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Sandals Team Excited about Reopening Sandals Royal Bahamian

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#TheBahamas, November 24, 2021 – Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International was on hand recently to welcome, engage, thank and motivate returning team members and new recruits of Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island, as the resort ramps up its preparations for its re-opening come January 27, 2022.

With extensive renovations to the re-imagined resort continuing to unfold, the resort is also well advanced with the recruitment of nearly 1,050 team members across several levels and varying departments, and is now proceeding with its immersive orientation and training exercises, preparing the team to welcome guests for the first time since closing in March 2020.

In the most recent onboarding session attended by Stewart and chaired by a host of seasoned Sandals senior management and executives, Stewart welcomed the returning and new recruits. “I want to use this opportunity to officially welcome you to the ‘World’s Best Team’- team Sandals. Having witnessed the progress of the renovations, I can tell you all that the reimagined Sandals Royal Bahamian and all its new features is going to be the most exquisite resort in this country. The reopening of Sandals Royal Bahamian will be magical and I’m looking forward to all of us growing and evolving together. Any company that is growing is a company that provides opportunities and those opportunities are for you to seize,” he shared.

He added that the reopening provides an exceptional opportunity for Sandals and the Bahamian government to continue an amazing and mutually beneficial partnership as the tourism industry and the region continue to chart the way forward on the path to economic recovery.

“My family and I have a love affair with the islands of the Bahamas, there is nothing quite like this country. We made the decision to keep this resort closed so that we could invest in it and invest in this country, as we wanted to ensure that when we stand the test of time for the next 20 years, we have a resort like no other. As a company we promote brand Bahamas using various marketing strategies from traditional to new media, as this is a partnership between you and our organization,” he said.

Stewart spoke at one of the several orientation sessions where new and returning team members will be “Sandalized” – preparing them to effectively and confidently deliver the company’s world-class luxury-included service as they gear up for full return to work.

Philippa Adams, returning team member from the Laundry Department expressed that she is delighted about the reopening.

“I would scream right now but that may not be appropriate but I’m overjoyed that the resort will be reopening in January. The orientation sessions have been so empowering and refreshing and have given me a major boost in confidence. The sessions are furnishing us with all the tools we need to get back to work and execute at an optimal level,” declared Adams.

The orientation commenced on November 1 and will run through to November 26, 2021. Utilising technology and new state of the art training mechanisms, the orientations sessions are being held in adherence to COVID-19 protocols and are therefore being conducted in phases using dual modality of face-to-face sessions and virtual courses by way of the company’s Learning Management System (LMS).

Director for Learning, Development and Service Standards, Dr Phillip Brown shared, “As a team, we pride ourselves on innovation. As the company forges ahead, we elevate our systems to incorporate new ways of ensuring our Sandals standards are maintained, our guests’ expectations are exceeded and our team members are fully equipped for success. During these phased training sessions, team members will be exposed to our company’s world renowned service standards, our ethos of community involvement, particularly through our Sandals Foundation as also the myriad of personal development opportunities through our Sandals Corporate University.”

Brown is part of the company’s training team that is on the ground at Sandals Royal Bahamian. The team comprises leaders from various resorts within the Sandals group who are assisting with ensuring a seamless developmental process for the new recruits ahead of the long awaited, grand reopening.

 

Photo Caption: Adam Stewart_ Executive Chairman for Sandals Resorts International (SRI) addressed new and returning team members of Sandals Royal Bahamian during an orientation session, recently.

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Government dismisses IDPADA-G remarks as nonsensical, divisive

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– Labour minister reaffirms the government’s inclusive approach

Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton has dismissed as “nonsensical” and “divisive” the recent comments made by Chairman of the International Decade for People of African Descent-Guyana (IDPADA-G), Vincent Alexander, which accused the government of marginalising Afro-Guyanese.

The comments were made following Minister Hamilton’s address at the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, held at the UN Headquarters in New York.

The forum, which runs under the theme “United for reparatory justice in the age of artificial intelligence,” concludes on Thursday.

In a Tuesday interview with the Department of Public Information, Minister Hamilton said the claim bears no relation to the government’s track record.

“It’s so sad that when these guys who want to suggest that they represent people of African descent’s interest, when they have the opportunity…they [would] rather utilise their two minutes to…bring this narrative that is profane in nature [and] has no basis in reality,” he said.

The minister added that while the forum was designed to address developmental challenges, such as those posed by artificial intelligence, individuals had used the platform to promote what he described as hate, racism, and division.

The labour minister argued that Afro-Guyanese have begun to reject what they see as an attempt to monopolise their representation.

“Vincent Alexander and IDPADA-G have assigned to themselves that they are the spokespersons for Afro-Guyanese.  And daily, thousands of Guyanese are saying to them, ‘you go to hell, you don’t speak for me’,” he stated.

Responding to criticisms that the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) had failed to include an Afro-Guyanese commissioner in its delegation, the minister said this was not intentional.

“The reality is that Norris Whitter, who is a member of the ERC, was slated to come to New York…and at the late moment, he declined to come,” he explained.

Minister Hamilton stressed that the Government of Guyana remains committed to delivering inclusive development policies.

“We have rolled out educational programs that will affect positively every Guyanese, including people of African descent. The University of Guyana, being free from this year, will affect positively thousands and tens of thousands of Afro-Guyanese…so the government’s program is delivering to the Guyanese people [and] that includes people of African descent,” he said.

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PM Davis: New Solar Power PPA is ‘a bold step forward’

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NASSAU, The Bahamas – Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis said, during his remarks at the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) signing between Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) and Madeleine Solar Power Ltd., on March 17, 2025, that it was “a bold step forward”.

“We take a step toward energy security, where clean, reliable, and affordable power is no longer a distant dream but a reality unfolding right before us,” Prime Minister Davis said, during the ceremony held at the Blue Hills Power Station.

“This signing represents a promise fulfilled: a declaration made by this administration signaling to the nation and the world that The Bahamas is ready to embrace renewable energy,” he added.  “For too long, we have been at the mercy of volatile fuel markets, burdened by high electricity costs, and vulnerable to the devastating impacts of climate change. From this moment onward, we will begin redefining our energy reality.”

Prime Minister Davis noted that, with that agreement, his Government accelerated its” mission to achieve 30% renewable energy by 2030.

“As we advocate for more international action to lower global carbon emissions, we are demonstrating to the world that we will lead by example,” he said.                                                                                                                                                                      Prime Minister Davis added:  “INTI’s – trading as Madeleine Solar Power, Ltd. — project will integrate seamlessly into the national grid, adding critical capacity right here at Blue Hills Power Station. Seventy megawatts of solar power is supported by 35 megawatts of battery storage.  That is the overall goal; but this contract provides for 20 megawatts. This system is designed to stabilize, sustain, and support our growing energy demands.”

He pointed out that, of course, his Government’s solar expansion was bigger than New Providence.

“Across our Family Islands, independent power producers are laying the foundation for a cleaner, more independent energy future for our Family Islands – Abaco to Andros, Eleuthera to Exuma, Long Island to San Salvador – the shift is happening with tailor-made solutions for each island,” Prime Minister Davis said.

“Minister Coleby-Davis and her team have worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life,” he added.  “I commend their dedication, and their determination to push past bureaucratic barriers and drive real, tangible change.”

He also thanked the Energy Committee for their integral role.

Prime Minister Davis said:  “To INTI – trading as Madeleine, partners – thank you. Your investment, expertise, and commitment will power homes, businesses, and industries. More importantly, we will power hope.  We are powering a future where Bahamians no longer ask, “Can we afford electricity?” but instead ask, “What more can we achieve with it?”

“Let me be clear – this is only the beginning,” he added.  “As we continue to integrate renewables and invest in cleaner fuel alternatives, we are creating a new energy paradigm for future success where Bahamian families and businesses no longer struggle with keeping the lights on.”

He continued:  “We are proving that small island nations can think big; that we can innovate; that we can rise above our challenges, carve out a sustainable path forward, and lead the way.

“Today, we sign this contract.  Tomorrow, we break ground.  Soon, we will enter this new era for energy in this country, powered by the sun.”

PHOTO CAPTION

Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis takes part in the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) signing between Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) and Madeleine Solar Power Ltd., on March 17, 2025, at Blue Hills Power Station.  Also bringing remarks was Minister of Energy and Transport, the Hon. JoBeth Coleby-Davis.

(BIS Photos/Eric Rose)

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NASSAU CRUISE PORT AND ARAWAK PORT DEVELOPMENT CELEBRATE WOMEN’S ACHIEVEMENTS IN MARITIME AND CRUISE

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Dr. Brenda Cleare of the LJM Maritime Academy with students

Nassau, Bahamas, March 15, 2025 – On Friday, March 7, 2025, Nassau Cruise Port (NCP) and Arawak Port Development (APD) held an exclusive luncheon in honour of International Women’s Day.  The goal of this special event was to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Bahamian women in the maritime and cruise industries under the theme “A Sea of Change: Women Accelerating Action.”

The event brought influential women from Nassau Cruise Port, Arawak Port Development, Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Bahamas Maritime Authority, the Port Department, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Royal Caribbean Group Bahamas, LJM Maritime Academy, and other key stakeholder organizations together, providing an elevated platform for networking, collaboration, and empowerment.

“Women have been instrumental in the driving growth of the Bahamian maritime and cruise industries in many ways, and it is important that we recognize and celebrate their outstanding contributions.

“Women play a vital role in the success of Nassau Cruise Port with over 50% of our team being female maritime professionals,” stated Mike Maura, CEO & Director of Nassau Cruise Port.

“This event marks the beginning of an annual tradition to empower the women in our sector and to inspire future female leaders.  Congratulations to all the women who were honored today and attended this event, and to women everywhere. Your efforts are driving positive change in our industry, and we wholeheartedly support your success.”

Dion Bethell, President & CFO of Arawak Port Development, provided some additional perspective. “Women are making waves in the maritime sector, and their impact is undeniable. According to recent statistics, women now represent 20% of the global maritime workforce—an impressive increase that highlights the potential for growth, innovation, and leadership in this vital industry.  At Arawak Port Development, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where women are empowered to chart new courses and redefine the future of maritime.”

The keynote address was delivered by Senator Ja’Ann M. Major, a Director at the Bahamas Maritime Authority, who highlighted some of the major accomplishments of Bahamian women in the maritime industry. She also encouraged the audience to embrace leadership opportunities and to continue to advocate for a more inclusive industry.  “It is often said that when women gather with purpose and passion, the energy is palpable, and theimpact is transformative. Standing here today, I can’t help but feel inspired by the resilience and unwavering commitment of Bahamian women to making a difference in our maritime industry.”

She continued, “Women are increasingly taking on pivotal roles, steering the industry toward a more inclusive and dynamic future.  Events like this one are not only necessary to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women in this industry, but it underscores our collective commitment to fostering an environment where women continue to thrive and lead.

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