Bahamas News

Commonwealth Law Ministers Will Share Best Practices to Develop Technologies to Improve their Justice Systems

Published

7 years ago

October 25, 2017

#Bahamas, October 25, 2017 – Nassau – Commonwealth Law Ministers met in Nassau for four days to discuss law reform for civil and criminal justice, and the application of the technology to achieve objectives. The conference was held at Baha Mar convention centre, October 16-19, 2017 under the theme “Strengthening the Rule of Law Through Technology.”

Commonwealth Secretary General, the Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland (Baroness Scotland), Q.C. told the media in the Closing Press Conference: “We know that our Commonwealth jurisdictions are facing many challenges today. So, this was a really important moment for us and I thank the Bahamas Government and the Attorney General, the Hon. Carl Bethel, Q.C. for generously hosting us.”

She said: “The whole point of this conference was to bring the Law Ministers together to be able to discuss issues of common interest and to produce packages and tools to assist all our Ministers; and I believe we have achieved our aim.”

Baroness Scotland described the meeting as having “a wide-ranging agenda” that included currently discussed hot topics such as “the Rule of Law and Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Management, Countering Violent Extremism, International Humanitarian Law, Separation of Powers, Judicial Independence, and Child Early Enforced Marriage.”

“Each of these topics has important bearings on the everyday lives and livelihoods of Commonwealth citizens and on their personal welfare and individual dignity. The outcomes of their discussions, I am confident, will help countries to uphold the Rule of Law and deliver to these citizens a justice system that is fair and efficient and responds to modern challenges,” said Baroness Scotland.

“Understanding these challenges, Law Ministers have emphasized and agreed on a number of key points. With regards to the theme of ‘Strengthening the Rule of Law through Technology’, Ministers looked at technology’s ability to promote efficiency, accuracy, quality of services, and long-term cost effectiveness in many areas including the preparation of legislation, the use of video and teleconference systems in court proceedings, police, and prosecution and court case management systems, e-filing and documentation, legal and digital identity, and more effective communication with and between law enforcement and justice institutions,” she said.

She added that the Law Ministers proposed that small and developing countries be supported “through the sharing of best practices and solutions from across the Commonwealth to develop technologies that can improve their justice systems.”

The Baroness balanced the Ministers’ conclusions with: “They also looked at the other side of the coin — the challenges technology poses, including threats to privacy and issues of cyber security. At the meeting, the Commonwealth presented a new secure messaging mobile app, which will be trialed in 2018. This app will help countries collaborate to tackle cross-border organized crimes and cyber crimes. The Law Ministers agree, that in order to meet their sustainable development goals, they need sound legal frameworks to develop and improve health, education, employment, financial and other critical services.”

She continued, “They discussed how they will work with law reform bodies, national parliaments, the judiciary and law ministries to make their aspirations a reality. They also turned their attention to the fight against terrorism. Ministers considered a raft of recommendations, including strategies to review and strengthen legal frameworks and legislation to prevent the grooming and recruitment of foreign terrorists, and to stop them from crossing borders and being funded.” The Law Ministers agreed to share experiences and put in place measures to address the phenomenon of foreign terrorists, in line with the United Nations Resolution 2178.

“They also agreed that non-coercive measures should be adopted, when necessary and/or in combination, with criminal justice approaches that where appropriate, member countries can be able to rehabilitate and reintegrate returning terrorists and stop the recruitment, training and organizing, transporting or equipping of anyone to commit acts of terror,” said Baroness Scotland.

“On the issue of countering violent extremism, Ministers agreed that coordinated action and drawing on lessons learned from right across the Commonwealth was essential as a way forward. They also emphasized that tackling the issue of extremism online was best achieved through cooperative engagement through global communications service providers. Regarding the implementation of international humanitarian law, Ministers reiterated its importance and committed to consider ways to promote and implement these laws in their countries.”

Baroness Scotland added that Law Ministers also discussed Child Early and Forced Marriage and expressed their strong support for its prevention and elimination.

“They recognized Child Early and Forced Marriage as one of the barriers to the achievement of sustainable development; the full realization of human rights for women and girls, and the elimination of violence against women and girls,” said The Baroness.

“Law Ministers recognized the increasing impact of climate change and natural disasters on our member countries and expressed solidarity with all Commonwealth member countries, effected by natural disasters and extreme weather events in recent months including, and in particular, those affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.”

Baroness Scotland emphasized that Law Ministers stressed the need for practical and technical assistance, in dealing with the challenges of climate change.

“The focus on national implementation of the existing global framework for climate change as contained in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.

“Ministers highlighted the importance of effective laws to support the smooth operation of relief efforts during and after natural disasters including the accountability of relief agencies and the import, export and transit of emergency items,” said The Baroness.

“We have responded positively to their requests to continue to cooperate with other international organizations including the international federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent societies and the British Red Cross to help countries review and strengthening their legislation.”

Baroness Scotland also said, “These are just the highlights of the critical discussions that took place during the course of the meeting. To assist governments to turn to their aspirations into action, we have offered them some new tools: Our new ‘Legislative Drafting Handbook and Guide to Law Reform’ will help countries to implement effective legislation in a host of areas, including climate change, ending early enforced marriage, and gender equality. It would particularly be of value for small jurisdictions, facing unlimited challenges to drafting or reforming legislation.”

According to Baroness Scotland, the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Legal Exchange is a knowledge portal that will support member countries by providing access to the laws of 52 states. The website is one of the series of products from the Office of Civil and Criminal Justice Reform launched by Baroness Scotland in July, and would provide technical assistance and an online platform with best practice guides, model law standards, templates and legal insights on climate change, human rights, and a whole range of other issues, aimed at supporting governments wishing to either advise existing laws or draft new legislation.

She concluded the meeting with the press conference adding that the legal exchange website contains the database of statutes and Commonwealth model laws, which have been digitized, categorized, and cross-referenced, making it easier for governments and Law Ministers to access and download. The site also provides an online community of practice for government lawyers from across the Commonwealth, enabling countries to share information on current law reform initiatives.

By: Gena Gibbs (BIS)

Photo caption: Commonwealth Secretary General Baroness Scotland and Bahamas Attorney General, Senator the Hon. Carl Bethel addressed the media, October 19, 2017 on the conclusions of the Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting (CLMM) at Baha Mar Convention Center. (BIS Photo/Kristaan Ingraham)

Bahamas News

Freeport Business Expo to connect Grand Bahama businesses and entrepreneurs to expert resources

Published

5 days ago

April 27, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited

April 29, 2024 – Freeport, The Bahamas – In line with its mission to create a stronger, more connected Freeport economy, the Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA) is pleased to share details of the upcoming Freeport Business Expo: Tourism Edition, taking place on Thursday, May 2, 2024 at the Grand Lucayan Convention Center in Grand Bahama.

“As the GBPA continues its work to attract investors to Freeport, we offer this showcase of local and international businesses offering services and opportunities to potential and existing licensees,” stated Ian Rolle, GBPA President. “This Expo will not only connect unique international service providers with Bahamian entrepreneurs aiming to introduce new tourist attractions, but also bring together financing institutions to support Bahamian-owned start-ups and existing businesses in the industry.”

The emphasis on tourism at the 2024 Expo ensures that those in tourism-focused businesses are certain to benefit. The event will offer opportunities to meet potential business partners, gain insight on financial opportunities, engage with leaders in workshops and one-on-one sessions, and get answers on starting a Freeport business and obtaining a GBPA license.

“We regularly host community business expos,” said Glendia Sweeting, Manager of Quality Assurance and Special Projects. “But we recognize the significant benefit of an expo focused on enhancing tourism business offerings through connecting international service providers and Bahamian entrepreneurs. We have more than thirty local and national exhibitors taking part on May 2^nd, along with several international service providers.”

Multiple investment projects currently in progress and planned in the city of Freeport is creating anticipation for existing and potential entrepreneurs and this expo is geared towards preparing them for these opportunities. “Grand Bahama is going to experience a significant growth spurt in the next one to three years. I would strongly encourage everybody who wants to get involved in business to look at Grand Bahama as one of the top choices, especially over the next three years,” said Mr. Rolle.

The Expo opens on Wednesday, May 1^st with a welcome reception from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A full day of learning and networking opportunities follows on Thursday, May 2^nd. GBPA’s partners in the Freeport Business Expo include:

Grand Bahama Island Promotion Board
Ministry for Grand Bahama
Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce
Ministry of Tourism
Bahamas Immigration
Bahamas Customs
Five Star Shipping Company
Viva Wyndham Fortuna
Bahamas Air
Grand Lucayan Hotel

Registration for access to the Expo’s exhibitors is free, and all-access passes are available for purchase. Event details and registration information may be found at freeportbusinessexpo.com.

Bahamas News

Pacesetting Cohort of Eleuthera Residents Graduate from Leading Light Programme

Published

5 days ago

April 26, 2024

Shanieka

Office of University Relations

22^nd April 2024

Eleuthera, THE BAHAMAS – A pioneering cohort of 43 Eleuthera residents graduated from the University of The Bahamas’ (UB’s) free Leading Light Programme, sponsored by Disney Cruise Line (DCL) on Friday 19^th April, 2024.

The programme, launched in February 2024 and delivered through UB’s Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning (CeLEARN), offers a series of courses to ensure Eleuthera has a proficient workforce capable of delivering unparalleled hospitality leadership as the island experiences a sharp growth in tourism arrivals. The graduation ceremony was held at the Eleuthera Chamber of Commerce Business Hub in Rock Sound, Eleuthera.

The courses focused on tourism and hospitality skills, leadership development and effective communication. They were taught by UB faculty and included guest lecturers such as former Director General of Tourism, Minister of Tourism and Secretary General of the Caribbean Tourism Organization Vincent Vanderpool Wallace and veteran hospitality professor Dr. Lincoln Marshall.

“This programme represents the mission-driven collaboration and skills-building that University of The Bahamas is committed to fostering, supported by an important industry partner like Disney Cruise Line,” noted UB President (Acting) Janyne Hodder. “Given the importance of the tourism industry to our nation, we know how vital it is that we continually equip our workforce with diverse expertise to uphold our reputation for excellence in hospitality. We are grateful for this collaboration with Disney Cruise Line which has facilitated programme delivery in Eleuthera, enabling UB to broaden access to much sought-after professional development.”

As training and skills development programming grows across the island of Eleuthera, the Leading Light Programme experience was tailored to be free of charge, accessible and conclude with participants earning a UB certification that signals the high standard of education for which the University is recognized. Students came from all walks of life and traveled from as far away as Hatchet Bay in the North, and Bannerman Town in the South to Rock Sound for classes. Programme participants also received a stipend to defray the cost of commuting and other personal expenses.

Nora Smith, a manager at the picturesque Jack’s Bay Club, yearned to increase her skills.

“I would recommend this programme to anyone because The Bahamas is known as a tourism destination. Taking this course in tourism and hospitality, can help me to go far in dealing with tourists daily in my workplace,” she said.

Graduate Javonne Richards appreciated the comprehensive curriculum and the ease of access to the courses that were offered.

“This programme not only fills a gap in our Eleuthera education offerings, but also equips participants with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in dynamic work environments,” he noted.

Director General of Tourism Mrs. Latia Duncombe, who delivered the keynote address at the graduation ceremony, shared three essential qualities for successful tourism professionals: energy, creativity and a welcoming personality.

“Your fresh perspectives and innovative ideas are invaluable to creating unique, unforgettable customer experiences,” said Mrs. Duncombe. “While technology such as Artificial Intelligence, also have a role to play, human interaction remains essential.”

Minister of Works and Family Island Affairs and Member of Parliament for Central and South Eleuthera the Honourable Clay Sweeting commended the partnership that is supporting community growth.

“I am proud of every Eleutheran who came from near and far to take advantage of this opportunity,” said Minister Sweeting. “As Eleuthera’s economy continues to grow, especially in Central and South Eleuthera, I encourage more corporate partners to invest in the local community in innovative ways, like the University of The Bahamas and Disney Cruise Line have, so that we can continue to strengthen our local communities.”

Two additional cohorts will be offered this year, increasing the pipeline of Eleutherans who are optimally skilled as hospitality and tourism ambassadors. Registration for the summer programme will open on May 17 and the second cycle of courses begins June 17, 2024. Fall programme dates are September 23 through November 29, 2024. To learn more about the Leading Light Programme and how to enroll, please email atynes@eleutherahambercommerce.com.

Bahamas News

Royal Caribbean to open Royal Beach Club on Paradise Island in 2025

Published

6 days ago

April 26, 2024

Shanieka

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 24, 2024

By LINDSAY THOMPSON

Bahamas Information Services

NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Government entered into a Heads of Agreement with Royal Caribbean International, followed by a Ground Breaking Ceremony for the construction of Royal Beach Club on Paradise Island, at an estimated $165 million.

The agreement was signed on Monday, April 22, 2024 during a press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister.

According to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation the Hon. Chester Cooper, the project will further enhance the tourism product, on the heels of an estimated 9 million visitor arrivals.

He deemed it “an eventful day” with a reliable partner in RCI of more than 50 years with The Bahamas, and the continued confidence that investors have in the tourism product and economy.

He said it is a partnership with “excellence experiences” as he delighted in the fact that there will be more for the 25,000 cruise ship guests in port.

Also on hand for the activities to seal the agreement were Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis; Minister of Health and Wellness, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville; Minister of Energy and Transport, the Hon. JoBeth Coleby-Davis; Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Senator the Hon. Ryan Pinder; Director of Investments Phylicia Woods-Hanna; executives of Royal Caribbean International and Royal Caribbean Group, and other officials.

“With the signing of this Heads of Agreement for the development of the Royal Beach Club on Paradise Island, we embark on a $165 million project to further enhance the vitality of our tourism product,” the prime minister said.

Spearheaded by RBC Paradise Island Ltd. and PDI Paradise Ltd., subsidiaries of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., the project will galvanize entertainment and recreational offerings for Bahamians and visitors alike.

The master plan for the Royal Beach Club includes pools, cabanas, and Bahamian boutiques, offering an unparalleled on-shore experience for visitors.

“This development will prove to be a monumental step forward for Bahamian inclusion in major tourism projects that will serve as a model for others to emulate,” the prime minister said.

The prime minister then underscored the importance of what the project would mean for Bahamians in the broader scope of things.

An estimated 200 jobs will be created for Bahamians. However, an opportunity is being provided for shared ownership in this development.

It is anticipated that PDI Paradise Ltd. will hold at least 51% of the shares in the Royal Beach Club, with the remaining 49 % shares being allocated to the National Investment Fund for the benefit of Bahamians.

“Through this partnership, we will provide new employment and economic opportunities for this nation. Local businesses will see their share of opportunities as well. There will be Bahamian boutiques creating avenues for small business ownership,” the prime minister said.

The project will also encompass a joint venture with a Bahamian-owned entity for the operation of a water taxi business; it will provide transportation options for guests of the Royal Beach Club, as well as other attractions in Nassau Harbour – enhancing accessibility while creating additional avenues for economic growth within the community.

“Ultimately, this project will largely be run by Bahamians, owned by the Bahamian people, and supported by Bahamian businesses.

“When we talk about the need to ensure that major tourism projects are primarily for the benefit of the Bahamian people, these are the kinds of opportunities that we are talking about,” the prime minister said.

He observed that the Royal Beach Club represents the latest successful chapter in the story of Paradise Island’s growth as a tourism mecca. Initial negotiations for the project began under the previous administration. Royal Club Beach is expected to open in 2025.

“By signing today’s agreement, we add another world-class experience to our tourism offerings. And even more importantly, we take a bold step toward greater Bahamian empowerment in the tourism industry. This is our nation, and we must ensure that, first and foremost, our service industries serve us,” the prime minister said.

He concluded, “We are more optimistic than ever before about our economic prospects with tourism leading the way as our number one industry that continues to grow at a record-breaking pace.

At the ground breaking site just west of the Atlantis Resort, officials tilled the soil, marking the beginning of the construction process.

Jason Liberty, president, and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group said that events regarding the agreement “symbolize partnership, momentum, and continued economic development for so many Bahamian entrepreneurs and the entire community.

“We are grateful to our partners for their support, especially the Bahamian government, who stand with us here today in celebration of what is to come.”