Bahamas News

The US Government Donates Approx. $600,000 Worth of Emergency Equipment to NEMA

Published

1 year ago

March 13, 2023

Deandrea Hamilton

By Llonella Gilbert

Bahamas Information Services

#NASSAU, Bahamas, March 13, 2023 – Minister of State with Responsibility for Disaster Risk Reduction the Hon. Myles Laroda thanked the United States government for its “very generous donation” of 28 generators, which will be installed with automatic transfer switches, carbon monoxide sensors and fire extinguishers.

This support package costs approximately $600,000 and the generators will be deployed to shelters in Abaco, Andros, Cat Island, Crooked Island, Exuma and Mayaguana, the Minister of State said during a ceremony for handover of emergency generators and transportable reverse osmosis systems to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) at the agency’s headquarters on Monday, March 13, 2023.

“The determination of which islands will be supplied with generators was made following inspections in 2022 of the 143 facilities that served as hurricane and emergency shelters throughout The Bahamas.

“The US Northern Command has also partnered with the Disaster Reconstruction Authority (DRA) to secure a generator for the Hurricane Shelter/Community Centre that is currently under construction in Abaco.”He explained that in addition to the generators that are being donated, the US Northern Command is also donating six easy transportable Reverse Osmosis Systems. These systems will allow for the rapid production of potable water for general use, in remote areas.

The Minister of State said NEMA and agencies of the United States government, such as US Northern Command and USAID Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance, have enjoyed a strong partnership for many years. The focus of the partnership has been in programs of capacity building, and knowledge exchange in the areas of disaster mitigation,

preparedness, response and recovery.

He explained that the capacity building initiatives have included workshops and seminars for Family Island Administrators, Local Government Council Members and other members of the Disaster Committee.

Additionally, it allowed for training and equipping of teams in 12 Family Islands to be able to conduct Flood Water Rescue operations in various communities, or to conduct rescues for downed aircraft in marsh areas, or boaters in distress in sight of land.

Further, the programs have allowed for training and equipping teams in seven islands to be in a position to respond to community fires to minimize the chances of their getting out of control and becoming disasters. Teams have also been trained as first responders and train-the- trainers in Community Emergency Response Teams or CERT.

The Minister of State said in September of 2020 The Bahamas was the recipient of the United States generosity by way of:

· A mobile shelter facility valued over $3.1 million to provide for rapid and efficient sheltering to affected persons in any community of The Bahamas;· Twelve – 16 feet medical Whaly rescue boats that are outfitted with 40 HP Yamaha engines, safety stretchers, life vests and 20-foot trailers valued at $151,778.70;· Emergency Relief Supplies valued at $45,000 to augment supplies in the three Emergency Relief Warehouses that are situated Great Inagua, Grand Bahama and at the Coral Harbour Base. All three of these warehouses were gifts from the United States by way of the US Northern Command; and· Materials valued at $71,000 have been provided to repair 13 churches in Grand Bahama and Abaco that are used as hurricane shelters and were damaged during hurricane Dorian.

Also in attendance at the handover were Lance Posey, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy; Jon Smart, International Engagement and Acquisition Division Chief US Northern Command; Carl Smith, Permanent Secretary and Captain Stephen Russell, Director of NEMA.

Mr. Posey said, “This a sign of our commitment to preparedness, which will enable effective response and recovery.

“As close friends and partners to The Bahamas, the US government, US North Command and the US people do not believe in simply showing up after disaster strikes. We know that the work done now is just as important as the work that is yet to come.”

He added, “We are here now and we will always be here ready to help side-by-side with our Bahamian neighbours.”

PHOTO CAPTION: The US government donated approximately $600,000 worth of emergency generators and transportable reverse osmosis systems to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) at NEMA’s headquarters on Monday, March 13, 2023. Attending the handover ceremony were: the Hon. Myles Laroda, Minister of State with Responsibility for Disaster Risk Reduction; Lance Posey, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy; Jon Smart, International Engagement and Acquisition Division Chief US Northern Command; Carl Smith, Permanent Secretary and Captain Stephen Russell, Director of NEMA. (BIS Photos/Kristaan Ingraham)

Bahamas News

Bahamas economic growth

Published

6 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

11 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

11 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.