024 cruise year compared to $405 million in 2018. This is a staggering 61 percent increase,” Mr. Cooper said, adding “Our estimates suggest that when we add direct employment, taxes and levies the overall benefit exceeds $1.25 billion with overall tourist spending in the $6 billion range.”

Notwithstanding this, he noted that the Government has engaged a study to further calculate and examine the economic benefit of the cruise business to the Bahamian economy.

“We were pleased to see the attractions of more than $10 billion of Foreign Direct Investments over the last two years with high-end brands like Montage, Rosewood, Six Senses, Montage, Rosewood, Park Hyatt, Bvglari and Four Seasons Residences.

“This is extremely positive for cementing our reputation as a premier luxury destination.”

He said Tourism is also optimistic of the contributions to be made by Celebration Key in Grand Bahama and the Royal Caribbean Club, which are new investments, slated to come on stream before the end of 2025.

Additionally, the ministry launched the ‘Home Sweet Home’ program which incentivizes vacation rental as a short-term boost to room availability.

“We are pleased to announce phase II of this program that offers grants of up to $10,000 and loans via the Bahamas Development Bank for qualified applicants,” Deputy Prime Minister Cooper said.

As a whole, the Islands of The Bahamas attracted foreign air arrivals services from 23 airlines and air carriers in 2024, representing direct route services from 34 international markets across the USA, Canada, London, France, Italy, Turks and Caicos, Cayman, Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti and Panama.

“While we continue to experience unprecedented growth overall, it should be noted that the largest percentage growth in overall foreign air arrivals, as well as increase in seat capacity, were experienced in our Family Islands,” he said.

Deputy Prime Minister Cooper further noted that Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s, and International Monetary Fund all praised the post-Covid recovery with the latter noting the “remarkable” recovery of the economy “buoyed by a strong increase in tourism.”

He thanked partners and stakeholders inclusive of airlines, hotels, promotion boards, executives and staff of the ministry and the “magnificent people” of The Bahamas who have embraced the mantra that “Tourism is Everybody’s Business.”

PHOTO CAPTION: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation the Hon I Chester Cooper gave a tourism update and projections during a press conference on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at the ministry’s conference room at the British Colonial. Pictured from left are: Anthony Bostwick, Consultant, Downtown Development; Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, Lisa Adderley-Anderson; Deputy Prime Minister Cooper; Latia Duncombe, Director-General, Tourism; Dr. Kenneth Romer, Deputy Director-General, Tourism and Director of Aviation; and Dwight Gibson, Director, Tourism Development Corporation.

(BIS Photos/Kemuel Stubbs)

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On World Cancer Day – Mrs. Ann Marie Davis advocates for early detection

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By DANIELLE ROLLON

Bahamas Information Services

GRAND BAHAMA, The Bahamas — World Cancer Day is observed globally on February 4 annually to raise awareness and encourage action in the fight against cancer. In honor of this important day, the Mammogram Access Programme (MAP) hosted a World Cancer Day event at Pelican Bay on Grand Bahama, under the theme “United by Unique.” The event was held under the patronage of Mrs. Ann Marie Davis, spouse of the Prime Minister of The Bahamas.

During her address, Mrs. Davis emphasised the significance of early detection in the fight against cancer.

“Cancer remains one of the most pressing health challenges worldwide. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women, with millions being diagnosed each year. The survival rate significantly reduces death and it significantly improves with early detection, which is why we are here today,” she said.

She also commended the work of Nikeia Watson, the founder of the Mammogram Access Programme, and highlighted the importance of the programme in increasing accessibility to mammograms for women in the Northern Bahamas.

“The Mammogram Access Programme ensures that every woman, regardless of her socio-economic status, geographical location or background has access to life-saving mammogram screenings,” Mrs. Davis said.

Founder and Chairman Nikeia Watson also discussed the crucial role of early detection in overcoming breast cancer. She explained that breast cancer remains a significant challenge worldwide, but early detection dramatically increases survival rates.

Watson shared MAP’s 2025 screening initiative, described as a 38-mile journey, where each mile represents hope, progress, and access to life-saving care. As part of this initiative, MAP celebrated the induction of five new breast health educators, known as “Lemonistas,” who will help spread awareness and encourage persons to take proactive steps towards their health.

Samantha Colton, Vice Chairman of MAP, spoke about the importance of continuing efforts in breast health education, saying, “The Know Your Lemons Foundation has become a global leader in innovative breast health education, using its memorable 12 signs of breast cancer lemon. Through partnerships like these, MAP has continued to bridge critical gaps in healthcare access for underserved communities by providing educational resources, outreach programs, and advocacy efforts.”

The partnership between MAP and the government is crucial in promoting breast health initiatives and ensuring access to care. As MAP continues to expand its reach, the program remains committed to improving breast health outcomes through education, awareness, and accessible screenings for all women throughout the Bahamas.

 

PHOTO CAPTION

UNITED BY UNIQUE — On February 4, in honor of World Cancer Day, the Mammogram Access Programme (MAP) hosted a “World Cancer Day” event at Pelican Bay, Grand Bahama, under the patronage of Mrs. Ann Marie Davis, spouse of the Prime Minister of The Bahamas. During the event, MAP celebrated the induction of five new breast health educators, known as “Lemonistas”.

(BIS Photos/Jamika Culmer)

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Bahamas Government to meet with SpaceX

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PRESS STATEMENT

Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation

 

The Bahamas, February 6, 2025 – A delegation inclusive of all relevant agencies is meeting with SpaceX officials as The Islands of The Bahamas finalise preparations for the historic landing of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket booster on February 17.

This landmark moment will make The Bahamas the first international destination to host the Falcon 9 rocket booster landings. This historic event, set to take place off the coast of The Exumas, marks a significant leap for The Bahamas into the realm of space tourism.

The collaboration between Bahamian officials and SpaceX positions The Bahamas as a key player in the growing space tourism industry, with 20 scheduled landings to take place in Bahamian waters on autonomous drone ships. The country will be the exclusive location to witness these remarkable events, offering unique economic opportunities and advancements in technology.

The delegation includes senior representatives from the Royal Bahamas Defense Force, the Bahamas Air Navigation Services Authority, the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection, and the Port Department.

The relevant senior officials will remain on hand during the launch sequence and launch and ascent. They are fully engaged to ensure all safety, regulatory, and operational measures are in place for the scheduled landing. Every effort is being made to facilitate this historic event while maintaining the highest standards.

Further details regarding the landing and related activities will be forthcoming.

The Hon. I. Chester Cooper
Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation

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