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BAHAMAS: Kwasi Thompson, Minister of State for Finance New Crowdfunding Regulations

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#TheBahamas, July 10, 2021 – Good afternoon. I am pleased to be here today to celebrate the ground-breaking transformation taking place with our financial landscape here in The Bahamas. From the start of our tenure, this administration has made it a priority to uplift Bahamian micro-, small, and medium-sized enterprises, also known as MSMEs. At every step of the way, we have focused on creating new opportunities for growth and support of this critical sector of our economy and society. 

Since we launched the Access Accelerator Small Business Development Center in 2018, this Administration has since injected over $60 Million into small businesses across the country in the form of grants and loan-guarantees.  By any reasonable metric, this administration has done more to support Bahamian Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses than any administration prior.   It is a track record that we are immensely proud of.

Today, we make another revolutionary step in the development of entrepreneurial and small business opportunities in The Bahamas.  

The Economic Recovery Committee, established by the Prime Minister, provided a number of recommendations to support more and more Bahamians getting into business so that we can have more dynamic and inclusive economic growth.   One of those recommendations was that the government:  “Implement legislation to facilitate and support crowd sourcing and junior stock markets to expand access to capital by Bahamian businesses.”

I am pleased to report that the government has heeded that recommendation.  As such the Cabinet of The Bahamas recently approved new regulations from the Securities Commission that establishes a legal framework to allow MSMEs to participate in what is commonly referred to as “crowdfunding”.  These regulations have been gazetted, released to the public and are now in effect. 

Crowdfunding is a modern form of business financing that allows small businesses to raise money from many small investors, typically using online platforms. These reforms represent a gamechanger for business ownership and entrepreneurship in our country. 

With these new and innovative crowdfunding regulations, we are furthering the potential of MSMEs to raise more investment money on the private capital market. We are breaking down the walls that were once only able to be traversed by big corporate players. A new wave of possibilities for Bahamian ownership and entrepreneurship is here. 

Crowdfunding is a relatively inexpensive way to raise capital for a start-up when compared to traditional means such as bank loans or initial public offerings. Over the last decade or so, crowdfunding has gained popularity in the start-up world. Particularly after the 2008 financial crisis, the cost of borrowing funds from banks became exorbitantly expensive. Pair that with the complexities and costs of debuting a public offering, entrepreneurs were left with little options to source the capital they needed to make their ideas reality. 

This is where crowdfunding has been incredibly useful. Entrepreneurs can avoid the expensive and often onerous processes involved with traditional fundraising and secure debt-free capital by selling a stake in their businesses, but yet while maintaining control of their companies. Through the advent of financial technology, or “Fintech”, crowdfunding has become even simpler. Online platforms can be developed to host businesses and investors alike and orchestrate crowdfunding with the click of button. 

The new rules are now in effect and they represent a game changer. Eligible entrepreneurs can raise up to $5 million to put towards the development of their start-ups or existing small businesses.  And better, the platforms allow them to raise this money from citizens and residents across the country who are interested in investing in promising businesses.  

This administration is streamlining the bureaucracy.  We are undertaking real structural reform. We are allowing Bahamian entrepreneurs and small businesses to have the same kind of opportunity to raise capital like the big businesses currently do. 

For example, interested individuals will not be required to file the typical prospectus with the Commission as would be needed for a public offering. Instead, they would file a streamlined ‘Crowdfund Offering Document’ or “COD” prior to conducting a crowdfund distribution. This is a significantly less expensive process when compared to the minimum $20,000 prospectus. . This is just one way that we are breaking down the barriers for Bahamian entrepreneurs and small businesses to raise capital in The Bahamas. 

The new crowdfund rules provide an appropriate balance between access to capital for entrepreneurs and, of course, provisions to ensure protection for potential investors. The rules also seek to minimize systemic and jurisdiction risks. 

These innovative regulations have already created space for the establishment of the nation’s first licensed equity crowdfunding platform, which goes by the name Arawak X.  I understand as well that The Bahamas International Stock Exchange (or BISX) has also been approved to establish its own similar platform to raise funding for Bahamian Small Businesses.  We expect to see even more innovators come forth as a result of the new framework highlighted today.

I thank the Securities Commission, the Economic Recovery Committee, and everyone who worked tirelessly to outline and implement the new crowdfunding rules. I am so excited to see the creative ventures that will grow as a result of this work. Thank you.

Bahamas News

Ayla Isaacs Unveils Transformative Guide Amidst Challenging Times

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Bahamian author Ayla Isaacs is making an impactful debut in the literary world with her book, “Achieving Optimum Spiritual Health—Transforming Your Wellbeing With Diet, Exercise, and Rest.” As crime rates surge and the aftermath of the pandemic leaving many grappling with hopelessness and a sense of abandonment, Isaacs’ guide offers a beacon of hope and a roadmap for personal transformation, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing spiritual resilience in navigating adversity.

Long-time Bahamian physician Dr. Horizal Simmons says, “Ms. Isaacs not only states the spiritual ingredient that we should use for our therapy, but she also explains how it works in our spiritual system and the beneficial changes that will bring the desired transformation or spiritual health benefits.” Applauding the soundness of the book and paralleling it to physical wellness, Dr. Simmons said he highly recommends it to anyone serious about their spiritual well-being and health.

Isaacs is a highly experienced Project Manager who draws from her background in Civil and Environmental Engineering, International Business, and Christian ministry, whether a physical structure or the wellbeing of an individual’s life. Her published work shows that she strongly believes in building with structural integrity. Isaacs provides readers with a holistic approach to welfare beyond traditional self-help. She explores the transformative power of simple spiritual practices integrated into daily life. Isaacs believes that prioritizing spiritual health can help individuals find inner fulfillment and a sense of purpose, which she believes are essential in combating the prevailing hopelessness.

Coach Gregory Cash, who has spent decades helping to develop great athletes and leaders in the country, believes the unique perspective shared, especially relating to spiritual exercise, can touch the hearts of so many. Wendy Fernander, PhD., a licensed clinical psychologist and president of the Bahamas Psychological Association, noted that too few of us think about our spiritual diet, which results in our spiritual wellbeing. When asked about the book, Dr. Fernander said, “This book will provoke you to do serious soul searching.”

Amid the challenges communities face, Isaacs encourages readers to initiate a positive “me” movement—a focus on self-improvement that, when embraced collectively, can lead to stronger families, churches, and nations. According to Isaacs, strengthened individuals become catalysts for positive change within their immediate circles, creating a ripple effect that extends to broader communities.

Ayla Isaacs, whose roots go back to South Eleuthera, is a founding member of the Smart and Strong Sisterhood (SASS) and the creative mind behind A.I. Paper, a gift-wrapping paper and bag company that celebrates the islands of The Bahamas. Isaacs believes that investing in spiritual wellbeing is pivotal for personal growth and resilience. A conference speaker who is actively involved in church ministries and affiliated with several civic organizations, Isaacs firmly believes in the balance between personal and community wellbeing.

“Achieving Optimum Spiritual Health” is now available on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com in paperback and eBook form and locally at Oasis Bookstore in Nassau. Isaacs encourages readers to embark on a transformative journey and be architects of their spiritual wellbeing. In times of uncertainty, “Achieving Optimum Spiritual Health” offers a guide and a message of hope and empowerment for individuals seeking personal and communal transformation.

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Bahamas News

Tired of Taking Notes? The new Samsung Galaxy S24 Will Transcribe and Summarize Your Voice Notes In A Snap! 

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NASSAU, Bahamas – Faster, smarter and more convenient than ever before, the new Samsung Galaxy S24 will revolutionize your productivity with its new Transcript Assist and Browsing Assist features. In the continuous pursuit of delivering innovative solutions that enhance productivity and user experience, Samsung Electronics is proud to introduce two groundbreaking features: Transcript Assist and Browsing Assist.

The Transcript Assist feature, powered by Galaxy’s advanced artificial intelligence, takes note-taking to a whole new level by enabling users to easily convert voice notes and conversations into useful and accessible notes. Whether in a business meeting, conference, or casual conversation, the Galaxy S24’s Transcript Assist makes capturing information easier than ever.

By utilizing Transcript Assist, users can effortlessly record any conversation with multiple speakers and transform it into a clear and concise transcript with just a few taps. This feature is particularly useful for those who need to keep a detailed record of discussions and decisions made during important meetings or collaborative work sessions.

“With Transcript Assist, we’re redefining the way people take notes and record information,” said Gianmarco Leri, Product Manager at Samsung Electronics. “No longer do you have to worry about missing important details during a conversation. With the Galaxy S24, you can capture every word and turn it into a useful reference that you can easily review and share.”

In addition to generating accurate transcripts, the Transcript Assist feature also offers the ability to generate quick summaries of conversations, as well as the option to translate the entire transcript into different languages, facilitating communication and collaboration among people from different regions and cultures.

On the other hand, the Browsing Assist feature allows users to navigate more efficiently and conveniently on their Galaxy S24 devices by providing intelligent and contextual suggestions during web browsing and online content exploration.

The Galaxy S24, equipped with Transcript Assist and Browsing Assist, marks the beginning of a new era of productivity and convenience in mobile devices. These innovative features demonstrate Samsung Electronics’ continued commitment to providing advanced tools that help people achieve their goals more effectively and efficiently in everyday life.

So, get ready! The new Samsung Galaxy S24 will be coming soon to tech stores in The Bahamas soon.

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Bahamas News

Weather Systems Affect Cuba and The Bahamas

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Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

#Weather#Cuba#TheBahamas, March 25th, 2024 – Serious weather struck The Bahamas and Cuba over the weekend, both nations receiving warnings from their meteorological entities. The Bahamas was affected by severe thunderstorms.  In fact, an area of the Carnival Freedom Cruise Ship, which was 20 miles off Eleuthera, Bahamas, caught fire and reports say it was possibly due to a lightning strike.  Fortunately no lives were reported lost.

Meanwhile, Cuba had intense rainfall and hailstorms, resulting in damage to surrounding areas, thousands left without electricity amid fallen trees and Flash Floods.

 

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