Over a dozen non-profit organizations with focuses ranging from fighting hunger and homelessness to caring for children and the elderly recently received financial support from the Easy PayDay Foundation. 

Davinia Munroe, Easy PayDay Communications Officer, underscored that the Foundation is committed to identifying and supporting those who go above and beyond to make significant strides for numerous individuals, families, communities and The Bahamas at large.

“Charities across the country are directly assisting vulnerable people and groups who would otherwise have no support. The Easy PayDay Foundation applauds their great work and the perseverance they display in being a helping hand,” she said. 

Easy Payday Loans is a conscientious and charitable community member donating through its Foundation to causes and projects supporting a variety of nation-building initiatives. Youth development, community enhancement and charity associations for the challenged and disadvantaged are among those benefiting from ongoing financial aid.

Non-profit organizations on the receiving end of Easy PayDay Foundation donations included Children’s Emergency Hostel, Bilney Lane Children’s Home, All Saints Camp, The Salvation Army, Persis Rodgers Home for the Aged, Nazareth Home for Children, Great Commission Ministries and Hands For Hunger. 

Easy PayDay, a Bahamian-owned company, has been servicing government employees since 2015 with a one-hour loan turnaround promise. Easy PayDay offers the lowest annual percentage rate (APR) in the private lending sector, and its fast and easy process translates to customer gratification during financial emergencies especially.

 

Over a dozen non-profit organizations with focuses ranging from fighting hunger and homelessness to caring for children and the elderly recently received financial support from the Easy PayDay Foundation.  Davinia Munroe, Easy PayDay Communications Officer, underscored that the Foundation is committed to identifying and supporting those who go above and beyond to make significant strides for numerous individuals, families, communities and The Bahamas at large. “Charities across the country are directly assisting vulnerable people and groups who would otherwise have no support. The Easy PayDay Foundation applauds their great work and the perseverance they display in being a helping hand,” she said.  Easy Payday Loans is a conscientious and charitable community member donating through its Foundation to causes and projects supporting a variety of nation-building initiatives. Youth development, community enhancement and charity associations for the challenged and disadvantaged are among those benefiting from ongoing financial aid. Non-profit organizations on the receiving end of Easy PayDay Foundation donations included Children’s Emergency Hostel, Bilney Lane Children’s Home, All Saints Camp, The Salvation Army, Persis Rodgers Home for the Aged, Nazareth Home for Children, Great Commission Ministries and Hands For Hunger.  Easy PayDay, a Bahamian-owned company, has been servicing government employees since 2015 with a one-hour loan turnaround promise. Easy PayDay offers the lowest annual percentage rate (APR) in the private lending sector, and its fast and easy process translates to customer gratification during financial emergencies especially.

GRAND Bahama residents turned out in large numbers at the Bahamas Union of Teachers building in Freeport yesterday for hot meals distributed by United Faith Ministries International.

A queue of vehicles was directed to a drive through distribution station set up in the parking lot, where volunteers presented them with their meals. #Police officers from Urban Renewal were present to ensure a smooth flow of traffic in and out of the distribution station, which opened promptly at noon. #As residents picked up their meals, some of them thanked Apostle Phalmon Ferguson and the crew of volunteers for their kind gesture. #“We appreciate what you are doing for us,” a resident said to Apostle Ferguson. #A woman identified as Patrice said she was very thankful. #“I walked out here today when I heard about this,” she said. “I have three children and I was given enough for me and for my children.” #An unemployed male resident described the gesture as an act of kindness. #“I am not working this time and to have a hot meal is one less thing to worry about. I thank the persons responsible for this kind deed.” #Operation Christmas is an initiative to provide over 3,000 plus meals in Grand Bahama, and to inspire faith, hope and love. #Apostle Ferguson felt the need to come to Grand Bahama to uplift the spirits of residents here who are still recovering from the impact of Hurricane Dorian, and the COVID-19 pandemic. #“This is an extension of our Operation Thanksgiving in New Providence which we were able to extend to Operation Christmas in Grand Bahama,” he explained. #“It’s been going very well, and we are so pleased of all the efforts and persons that have come together to make this happen,” he said. #“We are grateful for those who partnered with us to allow us to use their facilities, including the BUT, the Sir Jack Hayward (School), and Christ the King Church. We are also grateful to Urban Renewal headed by ASP Nicola Sears, and we are grateful to BUT volunteers, and the Kiwanis Club.” #Apostle Ferguson also thanked his own staff out of Nassau, including three of his chefs and his wife. #The group also delivered food to various old folk homes in Grand Bahama.

A queue of vehicles was directed to a drive through distribution station set up in the parking lot, where volunteers presented them with their meals.

Police officers from Urban Renewal were present to ensure a smooth flow of traffic in and out of the distribution station, which opened promptly at noon.

As residents picked up their meals, some of them thanked Apostle Phalmon Ferguson and the crew of volunteers for their kind gesture.

“We appreciate what you are doing for us,” a resident said to Apostle Ferguson.

A woman identified as Patrice said she was very thankful.

“I walked out here today when I heard about this,” she said. “I have three children and I was given enough for me and for my children.”

An unemployed male resident described the gesture as an act of kindness.

“I am not working this time and to have a hot meal is one less thing to worry about. I thank the persons responsible for this kind deed.”

Operation Christmas is an initiative to provide over 3,000 plus meals in Grand Bahama, and to inspire faith, hope and love.

Apostle Ferguson felt the need to come to Grand Bahama to uplift the spirits of residents here who are still recovering from the impact of Hurricane Dorian, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is an extension of our Operation Thanksgiving in New Providence which we were able to extend to Operation Christmas in Grand Bahama,” he explained.

“It’s been going very well, and we are so pleased of all the efforts and persons that have come together to make this happen,” he said.

“We are grateful for those who partnered with us to allow us to use their facilities, including the BUT, the Sir Jack Hayward (School), and Christ the King Church. We are also grateful to Urban Renewal headed by ASP Nicola Sears, and we are grateful to BUT volunteers, and the Kiwanis Club.”

Apostle Ferguson also thanked his own staff out of Nassau, including three of his chefs and his wife.

The group also delivered food to various old folk homes in Grand Bahama.

The 171 st Session of the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) Council met at FAO Headquarters inRome, Italy during 5 – 9 December 2022. The Council discussed FAO’s work on the global food crisis,integrated water resources management for food security and climate resilience, and matters relating tocommodity problems, agriculture, fisheries, and forestry. As Member of the Council, The Bahamas wasrepresented by His Excellency Winston Pinnock, Ambassador to the FAO, and Ms. DeAndra Cartwright,Foreign Service Officer.

Within the margins of the Council Meeting, Ambassador Pinnock met with top FAO executives includingMr. Laurent Thomas and Ms. Maria Helena Semedo, Deputy Director Generals, Mr. Maximo ToreroCullen, Chief Economist and Mr. Godfrey Magwenzi, Director of Cabinet.

Bilateral meetings were also held with several Permanent Representatives to the UN Agencies in Romeincluding Ambassador Cindy Hensley McCain of the United States of America, Her Excellency NosophoJezile of South Africa, Her Excellency Céline Jurgensen of France, and Her Excellency Jackline Yonga ofKenya. Additionally, Ambasador Pinnock met with His Excellency Yousef Juhail, PermanentRepresentative of the State of Kuwait to the FAO in his capacity as Chair of the Group of 77 & China inRome and Her Excellency Mónica Robelo Raffone, Permanent Representative of Nicaragua in hercapacity as incoming Chair of the Group of Latin America and Caribbean Countries (GRULAC).

His Excellency Winston Pinnock delivers an intervention on behalf of The Bahamas during consideration of Agenda Item 3 entitled ‘Update on FAO’s work on the global food crisis’ on Monday, 5 th December 2022 during the 171 st Session of the FAO Council.

His Excellency Winston Pinnock delivers an intervention on behalf of The Bahamas during consideration of Agenda Item 6.2 entitled ‘Report of the 28 th Session of the Committee on Agriculture’ on Tuesday, 6 th December 2022 during the 171 st Session of the FAO Council.

FSO Cartwright delivers an intervention on behalf of The Bahamas during consideration of the Item 6.3 entitled ‘Report of the 35 th Session of the Committee on Fisheries’ on Wednesday, 7 th December 2022 during the 171 st Session of the FAO Council.

His Excellency Winston Pinnock met with Mr. Laurent Thomas, Deputy Director General of the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) within the margins of the 171 st Session of the FAO Council in December 2022.

His Excellency Winston Pinnock met with Mr. Maximo Torero Cullen, Chief Economist of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) within the margins of the 171 st Session of the FAO Council in December 2022.

His Excellency Winston Pinnock met with Her Excellency Cindy Hensley McCain, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the United States of America to the United Nations Agencies in Rome within the margins of the 171 st Session of the FAO Council in December 2022.

His Excellency Winston Pinnock met with His Excellency Yousef Juhail, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the United States of America to the United Nations Agencies in Rome in his capacity as Chair of the Group of 77 & China in Rome within the margins of the 171 st Session of the FAO Council in December 2022.

His Excellency Winston Pinnock met with Her Excellency and Ms. Céline Jurgensen, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations in Rome (FAO, IFAD, WFP) within the margins of the 171 st Session of the FAO Council in December 2022.

His Excellency Winston Pinnock, Ambassador to the FAO, and Foreign Service Officer, Ms. DeAndra Cartwright, participated in the 171 st Session of the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) Council which met at FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy during 5 – 9 December 2022.

 

The 171 st Session of the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) Council met at FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy during 5 – 9 December 2022. The Council discussed FAO’s work on the global food crisis, integrated water resources management for food security and climate resilience, and matters relating to commodity problems, agriculture, fisheries, and forestry. As Member of the Council, The Bahamas was represented by His Excellency Winston Pinnock, Ambassador to the FAO, and Ms. DeAndra Cartwright, Foreign Service Officer. Within the margins of the Council Meeting, Ambassador Pinnock met with top FAO executives including Mr. Laurent Thomas and Ms. Maria Helena Semedo, Deputy Director Generals, Mr. Maximo Torero Cullen, Chief Economist and Mr. Godfrey Magwenzi, Director of Cabinet. Bilateral meetings were also held with several Permanent Representatives to the UN Agencies in Rome including Ambassador Cindy Hensley McCain of the United States of America, Her Excellency Nosopho Jezile of South Africa, Her Excellency Céline Jurgensen of France, and Her Excellency Jackline Yonga of Kenya. Additionally, Ambasador Pinnock met with His Excellency Yousef Juhail, Permanent Representative of the State of Kuwait to the FAO in his capacity as Chair of the Group of 77 & China in Rome and Her Excellency Mónica Robelo Raffone, Permanent Representative of Nicaragua in her capacity as incoming Chair of the Group of Latin America and Caribbean Countries (GRULAC).

The national round of the Bahamas Young Chef Culinary Competition (junior high school division) ended in an unusual way Thursday with a delay in the announcement of the winners.    

The 30th annual competition, organized by the Department of Education in conjunction with Robin Hood Flour and Mahatma Rice, originally scheduled for Wednesday, November 9 was postponed due to Tropical Storm Nicole.

At the onset, 13 Family and Consumer Science students from schools in New Providence and the Family Islands dressed in aprons and chef caps began measuring, chopping and mixing in the kitchen at A. F. Adderley Junior High School. Two hours later they produced flour and rice dishes to the theme “Bahamian Culinary Arts: Sustainability Across Land and Sea” of such disparity as Level up Dumplings, Snatched Seafood Rice Fusion, Rice Flour Fettuccine with Sheep Runners Ragu, Wheat Tuiles Two Ways, Wild Board Napoleon and Heart of Love Tropical Conch Cakes.

 Eight judges, all professional chefs, sampled the dishes and questioned the students during the individual presentations. The judges were: Chef Clement Williams, Chef Addiemae Farrington, Chef Joel Johnson, Chef Antonio Williams, Chef Arvin Humes, Chef Eldred Saunders, Chef Ludovic Audaux and Chef Jeremy Houghton (Johnson and Wales University).

 Chef Clement Williams urged the students to accept the judges’ critiques. “Be open and take the constructive criticism which will not only help you today but tomorrow,” he said.

He congratulated the students and encouraged them to work together to create long-standing relationships.

 “It’s not just about today, it’s about 10-15 years from now. As chefs you’ll be collaborating and networking with one another. I’m really excited to see what the future holds for each and every one of you because whatever you do in here today I can see that at a whole new level in couple of years. Take the concept, invent it and bring it to a whole new level. We have too much indigenous product not to see it being utilized in every restaurant in The Bahamas.”

Chef Houghton advised the students about microgreens. “Don’t just throw them on there. Go ahead and put them on there so you don’t see the back ends of them,” he said. “Put it on there so they have a little bit more purpose. Sometimes less is more because you don’t want to cover your nice ingredients.”

Chef Antonio Williams told Kaian Miller, a ninth grade student of Mangrove Cay High School and the only male competitor that his food tasted “really good.”
 He advised Amina Eneas, 10, winner of the New Providence District, of her “amazing” work.
 “Not only is there a good story in terms of your age and poise, but the food tastes good too,” he said.

“You were focused. You stand in the land of giants and you fit right in. I’m super proud of you. We’re excited about you and your future. You melt my heart. It was unbelievable.
 “She cut herself, she bandaged herself up; she was not rattled and did not get upset. She washed her hands and went back to work. I wouldn’t change anything.”

Chef Houghton concurred. 

 “I am just going to say well done. It was unbelievable – all the layers, the flavors on point. Every sauce, every condiment. Everything on the plate has to have a purpose. That’s very important for everyone. Bravo! People always do beans and salad when they cook vegan. You took it to the next level.”Raquel Turnquest, Education Officer, Family, and Consumer Science Unit, thanked the judges and participants. She informed that the winners will be revealed during a virtual awards ceremony which is planned for a date to be announced.

The participants were: Napetra Chloe Storr, San Salvador Central High School; Ebony O’brien, Inagua All Age School; Jerimeka Morley, L.N. Coakley High School; Daria Pinder, North Long Island High School; Winnifred Cox, Louise McDonald High School; Kaian Miller, Mangrove Cay High School; Lavarnique Oliver, Huntley Christie High School; Christina Jasmine Lesbott, Central Eleuthera High; Timberley Morley, Preston H. Albury; Amina Eneas, Akhepran International Academy; Rishantae Spence, A.F. Adderley Junior High School; Destiny Tramiesha Cleare, L.W. Young Deja Linda Taylor, Queen’s College. 

 

The national round of the Bahamas Young Chef Culinary Competition (junior high school division) ended in an unusual way Thursday with a delay in the announcement of the winners.      The 30th annual competition, organized by the Department of Education in conjunction with Robin Hood Flour and Mahatma Rice, originally scheduled for Wednesday, November 9 was postponed due to Tropical Storm Nicole. At the onset, 13 Family and Consumer Science students from schools in New Providence and the Family Islands dressed in aprons and chef caps began measuring, chopping and mixing in the kitchen at A. F. Adderley Junior High School. Two hours later they produced flour and rice dishes to the theme “Bahamian Culinary Arts: Sustainability Across Land and Sea” of such disparity as Level up Dumplings, Snatched Seafood Rice Fusion, Rice Flour Fettuccine with Sheep Runners Ragu, Wheat Tuiles Two Ways, Wild Board Napoleon and Heart of Love Tropical Conch Cakes.   Eight judges, all professional chefs, sampled the dishes and questioned the students during the individual presentations. The judges were: Chef Clement Williams, Chef Addiemae Farrington, Chef Joel Johnson, Chef Antonio Williams, Chef Arvin Humes, Chef Eldred Saunders, Chef Ludovic Audaux and Chef Jeremy Houghton (Johnson and Wales University).   Chef Clement Williams urged the students to accept the judges’ critiques. “Be open and take the constructive criticism which will not only help you today but tomorrow,” he said. He congratulated the students and encouraged them to work together to create long-standing relationships.   “It’s not just about today, it’s about 10-15 years from now. As chefs you’ll be collaborating and networking with one another. I’m really excited to see what the future holds for each and every one of you because whatever you do in here today I can see that at a whole new level in couple of years. Take the concept, invent it and bring it to a whole new level. We have too much indigenous product not to see it being utilized in every restaurant in The Bahamas.” Chef Houghton advised the students about microgreens. “Don’t just throw them on there. Go ahead and put them on there so you don’t see the back ends of them,” he said. “Put it on there so they have a little bit more purpose. Sometimes less is more because you don’t want to cover your nice ingredients.” Chef Antonio Williams told Kaian Miller, a ninth grade student of Mangrove Cay High School and the only male competitor that his food tasted “really good.”   He advised Amina Eneas, 10, winner of the New Providence District, of her “amazing” work.   “Not only is there a good story in terms of your age and poise, but the food tastes good too,” he said. “You were focused. You stand in the land of giants and you fit right in. I’m super proud of you. We’re excited about you and your future. You melt my heart. It was unbelievable.   “She cut herself, she bandaged herself up; she was not rattled and did not get upset. She washed her hands and went back to work. I wouldn’t change anything.” Chef Houghton concurred.    “I am just going to say well done. It was unbelievable – all the layers, the flavors on point. Every sauce, every condiment. Everything on the plate has to have a purpose. That’s very important for everyone. Bravo! People always do beans and salad when they cook vegan. You took it to the next level.” Raquel Turnquest, Education Officer, Family, and Consumer Science Unit, thanked the judges and participants. She informed that the winners will be revealed during a virtual awards ceremony which is planned for a date to be announced. The participants were: Napetra Chloe Storr, San Salvador Central High School; Ebony O’brien, Inagua All Age School; Jerimeka Morley, L.N. Coakley High School; Daria Pinder, North Long Island High School; Winnifred Cox, Louise McDonald High School; Kaian Miller, Mangrove Cay High School; Lavarnique Oliver, Huntley Christie High School; Christina Jasmine Lesbott, Central Eleuthera High; Timberley Morley, Preston H. Albury; Amina Eneas, Akhepran International Academy; Rishantae Spence, A.F. Adderley Junior High School; Destiny Tramiesha Cleare, L.W. Young Deja Linda Taylor, Queen’s College.