The Lyford Cay Foundation and the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board (NPIPB) today unveiled an historic partnership linking the nation’s largest provider of scholarships with its most influential promotion board and netting two major scholarships in tourism leadership. 

The scholarships – each valued at up to $25,000 per year – are believed to be the first of their kind, preparing promising industry professionals to move into critical industry leadership positions. Applicants must be accepted into an accredited university with a tourism or hospitality management program either at the undergraduate or graduate level. The award is renewable will continue so long as the recipient maintains the required grade point average and will allow two students to study at a time for the duration of the program. 

“The Bahamian people are essential tour guests’ vacation experience and the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board recognizes the unique position we hold to help shape the lives of our biggest asset,” said NPIPB CEO Joy Jibrilu. “As the first Bahamian to hold the position of CEO, it is a great honor to partner with the Lyford Cay Foundation to provide these two scholarships in tourism leadership. We look forward to witnessing the impact these future recipients have on the tourism sector in The Bahamas and beyond.”  

As the largest private funder of scholarships, Lyford Cay Foundations has invested more than $50 million in Bahamian students and non-profits since its founding in 1969. Despite the fact that more than 3,000 students have gone to college with a Foundation scholarship, this is the first time that the not-for-profit organization has laser-focused its attention on tourism management, vision and leadership, according to long-time Foundation board member Judith Whitehead who was representing Chairman Basil Goulandris.

“This is the first tourism leadership scholarship to be offered by the Foundation and we are delighted to partner with an organization which represents the leading hoteliers and business minds in the tourism sector,” said Mrs. Whitehead, who credited tourism with transforming the economy. 

“We all know how important the tourism sector is for The Bahamas…We enjoy one of the highest per capita incomes and qualities of life in the region,” she noted. “Through tourism, many Bahamians have achieved significant mobility in their careers. Many have spent time abroad, worked in global properties and come back home to ascend to management positions.  However, we know that many more need these opportunities, and we hope that by helping tourism scholars achieve higher education in competitive, globally recognized tourism programs they will be better prepared to lead the way.”

 Lyford Cay Foundation Executive Director Dr. Nicola Virgill-Rolle said the Foundation was honoured to be selected by the promotion board to receive the gift. “We fully recognize the importance of providing leaders in our most important economic engine with the tools that will help them make the best decisions whether in banner times or unforeseeable crisis,” said Dr. Virgill-Rolle. “Access to higher education at competitive schools combined with access to internships and mentoring will prepare citizens and residents for the top posts in the tourism and hospitality sectors.” 

Each year, the Foundations provide some 35-40 new scholarships and among the thousands who have graduated thanks to the financial assistance from the Foundations, the majority were the first in their family to attend college. Today’s announcement came during a press conference at the Templeton Building.  

What began as a casual comment about the need to fund tourism leadership education between two women who understand the responsibilities and importance of leadership, Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board CEO Joy Jibrilu, left, and Dr. Nicola Virgill-Rolle, Lyford Cay Foundation Executive Director, standing, today culminated in the signing of an agreement for a 5-year $250,000 scholarship for undergrad or graduate work with two scholarships to be awarded annually. Pictured seated right, Judith Whitehead, long-time Foundation executive board member representing Chairman Basil Goulandris. (Cay Focus Photography for DP&A) 

The Lyford Cay Foundation and the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board (NPIPB) today unveiled an historic partnership linking the nation’s largest provider of scholarships with its most influential promotion board and netting two major scholarships in tourism leadership.  The scholarships – each valued at up to $25,000 per year – are believed to be the first of their kind, preparing promising industry professionals to move into critical industry leadership positions. Applicants must be accepted into an accredited university with a tourism or hospitality management program either at the undergraduate or graduate level. The award is renewable will continue so long as the recipient maintains the required grade point average and will allow two students to study at a time for the duration of the program.  “The Bahamian people are essential tour guests’ vacation experience and the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board recognizes the unique position we hold to help shape the lives of our biggest asset,” said NPIPB CEO Joy Jibrilu. “As the first Bahamian to hold the position of CEO, it is a great honor to partner with the Lyford Cay Foundation to provide these two scholarships in tourism leadership. We look forward to witnessing the impact these future recipients have on the tourism sector in The Bahamas and beyond.”   As the largest private funder of scholarships, Lyford Cay Foundations has invested more than $50 million in Bahamian students and non-profits since its founding in 1969. Despite the fact that more than 3,000 students have gone to college with a Foundation scholarship, this is the first time that the not-for-profit organization has laser-focused its attention on tourism management, vision and leadership, according to long-time Foundation board member Judith Whitehead who was representing Chairman Basil Goulandris. “This is the first tourism leadership scholarship to be offered by the Foundation and we are delighted to partner with an organization which represents the leading hoteliers and business minds in the tourism sector,” said Mrs. Whitehead, who credited tourism with transforming the economy.  “We all know how important the tourism sector is for The Bahamas…We enjoy one of the highest per capita incomes and qualities of life in the region,” she noted. “Through tourism, many Bahamians have achieved significant mobility in their careers. Many have spent time abroad, worked in global properties and come back home to ascend to management positions.  However, we know that many more need these opportunities, and we hope that by helping tourism scholars achieve higher education in competitive, globally recognized tourism programs they will be better prepared to lead the way.”   Lyford Cay Foundation Executive Director Dr. Nicola Virgill-Rolle said the Foundation was honoured to be selected by the promotion board to receive the gift. “We fully recognize the importance of providing leaders in our most important economic engine with the tools that will help them make the best decisions whether in banner times or unforeseeable crisis,” said Dr. Virgill-Rolle. “Access to higher education at competitive schools combined with access to internships and mentoring will prepare citizens and residents for the top posts in the tourism and hospitality sectors.”  Each year, the Foundations provide some 35-40 new scholarships and among the thousands who have graduated thanks to the financial assistance from the Foundations, the majority were the first in their family to attend college. Today’s announcement came during a press conference at the Templeton Building.   What began as a casual comment about the need to fund tourism leadership education between two women who understand the responsibilities and importance of leadership, Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board CEO Joy Jibrilu, left, and Dr. Nicola Virgill-Rolle, Lyford Cay Foundation Executive Director, standing, today culminated in the signing of an agreement for a 5-year $250,000 scholarship for undergrad or graduate work with two scholarships to be awarded annually. Pictured seated right, Judith Whitehead, long-time Foundation executive board member representing Chairman Basil Goulandris. (Cay Focus Photography for DP&A) 

The Ministry of National Security and the Trafficking in Persons (TIPS) Inter-Ministry Committee hosted a TIPS Prevention Seminar for Girls at the National Training Agency on Saturday, May 20, 2023.

The seminar, under the theme 'Building Resiliency Against Trafficking in Persons,' was held to sensitize the girls 11 thru 18 and other members of the public to the crime of Trafficking in Persons or Human Trafficking.

Girls in the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF rangers) Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) cadet corps and non-governmental organizations were in attendance. 

Mrs. Ann Marie Davis, of the Office of the Spouse of the Prime Minister, addressed those in attendance as part of her office's mandate to advocate and promote health, wellness and reinforcement of women and girls, while encouraging them in the knowledge that the possibilities for them are endless.

Mrs. Davis said "Trafficking in Persons, also called 'Human Trafficking,' is a crime and a human rights abuse."

"We must adopt a zero tolerance of abuse and exploitation of our women and girls, she said: Speak up immediately and speak loudly."

"We must continue to use every available tool and communication platform such as this seminar to educate, sensitize and inform the public and would-be victims of this evil that lurks ever-so-close to those we love and care so deeply about," Mrs. Davis said.

"I commit the Office of the Spouse to working with the government, local non-governmental organizations (NGO's), and my CARICOM counterparts to bring sustained public awareness, in addition to policy and legislative proposals designed to offer greater protection to our young and most vulnerable among us."  

 The Ministry of National Security and the Trafficking in Persons (TIPS) Inter-Ministry Committee hosted a TIPS Prevention Seminar for Girls at the National Training Agency on Saturday, May 20, 2023. The seminar, under the theme 'Building Resiliency Against Trafficking in Persons,' was held to sensitize the girls 11 thru 18 and other members of the public to the crime of Trafficking in Persons or Human Trafficking. Girls in the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF rangers) Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) cadet corps and non-governmental organizations were in attendance.  Mrs. Ann Marie Davis, of the Office of the Spouse of the Prime Minister, addressed those in attendance as part of her office's mandate to advocate and promote health, wellness and reinforcement of women and girls, while encouraging them in the knowledge that the possibilities for them are endless. Mrs. Davis said "Trafficking in Persons, also called 'Human Trafficking,' is a crime and a human rights abuse." "We must adopt a zero tolerance of abuse and exploitation of our women and girls, she said: Speak up immediately and speak loudly." "We must continue to use every available tool and communication platform such as this seminar to educate, sensitize and inform the public and would-be victims of this evil that lurks ever-so-close to those we love and care so deeply about," Mrs. Davis said. "I commit the Office of the Spouse to working with the government, local non-governmental organizations (NGO's), and my CARICOM counterparts to bring sustained public awareness, in addition to policy and legislative proposals designed to offer greater protection to our young and most vulnerable among us."  

Businessman and thought leader Franklyn Butler will deliver theSpring 2023 Commencement address at the University of The Bahamas–North Commencement Ceremony in Grand Bahama scheduled for 1st June 2023 at the Grand Lucayan Resort.

Mr. Butler is the President and CEO of Cable Bahamas, Ltd.; Chairman and Director of AMLFoods Ltd., the leading supermarket chain in the Bahamas; and Chairman and Director of BeAliv Ltd., The Bahamas’ second mobile operator. He also serves as Independent Director of theArawak Port Development Company Ltd. and Director of the Bahamas Property Fund.

Mr. Butler is considered one of the region’s leading experts in corporate governance andsuccession planning in family businesses. For 13 years, he held the position of Chairman of theBoard of Milo B. Butler & Sons after serving in numerous capacities at his family’s business,Milo Butler Group, an investment holding group with diverse interests in the Bahamian capitalmarkets. During this time, he focused on growth and transformation and led the transition fromG2 (the sibling generation) to G3 (the generation of cousin consortiums) in management andownership. The story of this transition was featured on the cover of the November/December2014 edition of Family Business Magazine, a U.S. publication.

Since then, Mr. Butler has established himself as a family business resource, strategic thinker,and value-added partner throughout The Bahamas’ capital markets. He is often invited to speakand educate multigenerational businesses on the “do’s and don’ts” of managing both the familyand the business components of family business enterprises. He is also a member of YoungPresidents Organization’s (YPO’s) Bahamas and Orlando Chapters and the Salvation ArmyBahamas’ advisory board.

His commencement address will infuse his experiences into a message that reflects the theme ofBuilding Resilience Within Ourselves. Grand Bahamians, in particular, have demonstrated anindomitable spirit, having endured successive economic, climate and health crises over the years.

University of The Bahamas (UB) expects more than 500 students in total to receive their degrees,diplomas and certificates as a part of the Spring 2023 Commencement Class which includesstudents at the UB-North campus in Grand Bahama and the Oakes Field Campus in New Providence. Baccalaureate degree holders are, again, anticipated to account for the vast majorityof students who are graduating. UB has an alumni community of more than 22,000 graduates.

The Spring 2023 Commencement Events for UB-North include the Teachers’ Commissioningand Awards Ceremony on 30th May at 10 a.m. at the Church of God of Prophecy; theBaccalaureate Service on 31st May at 6:00 p.m. at Life Community Church; and theCommencement Ceremony on 1st June at 6:30 p.m. at the Grand Lucayan Resort. 

Businessman and thought leader Franklyn Butler will deliver the Spring 2023 Commencement address at the University of The Bahamas–North Commencement Ceremony in Grand Bahama scheduled for 1st June 2023 at the Grand Lucayan Resort. Mr. Butler is the President and CEO of Cable Bahamas, Ltd.; Chairman and Director of AML Foods Ltd., the leading supermarket chain in the Bahamas; and Chairman and Director of Be Aliv Ltd., The Bahamas’ second mobile operator. He also serves as Independent Director of the Arawak Port Development Company Ltd. and Director of the Bahamas Property Fund. Mr. Butler is considered one of the region’s leading experts in corporate governance and succession planning in family businesses. For 13 years, he held the position of Chairman of the Board of Milo B. Butler & Sons after serving in numerous capacities at his family’s business, Milo Butler Group, an investment holding group with diverse interests in the Bahamian capital markets. During this time, he focused on growth and transformation and led the transition from G2 (the sibling generation) to G3 (the generation of cousin consortiums) in management and ownership. The story of this transition was featured on the cover of the November/December 2014 edition of Family Business Magazine, a U.S. publication. Since then, Mr. Butler has established himself as a family business resource, strategic thinker, and value-added partner throughout The Bahamas’ capital markets. He is often invited to speak and educate multigenerational businesses on the “do’s and don’ts” of managing both the family and the business components of family business enterprises. He is also a member of Young Presidents Organization’s (YPO’s) Bahamas and Orlando Chapters and the Salvation Army Bahamas’ advisory board. His commencement address will infuse his experiences into a message that reflects the theme of Building Resilience Within Ourselves. Grand Bahamians, in particular, have demonstrated an indomitable spirit, having endured successive economic, climate and health crises over the years. University of The Bahamas (UB) expects more than 500 students in total to receive their degrees, diplomas and certificates as a part of the Spring 2023 Commencement Class which includes students at the UB-North campus in Grand Bahama and the Oakes Field Campus in New  Providence. Baccalaureate degree holders are, again, anticipated to account for the vast majority of students who are graduating. UB has an alumni community of more than 22,000 graduates. The Spring 2023 Commencement Events for UB-North include the Teachers’ Commissioning and Awards Ceremony on 30th May at 10 a.m. at the Church of God of Prophecy; the Baccalaureate Service on 31st May at 6:00 p.m. at Life Community Church; and the Commencement Ceremony on 1st June at 6:30 p.m. at the Grand Lucayan Resort. 

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation the Hon. Chester Cooper congratulates winner of the Junior Minister of Tourism prize, Layla Leathen, a student at the Grand Bahama Academy of Seventh Day Adventists who recently surpassed 13 other competitors from throughout the archipelago at Bahamas Harvest Church's west campus for the competition's top spot.  She will advise the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, sponsor of the programme, on youth matters.  Her prizes include the Patrick S. Bain Scholarship, tenable at the University of The Bahamas and provided by the Bahamas Hotel & Tourism Association, and an all-expense-paid trip to the CTO youth congress.