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Prime Minister Davis says despite global events his government can ‘stand in the gap’ and ease the burdens of the Bahamian people

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By ERIC ROSE

Bahamas Information Services

 

#NASSAU, The Bahamas, November 4, 2022 – While making his Contribution on the Minimum Wage Increase 2022 in the House of Assembly, on November 2, 2022, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis noted that, although his Government cannot prevent global events from having a local impact, it can “stand in the gap” and ease the burdens of the Bahamian people.

“It has been clear for a long time, to anyone paying attention, that the minimum wage was far too low,” Prime Minister Davis said.  “When we came to office, we immediately started planning and negotiating to raise the minimum wage.

“We did not hesitate,” he added.  “And we did not let the fiscal and economic crises we inherited stand in our way.”

Prime Minister Davis pointed out that, with the passage of that Bill, the minimum wage would increase from $210 to $260 per week.  In the public sector, he added, the raise was retroactive, going back to the past July.  In the private sector, the increase would begin in January, with the extra months allowing businesses to plan and prepare.

“Fifty dollars more each week will not eliminate the economic strain on families; but it is something — $200 more a month towards food, or school fees, or rent, or peace of mind,” he said.

“It is progress on the path to a livable wage,” Prime Minister Davis added.  “It’s been a long time since the minimum wage was last raised — seven years ago, in fact, in 2015.”

He noted that his Government was “very careful” to negotiate a minimum wage that would not slow down job growth; and were “very mindful” of pressures facing Bahamian businesses.

“Similarly, when we added diapers and more food items to our price control list, we are signaling to businesses that we expect the savings from reduced customs duties to be passed on to Bahamians,” Prime Minister Davis said.  “Business owners will still make a profit, just a little less than they would otherwise.”

“We have listened to their concerns, and we have been flexible about some of the details,” he added.  “We will continue to review the impact of price controls on both consumers and businesses.

“But the bottom line is, the costs of this global inflation crisis must be a shared burden, not one that falls primarily on Bahamian families working to get by.”

Prime Minister Davis said that the new price controls on medications were in effect, pharmacies would remain open, and his Government expected pharmacies to come into full compliance “in the coming days”.

“In raising the minimum wage and expanding price controls, my Government is holding firm in protecting the interests of the Bahamian people,” he said.

Prime Minister Davis said that his Government believed that the increase in the minimum wage would provide some measure of relief for working Bahamians, while a growing economy would allow businesses to adjust successfully.

He said:  “The minimum wage increase is part of a larger set of policies intended to relieve cost-of-living pressures, including: reduced or eliminated customs duties on key items such as food, solar supplies, and building supplies; additional price control inspectors; free WiFi in parks across the country; an emphasis on affordable housing; and an historic investment in home-grown food.”

Prime Minister Davis added that, at the heart of all of his Government’s policies was the belief that every Bahamian deserved economic dignity and security.

“That is why we prioritized public service promotions and regularisations, and labour agreements with unions, including teachers and nurses,” he said.  “That’s why we’ve provided relief grants to those who were particularly hit hard by the lockdowns.

“That’s why we’re investing in small businesses, and in expanding education and training,” he added.  “That’s why we’re diversifying the economy, to broaden and deepen opportunities.”

Prime Minister Davis pointed out that his Government’s goal for the Bahamian economy went beyond recovery.

“I don’t want to turn back the clock – because, let’s be honest – there’s never been a time when our economy created enough opportunities for Bahamian advancement and ownership,” he said.  “Returning to the past economy isn’t the goal.

“Creating a new, more inclusive economy is the goal.”
“Many Bahamians have achieved remarkable success, but thousands more can and should join them,” Prime Minister Davis added.  “It is my fervent prayer that we all find common ground in a shared commitment to lifting up Bahamians and building a stronger and more resilient Bahamas.”

 

(BIS Photo/Ulric Woodside)

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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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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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