University of The Bahamas (UB) proudly announces Doctors Hospital Health System as the Title Sponsor for UBFIT, the institution's flagship fundraiser. The leading healthcare provider in The Bahamas has committed a generous sum of $71,000 over three years to support the UBFIT fun run-walk event in New Providence and Freeport, Grand Bahama.  

UBFIT is a significant annual event that not only promotes health and wellness but also plays a vital role in raising funds for the University's Annual Fund  providing funding namely to students and faculty for research, study abroad and technology needs. The partnership with Doctors Hospital Health System reflects a shared commitment to the growth and development of University of The Bahamas 

UB President, Janyne, expressed her gratitude to Dr. Charles Diggiss and his team at Doctors Hospital Health System for their unwavering support. She emphasized the importance of such partnerships in advancing the institution's mission and fostering community engagement. President Janyne lauded the commitment of Doctors Hospital Health System to the success of UBFIT and acknowledged the positive impact it will have on the University's initiatives. 

Dr. Charles Diggiss, CEO of Doctors Hospital Health System, spoke about the significance of this partnership and the commitment to the University's development. "We are proud to be the Title Sponsor for UBFIT and to support University of The Bahamas in its pursuit of excellence," said Dr. Diggiss. "This is just the beginning of our collaboration with UB, and we look forward to being a part of many more initiatives that contribute to the growth of the institution." 

In addition to the sponsorship of UBFIT, Dr. Diggiss announced an additional investment in University of The Bahamas. He expressed eagerness about future collaborations, particularly in the field of Nursing and Allied Health programmes. Dr. Diggiss highlighted the importance of supporting education and training in healthcare, emphasizing the positive impact it can have on the community. 

UBFIT Co-Chair Ms. Inga Bostwick expressed gratitude to Dr. Diggiss and his team underscoring both entities commitment to education and community well-being.  “We deeply appreciative of Doctors Hospital Health System’s strong support of the University’s signature community-building and fitness fundraising event. Since UBFIT’s inception in 2017, Doctors Hospital came on board as an In-Kind Donor - providing ambulance services and forming large teams annually. Your generous seventy one thousand dollar sponsorship supports UB’s mission to drive national development,” expressed Ms. Bostwick.  

UBFIT Grand Bahama, chaired by Ms. Rickelle Albury will take place on Saturday, 16th March in Freeport and the generous Title Sponsorship of Doctors Hospital will enhance the race experience for all participants. “Thanks to your contribution, we are able to kick our race up a notch and provide the same experience that our counterparts offer here in New Providence. It is a pleasure to promote health, wellness, and community engagement, because we know our health is worth it. UBFIT GB funds UB North’s Student Support Award (SSA) as well as the rebuild campaign. The SSA allows financial assistance to students who are not on the government’s tertiary grant,” Ms. Albury shared. 

UBFIT New Providence will take place on Saturday, 20th April 2024 at 6:00am at the Oakes Field Campus. Registration is open at Chapter One Bookstore on online at ubfit@ub.edu.bs. For more information, call 424-8887 or email ubfit@ub.edu.bs. 

University of The Bahamas (UB) proudly announces Doctors Hospital Health System as the Title Sponsor for UBFIT, the institution's flagship fundraiser. The leading healthcare provider in The Bahamas has committed a generous sum of $71,000 over three years to support the UBFIT fun run-walk event in New Providence and Freeport, Grand Bahama.   UBFIT is a significant annual event that not only promotes health and wellness but also plays a vital role in raising funds for the University's Annual Fund  providing funding namely to students and faculty for research, study abroad and technology needs. The partnership with Doctors Hospital Health System reflects a shared commitment to the growth and development of University of The Bahamas  UB President, Janyne, expressed her gratitude to Dr. Charles Diggiss and his team at Doctors Hospital Health System for their unwavering support. She emphasized the importance of such partnerships in advancing the institution's mission and fostering community engagement. President Janyne lauded the commitment of Doctors Hospital Health System to the success of UBFIT and acknowledged the positive impact it will have on the University's initiatives.  Dr. Charles Diggiss, CEO of Doctors Hospital Health System, spoke about the significance of this partnership and the commitment to the University's development. "We are proud to be the Title Sponsor for UBFIT and to support University of The Bahamas in its pursuit of excellence," said Dr. Diggiss. "This is just the beginning of our collaboration with UB, and we look forward to being a part of many more initiatives that contribute to the growth of the institution."  In addition to the sponsorship of UBFIT, Dr. Diggiss announced an additional investment in University of The Bahamas. He expressed eagerness about future collaborations, particularly in the field of Nursing and Allied Health programmes. Dr. Diggiss highlighted the importance of supporting education and training in healthcare, emphasizing the positive impact it can have on the community.    UBFIT Co-Chair Ms. Inga Bostwick expressed gratitude to Dr. Diggiss and his team underscoring both entities commitment to education and community well-being.  “We deeply appreciative of Doctors Hospital Health System’s strong support of the University’s signature community-building and fitness fundraising event. Since UBFIT’s inception in 2017, Doctors Hospital came on board as an In-Kind Donor - providing ambulance services and forming large teams annually. Your generous seventy one thousand dollar sponsorship supports UB’s mission to drive national development,” expressed Ms. Bostwick.   UBFIT Grand Bahama, chaired by Ms. Rickelle Albury will take place on Saturday, 16th March in Freeport and the generous Title Sponsorship of Doctors Hospital will enhance the race experience for all participants. “Thanks to your contribution, we are able to kick our race up a notch and provide the same experience that our counterparts offer here in New Providence. It is a pleasure to promote health, wellness, and community engagement, because we know our health is worth it. UBFIT GB funds UB North’s Student Support Award (SSA) as well as the rebuild campaign. The SSA allows financial assistance to students who are not on the government’s tertiary grant,” Ms. Albury shared.  UBFIT New Providence will take place on Saturday, 20th April 2024 at 6:00am at the Oakes Field Campus. Registration is open at Chapter One Bookstore on online at ubfit@ub.edu.bs. For more information, call 424-8887 or email ubfit@ub.edu.bs. 

Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis joined  Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jamahl Strachan and officers of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, in touring the site of the Nassau Village Community Centre, and walking through the community, on February 15, 2024.  

Prime Minister Davis noted that, if persons in The Bahamas worked together "as one national community, as one family – we will finally achieve enduring progress. 

"Like today, in Nassau Village, I will be going to communities throughout New Providence to demonstrate my administration’s commitment to building stronger and safer neighborhoods," he announced.  "As your Prime Minister, my vision is of a Bahamas where everyone feels secure, where everyone is nurtured, and where every individual can thrive," Prime Minister Davis added.  

"This Community Centre is a small yet significant step in that direction."

He pointed out that the Nassau Village Community Centre will be "an urban sanctuary, a bastion of our commitment to safety and security. But our dreams do not limit themselves to these property lines." 

"Our shared vision for Nassau Village extends far beyond. Because we all deserve to live well, in a free state, safe from strife, "he stated.  "As I never tire of reminding anyone and everyone, we have the best people in the world, and the most beautiful country in the world," he added. 

"We are strong, resilient, entrepreneurial, and creative – and we are committed to taking care of each other through whatever storms come our way.  242 pride is real, and it’s justified."  

Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis joined  Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jamahl Strachan and officers of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, in touring the site of the Nassau Village Community Centre, and walking through the community, on February 15, 2024.   Prime Minister Davis noted that, if persons in The Bahamas worked together "as one national community, as one family – we will finally achieve enduring progress.  "Like today, in Nassau Village, I will be going to communities throughout New Providence to demonstrate my administration’s commitment to building stronger and safer neighborhoods," he announced.  "As your Prime Minister, my vision is of a Bahamas where everyone feels secure, where everyone is nurtured, and where every individual can thrive," Prime Minister Davis added.   "This Community Centre is a small yet significant step in that direction." He pointed out that the Nassau Village Community Centre will be "an urban sanctuary, a bastion of our commitment to safety and security. But our dreams do not limit themselves to these property lines."  "Our shared vision for Nassau Village extends far beyond. Because we all deserve to live well, in a free state, safe from strife, "he stated.  "As I never tire of reminding anyone and everyone, we have the best people in the world, and the most beautiful country in the world," he added.  "We are strong, resilient, entrepreneurial, and creative – and we are committed to taking care of each other through whatever storms come our way.  242 pride is real, and it’s justified."  

The Bahamas Feeding Network (BFN) has remained at the forefront of the hunger fight while also battling a dramatic decrease in donations. Last month alone, BFN provided over 6,000 meals to families across the country.

The not-for-profit food and resource collection and distribution hub focuses on maximizing the effectiveness of feeding programs, minimizing service duplication, and improving collaboration among feeding centers and programs across New Providence and the Family Islands.

CIBC FirstCaribbean assisted BFN in its efforts with a financial donation prior to the holiday season. The bank’s Managing Director, Jacqui Bend, underscored that CIBC FirstCaribbean remains committed to supporting initiatives that make a tangible difference in the countries it serves.

"As part of CIBC FirstCaribbean's ongoing commitment to community, we are immensely proud to support the Bahamas Feeding Network. Our donation represents not just a financial contribution, but a heartfelt commitment to physical wellbeing. The work of the Bahamas Feeding Network is both inspiring and essential, and we at CIBC FirstCaribbean are honored to be a part of this noble cause devoted to wiping out hunger.”

BFN is dedicated to raising approximately $25,000 each month to purchase groceries for its partner ministries. These ministries, in turn, either cook food for distribution or provide parcels directly to those in need.

Bahamas Feeding Network’s Executive Director, Nicolette Fountain Archer said that during a period where donations have decreased and distribution frequency and quantity had to be cut back, CIBC FirstCaribbean’s donation was a beacon of hope. The donation ensured that hundreds of families did not face food scarcity in December, a time when BFN had to reduce grocery amounts in parcels from 14 to 8 meals.

Ms. Fountain Archer said ‘thank you’ hardly seems enough to express the depth of gratitude felt by the BFN team and those they serve. She noted the donation from CIBC FirstCaribbean is more than just a contribution, it is a lifeline that brings joy and sustenance to families in need.

“When businesses and individuals like CIBC FirstCaribbean donate, we are able to answer the call for parcels of food needed by numerous families. It is the difference between a full tummy for a family, most often with children, and going to bed hungry.”

Bahamas Feeding Network highlighted that Quality Care Pharmacy is hosting a Fun Run and Walk this Saturday, February 3, 2024, with BFN as the chosen beneficiary. For more information, to make a donation, or to participate, individuals are encouraged to contact the Bahamas Feeding Network.

Ms. Fountain-Archer added, “Our tagline says, ‘Hunger hurts, but together we can wipe it out’. We thank CIBC FirstCaribbean for joining us in this fight.”

The Bahamas Feeding Network (BFN) has remained at the forefront of the hunger fight while also battling a dramatic decrease in donations. Last month alone, BFN provided over 6,000 meals to families across the country. The not-for-profit food and resource collection and distribution hub focuses on maximizing the effectiveness of feeding programs, minimizing service duplication, and improving collaboration among feeding centers and programs across New Providence and the Family Islands. CIBC FirstCaribbean assisted BFN in its efforts with a financial donation prior to the holiday season. The bank’s Managing Director, Jacqui Bend, underscored that CIBC FirstCaribbean remains committed to supporting initiatives that make a tangible difference in the countries it serves. "As part of CIBC FirstCaribbean's ongoing commitment to community, we are immensely proud to support the Bahamas Feeding Network. Our donation represents not just a financial contribution, but a heartfelt commitment to physical wellbeing. The work of the Bahamas Feeding Network is both inspiring and essential, and we at CIBC FirstCaribbean are honored to be a part of this noble cause devoted to wiping out hunger.” BFN is dedicated to raising approximately $25,000 each month to purchase groceries for its partner ministries. These ministries, in turn, either cook food for distribution or provide parcels directly to those in need. Bahamas Feeding Network’s Executive Director, Nicolette Fountain Archer said that during a period where donations have decreased and distribution frequency and quantity had to be cut back, CIBC FirstCaribbean’s donation was a beacon of hope. The donation ensured that hundreds of families did not face food scarcity in December, a time when BFN had to reduce grocery amounts in parcels from 14 to 8 meals. Ms. Fountain Archer said ‘thank you’ hardly seems enough to express the depth of gratitude felt by the BFN team and those they serve. She noted the donation from CIBC FirstCaribbean is more than just a contribution, it is a lifeline that brings joy and sustenance to families in need. “When businesses and individuals like CIBC FirstCaribbean donate, we are able to answer the call for parcels of food needed by numerous families. It is the difference between a full tummy for a family, most often with children, and going to bed hungry.” Bahamas Feeding Network highlighted that Quality Care Pharmacy is hosting a Fun Run and Walk this Saturday, February 3, 2024, with BFN as the chosen beneficiary. For more information, to make a donation, or to participate, individuals are encouraged to contact the Bahamas Feeding Network. Ms. Fountain-Archer added, “Our tagline says, ‘Hunger hurts, but together we can wipe it out’. We thank CIBC FirstCaribbean for joining us in this fight.”

The Tour de Turquoise, the charity cycling event that raises funds for vital causes in Exuma while boosting healthy living and community spirit, revealed today this weekend’s ride was the most successful in the event’s history, raising nearly $150,000 and pushing total donations since the event started past the half million-dollar mark.

 Funds from this year’s event will help solve one of the island’s major problems – providing a solution to the water supply shortage that has forced reduced school hours at LN Coakley High. The Bahamas National Trust will also benefit and applications remain open for other causes.

The annual event brings cyclists from Canada, the US and The Bahamas together for a day of riding, connecting and celebrating the beauty and magic of the Exumas, say organizers, while fund-raising for the local community. There is both a 20-mile community ride and a 40-mile epic ride that traverses most of Great Exuma. As in past years, the community ride attracted students, moms pulling kids in trailers and local residents while the epic 40 miler brought in VIP donors from Canada and the US as well as keen local riders including star athletes from LN Coakley High School.

 “What I love most about this event is bringing guests from outside Exuma to engage with the local community in ways that benefit everyone,” says Howard Chang who founded the event in 2015 in partnership with Jeff Todd and Peter Nicholson. “We are really excited about all the good we have been able to do with the money raised to support education, health and the environment in Exuma.”

 Much of the over $500,000 raised since the Tour de Turquoise was founded in 2015 has come from a core group of Canadian cyclists known as Les Domestiques which in French means “The Servants”. This club co-founded by Chang has been sending riders and donating to the Exuma Foundation of Canada in the spirit of their motto “Cyclists Who Serve”.

 Three years ago, Exuma resident, co-founder and president of Friends of Exuma Bob Coughlin got involved and brought some of his American colleagues to ride and donate. The Foundation serves the community and donors to ensure that donations are used to serve youth development, conservation and community support.

 “Every year we see some new faces and many returning riders who have been supporting this event for years, which makes every year different and magical,” says Todd who Chang credits with helping to connect so many dots to make this event happen thanks to his depth of experience on the island.

 Over the years, proceeds have gone to a variety of causes.

 Last year’s Ride for Exuma raised enough funds to buy a new bus for LN Coakley High School. Past years have netted funds for a bus for the clinic, providing transportation for elderly patients or those without other means. Other initiatives include a refurbished basketball court, a cycling club for the high school, and support for the Bahamas National Trust and the Exuma Humane Society.

 “This event unites the community whether people ride or just cheer participants on,” Chang adds. “It’s a true island effort with donors, police, students, everyday Bahamians riding side by side We’ve had riders in their 70s, and riders as young as 10.”

 Donations may be made year-round at rideforexuma.com

Tour de Turquoise, the charity cycling event that raises funds for Exuma while boosting healthy living and community spirit, revealed today this weekend’s race was the most successful in the event’s history, raising nearly $150,000 and pushing total donations since the event started past the half million-dollar mark. More than 40 cyclists powered through the eighth running of the charity ride led by Canadian and American philanthropists with a shared love for Exuma. Also known as Ride for Exuma, the annual spectacle of riders cycling through Great Exuma brings together locals and visitors for the 80 km (50 mile) ride along the scenic shore of the island known for the beauty of its waters. “Tour de Turquoise is a powerful community effort. What makes it so special is not quantity of participants – we generally only get about 40 or 50 -- but the quality,” said Howard Chang, Dilly Crab Ranch, who founded the event in partnership with author and communications specialist Jeff Todd, along with Peter Nicholson, a well-known investor in Exuma. Nicholson, the largest owner at Grand Isle Resort & Residences, immediately saw the event’s potential and stepped up as its first event sponsor. This year, second homeowner Bob Coughlin, founder of Friends of Exuma, announced the Friends of Exuma donation of $7500, matched it personally and challenged others to up the ante. “Coughlin’s enthusiasm was the inspirational call that motivated everyone, putting us well over the top,” said Todd. And Chang agreed, saying “The real credit must go to our donors. “I must thank a core of Canadians from a cycling club I helped create known as Les Domestiques. Translated from French to “The Servants”, these cyclists and philanthropists have fallen in love with Exuma over the years, as I have, and they are a big reason why we’ve reached this incredible $500,000 milestone.” Founded in 2009, Les Domestiques, comprised of well-known business leaders and entrepreneurs, has raised over $100 million for causes in Canada. Last weekend, this organization, and other cyclists from both The Bahamas and United States, once again sprinkled some of that magic in Exuma. Whether cyclists choose the long version or a shorter ride of half that distance, their donations entitle them to enjoy parties, boating and all that Exuma has to offer. The VIP entry fee for the full course is a minimum donation of $2500, with some riders donating multiples of that figure. The event also welcomes riders of all financial means, with locals invited to participate and donate what they can afford. According to Todd, the event has grown in significance annually. The event benefits from two foundations with tax deductible provisions – the Exuma Foundation of Canada and Friends of Exuma, founded by Exuma second-home owner Paycor founder and former Chairman Bob Coughlin, who has been recognized repeatedly in the U.S. for his community involvement. “We had no idea it would become what it is today, thanks to supporters like Peter Nicholson and Bob Coughlin, one Canadian, one American, both of whom love Exuma and head up philanthropic organizations as well as being personal supporters and believers in what this one cycling event is achieving in community change,” Todd explains. “Men like Nicholson and Coughlin, and of course Chang, are making a huge difference on the island.” Over the years, proceeds have gone to a variety of causes. Last year’s Ride for Exuma raised enough funds to buy a new bus for LN Coakley High School. Past years have netted funds for a bus for the clinic, providing transportation for elderly patients or those without other means. Other initiatives include a refurbished basketball court, a cycling club for the high school, and support for the Bahamas National Trust and the Exuma Humane Society. “This event unites the community whether people ride or just cheer participants on,” Chang adds. “It’s a true island effort with donors, police, students, everyday Bahamians riding side by side We’ve had riders in their 70s, and riders 10 or under.”