Nassau, Bahamas – Scotiabank Bahamas officially launched its highly anticipated “Ticket to Tokyo” campaign with an exclusive client celebration at OKU Restaurant, transforming the chic venue into a sleek, Tokyo-themed oasis. Guests, including Scotiabank clients and invited partners, were treated to signature cocktails, curated Asian inspired bites and a vibrant atmosphere designed to mirror the excitement and sophistication of Japan’s capital city.

The event served as a thrilling preview of what one lucky Scotiabank credit cardholder and their guest will experience this fall, an all-expenses paid trip to Tokyo, Japan. The campaign reflects Scotiabank’s continued commitment to creating meaningful and memorable experiences for its clients, extending far beyond traditional banking benefits.

“At Scotiabank, we believe in more than just banking, we believe in delighting our clients with experiences that go beyond the benefits of our products and services,” said Roger Archer, VP & District Head at Scotiabank Bahamas. “Our credit cards are designed to match every lifestyle, with features that reward clients for their everyday purchases in ways that truly matter.”

The “Ticket to Tokyo” promotion, which runs from May 19 through July 7, 2025, is open to legal residents of The Bahamas who are 18 years or older. Eligible participants can enter by spending BSD$350 or more on a Scotiabank credit card, with each qualifying transaction earning one entry into the draw. New cardholders can also participate by activating their card and making a qualifying purchase. There is no limit to the number of entries a cardholder can earn, increasing their chances of winning with each eligible transaction.

The grand prize includes roundtrip airfare to Tokyo for two, five days and four nights of hotel accommodation, ground transportation, USD $1,000 in spending money and a curated experience that may include athletic events and cultural excursions. Travel dates for the trip are set for September 13-23, 2025.

Scotiabank offers a wide selection of credit card products that cater to a variety of needs and preferences. Clients can benefit from no annual fees with the Scotiabank Visa card, earn travel points through the Mastercard Aero or Visa AAdvantage cards, enjoy up to 4% cashback with the Mastercard Gold or accumulate Membership Reward Points through American Express for exclusive perks and lifestyle experiences.

Over the years, Scotiabank has taken its cardholders to some of the world’s most prestigious events and destinations, including Formula 1 races in the US, the NBA Finals in Miami, the Miami Open, FIFA World Cup in Australia, and cultural getaways across Greece, Italy, Paris, Oregon, and Budapest. Clients have also enjoyed exclusive concert experiences, including shows by Taylor Swift and Coldplay.

The “Ticket to Tokyo” campaign is the latest in a long line of once in a lifetime opportunity presented by Scotiabank to thank its clients for their loyalty and continued trust.

“This campaign is an extension of our client-centric approach and our goal to deliver value in unique and exciting ways,” added Archer. “We’re proud to reward our credit card clients with a chance to explore one of the world’s most vibrant cities, where ancient tradition and cutting-edge innovation come together in unforgettable fashion.”

The winner of the campaign will be announced on July 17, 2025. To learn more or to apply for a Scotiabank credit card, interested persons can visit bs.scotiabank.com or stop by any branch location.

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 4 July 2025 – Hon. Arlington Musgrove, Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development with responsibility for the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies led a delegation to the 15^th meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), hosted by the Commonwealth of Bahamas on 27^th June, 2025.

The meeting brought together Ministers and delegates with responsibility for Disaster Risk Management from the nineteen (19) CDEMA participating states.

The theme for this year meeting was ‘Resilient States, Safer Lives’. The agenda for the meeting coincided with the theme, focusing on building resilience in member states for the ultimate benefit of the Caribbean region. Moreover, the CDEMA Coordinating Unit re-affirmed its commitment to supporting member states and encouraged more effective collaboration and strengthening of partnerships to mitigate against the impact of all hazards.

During the meeting, Ministers deliberated on a vast array of topics, including:

• Organizational Restructuring of the CDEMA Coordinating Unit
• Enhancing Regional Operational Readiness
• Resource Mobilization
• Multi-hazard Risk Assessments
• Regional Emergency Telecommunications Strategy; and
• ICT Contingency Planning

Hon. Arlington Musgrove noted that “the TCI is enhancing community preparedness, investing in multi-hazard early warning systems and improving coordination across all levels of government. This meeting is a critical step to ensuring TCI can respond decisively to all hazards, particularly considering the commencement of the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season”

Minister Musgrove further commented on the importance of community engagement and public awareness across the archipelago, noting that “building a culture of preparedness starts with informed and empowered citizens.”

Deandrea Hamilton | Editor                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                The Bahamas, July 4, 2025 – A significant chapter was added to the legacy of Civil Society Bahamas (CSB) this week as Prime Minister Hon. Philip Davis officially proclaimed July 7 as “Civil Society Bahamas Day”, recognizing the organization’s two decades of national service and advocacy.

The proclamation comes as Civil Society Bahamas celebrates its 20th anniversary, under the theme: “Civil Society: Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future.” The historic acknowledgment cements CSB’s role in promoting participatory democracy and supporting nonprofit collaboration throughout The Bahamas.

To commemorate the milestone, a special thanksgiving service is scheduled for Sunday, 6 July 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Baptist Church, East and Shirley Streets in Nassau. The service will honor the contributions of civil society leaders while setting a renewed vision for national engagement and development.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Honoring Legacy, Inspiring Action                                                                                                                                                                        Dr. Anthony Hamilton, President of CSB, has led a slate of initiatives since assuming office, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to building bridges between the nonprofit sector, government, and citizens. Dr. Hamilton, along with CSB members, recently paid a courtesy call on Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Hon. Ryan Pinder, to discuss strategies for continued collaboration and nonprofit sector advancement.

“The Prime Minister’s proclamation is not just symbolic,” Dr. Hamilton said. “It is a validation of the vital work being done by ordinary citizens and grassroots organizations across our archipelago. Civil society is the backbone of national resilience.”

Founded in 2005, CSB serves as the umbrella body for nonprofit and community-based organizations in The Bahamas. Over the past 20 years, it has led advocacy efforts, policy consultations, and capacity-building programs on critical issues such as social justice, youth development, environmental protection, and gender equity.

A Church Service with Civic Significance

Sunday’s service at Zion Baptist Church is expected to attract a wide cross-section of stakeholders, including former and current civil society leaders, public officials, and youth organizations. The service will reflect on CSB’s past achievements and present its roadmap for future transformation.

The choice of venue is deeply symbolic: Zion Baptist Church has long been associated with community empowerment and national activism, making it a fitting space for CSB’s commemorative gathering.

Looking Ahead: Empowerment, Engagement, Equity

With the official establishment of Civil Society Bahamas Day, CSB is preparing a lineup of initiatives focused on strengthening nonprofit impact and leadership development. These include training sessions, strategic forums, and regional partnerships that will better position Bahamian organizations to respond to evolving social and economic challenges.

As the civil society landscape faces global disruptions—from climate change to artificial intelligence—CSB plans to remain a unifying voice that pushes for inclusive policy and civic empowerment.

“Civil society is not a spectator in national life,” said Dr. Hamilton. “It is an active, essential player in shaping the future of our people and our democracy.”