The spirit of the holidays was bright in Grand Bahama where 200 families received food vouchers that help put food on the table during the holiday season. Royal Caribbean International’s local top executive, Bahamas President Philip Simon, was on hand to present the vouchers to Dr. Sidney McIntosh of community-based Revelation Faith Apostolic Ministries, an organization that has been on the ground helping with basic needs including food since the island was devastated by Hurricane Dorian in 2019.

“While Grand Bahama is experiencing a welcome comeback and has a great future, there is still a pressing need,” said Simon. “We were honoured to be able to assist in some small way by helping to provide food vouchers for 200 families.”

Dr. McIntosh, who worked with teams from Royal Caribbean International in quickly assembled kitchens preparing hot meals and feeding thousands for weeks following Hurricane Dorian, expressed appreciation for the renewed expression of compassion.

“Your generosity is definitely going to go a long way,” Dr. McIntosh said. “Many children will be able to eat, many mothers and fathers will be appreciative that they can see a smile on their children’s faces. It hasn’t been easy since Dorian, but Grand Bahamians are very resilient, and with your gift, it encourages us. Your thought, your blessing, it means a lot to us, especially in this season. I want to say from the bottom of my heart for myself, for the church family and the community of Grand Bahama, we thank you Royal Caribbean, we appreciate you.”

The spirit of the holidays was bright in Grand Bahama where 200 families received food vouchers that help put food on the table during the holiday season. Royal Caribbean International’s local top executive, Bahamas President Philip Simon, was on hand to present the vouchers to Dr. Sidney McIntosh of community-based Revelation Faith Apostolic Ministries, an organization that has been on the ground helping with basic needs including food since the island was devastated by Hurricane Dorian in 2019. “While Grand Bahama is experiencing a welcome comeback and has a great future, there is still a pressing need,” said Simon. “We were honoured to be able to assist in some small way by helping to provide food vouchers for 200 families.” Dr. McIntosh, who worked with teams from Royal Caribbean International in quickly assembled kitchens preparing hot meals and feeding thousands for weeks following Hurricane Dorian, expressed appreciation for the renewed expression of compassion. “Your generosity is definitely going to go a long way,” Dr. McIntosh said. “Many children will be able to eat, many mothers and fathers will be appreciative that they can see a smile on their children’s faces. It hasn’t been easy since Dorian, but Grand Bahamians are very resilient, and with your gift, it encourages us. Your thought, your blessing, it means a lot to us, especially in this season. I want to say from the bottom of my heart for myself, for the church family and the community of Grand Bahama, we thank you Royal Caribbean, we appreciate you.”

'Celebrating Love This Christmas' was the theme used by the Royal Bahamas Police Force as they hosted the 2023 Annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Monday, December 18 at the Gerald Bartlett Complex in Grand Bahama.

Attended by senior members of government and members of the public, the event was hosted by newly-promoted Assistant Commissioner of Police, Ms. Shanta Knowles. One of the highlights of the evening for the children was receiving treats from Santa. 

With a food import bill topping $1 billion annually and the vivid memory of supply chain shortage, the movement to grow more of what we eat and eat more of what we grow got a boost today when Royal Caribbean International (RCI) presented the last 200 of 400 backyard farming kits to the Agricultural Development Organization (ADO).

Recipients of the kits lined up at St. Thomas More Parish Hall, Centreville, ready to start or expand a garden farm they could manage at home with the aid of a field officer visiting once a month. Each kit was packed with soil, 72 seeds of dozens of varieties, small irrigation tubing and fertilizer.

Among the special guests at the presentation and distribution ceremony were Minister of Agriculture Jomo Campbell, RCI general manager of Bahamian business and president of the Royal Beach Club Philip Simon and ADO Executive Chairman Philip Smith.

This is the second time the agriculture minister participated in the backyard farm distribution of kits provided by a donation from Royal Caribbean International, a collaboration and program, he called “a shining example of corporate responsibility.”

“We cannot thank donors like Royal Caribbean enough,” said Philip Smith. “Without the tremendous outpouring of corporate support by a few key donors like Royal Caribbean, we would not be where we are today and where we are with having provided materials to start 2700 backyard farms in less than two years is just the beginning.”

Smith, who focused on feeding for 17 years including founding and heading up the Bahamas Feeding Network for nearly a decade, says growing what we eat is essential for two reasons.

“First, there is the issue of food security and I fully believe that the answer to that lies right in our own backyards. Our heritage is farming. Our ancestors did not clamber for greens, potatoes, yams, onions, cucumber, even eggs.

They walked out into the back yard and picked what they needed that day. And the taste of a home-grown tomato is so much fresher than one picked elsewhere, packaged, trucked, put on a cargo ship, shipped across the seas, then the container trucked to a store before that tomato has been offloaded, labeled and put on a shelf. The stores try hard, but there is a world of difference.”

Smith also cites the nation’s declining health with greater incidences of hypertension, heart disease, cancer, diabetes and arthritis. He said the link to an increased dependence on processed and fast foods cannot be ignored.

Agriculture Minister Jomo Campbell cited multiple benefits from the good to grow campaign and the collaboration between ADO and partners – improved food security, economic opportunities, health benefits, environmental sustainability and community building. “In earlier times, farming was not an unfamiliar profession in The Bahamas,” the minister recalled.

“Many of our grandparents, mothers and fathers practiced substance agriculture where they grew crops according to their family’s needs...This program demonstrates that we can do this again and simultaneously cut down on our exorbitant food import bill that continues to be pegged at $1 billion.”

RCI’s Philip Simon explained the cruise company’s reason for strong support.

“Royal Caribbean International is committed to sustainability,” said Simon. “That commitment is evident in everything we do – in investing in the most advanced technology to minimize waste and maximize recycling onboard our ships, in our commitment for the Royal Beach Club to be landfill waste free by 2030. But creating a sustainable planet takes more than massive recycling. It also involves the things we can do every day, including the nutritional benefits of growing our own food.”

Simon said RCI’s long-time support of the Bahamas Feeding Network lent naturally to supporting ADO.

“We understand that there will always be a need to feed but if we begin to grow more of our own and restore the joy of a farming culture, bringing us closer to the earth, we will all benefit and RCI is proud to be part of this important community initiative.”

In addition to backyard kits, ADO is assisting 26 schools throughout The Bahamas to create farms and on December 9, Smith and team will be in Exuma to help launch the Rolleville Commonage Community Farm with Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper officially opening the half-acre garden of greens and more.

With a food import bill topping $1 billion annually and the vivid memory of supply chain shortage, the movement to grow more of what we eat and eat more of what we grow got a boost today when Royal Caribbean International (RCI) presented the last 200 of 400 backyard farming kits to the Agricultural Development Organization (ADO). Recipients of the kits lined up at St. Thomas More Parish Hall, Centreville, ready to start or expand a garden farm they could manage at home with the aid of a field officer visiting once a month. Each kit was packed with soil, 72 seeds of dozens of varieties, small irrigation tubing and fertilizer. Among the special guests at the presentation and distribution ceremony were Minister of Agriculture Jomo Campbell, RCI general manager of Bahamian business and president of the Royal Beach Club Philip Simon and ADO Executive Chairman Philip Smith. This is the second time the agriculture minister participated in the backyard farm distribution of kits provided by a donation from Royal Caribbean International, a collaboration and program, he called “a shining example of corporate responsibility.” “We cannot thank donors like Royal Caribbean enough,” said Philip Smith. “Without the tremendous outpouring of corporate support by a few key donors like Royal Caribbean, we would not be where we are today and where we are with having provided materials to start 2700 backyard farms in less than two years is just the beginning.” Smith, who focused on feeding for 17 years including founding and heading up the Bahamas Feeding Network for nearly a decade, says growing what we eat is essential for two reasons. “First, there is the issue of food security and I fully believe that the answer to that lies right in our own backyards. Our heritage is farming. Our ancestors did not clamber for greens, potatoes, yams, onions, cucumber, even eggs. They walked out into the back yard and picked what they needed that day. And the taste of a home-grown tomato is so much fresher than one picked elsewhere, packaged, trucked, put on a cargo ship, shipped across the seas, then the container trucked to a store before that tomato has been offloaded, labeled and put on a shelf. The stores try hard, but there is a world of difference.” Smith also cites the nation’s declining health with greater incidences of hypertension, heart disease, cancer, diabetes and arthritis. He said the link to an increased dependence on processed and fast foods cannot be ignored. Agriculture Minister Jomo Campbell cited multiple benefits from the good to grow campaign and the collaboration between ADO and partners – improved food security, economic opportunities, health benefits, environmental sustainability and community building. “In earlier times, farming was not an unfamiliar profession in The Bahamas,” the minister recalled. “Many of our grandparents, mothers and fathers practiced substance agriculture where they grew crops according to their family’s needs...This program demonstrates that we can do this again and simultaneously cut down on our exorbitant food import bill that continues to be pegged at $1 billion.” RCI’s Philip Simon explained the cruise company’s reason for strong support. “Royal Caribbean International is committed to sustainability,” said Simon. “That commitment is evident in everything we do – in investing in the most advanced technology to minimize waste and maximize recycling onboard our ships, in our commitment for the Royal Beach Club to be landfill waste free by 2030. But creating a sustainable planet takes more than massive recycling. It also involves the things we can do every day, including the nutritional benefits of growing our own food.” Simon said RCI’s long-time support of the Bahamas Feeding Network lent naturally to supporting ADO. “We understand that there will always be a need to feed but if we begin to grow more of our own and restore the joy of a farming culture, bringing us closer to the earth, we will all benefit and RCI is proud to be part of this important community initiative.” In addition to backyard kits, ADO is assisting 26 schools throughout The Bahamas to create farms and on December 9, Smith and team will be in Exuma to help launch the Rolleville Commonage Community Farm with Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper officially opening the half-acre garden of greens and more.

The Commissioning Ceremony of the Fluoroscopy Room in the Radiology Department, December 8. 2023 will assist the overall patient experience by saving them time and money, said Minister for Grand Bahama the Hon. Ginger Moxey, at a ceremony at the Rand Memorial Hospital.

“The centerpiece of this celebration is the state-of-the-art Philips ProxiDiagnost N90 digital radiography and fluoroscopy system. This cutting-edge machine will revolutionize the way you diagnose and monitor diseases and provide imaging guidance for various medical procedures. With this new equipment, the Rand Radiology department can now perform a wide range of examinations.

“It has been over five long years since the hospital was able to offer these services to the Grand Bahama community. And during that time, patients had to endure the inconvenience and expense of traveling off-island for these essential procedures.”

Also attending the ceremony were Mr. Andrew Edwards, chairman of the Public Hospitals Authority; Kele Isaacs, Acting Managing Director of the Public Hospitals Authority; senior government officials and staff of the Public Hospitals Authority.

The state-of-the-art digitized technology, said the Minister, will streamline the diagnostic process as well as improve the quality of care resulting in accurate results for patients in a timely manner.

The equipment was donated by Direct Relief, an international partner who assisted Grand Bahama following the devastation of Hurricane Dorian in September 2019.

“The benefits of this new Fluoroscopy Room extend far beyond the walls of this hospital. By reducing the need for patients to travel for these specialized procedures, we are saving them time, money and improving the overall patient experience. Timely access to imaging services is crucial for better patient case management, and this equipment will undoubtedly enhance our ability to provide top-notch care to the Grand Bahama community.

“The Rand Memorial Hospital remains a vital resource for the entire Northern Bahamas, and we will continue to invest in its infrastructure as we progress with the upgrades to our Community Clinics and the construction of a new public hospital facility in our nation's second city.”

The Grand Bahama Health Services, said Mr. Edwards, is an important part of PHA who is committed to ensuring that the facilities in Grand Bahama are equipped to deliver quality care to the patients in the northern Bahamas, and they understand the challenges faced and are addressing the issues.

“In our pursuit of excellence, the PHA has established the PHA Foundations to facilitate international and local donors in making a substantial impact through their contributions to PHA facilities. These foundations serve as a testament to our commitment to creating opportunities for those who share our vision of a healthier Bahamas.”

According to Mr. Isaacs, for five years, residents have had to travel to receive the necessary diagnostic procedures. “Today, we put an end to that inconvenience and ensure that our community has access to the vital healthcare services they need, right here at home.

“This accomplishment is part of a broader initiative to prioritize the upgrading of health infrastructure throughout Grand Bahama. The expansion of the Rand Memorial Hospital’s infectious disease capacity and rehabilitative services with modular buildings, the ongoing construction of the Freeport Health Campus (which will be the future home of the Freeport Community Clinic and other major outpatient or short-term patient services), the upgrading and refurbishing of the hospital’s morgue, cafeteria, and kitchen, and the renovations to Community Clinics across the island --  all of these projects underscore our commitment to providing top-notch healthcare services to our community.”

He commended the staff for their dedication to providing quality care, despite challenges.

“Their resilience and commitment to delivering healthcare excellence have been truly remarkable, and I am proud to work alongside such a dedicated team,” he said.

Following the ceremony, the group then unveiled the plaque and toured the facility.

The Commissioning Ceremony of the Fluoroscopy Room in the Radiology Department, December 8. 2023 will assist the overall patient experience by saving them time and money, said Minister for Grand Bahama the Hon. Ginger Moxey, at a ceremony at the Rand Memorial Hospital. “The centerpiece of this celebration is the state-of-the-art Philips ProxiDiagnost N90 digital radiography and fluoroscopy system. This cutting-edge machine will revolutionize the way you diagnose and monitor diseases and provide imaging guidance for various medical procedures. With this new equipment, the Rand Radiology department can now perform a wide range of examinations.   “It has been over five long years since the hospital was able to offer these services to the Grand Bahama community. And during that time, patients had to endure the inconvenience and expense of traveling off-island for these essential procedures.” Also attending the ceremony were Mr. Andrew Edwards, chairman of the Public Hospitals Authority; Kele Isaacs, Acting Managing Director of the Public Hospitals Authority; senior government officials and staff of the Public Hospitals Authority. The state-of-the-art digitized technology, said the Minister, will streamline the diagnostic process as well as improve the quality of care resulting in accurate results for patients in a timely manner. The equipment was donated by Direct Relief, an international partner who assisted Grand Bahama following the devastation of Hurricane Dorian in September 2019. “The benefits of this new Fluoroscopy Room extend far beyond the walls of this hospital. By reducing the need for patients to travel for these specialized procedures, we are saving them time, money and improving the overall patient experience. Timely access to imaging services is crucial for better patient case management, and this equipment will undoubtedly enhance our ability to provide top-notch care to the Grand Bahama community. “The Rand Memorial Hospital remains a vital resource for the entire Northern Bahamas, and we will continue to invest in its infrastructure as we progress with the upgrades to our Community Clinics and the construction of a new public hospital facility in our nation's second city.” The Grand Bahama Health Services, said Mr. Edwards, is an important part of PHA who is committed to ensuring that the facilities in Grand Bahama are equipped to deliver quality care to the patients in the northern Bahamas, and they understand the challenges faced and are addressing the issues. “In our pursuit of excellence, the PHA has established the PHA Foundations to facilitate international and local donors in making a substantial impact through their contributions to PHA facilities. These foundations serve as a testament to our commitment to creating opportunities for those who share our vision of a healthier Bahamas.” According to Mr. Isaacs, for five years, residents have had to travel to receive the necessary diagnostic procedures. “Today, we put an end to that inconvenience and ensure that our community has access to the vital healthcare services they need, right here at home. “This accomplishment is part of a broader initiative to prioritize the upgrading of health infrastructure throughout Grand Bahama. The expansion of the Rand Memorial Hospital’s infectious disease capacity and rehabilitative services with modular buildings, the ongoing construction of the Freeport Health Campus (which will be the future home of the Freeport Community Clinic and other major outpatient or short-term patient services), the upgrading and refurbishing of the hospital’s morgue, cafeteria, and kitchen, and the renovations to Community Clinics across the island --  all of these projects underscore our commitment to providing top-notch healthcare services to our community.” He commended the staff for their dedication to providing quality care, despite challenges. “Their resilience and commitment to delivering healthcare excellence have been truly remarkable, and I am proud to work alongside such a dedicated team,” he said. Following the ceremony, the group then unveiled the plaque and toured the facility.