Bahamas News

MP for West Grand Bahama and Bimini Speaks to the role of ZNS and BIS; Criticizes Abuses of Social Media

Published

7 years ago

October 5, 2017

#Bahamas, October 5, 2017 – Nassau – New legislation is needed for the abuses in communication, whether it is fake news or irresponsible use of social media, said Pakesia Parker-Edgecome, Member of Parliament for West Grand Bahama and Bimini, on Wednesday, October 4, 2017, during her contribution in the House of Assembly.

Mrs. Edgecombe made her remarks during the debate, in which she thanked the Governor General, Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling, for her Speech from the Throne.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Communication in the Office of the Prime Minister said that she oversees Cinemas and Films, Radio and Television Broadcasting, Bahamas Information Services, Cable Television, Relations with the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas, and Relations with BTC.

She stated that even though many strides have been made at the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas (BCB), there still remain many hurdles that are faced. “We are a democratic nation, and with democracy comes freedom. With that freedom, however Mr. Deputy Speaker, we must remain responsible.”

The BCB is where she started, noted Mrs. Edgecombe, and said it was good to her and played an integral role in where she is today. “So therefore, Mr. Deputy Speaker, keenly aware of the challenges that the BCB may still face, I take it personal when persons continue to lambast the corporation and the many talented workers that are there.”

Every entity has its difficulties, she added, and what exists today is as a result of many Members of Parliament having utilized ZNS as their personal public relations machine, the corporation thus following them at their whim.

She pointed out: “Mr. Deputy Speaker, let me remind this House that ZNS is a news organization, while Bahamas Information Services is the government’s PR machinery.

“That means the professionals get to choose what they deem newsworthy and of national importance at ZNS – the professionals. So therefore, I appeal to my fellow Parliamentarians, let the staff of the BCB do their job without feeling that if they were to make a decision in the best interest of the organization, a pink slip will follow.

“I also advise my fellow colleagues that the Bahamas Information Services is the government’s PR machinery. Each Ministry is equipped with an Information Officer, all you need to know is the name of that person, and you will have your PR right intact. BIS is here for you, that is the PR machinery.”

Mrs. Edgecombe addressed what is a growing concern in the community. “Whether it be fake news or the irresponsible use of social media, Mr. Deputy Speaker, it is high time that further legislation is brought, necessary to curb the abuses in communication.” She added that she, along with her team, will work along that avenue.

Communication will lead the way in all the work that needs to be done; and even though little attention was given to this area in the Speech from the Throne, she thinks that this will change in the future.

By: Robyn Adderly (BIS)

Photo Caption: Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Communication in the Office of the Prime Minister, Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe. (BIS Photo)

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Bahamas News

Bahamas economic growth

Published

10 hours ago

May 4, 2024

Shanieka

Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

The Bahamas’ economy is in good standing according to reports from the Bahamas National Statistical Institute which released the Quarterly Gross Domestic Product Series. They indicate that quarterly GDP trends for 2023 saw increases compared to 2022, a sign of recovery from the Covid 19 pandemic.

The most significant increase was 9.9 percent in the first quarter of 2023, and the industries responsible for the growth include Accommodations and food, construction and Arts.

Bahamas News

C&W COMMUNICATIONS PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED AS ATHLETES “CHASE THE SUN”

Published

15 hours ago

May 4, 2024

Shanieka

World Relays to be title sponsored by BTC, one of C&W’s local brands.

In just a few days, athletes from over fifty countries will converge in The Bahamas for the BTC World Athletic Relays Bahamas 24. C&W Communications, the parent company of BTC, is proud to be associated with this major event, which will see athletes from The Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago competing for a place in the upcoming Olympic games in Paris.

Inge Smidts, CEO of C&W Communications, who also serves as Chair of the BTC Board of Directors will be in the stands to witness the highly anticipated relays. Smidts says, this was an event that she simply could not miss. “We are proud to support our Caribbean athletes, and we wish them well as they vie for a spot in the Olympic games.

The relays will be held one of in our markets, The Bahamas, and we are honoured to be the title sponsor of the event. The world relays represent the spirit of relentless courage and the willingness to succeed of the Caribbean people and of our business. Through partnerships like this we demonstrate our unwavering commitment to connect communities and change lives.”

In addition to its sponsorship of the event, Smidts says it was important that athletes, officials, and fans stayed connected during the games. “As a business we are focused on ensuring that our customers have access to faster, stronger, and more reliable connectivity, and we worked with our partners to make certain that athletes and guests remain connected.

We have offered e-sim cards, and we also worked with the major hotels to set up care centers to ensure that we address any connectivity concerns on the spot. Additionally, I am pleased to announce that BTC will provide free Wi-Fi at the stadium giving patrons and athletes the opportunity to share every riveting moment.”

BTC has hosted a special event just for the Caribbean athletes, at the newly renovated Queen’s Staircase in Nassau, a recently renovated historic landmark visited by thousands of tourists each day. This event gave athletes the opportunity to unwind, mingle, and to learn more about each other right before the competition.

This is the fourth time that BTC and its parent company C&W Communications have title sponsored the world relays. The BTC World Athletic Relays will be held at the Thomas A. Robinson Track & Field Stadium from May 4-5, under the theme, “Chase the Sun, from Paradise to Paris.”

Bahamas News

RBC appoints new Country Manager and Area Vice President for Turks & Caicos

Published

15 hours ago

May 4, 2024

Shanieka

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.