Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey offered words of encouragement to the 250-plus delegates of the Church of God of Prophecy Caribbean Leadership Convention, and to its church leaders, to use the pulpits of their individual churches as public platforms to plead the cause of the poor and those who are disadvantaged.

She encouraged them to be a pillar of strength for the weak and a strong and powerful voice for the voiceless, and to be an ardent advocates for social justice and equality.

“Continue to speak truth to power and offer sage counsel to both the leadership and citizenry on any number of public affairs issues that affect the lives of the people of God,” said Minister Moxey.

The 2023 annual Caribbean Leadership Conference of the Church of God of Prophecy, opened on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at the Grand Lucayan resort and is expected to run until Saturday, July 22, 2023. The convention drew hundreds of leaders and delegates from the Caribbean region, including The Turks & Caicos Islands, Jamaica, Guyana, St. Lucia, Trinidad & Tobago, Leeward Islands, Barbados, British and U.S. Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands and Suriname.

Speaking on behalf of Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Philip Davis, Minister Moxey noted that the gathering marked a significant milestone in the religious landscape of the Caribbean region. “And we are truly humbled and honored that such an important conference has found its home here in The Bahamas, and Grand Bahama Island in particular,” she added.

“As we celebrate our nation’s Golden Jubilee, commemorating 50 years of Independence, the presence of this conference adds an extra layer of significance to our festivities. It is a testament to the strength and vibrancy of our faith community and a testament to the enduring spirit of unity and collaboration among Caribbean nations.

“We are both shepherds and stewards in our own rights and will be held accountable for our stewardship and leadership so we must make decisions based on the principles of righteousness, justice and fairness – principles on which biblical precepts are based.”

Minister Moxey pointed to a frequently quoted truth, that organizations, institutions, societies, governments, and civilizations rise, succeed, fall and fail on leadership.

She added that it is both fitting and admirable that the Church of God of Prophecy in the Caribbean will periodically meet in conference to look internally, identify improvement opportunities, and strengthen the leadership of its institution of faith to better address the myriad needs within the body of Christ in the wider society.

The Grand Bahama Minister expressed her sincere appreciation to General Presbyter for the Caribbean, Rev. Clayton Martin and his dedicated team for their commitment, passion, and tireless efforts in organizing this year’s highy impactful conference.

“On behalf of the Prime Minister, the Hon. Philip E. Davis, the Government and people of The Bahamas, I again extend a warm welcome to our regional delegates and congratulate the Church of God of Prophecy on your stellar record in the all-important ministries of evangelism, missions, community outreach, Sunday school, Christian education, youth development, music, dance and church leadership.

“May Almighty God continue to increase your good works even as He continues to richly bless the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.”

The Bahamas Department of Correctional Services held a Community Meeting on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at Doris Johnson Senior High School, attended by Minister of National Security, the Hon. Wayne Munroe and other officials. Information on the proposed Parole Bill was presented to the community. (BIS Photos/Patrice Johnson)

New Providence, The Bahamas - Increased interest in The Bahamas as a prime real estate destination has been at the heart of a recent real estate explosion taking place across the country. It is against this backdrop that H G Christie (HGC) and its agents have continued to lead the way as the country’s largest and oldest real estate firm, with its top producers setting a company record in 2022.

Phillip Hillier, Anya Mousis, Anne Bethel, Franklyn Knowles and Dwayne Wallas were recognized as top-producing agents for the company sales helping to cement HGC’s reputation as The Bahamas’ leading real estate company.

In New Providence, the top prize went to Hillier and Mousis, who work as a team mainly in the west of the island.

For Mousis, successfully completing a sale means not only providing access to available properties, but using the available resources to ensure that the client’s concerns are being adequately considered.

“It really is about keeping clients calm,” she noted, “using data to ensure that all their questions are answered and allaying the fears that can come up when completing these kinds of transactions.”

In Eleuthera and Abaco, Anne Bethel and Franklyn Knowles were named top producers respectively. 

Bethel explained: “The core of our work at HGC is to provide a complete service that guides our clients through the process of selling or buying their home or property. Eleuthera is experiencing a true renaissance and right now, seems to be the place where everyone wants to be. Our real estate sales reflect that trend.

In 2022, Dwayne Wallas was doubly recognized for having recorded the most transactions as well as securing the sale of some of the company’s most exclusive listings.

“It is an honor to be recognized during such a momentous milestone for the company,” said Wallas. “The past year has shown me that maintaining good working relationships with my colleagues is the key to success in this business. I have also learned that optimism in the face of disaster can go a long way.”

Rounding out the list was Kristi Hull, the company’s Top Resort Marketer for 2022.

HGC President and Managing Broker John Christie said 2022 was an incredible year for HGC, not just in terms of sales but also as the 100th Anniversary of the company’s founding.  He added: “I am proud of our strong team of agents, who are the reason we have made it to this milestone and am excited about seeing them continue to perform at this level going forward."

Christie added that he was anticipating even more growth in 2023.

"Even with some concern of a global slowdown, all indications show that there will continue to be strong interest in The Bahamas and we are excited about the opportunities this will bring," he said.

Earlier today, Immigration officials were notified that a vessel carrying 396 unlawful entrants from the Republic of Haiti was intercepted in the vicinity of Cay Sal by the United States Coastguard.
The Ministry of Health’s surveillance team has been notified and the customary screenings will be conducted.

In anticipation of an increase in migrant interceptions, last month the Department of Immigration in collaboration with the Royal Bahamas Defence Force completed work on a temporary processing and detention facility in Inagua. This facility can temporarily house in excess of 800 persons.

The intercepted migrants are presently en route to Inagua where they will be handed over to Defence Force and Immigration personnel. Additional officers and supplies will be provided by HMBS Lawrence Major which was dispatched from the Defence Force Coral Harbour Base this afternoon.

Through its law enforcement agencies and international partners, The Bahamas Government continues to work assiduously and continually to address the irregular migration problem. The Department of Immigration is working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure that the intercepted migrants are repatriated as quickly as possible.

The Bahamas maintains an organised system to allow for the lawful entry and orderly processing of applications for lawful entry into The Bahamas. This is the only process by which persons should enter The Bahamas. Persons entering or remaining in The Bahamas outside our laws will be returned to their home countries.

A further update will be provided to the public as soon as more details become available.