In a signing ceremony held at the South Andros Multipurpose Center, the Disaster Risk Management Authority (DRM Authority) received a $30,000 donation from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, November 25, 2024.

The donation, presented by Her Excellency, Ambassador Yan Jiarong, was procured through the China-Caribbean Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Fund,and underscores the shared commitment of The Bahamas and China to enhancing disaster preparedness and response.

In his remarks, DRM Authority Chairman Alex Storr expressed gratitude for the Embassy’s ongoing support, recognizing its history of partnership and significant contributions to disaster recovery efforts. “The Chinese Embassy has been a true ally in Disaster Management.  [We] have worked closely with the Embassy on several impactful initiatives; from a $70,000 donation to the Abaco Hurricane Shelter, to in-kind and financial aid after HurricaneDorian, [their] support has made a real difference in our recovery efforts.

”Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister with Responsibility for Disaster Risk Management, the Hon. Leon Lundy, emphasized the importance of partnerships in tackling the existential challenges posed by climate change."

It is no longer a question of "if" we will face the next catastrophic storm but "when," said Minister Lundy.  “This reality demands a laser focus on building a safer, more secure future for all Bahamians, and we are grateful to have allies like China supporting us in this mission."

He also noted that hosting the signing ceremony in South Andros rather than Nassau was aligned with the DRM Authority’s commitment to a whole-of-country approach.

“Resilient island communities are the backbone of a resilient nation,” he said.

“This reflects our deep belief that disaster management cannot be Nassau-centric.  A whole-of-country approach is essential, and we are working to empower our Family Island communities and strengthen their local disaster response systems.”

The South Andros Multipurpose Center, where the ceremony took place, is a hurricane shelter built to withstand winds up to 200 mph.  Ambassador Yan toured the facility and was briefed on the DRM Authority’s broader vision for comprehensive disaster management. The Authority hopes this engagement fosters deeper collaboration with China in Disaster Risk Management to create a safer, more resilient future for The Bahamas.

In a signing ceremony held at the South Andros Multipurpose Center, the Disaster Risk Management Authority (DRM Authority) received a $30,000 donation from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, November 25, 2024. The donation, presented by Her Excellency, Ambassador Yan Jiarong, was procured through the China-Caribbean Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Fund,and underscores the shared commitment of The Bahamas and China to enhancing disaster preparedness and response. In his remarks, DRM Authority Chairman Alex Storr expressed gratitude for the Embassy’s ongoing support, recognizing its history of partnership and significant contributions to disaster recovery efforts. “The Chinese Embassy has been a true ally in Disaster Management.  [We] have worked closely with the Embassy on several impactful initiatives; from a $70,000 donation to the Abaco Hurricane Shelter, to in-kind and financial aid after HurricaneDorian, [their] support has made a real difference in our recovery efforts. ”Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister with Responsibility for Disaster Risk Management, the Hon. Leon Lundy, emphasized the importance of partnerships in tackling the existential challenges posed by climate change." It is no longer a question of "if" we will face the next catastrophic storm but "when," said Minister Lundy.  “This reality demands a laser focus on building a safer, more secure future for all Bahamians, and we are grateful to have allies like China supporting us in this mission." He also noted that hosting the signing ceremony in South Andros rather than Nassau was aligned with the DRM Authority’s commitment to a whole-of-country approach. “Resilient island communities are the backbone of a resilient nation,” he said. “This reflects our deep belief that disaster management cannot be Nassau-centric.  A whole-of-country approach is essential, and we are working to empower our Family Island communities and strengthen their local disaster response systems.” The South Andros Multipurpose Center, where the ceremony took place, is a hurricane shelter built to withstand winds up to 200 mph.  Ambassador Yan toured the facility and was briefed on the DRM Authority’s broader vision for comprehensive disaster management. The Authority hopes this engagement fosters deeper collaboration with China in Disaster Risk Management to create a safer, more resilient future for The Bahamas.

Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting, the Hon. Myles K. LaRoda, Monday refuted a number of the claims circulating on social and mainstream media targeted at the Department of Social Services and its handling of the Adriel Moxey case.

Mr. LaRoda said officials at the Ministry and its various Departments and Divisions will continue to work with stakeholders -- both government and non-governmental – in their push to address Gender-based violence in-country. GBV is classified as a human rights violation.

The Social Services Minister said, since the tragedy, he and his team, along with its strategic partners and stakeholders, have reflected on how they can make improvements to the systems that are intended to protect the country’s children.  He said the Department of Social Services will also review its protocols to ensure that any potential loopholes or missteps are eliminated and stringent measures are put in place for proper follow-up of cases.

“Over the past few days a lot of misinformation has been circulating, especially on social media. Some have claimed that at some point Adriel was in the care of Social Services and residing in a Residential Care Facility.  It should be noted that to date we have found no record to confirm that Adriel resided in any of the Department our Social Service Homes.

“People ask about the village, as if there was no village. This was a young lady who was actively involved in the church, and who had other activities going on in her life. That is part of the village. Those individuals who called in who felt that she was in danger, that was a part of the village, and so we can’t throw out the baby with the bathwater.

“Yes, this is a horrific event, and yet we at Social Services have to be guarded in what we say; we don’t want it to be pouring on because it’s a complex situation as are lots of cases out there.

"The Department of Social Services does not have the luxury to go out on social media to put out facts. We have to be sensitive to all of those individuals who are concerned.

“And so when families are going through trauma, it does them no good, it does the community no good, it does us no good just to put out what may be negative information and so we try to temper and look at the whole picture because the family is suffering enough.”

Minister LaRoda said: “Adriel was seemingly in a very difficult situation and while it is easy to judge and say what should have happened, we must realize that this tragedy is much more complex than some are portraying.  This is yet another reminder that some families are in crisis and need help. Help that may not be readily available by an extended family and help that may be limited or nonexistent from the community.

“Adriel’s situation, like so many others, is a reflection of a system that is stretched too thin and is overwhelmed. The government cannot do this alone.  We need stronger, more coordinated efforts to support families in crisis. We need you, the public, to be our eyes and ears.  If you see something or suspect something, report it (to the Department of Social Services National Hotline).  I would like to note here that while some may say we have done nothing when reports are made to the hotline, we have in fact also had reported cases where we have acted and persons have then made complaints because they felt that our intervention was not required.”

Mr. LaRoda said since the incident, he and his team have reflected on improvements to the systems that are intended to protect the country’s children, adding that those officials will meet with the Ministry’s partners and stakeholders -- the police, church leaders and government and non-governmental organizations -- to review existing protocols with a view to making the necessary adjustments that may be required.

“We realize we will never have a perfect system, however, we will certainly strive to maximize our strengths and minimize our weaknesses.  As we do our part, I encourage the village, which is every sector of our society, to come together, not as bystanders, but as active participants, to create a safer and more supportive environment for our children,” Mr. LaRoda added.  

Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting, the Hon. Myles K. LaRoda, Monday refuted a number of the claims circulating on social and mainstream media targeted at the Department of Social Services and its handling of the Adriel Moxey case. Mr. LaRoda said officials at the Ministry and its various Departments and Divisions will continue to work with stakeholders -- both government and non-governmental – in their push to address Gender-based violence in-country. GBV is classified as a human rights violation. The Social Services Minister said, since the tragedy, he and his team, along with its strategic partners and stakeholders, have reflected on how they can make improvements to the systems that are intended to protect the country’s children.  He said the Department of Social Services will also review its protocols to ensure that any potential loopholes or missteps are eliminated and stringent measures are put in place for proper follow-up of cases. “Over the past few days a lot of misinformation has been circulating, especially on social media. Some have claimed that at some point Adriel was in the care of Social Services and residing in a Residential Care Facility.  It should be noted that to date we have found no record to confirm that Adriel resided in any of the Department our Social Service Homes. “People ask about the village, as if there was no village. This was a young lady who was actively involved in the church, and who had other activities going on in her life. That is part of the village. Those individuals who called in who felt that she was in danger, that was a part of the village, and so we can’t throw out the baby with the bathwater. “Yes, this is a horrific event, and yet we at Social Services have to be guarded in what we say; we don’t want it to be pouring on because it’s a complex situation as are lots of cases out there. "The Department of Social Services does not have the luxury to go out on social media to put out facts. We have to be sensitive to all of those individuals who are concerned. “And so when families are going through trauma, it does them no good, it does the community no good, it does us no good just to put out what may be negative information and so we try to temper and look at the whole picture because the family is suffering enough.” Minister LaRoda said: “Adriel was seemingly in a very difficult situation and while it is easy to judge and say what should have happened, we must realize that this tragedy is much more complex than some are portraying.  This is yet another reminder that some families are in crisis and need help. Help that may not be readily available by an extended family and help that may be limited or nonexistent from the community. “Adriel’s situation, like so many others, is a reflection of a system that is stretched too thin and is overwhelmed. The government cannot do this alone.  We need stronger, more coordinated efforts to support families in crisis. We need you, the public, to be our eyes and ears.  If you see something or suspect something, report it (to the Department of Social Services National Hotline).  I would like to note here that while some may say we have done nothing when reports are made to the hotline, we have in fact also had reported cases where we have acted and persons have then made complaints because they felt that our intervention was not required.” Mr. LaRoda said since the incident, he and his team have reflected on improvements to the systems that are intended to protect the country’s children, adding that those officials will meet with the Ministry’s partners and stakeholders -- the police, church leaders and government and non-governmental organizations -- to review existing protocols with a view to making the necessary adjustments that may be required. “We realize we will never have a perfect system, however, we will certainly strive to maximize our strengths and minimize our weaknesses.  As we do our part, I encourage the village, which is every sector of our society, to come together, not as bystanders, but as active participants, to create a safer and more supportive environment for our children,” Mr. LaRoda added.  

"May I begin by expressing my thanks to the President and people of Azerbaijan for the warm welcome and gracious hospitality bestowed on us.

We wish you peace and prosperity.

Your Excellencies:

This past year has been the hottest in recorded history.

For the first time, for more than 12 months, global temperatures have exceeded the warming threshold of 1.5-degrees Celsius.

We are dangerously close to a line beyond which there is no return—a line that separates the world as we know it from a world unrecognizable.

Our choice today will either be remembered as the moment we stepped forward together or as the instant we allowed the world to slip from our grasp.

How will they judge us? Will they say we were too timid, too divided, to save what we had the power to protect?”

Already the catastrophic climate events witnessed around the world have led to major loss of life, property and infrastructure.

And yet we persist in responding to these events as though they are merely unfortunate, isolated and national.

I ask you to look beyond borders, beyond flags. The fires that devour your forests, the hurricanes that shatter our homes, are not distant misfortunes but shared tragedies.

What we endure, you endure; what we lose, you lose.

And if we fail to act, it will be our children and grandchildren who bear the burden, their dreams reduced to memories of what we could have saved.

This is the fundamental principle underpinning this United Nations Framework.

None of us can achieve a solution by acting on our own.

And none of us can escape the obligation to act in the best interests of ourselves and each other.

Our survival is in our hands, and hope lies not in waiting, but in moving forward with the fierce determination to secure a future that gives humanity the best chance.

In order to protect that shared interest – now and into the future – urgent, serious action is needed to reduce carbon emissions.

We know this.

A continuation of current practices will lead to a catastrophic rise in temperature of up to 3.1 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

The current Nationally Determined Commitments made for 2030 are not being met.

Even if they were, we would still face a rise in temperature of 2.6 to 2.8 degrees Celsius.

It is still technically possible to meet the goal of 1.5 degree Celsius, but only if there is a G20-led massive global mobilization to cut all greenhouse gas emissions.

As they are responsible for 80% of all carbon emissions, it is possible.

But they would need to act dramatically and decisively.

And action would need to start today.

In the face of all this, we still refuse to give up, refuse to lose hope.

We do not – cannot – accept that our survival is merely an option.

And so, in The Bahamas we continue to play our part.

We continue to preserve and protect the forests of grasses in our seas, which are estimated to absorb more carbon than the Amazon Rainforest.

If the Amazon provides the lungs to the planet, our seagrasses are its “hidden blue heart”.

We will continue our transition to sources of renewable energy.

And we will continue to pioneer the use of blue carbon credits, to support the architecture of international climate finance.

We want to play our part.

But alone, we cannot succeed in any of it.

We simply do not have the resources.

And each hurricane, each climate disaster, leaves us with even less.

Your Excellencies:

We must not forget the historic achievement of The Paris Agreement.

In Article 9, the special circumstances of Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries were addressed in its climate finance provisions.

The numbers paint a clear picture.

Small Island States have spent 18 times more in debt repayments than they have received in climate finance.

Our ‘special circumstances’ require more action, not less.

These provisions must urgently now be fully operationalised, along with the other funding commitments previously made.

Merely describing the special circumstances is not enough.

And even as we now approach the eleventh hour of an agreement, we are deeply concerned that some of the Parties now systematically seek to erase these fundamental provisions of the Paris Agreement.

The greatest challenge we face isn’t just political will—it’s political change.

 We’re witnessing governments come to power that are retreating from climate commitments, dismissing the Paris Agreement, and turning inward.

This isn’t a crisis we can afford to address sporadically, nor is it a battle that can be won in isolated chapters, written and erased with every election.

If we leave climate action to the whims of political cycles, our planet’s future becomes precarious. The climate crisis does not pause for elections or accommodate the sway of changing political tides. It demands continuity, commitment, and, most of all, solidarity.

Excellencies, the world has found the ability to finance wars, the ability to mobilize against pandemics, yet when it comes to addressing the most profound crisis of our time—the very survival of nations—where is that same ability?

It is time to turn ambition into action, promises into plans, and plans into survival.

Thank You."

"May I begin by expressing my thanks to the President and people of Azerbaijan for the warm welcome and gracious hospitality bestowed on us. We wish you peace and prosperity. Your Excellencies: This past year has been the hottest in recorded history. For the first time, for more than 12 months, global temperatures have exceeded the warming threshold of 1.5-degrees Celsius. We are dangerously close to a line beyond which there is no return—a line that separates the world as we know it from a world unrecognizable. Our choice today will either be remembered as the moment we stepped forward together or as the instant we allowed the world to slip from our grasp. How will they judge us? Will they say we were too timid, too divided, to save what we had the power to protect?” Already the catastrophic climate events witnessed around the world have led to major loss of life, property and infrastructure. And yet we persist in responding to these events as though they are merely unfortunate, isolated and national. I ask you to look beyond borders, beyond flags. The fires that devour your forests, the hurricanes that shatter our homes, are not distant misfortunes but shared tragedies. What we endure, you endure; what we lose, you lose. And if we fail to act, it will be our children and grandchildren who bear the burden, their dreams reduced to memories of what we could have saved. This is the fundamental principle underpinning this United Nations Framework. None of us can achieve a solution by acting on our own. And none of us can escape the obligation to act in the best interests of ourselves and each other. Our survival is in our hands, and hope lies not in waiting, but in moving forward with the fierce determination to secure a future that gives humanity the best chance. In order to protect that shared interest – now and into the future – urgent, serious action is needed to reduce carbon emissions. We know this. A continuation of current practices will lead to a catastrophic rise in temperature of up to 3.1 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The current Nationally Determined Commitments made for 2030 are not being met. Even if they were, we would still face a rise in temperature of 2.6 to 2.8 degrees Celsius. It is still technically possible to meet the goal of 1.5 degree Celsius, but only if there is a G20-led massive global mobilization to cut all greenhouse gas emissions. As they are responsible for 80% of all carbon emissions, it is possible. But they would need to act dramatically and decisively. And action would need to start today. In the face of all this, we still refuse to give up, refuse to lose hope. We do not – cannot – accept that our survival is merely an option. And so, in The Bahamas we continue to play our part. We continue to preserve and protect the forests of grasses in our seas, which are estimated to absorb more carbon than the Amazon Rainforest. If the Amazon provides the lungs to the planet, our seagrasses are its “hidden blue heart”. We will continue our transition to sources of renewable energy. And we will continue to pioneer the use of blue carbon credits, to support the architecture of international climate finance. We want to play our part. But alone, we cannot succeed in any of it. We simply do not have the resources. And each hurricane, each climate disaster, leaves us with even less. Your Excellencies: We must not forget the historic achievement of The Paris Agreement. In Article 9, the special circumstances of Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries were addressed in its climate finance provisions. The numbers paint a clear picture. Small Island States have spent 18 times more in debt repayments than they have received in climate finance. Our ‘special circumstances’ require more action, not less. These provisions must urgently now be fully operationalised, along with the other funding commitments previously made. Merely describing the special circumstances is not enough. And even as we now approach the eleventh hour of an agreement, we are deeply concerned that some of the Parties now systematically seek to erase these fundamental provisions of the Paris Agreement. The greatest challenge we face isn’t just political will—it’s political change.  We’re witnessing governments come to power that are retreating from climate commitments, dismissing the Paris Agreement, and turning inward. This isn’t a crisis we can afford to address sporadically, nor is it a battle that can be won in isolated chapters, written and erased with every election. If we leave climate action to the whims of political cycles, our planet’s future becomes precarious. The climate crisis does not pause for elections or accommodate the sway of changing political tides. It demands continuity, commitment, and, most of all, solidarity. Excellencies, the world has found the ability to finance wars, the ability to mobilize against pandemics, yet when it comes to addressing the most profound crisis of our time—the very survival of nations—where is that same ability? It is time to turn ambition into action, promises into plans, and plans into survival. Thank You."

Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey expressed excitement over Grand Bahama’s future prospects while addressing the final session of Diplomatic Week 2024 at the Grand Lucayan resort.

Minister Moxey was among a panelist of speakers on “Revitalizing Grand Bahama through Global Partnerships” and she echoed the government’s message that with over $2 billion of investments underway on the island and over six million visitors expected by 2027, it’s time for Bahamians to come back home.

“I see Grand Bahama truly thriving over the next five years,” she said, listing the number of projects underway, among them Celebration Key, Royal Caribbean, ITM/MSC Cruise Port terminal and the Freeport Health Clinic.

The minister for Grand Bahama also spoke of future prospects on the drawing board for Grand Bahama, including the revitalization of the Bahamas Princess properties, inclusive of the Casino and Tower and the International Bazaar.

“The Government has signed a Project Preparation Facility with Afrexim Bank for the development of an Afro-Caribbean marketplace. So we plan to demolish the structures, in collaboration with the Port Authority who is going to help us to write-off some of those fees, and develop this marketplace that will have pavilions from 54 African countries, 20 Caribbean countries and 16 islands of The Bahamas,” she said.

Minister Moxey pointed out that it will also provide an opportunity for participating countries to showcase the best they have to offer, while having a promotional arm in the region, along with a foreign affairs presence.

“It is going to allow us to have this tourist attraction that could cater to the over six million visitors that we will have on Grand Bahama Island by 2027,” she said, adding that what is most vital is logistics.

“We’ve talked about it often, we do have a major transshipment terminal, we are 20 minutes from Florida and we are going to now be the gateway to the Caribbean for trade where products come from Africa to our transshipment terminal here for redistribution to South America, Latin America and the other Caribbean countries.”

Minister Moxey noted that the project will revitalize an area of Grand Bahama that has been devastated by hurricanes and other catastrophic events.

“I believe that it’s going to be revolutionary because again, it brings our culture and creative industries together and it also provides the opportunity for our people to be able to thrive, those who are in the creative space,” the minister said.

Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce President James Carey, University of The Bahamas Vice-President Ian Strachan, Grand Bahama Port Authority Chief Investment Officer Derek Newbold, Ambassador Gilbert Morris and Senator Barry Griffin also made up the panel and spoke of the resilience of the people of Grand Bahama and the benefits of investing in Freeport, which has 230-square miles of free trade zone, one of the largest free trade zones in the Western Hemisphere, with residential and commercial activity and development.

Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey expressed excitement over Grand Bahama’s future prospects while addressing the final session of Diplomatic Week 2024 at the Grand Lucayan resort. Minister Moxey was among a panelist of speakers on “Revitalizing Grand Bahama through Global Partnerships” and she echoed the government’s message that with over $2 billion of investments underway on the island and over six million visitors expected by 2027, it’s time for Bahamians to come back home. “I see Grand Bahama truly thriving over the next five years,” she said, listing the number of projects underway, among them Celebration Key, Royal Caribbean, ITM/MSC Cruise Port terminal and the Freeport Health Clinic. The minister for Grand Bahama also spoke of future prospects on the drawing board for Grand Bahama, including the revitalization of the Bahamas Princess properties, inclusive of the Casino and Tower and the International Bazaar. “The Government has signed a Project Preparation Facility with Afrexim Bank for the development of an Afro-Caribbean marketplace. So we plan to demolish the structures, in collaboration with the Port Authority who is going to help us to write-off some of those fees, and develop this marketplace that will have pavilions from 54 African countries, 20 Caribbean countries and 16 islands of The Bahamas,” she said. Minister Moxey pointed out that it will also provide an opportunity for participating countries to showcase the best they have to offer, while having a promotional arm in the region, along with a foreign affairs presence. “It is going to allow us to have this tourist attraction that could cater to the over six million visitors that we will have on Grand Bahama Island by 2027,” she said, adding that what is most vital is logistics. “We’ve talked about it often, we do have a major transshipment terminal, we are 20 minutes from Florida and we are going to now be the gateway to the Caribbean for trade where products come from Africa to our transshipment terminal here for redistribution to South America, Latin America and the other Caribbean countries.” Minister Moxey noted that the project will revitalize an area of Grand Bahama that has been devastated by hurricanes and other catastrophic events. “I believe that it’s going to be revolutionary because again, it brings our culture and creative industries together and it also provides the opportunity for our people to be able to thrive, those who are in the creative space,” the minister said. Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce President James Carey, University of The Bahamas Vice-President Ian Strachan, Grand Bahama Port Authority Chief Investment Officer Derek Newbold, Ambassador Gilbert Morris and Senator Barry Griffin also made up the panel and spoke of the resilience of the people of Grand Bahama and the benefits of investing in Freeport, which has 230-square miles of free trade zone, one of the largest free trade zones in the Western Hemisphere, with residential and commercial activity and development.