Rise Bahamas does not share the same stance taken by some in support of capital punishment. We do advocate for stiffer penalties for persons who commit crimes, particularly against children, with our primary push being for restorative justice. It is the only way to guarantee that no innocent convicted person's life is ever taken by the state.

 Restorative justice (RJ) refers to “an approach to justice that seeks to repair harm by providing an opportunity for those harmed and those who take responsibility for the harm to communicate about and address their needs in the aftermath of a crime.” (Source: Department of Justice Canada)

 According to a July 2022 local news report, the Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe was quoted as stating, “The recidivism rate at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services currently stands at 18 percent. The minister said the goal is to reduce the recidivism to 8 percent. (Source: Bahamaslocal.com)

 Rise Bahamas is of the belief that restorative justice facilitates a greater chance of reform, which could prevent future offenses. “The current rate of recidivism is too high. We want to see inroads made to prevent repeat offenses by the courts mandating longer rehabilitation. For far too long, it has been a norm for child abusers to receive light sentences.  We would like to see longer sentences which could offer them the chance to work toward true rehabilitation. If that fails and the convict reoffends, that should warrant a life sentence.” said Terneille Burrows, founder of Rise Bahamas.

 Rise Bahamas advocates for child protection, community empowerment and good governance.  For more information visit www.risebahamas.net.

It has come to the attention of the Corporation that erroneous information is being circulated as it relates to the Corporation’s efforts in Long Island, some of the pictures of which were taken from August of 2021.

As was articulated earlier in the year by the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Water and Sewerage Corporation during his initial tour of Long Island, the Corporation remains committed to completion of all works on Long Island.

This includes the extension of water supplies to the settlements of Millers, McKanns, Thompson Bay, and Turnbull. The attached photo shows the existing supplies that remain stored on Long Island to initiate completion of these works.

In an effort to further extend water supplies on Long Island, the Corporation has also been in active talks with the Ministry of Works to ensure that these works are coordinated with the road-paving works. This includes the communities of Millertons, Stella Maris, Burnt Ground, Glinton’s and Seymours.

The Corporation is also in the process of advancing discussions with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) for a further loan extension. These efforts have been approved by the Board of Directors, and the Minister of Works, and negotiations are now being advanced at the Ministry of Finance.

While these efforts are aggressively being pursued, the Corporation continues to execute its various programmes on all islands; and in this regards, currently unused vehicles, equipment, and excess materials from a completed Non-Revenue Water (NRW) Project were redeployed on a temporary basis, and the sitting vehicles returned for initial servicing. The second Island Tanker was long re-deployed once the new systems extensions were activated, as it was no longer needed.

All of the approved project materials, however, remain on Long Island, and further materials are expected to be procured in time. The Corporation is also in the process of updating its reverse osmosis strategy to maximize production, to minimize potential disruptions to our existing customers, and ensure current, medium- and long-term success.

The Corporation, therefore, wishes to emphasize to its customers on Long Island and every other island throughout the length and breadth of the Bahamas, that as was also articulated in the Speech from the Throne, the Corporation remains committed to the extension of water supplies wherever possible to all of its currently un-serviced areas, and is actively planning for, and executing the same.

PRESS secretary Clint Watson has apologised on behalf of the government to the victims of Hurricane Dorian for the way in which the announcement of the upcoming memorial week was initially made.

During the Office of the Prime Minister’s press briefing, Mr Watson clarified that his comments last week, framing the event as a celebration without fully explaining the details of the week’s events, was not meant to offend any of the victims of Dorian.

Mr Watson acknowledged that some of his comments may have been offensive, especially to those residents of Abaco and Grand Bahamas who had sustained substantial damage from the passing of the storm.

“Last week we communicated a portion of the message for Dorian and I think for so many residents in Abaco and Grand Bahama, it created a great offence and so I wanted to clarify and first of all simply apologise to the people of Abaco and Grand Bahama who were offended by the manner in which the announcement was delivered and the fact that there was no conclusion on the entire week,” Mr Watson said.

“The people of Grand Bahama have suffered greatly and still suffer. They still have challenges dealing with Dorian that sometimes we forget about because we are not there or were not directly impacted by it. We don’t understand the amount of pain and suffering that they’ve faced everyday.”

He added: “It is not this administration’s desire to cause any more pain and suffering to any resident who’s gone through Dorian. And so we want to apologise first of all for the offence that was created and to come back this week to give the full outline of the week so that the people can see the importance of this and the need to participate in Dorian Week.

“We have suffered and lost so many people, it’s the worst tragedy this country has seen and that’s why it is so important that from now going forward, that we remember September 1st for Abaco and we remember September 3rd for Grand Bahama when Dorian claimed the lives of our loved ones, families and friends. The government is seeking to do that to officially memorialise persons who have lost their lives and to also bring a time of upliftment and healing to those who still find it difficult to face.”

Barronette Thomas, a resident of McLean’s Town, Grand Bahama who was affected by Dorian and was separated from her family during the storm recalled how she has dealt with being affected by the monster storm.

She was lost for three days and said though she may be considered a survivor or victim, she thinks of herself differently.

“To me, I am a victor,” she said. “I get so emotional when I talk about it, because it’s like I’m reliving every aspect of what happened.”

Her voice quivered as she agreed with Mr Watson and pleaded for the Bahamian people to stand with her as she supports people in Grand Bahama still facing hardship.

She said embracing the Dorian Memorial Week was a step in the right direction.

“This is a step forward to us having closure, and not only having closure on a small basis, but also on a larger scale,” she said.

Dorian Memorial Week is scheduled to take place from August 26th to September 4th.

It will observe the third anniversary of Hurricane Dorian making landfall.

The theme for Dorian Week is “The Courage to Rebuild.”

Events in the week include a weather symposium on Friday, August 26, organised by Bishop Silbert Mills. It will feature guests, including Dr Max Mayfield, a former director of the national oceanic centre among others. Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis will open the event with an official address and those rescued by first responders will also participate.

On Tuesday, August 30, talk shows are asked to focus on Dorian and reach out to mental health experts, to help those still grieving to cope.

Following this, on Wednesday, August 31, the Disaster Reconstruction Authority will address the public with an update on repairs being started and continued on those infrastructurally affected. In addition, The Courage to Rebuild Dorian documentary will also be released on the same day.

Thursday, September 1, will be Remembrance Day and an official memorial service will take place in Abaco, including a wreath-laying ceremony. Flags also will be flown at half-mast. Dorian pins will be sold to commentate the victims.

The funds earned will go toward a Dorian Memorial fund.

On Thursday evening, there also will be a free memorial concert at Baha Mar featuring gospel singer Cece Winans and others, when those who attend can donate toward the Dorian fund.

On Friday, September 2, another memorial concert will be held at the New Life Worship Centre in Grand Bahama, featuring local gospel artists. Businesses also will be asked to offer special rates, discounts or initiatives.

The next day, a memorial concert at Friendship Tabernacle in Abaco will be held.

Finally, on Sunday, September 4, a memorial service will take place at Jubilee Cathedral in Grand Bahama, followed by three wreath-laying ceremonies, at the new monuments erected on the island.

The Courage to rebuild fund was formulated in an effort to assist in the rebuilding and relief for residents of Grand Bahama and Abaco.

The fund will be available for donations on Aliv’s online platform, togetherbahamas.com on September 1.

Nassau, The Bahamas, July 26, 2022 – After working tirelessly over the past four years, some of Colina’s top sales representatives received their Global Financial Services Professional (GFSP) designation.  The milestone was celebrated at a luncheon and awards ceremony at Graycliff Restaurant, West Hill Street.

“This is a proud moment for Director of Sales, Phil Smallwood, myself and the sales management team - most of whom served as moderators and coached their cohorts to success,” said Clothie Lockhart, Sales Training Manager.  “Colina has the distinction of being the only company in The Bahamas and the Caribbean region to earn such recognition”.

The Company has a strong history of developing a corporate culture that encourages involvement in industry education.

“Designees mastered the concepts taught in three challenging courses and passed a comprehensive final examination in order to attain the designation,” said Lockhart.  “Our recipients pressed their way through the challenges of Hurricane Dorian and the pandemic and forged ahead to complete the programme”. 

GFSP designation recipients included Kino McCartney, Jeffrey Randall, Yvonne Gibson-Sands, Clothie Lockhart, Sandra Walkes, Deone Wilson, Sharon Flowers, Anatole Bullard, Taryn Nottage, Wayne Miller, Helen Williams, Aisha Lightbourn and Alexander Pratt.

About The Global Financial Services Professional (GFSP) Designation

Global Financial Services Professional (GFSP) designation is issued by the American College of Financial Services. GFSP is a skills training designation for those new to the financial services profession. The program teaches how to build a book of business, implement a consultative marketing/planning process, and help clients achieve financial security.

About The American College of Financial Services

The American College of Financial Services is a non-profit educational institution with the highest level of academic accreditation, dedicated to creating leaders within the financial services profession through superior instruction.  The College is distinguished by resources of the highest quality, innovation in program delivery and design, and proven results that create sustainable advantages for our students.

About Colina Insurance Limited (Colina)

Colina is a diversified financial services company, offering comprehensive life and health insurance solutions. Colina is wholly-owned by Colina Holdings Bahamas Limited (CHBL). CHBL is a Bahamian Company, built on a firm foundation of trust, integrity and responsibility. Colina has evolved over the past 155 years to become The Bahamas’ largest life and health insurer, with a solid reputation for providing insurance and related financial services products that help clients prepare for life’s unexpected events.