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Quote of the Week - Labouring under Labels
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- Let's Talk Real Estate - James Sarles
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- Who is in control? - Joseph Darville
- Under The Hood of TBW - Webmaster (Dave Mackey)
- Investing in You - Glenn S. Ferguson
- The Pastor's Pulpit
- Body by Blower - Dr. Brian Blower DC
- Letters to The Editor
- Tyrina Talks Fashion
- Sip Sip History - Bahamas Historical Society
- Preventative Measure - Gamal Newry
- Computer Korner
- Art Life - Susan Mackay
- Hurricane Preparedness - R. Tarzwell
- The Pet Pages - Kim Aranha
- International Year of the Reef - A Week in ReefView
- Plastic Surgery Trends
- Opinions - Joye Ritchie Greene
- Life-Coaching 2.0 - Michelle M. Miller
- Love'n Life with Lisa
- Relationships Matter - Cedric Beckles
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Quote of the Week - Staying Afloat
Welcome to The Bahamas Weekly!
There are now more than
16,500 articles available for your perusal. Use our powerful search engine on the left column to locate your particular topic of interest. New simplified subscribe box now placed on the left column.
Read our Quote of the Week....
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- Star General Insurance
- Coral Windows Bahamas
- Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty
- Solomons
- City Markets
- Family Guardian Insurance
- Islands of the World Fashion Week
- Isle of Capri Casino
- Sabor Restaurant and Bar
- SkyBahamas
- OffShoreAlert Financial Due Diligence Conference
- Agave and Sparky's
- Sheraton Nassau Beach
- Freeport Advertising and Printing
- Lucianos & Le Med Restaurants
- GB Nature Tours
- Treasure Bay Casino
Ross University
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- Let's Talk Real Estate - James Sarles
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- Under The Hood of TBW - Webmaster (Dave Mackey)
- Investing in You - Glenn S. Ferguson
- The Pastor's Pulpit
- Body by Blower - Dr. Brian Blower DC
- Letters to The Editor
- Tyrina Talks Fashion
- Sip Sip History - Bahamas Historical Society
- Preventative Measure - Gamal Newry
- Computer Korner
- Art Life - Susan Mackay
- Hurricane Preparedness - R. Tarzwell
- The Pet Pages - Kim Aranha
- International Year of the Reef - A Week in ReefView
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Author of Glassidor to donate proceeds of 100 books to PACE Center
Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas - Local author, Lewis
Walmsley who is set to publicly launch his science fiction book
Glassidor
on October 2nd at the Ruby Swiss Restaurant, will be donating the
proceeds of the first 100 book sales to the island's PACE Center for student mothers.
"We at the
PACE
Center are
deeply grateful for Mr. Walmsley's interest in and intended donation
to our school. We are currently building our computer lab and any
assistance in achieving this goal is greatly appreciated," said Mrs. Butler...
Lignum Vitae Center of Hope gives a hand up
The saying "Every little bit helps" can sometimes ring false when more comprehensive plans for empowering disadvantaged groups of people offer better long-term solutions that scattered donations.
Such is the sentiment behind the Lignum Vitae Center of Hope (LVCH), a nonprofit agency for positive social change in the community through their initiatives for collaboration and education. In order to rally support for the many programs they have their hands in, they will hold a night of beautiful classical music, Strings and Stars on the Harbour.
Featuring gorgeous selections from world renowned classical guitarist Julian Byzantine as well as Adrian D'Aguilar, Kim Welcome and Naomi Taylor, among others, the informal and light-hearted event will be held February 4 at 7:00 p.m. at the stately Lee Shore on the East Bay Street Foreshore.
Strings and Stars on the Harbour will also feature the culinary delights of Citrus Catering and chocolate tasting by "Cocoa Plums" of Freeport.
All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Lignum Vitae Center of Hope so they can continue to help others to help themselves by promoting self-sufficiency and sustainability.
Started in 2010 by 14 founders who had extensive backgrounds in charitable work, LVCH grew out of this sentiment after several of its founders realized a more comprehensive approach was needed in charitable gestures in order to ensure long-term solutions.
"We realized we could always keep handing out but we were enabling people," says Sheila Prichard, a director of LVCH. "We weren't achieving anything and motivating change. So two years ago we thought we needed to come together and find strength in numbers."
"We were perpetuating the problem by enabling them," adds another director, Anne Lever. "Now the whole focus is not giving hand-outs but rather hand-ups."
After spending time on the ground in communities that needed assistance, what many of the center's founding members discovered was not the need for more organizations and nonprofits to help out - indeed, many of them existed for the same causes - but the need to bring them all together in the name of community improvement.
To that end, one of the major projects by LVCH is BahamaVOICE, a directory of charitable organizations in order to promote collaboration and sharing of resources and information. It is only through bringing these groups together through their similar causes, explain the directors, that long-term and significant change can come about.
"What we're hoping to do through our supplement is to bridge these gaps by holding workshops and directing groups to one another who have similar causes," explains Lever. "So instead of us helping a few individuals, we can help groups that help lots of people. We thought we'd inspire or assist what's already there."
In a similar vein, their 4H program brings those together who share the interest of youth development in order to train them in leading workshops and classes to empower young people in the community. This program - which address the four aspects of development: Head, Heart, Hands and Health - has already shown success in various urban renewal centers around New Providence.
"It's all about teaching skills to young people to make good decisions and to be leaders," says Prichard. "But it's not about telling anyone what to do and how to do it."
Indeed the 4H program allows its members to make major decisions for the group such as electing group leaders - among other exercises - in order to provide educational experiences that form positive attitudes and values - something which they may not get anywhere else.
"The parents and grandparents aren't there at home because they're out working and come home exhausted," says Prichard. "The quality time to help children understand the rules of life and the rules of being part of a community; a lot of that isn't happening anymore. So this program teaches them empowerment and responsibility and possibility."
These are only two programs in a slew of already implemented and planned initiatives by the Lignum Vitae Center of Hope to promote positive social change in Bahamian communities - and they have a long way to go. Yet they believes with help by the community, they can get there, and one way to help is by attending their event Strings and Stars on the Harbour.
"We want it to be an enjoyable evening with a focus on something a little different," says Lever. "To date we have gotten ourselves to where we are through the kindness and assistance by the community. We want to invite people to come on the journey with us for positive social change."
By contributing to the event in their ticket sales, guests can be confident that their donations are not only going to one cause, but are in fact through LVCH reaching many other nonprofit organizations for more substantial and sustainable social changes in the community.
"We're all for doing things differently," says Prichard. "We want to give young people opportunities in this country so we see the potential in partnering with social entrepreneurs in the community. If this country is going to move forward successfully, we need to help young people change."
Tickets for Strings and Stars on the Harbour are $100 and are available at Custom Computers locations in Harbour Bay and Cable Beach or by calling 676-9240, 393-2046 or 324-0690. For more information about the Lignum Vitae Center of Hope, find them at Lignum Vitae Bahamas on Facebook or www.LignumVitaeBahamas.org.
Oldest florist invests in new future
The oldest florist in the country is growing.
The Nassau Florist and its division JW/Events are shifting over to the historical Villa Flora building on Dowdeswell Street and Victoria Avenue, boosting its space by more than 2,000 square feet. The move, expected to occur on April 1, is an essential component of its overall expansion plans.
Al Collie, the general manager of Nassau Florist, said the business has boosted its staff complement to 14 in recent months.
The 60-year-old business is looking to hire up to five more Bahamians this year.
"Right now, 80 percent of our business is typically flower sales. The other 20 percent is events," Collie explained. "That is a picture we want to change. In the short term, we want 50 percent of our business to be events."
The Nassau Florist considers its move to Villa Flora "pivotal" to this business plan.
While the business might be largest in The Bahamas in terms of sales volume, special events, such as weddings, remains a relatively modest segment.
Collie said that The Nassau Florist hired a director of sales and marketing in Florida to specifically chase destination weddings and events around the world. Working with the hotels, such as Baha Mar, will be central to these plans, he said.
Noting that Villa Flora is "night and day" compared to the old location, Collie described the historical building as being more than 100 years old and offering 6,000 square feet of space.
"I am very pleased to finally announced that we will be moving to Villa Flora," said Jim Whitehead, the owner. "Many will know the location as the former Gaylord's restaurant on Dowedswell Street at Victoria Avenue in downtown Nassau."
In November, Whitehead announced the decision to sell the current location and move, insisting that the business had outgrown its space on Shirley Street.
Whitehead said that the building was renovated 10 years ago and featured energy efficient amenities, security, computer networking technology, offices, storage space and a conference room. It also has parking available on the property and across the street.
Collie told Guardian Business that the move and expansion is all the more impressive given the tough times facing florists. Like many other industries, the high cost of business has taken its toll.
The industry spends around 50 percent duty on the importation of flowers and other products.
The Nassau Florist is planning an official grand opening on Mother's Day, although it will be opening its doors right after its move to the new location on April 1.
Custom Computers A's for Excellence Continues to make a Difference in Improving Education in The Bahamas
Nassau, Bahamas - Continuing in its tradition of
rewarding excellence in education, Custom Computers teamed up this year with The Hewlett-Packard Company to
present brand new computers to the winners of its Fourth Annual A's For
Excellence Awards Competition on Saturday, September 3rd, at its
Cable Beach Location. The promotion which started earlier this year, allowed
students throughout the Bahamas who received at least one 'A' grade on their
final report card, a chance to win the prizes donated by HP.
On hand for the presentation this
year were the Minister of Education, the Honourable Desmond Bannister, and Mr.
Polo Sanchez, Sales Manager for Hewlett-Packard...
Quote of the Week - Labouring under Labels
Welcome to The Bahamas leading Community Web Site!
There are now more than
12,509 news articles available for your perusal. Use our powerful search engine on the left column to locate your particular topic of interest. New simplified subscribe box now placed on the left column.
Read our Quote of the Week....
Also with Parenting Card of the week!
Be sure and sign up to receive our Free Weekly News Updates emailed directly to you!
Search The Bahamas Weekly
All Categories
Valentines Events & Promotions
News
- Local
- Grand Bahama Police Report
- Bahamas Information Services Updates
- New Providence
- Grand Bahama
- Ministry of Tourism Updates
- International
Sales & Promotions
- Pelican Bay Hotel
- Shoreline Bahamas
- Old Bahama Bay Hotel
- Star General Insurance
- Coral Windows Bahamas
- Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty
- Solomons
- City Markets
- Family Guardian Insurance
- Islands of the World Fashion Week
- Isle of Capri Casino
- Sabor Restaurant and Bar
- SkyBahamas
- OffShoreAlert Financial Due Diligence Conference
- Agave and Sparky's
- Sheraton Nassau Beach
- Freeport Advertising and Printing
- Lucianos & Le Med Restaurants
- GB Nature Tours
- Treasure Bay Casino
Ross University
- Video & Audio Streams
Arts & Culture
- National Art Gallery (NAGB)
Events Calendars
- Special Events
- Grand Bahama
- New Providence
- Family Island Events Calendar
Community
- Grand Bahama
- Service Organizations
- Bahamas Chamber of Commerce
- GB Chamber of Commerce
- Council for the Disabled
- BASRA
- Rotary Clubs of The Bahamas
- Sir Charles Hayward Library
- Ongoing Meetings
- F.Y.I
- Obituaries
Entertainment
- getMusic Productions by TaDa
- Bahamas International Film Festival
Sports
- Annual Mark Knowles Celebrity Tennis Invitational
Streaming Multimedia
- Audio
- Video
Inside The Bahamas Weekly
Navigation (Site Directions)
Columns
- Let's Talk Real Estate - James Sarles
- Radiant Health - Angelika Christie
- Robbin's Nest - Robbin Whachell
- Bird Talk - Erika Gates
- Who is in control? - Joseph Darville
- Under The Hood of TBW - Webmaster (Dave Mackey)
- Investing in You - Glenn S. Ferguson
- The Pastor's Pulpit
- Body by Blower - Dr. Brian Blower DC
- Letters to The Editor
- Tyrina Talks Fashion
- Sip Sip History - Bahamas Historical Society
- Preventative Measure - Gamal Newry
- Computer Korner
- Art Life - Susan Mackay
- Hurricane Preparedness - R. Tarzwell
- The Pet Pages - Kim Aranha
- International Year of the Reef - A Week in ReefView
- Plastic Surgery Trends
- Opinions - Joye Ritchie Greene
- Life-Coaching 2.0 - Michelle M. Miller
- Love'n Life with Lisa
- Relationships Matter - Cedric Beckles
Bahamian Politics
Opportunities
The Bahamas Boasts
- Grand Bahama
- Grand Bahama Labyrinth
- Garden of the Groves
- Abaco
- Bimini
- New Providence
A Taste Of The Bahamas
Market Place
- Classifieds
Hot Links
at a glance
Focus on Fashion
Advanced Search
Strong demand for smart phones
Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) executives are seeing a demand for smart phones from their customers and expect the growth in this market to continue
"We have seen quite a lot of our customers purchasing smart phones. It has become quite a phenomenon since there is a such wide variety of smart phones that are available now," according to Alphanique Duncombe, BTC's product manager for wireless.
"We have seen the demand coming from the local market after BTC started to offer a lot more phones because of their design and functionality. Before launching the 4G technology in December, BTC carried of a lot of basic handsets. Now, coupled with advertising and a rise in the U.S. market, we have seen the demand locally.
"People are realizing the importance of mobility and the ability to do several things on your phone. You need to be able to check your emails on the go. Bahamians are really starting to see the need to have a smart phone. You can't live without it."
Duncombe pointed out to Guardian Business that BTC has seen a significant increase in its number of data subscribers as a result of its 4G launch back in December 2012.
"Every month, we see it going up so we expect to see continuous growth. We have LTE coming up, more demand is there because you don't just want to be mobile but you want everything fast," she said.
"You want to be able to have the same experiences you would have sitting in front of the computer. Once we are able to bring that to the customers, there is no need for the computer anymore. Everything is pretty much done on your device."
"Our data subscribers have risen incredibly and it's continuing to rise now."
In fact, Duncombe revealed to Guardian Business that just in the month of December, BTC sold between 15,000 to 20,000 phones, and most of them were smart phones. She believes those figures can give an idea of how great the smart phone "phenomenon" has been for the telecommunications company.
"We'll definitely see an increase in sales because most of our devices, especially the ones that are coming out next quarter, are in fact smart phones. There will be a new range of handsets that are coming out in the next quarter," she added.
"The smart phones are more affordable in comparison to the last year where you would have had to pay $500 plus for a smart phone. Now you're able to get an android device for $99 so customers nowadays are opting to buy smart phones as opposed to a basic phone that can't really do much."
In March, BTC forecasted a 40 percent "uplift" in data traffic this year after registering an 81 percent explosion in the smart phone usage for 2012.
BTC is targeting both the high-end smart phone market and an even more expansive entry-level market.
The result is far more data usage and ultimately higher revenue for BTC.
West-end project to generate 400 jobs
As a host of retail shops and restaurants sign the dotted line, the 21.5-acre commercial development in western New Providence is expected to generate close to 400 jobs when completed.
The multimillion-dollar Old Fort Bay Town Centre project has now entered the second phase of construction. According to Jane-Michele Bethel, sales and marketing manager at New Providence Development Company Limited (NPDC), all tenants will start interior buildings by the end of September, if not before.
An interior design store, spa, nutritional beverage company and a veterinarian have made commitments, while a sports store, computer shop and two boutiques have reserved spaces.
This second phase already joins an already extensive list of shops now taking up tenancy in phase one.
Bethel provided Guardian Business with no less than 10 establishments either open or in the process of outfitting their stories. Included in the list is the first restaurant at Old Fort Bay Town Centre - Sushi ROKKAN.
"Sushi ROKKAN will have a modern Japanese interior design, approximately 60 seats, including a comfortable sushi bar and outside patio seating. They will serve traditional sushi, sashimi, appetizers, charbroiled grilled meats (Japanese style) and seasonal signature dishes. All to be enjoyed with a huge sake selection," she noted.
The second restaurant to be included in the project's first phase has committed to signing a lease soon, with a planned opening date of November or December. A third restaurant has yet to be selected. Royal Bank of Canada also broke ground on their pad to the west of the Old Fort Bay Town Centre roundabout last week. Its anticipated opening date is set for Spring 2013.
In phase two, Bethel said stores will have 60 days to complete their build-outs, and restaurants have 90 days. As for phase one, Bahamas Design Centre, featuring indoor/outdoor furniture and home accessories, and The Gallery at Old Fort, are both set to open next month. HIS Fashion, stocking brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Nautica and Kenneth Cole of New York, has proposed a September opening date. The Keg Ranch liquor store and Going Places Travel are working on a similar timeline.
Sat Sound and Benetton are two retail spaces that are already open. Your Friendly Pharmacy is set open its doors at a later date.
The entire project, comprising seven one-acre pads, two anchor stores, and just under 60,000 square feet of retail and office commercial space, is expected to employ between 375 and 400 people.
"The degree of investment from the business community is of a very high caliber and we expect to see some spectacularly well designed stores, and a good variety and complementary mix of products and services," Bethel added.
Flying taught me to take life head on
Peter Dupuch is the president of ERA. Buying and selling property for more than 20 years, he is a former director of the Bahamas Real Estate Association and holds the elite distinction of Certified International Property Specialist. Peter is also a commercial pilot and once worked for Bahamasair.
Guardian Business: What is the biggest challenge facing your business or sector? What measures need to be taken in The Bahamas to solve it?
Peter: The two biggest challenges that I have in my business:
1. Maintaining and managing our website and keeping it competitive in the search engines. It's a never-ending effort. I told somebody the other day, "I remember when I used to sell real estate. Now I do websites."
2. The increased government stamp tax. It's prohibitive to investment and commerce and it's unfair to the lowest income sector. Their stamp tax was doubled from 2 percent to 4 percent overnight for property under $25,000. Facts show that it's stifling the real estate market. Moreover, property tax rates are astronomical and modes of valuation seem random and antiquated.
We should be trying to stimulate a lagging economy (especially in the Family Islands) by facilitating the purchase of residential single-family properties. Instead we double the tax rates of those who can least afford it.
GB: How has your business or sector changed since the financial crisis?
Peter: The real estate business was one of the hardest hit by the financial crisis worldwide, but luckily we weren't hit as hard as our colleagues in other parts of the globe. Because our banks lent money more conservatively than abroad, we didn't have a complete real estate collapse. But we suffered because the foreign markets suffered, especially the U.S. market. But I feel blessed. My business has remained strong throughout the years.
GB: Can you describe a life experience that changed how you approach your work today?
Peter: Learning to fly 31 years ago changed my life forever. As a kid I dreamed of flying, but was scared to death of getting in a plane. On my first introductory flight in a little sardine can with wings, I was so scared. I reconciled with myself that I was going to die and I just accepted it. I've never looked back since that day.
I went from a first time pilot to a commercial pilot in seven months and eventually was hired by Bahamasair and flew their B737s. I still fly today and feel as comfortable in a plane as I do on my couch.
Flying has taught me to take calculated risks, set goals, to not be distracted by things I can't control, but to be competent and knowledgeable about the things I can control. It's taught me to concentrate, to prioritize and to take life head on. Learning to fly gave me the confidence to do anything I put my mind to.
GB: What are you currently reading?
Peter: I read a lot. Right now I'm just finishing "Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett. I read more fiction than non-fiction. But, I like non-fiction that relates to business. One such books I read recently was "Steve Jobs", the biography. He was driven! Was he a good boss? I wouldn't have wanted to work for him. But he was the most successful businessman in history - and against immeasurable odds. He was confident, competent and knew everything about his industry.
GB: Has the high cost of energy hurt your business? What solutions have you initiated or considered to combat it?
Peter: No, the high cost of energy hasn't hurt my business as much as other factors. Luckily we are a small footprint and don't burn a lot of energy. But I'm an impulsive light extinguisher. I'm famous for plunging our lunch room into darkness not realizing that people are eating in there.
GB: What makes a great boss? What makes a bad boss?
Peter: A good boss listens. I am guilty of being hard headed when I feel sure about something, but a good boss cares about his employees and tries to make the workplace a fun, fair, and happy environment. Most of my workmates went to school with me and we are lifelong friends. We're a team. Like family. We talk openly; we argue passionately. We have fun. But we work hard. We work together and we look out for each other. Our weekly sales meetings are loud and emotional but we're always laughing. I'm not saying I'm a good boss, but my team stands beside me.
GB: If you could change one thing concerning business in The Bahamas, what would it be?
Peter: I've never done business anywhere else so I don't have anything to compare it to. But, in my sector, I'd like to see better access to complete and accurate public and historical records through online computerization. Business license, drivers license, property tax records and payments, maps, plot plans, chain of title, national insurance etc. should all be available online. I want to be able to see everything from my desk without having to drive anywhere in my car. To research something in The Bahamas takes a team of people running all over the place sifting through volumes of paper records at multiple government departments. People want information "at the speed of light", as Bill Gates says, but we're still writing out car licenses by hand. Thousands of man-hours wasted standing in line.
GB: What keeps you grounded?
Peter: My wife. Who else? And my children, who are three, five and seven. I feel I have a responsibility to protect them and provide them with the best I can give. That's not easy in the world today. It's a very daunting task. But it keeps me grounded. I need things to keep me grounded though.
GB: Do you have any major interests other than work?
Peter: I love playing music on the piano and guitar. I've recently been teaching myself the drums and bass but I'm not there yet. I don't read music well and that's another of my goals but I'm impatient and always throw the book down and just play from my head. I also enjoy tennis, flying and boating.
GB: What should young businesses keep in mind in this current economic climate to survive?
Peter: Cut unnecessary costs and spend money wisely. Save for the rainy day and be prudent at any outlay of cash. I always ask myself - If we spend this dollar, what will we get back for it and when will we get it back? If I can't answer that question, then I don't spend it.
I probably get 50 emails and requests per day from people trying to sell me something that I don't need. It becomes overwhelming. So you have to pick and choose and be wise in your decisions when it comes to capital outlay.
GB: How would you describe or classify the ease of doing business in The Bahamas?
Peter: Well, I am a Bahamian and I'm used to doing business here. I've lived here all my life. I love it because I know everybody and everybody knows me. In larger countries, you're just a number - another salmon trying to swim upstream. We have our challenges with inefficiency and red tape in The Bahamas but I feel we have more personal and lasting relationships between colleagues. I like walking into a business where I know the owner or manager or employee. We have big city problems here in Nassau but there is still a certain small town feel to doing business. I like that a lot.
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