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BAHAMAS: Minister Thompson: ‘Tough times have helped make Grand Bahamians stronger’

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#The Bahamas, July 14, 2021 – Minister of State for Finance and for Grand Bahama in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator the Hon. Kwasi Thompson said everything Grand Bahamians have gone through – this year and in years past – have all helped to make Grand Bahamians stronger, wiser and better than before.

“I give God thanks for the challenges that we faced, I give him thanks for the mountains that we have overcome, because it has made us stronger than we were and it has made us a better nation and a better country,” said Minister Thompson.

“So let us be a nation of people who praise, a nation of people who pray, rather than a nation of complainers.”

Minister Thompson’s remarks came during the Flag Raising ceremony in celebration of the Bahamas’ 48th Anniversary of Independence, which was held on Friday, July 9, 2021, at the Harold DeGregory Complex in Freeport, Grand Bahama.

Under the theme, A celebration of life, revive us again, Minister Thompson said there could be no more suitable theme for this year’s celebrations, as Grand Bahamians celebrate being revived from the devastation of Hurricane Dorian and the scourge of COVID-19.

He noted that because of the pandemic, Independence celebrations have not been the same, but encouraged Bahamians everywhere to continue to show Bahamian pride by decorating, displaying Bahamian culture and even continuing to host virtual celebrations.

“Since Independence of last year, we have seen some relaxation of the curfews and there is more economic activity on the island,” said Minister Thompson. “There is hope and optimism, not just on the island of Grand Bahama, but throughout this country.

“For me, it is a privilege to serve this country and a privilege to serve the people of Grand Bahama. We also must remember that there is more that unites us than what divides us. We are stronger together than we are apart.”

Also bringing remarks during the Flag Raising ceremony in Freeport was Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, the Hon. Michael Pintard, who noted the event was an opportunity to redouble the efforts and make a renewed commitment to nation building.

Minister Pintard spoke of the time when he was away attending college, how he could not imagine not returning to the country he loved to make a contribution to helping to build The Bahamas.

“But today, there are many of our children who are leaving and considering not returning home,” Minister Pintard pointed out. “So, a part of our mission on this day is to revive in them a patriotism and love for this country, so that they can see no other place more important to build than the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

“That they can see, whether they come back physically, or they remain where they are, that they are contributors to building this incredible country. It is this revival that I’m praying for and that I’m working towards every single day.”

Minister Pintard reflected on some of the stories he heard from survivors of Hurricane Dorian and he noted that in all of those stories, survivors said what kept them holding on was knowing that they could rebuild once they survived.

He said even now there are many Bahamian families in Grand Bahama and Abaco who in the aftermath of Dorian are rebuilding their homes and their businesses.

“So, today, I am encouraging all of us not to listen to those who are saying that things are bad, but we should listen to the word of God which says that if we speak life over Grand Bahama, things will get better,” said Minister Pintard.

“But more importantly, if we work together as Bahamians, we will make things better in Grand Bahama and throughout the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Today I am optimistic about the future. We believe that if God has brought us this far, he will take us further. We believe that if we turn to each other, instead of on each other, we can build a powerful nation.”

Release: BIS

By: Andrew Coakley

Photo Captions:

Header: Minister of State for Finance and for Grand Bahama, in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator the Hon. Kwasi Thompson was the keynote speaker during the 48th Anniversary of Independence Flag Raising ceremony, July 9, 2021 on the grounds of the Harold DeGregory Complex.

1st insert: Representatives of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force raise the Bahamian Flag during the annual Flag Raising ceremony, July 9, 2021 on the grounds of the Harold DeGregory Complex in Freeport.  

2nd insert: Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, the Hon. Michael Pintard, during the 48th Anniversary of Independence Flag Raising ceremony on Friday, July 9, 2021.   

(BIS Photos/Lisa Davis)

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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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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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