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CDB Approves US$43 Million for Bahamas Education Project

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By Sherrica Thompson

Staff Writer

 

January 11, 2023 – The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) said it will be putting in US$43.3 million to construct a brand-new comprehensive school and rehabilitate two others in East Grand Bahama to accommodate students whose schools were destroyed by Hurricane Dorian in 2019.

The Bank’s Board of Directors approved the loan to the Government of The Bahamas at its meeting last month.

Some 2,000 teachers and principals will also be trained in learning recovery and enhancement to support student-centred, differentiated accelerated learning to address the learning loss occasioned by the impact of COVID-19.

The total cost of the project is US$48.08 million, and the Government of the Bahamas will be contributing a fund of US$4.76 million.

The CDB said the facilities will fill the critical need that arose in East Grand Bahama after Hurricane Dorian’s passage destroyed four schools in the area. These are the East End Preschool in Freetown, the East End Primary School in High Rock, the East End Junior High School in McClean’s Town and the All-Aged School in Sweeting’s Cay.

“As a result, for much of the past three years, students have been forced to rise as early as 4:00 a.m. to make the over 60-mile commute by bus and ferry to Freeport to access educational services.  The lengthy commute has made it challenging for students to keep up with their schoolwork, challenges that were further exacerbated by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on schooling,” the Bank said.

According to the CDB, when completed, the new comprehensive school complex will include a multi-purpose hurricane shelter. The shelter will be designed to function as a cafeteria during school hours but can be seamlessly transitioned for use as a hurricane shelter in the event of a natural hazard event.

CDB’s Division Chief, Social Sector Division, Dr. Martin Baptiste, while on the project, highlighted its potential social benefits.

“Given the intersectionality between the home, community and the school, the investment in new school infrastructure will also play a significant role in the general improvement of respective communities, enhancing skills training programmes, social protection initiatives and promoting social cohesion,” Baptiste said.

The CDB did not provide a date for when construction for the project would begin.

Bahamas News

BNT Releases 2023-2024 Impact Report Highlighting Conservation Achievements  

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January 20th, 2024 – Nassau, Bahamas – The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) proudly announces the release of its 2023-2024 Annual Impact Report, which documents key conservation milestones achieved from January 2023 to June 2024.

Highlights from the report include: completion of the BNT’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan  – a comprehensive roadmap to guide the organization’s efforts over the next five years; the declaration of Seahorse National Park in Eleuthera as the country’s 33rd national park; advancements in critical scientific research and the creation of conservation plans aimed at protecting endangered species; major infrastructure improvements in national parks, enhancing visitor access and recreational opportunities; and new strategic partnerships with local and national organizations for collaborative national park management.

“The past 18 months have been a pivotal chapter for the BNT,” said Lakeshia Anderson-Rolle, Executive Director of The Bahamas National Trust. “With the unwavering support of our members, donors, and partners, we’ve expanded our national park system, advanced critical conservation efforts, made major infrastructure improvements in national parks, and connected thousands of Bahamians to their parks. These achievements underscore the power of collaboration and inspire us to continue building a future where people and nature thrive together.”

Looking to the future, the BNT’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan prioritizes enhanced park management, tackling climate resilience, addressing invasive species, and strengthening community partnerships to ensure the sustainability of The Bahamas’ national parks.

The Bahamas National Trust extends heartfelt thanks to its supporters for making these achievements possible, and invites everyone to explore the full 2023-2024 Impact Report on its website at https://bnt.bs/2023-2024-impact-report/.

To learn more about the BNT’s role in managing national parks, protecting wildlife, and informing environmental policy, please visit its website: www.bnt.bs, and follow its various social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

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Bahamas News

Exclusive Offer Unlocks $300 in Instant Savings for the Ultimate Winter Escape to The Islands of The Bahamas

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The Bahamas, January 19, 2025 – From January 13 to February 28, 2025, travelers can book a 4-night (or longer) air-inclusive vacation to The Islands of The Bahamas and enjoy an exclusive $300 instant savings at participating hotels and resorts. Stays are valid from January 14 to June 30, 2025, making it the perfect time to swap snow for sand. Terms and conditions apply.

“The Bahamas has seen tremendous growth in visitors, and this offer underscores our commitment to expanding tourism as a key driver of economic growth,” said the Hon. I. Chester Cooper, The Bahamas’ Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation. “By offering an exceptional value to global travelers, we’re not only inviting visitors to explore our diverse islands but also supporting local businesses and fostering sustained economic development across The Bahamas.”

Booking a 4-night (or longer) air-inclusive vacation package with participating tour operators guarantees instant $300 savings, plus the opportunity to combine this offer with other deals for even more value. Travelers can also inquire about added perks like bonus nights, spa credits, and airport transfers when booking through participating tour operators.

Latina Duncombe, Director General of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, added, “Through our partnerships with international travel providers, we are creating opportunities for visitors to seamlessly explore the unique attractions, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural beauty that make The Bahamas truly exceptional.”

The islands of The Bahamas is the ultimate winter getaway, where adventure, luxury, and relaxation come together for an unforgettable escape from the cold. Take advantage of these major savings by visiting: Bahamas.com/300-off.

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Freeport Health Campus development, progressing steadily

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By DANIELLE ROLLON

Bahamas Information Services

 

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas — The Government of The Bahamas is committed to improving healthcare facilities throughout The Bahamas, with steady progress being made on the state-of-the-art Freeport Health Campus.  With construction set in three phases, the Freeport Health Campus, when completed, will be a major development for Grand Bahama, providing comprehensive and essential healthcare services for all — citizens, residents, visitors, and those arriving on the new Celebration Cay.

Phase one of the project — a 60,000-square-foot clinic — is set for completion in late 2025, according to the Minister of Health and Wellness, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville.  “The Freeport Health Campus is more than just a building; it is an embodiment of our collective vision for accessible, high-quality healthcare. Imagine a place where families can come together to receive a multitude of essential services, all under one roof — a hub of healing, equipped with cutting-edge technology and staffed by compassionate professionals dedicated to the well-being of our community,” said Dr. Darville.

With these ongoing improvements and the upcoming completion of phase one, the Freeport Health Campus is poised to see a significant boost in healthcare services in Grand Bahama, supporting the health and well-being of the community for years to come.

(BIS Photos/ Andrew Miller)

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