NASSAU, The Bahamas – Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis said, during his remarks at the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) signing between Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) and Madeleine Solar Power Ltd., on March 17, 2025, that it was “a bold step forward”.

“We take a step toward energy security, where clean, reliable, and affordable power is no longer a distant dream but a reality unfolding right before us,” Prime Minister Davis said, during the ceremony held at the Blue Hills Power Station.

“This signing represents a promise fulfilled: a declaration made by this administration signaling to the nation and the world that The Bahamas is ready to embrace renewable energy,” he added.  “For too long, we have been at the mercy of volatile fuel markets, burdened by high electricity costs, and vulnerable to the devastating impacts of climate change. From this moment onward, we will begin redefining our energy reality.”

Prime Minister Davis noted that, with that agreement, his Government accelerated its” mission to achieve 30% renewable energy by 2030.

“As we advocate for more international action to lower global carbon emissions, we are demonstrating to the world that we will lead by example,” he said.                                                                                                                                                                      Prime Minister Davis added:  “INTI’s – trading as Madeleine Solar Power, Ltd. — project will integrate seamlessly into the national grid, adding critical capacity right here at Blue Hills Power Station. Seventy megawatts of solar power is supported by 35 megawatts of battery storage.  That is the overall goal; but this contract provides for 20 megawatts. This system is designed to stabilize, sustain, and support our growing energy demands.”

He pointed out that, of course, his Government’s solar expansion was bigger than New Providence.

“Across our Family Islands, independent power producers are laying the foundation for a cleaner, more independent energy future for our Family Islands – Abaco to Andros, Eleuthera to Exuma, Long Island to San Salvador – the shift is happening with tailor-made solutions for each island,” Prime Minister Davis said.

“Minister Coleby-Davis and her team have worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life,” he added.  “I commend their dedication, and their determination to push past bureaucratic barriers and drive real, tangible change.”

He also thanked the Energy Committee for their integral role.

Prime Minister Davis said:  “To INTI – trading as Madeleine, partners – thank you. Your investment, expertise, and commitment will power homes, businesses, and industries. More importantly, we will power hope.  We are powering a future where Bahamians no longer ask, “Can we afford electricity?” but instead ask, “What more can we achieve with it?”

“Let me be clear – this is only the beginning,” he added.  “As we continue to integrate renewables and invest in cleaner fuel alternatives, we are creating a new energy paradigm for future success where Bahamian families and businesses no longer struggle with keeping the lights on.”

He continued:  “We are proving that small island nations can think big; that we can innovate; that we can rise above our challenges, carve out a sustainable path forward, and lead the way.

“Today, we sign this contract.  Tomorrow, we break ground.  Soon, we will enter this new era for energy in this country, powered by the sun.”

PHOTO CAPTION

Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis takes part in the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) signing between Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) and Madeleine Solar Power Ltd., on March 17, 2025, at Blue Hills Power Station.  Also bringing remarks was Minister of Energy and Transport, the Hon. JoBeth Coleby-Davis.

(BIS Photos/Eric Rose)

Nassau, Bahamas, March 15, 2025 – On Friday, March 7, 2025, Nassau Cruise Port (NCP) and Arawak Port Development (APD) held an exclusive luncheon in honour of International Women’s Day.  The goal of this special event was to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Bahamian women in the maritime and cruise industries under the theme “A Sea of Change: Women Accelerating Action.”

The event brought influential women from Nassau Cruise Port, Arawak Port Development, Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Bahamas Maritime Authority, the Port Department, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Royal Caribbean Group Bahamas, LJM Maritime Academy, and other key stakeholder organizations together, providing an elevated platform for networking, collaboration, and empowerment.

“Women have been instrumental in the driving growth of the Bahamian maritime and cruise industries in many ways, and it is important that we recognize and celebrate their outstanding contributions.

“Women play a vital role in the success of Nassau Cruise Port with over 50% of our team being female maritime professionals,” stated Mike Maura, CEO & Director of Nassau Cruise Port.

“This event marks the beginning of an annual tradition to empower the women in our sector and to inspire future female leaders.  Congratulations to all the women who were honored today and attended this event, and to women everywhere. Your efforts are driving positive change in our industry, and we wholeheartedly support your success.”

Dion Bethell, President & CFO of Arawak Port Development, provided some additional perspective. “Women are making waves in the maritime sector, and their impact is undeniable. According to recent statistics, women now represent 20% of the global maritime workforce—an impressive increase that highlights the potential for growth, innovation, and leadership in this vital industry.  At Arawak Port Development, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where women are empowered to chart new courses and redefine the future of maritime.”

The keynote address was delivered by Senator Ja’Ann M. Major, a Director at the Bahamas Maritime Authority, who highlighted some of the major accomplishments of Bahamian women in the maritime industry. She also encouraged the audience to embrace leadership opportunities and to continue to advocate for a more inclusive industry.  “It is often said that when women gather with purpose and passion, the energy is palpable, and theimpact is transformative. Standing here today, I can’t help but feel inspired by the resilience and unwavering commitment of Bahamian women to making a difference in our maritime industry.”

She continued, “Women are increasingly taking on pivotal roles, steering the industry toward a more inclusive and dynamic future.  Events like this one are not only necessary to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women in this industry, but it underscores our collective commitment to fostering an environment where women continue to thrive and lead.

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 19 January 2025: The vast majority of people who come into custodial settings have vulnerabilities and often complex mental health needs. In a recent global analysis, which reviewed major studies into prison health in more than 50 high, medium and low-income countries, findings indicated higher rates of depression (11.4%) and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) (9.8%) than in the general population. In addition, nearly one in four (23.8%) had an alcohol use disorder and 38.9 per cent had a drug use disorder on entry to prison. Findings such as these highlight the need to boost mental health support in prisons. As such, the Department of Behavioural Health Services in collaboration with the Rehabilitation Unit is pleased to announce the roll out of a number of key programs that will help prisoners cope better with life in the prison environment and to make positive changes to improve their mental well-being. The programs that will be rolled out this year include:

Life After Life: Reclaiming Purpose

The Life After Life programme is an 8-week therapeutic initiative designed for inmates serving life sentences. It is intended to help them reevaluate their identity, values, and self-worth. Through guided self-reflection, emotional resilience training, and value clarification exercises, participants will explore their past choices and find ways to create meaning and purpose within their circumstances. The program fosters accountability, empathy, and personal growth while equipping participants with tools to build positive relationships and leave a lasting, positive legacy. By the end, inmates will gain a renewed sense of self and a commitment to living with integrity and purpose despite their life sentence.

Pathways to Accountability: A Guide for Positive Change

This 8-week therapeutic program is designed to address sex-offending behaviour by fostering self-awareness, accountability, and empathy while equipping participants with the tools for rehabilitation and reintegration into society. The program combines psychoeducation, group discussions, and practical skill-building to explore offending cycles, emotional regulation, healthy relationships, and relapse prevention. Participants are guided to reflect on their actions’ impact, develop empathy for victims, and identify triggers and coping strategies to prevent reoffending. Emphasis is placed on building resilience, overcoming stigma, and creating personalised plans for sustained change. By the program’s conclusion, individuals are better prepared for reintegration and maintaining a safer, healthier lifestyle.

“I Can Recover”

I Can Recover is also an 8-week substance abuse program targeted at harmful or dependent drug or alcohol users whose misuse of substances places them at significant high risk of reoffending. The programme is designed to assist prisoners in understanding addiction and coping with the underlying issues surrounding their addiction.

These programmes will run alongside already existing mental health initiatives at HMP, such as the long-standing anger management programme and the individual psychotherapy services that are ongoing.

Commenting on the programs to be rolled out, Director of the Department of Behavioural Health Services, Dr. Alicia Malcolm stated: “essentially, these new programmes aim to not only educate but to also support the treatment needs of some of the most common mental health issues seen in prisons. Some of the programmes will commence as early as February 2025 with at least two cycles per year.”

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Human Services, Mrs. Desiree Lewis, also commented on the new programs stating: “these initiatives speak to the ongoing collaboration between the health sector and the judiciary system which often sees persons who are challenged by mental health and substance use issues. The Ministry of Health is therefore committed to continuing its support of mental health needs in prison which can positively impact public health, safety, and society as a whole”.

For more information, please contact the Department of Behavioural Health Services on the following numbers; 338-3613 Grand Turk, 338-3616 Providenciales and be sure to visit our website www.gov.tc/dmhsd and follow our social media accounts www.facebook.com/TCIDBHS and @TCIDBHS on Instagram.

Alternatively, please visit the Ministry of Health and Human Services Facebook page on https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.