Bahamas News
Woman’s Death Inspires Overdue Blood Drive in The Bahamas
By Deandrea Hamilton and Rashaed Esson
Editorial Staff
#TheBahamas, March 9, 2023 – The Bahamas Public Hospitals Authority, in one of its responses to the heart-breaking story and loss coming from the death of a young woman, wife and mother has finally held a blood drive; the first in years and the late Kenise Symonette-Darville is remembered amidst the effort.
A bittersweet initiative, the blood drive held on February 25 in Nassau and Freeport has raised the profile of the dire need for Blood Banks to be well stocked as a matter of life and death, literally.
Acutely aware of the pain of loss that can come from something as unimaginable as a public hospital functioning without the requisite resources is the family left behind by Kenise Darville who was laid to rest on February 11. Nearly 6,000 people watched her funeral service online; a report which captivated a nation and certainly motivated right actions within the healthcare system.
Last month, Kenise took to Facebook live and spoke out about her experience at the Princess Margaret Hospital in Nassau, revealing that the doctors waited days before they informed her that she had to reach out to friends and family for blood donations due to insufficient blood supplies in the blood banks.
Following Kenise’s cry for help, a flyer was circulated to spread the word of her need for a blood transfusion. Many people came forth in Darville’s time of need according to her husband, Jerad Darville, now wifeless and left to raise their three children without a mother.
“It was a joy to see us come together as a collective, to come together, to honour my wife, to fight for my family,” said Jerad tearfully.
Jerad was grateful for those who gave blood as other lives would be impacted, he has since been vocal about the disappointment he again faced as the investigation into the death of Darville exposed, according to his report to Bahamian media that his wife’s course of treatment could have and should have been different; had that been the case, Kenise would be alive today.
In Nassau, the blood drive was held at Sunshine Holdings and in Grand Bahama, ‘A Pint of Love’ as it was dubbed drew a record number of donors according to Minister for the island, Ginger Moxey.
“We are happy to see the Police recruits that are here, as well as the National Youth Guard, they’re here with a strong presence, about 30 I believe. I think we’re making history today in terms of blood donated on a given day,” she said in an interview on the day.
Going forward, the vision according to Moxey is to make blood drives a frequent happening.
She said, “We want it to become the norm and, like the doctors had indicated earlier, after three months you can donate again. So, we want to see it as a continuous effort.”
Rashaed Esson
Staff Writer
#TheBahamas, September 29, 2023 – With moves to deepen ties, governments of The Bahamas and Qatar have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to solidify agreements in principle surrounding the development of aviation and other related services.
This is according to Chester Cooper, The Bahamas Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investment and Aviation in a Facebook post.
This comes after The Bahamas Government in a press release on September 24th, revealed that Cooper, was set to meet with the head of Qatar Airways to have talks regarding “multiple mutually beneficial aviation opportunities for both countries.”
The release also said the deputy prime minister and the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investment and Aviation are working on “forging strategic partnerships with several Middle Eastern countries to strengthen ties to The Bahamas and the Caribbean,” and this new signing is indicative of such efforts.
Following the September 25th signing, on September 27th, Kenneth Romer, Deputy Director General of Tourism for The Bahamas informed via Facebook some details of the agreement saying, “we have now established a framework for cooperation and formed strategic partnerships with Qatar Airways, Qatar’s Transport, Aviation and Investment Agencies and The Qatar Aeronautical Academy, that will benefit our country.”
Regarding further efforts for the improvement of The Bahamas, Cooper announced on Facebook again on Tuesday September 26th that both countries are working to make Nassau a passenger hub for Latin America and the Caribbean adding that talks are being held for Grand Bahama as a cargo hub.
Additionally, as the press release informed, Cooper is preparing for an on ground visit of Bahamasair domestic operations by Qatar Airways Technical team sometime in October.
Defence Headquarters 28 SEP ’23: HMBS P-45 under the command of Chief Petty Officer Acadia Smith
detained a group of Cuban migrants in Cistern Cay, Exuma on September 27, 2023, due to information received from a Good Samaritan vessel in the area that handed them over to the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.
Members of HMBS P-45 retrieved twenty-eight (28) Cuban nationals and transported them to HMBS Coral Harbour in New Providence. All individuals appeared to be in good health and will undergo further processing and assessment by Immigration officials.
The Royal Bahamas Defence Force remains dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in guarding our heritage and
appreciates the sharing of information and intelligence provided by the boating community to affect migrants and other unlawful interdictions at sea.
(For additional information, contact the RBDF Public Relations Department or visit our official website at www.rbdf.gov.bs. Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates and explore our engaging content on our YouTube channel).
RBDF
#BARBADOS (September 26, 2023) – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) deeply mourns the loss of distinguished Bahamian leader and former chairman of the inter-regional body, Obediah Wilchcombe.
At the time of his passing, Mr. Wilchcombe was serving as Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting
and Leader of Government Business in the House of Assembly of the Bahamas.
“We extend our heartfelt prayers and condolences to Minister Wilchcombe’s family, as well as the government and people of the Bahamas. He was a true champion for the people of the Bahamas and the wider Caribbean region,” remarked Kenneth Bryan, CTO Chairman and Minister of Tourism and Ports of the Cayman Islands.
Chairman Bryan recalled Minister Wilchcombe held the position of CTO Chairman twice (2002-2004 and 2016-2017) while serving as Minister of Tourism for the Bahamas, and contributed significantly to the advancement of sustainable tourism development in the Caribbean.
Chairman Bryan noted that the CTO plans to honor the life and legacy of “this eminent Bahamian leader” at the organization’s upcoming business meetings and the State of the Industry Conference (SOTIC) in Turks and Caicos next month.
-
News6 days agoPolice say DNA confirmed identity of headless body
-
News7 days agoCarnival cruise port is open to others Cruise ships — Management
-
Caribbean News6 days agoSmart City Project a Testament to Innovation, Progressive – Dr. Morris Dixon
-
Finance6 days agoUK holds steady on interest rates
-
News7 days agoGrand Turk drops in Rank for Cruising, Port profits down; Still Optimism High after major meeting with Carnival
-
News6 days agoEnvironmental Health Officers participate in Legionella Training
-
News2 days agoInvest TCI Hosts Successful Second Annual General Meeting at the Ritz Carlton
-
Caribbean News2 days agoJamaica declares DENGUE OUTBREAK; control measures amped up