Immigration: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
Dear Readers, Someone once told me that weddings, funerals and natural disasters bring out the best and worst in human beings. As the country attempts to move forward from the tragedy that was hurricane Dorian we've seen and heard the many stories of heroism and togetherness as Bahamians have rallied to help each other navigate this difficult time. On the opposite end of the spectrum, we've also seen some of our basest instincts and fears pandered to, particularly when it comes to the Haitian population living in The Bahamas. With immigration tensions high, yet again, Rights Bahamas put out an interesting perspective on the matter calling some of the public commentary and even the government's response cold-hearted. In lieu of this week's editorial, we wanted to share that perspective with our readers and open the door for a NUANCED, BALANCED conversation about the way forward. We hope you participate in the discussion in a way that serves the greater good and that considers the humanity of our Haitian brothers and sisters while balancing our own love of country. Read it here: Savage, Cold-Hearted and Illegal Since the release of the initial statement, new concerns that persons being targetted by immigration operations were not in fact illegal migrants but Haitian nationals with legal status and the right to live and work in the country. Rights Bahamas put out a follow-up statement. We have also shared it here: Targeted Victims are Not Illegals |
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Bahamas Red Cross and MV Impulse go door to door in North Abaco
Just weeks after Hurricane Dorian ravaged the Abacos and Grand Bahama, BahamasLocal.com set sail with the crew of the MV Impulse and the Bahamas Red Cross to answer the call of those in Little Abaco and East End, Grand Bahama, who were quickly running out of basic needs after the historically destructive storm. Determined to make a personal impact, they loaded the luxury yacht with 16 pallets of goods including food, water, tarps, blankets, clothing, shoes, bleach, insecticide, hygiene kits, and more and made the 12 hour voyage into the banks between the Abacos and Grand Bahama. Planning for the trip began immediately after the hurricane when the owners of the MV Impulse told their crew they could use the charter vessel to assist in getting aid to the islands that were severely impacted. |
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On Monday the 23rd of September, two Amazon Air flights loaded with hurricane relief supplies landed at the Grand Bahama International Airport - the latest in a series of aid drops benefitting the Grand Bahama Disaster Relief Foundation. See Video Below: |
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Minister Dames Visits Grand Bahama Post Dorian |
The Bahamas has signed on to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of 2030 and, like many other countries, safety and security are pivotal for the advancement of the goals. Goal 16 of the same seeks to ‘promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development; provide access to justice for all; and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels’. The statement highlights the need for effective and sustainable institutions of safety and security for the prevention and control of various manifestations of crime as a significant developmental goal. |
Minister Ferreira Tours Clifton Dock and Bulkhead |
Minister of the Environment and Housing the Hon. Romauld Ferreira led members of the media on a tour of the newly-completed Construction of a Dock and Bulkhead that is part of the Clifton Pier Remediation Project on September 26, 2019. Also present on the tour were his Ministry's Permanent Secretary, Janice Miller; Senior Consultant Geologist at Geosyntec Consultants, Joe Casey and Managing Director of Geosyntec (Bahamas) Limited, Jerome P. Gomez. The Ministry of Ministry of Public Works is the Lead Agency, while the Ministry of the Environment and Housing and Bahamas Power and Light are Key Agencies in the initiative. |
Broker Mario Carey: Distressed properties rental assistance program idea gaining momentum |
A little more than a week after real estate broker Mario Carey introduced the idea of using foreclosed properties to meet housing needs for displaced families in the wake of monstrous Category 5 Hurricane Dorian, Carey reported the concept has gained ‘incredible momentum.’ “We had a group of high net worth individuals on the island this week for a private event hosted by Bahamian businessmen. When we mentioned the idea of taking unoccupied residential properties, either single or multi-residential, and converting them into short-term rentals at a reduced rate to provide some form of normalcy for families who lost everything during the storm, every single member of that group of the super successful said they would like to be part of it,” said Carey. “They recognized it as social entrepreneurship.” |
| WHO Director General and Delegation Visit Hurricane Dorian-Impacted Abaco and Grand Bahama |
Minister of Health, the Hon. Dr. Duane Sands, accompanied Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and delegations from PAHO and the Ministry of Health, on a tour of Abaco and Grand Bahama, September 27, 2019.
Arriving in Grand Bahama by charter plane on Friday afternoon, the group viewed first-hand, the devastation from Hurricane Dorian some four weeks ago. They were able to view the residential community of Lady Lake, the University of The Bahamas and the High Rock Government Complex, as well as Samaritan’s Purse International Relief. |
12 Ambulances donated for Dorian Relief |
The National Emergency Management Services (NEMS) receiving a boost to its fleet of emergency service vehicles as Global Medical Response donates twelve (12) ambulances in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian. The first donation of four (4) ambulances took place on September 12th, the second shipment of four (4) more ambulances on September 24th, and an additional four (4) ambulances expected in approximately two (2) weeks. In addition to new ambulances, Global has also donated three (3) forty-foot containers of emergency medical equipment and supplies to NEMS. In the coming days, NEMS is expected to receive the equipment and supplies. |
State Recognized Funeral Held for Cultural Icon John Arthur “Chippie” Chipman |
A State Recognized Funeral was held for the late John Arthur “Chippie” Chipman, MBE and former Cultural Icon, on Saturday, 28th September, 2019 at 11:00a.m at St. Agnes Anglican Church, Baillou Hill Road and Cockburn Street. Interment followed in St. Agnes Cemetery, Nassau Street. Minister of Education the Hon. Jeffrey Lloyd brought remarks on behalf of the Government. Also in attendance were Governor General His Excellency the Most Hon. Cornelius A. Smith; former Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry Gladstone Christie; the Minister of Heath Dr. the Hon. Duane Sands; Minister of the Public Service and National Insurance the Hon. Brensil Rolle; Leader of Her Majesty’s Official Opposition the Hon. Phillip “Brave” Davis; other dignitaries and members of the cultural community. |
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Bud Light Launches New NFL Promotion
New Providence, Bahamas – Brewed with the same great ingredients since 1982, Bud Light has carefully crafted its reputation as the world’s go-to light beer. Locally, Bud Light has also become synonymous with the world’s biggest sporting event: NFL Football. With the 2019 football season now in full swing, Bud Light, through its local distributor the Bahamian Brewery and Beverage Company is again giving beer drinkers the opportunity to support their favorite teams and win amazing prizes.
To mark the launch of the new NFL Season, Bud Light hosted a special event for its many partners. The event held at the Warwick Hotel gave sports and beer enthusiasts the chance to mix, mingle, enjoy the game and the great taste of Bud Light. |
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Micronesia gives $100,000 to Hurricane Dorian recovery and reconstruction effort
Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis was presented with a $100,000 donation to assist with Hurricane Dorian recovery and reconstruction efforts from Micronesia, a small nation in the western Pacific with a population of just over 100,000. Prime Minister Minnis received the cheque on Friday 27 September from the President of Micronesia, David W. Panuelo, following the Prime Minister’s address to the General Assembly at the United Nations. The Prime Minister thanked President Panuelo for the small country’s generous donation to the people of The Bahamas in their time of need. |
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John Watling’s Bahamian Rum is Double Gold Winner at the International Rum Conference in Coral Gables, Florida
30th SEPTEMBER, 2019, NASSAU, N.P., BAHAMAS: John Watling’s Distillery, a Bahamian company, located at the 1789 Buena Vista Estate in Historic Downtown Nassau and named for a 17th Century buccaneer, announced today that JOHN WATLING’S Single Barrel rum is a 2019 DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL WINNER and JOHN WATLING’S Pale rum is a 2019 SILVER MEDAL WINNER at the International Rum Conference in Coral Gables, Florida. The International Rum Conference, formerly known as the Congreso del Ron, moved from Madrid to Coral Gables, Florida, in its 8th year to be closer to the core rum manufacturing territories. It is co-directed by industry veterans Javier Herrera and Jorge Galbis. The Conference ran from September 25th to 28th 2019, at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Florida. The four-day conference consisted of a two-day Industry Enrichment Seminar, two-day Grand Tasting and a Tasting Competition. |
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Crossreach Update 28th September Crossreach had another productive week thanks to the help from LPC Crossreach regulars, wonderful local volunteers, from Crisis Response International and of course your food and financial support, High points of the week. Crossreach has now stabilized its main warehouse in the RAM complex by removing water damaged drywall and the last of the wet items stored there making receiving, shelving and filling bags much safer and more efficient. To everyone’s delight power was reconnected on Thursday. No AC due to hurricane damage, so it is still a hot spot to work in but having overhead light rather than battery lamps makes the work much easier. |
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Just when we thought the universe of good, kind people may be winding down their giving of generous donations, we were surprised by a miracle of generosity. A donor who wishes to remain anonymous came forward with a $50,000 matching grant for the Deep Water Cay Family. If there is anything else you would like to donate or another friend you can share with, any more funds we raise in the next week (through 10/11) will be doubled or matched by this donor - up to $50,000. Imagine our gratitude for this latest offer and the difference it will make for the Deep Water Cay staff and their families. Donate here: DWC GoFundMe |
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#242NewsWeather'cause its always Better in The Bahamas: |
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| October 5, 2019 - Sound Waves Festival for Dorian Hurricane Dorian Relief at The Retreat 2pm - 11pm
October 9, 2019 - Burger and Lobster Night at British Colonial Hilton 6pm
- Clay Plate Handbuilding Class at Paint Your Own Pottery 7pm - 9pm
October 18, 2019 - We Gatchu: Digging Deep & Letting Go at NAGB 7pm - 9pm
October 26 - 27, 2019 - Wine & Art Festival at Bahamas National Trust 12pm - 7pm
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Grand Bahama & Abaco Events |
| Events are on hold for Grand Bahama and Abaco until further notice. We do encourage you to eat at local restaurants, shop in local stores... to get both these economies going! |
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#242newsbahamas (242) 352-4578 |
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