Category Archives: Bahamas

NASSAU, BAHAMAS The Disabled Persons Organization (DPO) has officially installed its new executive team, which plans to take the organization to higher heights during the next two years of tenure.

The DPO is a cross-disability non-profit organization founded in 1981 by the late Phillip Smith. It was established to promote the human rights of all people with disabilities, to promote effective measures for the equalization of opportunities and encourage their full participation in society.

Antoine Munroe has been reinstated as DPO president and during this second term, he is determined to help make the DPO mission statement a reality.

The mission: To establish social, educational and training programmes to ensure that persons with disabilities in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas lead independent lives to the maximum extent possible.

Munroe said: During this, my second tenure, I wish to achieve more visibility for our organization, showcasing the wonderful talent of our members, especially the youth.

We have a very active, vibrant youth arm and we want the public and private corporations and businesses to see what we have to offer. Disabled persons have proven themselves effective in various sectors of society once given a chance.

I also want to be able to hire one or two people during this tenure. In addition, I want to bring back the pillow-making project. This was once a thriving project that members of the public greatly supported. We will bring this back and aim to hire at least ten people to fulfill this project.

Other members of the newly-inducted DPO executive team include: Ashanity Armbrister, first vice president; Abbie Munroe, second vice president; Lester Ferguson, treasurer; Stephan Pitt, assistant treasurer; Rickia Pratt, secretary; Lecheka Minnis, assistant secretary; Sheri Fountain, director; Gary Ferguson, director; Brenda Charles, trustee; Troy Fisher, trustee; and Tyrone Johnson, public relations officer/chaplain.

Since the incorporation of the DPO as a legally registered organization in 1996, the organization has taken tremendous steps in promoting and encouraging the education and training, economic empowerment, social development and integration of people with disabilities in society.

The DPO is of the conviction that within every person with a disability lies an equal or greater ability. This is why the organization continues to invest in the development of its members through education and training.

The DPO is the only organization in The Bahamas that has membership in the Disabled Peoples International (DPI), which is a network of national organizations or assemblies of people with disabilities. President Munroe has the honor of being the first Bahamian to sit on the executive team of the DPI. He currently serves as public relations officer.

The DPO also has membership in DP North American and Caribbean Regional Council. The DPO is also one of the founding members of the Disabled Peoples Organizations of the Caribbean (DPOC), which was founded in 1997 to promote and advocate for the empowerment of persons with disabilities. The DPO is a member of the Bahamas National Council for Disabilities, the umbrella organization for people with disabilities in the Bahamas.

The organization also has a good working relationship with the Disability Affairs Division, the leading government agency on disability under the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development.

View original post here:

Bahamas Disabled Persons Organization announces new executive team - EyeWitness News

The One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF) recently hosted two Centre for Training and Innovation (CTI) graduations at its Rock Sound campus. Nineteen students in total celebrated the accomplishment of successfully completing one of two 12-week courses in Intro to hydroponics and apiology and apiculture (beekeeping).

The Learn-and-Earn hydroponics graduation took place on June 30 for the class of nine students, while the apiology graduation luncheon was held two weeks later on July 14 for the cohort of 10.

Funded through a grant from the TK Foundation, the hydroponics cohort was afforded a weekly stipend while pursuing studies. The course equipped students with the skills and knowledge to construct, install and maintain a basic hydroponic system and effectively grow herbs and nutritious leafy crops without soil.

Additionally, students learned the fundamental concepts in plant science and nutrition, water management, plant nutrition management and pest and disease control within the system.

During the ceremony, the three students who emerged as winners in the $10,000 Seed-to-Succeed business pitch competition held on June 9 were also recognized for their winning hydroponics-based business plans.

Banu Devi-Nair, academic dean, CTI, said: The goal of these technical programs offered by CTI and the One Eleuthera Foundation is two-fold to educate and empower individuals with the knowledge and skills to operate competitively in their fields [and] to invest in developing and diversifying local industries to create financial independence and strengthen our local economy.As an organization, were very proud of these students and look forward to all they will accomplish as a result of their CTI training.

Read the complete article at http://www.ewnews.com.

Read the rest here:

Bahamas: hydroponic and beekeeping graduates ready to make an impact - hortidaily.com

Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs) in Acklins, Crooked Island, Great Inagua, Long Cay and Ragged Island were activated at 2pm Wednesday afternoon (August 11, 2021) as local and national Disaster Managers and Planners continued to closely monitor Tropical Storm Fred.

Shelters were also placed on standby with teams at the ready in the event persons may be in need of shelter.

The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), located at the National Emergency Management Agencys Headquarters on Gladstone Road, was also scheduled to be partially activated at 6pm Wednesday evening to provide support for the islands in the southeastern Bahamas overnight and into Thursday, and to monitor events.

Captain Stephen Russell, Director, National Emergency Management Agency, said all mechanisms have been placed in a state of readiness for any eventuality as Tropical Storm Fred approaches the southeastern Bahamas. Captain Russell said the Agencys Communications Teams have completed testing of Communication Systems, and reported that those systems are operational.

Captain Russell said NEMA officials have been in constant dialogue with counterparts at the Ministry of Disaster Preparedness, Management and Reconstruction, those on the ground in the islands of the southeastern Bahamas, and its regional partners at the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agencys (CDEMA) Coordinating Unit in Bridgetown, Barbados.

He said: CDEMA is on standby monitoring the system and they have assured us that the regional mechanism has also been placed on standby to support us if necessary.

As we activate shelters in the islands of the southeastern Bahamas, we want to inform persons that we will strictly adhere to the health and safety protocols established by the Ministry of Health to limit the community spread of COVID-19. That includes social distancing, sanitization/washing of hands and the wearing of masks in all shelters, Captain Russell added.

Meteorologist, Arnold King, of The Bahamas Department of Meteorology, said Tropical Storm Fred formed at 11pm EDT Tuesday night and began interacting with Hispaniola Wednesday morning as it continued on a west-northwesterly track at around 16mph. (The Bahamas Department of Meteorology is an Emergency Support Function (ESF) of the National Emergency management Agency.

Mr. King said: Some wind, but mostly rainfall impacts are likely over portions of the southeastern Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands, beginning later today. Rainfall amounts of 1-3 inches, with isolated maximum totals of 5 inches are likely which can give rise to significant flooding in low-lying areas.

Residents and interests in The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands are advised to follow the progress of this system by way of the Alert messages issued by The Bahamas Department of Meteorology, Mr. King added.

Read this article:

Emergency Operations Centres activated in southeastern Bahamas - Bahamas Tribune

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Meteorologists have warned residents to limit outdoor activity as temperatures in recent days neared record highs, significantly increasing the risk of heatstroke and severe dehydration.

Earlier this week, temperatures as high as 93 degrees Fahrenheit were recorded.

A record 96.8 degrees Fahrenheit was recorded in 2005.

However, the Department of Meteorology noted that temperatures can feel like the triple digits.

Thursdays daytime high temperature reached 92 degrees Fahrenheit as streaming moisture associated with an upper-level trough produced periods of showers and thunderstorms over portions of the northwest and the central Bahamas.

High pressure produced moderate to locally fresh winds around The Bahamas.

Hot temperatures over the island can be exacerbated when light winds come from the south, according to the department, which said warmer and more humid air from the southern Caribbean Sea is infused over The Bahamas as opposed to the normal, cooler trade winds.

Over the past few years, we have been having these surges of especially increasing temperatures and I know that at least for the month of July we have had a maximum of 93, but we also indicate with our heat indices that temperatures could feel as if theyre much higher, going into the triple digits, a met department meteorologist said.

Through our forecasts, we usually make sure to remind the public on a daily basis to make sure they limit outdoor activities as well as remain hydrated because of those heat indices and extreme [heat] that we are experiencing.

The more sunshine there is, the more rays that comes in, the ground heats up.

Along with that, especially when we have a southerly breeze when the winds are coming from the south and southeast you would not get your regular summer heat; you seem to be a bit warmer than usual.

Go here to see the original:

NEARING RECORD HEAT: Meteorologists caution public to limit outdoor activity as The Bahamas sizzles - EyeWitness News

Tropical cyclone Fred Swirling just south of Puerto Rico at the beginning of Wednesday Dominican Republic When Haiti Forecasters warn that heavy rains can cause dangerous floods and landslides.

Fred became sixth after a quiet month of unnamed storms in the area Atlantic ocean The expected hurricane season and tropical cyclone warnings at the end of Tuesday had already taken place in the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

The most important thing today is preparation, said Puerto Rican Governor Pedro Pierluisi. We are not going to minimize the potential impact of this event we expect a lot of rain.

Rain struck the North Caribbean Sea and power outages were reported in Puerto Rico. In Puerto Rico, Luma, the company responsible for power transmission and distribution systems on US territory, has warned that life-saving medical devices will rely on electricity to launch emergency plans.

Puerto Ricos system is still very vulnerable, the company said, referring to the power grid destroyed by Hurricane Maria in September 2017.

According to the US National Hurricane Center, Freds center was 45 miles (70 km) south-southwest of Ponce, Puerto Rico, and moved west at 17 miles (28 km) west at the end of Tuesday. It had maximum sustained winds of 40 mph (65 kph).

The Dominican Republic, Haiti, and southern Bahamas could be hit on Wednesday, prompting Florida people to keep an eye on the latest updates, but forecasters are uncertain where the storm will move later in the week. Said.

Pierluisi said Puerto Rican government agencies would be closed, and authorities said several gas stations were closed after running out of fuel. The heaviest rain was expected to fall during the night, according to forecasters.

Eight shelters were opened throughout the island, but officials said only about seven people checked in by midnight.

Nino Corea, Puerto Ricos Emergency Management Commissioner, said: We dont want to die.

More than a month has passed since the last Atlantic storm hurricane Elsa, but this summer season usually marks the beginning of the peak of the hurricane season.

The Hurricane Center has issued warnings to Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands and the Dominican Republic on the south coast east of Punta Palenque and on the north coast east of Cabofransis Viejo. Surveillance was carried out on the north coast of Hispaniola, from Cabo Frances in the Dominican Republic to Gonaives in Haiti.

The storm was expected to produce 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) of rainfall over Puerto Rico, up to 6 inches (15 centimeters) in some areas.

A tropical cyclone near Puerto Rico heads to the Haiti Bahamas Hurricane Elsa National Hurricane Center on Hispaniola, Florida

Source link A tropical cyclone near Puerto Rico heads to the Haiti Bahamas Hurricane Elsa National Hurricane Center on Hispaniola, Florida

Read more here:

A tropical cyclone near Puerto Rico heads to the Haiti Bahamas Hurricane Elsa National Hurricane Center on Hispaniola, Florida - Floridanewstimes.com

[OSHKOSH, Wisconsin] The 2021 Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture Oshkosh, held July 26 through August 1, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, has ended. From all accounts, aviation enthusiasts, in record-breaking numbers, agreed to the theme, The Wait is Over. The Show exceeded the expectations of both the EAA organizers and the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviations (BMOTA) teams, despite a challenging and most unconventional year, said Greg Rolle, Sr. Director of Vertical Markets, BMOTA.

This was perhaps the most challenging set of circumstances weve ever faced as an organization to make the event happen. We went into this year not knowing what AirVenture would look like and how big of an event was possible. The aviation community spoke loudly. Though, it was ready to come to Oshkosh and we were happy that we could welcome them. Our theme was The Wait is Over, and indeed it was. The wait was worth it. There was joy and excitement throughout the grounds. As a result it set the stage for the return of AirVenture. Making us very excited about the future, said EAA CEO and Chairman, Jack Pelton.

Based on statistics given by Pelton, some 608,000 persons, from 66 countries attended this years show, the third highest number in the shows 68th year history. A total of 16,378 aircraft, including 3,176 show planes (a record 1,420 vintage aircraft registered, 1,089 homebuilt, 354 warbirds, 148 aerobatic aircraft, 112 seaplanes, 33 ultralights and 27 rotorcraft) participated. A total of 567 media professionals attended the event and more than 18.95 million social media impressions were generated.

Echoing the sentiments shared by Pelton, Rolle said, The world is still grappling with the fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic. S0, we certainly did not expect the high level of interest shown in The Bahamas. Neither did we anticipate the remarkable level of success experienced at this years show. This was evident by the number of people who visited our booth. In addition to those who attended the business meetings and daily seminars. As well as the outcome of our networking efforts.

No doubt, there is great interest in The Bahamas and a pent-up demand to visit our country. Especially from visitors, private pilots or business operators. We have generated vast amount of business opportunities. Specifically for group leads for fly out to our islands, from this show, Rolle asserted.

Reginald Saunders, Permanent Secretary at the BMOTA and first-time comer to the Show, began day one with a helicopter tour of the grounds where the show was held.

Permanent Secretary Reginald Saunders remarked, This was the Rolls-Royce of aircraft shows, and I was very impressed and totally blown away by the sheer size and magnitude of the show, from the myriad of activities , including daily airshows, to the thousands of impressive airplanes (flying hospitals, and vintage and military grades), and caliber of exhibitors and attendees. But, moreover, I was especially proud of our BMOTA team members, who were influential. Plus, they were fully engaged in the decision-making meetings with top IFP, EAA, AOPA, the media and other key aviation industry partners.

The opportunities generated from these shows are incredible. The linkages and synergies that exist between pilots, divers and boaters are phenomenal. And, we intend to build on that synergy. Private pilots and visitors love coming to The Bahamas for its beauty, multiplicity of islands, proximity to the U.S., accessibility and ease of doing business. Our plans are to further build on the later, by incorporating digitized platforms to make it even easier and more convenient for pilots to pre-pay (landing, customs, etc.) fees, especially in our Out Islands, Saunders said.

Based on the series of productive meetings with the organizers of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2021 , plans are underway to ensure that The Bahamas will have an even greater presence at next years EAA Oshkosh and Sun n Fun Aviation Shows. Representatives from the Bahamas Civil Aviation, Airport Authority and Royal Bahamas Police Force will participate. As well as a celebration of Bahamian culture featuring the Royal Bahamas Police Force Pop Band. As a climax to each of the shows (Oshkosh and Sun n Fun), group fly outs to The Bahamas will be conducted with private pilots.

Link:

2021 Oshkosh Exceeds Expectations of EAA Organizers and Bahamas Team - South Florida Caribbean News

Global sports betting supplier Kambi Group plc has signed a multi-year agreement this week to become the online sports betting partner of The Bahamas biggest gaming operator, Island Luck.

The partnership will see Island Luck leverage Kambis sports betting and technology services to upgrade its current sportsbook, offering Bahamians a best-in-class online betting experience.

Established in 2009, Island Luck is licensed by the Gaming Board for The Bahamas and is the largest gaming company in the country, offering online sports betting, casino and lottery throughout the islands.

This latest partnership sees Kambi expand its reach in the Americas region where it recently secured deals in Argentina and Peru, in addition to powering sports betting launches across multiple US states.

Kristian Nyln, Kambi CEO and Co-founder, said: We are delighted to have finalized this agreement with Island Luck, extending Kambis presence in the Americas and further strengthening our global network.

As a local market leader in The Bahamas, Island Luck is a perfect fit for Kambi and we look forward to working closely with their team to deliver an industry-leading sports betting experience to its players.

Island Luck CEO Sebas Bastian added: Our sports product is a significant, strategic and important vertical for our group and after considerable research, it was evident that a strategic partnership with Kambi, a global leader in the sportsbook space, was the right decision for us.

We are extremely happy to partner with Kambi to provide our customers with a superior sports betting experience and to provide us with cutting-edge risk management tools.

Visit link:

Kambi Group agrees sports betting partnership with Island Luck in The Bahamas - SBC Americas

The Bahamas has reinstated mandatory Covid testing for all visitors, including vaccinated travelers.

Fully vaccinated travelers, as well as children from two to 11 years of age, are required to obtain a Covid-19 test (either a rapid antigen or a PCR test) taken no more than five days prior to arrival. Vaccinated travelers should still provide proof of vaccination.

The new protocols take effect Aug. 6 but are waived for anyone who has already obtained a Bahamas Travel Health Visa in anticipation of imminent travel.

In addition to obtaining a PCR test no more than five days prior to travel, unvaccinated travelers must take a rapid antigen test on day four if staying longer than five days and fill out a health questionnaire every day of their stay.

All children under the age of two are exempt from any testing requirements.

Travel within the Bahamas from Nassau and Paradise Island, Grand Bahama, Bimini, Exuma, Abaco and North and South Eleuthera, including Harbour Island, carries the same requirements as above for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers.

Guests on cruises that originate in and return to the Bahamas must apply for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa and follow the new testing requirements.

All travelers entering the Bahamas on cruises that originate in the U.S. are subject to the testing requirements mandated by the cruise line and approved by the government of the Bahamas, keeping in mind that cruise lines may have different requirements for vaccinated and unvaccinated passengers.

Go here to read the rest:

Bahamas will require a Covid test for all visitors, regardless of vaccine status - Travel Weekly

Theres a brand-new way to fly to Nassau in The Bahamas.

Tropic Ocean Airways, the fast-expanding Fort Lauderdale-based air carrier, is launching scheduled service to Nassau.

The new flights, which launch Aug. 12, will operate four times per week, with service on Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays and Mondays.

Most notably, travelers on the Nassau route depart from the Sheltair private aviation terminal not from the main FLL airport.

That means its effectively a private flight, with expedited boarding and arrival experiences at the Sheltair FBO in Fort Lauderdale and Odyssey Aviation in Nassau.

Notably, tsravelers only need to arrive 45 minutes before their flights.

Tropic Ocean Airways has been flying to The Bahamas and Odyssey Aviation since 2009, guided by a philosophy we at Odyssey Aviation also follow, said Steven K. Kelly Principal at Odyssey

Tropic is flying the service on Cessna Caravan EX aircraft with nine seats; the flight takes about an hour.Aviation.

As we continue to welcome many of our Baha Mar guests from the South Florida region, having additional airlift with seamless departure and arrival experiences is more valued than ever, said Graeme Davis, President of the Baha Mar resort. We are thrilled to participate in debuting Tropic Ocean Airways new scheduled services, a much appreciated and needed benefit for our tourism industry and overall enhancement of our guest experience. Tourism continues to be one of the strongest driving economic factors for The Bahamas and this additional airlift will be significant for the destination and the future of travel to Nassau. Tropic Ocean Airways new service not only offers our guests ease of access, but also provides them with an almost private plane, which we are noticing a growing desire for.

Base rates start at $350 one-way, according to the company, excluding taxes and landing fees.

Tropic says that as demand continues to grow, the company plans to add additional airlift to support tourism and international travel needs.

The airline operates scheduled and charter service to destinations across The Bahamas out of Fort Lauderdale.

For more, visit Tropic Ocean Airways.

Read more:

There's a New Way to Fly to Nassau, The Bahamas - Caribbean Journal

The British airline announced that it will inaugurate flights to Nassau, Bahamas, starting on November 20. Virgin Atlantic will fly twice a week in the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, configured with 258 seats in three classes.

As communicated by the company, the flights will be available for sale in the reservation system from August 11. At the moment, the companys schedule between London and Nassau is not officially known.

Image: Mark Harkin Wikimedia Commons

Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic, commented, We couldnt be more excited to add the Bahamas to our ever-expanding portfolio of Caribbean destinations. We are seeing a real demand from our customers for luxury holidays in the sun with Brits keen to escape on their next adventure after a difficult year. With 16 islands surrounded by the worlds clearest water, the Bahamas offers the perfect escape for those travellers looking to either simply relax or explore a new corner of the world.

Were currently flying to Barbados, Antigua, Jamaica and Grenada and expect to restart Tobago and Havana, Cuba in the upcoming months. We look forward to launching new services to the Bahamas as well as the first direct service from Europe to St Vincent and the Grenadines in October 2021.

We are incredibly thrilled about Virgin Atlantics new, twice-weekly airlift services from Londons Heathrow Airport, which will allow travellers to opt for a direct flight to the capital of The Bahamas, said theHon. Dionisio DAguilar, Bahamas Minister of Tourism & Aviation.There is a growing demand amongst UK travelers seeking a tropical, Bahamian escape. We look forward to welcoming them to our beautiful shores to experience what makes our country a unique Caribbean destination unlike any other.

Virgins routes between United Kingdom and the Caribbean

On the other hand, Virgin Atlantic will increase its frequency of flights to Barbados, reaching five operations from Manchester and eleven from London, reaching 16 weekly.

See also: Viva Air Colombia inaugurates flights between Medellin and Mexico City.

Follow this link:

Virgin Atlantic to fly to the Bahamas - Aviacionline.com