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Govt resets

Govt resets

Thu, Oct 5th 2023, 10:54 AM

The Speech from the Throne marking the start of a new session of Parliament yesterday laid out a legislative agenda to address a wide range of issues, including the high cost of living, climate change, irregular migration, crime, and the backlog within the judicial system.

"In this next phase of the administration, my government will continue to intensify its focus on strengthening personal security, economic security, and national security," said Governor General Cynthia A. Pratt as she delivered the speech in Parliament Square - her first since being sworn in last month.

The speech outlined plans for legislation to create greater opportunities in employment, youth development, education and health and wellness.

Pratt said the government believes employment plays a key role in ensuring personal security for Bahamians.

She said steps will be taken to prioritize "Bahamian jobs for Bahamian workers," including the formation of a new unit to review notice of vacancy processes and ensure that Bahamians have a fair opportunity to apply for available jobs.

She said the government will continue efforts to expand opportunities in the tourism sector.

Pratt noted plans to establish a Downtown Management Authority to oversee the continued revitalization of Downtown Nassau, as well as to implement the Family Island Airport Renaissance Project to "accelerate the redevelopment of airports throughout The Bahamas".

As the largest employer in the country, Pratt said the government will also "improve the working life of public service employees" through a public service-wide promotion exercise and the introduction of a Public Service Reform Bill that will "modernize the approach and governance of public servants".

Speaking on education, which she noted is essential to personal security, Pratt highlighted the National School Breakfast Programme and the launch of its pilot program earlier this week.

The government also plans to bring a National Maritime Instruction and Training Bill and a National Apprenticeship Bill.

Pratt said the government remains committed to the creation of a creative and performing arts school, noting that preparation has begun for public consultation.

She highlighted plans for the creation of a bill that would create a National Youth Commission that "will be mandated to implement policies, programs and projects consistent with the national youth policy."

A National Service Bill that will "invite our young citizens to register for national service" will also be introduced, she announced.

"The participants in this program will serve to meet the needs of our vulnerable communities throughout The Bahamas," Pratt said.

Acknowledging a need for reliable access to affordable health care, Pratt reiterated plans to construct a new specialty hospital in New Providence and a new hospital in Grand Bahama, as well as the introduction of a new telemedicine platform, and the implementation of the second phase of National Health Insurance with the introduction of coverage for catastrophic health care.

Pratt said the government will also introduce legislation for the care and protection of the elderly, while the Stem Cell Act will be repealed and replaced to tighten its regulatory framework.

To ensure economic security, Pratt said the government's legislative agenda will promote economic growth and diversification, combat the rising cost of living, provide housing support, protect national resources, develop national infrastructure, and resolve longstanding land issues.

Among the most sweeping pieces of planned legislation is The Bahamas National Development Plan Bill, which Pratt said will "lay the strategic plan for the future".

She also noted plans for the enhancement of local government on Family Islands through a new Local Government Bill.

"My government will launch the Family Island Infrastructure Fund to encourage public-private partnerships and economic opportunities for Bahamians," Pratt said.

The government also plans to introduce economic empowerment zone legislation to create incentives and concessions in key geographic areas.

There is still a commitment to the regulation of the cannabis and hemp industries, Pratt said, noting that several rounds of public consultations have indicated "widespread enthusiasm amongst the public for this new health and economic sector".

Pratt said intellectual property legislation will also be introduced to protect the country's creative industries and empower the orange economy.

She also noted plans for a new Legal Profession Amendment Bill, a Securities Industry Bill and a Digital Assets Registered Exchanges Bill.

Pratt said the government will focus on improving the ease of doing business through the introduction of a Registrar General Bill that would reorganize the operations of the Registrar General's Office.

She said a new online company registry portal and a new online civil platform will also be launched.


Other pledges

Noting that high electricity costs represent a "significant driver of high costs in the country", Pratt said the government will introduce a Renewable Energy Bill to provide a framework for the expansion of renewable energy generation, while a Liquid Natural Gas Bill will provide a framework for the development of LNG generation.

According to Pratt, an Urban Renewal Authority will be established "to improve the quality of life for residents in designated communities throughout The Bahamas".

The government has also pledged to increase benefits for the disabled and provide a post-school-age facility for individuals with disabilities. Plans are also underway to restructure the monthly assistance program for seniors and other eligible people.

Other promised legislation include a Funeral Industry Services Bill and legislation to require at least one public access to every beach.

The government recommitted to expanding opportunities for home ownership through the introduction of programs and policies, including a rent-to-own housing initiative.

Pratt also said the government will accelerate the rebuilding of homes on Abaco and Grand Bahama that were damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Dorian.

As it relates to environmental protections, she said the government will introduce a National Forest Bill and legislation to regulate mining and prevent the "exploitation of our natural resources".

"This will also provide a defined royalty framework so that it is Bahamians who benefit," Pratt said.

The Bahamas Wildlife Enforcement Network Bill would establish an armed law enforcement agency for the enforcement of all laws regarding natural resources in The Bahamas.

Pratt said the "security of property ownership" will also be addressed through the enactment of legislation to deal with land registration and the adjudication of disputes.

Amendments will also be made to the Environmental Planning and Protection Act to provide for a more streamlined application of the environmental laws to Bahamian-owned small developments and to introduce spot fines for violations of the act.

The government's national security objectives include ensuring the country's borders are well-defended, maintaining positive relationships with CARICOM and other states, regulating the flow of migrants into the country, tackling crime, and improving the country's resilience to the impacts of climate change.

She noted that amendments to the Defence Force Act will be proposed to "preserve discipline and good order in the Defence Force" and a Royal Bahamas Defence Force Cadets Bill will also be proposed to allow current RBDF rangers to become a legislated youth arm of the RBDF.

Pratt said The Bahamas cannot sustain the "overwhelming number" of irregular migrants that it has been seeing.

"My government will introduce a bill to amend the Immigration Act to make new provisions and to be more responsive to the present realities of our immigration circumstances," she said. "Regulations will be introduced to govern the procedures at the detention center to ensure that it is operating optimally and in conformity with international best practices."

Noting that crime remains a serious issue, Pratt said a compendium of measures will be introduced to address concerns, including a National Security Council Bill, a National Intelligence Bill, and the Conditional Release of Offenders Bill.

The government also promises anti-gang legislation, as well as amendments to the Firearms Act, which will require safety training for everyone licensed to possess a firearm.

On the judiciary side, an amendment to the Supreme Court Act will be proposed to expand the number of justices by five to clear the backlog of cases.

"A new Court Services Bill will empower the judiciary to operate autonomously, by taking away oversight by central government, thereby removing the bottleneck caused by the current system and providing further judicial independence," she said.

Pratt said legislation will also be introduced to combat cybercrime and protect data.

While some of the promises in the speech were a repeat of those made in the 2021 Speech from the Throne, some key unfulfilled promises from the earlier speech were noticeably absent yesterday.

These include the amendment of the Education Act to provide for universal pre-primary education for three and four-year-olds; a finalized Local Government Act for New Providence and the amendment of House of Assembly rules to enable fixed sessions of Parliament.

The post Govt resets appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

The post Govt resets appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

Govt promises bill for Nat'l Development Plan
Govt promises bill for Nat'l Development Plan

Thu, Oct 5th 2023, 10:42 AM

Pintard: Speech is recycled ideas
Pintard: Speech is recycled ideas

Thu, Oct 5th 2023, 10:17 AM

Preaching a message of men's health
Preaching a message of men's health

Thu, Oct 5th 2023, 09:18 AM

BAAA seeks to protect the children

BAAA seeks to protect the children

Thu, Oct 5th 2023, 09:07 AM

In an effort to protect the children in the sport from harm, thereby taking care of its most valuable commodity, the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) has adopted a policy of ensuring that all of its club-level coaches are certified in safeguarding.

To be selected as national team coaches, it is now mandatory for local coaches in athletics to undergo the safeguarding training course on World Athletics website. The 90-minute course is open to all and it is a basic awareness training course explaining why safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.

World Athletics has developed the course, primarily for the protection of young athletes involved in Kids Athletics worldwide. Here in The Bahamas, the Kids Athletics program is one of the largest activity based outlets for young children. BAAA President Drumeco Archer said it's imperative that the federation does its part in the protection of those young children, including the creation of a code of conduct.

"As a federation that attracts perhaps the largest number of children from a cross section of society, kids from at-risk communities, the BAAA is the first member federation to adopt a mandatory child safeguarding set of protocols to ensure, as foreseeable as it can, to protect children," said Archer. "World Athletics has made this one of its mandates - to promote child safeguarding policies - and we in the federation support it wholeheartedly. The federation has always historically provided a safe space for young kids who aspire to be great athletes, and this initiative serves to further create awareness within the track and field community.

"Safeguarding touches and concerns all of us, as children everywhere in the world are exposed to adverse environments. This extends beyond the protection of child abuse but also addresses the issues of bullying, inappropriate physical contact, suggestive language, extending special gifts to athletes in isolation and segregating athletes away from their peers in private environments. Safeguarding is about creating safe environments for everyone to be able to compete, train and enjoy athletics, so as to develop, flourish and grow both as athletes and individuals."

The 90-minute course is open to all and can be found on World Athletics website. Here in The Bahamas, Archer said it will be mandatory for all club coaches in order to be considered for national team travel and duty. He's also encouraging parents to take the course, along with children, so that they could become aware of what is acceptable and what is unacceptable. The course is free of charge, and there will be a certificate presented upon completion.

"This is absolutely one of many requirements that qualifies one to be a coach on national team travel, more specifically for junior national teams," said Archer. "This is a mandate that comes from World Athletics. It will be required of the coaching staff of all clubs. They must complete this certification by end of October so that reporting could be handed to NACAC (North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletics Association) and World Athletics. This is one of several initiatives that the federation intends to undertake as it relates to the protection of our kids. We also intend to work more closely with the Department of Social Services as well as the police force and guidance counselors. They are all a part of the network to ensure that we do all that we can to protect our young impressionable athletes."

Archer said the BAAA intends to conduct background checks to ensure that coaches and clubs are up to speed on safeguarding certification.

"This is important so that parents, and their children, could become more aware of the environment that is out there and to know and of the recourse that is available to them," said Archer. "We will create an independent integrity unit where athletes, parents and coaches are able to report via email, and in person, incidents that might give cause for legal action. It is a matter that we are taking very seriously and one that is indeed necessary for the protection of our children."

World Athletics has stated that each of its member federations should be aware of the World Athletics Safeguarding Policy, which is to protect children from abuse, harassment and exploitation, in a proactive manner. It states that everyone should be able to recognize concerning, problematic or inappropriate behavior so as to report it, meaning that boundaries will be maintained rather than eroded. World Athletics also states that training is a key aspect of safeguarding, and that everyone involved should understand what safeguarding is about, is able to recognize abuse and knows how to report concerns and who to report them to.

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RCI's local hiring continues to heat up with more than 100 recently positioned

RCI's local hiring continues to heat up with more than 100 recently positioned

Thu, Oct 5th 2023, 08:03 AM

Royal Caribbean International (RCI) hired more than 100 Bahamians recently, as it moved toward its goal of putting Bahamians at every level of its operation in The Bahamas and aboard its vessels, RCI said.

President of the Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island and General Manager of Royal Caribbean International Bahamas Philip Simon said in a statement that the company is excited to see the level of qualifications Bahamians have brought to job interviews during the company's many job fairs, supported by The Department of Labour.

"Royal Caribbean is focused on identifying Bahamian talent for its private island destinations and onboard positions," the statement said.

"Earlier this year, the cruise line opened an office in Nassau on Bay Street, and most recently, it partnered with the Ministry of Labour to host a series of job fairs in New Providence, Grand Bahama, and north and south Andros."

The statement said: "Upon completion of the job fairs, 112 successful applicants have completed the initial screening process, 74 in New Providence, 31 in North Andros and seven in South Andros."

It also explained that there are more than 15 job categories available to Bahamians throughout RCI's expansive cruise business, including lifeguard, beach and kitchen attendant, to aquatics guide, electrician, plumber, ops driver and finance specialist.

The statement said the cruise line's private island, PerfectDay at CocoCay, now has Bahamians working as managers in almost every department, serving one million guests per year.

Assistant Director of Labour Michael Colebrooke said that they are thankful that RCI can provide work opportunities close to home for Androsians.

"Encouraging young people to stay in Andros helps the local economy, keeps families intact, and strengthens the community," he said.

RCI is preparing to begin hiring for its new Hideaway Beach offering on CocoCay, which is expected to open in January.

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Munroe new leader of govt business in House 
Munroe new leader of govt business in House 

Thu, Oct 5th 2023, 07:40 AM

Man denies killing woman
Man denies killing woman

Thu, Oct 5th 2023, 07:23 AM

FRANCES BUTLER
FRANCES BUTLER

Wed, Oct 4th 2023, 05:33 PM

ANTHONY ROYCE LIVINGSTONE

ANTHONY ROYCE LIVINGSTONE

Wed, Oct 4th 2023, 05:03 PM

FUNERAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Funeral Service for MR. ANTHONY ROYCE LIVINGSTONE "Royce", age 66 years of # 134 Clive Avenue, Freeport, Grand Bahama will be held on Saturday, September 30th, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at The Chapel at Restview Memorial Mortuary and Crematorium Limited, #11-A Coral Road, Freeport, Grand Bahama.

Officiating will be Rev. Hartley Thompson. Cremation will follow.

Precious Memories will linger in the hearts of his Devoted Sisters: Angelina C. Gantt- Mathis (Miami Gardens, Fla.), Christine Taylor (New Providence) and Chrystal Livingstone (Grand Bahama); Special friend: Lavern Watkins; Nephews: Shellynburg, Clarence (Miami Gardens, Fla.), Kendrick, Jermaine Sr. and Tarquinn Sr.; Nieces: Linda Stanley (Miami, Fla.), Kendra, Keva, Nelsine, and Subrina Grandnieces: Latisha, Kendera, Jasmine, Louren, Talisha, Jemicia and Jelissa; Grandnephews: Gantt, Cecil, Sam, Frankie, Calvin (Florida), Jermaine, Jr. and Tarquinn Jr.; Extended family: Damien Watkins Sr., Damien Watkins Jr., Camelia, Alexandera, Jhataara Roberts, Kennitra Williams, Quinisha Neman, Jhavontae Culmer, Jhatorae Roberts, Tanya Culmer and a host of other Relatives and Friends including: Glenroy Cooper and family, Lemonia (Nizta) and Nicktaris Vikatos and family, Saunders and family, Cooper's Gas Station family, Zorbas Greek Restaurant family, Port Lucaya family, Harbour House Maintenance family, Smith's Point family, Anthony Conyers and family, Tamika Liscombe and family, Sylvia Thompson and family, Leslie Musgrove and family, Delbert Baker, Erica and family, Erica Edden and family, Edith Johnson and family. Special thanks to Nurse April Parker and family, East Grand Bahama #2 family, Senator James Turner, Rev. Hartley Thompson, Canon Norman Lightbourne and The Pro Cathedral of Christ the King families.

Viewing will be held in the "Serenity Suite" at Restview Memorial Mortuary and Crematorium Limited, Freeport, Grand Bahama on Friday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. until service time.

The post ANTHONY ROYCE LIVINGSTONE appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

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DANIEL SMITH
DANIEL SMITH

Wed, Oct 4th 2023, 04:46 PM

SCHEDRIKA LAVELL BRAYNEN-DAVIS
SCHEDRIKA LAVELL BRAYNEN-DAVIS

Wed, Oct 4th 2023, 04:04 PM

DUDLEY O'NEIL GILBERT SR.
DUDLEY O'NEIL GILBERT SR.

Wed, Oct 4th 2023, 03:48 PM