Bahamas News
Ministry of Social Services launches first GBV Prevention Family Island Coordination Council in Abaco
By LEDEDRA MARCHE
Bahamas Information Services
#ABACO, The Bahamas, April 3, 2023 – The Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development, Department of Gender and Family Affairs launched its pilot Gender-Based Violence Prevention Family Island Coordination Council in Dundas Town, Abaco, on Thursday, March 30, 2023.
The launch was staged at the Friendship Tabernacle Church in line with the 50th Anniversary of Independence celebration of The Bahamas under the theme, “Family Islands U.N.I.T.E. for a Safer Bahamas.”
The mission of the council is to develop effective and comprehensive systems, programmes and services for the management and elimination of gender-based violence in The Bahamas.
Chairperson of the Gender-Based Violence Task Force, Retired Justice Rubie Nottage, who was on hand for the official pilot launch, Thursday, said gender-based violence is a topic that has wrapped her heart for years and she commended the 10 new council members making up the first of the Family Island councils for their willingness to serve.
She noted that The Department of Gender and Family Affairs was more recently created in the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development and pointed out that violence not only occurs to women in our society, but men and children.
“I am delighted today that I am able to stand and hear the first action being taken in the Family Islands, principally stirred on by Mrs. (Elaine) Sands, in Abaco for what I call a pilot project on gender-based values. I congratulate you. I am so proud to be here to see the fruits at this time,” she said.
Ret. Justice Nottage said the implementation of the strategies proposed is yet to come but it will arise with people like the council members at the forefront showing how it can be done.
Permanent Secretary Joel Lewis, who spoke on behalf the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe, Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, revealed that the Family Island coordination initiative is not a one-off and is intended to touch the entire Bahamas as government seeks to induce an effective action plan to prevent violence and abuse in our country.
“We must work towards transforming attitudes and behaviours and create safe spaces for our survivors of abuse to report incidents, to access life-saving support as rapidly as possible,” he said.
In giving the charge to the council members, he said, “You are the support system for your communities; you are to liaise with schools, faith-based organizations, law enforcement agencies, health services, the Crisis Centre that’s now here and other government and non-government organizations.”
Member of Parliament for North Abaco, Kirk Cornish and other dignitaries were also in attendance for the historic occasion.
PHOTO CAPTIONS
Header: Member of the newly-formed council, Assistant Superintendent of Police Geniece Barr addressed the gathering during the Gender-Based Violence Prevention Coordination Council launch ceremony in Dundas Town, Abaco on Thursday, March 30, 2023.
Insert: Chairperson of the Gender-Based Violence Task Force, Retired Justice Rubie Nottage, while in Abaco for the launch ceremony, commended the 10 new council members in Abaco making up the first of what is intended to be a number of Family Island Gender-Based Violence Prevention Coordination Councils for their willingness to serve.
RBC Royal Bank (Bahamas) Limited (“RBC”) is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Kerryl-Lyn King-Henry as Country Manager and Area Vice President (“AVP”), Personal and Commercial Banking, Turks & Caicos Islands (TCI).
In her new role as Country Manager and AVP, King-Henry will take on full responsibility for the bank’s operations, strategy, and development in the TCI market, with a strong focus on solidifying partnerships with the Government, regulatory bodies, and the local community.
King-Henry brings to the role a dynamism influenced by nearly 25 years of industry experience. Prior to her new appointment, she served as AVP of Business Banking in Trinidad and Tobago. She has held progressively senior roles within both personal and commercial banking, as well as various functional units.
King-Henry holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, with a specialization in Leadership, FinTech and Big Data Analysis, in addition to a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Further enriching her professional profile, Kerryl-Lyn is a certified John C. Maxwell Coach, Trainer, Teacher, and Speaker. Her passion for leadership and development is matched by her commitment to community service, as she actively volunteers her time and leverages her professional expertise to mentor and support others. “
Kerryl-Lyn’s extensive experience and proven leadership capabilities make her the perfect choice to lead our operations in the Turks & Caicos Islands,” said Ericka Rolle, RBC’s Managing Director and Vice President, Personal Banking, The Bahamas and TCI.
“Her commitment to excellence, combined with a genuine passion for community engagement, aligns perfectly with our Bank’s purpose of helping clients thrive and communities prosper. We are excited to see the positive impact she will undoubtedly bring to her new role,” she added.
Bahamas News
Get your laugh on, March On show coming to Turks and Caicos with box office at IGA Friday and Saturday
-
Crime3 days agoUnlocking Perspectives: Serious Tourist Incidents unveiled in TCI
-
TCI News3 days agoRegional SDGs Update; 22% to be reached by 2030
-
Caribbean News2 days agoVISITOR ARRIVALS NOT NEGATIVELY AFFECTED BY TRAVEL ADVISORIES KINGSTON, May 1 (JIS):
-
Bahamas News2 days agoRBC appoints new Country Manager and Area Vice President for Turks & Caicos
-
Bahamas News1 week agoPacesetting Cohort of Eleuthera Residents Graduate from Leading Light Programme
-
Bahamas News1 week agoNassau Cruise Port Donates Nearly $2 Million Towards Food Security
-
Bahamas News3 days agoCIBC Caribbean announces the closure of Bay Street Branch
-
Bahamas News1 day agoBahamas economic growth