News

A high-stakes upcoming election in TCI, who is better poised to bridge our divide?

Published

2 months ago

March 9, 2024

#TurksandCaicos, March 09, 2024 – In a thriving democracy like Turks and Caicos Islands, we need more than just a few political parties; it demands that these parties truly connect with a wider electorate. This involves creating policies that mirror the collective ambitions and hurdles of our island nation, not just the interest of a select few.

The path to being an informed voter is riddled with challenges, particularly the allure of aligning with a party or ideology without deep analysis. In an era filled with misinformation, how do we base our beliefs on truth and politicians genuine concern for the people?

We must see beyond political divisions, recognizing our shared fate, because unity is our strength, though often hard to achieve.

Times like these have never been more critical. As Turks Islanders, we have to ask ourselves are we safer and better off now than 3 years ago?

On the heels of the pandemic among many other competing priorities this government had to face, most would agree a number of boxes have been checked. What the voters will have to decide is, whether or not the right boxes were checked and have made a difference in the lives of the ordinary citizens.

The country is facing a pivotal moment;

Turks Islanders must assess governance by the real improvements in everyday lives.

Case in point: With the rapid growth and development, are we advancing fast enough to keep up with the growing demands, from food security to adequate housing and transportation? Are we attracting and entertaining the right investors who can deliver on what is needed to strengthen our economy and create better employment opportunities for our people? Is national security front and center of our leaders discussions, and are we investing enough in this area in terms of improving in critical infrastructure and advancement in technology? These are some of the essentials concerns often get lost in political rhetoric.

Democracy works when you have two strong political parties working in concert to bring people together. This will ensure they are shaping policies together that impact the entire country in a positive way and not disenfranchise some.

Every candidate should have to answer a few simple questions; What have you personally done in your career that has directly impacted people? What have you done to uplift citizens in your communities and made a difference in the vast majority of us?

There is nothing wrong with being a strong supporter of a particular party, but at what point do we as concerned citizens become more educated voters? It’s important to understand that when people possess strong political identities they may be more vulnerable to false narratives or facts.

We have more in common than we have apart, and we will all rise and fall together if we don’t unit. What some candidates lack is the ability to stay engaged and focused on what it takes to execute on issues rather than just platitudes. So, how do we change that?

It is our voice and action that matters and this should include civil servants.

A voice that speaks out against injustice, calls out corruption and that wants to have a say in the values shaping our communities.

More and more of our people are feeling voiceless and stifled and feel that those in power are creating division and putting their interests before those of the people.

That is why I believe we need political leaders whose mission includes helping everyday people unlock their power to create real change, rather than implementing policies that in the end hurt the little guy and stifle local entrepreneurships.

We should be looking to elect candidates who are interested in growing the middle class, because the wealth gap is widening between the rich and the poor, helping our communities grow, improving our healthcare system, lowering inflation and making life for everyday Turks Islanders better.

Having honest, forthright and visionary leaders are all too rare in politics. Some of our inspiring leaders are on the outside or were on the inside at one point. They see the issues, they talk about the issues, but once on the inside they tend to lose focus and appear hesitant to challenge the status quo.

Use your voice to advocate for lasting change in TCI. We have to make our government better, more efficient and more responsive.

At a time when division among our people is more prevalent than unity, we must stick together. We must have a drive passion and purpose to get the attention needed.

We have to ask ourselves some serious questions like: What drives me? Where do I get my resolve and what am I made of?

Our country will head down a road of morale bankruptcy if politicians continue to put their own interests ahead of their principles and promises.

You can have all the intelligence in the world, but without shared terms it will not build collective understanding in our country.

We must create a society in which people can find and use their power to participate, influence and act and not just sit on the sidelines.

Despite the frequent leadership changes, politics appears to remain mired in division and toxicity, which means that it’s tempting for many to just disengage or tune out.

So how do we stay engaged without losing hope or falling into despair? With our changing demographics landscape, as Turks Islanders we must find ways to bridge our divides.

A politician must ask themselves, do their actions and decisions reflect the greater good? Does it really serve their constituents to have another term? Whilst years of experience in politics or lack thereof could be considered an advantage over an opponent, it is not always synonymous with forward thinking.

Many of us are biologically predisposed to certain political parties and leaders, but silence should not be an option for concerned citizens.

No governing body should be above constructive criticism. If this is allowed it derails true democracy.

I don’t believe we’re just “preaching to the choir, because our relentless efforts will eventually lead to some level of progress. The key to survival and thriving is to never lose hope in these beautiful by nature Turks and Caicos Islands.

In order to move the country forward we have to be equipped and empowered with the right mindset and become more educated and informed voters.

Bahamas News

Freeport Business Expo to connect Grand Bahama businesses and entrepreneurs to expert resources

Published

8 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited

April 29, 2024 – Freeport, The Bahamas – In line with its mission to create a stronger, more connected Freeport economy, the Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA) is pleased to share details of the upcoming Freeport Business Expo: Tourism Edition, taking place on Thursday, May 2, 2024 at the Grand Lucayan Convention Center in Grand Bahama.

“As the GBPA continues its work to attract investors to Freeport, we offer this showcase of local and international businesses offering services and opportunities to potential and existing licensees,” stated Ian Rolle, GBPA President. “This Expo will not only connect unique international service providers with Bahamian entrepreneurs aiming to introduce new tourist attractions, but also bring together financing institutions to support Bahamian-owned start-ups and existing businesses in the industry.”

The emphasis on tourism at the 2024 Expo ensures that those in tourism-focused businesses are certain to benefit. The event will offer opportunities to meet potential business partners, gain insight on financial opportunities, engage with leaders in workshops and one-on-one sessions, and get answers on starting a Freeport business and obtaining a GBPA license.

“We regularly host community business expos,” said Glendia Sweeting, Manager of Quality Assurance and Special Projects. “But we recognize the significant benefit of an expo focused on enhancing tourism business offerings through connecting international service providers and Bahamian entrepreneurs. We have more than thirty local and national exhibitors taking part on May 2^nd, along with several international service providers.”

Multiple investment projects currently in progress and planned in the city of Freeport is creating anticipation for existing and potential entrepreneurs and this expo is geared towards preparing them for these opportunities. “Grand Bahama is going to experience a significant growth spurt in the next one to three years. I would strongly encourage everybody who wants to get involved in business to look at Grand Bahama as one of the top choices, especially over the next three years,” said Mr. Rolle.

The Expo opens on Wednesday, May 1^st with a welcome reception from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A full day of learning and networking opportunities follows on Thursday, May 2^nd. GBPA’s partners in the Freeport Business Expo include:

Grand Bahama Island Promotion Board
Ministry for Grand Bahama
Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce
Ministry of Tourism
Bahamas Immigration
Bahamas Customs
Five Star Shipping Company
Viva Wyndham Fortuna
Bahamas Air
Grand Lucayan Hotel

Registration for access to the Expo’s exhibitors is free, and all-access passes are available for purchase. Event details and registration information may be found at freeportbusinessexpo.com.

Bahamas News

Sister Province/Island Relationship Agreement Signed between Grand Bahama Island and Hunan Province

Published

1 day ago

April 25, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

By LLONELLA GILBERT
Bahamas Information Services

NASSAU, The Bahamas — A significant milestone was made in the development of bilateral relations between the Governments of The Bahamas and the People’s Republic of China by the signing of the Sister Province/Island Relationship Agreement between Grand Bahama Island and Hunan Province.

The signing took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. The Hon. Ginger Moxey, Minister for Grand Bahama; the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, Minister of Health and Wellness; Kingsley Smith, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry for Grand Bahama and Joel Lewis, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry for Grand Bahama represented The Bahamas at the signing.

His Excellency Mao Weiming, Governor of Hunan Provincial People’s Government; Qu Hai, Secretary General of Hunan Provincial People’s Government; Cui Wei, Charge d’Affaires, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China; and Yang Peiran, Interpreter represented the People’s Republic of China.

Minister Moxey explained that in February 2022, she and the former Chinese Ambassador to The Bahamas, Her Excellency Dai Qingli began discussion on the establishment of a province-island relationship between Hunan Province and Grand Bahama Island because of their “immense synergy”.

“Hunan has a vibrant creative industry and its capital city, Changsha is known as the entertainment capital of China, whilst Grand Bahama is poised to become the home of entertainment in ‘Our Bluepoint for Change’.”

She said Hunan Province boasts 11 industrial sectors and Grand Bahama is the industrial capital of The Bahamas. Further, innovation driven development has been a new driving force for Hunan, while Grand Bahama is poised to become the home of innovation for The Bahamas.

Minister Moxey said she is confident that an exchange of knowledge, ideas and culture will happen between the residents of Hunan Province and Grand Bahama.

“There is potential for robust trade in various sectors, opportunities for tourism promotion and intercultural appreciation, exchanges to support performing arts programs on our island, foster growth within the Orange Economy, and tap into China’s innovation, technology and vast expertise.”

She said that the formal signing aligns with the mission of Sister Cities International, which is to promote peace through mutual respect, understanding and cooperation, one community at a time.

The Minister said, “Through collaborative programs and initiatives, this connection will support the government’s vision to diversity Grand Bahama’s economy to become the Home of Maritime and Logistics, Home of Events and Entertainment and Home of Innovation.”

She noted that in addition to signing the agreement, she looks forward to Grand Bahama residents benefitting from the signing of the Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding between Central South University and University of The Bahamas (UB), which will expand educational and technical cooperation between the two universities. The northern campus of UB is located in Grand Bahama.

His Excellency Mao Weiming said although geographically far apart, China and The Bahamas are friends with mutual respect and understanding as well as sincerity.

He explained that 27 years ago, both countries established diplomatic relations and China and The Bahamas have deepened their cooperation, strengthened their friendship and carried out many activities in the field of economy, trade and people-to-people exchange.

His Excellency recalled that in August 2022, he and Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis had a video conference where they both reached a consensus to cooperate in order to usher a new chapter in the relationship between Hunan and The Bahamas.

“Today, we are here to sign a sister-to-sister relationship between Hunan and Grand Bahama. It is [a] concrete move to implement our consensus reached before and also to embark on a new journey of friendly exchanges.”

He added, “By establishing the relationship of sister cities, I believe the two sides will develop further in terms of economic and trade cooperation, people to people exchange, as well as friendship, and we will embrace new opportunities and deliver concrete benefits for the two peoples.”

He explained that Hunan, which is the home town of Chairman Mao, the founder of the People’s Republic of China, has developed very advanced industries of manufacturing, agriculture, education, culture as well as tourism.

His Excellency said he believes that Hunan and Grand Bahama enjoy very broad room for cooperation.

He said, “More efforts should be made to conduct cooperation in the fields of agriculture, tourism, culture, education and the film industry so as to realize a connectivity between our two sides in terms of logistics and the platform cooperation; so as to deliver concrete benefits for the people and to make our due contribution to the bilateral relationship between China and The Bahamas.”

PHOTO CAPTION

A significant milestone was made in the development of bilateral relations between the Governments of The Bahamas and the People’s Republic of China by the signing of the Sister Province/Island Relationship Agreement between Grand Bahama Island and Hunan Province. The signing took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. Shown from left: Qu Hai, Secretary General of Hunan Provincial People’s Government; Cui Wei, Charge d’Affaires, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China; Yang Peiran, Interpreter H.E. Mao Weiming, Governor of Hunan Provincial People’s Government; the Hon. Ginger Moxey, Minister for Grand Bahama; the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, Minister of Health and Wellness; Kingsley Smith, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry for Grand Bahama and Joel Lewis, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry for Grand Bahama.

(BIS Photos/Anthon Thompson)

Bahamas News

Nassau Cruise Port Donates Nearly $2 Million Towards Food Security

Published

1 day ago

April 25, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

Nassau, Bahamas: The Nassau Cruise Port has donated $1.95 million towards projects that will assist the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources in its aim to increase food security for The Bahamas.

The donation officially occurred at the Ministry’s offices recently, where Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources Hon. Jomo Campbell, Minister of Labour Hon. Pia Glover-Rolle, Permanent Secretary Neil Campbell and Nassau Cruise Port CEO Mike Maura listened to a number of presentations including one for a poultry programme for schools, a chicken broiler production programme, the redevelopment of the Blue Hill Road Farmers Market and an Authentic Bahamian Cultural Concept Store,

Mr. Maura said he was impressed by the presentations.

“I had the privilege to listen to the presentations and review presentations that touched on food security and the need for us to be self-sufficient, which as a Bahamian I support completely. At the Nassau Cruise Port, we get excited about the prospects of offering more authentic food to the millions of visitors that we have each year,” he said.

“And then, in addition to that, we had presentations around the further development of our artisans, which is so important to us as well. The guests visiting our shores are looking for something that really touches The Bahamas and can’t be found somewhere else. The Nassau Cruise Port has made a pledge to BAIC and its affiliates. We will be supporting the projects that were presented and we can’t wait to get started.”

Minister Glover-Rolle, who is also the Member of Parliament for Golden Gates, hailed Nassau Cruise Port as a “great community partner.”

“Thank you for the opportunity to not only present but agreeing to participate. Our Minister of Agriculture has a goal of reducing food imports by 25 percent by the year 2025 and our project in the Golden Gates Community speaks to that,” she said.

“We have a number of backyard farmers, farmers and fishers in our community in Golden Gates. Being able to use the Blue Hill Road Farmers Market, which is going to be dubbed the ‘Fish Fry of the South,’ as a hub for food security but also a hub where artisans and handicraft persons can come and sell their wares is wonderful. So, we are happy that you have agreed to partner with us and we look forward to a partnership and we hope to welcome some of your visitors when this amazing renovation is done.”

Minister Campbell also lauded the Nassau Cruise Port for its efforts.

“I would like to say thank you to the presenters for the presentations that are several steps in the right direction for our country, to Mr. Maura and his board at the Nassau Cruise Port and I would like to say thanks to God for this partnership and bringing us all together as we move forward, upward, together in building a better, brighter, future for The Bahamas,” he said.