Bahamas News
Labour Legislation Reform Symposium laid foundation for the future of the Bahamian workforce
NASSAU, The Bahamas — The Ministry of Labour and the Public Service held a three-day Labour Legislation Reform Symposium, July 29-31, 2024 at Holy Trinity Activity Centre, Stapledon Gardens. Minister of Labour and the Public Service the Hon. Pia Glover-Rolle closed the symposium stating the forum was conceived as an opportunity for dialogue, constructive feedback, and problem
solving with major stakeholders in the process of crafting a modern public service legislation agenda.
REMARKS
BY
THE HONOURABLE PIA GLOVER-ROLLE, MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR GOLDEN GATES AND MINISTER OF
LABOUR AND THE PUBLIC SERVICE
2024 LABOUR LEGISLATION SYMPOSIUM CLOSING
WEDNESDAY, 31 JULY 2024
Good Day,
I am so enthused about being here with you on the final day of this symposium.
It was such a pleasure to re-join you today for that very informative debriefing session.
That debrief left me feeling inspired and ready to get to work to bring this new labour era into fruition.
This symposium was conceived as an opportunity for dialogue, constructive feedback, and problem solving with our major stakeholders as we craft a modern labour and public service legislative agenda.
Based on the feedback I’ve been getting, this process has largely been a success.
And that is thanks to your willingness to engage in passionate, insightful, and honest discussions on the way forward.
You’ve discussed topics as diverse and vast as the complete revamping and replacement of General Orders, the strengthening of child labour laws, the modernisation of Occupational Safety and Health Standards, the introduction of paternal leave, the development of
modern, inclusive laws related to mental health and people living with disabilities, various amendments to the Employment and Industrial Relations Acts, and even the new Contributory Pension Plan, among many other topics.
I don’t believe any area of our labour and public service framework that requires change was left untouched.
Most importantly, we were able to capture the full range of opinions on each topic, so that as we move forward with this process, we will have a complete picture of the various perspectives on the issues at hand and be better informed to make the most important decisions.
The agitation and advocacy for reforms we’ve all done from within our respective lanes in recent years has culminated in this first ever Labour Legislative Reform Symposium, which will now provide a strong starting point as we modernise and strengthen our labour and public service laws.
The timing of this symposium is so critical. Each day that goes by that we fail to enact these changes is another day that we fall further behind the mark for 21st century innovation and excellence.
Given the urgent need for change, this symposium represents one of the most critical components of our agenda. During my very first budget speech in the House of Assembly, I declared that our work would be so comprehensive that no law, order, or regulation would be deemed too sacred to touch. Since then, we’ve been hard at work within the Ministry, and I know that you have all been working in your respective organizations, to drive change on behalf of Bahamian workers.
However, as productive as we have been individually, our best work happens when we work together. And that is what this week was all about – working together for the common good.
We should be very proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish, not just this week, but in the less than three years since this administration first took office.
We should be proud because around the region and across the world, countries are discussing doing many of the things we have already done or are currently taking action on.
As I said on Monday, we have been recognised regionally and internationally for the progress we have made. Now that we have taken this important step forward with this Legislative Reform Symposium, we will keep the momentum going.
The levels of cooperation and collaboration we experienced this week sets the tone for how we must work together going forward. When we are all willing to come to the table in the spirit of collaboration, compromise, and solutions-oriented discussions, it is Bahamian workers who benefit most.
Just think about what we’ve been able to accomplish today. When these laws are fully developed and implemented, there may be children who are better protected from exploitation.
There may be workers who were unfairly dismissed or who received ill-conceived severance packages that will be empowered to take action. There may be fathers who will receive paternity leave for the first time ever to help shoulder the load and bond with their newborns.
We will truly tap into the power of Labour as a force for social good. It is all up to us.
As the Ministry of Labour and the Public Services takes the next steps in this process, we will continue to maintain open channels of communication and demonstrate a willingness to engage and collaborate as we create the first-ever Labour Legislative Reform White Paper that will be submitted to Cabinet.
In the near future, when the various proposed amendments and new laws are drafted, we will provide another opportunity just like this one, to review the drafts before they are tabled in Parliament to get your valued input.
We are well aware of that fact that it is the participation of our stakeholders that has facilitated our current levels of success, and we will ensure that we continue to engage with you every step of the way.
I’d like to thank everyone present for your participation and support.
Thank you to PS Gina Thompson for her steady leadership and thank you to the staff of the Ministry of Labour and the Public Service for working each day toward our shared vision. Thank you to Director of Labour, Howard Thompson, who has had a very productive first year in the Director’s seat.
He and his team at the Department of Labour will be pivotal to our success.
And, of course, a big thank you goes out to Mr. A. Robert Farquharson and team for their support in making this event happen. Thank you to the ones whose efforts have informed the conversations we’re having today: our dynamic HR strategists, including Nathaniel Butler, Simmone Bowe, Marilyn Brennen, Wellington Hepburn, Cherrylee Pinder, and Patrice Taylor for taking the lead on organizing this symposium, as well as Kendenique Campbell Moss for her assistance with PR and logistics and the protocol team who always ensures that we dot our i’s and cross our t’s.
I’d also like to thank every stakeholder that showed up to support this process: from the trade unions to the government agencies and state-owned enterprises. Thank you, as well, to the National Tripartite Council, the Employers’ Confederations, and all of our tripartite partners.
Over the past three days, we laid the foundation for the future of the Bahamian workforce. It is now up to us to act swiftly to build on this foundation.
Let’s move forward with same enthusiasm and intensity that we displayed this week, and we will bring about a brighter and better future for Bahamian workers.
I wish God’s blessing on each of you and the work that you do to move this nation forward. Thank you, once again. And may God bless the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
Bahamas News
Public Hospitals Authority Foundation Donates Dialysis Machines to Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH)
The Bahamas, September 21, 2026 – The Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) Foundation, a philanthropic organization launched in January 2024 to support public hospitals and healthcare clinics, donated eight additional dialysis machines for the PMH Renal Services unit.
Director of Foundations, Corporate and Community Relations for the Public Hospitals Authority and Executive Director of the foundation,
Alana Major, said this initiative is a part of the foundation’s “Sun, Sea and Second Chances” campaign. PHA Foundation aims to secure 30 machines for Princess Margaret Hospital.
“As of today, with this donation, we are now up to 15 machines, so we are very excited about that,” Ms. Major said.
Other members of the foundation were present, including PHA Foundation Chairman Mr. Selvin Basden, who said the foundation is committed to doing its part in fulfilling the mandate of the Government of the Bahamas.
“One of the tenets of the Government is to ensure that access to healthcare is a human right. We are committed to ensuring that, at least from our part, we can deliver on that principle,” Mr. Basden said.
The PMH Renal Services Unit dialyzes about 150 to 170 patients annually. The unit provides care for patients who have been diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease and now need renal support. Patients who receive dialysis typically come to the unit three times a week, either on a Monday-Wednesday-Friday schedule or a Tuesday-Thursday-Saturday schedule.
Head of Department for Renal Services, Dr. Thurston Carroll, said she and the unit are excited to receive the donation, as it will replace
machines that are not operating optimally.
“We are particularly excited about today’s donation because, although we have 20 stations within the dialysis unit, we have an aging fleet. These new machines and new water-treatment equipment will allow us to replace some of our aging equipment so that we can continue providing services to our patients.”
Foundation representatives noted that one or two organizations are already considering making bulk donations and if it happens, the foundation may be able to secure another 10 machines or another five machines in the very near future.
PMH Deputy Hospital Administrator Angelica Lockhart-Bastian and Hospital Administrator Mr. Tevard Bastian thanked the PHA Foundation for its donation to Princess Margaret Hospital.
Also in attendance were PHA Foundation Deputy Chairman Dr. Erecia Hepburn; Foundation guest Dr. Maria Oriakhi; Chief Biomedical Engineer Mr. Theodore Nottage; Administrative Officer Ms. Appapisa Neely; and Senior Assistant Hospital Administrator Mr. Valdez Bowe.
By Christina Williams
Bahamas Information Services
BIS Photos/Mark Ford
PHOTO CAPTION:
Group Photo, from left:
– Dr. Rhea Thurston Carroll, Director, Renal Services, PMH
– Nurse Kim Harris, Dialysis Nurse, Dialysis Unit, PMH
– Sister Darnell Roker, Nurse Manager, Dialysis Unit, PMH
– Mrs. Angelica Lockhart-Bastian, Deputy Hospital Administrator PMH
– Mr. Tevard Bastian, Hospital Administrator PMH
– Mrs. Alana Major, Director, Foundations, Community and Corporate Relations, PHA
– Mr. Selvin Basden, Chairman, PHA Foundation
– Dr. Erecia Hepburn, PHA Foundation Board
– Ms. Donette Danvers, Executive Assistant, Foundations, Community and Corporate Relations, PHA
Miami, Florida – Director of Aviation and Deputy Director General of Tourism, Dr. Kenneth Romer was presented with The 2025-2026 Infrastructure Leadership MVP Award, during the 10th Annual Caribbean Infrastructure Forum (CARIF) held in Miami September 15-16, 2026.
According to event organizers, New Energy Events, the MVP Leadership Award is the highest individual honor in the industry and is
presented to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional, strategic and visionary leadership in advancing infrastructure in the Caribbean. Chosen by an independent jury of regional industry leaders, “The recipient is recognized for their sustained impact, influence across sectors, and dedication to driving meaningful progress in policy, investment, or project delivery”, said Event Organizers.
Romer becomes only the third person from the Region, and the first from The Bahamas to receive the Leadership MVP Award, joining last year’s winner The Honourable Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados.
Represented among the Conference Speakers and present at the Award Ceremony was Minister of Energy, Utilities and Aviation, The Honourable JoBeth Coleby-Davis, who said that, “This award amplifies The Bahamas Government’s commitment to executing a vision that sets the benchmark for infrastructural investments opportunities across our archipelago while supporting exemplary Bahamian leaders like Dr. Romer, who are steering the Caribbean toward more resilient, investable, and innovative infrastructure”.
“While this award is deemed an individual honor, it is a recognition of the Bahamas’ position as a respected regional leader and more so, a
reflection of the incredible talent that resides within our small, but indomitable nation that continues to punch above its weight class as the world marks the manner of our bearing”, said Dr. Romer.
Dr. Romer has been instrumental in driving post-pandemic tourism recovery alongside the transformation of airports across the Family Islands through the Government’s landmark Family Islands Renaissance initiative. Under his leadership as Director of Aviation and Deputy Director General of Tourism, the sector has embraced a strategic, forward-looking approach focused on modernizing over 19 runways and terminals, strengthening safety and resilience, expanding international and regional connectivity, and leveraging public-private partnerships to deliver world-class facilities.
Dr. Romer’s work has helped translate the National Aviation Strategic Plan into tangible infrastructure projects that are creating new opportunities for tourism, investment, entrepreneurship and economic growth across the archipelago.
In 2025, he became the first person from the Caribbean and LATAM Region to be appointed to the Board of the International Association of Airports Executives.
NASSAU, Bahamas –— This back-to-school season Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), the local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is offering huge wins for parents and guardians in their Level Up and Win Lunchtime giveaway.
The promotion encourages consumers to share their best lunch bag creations featuring the following products, Honest Kids juice box, Minute Maid 12oz Fruit Cooler and Dasani 12oz. water. Now until September 30th, the public can post or privately share a photo or video of
one of the listed products in their lunch bag.
At the end of the promotion, the top five lunch bags will be shared on social media, and consumers will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite lunchtime creations. Prizes include a $200 Kelly’s gift card, $150 John Bull gift card and six-months’ worth of each product.
Lauryn Clarke, Marketing Coordinator of Caribbean Bottling Company, shared what inspired this promotion.
” The back-to-school season is all about getting kids excited for the year ahead, and lunch boxes are a big part of that fun. We wanted to remind parents and guardians that hydration should be just as important as what is being learned in the classroom. This promotion is about encouraging families to pack a refreshing beverage their kids will enjoy and make hydration part of their everyday school routine,” Clarke said.
With a variety of brands and new flavors featured in this promotion, particularly Honest Kids’ newest flavor, Strawberry Peach Keen, and the new 12 oz. Minute Maid Fruit Coolers, CBC hopes this lunchtime giveaway will appeal to new consumers.
For more details on the Level Up and Win Lunchtime promotion, new products and events visit caribbean_bottling on social media.
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