Connect with us

Bahamas News

Message to Downtown Property Owners – DPM Chester Cooper

Published

on

#The Bahamas, March 28, 2022

Good afternoon, Ladies and gentlemen.

  • Cabinet & Parliamentary Colleagues
  • Executives of the DTP
  • MOTIA Executives
  • Members of the RBPF

I have invited you here this morning to seek common ground and to share with you the vison that the Davis-Cooper administration has for Downtown, Nassau. I come in peace.

Last week in the House of Assembly I voiced my displeasure about the state of Downtown, Nassau and I called it an embarrassment.  And I know that many of you feel the same way.  As an owner of property Downtown myself, I am intimately familiar with the challenges facing downtown as well as the progress, slow though it may be, that has been made.

Successive governments and the Downtown Nassau Partnership have worked in tandem over the years to try and transform the city center into what we now have.  But the time for incremental change has come and gone.

We have seen progress in the refinishing of sidewalks, the investment in art on abandoned buildings and a focus on a police presence during the daytime hours.  But the fact remains that the private sector is not redeveloping downtown rapidly, and indeed often standing in the way of progress.

For years we have had incentives for development downtown, and while that has borne some fruit, there is no question that the growth of downtown pales in comparison with the escalating number of cruise ship passengers who are brought to the Port of Nassau.  Now we stand on the cusp of something new.

There is more than $200 million being invested in the new port that see it become one of the nicest, most modern ports in the region.  The expansion of cruise ship berths and the loosening of restrictions on cruise ship occupancy means that we could see days with more than 20,000 cruise ship visitors brought to our shores multiple times per week.  The difficulty has become getting them off the boats and to spend money downtown.

In addition that the port, we have the United States investing $300 million in a state of the art embassy that will change the landscape of Shirley Street and East Street.

In addition to that, we have a new Central Bank building that will cost well over $100 million that will begin construction soon and will further transform downtown.

In addition to that, the government of The Bahamas intends to construct a new Cabinet building downtown before the end of this term in government.

We are looking at over $700 million in investment into the downtown area in the next few years alone.  Add to that The Pointe, and we would be looking at close to a billion dollars in investment.  However, this will still not be enough to transform one of the busiest ports of entry in the region.  Our tourism is rebounding strongly. Despite our challenges we still consider ourselves the leaders in the region.

The vibrancy of downtown should be the story our visitors tell to their friends and family when they return home.  It should be a must visit destination in the Caribbean that serve as the bridge between Atlantis and Baha Mar, two of the most famous and meticulously constructed resorts in the world.

Downtown should be a memorable, authentic and safe journey stretching west to Arawak Cay, which is also being targeted for redevelopment, all the way east to Potter’s Cay Dock, also on the government’s drawing board for redevelopment. Yet it is still “on the drawing board”.   Just this past weekend we had six ships in port, on a single day.

There were thousands of guests here and I often hear taxi drivers and vendors tell me how embarrassed they are to have tourists walk past Victoria Avenue going east to see the raft of abandoned buildings, overgrown spaces and desolate areas that scream for guests to speed past as opposed to enjoying the local fare.

It is the one area we get consistent complaints about.

It is poorly maintained and not adequately managed.

It was thought that moving the various waterfront ports would spur development of living spaces, a boardwalk, restaurants and shops, but that dream has stalled.

I have often heard that buildings that are neither pleasing to the eye nor functional to the city are protected as historical sites, and that may require laws being amended.  I am told that outdated building covenants that limit the height of structures are also an impediment. I foreshadow that, that will require adjustment as well.

But given what we have seen with the The Pointe and with other buildings, we can clearly see that exceptions can be made in the greater move toward progress.

As far as our vagrancy issues downtown, those are being addressed by the police and through amendments to the Mental Health Act that will be coming.  Harassment by those who may be mentally ill and/or have substance abuse issues is not something Bahamians or visitors desire.  And we certainly do not want to tell the world that we allow people who may be a danger to themselves and others exist without help outside the gaze of a government mandated to provide order. We will get them compassionate care in a safe place. Bay Street is not that place.

I addition to a cleaner downtown, we also want downtown with spaces for small businesses and spaces for larger businesses.

The Small Business Development Centre and the Tourism Development Corporation are already being positioned to aid in this transformation.  We plan to make certain that Nassau Cruise Port has a transparent process for engaging Bahamian entrepreneurs to operate and have ample opportunity to experience the coming economic growth.

We plan to establish business incubation centers east of Bay Street with shared office spaces like the Incudesk model as well as a high-end authentically Bahamian marketplace.

In the House, I announced a plan to work with the Ministry of Works, the police, the Office of the Attorney General and the Office of the Prime Minister to tackle these issues head-on. We will have a collaborative inter-ministerial approach.  I also pledged to meet with you to discuss the way forward.

I want to be clear that though I seek the way forward to be one of mutually beneficial partnership, the thrust of this administration is first and foremost progress.  And we are not willing to sacrifice progress pursuing partnerships that will not bear fruit.  There is no chance that we allow the status quo to remain.  Always, we will try to work together to move our nation forward.  But governments have a responsibility to act in the national interest, even if that is not to the liking of a few.

There are multiple tools in the government’s arsenal to address compliance, but our first tool will always be diplomacy.  And what is good for downtown is good for the economy of The Bahamas.  Downtown is historic and its parameters well defined in the law.  A raft of legislation exists in the form of concessions to aid this redevelopment.  As I said, there is no need to reinvent the wheel.

We have had multiple studies on the redevelopment of downtown, and the government will also engage the public for ideas.  We  will implement a sustained plan that will out last me as Minister and beyond the 5-year political cycle.  But consensus among property is not required for the government to lead the way forward.  Our city center is no longer a hub for merchant ports.  And it is no longer the epicenter of retail commerce it once was.  But the fact remains that there is money to be made downtown.

For artists and artisans, for those directly in the tourism business, for existing property owners and many, many others.  If you are not interested in being in business in the downtown area, this administration fully understands that.  But we want to work together.  Therefore, this is why I make this call to action.  But disinterest cannot translate into inaction.

If we cannot figure out how to entertain and attract millions of visitors to spend on their vacations with a safe, diverse, dynamic and varied experience that changes and grows more interesting and more inviting over time, then we do not understand the business that we are in.

Downtown needs to become the calling card of The Bahamas, not continue to be a point of national shame.  There is a sense of urgency in implementing the action plans outlined in our Blue Print for Change.  It’s our commitment to you, as we govern on behalf of all.

As Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, I am daily confronted with the issues: maintaining the infrastructure, Cleaning Streets and sidewalks, Improved Signage, Addressing Poor Lighting, The Enhancement and enforcement of penal code as they relate to loitering, solicitation, illegal vendors, and illicit activities.  The Government intends to do its part.  We will apply existing laws to manage downtown and introduce new ones where necessary to have it restored, kept clean and provide a unique experience for our visitors and Bahamians.

Government will look at  work with the  DNP to establish a statutorily empowered PPP entity to manage downtown.  We have been meeting with Cruise Line Partners to strongly emphasize the imperative to model exceptional partnerships to increase their calls on the Port of Nassau, incentivize more passengers to come off vessels, work with the TDC to enhance and support our tours and local offerings, which will largely result in increased visitor spend on shore and on Bay Street.  They have given us their word.

We need you to repair your buildings and paint them. Revamp your store fronts. Ensure the removal of garbage. Adhere to signage guidelines and remedy derelict and abandoned buildings.  We don’t need to wait. I urge you to act.

I would be remiss, if I did not also applaud the work of our own Tourism Sites and Facilities Department, who rose to the occasion during the reopening of our sector to ensure that Bay Street, and more specifically Pompey, Pirates and Raswon Square was ready to receive residents and visitors.

I am hopeful that will come together with greater frequency, and share ideas, innovations and make inputs to ensure our collective success.

We must propel our nation on the path to recovery, on the journey to economic restoration and to truly make it, “Better in The Bahamas” for all of us.

Bahamas News

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

Published

on

 

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.

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

Weather Systems Affect Cuba and The Bahamas

Published

on

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.

 

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

Reef Rescue Network: Donor Event Charts the Course for Coral Restoration and Sustainable Tourism in The Bahamas

Published

on

#TheBahamas, March 26, 2024 – As the world grapples with the urgency of marine conservation, The Bahamas has emerged as a beacon of hope with its latest initiative led by the Reef Rescue Network (RRN). An alliance of dive operators, NGOs and businesses invested in coral restoration, the RRN recently hosted an immersive event for the British High Commissioner and representatives from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), to provide a firsthand look—and dive—into the thriving heart of coral nurseries. The gathering served as a vivid testament to the progress achieved by the RRN and its partners in coral restoration efforts over the past two years, thanks to support from the Compete Caribbean Partnership Facility.

Fueled by its vision of harmonizing economic vitality with environmental sustainability, the RRN has strategically harnessed the support of the Compete Caribbean Partnership Facility grant, backed by the IDB, the United Kingdom’s Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (UK FCDO), the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), and the Government of Canada. This collaborative effort aims to amplify The Bahamas’ blue economy by integrating eco-tourism with a series of coral restoration projects, poised to transform the archipelago into a magnet for eco-conscious tourists and bolster the local economy with a sustainable model.

As a vanguard of coral conservation and education, the RRN’s expansive network spans over 50 nursery locations across The Bahamas, Aruba, and St. Lucia. Beyond mere conservation, the network offers tourists an array of Reef Rescue Experiences, designed to kindle a profound connection with the marine world. From specialized diving courses to snorkeling and shark conservation education, these programs do more than highlight the ecological significance of coral reefs—they empower participants to actively engage in safeguarding these vital underwater ecosystems, ensuring their preservation for generations to come.

The event, held earlier this month, was graced by the presence of distinguished participants including Thomas Hartley, British High Commissioner to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, Claire Nichols, Deputy British High Commissioner, Daniela Carrera-Marquis, Country Representative for the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in The Bahamas, and Claudia Stevenson, IDB specialist and team leader of the project. The day commenced with an insightful presentation on the RRN’s milestones, buoyed by the vital funding from Compete Caribbean and other donors, followed by a hands-on experience at one of the network’s coral nurseries located off the Southwest coast of New Providence.

Daniela Carrera-Marquis, an enthusiastic advocate for coral restoration, expressed her excitement about the innovative concept of coral restoration tourism. She said: “I am looking forward to completing my PADI Reef Rescue Diver certification and diving more to assist with coral restoration efforts in The Bahamas,” echoing the sentiment of engagement and direct action that the RRN aims to foster among its partners and the community. At the event, Daniela participated in scuba diving and performed maintenance on an underwater coral nursery while the others snorkeled and viewed the nursery from above.

The event not only served as a platform for appreciation but also as an eye-opener to the real-world challenges reefs face, as highlighted by Thomas Hartley’s reflections on witnessing the impacts of climate change firsthand. He said: “It was devastating to see the effects of coral bleaching on the reefs.” Coral bleaching is the process where stressed corals expel their colorful and life-sustaining algae, turning them white and leading to starvation, increased susceptibility to disease, and potentially death if the stress continues.

Over the past two years, with the support from Compete Caribbean and other donors, the RRN has made commendable progress in expanding and developing coral nurseries, enhancing the capacity of its human resources, and promoting coral restoration standards throughout the Bahamian archipelago. This includes the installation of 14 new coral nurseries, expansion of 4 existing ones, and the addition of 3,450 coral fragments to nursery units, significantly increasing the ecological benefits to local reefs.

Moreover, the RRN has successfully developed shallow water experiences for non-divers, introducing 35 “coral domes” across 10 dive sites, populated with 943 coral fragments. The living coral domes not only diversify the experience for RRN partners but also educates a broader audience on coral reef conservation.

The network’s efforts have also extended to education and community engagement over the last two years, with 81 Bahamian high school children educated on coral reefs and restoration activities. This engagement aims to instill stewardship behaviors among the youth, ensuring the longevity of marine conservation efforts.

Despite the setbacks faced due to the 2023 summer bleaching crisis, which hampered outplanting activities, the RRN remains steadfast in its mission. Coral reefs form the bedrock of The Bahamas’ tourism sector, contributing significantly to the nation’s $2.6 billion annual tourism revenue. With over two million tourists engaging in snorkeling activities annually, coral reefs serve not only as a magnet for visitors but as a sanctuary for diverse marine life, supporting over 25% of ocean species. The vitality of these ecosystems is also underscored by the lucrative shark diving sector, which generates $113.8 million each year.

However, these invaluable ecosystems are under severe threat from coral bleaching, primarily driven by climate change-induced ocean heatwaves. Significant coral loss was reported throughout The Bahamas in 2023, marking a distressing trend that could foresee the demise of coral reefs by mid-century without decisive and innovative conservation strategies. Hayley-Jo Carr, director of the Reef Rescue Network, said: “By harnessing resilient coral species and employing advanced restoration techniques, the RRN, along with its partners and the global scientific community, is at the forefront of a critical battle to preserve these natural treasures for future generations.”

As the RRN continues to navigate the challenges and opportunities in coral conservation, the support and involvement of its partners, donors, and the community remain crucial. The recent donor event not only celebrated the achievements but also reinforced the collective resolve to restore and protect the vibrant coral ecosystems that are vital to the marine life and communities of The Bahamas.

The Reef Rescue Network’s development and outputs over the last two years have been made possible thanks to the support of The Compete Caribbean Partnership Facility (CCPF) which is a private sector development programme that delivers innovative and practical solutions that stimulate economic growth, increase productivity, and foster innovation and competitiveness. The CCPF works across 13 countries and is a partnership between the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the United Kingdom’s Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO), the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), and the Government of Canada. Further support has been provided by Disney Conservation Fund, Moore Bahamas Foundation, The Nature Conservancy and the Global Funds for Coral Reefs (GFCR), the latter of which is a blended finance instrument to mobilise action and resources to protect and restore coral reef ecosystems.

For more information on the Reef Rescue Network and how to get involved, visit https://www.PerryInstitute.org/.

 

Photo Captions: 

Header: Leaders in conservation and international delegates, including representatives from the IDB and the British High Commission, unite aboard with the Reef Rescue Network team, embodying a powerful coalition for coral restoration and sustainable development in The Bahamas.

1st insert: A highlight of the event, guests were treated to the rare sight of a spotted eagle ray, a reminder of the precious marine life the Reef Rescue Network strives to protect in The Bahamas’ pristine waters.

2nd insert: Daniela Carrera-Marquis, InterAmerican Development Bank Representative, meticulously tends to a coral nursery as part of the Reef Rescue Network’s hands-on approach to coral conservation, illustrating the powerful synergy between human effort and marine restoration in The Bahamas.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING