By Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

The Bahamas, July 9, 2025 – For over five decades, the annual Independence celebrations in The Bahamas have been a grand tradition, culminating in a vibrant gathering at Clifford Park in Nassau, where the nation first declared its independence on July 10, 1973.  However, this year, inclement weather has forced an unprecedented change to the celebrations, leaving many to reflect on how nature’s unpredictable power can alter even the most cherished of traditions.

The Office of the Independence Secretariat announced today that, due to severe weather conditions, the traditional in-person festivities would not take place as planned.  Instead, the celebrations will proceed as a televised-only event, ensuring that citizens can still participate from the safety of their homes.  This marks a dramatic departure from the usual spectacle at Clifford Park, where thousands gather each year to watch the raising of the flag and partake in cultural performances.

Tonight’s program will be broadcast live, beginning with the Ecumenical Service at 9:00 p.m. from Bahamas Harvest Church, followed by the Raising of the Flag at 11:20 p.m. at Clifford Park. The Cultural Show, a highlight of the event, has been postponed, with organizers promising a new date following further weather assessments.

The decision, made in consultation with relevant agencies, reflects the committee’s commitment to the safety and well-being of the public. While it is a departure from tradition, the shift to a televised format ensures that the spirit of celebration can still unite the nation, even in the face of adversity. As Bahamians adjust to this new reality, the 52nd Independence anniversary will undoubtedly be remembered as one where the resilience of a nation shone through—both in weathering the storm and in finding new ways to honor its independence.

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.”