The Bahamas, October 6, 2024 – In 1978, I was the Director of News and Public Affairs at the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas. We were looking for talent.  I spotted it.  He was a sports writer at the Nassau Guardian. I agreed to hire him at the station, first in sports and then in news proper.  That was the start of a storied career in broadcast journalism: a charismatic sometimes irascible cross examiner who provided great entertainment and probing inquires for his  radio audience both here and in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

It was helpful that I knew his mother because she was the mother of one of my closest friends and later Permanent Secretary Philip Miller. He came from good stock.

There is no doubt that Darold Miller transformed the era of talk radio in The Bahamas and became its leading star.  We have lost that star in broadcasting today.

I wish on behalf of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, the leadership of our party, to extend condolences and that of my own and my family to his brothers Philip and Sammy, his sister Eunice and to Darold’s own family on his passing.  This is very sad indeed. May he rest in peace.

From: Bahamas Information Services
By LLONELLA GILBERT

 


NASSAU, The Bahamas — Minister of National Security the Hon. Wayne Munroe said despite global efforts to combat it, Human Trafficking keeps growing.

“It thrives where there is poverty, a lack of education or any area in which there is a conflict,” the National Security Minister said at the Opening of the Bahamas National Neighbourhood Watch Council Two-Day Workshop on Human Trafficking at the Paul E. Farquharson Centre, Police Headquarters on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.

He explained that there are countries in our hemisphere where those three issues are happening and persons from those nations are being trafficked to The Bahamas and elsewhere.

“It is happening in our country, so there is no point seeking to hide our head in the sand and saying it is happening somewhere else.”

The Minister noted that authorities have found young Bahamian girls who were trafficked for sexual exploitation by family members.

He said human trafficking continues to be a problem because it is a lucrative industry.

The Minister explained that the International Labour Organization statistics show that over $150 billion was made from human trafficking in 2017.

He said local law enforcement officials need all the help they can get to address this problem.

The Minister said, “Therefore, it is critical for the National Neighbourhood Watch Council and its constituent neighbourhood watch associations to be part of the effort to eliminate modern day slavery.”

Trafficking in Persons Task Force Chairman, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Indirah Belle said the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimated that in 2022, 50 million persons were illegally trafficked globally; and in the Caribbean and Latin American region most are girls under the age of 18.

ASP Belle said although there are instances of Bahamians being trafficked, The Bahamas is mainly a destination and not a source country.

She said human trafficking is known as transporting people against their will and is different from human smuggling.

ASP Belle explained that human trafficking is not voluntary while human smuggling is voluntary and people usually pay to be taken across borders.

She also explained that people are being trafficked not only for cheap labour and the sex industry.

ASP Belle said people are being trafficked for their organs.  A heart can go for $120,000, a kidney for $150,000, a pancreas for $125,000 and a stomach for $500,000.

She said some of the causes for human trafficking include poverty, lack of education, abuse, homelessness, family dysfunction, political instability, unemployment, civil unrest/armed conflict and natural disasters.

ASP Belle explained that human trafficking can be prevented by dealing with the root causes.

She said this can be done by:

• Reducing the vulnerability of potential victims through social and economic development;
• Discouraging the demands for the services of trafficked persons;
• Public education;
• Law enforcement interventions/healthcare interventions/social assistance;
• Preventing the corruption of public officials; and
• Creating employment opportunities

PHOTO CAPTION

Minister of National Security the Hon. Wayne Munroe brought remarks at the Opening of the Bahamas National Neighbourhood Watch Council Two-Day Workshop on Human Trafficking at the Paul E. Farquharson Centre, Police Headquarters, on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.  Trafficking in Persons Task Force Chairman, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Indirah Belle was the main presenter at the workshop.      (BIS Photos/Patrice Johnson)

NASSAU, The Bahamas — Minister of Health and Wellness the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville is continuing a comprehensive administrative approach to the delivery of healthcare across the country.

On Monday, September 16, 2024 he officially opened a four-day conclave hosted by the Department of Public Health for administrators in New Providence and the Family Islands.

Held at Breezes Resort on Cable Beach, the conclave brought together Clinic Administrators under the theme: ‘Embracing Transformation…The Way Forward.’

The objective is to foster collaboration among administrators and provide a platform for sharing the successes and challenges encountered in managing healthcare services and delivery throughout The Bahamas.

”Ladies and Gentlemen, it is a privilege to welcome you …  and to give God thanks for health and strength as we come together as a family to discuss the state of our nation’s healthcare system and the road map ahead over the next two years,” said Dr. Darville.

He told them that as key leaders in public service, they play a vital role in the success of the healthcare system.

“You are the gatekeepers and drivers of public health. Our success depends on your leadership, professionalism, and commitment to providing quality care and services,” he stated.  Dr. Darville said that he has a role to play as well stating: “I am even more energized and determined to execute my Ministry’s transformative agenda for healthcare.”

Administrators were encouraged to embrace innovation and strengthen communication channels within their teams and the Department of Public Health.

Presenters were scheduled to tackle key areas such policy updates, operational procedures and future strategies for enhancing healthcare delivery.  The sessions were designed to equip administrators with the tools and insights necessary for continued growth and transformation in the health sector.

The Ministry of Health & Wellness and the Department of Public Health remain focused on building a more inclusive, efficient, and resilient health care system throughout The Bahamas.

“It is essential that you act as the bridge between the Ministry, Department of Public Health and the communities you serve,” Dr. Darville said.  “Going forward we all must remain informed on current policies, protocols, and health initiatives so that you can provide accurate guidance to staff and ensure quality service delivery,” he added.

Dr. Darville then charged the administrators to uphold the highest standards of customer service within their health facilities.

“The public deserves to be heard, respected, and valued when seeking healthcare.  Each patient interaction is an opportunity to build trust in our healthcare system and communities,” Dr. Darville said.