Caribbean News
U.S. Agencies ‘Handover’ disaster response equipment
#NASSAU, The Bahamas – Officials of the United States Embassy, Nassau, and the United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), presented counterparts at The Bahamas’ Ministry of Disaster Risk Management and its agencies with several critical pieces of disaster response equipment in a move that is expected to further boost the nation’s capability to better respond to natural disasters.
The Handover, which took place on the grounds of the National Emergency Management Agency’s (NEMA) Compound, Gladstone Road and NEMA Way, is in line with the Davis Administration’s year-round focus on mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.
The equipment consisted of a water truck, septic truck, two trailers, two forklifts, and hydro tail, valued at approximately $1.05M and is a continuation of the longstanding partnership between The Bahamas and the United States Government and its agencies such as the US Embassy, Nassau, and USNORTHCOM.
The value of the equipment goes beyond its dollar amount. The availability of a septic truck, for example, is immeasurable in the aftermath of a Tropical Storm or Hurricane, as heavy rainfall and storm surge associated with
the two events have the potential to cause significant issues for septic (sewage) systems — particularly in low lying, coastal and flood-prone areas associated with The Bahamas – and by extension can cause environmental and public health issues: Compromised septic/sewage systems can lead to contamination which can then lead to disease transmission.
Forklifts, on the other hand, have become a major player in the relief and recovery efforts following a natural disaster as they have the ability to speed up the removal large amounts of debris from impacted areas in a shorter space of time, while also improving delivery times of critical emergency supplies through the loading and off-loading process. The versatility of forklifts in the aftermath of a natural disaster have made them an invaluable tool in the response and recovery efforts.
The U.S. Handover contingent was led by Mrs. Usha Pitts, Charge d’Affaires, U.S. Embassy, Nassau; and Major
General Constance L. Jenkins, the Director of Logistics and Engineering, J4, Headquarters, North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command, Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado. Major General Jenkins is responsible for integrating, collaborating, and executing strategic logistics capabilities to provide viable solutions to homeland defense, theater security cooperation, and providing rapid/flexible response to civil authorities. They were joined by other Embassy/USNORTHCOM/US Government officials.
Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for the Ministry of Disaster Risk Management, the Hon. Leon Lundy, led the Bahamian delegation. He was accompanied by Dr. Marcellus Taylor, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Disaster Risk Management; Captain Stephen Russell, Director, National Emergency Management Agency; Mrs. Gayle Outten-Moncur, Deputy-Director, National Emergency Management
Agency and officials of the Disaster Reconstruction Authority, the National Emergency Management Agency, and the Disaster Management Unit.
Officials said the Handover further highlights the strength of the U.S.-Bahamas relationship and reinforces the United States’ commitment to “our Bahamian neighbours, who are key partners in responding to disasters.”
(BIS Photos/Patrick Hanna)
Caribbean News
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
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