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Minister Moxey tells the First Cohort of National Youth Guard graduates their skills are invaluable

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By ANDREW COAKLEY

Bahamas Information Services

 

 

#TheBahamas, April 5, 2023 – Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey told graduates of the First Cohort of the Bahamas National Youth Guard programme that she was elated that so many of them answered the call to serve the nation and make a difference within their respective communities.

“The knowledge and technical skills that you have acquired from this program will be invaluable, as you embark on your journey of service to the nation,” added Minister Moxey.

“We are revolutionizing how we involve our young people, and really target the things we know we need to get done. After having gone through Dorian and to see the pride on your faces and knowing what you’re going to accomplish in the future, I just want to thank you for your service.”

Minister Moxey was one of the speakers at the graduation ceremony for the 64 recruits of the National Youth Guard program, which was held on Friday, March 31, 2023 at the Grand Lucayan resort.  Prime Minister of The Bahamas, the Hon. Philip Davis, KC, was the keynote speaker.

The Bahamas National Youth Guard Program was put into motion by Prime Minister Davis, who said the devastation by Hurricane Dorian in Grand Bahama and Abaco prompted him to devise a program that would get more young Bahamians involved in assisting residents during such natural disasters.

As such, the program’s focus is on equipping young people with the tools needed to assist the nation, with the help of private and public agencies, during national emergencies, such as natural disasters. Its core values include citizenship, active participation and patriotism.

The program was opened to Bahamians between the ages of 18-25 years, and recruits hailed from 10 islands in The Bahamas, including New Providence, Grand Bahama, Bimini, Long Island, Eleuthera, Exuma, Cat Island, Andros and Inagua.

Training in the program included technical trades, disaster preparedness, fitness, first aid, rescue, and boat piloting.  All training took place in Grand Bahama at the Police College.

“In our Blueprint for Change this Davis/Cooper Administration promised the establishment of such a program (National Youth Guard Program) and I am so proud that the Ministry for Grand Bahama was able to support the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture with launching this initiative on Grand Bahama,” said Minister Moxey.

“As I look at the faces of the cadets who are graduating today, I’m amazed by the level of determination every one of you has demonstrated to complete the first phase of this comprehensive program. In these times of unprecedented disasters and emergencies, The Bahamas needs skilled, trained, quick-witted young people like you to play an active part in protecting our country, our islands and our people.”

The Grand Bahama Minister noted that the National Youth Guard program is a commendable initiative.

She pointed out that Grand Bahama has experienced more than its fair share of natural disasters, as the result of landfall of hurricanes that have severely devastated the island.  These occurrences, she said, required residents to work together to quickly mobilize resources to assist the communities that were significantly impacted by these storms.

“Cadets, all of our islands need the expertise that you have acquired from this program to strengthen our ability to respond and execute strategies when needed,” added Minister Moxey.  You are all nation builders, who will leave an indelible mark on The Bahamas through your commitment to service.”

Minister for Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Mario Bowleg said the graduation ceremony was the culmination of the first phase of the remarkable journey which the recruits begun several months ago, many with bright hopes and lots of expectations.

He noted that not too long ago, graduation day was just a dream. However, with a strong commitment and dedication to put in the work necessary, he told the graduates they finally got to that place where they found themselves at a significant point in their journey.

“Launching a program of this magnitude is historic and monumental and we look forward to the impact that it will have in the short, medium and long-term future of our island nation,” said Minister Bowleg.

“Lifted from our Blueprint for Change, the National Youth Guard Program is designed to train young people with the skills needed to assist this nation during a disaster or emergency. We are indebted to each partner, stakeholder and sister agency who joined forces with us for the presentation of this program. Your support is invaluable, and we count it a privilege and a high honor to work alongside you all in service for our country and specifically for our nation’s young people.

“Hurricane Dorian, as we all know, was an eye-opening experience. And this administration is determined to move with vision and fortitude, needed to move our country forward, upward, onward, together.”

 

Photo Caption: 

Header: Minister Ginger Moxey, speaking during graduation ceremonies to the recruits of the First Cohort of the Bahamas National Youth Guard Program on Friday, March 31, 2023.

Insert: One of the recruits from the Inaugural Cohort of the Bahamas National Youth Guard Program presented Minister for Grand Bahama, Ginger Moxey (right) with a plaque of appreciation for the Ministry’s support to the success of the program, during graduation ceremonies on Friday, March 31, 2023 at Grand Lucayan resort.   Standing with Minister Moxey was Sandena Neely, Head of the Youth Division of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry for Grand Bahama, Mr. Melvin Seymour.

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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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Reef Rescue Network: Donor Event Charts the Course for Coral Restoration and Sustainable Tourism in The Bahamas

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#TheBahamas, March 26, 2024 – As the world grapples with the urgency of marine conservation, The Bahamas has emerged as a beacon of hope with its latest initiative led by the Reef Rescue Network (RRN). An alliance of dive operators, NGOs and businesses invested in coral restoration, the RRN recently hosted an immersive event for the British High Commissioner and representatives from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), to provide a firsthand look—and dive—into the thriving heart of coral nurseries. The gathering served as a vivid testament to the progress achieved by the RRN and its partners in coral restoration efforts over the past two years, thanks to support from the Compete Caribbean Partnership Facility.

Fueled by its vision of harmonizing economic vitality with environmental sustainability, the RRN has strategically harnessed the support of the Compete Caribbean Partnership Facility grant, backed by the IDB, the United Kingdom’s Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (UK FCDO), the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), and the Government of Canada. This collaborative effort aims to amplify The Bahamas’ blue economy by integrating eco-tourism with a series of coral restoration projects, poised to transform the archipelago into a magnet for eco-conscious tourists and bolster the local economy with a sustainable model.

As a vanguard of coral conservation and education, the RRN’s expansive network spans over 50 nursery locations across The Bahamas, Aruba, and St. Lucia. Beyond mere conservation, the network offers tourists an array of Reef Rescue Experiences, designed to kindle a profound connection with the marine world. From specialized diving courses to snorkeling and shark conservation education, these programs do more than highlight the ecological significance of coral reefs—they empower participants to actively engage in safeguarding these vital underwater ecosystems, ensuring their preservation for generations to come.

The event, held earlier this month, was graced by the presence of distinguished participants including Thomas Hartley, British High Commissioner to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, Claire Nichols, Deputy British High Commissioner, Daniela Carrera-Marquis, Country Representative for the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in The Bahamas, and Claudia Stevenson, IDB specialist and team leader of the project. The day commenced with an insightful presentation on the RRN’s milestones, buoyed by the vital funding from Compete Caribbean and other donors, followed by a hands-on experience at one of the network’s coral nurseries located off the Southwest coast of New Providence.

Daniela Carrera-Marquis, an enthusiastic advocate for coral restoration, expressed her excitement about the innovative concept of coral restoration tourism. She said: “I am looking forward to completing my PADI Reef Rescue Diver certification and diving more to assist with coral restoration efforts in The Bahamas,” echoing the sentiment of engagement and direct action that the RRN aims to foster among its partners and the community. At the event, Daniela participated in scuba diving and performed maintenance on an underwater coral nursery while the others snorkeled and viewed the nursery from above.

The event not only served as a platform for appreciation but also as an eye-opener to the real-world challenges reefs face, as highlighted by Thomas Hartley’s reflections on witnessing the impacts of climate change firsthand. He said: “It was devastating to see the effects of coral bleaching on the reefs.” Coral bleaching is the process where stressed corals expel their colorful and life-sustaining algae, turning them white and leading to starvation, increased susceptibility to disease, and potentially death if the stress continues.

Over the past two years, with the support from Compete Caribbean and other donors, the RRN has made commendable progress in expanding and developing coral nurseries, enhancing the capacity of its human resources, and promoting coral restoration standards throughout the Bahamian archipelago. This includes the installation of 14 new coral nurseries, expansion of 4 existing ones, and the addition of 3,450 coral fragments to nursery units, significantly increasing the ecological benefits to local reefs.

Moreover, the RRN has successfully developed shallow water experiences for non-divers, introducing 35 “coral domes” across 10 dive sites, populated with 943 coral fragments. The living coral domes not only diversify the experience for RRN partners but also educates a broader audience on coral reef conservation.

The network’s efforts have also extended to education and community engagement over the last two years, with 81 Bahamian high school children educated on coral reefs and restoration activities. This engagement aims to instill stewardship behaviors among the youth, ensuring the longevity of marine conservation efforts.

Despite the setbacks faced due to the 2023 summer bleaching crisis, which hampered outplanting activities, the RRN remains steadfast in its mission. Coral reefs form the bedrock of The Bahamas’ tourism sector, contributing significantly to the nation’s $2.6 billion annual tourism revenue. With over two million tourists engaging in snorkeling activities annually, coral reefs serve not only as a magnet for visitors but as a sanctuary for diverse marine life, supporting over 25% of ocean species. The vitality of these ecosystems is also underscored by the lucrative shark diving sector, which generates $113.8 million each year.

However, these invaluable ecosystems are under severe threat from coral bleaching, primarily driven by climate change-induced ocean heatwaves. Significant coral loss was reported throughout The Bahamas in 2023, marking a distressing trend that could foresee the demise of coral reefs by mid-century without decisive and innovative conservation strategies. Hayley-Jo Carr, director of the Reef Rescue Network, said: “By harnessing resilient coral species and employing advanced restoration techniques, the RRN, along with its partners and the global scientific community, is at the forefront of a critical battle to preserve these natural treasures for future generations.”

As the RRN continues to navigate the challenges and opportunities in coral conservation, the support and involvement of its partners, donors, and the community remain crucial. The recent donor event not only celebrated the achievements but also reinforced the collective resolve to restore and protect the vibrant coral ecosystems that are vital to the marine life and communities of The Bahamas.

The Reef Rescue Network’s development and outputs over the last two years have been made possible thanks to the support of The Compete Caribbean Partnership Facility (CCPF) which is a private sector development programme that delivers innovative and practical solutions that stimulate economic growth, increase productivity, and foster innovation and competitiveness. The CCPF works across 13 countries and is a partnership between the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the United Kingdom’s Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO), the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), and the Government of Canada. Further support has been provided by Disney Conservation Fund, Moore Bahamas Foundation, The Nature Conservancy and the Global Funds for Coral Reefs (GFCR), the latter of which is a blended finance instrument to mobilise action and resources to protect and restore coral reef ecosystems.

For more information on the Reef Rescue Network and how to get involved, visit https://www.PerryInstitute.org/.

 

Photo Captions: 

Header: Leaders in conservation and international delegates, including representatives from the IDB and the British High Commission, unite aboard with the Reef Rescue Network team, embodying a powerful coalition for coral restoration and sustainable development in The Bahamas.

1st insert: A highlight of the event, guests were treated to the rare sight of a spotted eagle ray, a reminder of the precious marine life the Reef Rescue Network strives to protect in The Bahamas’ pristine waters.

2nd insert: Daniela Carrera-Marquis, InterAmerican Development Bank Representative, meticulously tends to a coral nursery as part of the Reef Rescue Network’s hands-on approach to coral conservation, illustrating the powerful synergy between human effort and marine restoration in The Bahamas.

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