Connect with us

Bahamas News

CARICOM Leaders convene to Expose trends in Violence & Crime

Published

on

By Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

 

 

#TrinidadandTobago, April 17, 2023 – The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago are hosting a Regional Symposium today, April 17th, 2023 to tomorrow the 18th, at the Hyatt Regency, Trinidad and Tobago, to tackle Crime and ‘Violence as a Public Health Issue.”

Chairing the Symposium is Dr. The Honourable Keith Rowley, Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and Lead Head with Responsibility for Crime and Security.

This symposium comes surrounding an alternative to the region’s approach to crime and violence that is, from a social prevention perspective.

The conventional approach of the Criminal Justice System which heavily focuses on retribution, imprisonment, rehabilitation and restoration, has not been an effective solution to the issue, hence this new health perspective.

The aim of the Symposium is to bring about conversations and importantly, regional action geared towards reducing and preventing crime.

The topics that will be is discussion are: “Violence and Health in the Region; Crime and Violence: A Public Health Approach;  Mental Health; Transnational Organised Crime; Using Litigation to Protect Gun Violence – Global Action on Gun Violence; Trans-Border Crime; Education and Youth, Domestic Violence;  Economic Inequalities as the Driver of Crime and Violence; Community approaches- Restorative Justice; Sports and Mediation; and the Judicial Perspective – Legislation and Juvenile Justice Reform.”

According to CARICOM, the Symposium will take a whole of Government approach and a whole-of-society approach which will involve important organisations, agencies and sectors  including civil society, business, community, families and individuals.

A number of CARICOM Heads of Government are taking part in the symposium.

They are: the Honourable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica; Dr. The Honourable Ralph Goncalves, Prime Minister of St.Vincent and The Grenadines; the Honourable Philip J. Pierre, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia; the Honourable Dr.Terrence Micheal Drew, Prime Minister of St.Kitts and Nevis;  the Honourable Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada; the Honourable Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of Dominica; the Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, S.C. M.P, Prime Minister or Barbados; the Honourable Philip Davis, KC, MP, Prime Minister of The Bahamas; Dr. The Honourable Keith Rowley, Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago; Dr. Carla Barnett, CARICOM Secretary General; and Dr.Joy St.John, Executive Director at CARPHA.

So far, each head has shared detailed perspectives on their view on handling Crime and Violence in the region. One of the views that stood out was that of the Honourable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica, who said that the evolution of social media is an accelerant for violence in crime, which was supported by the Honourable Terrence Drew, Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis who labeled social media as a conduit to transmit violence.

More interesting are promised Tuesday (April 18).

Bahamas News

Coca-Cola Celebrates International Coastal Cleanup Day with Blue Lagoon Island  

Published

on

Coca-Cola's volunteers and helpers adorn a bright at the International Coastal Cleanup Day

The Bahamas, October 26, 2024 – For nearly 20 years Coca-Cola has been a proud partner of the Ocean Conservancy’s International Costal Cleanup, sponsored by Blue Lagoon Island Bahamas, which aligns perfectly with the company’s environmental mission and goals.

Caribbean Bottling Company’s (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, volunteers watched the sunrise at South Beach Poolside as they began setting up for the event’s 8:30 a.m. start on Saturday, September 21.

In addition to providing volunteers, CBC also supplied exciting promotional items, and refreshing beverages for volunteers and organizers.

Coca-Cola’s volunteers wrapping up the transformation of South Beach (Canal) during Coastal Cleanup Day.

As volunteers flooded the beach to participate in Coastal Cleanup Day, they were kept hydrated by Coca-Cola’s donation of Coca-Cola Oreo No Sugar, Sprite No Sugar, Minute Maid, Dasani Flavored Water and Dasani Water.

Teshalla Clarke, Education & Sustainability Supervisor at Blue Lagoon Island shared what Coca-Cola’s support meant to the overall success of the day.

“Words cannot begin to express how grateful Blue Lagoon Island is towards Caribbean Bottling Company/ Coca-Cola. Your corporate sponsorship allows us to engage our local communities through volunteer-ship.” Clarke expressed.

“Coca-Cola’s support has always been a force. Whether its beverages donated or volunteers that show out, your assistance is undeniable. We have developed a beautiful relation with the company, one we hope to continue for future Coastal Cleanups.” Clarke concluded.

Paulette Dormeus, Brand Manager Associate at CBC spoke about her experience at the Coastal Cleanup.

“This is my second-year volunteering at Coastal Cleanup Day, and I’m super proud that Coca-Cola can support this super important initiative.” she shared.

After transforming South Beach volunteers swarmed Coca-Cola’s trailer where they were greeted with smiles, refreshing drinks and promotional items applauding their hard work.

“It always amazes me at all the organizations that come out to clean the beach. Waking up this early on a Saturday morning is not the easiest thing to do but that’s why we’ve provided a variety of beverages to keep everyone hydrated.” Dormeus said.

To stay up to date with Caribbean Bottling Company and Coca-Cola’s community initiatives visit the website at www.cbcbahamas.com today.

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

RBDF wins GOLD at 3rd Annual Dragon Boat Festival

Published

on

The Bahamas, October 25, 2024 – The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) demonstrated their exceptional spirit and teamwork at the 3rd Annual Dragon Boat Festival held at Goodman’s Bay Park in Nassau on October 13, 2024.

This exciting event drew teams from various organizations and celebrated the values of competition, group effort, and cultural pride. It also offered an exhilarating day on the water for both participants and spectators.

Dragon boat racing, a thrilling water sport with origins in ancient China, has grown to become one of the fastest-growing activities worldwide. Known for its colorful and richly decorated boats, the festival not only promotes fitness and excitement but also serves as a platform for team-building and fundraising among charities and corporations.

Throughout the day, teams representing different sectors of society competed in the races, including groups from the United States Embassy, Doctors Hospital, Royal Bahamas Police Force, Cable Bahamas, J.S. Johnson, Urban Renewal, Breezes, Baha Mar, and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force. The event featured dynamic musical performances by multiple artists, concluding with an energetic Junkanoo Rush that celebrated Bahamian culture.

Having two teams participate, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force stood out during the event, with the Water Defenders and the Naval Destroyers who were able to secure gold medals for their 500m category. This victory not only highlights their athletic skills, but also their dedication to community involvement and promoting unity through sports.

Through these efforts, we strengthen community relations, positively impact lives, and contribute to the growth of thriving communities. Remaining dedicated to excellence, the RBDF upholds the highest standards in protecting and preserving the rich legacy that defines our nation.

(RBDF Photos by: Marine Seamen Rickey Sealey & Edwin Basden)

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

Bahamas Goombay Punch Launches Exclusive Limited-Edition Congratulatory Cans for Winning Team Susan Chase

Published

on

NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, hosted a celebratory affair to launch the limited-edition Bahamas Goombay Punch Susan Chase packaging. This special edition Susan Chase design is in honor of the sloop winning the 2023/2024 Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup.

The event, attended by The Hon. Clay Sweeting Minister of Works and Family Island Affairs, captain Stefan Knowles and the skippers of the Susan Chase at the Nassau Yacht Club, was a celebration of all things sailing and Bahamas Goombay Punch.

In 2022 CBC linked the beloved national beverage, Bahamas Goombay Punch, to sailing with the creation of the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup competition.

Minister Sweeting shared his astounding approval of CBC’s incorporation of culture and business.

“Programs like the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup are crucial to preserving and advancing our rich cultural tradition of sailing. Since 2022 this collaboration between the private sector and the sailing community has not only celebrated the heritage of Regattas but also provides the necessary resources to sustain the sport.” Minister Sweeting said.

Stefan Knowles, captain of Susan Chase shared what it means to have his sloop exclusively featured on the Bahamas Goombay Punch cans.

“It is a privilege to be on the Bahamas Goombay Punch can for sailing. This just goes to show how Caribbean Bottling Company is actively pouring into our communities, making them a great corporate citizen.” said Knowles.

Since the competition’s inception, sailors across The Bahamas were judged throughout three Regattas: The Best of The Best, The National Family Island and The Long Island Regatta.

Each sailing season the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup rotates between different classes; the 2023-2024 winners took the crown in the B-Class.

In addition to earning bragging rights, the Susan Chase of Long Island also won five-thousand dollars, and an eight-thousand-dollar stipend was awarded to Long Island’s Junior Sailing Club.

“The Goombay Punch Cup has the potential to leave a legacy for Bahamians sailing. By offering financial incentives and national recognition, it encourages more sailors to participate, enhancing competition and skill development. Add to that, featuring different classes each year will create a wider platform for sailors of all levels to showcase their abilities, ensuring that the sport continues to thrive.” Minister Sweeting shared.

Knowles knows all too well about legacies. He revealed how exciting this win was for him and his family.

“Winning is truly an honor, especially because the boat is named after my mother. Susan Chase has been in my family for 61 years so my parents were very happy we won the championship and that our sloop will be on the Bahamas Goombay Punch cans.” Knowles revealed.

Both CBC and Minister Sweeting recognize that the future of sailing is in the youth. This is why CBC ensures that junior sailors are also impacted through the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup. Minister Sweeting expressed hopes that the E-Class sloops would be next to be featured on the Bahamas Goombay Punch cans, providing a major boost to young skippers.

“Highlighting sloops like the Sugar Loaf will not only encourage our young sailors who are already involved, but may also inspire future sailors to join and participate in our national sport.” declared Minster Sweeting.

The sailors of Sugar Loaf are members of the Eleuthera Sailing Academy (ESA), demonstrating how junior sailing organizations actively aid in the preservation of Bahamian culture.

As the beginning of the 2024/2025 sailing season kicks off in a few weeks, Minister Sweeting encourages all the participating sailors to lead with heart.

“I encourage you to embrace this opportunity with determination and pride. Sailing is deeply rooted in our Bahamian heritage, and each of you represents the strength and resilience of our people. As you prepare for the first leg at the Best of the Best, know that your hard work and dedication are already a testament to your passion for the sport.” he expressed.

 

Photo Captions:

Header: Members of the winning Susan Chase, along with Minister Clay Sweeting (center-left) and captain Stefan Knowles (center-right). Photo credit: Racardo Thomas; Ministry of Works and Family Island Affairs

1st insert: An in-depth look at the limited-edition Susan Chase Bahamas Goombay Punch designs. Photo credit: Racardo Thomas; Ministry of Works and Family Island Affairs

2nd insert:  The Nassau Yacht Club decked out in Bahamas Goombay Punch decor at the limited-edition can launch celebration. Photo credit: Racardo Thomas; Ministry of Works and Family Island Affairs

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING