HMBS Cascarilla, one of the seven vessels already procured by the Bahamas Government under the Sandy Bottom Project and commissioned on Friday past, was on a routine patrol in the Central Bahamas when they received a tip about a possible migrant landing on Half Moon Cay, an islet just north of Cat Island.

Police Officers assigned to that island turned over the nineteen migrants they had already apprehended over to members of the HMBS Cascarilla, under the command of Senior Lieutenant Dwayne Small. Teams from the HMBS Cascarilla then continued to search the area and up to the time of this press release had taken an additional 31 persons, all believed to be Haitian nationals, into custody.

A beached wooden vessel, assumed to be the boat they were travelling on was also found.

The 50 immigrants, which included 32 males, 13 females and 5 children were brought to Coral Harbour Base Monday night by HMBS P44, where they were turned over to the Immigration Department for further processing.

Photo: Migrants disembarking HMBS P44 and being turned over to Immigration Officials. (Shari Colebrooke, photo credit)

Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie said Friday that ever-expanding threats and the geographical reality that is his archipelagic nation make it all the more evident that it is incumbent upon the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) to decentralize its operations.

"We now stand at the threshold of another significant period in the history of the Defence Force that marks the beginning of a new era for the Defence Force and its members," Prime Minister Christie said during the Commissioning of Her Majesty's Bahamian Ship (HMBS) Lawrence Major, the (HMBS) Lignum Vitae, the (HMBS) Cascarilla, and the RBDF Disaster Relief Equipment, at John Alfred Dock, March 18, 2016.

"Realizing this mandate, the Bahamas Government back in 2013 earmarked some $232 million dollars under the Sandy Bottom Project towards equipping and decentralizing the Force to increase its overall efficacy," he pointed out.

"In 2014, contractual agreements were signed for the acquisition of nine patrol crafts, the dredging of three harbours, the overhaul of the two Bahama Class vessels, and the construction of a Technical Workshop, a supply warehouse and a state-of-the-art operations center," Prime Minister Christie added. "The Defence Force is, therefore, at a place in history where it is quickly moving to permanently deploy Officers and Marines, ships and aircraft, and other essential resources to bases at strategic locations throughout the Northern, Central and Southern Bahamas.

That investment -- the largest capital outlay of its kind in the history of The Bahamas -- was necessary in light of the myriad of threats confronting the nation, Prime Minister Christie noted.

"These security threats are compounded by an aging fleet, by a shortage of personnel, and limited bases,” to name but a few of the challenges facing the Defence Force, he stated.

Prime Minister Christie said that to resolve those issues that diminish the effectiveness of the Force’s efforts, major changes are being implemented within the Defence Force. These changes include the decentralization of the Defence Force, the augmentation and modernization of the Force’s fleet and bases under the Sandy Bottom Project, and the accelerated rate of recruitment of personnel.

"I can say publicly that the Government of The Bahamas has committed to seeing this change through to completion by providing the required resources and platform from which this small but effective force can execute their duties," he said.

Prime Minister Christie stated that the day was, therefore, another milestone in the unfolding of the Defence Force. He added that the commissioning of the three vessels, along with life-saving disaster relief equipment, attested to his Government’s commitment to "invest heavily in the safety and security of our nation."

"The acquisition of this 188-foot Landing Craft, the two 98-foot coastal patrol vessels, and a 17-piece containerized Mobile Base will inevitably extend the reach and shorten response time for the Defence Force in tracking, deterring and intercepting those involved in transnational criminal activity, as well as helping distressed island communities when a natural disaster occurs," Prime Minister Christie said.

He noted that the people of The Bahamas are already "reaping positive returns" on the investment.

The HMBS Lawrence Major, for example, had apprehended over 40 undocumented migrants in February of this year, he said.

"This 185-foot vessel has also assisted with disaster management efforts in delivering relief supplies and reconstruction materials to islands that were adversely impacted by Hurricane Joaquin," he added.

Prime Minister Christie pointed out that the signing of the patrol craft and dredging agreements with Damen Shipyards and Van Oord Dredging Companies in 2014, under the Sandy Bottom Project, heralded the beginning of a new era for the Defence Force and The Bahamas. The agreed completion date for all civil works including the construction of buildings and quay walls in Coral Harbour, Inagua and Ragged Island is October 2016, he added.

"We are indeed grateful for the vision of our nation’s first Prime Minister to establish a National Defence Force," Prime Minister Christie said. "This combined commissioning ceremony, in the presence of Defence Force service men and women-- past and present -- encompasses all the tenets of that vision of Sir Lynden Pindling."

By Eric Rose

Bahamas Information Services

Ribbon cutting by Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling, Governor General, and Mrs. Stella E. Major, widow of Lawrence Major. Pictured from left: Minister of National Security Dr. Bernard Nottage, Mrs. Portia Nottage; Mrs. Bernadette Christie, Prime Minister Perry Christie; HE Dame Marguerite Pindling; Mrs. Stella E. Major; Mrs. Bell, Minister of State for National Security Senator Keith Bell; Mrs. Teri Bethel, and Commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (Actg.) Captain Tellis A. Bethel. (BIS Photo/Letisha Henderson)

World Down Syndrome Day 2016 is here, and in keeping with the goals of raising awareness and promoting the inclusion of those in our communities who are living with Down Syndrome, we hope to celebrate this day in a big way!

For the past 4 years, the Grand Bahama Down Syndrome Society has held our annual fundraiser, the Buddy Walk, to raise awareness for this often ignored and stigmatized group in our population. To this end, we have utilized the funds raised from this event to produce a public service announcement, which we hope will spread the word throughout the length and breadth of The Bahamas, that this group deserves better. What better medium to do this, than through television.

It is our hope that all of the television networks in the Bahamas will air this advertisement during their nightly broadcast on Monday, March 21st, 2016- World Down Syndrome Day. The advertisement spotlights our own local stars, who are living to their potential, while they live with Down Syndrome - dispelling the myth, that they are limited to live lives without substance, fun, joy and fulfillment. Indeed, as the ad emphasizes, they are just like you!

Click HERE to view video on Facebook.

By Wende Hanna
President, Grand Bahama Down Syndrome Society

A few Christian Heritage School students embrace each other while enjoying BTVI’s Health and Wellness fair. NASSAU, Bahamas

A holistic approach was taken at The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institution’s health and wellness fair March 17, as scores of people flocked to the campus to gain information in their journey to good health.

Eager vendors were armed with material and samples, in addition to being ready to demonstrate their skills and products. This year, energy and the environment were added to the regular information including - but not limited to - nutrition, physical fitness, naturopathic medicine, health screenings and financial planning.

BTVI’s Dean of Student Services, Racquel Bethel, noted that as a community partner, the institution finds it beneficial that staff, faculty and students - and by extension the public - receive pertinent information to remain or become healthy.

“Clean water and air are important to our health, so today we are promoting information about properly disposing of waste and conserving energy, including using energy devices,” said Ms. Bethel.

Monique Bevans soaks in information from NewLife Natural Marketing Director, Julio Hall about the company’s products. To his right is Chief Nutritional and Herbal Consultant, Donnaven Sherman.“We are in the business of technical training, but we are dealing with human beings and we want them to have healthy bodies and minds, so they are able to contribute to society,” she stated.

Additionally, Hands for Hunger volunteer coordinator, Tavette Darville, said the organization found the fair to be a great opportunity to solicit volunteers, particularly as there was a wide demographic of students from primary to high schools.

“We do have students who volunteer, and it is important to understand how hunger affects are community. Fifty percent of the 43,000 Bahamians who face hunger are 14 and under. We often think of the homeless being hungry, but there is the working poor, who after paying bills, have no money for food,” she said.

These young ladies struck up a rhythm, as they skillfully handled steel pans during an entertainment segment of BTVI’s health and wellness fair.Meanwhile, an eager fair goer for the second consecutive year was Phyllis Woodside, head of the counseling department at Doris Johnson Senior High School. She said it was not just another field trip for the 10th and 11th graders she chaperoned.

“This is an opportunity for students to be exposed to health and wellness all in a central location. It is fun, but educational and interactive. Those are key elements for young people and hopefully the students are inspired to live healthy lifestyles.

Ms. Woodside added that following the fair, she intended to meet with students for a post mortem, in an effort to ensure they made connections between the information gained and their everyday lives.

These young ladies struck up a rhythm, as they skillfully handled steel pans during an entertainment segment of BTVI’s health and wellness fair.

Proprietor of Naturally Bahamian, Denise Worrell (l) shared information with BTVI students Merkelene Miller (centre) and Marcaela Lett (right).

A few Christian Heritage School students embrace each other while enjoying BTVI’s Health and Wellness fair.

Monique Bevans soaks in information from NewLife Natural Marketing Director, Julio Hall about the company’s products. To his right is Chief Nutritional and Herbal Consultant, Donnaven Sherman.