#242NewsBahamas Newsletter Edition: July 11th﻿, 2019

Are we ever going to be ONE BAHAMAS?

Dear Readers,

In an age where overt racism, discrimination, and classism has become very commonplace around the world, I had hoped that we, here at home had found a way to bypass our physical differences and live as ONE PEOPLE. Black and white, born bred ga dead Bahamian and Naturalized citizens alike. Just yesterday (Wednesday) we celebrated 46 years of Independence as a sovereign nation, free from British rule. This is a huge milestone in our country’s history and development. One which all BAHAMIANS should be proud of, but in recent weeks though it seems that we too have been bitten by the bug of racial tensions. As a white Bahamian, I’ve watched and listened to the commentary surrounding the Brent Symonette controversy and I can honestly say it’s been a bit disheartening and I wonder will we ever be able to celebrate Independence for ALL?

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Prime Minister Minnis raises climate change in bilateral talks with Norway

Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis stressed the need for The Bahamas to build climate resilience in the face of rising sea levels and increased hurricane activity, during bilateral talks with Norway on Thursday, 4 July.

Prime Minister Minnis met with Her Excellency Erna Solberg, Prime Minister of Norway, in the margins of the 40th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

DNA Chairman: We are in a national crisis

Bahamians are in a state of hopelessness, frustration and annoyance by the recent blackouts that have become a part of everyday life in our country. The load shedding exercise being carried out by BPL is evidence that successive Free National Movement (FNM) and Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) administrations including the current Minnis-led administration lack a viable plan for reliable and sustainable energy. Meanwhile, while the people sweat, PM Minnis and his entourage are in comfortable and air conditioned accommodation at a resort in St. Lucia.

Unfortunately, the real economic impact of this crisis cannot be quantified and it is yet to be made known to the Bahamian people. The current load shedding exercise could not have come at a worse time when children are home for the summer break, home patients need reliable electricity, the elderly are in discomfort and persons with special needs are at risk and babies lack comfort.

COOPS 4 DECENT WORK

As The Bahamas Government continues to seek ways to stimulate economic growth and reduce the 10.7% unemployment rate, a source of inspiration may lie in Co-ops and The Bahamas National Beekeepers Cooperative Society Limited (BNBC).

With the philosophy “People helping people to help themselves,” community-centered Cooperative business enterprises bring together like-minded individuals focused on developing their business.

DPM Turnquest: A Strong Effective Government Partner is Important for Sustainable Growth

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest explained that this Government Administration believes that having a strong and effective partner in government is an important ingredient to sustainable growth and development.

DPM Turnquest was the keynote speaker at the inaugural CFAL BudgetPass 2019/20 Conference held at Baha Mar, Monday, July 8, 2019, under the theme “Striking the Right Balance.”

46th Independence - Nation Can Only Advance with Common Purpose, Says Senate President

“Whatever the true meaning of national progress may be, or by whatever measuring stick used, one thing is certain, we can only advance as a nation when people are unified with one common purpose,” said President of the Senate, Katherine Forbes-Smith.

The President’s comments came during her address at the official ceremony for National Pride Day in West End on Friday, July 5, 2019.

Senator Smith said that Bahamians will not accomplish as much as they would like, nor advance as much as they would like, until all Bahamians come together and decide that what they desire for The Bahamas is the very best.

Read the full story here:

Teachers explore technology, civics, farming and more

Social Science teachers are swapping roles, becoming students for one week as they prepare to review and redevelop the curriculum.

Creating blogs and drop boxes, exploring livestock and crops on a farm, learning about international organizations (OAS and IICA) and civics are just a few of the areas that senior high school teachers will be exploring in the Ministry of Education’s Social Sciences Summer Professional Development Workshop.

Jenna Bayles leads Sands Beer Cup

TWENTY young Biminites gained increased confidence in the water and new insight into its vital importance during the third annual Swim and Eco Camp hosted by Save The Bays, Waterkeeper(r) Bahamas and international group SwimTayka.

The five-day camp offered pool swim, ocean swim, science experiments, field assessments and presentations on the importance of water. Last year, the same partnership offered Biminites free swimming and lifeguard training in an effort to boost water safety skills on the island.

Story Link HERE

ABACO STUDENT WINS INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR ART ENCOURAGING PEOPLE TO PROTECT THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT

An Abaco student’s artwork depicting the damage that can happen if we don’t all protect the ocean has been internationally recognized by the marine zoological facility Delphinus, located just outside of Cancun, Mexico.

Jacob Malone, an 11-year-old fifth grader at Agape Christian School in Marsh Harbour, Abaco, won 2nd place in the International Festival of the Oceans Drawing for his creative illustration of the theme ‘Don’t Trash Our Treasure.’

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CROSSREACH

JUNE 2019 UPDATE

June run was very successful with a couple of welcome new faces helping out. 50 bags delivered which included insect lotions and a few solar powered lanterns. The latter proving invaluable to most of our recipient who have no power. The solar lanterns provide up to 17 hours of continuous light and can be recharged in ordinary light without leaving them in the sunshine where they could be stolen.