Under a broiling sun, a team of 25 RBC volunteers planted rows of baby greens, reaching into an agricultural past to provide for a better tomorrow and transforming a parking area into a churchyard garden with enough fresh produce to assist up to 150 households.

The event that took place on June 24 at the Pilgirm Baptist Church, St. James Road, was the first collaboration between the Bahamas’ oldest banking institution, RBC, and the Agricultural Development Organization (ADO).

It also coincided with the National Day of Service – a day when civic organizations, churches and volunteers committed to giving back to the community as a part of the nation’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

“With a generous sponsorship of $50,000, RBC is delighted to assist ADO in funding the development of community greenhouse gardens and providing backyard garden kits to neighborhoods across New Providence and Exuma,” explained RBC Royal Bank (Bahamas) Managing Director LaSonya Missick.

“At RBC, our purpose is to help our clients thrive and our communities prosper. For us, this initiative helps to cultivate a future of self-sufficiency in our country’s food supply. We also see it as empowering our communities and fortifying their relationship with the land that sustains us.”

Declaring “no garden could ever fully bloom without a dedicated team of growers,” the managing director said, “our goal is to bring the fruits of our labour to as many as 150 households

in this community, enabling them to reap the benefits of fresh, home-grown produce,” she continued.

ADO Executive Chairman Philip Smith thanked RBC.

“For 17 years, I helped feed the needy. I saw what hunger could do to people,” said Smith, who started by sharing loaves of bread he baked in a small home oven. In 2013, he created the Bahamas Feeding Network which has provided more than two million meals.

“The need to feed will always exist,” Smith said, “but if we can grow more of what we eat and eat more of what we grow, not only will we win this battle against hunger, but we will also nurture a healthier population in our nation. I thank RBC for its incredibly generous donation of $50,000 and…volunteerism of the folks who came to this churchyard today in one of Nassau’s most economically challenged communities to help us celebrate the planting of another community farm where we share what we grow and feed our souls and spirits as we do.”

RBC’s Managing Director called the volunteer planting “the beginning of a fruitful partnership. RBC and ADO are committed to working hand in hand on future projects to improve the lives of our citizens and the prosperity of our country. At RBC, our commitment to The Bahamas is unwavering – both now and well into the future. We are eager to grow together with our communities and contribute to a vibrant and thriving Bahamas.”

ADO partners with the Church Commercial Farming Group to provide field mentors to be assigned to every garden, overseeing planting, providing ongoing advice, documenting and reporting progress and helping to ensure the greatest success.

Under a broiling sun, a team of 25 RBC volunteers planted rows of baby greens, reaching into an agricultural past to provide for a better tomorrow and transforming a parking area into a churchyard garden with enough fresh produce to assist up to 150 households. The event that took place on June 24 at the Pilgirm Baptist Church, St. James Road, was the first collaboration between the Bahamas’ oldest banking institution, RBC, and the Agricultural Development Organization (ADO). It also coincided with the National Day of Service – a day when civic organizations, churches and volunteers committed to giving back to the community as a part of the nation’s 50th anniversary celebrations. “With a generous sponsorship of $50,000, RBC is delighted to assist ADO in funding the development of community greenhouse gardens and providing backyard garden kits to neighborhoods across New Providence and Exuma,” explained RBC Royal Bank (Bahamas) Managing Director LaSonya Missick. “At RBC, our purpose is to help our clients thrive and our communities prosper. For us, this initiative helps to cultivate a future of self-sufficiency in our country’s food supply. We also see it as empowering our communities and fortifying their relationship with the land that sustains us.” Declaring “no garden could ever fully bloom without a dedicated team of growers,” the managing director said, “our goal is to bring the fruits of our labour to as many as 150 households in this community, enabling them to reap the benefits of fresh, home-grown produce,” she continued. ADO Executive Chairman Philip Smith thanked RBC. “For 17 years, I helped feed the needy. I saw what hunger could do to people,” said Smith, who started by sharing loaves of bread he baked in a small home oven. In 2013, he created the Bahamas Feeding Network which has provided more than two million meals. “The need to feed will always exist,” Smith said, “but if we can grow more of what we eat and eat more of what we grow, not only will we win this battle against hunger, but we will also nurture a healthier population in our nation. I thank RBC for its incredibly generous donation of $50,000 and…volunteerism of the folks who came to this churchyard today in one of Nassau’s most economically challenged communities to help us celebrate the planting of another community farm where we share what we grow and feed our souls and spirits as we do.” RBC’s Managing Director called the volunteer planting “the beginning of a fruitful partnership. RBC and ADO are committed to working hand in hand on future projects to improve the lives of our citizens and the prosperity of our country. At RBC, our commitment to The Bahamas is unwavering – both now and well into the future. We are eager to grow together with our communities and contribute to a vibrant and thriving Bahamas.” ADO partners with the Church Commercial Farming Group to provide field mentors to be assigned to every garden, overseeing planting, providing ongoing advice, documenting and reporting progress and helping to ensure the greatest success.

As BTC continues to roll out its new corporate identity, residents of Eastern New Providence came out in droves last Saturday June 10th, to experience the company’s first ever Fiber Fest, held on the grounds of Super Value Winton.

Fiber Fest comes on the heels of the Company’s June 6th brand refresh, which featured the unveiling of a new logo and a shift from being a telephone provider to mainly focusing on becoming the leader in Broadband services.

Motorists heading East can view a number of BTC Fiber signs that were strategically placed on lamp posts and lawns to encourage residents to take advantage of BTC’s Fiber, which is now faster, stronger, more reliable, and simply unstoppable!

“Today we are celebrating Fiber Fest because we have 80% coverage of fiber throughout New Providence and Grand Bahama, and that is definitely something that we want to celebrate and tout” said Carole Barnett, BTC’s Executive Senior Manager of Marketing.

Barnett says BTC has not only changed its logo, but the Company has changed its approach to delivering excellent customer service. “We want to make sure that we give customers the best experience ever, so what we are doing is taking our business to the neighborhood and we are providing a convenience for customers where they are able to sign up right at home.”

Last Saturday’s Fiber Fest kicked off as early as 7am with Zumba, followed by a number of free health screenings. There was also a huge kids’ corner with games, archery, live entertainment, lots of food, performances by the Royal Bahamas Police Force Marching Band and a drill by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Rangers.

A Junkanoo rush out led by the One Family Junkanoo group which featured a personalized BTC banner was the highlight of the evening.

BTC’s brand ambassador, Steven “Speedy” Gardiner, was also on hand to meet and greet residents and participate in a motorcade that journeyed from East to West.

In the West, BTC held a Jam Fest on Carmichael Road that featured a Junkanoo rush out and marching band from McKinney Drive to Bahama Avenue.

“BTC was the first to introduce cutting edge technology to Bahamians and today we are sharing with potential customers the fact that they can get up to 1gig of symmetrical speed, so today is really a blue letter day for us at BTC. We have also partnered with our small business customers, and we are making sure that we extend the love to them,” Barnett said.

As BTC continues to roll out its new corporate identity, residents of Eastern New Providence came out in droves last Saturday June 10th, to experience the company’s first ever Fiber Fest, held on the grounds of Super Value Winton. Fiber Fest comes on the heels of the Company’s June 6th brand refresh, which featured the unveiling of a new logo and a shift from being a telephone provider to mainly focusing on becoming the leader in Broadband services. Motorists heading East can view a number of BTC Fiber signs that were strategically placed on lamp posts and lawns to encourage residents to take advantage of BTC’s Fiber, which is now faster, stronger, more reliable, and simply unstoppable! “Today we are celebrating Fiber Fest because we have 80% coverage of fiber throughout New Providence and Grand Bahama, and that is definitely something that we want to celebrate and tout” said Carole Barnett, BTC’s Executive Senior Manager of Marketing. Barnett says BTC has not only changed its logo, but the Company has changed its approach to delivering excellent customer service. “We want to make sure that we give customers the best experience ever, so what we are doing is taking our business to the neighborhood and we are providing a convenience for customers where they are able to sign up right at home.” Last Saturday’s Fiber Fest kicked off as early as 7am with Zumba, followed by a number of free health screenings. There was also a huge kids’ corner with games, archery, live entertainment, lots of food, performances by the Royal Bahamas Police Force Marching Band and a drill by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Rangers. A Junkanoo rush out led by the One Family Junkanoo group which featured a personalized BTC banner was the highlight of the evening. BTC’s brand ambassador, Steven “Speedy” Gardiner, was also on hand to meet and greet residents and participate in a motorcade that journeyed from East to West. In the West, BTC held a Jam Fest on Carmichael Road that featured a Junkanoo rush out and marching band from McKinney Drive to Bahama Avenue. “BTC was the first to introduce cutting edge technology to Bahamians and today we are sharing with potential customers the fact that they can get up to 1gig of symmetrical speed, so today is really a blue letter day for us at BTC. We have also partnered with our small business customers, and we are making sure that we extend the love to them,” Barnett said.

Residents came out in full force to witness the Golden Jubilee Flag Relay happen in their community, Tuesday, June 6 – marking 34 days to the 50th Anniversary of Bahamas Independence on July 10, 2023.

The National Independence Secretariat facilitated a Flag-Raising Ceremony at Leonard M. Thompson International Airport. 

The same will be duplicated throughout the islands, leading to the Golden Jubilee Anniversary, celebrated in New Providence.

Present were Kirk Cornish, Parliamentary Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister and Member of Parliament for North Abaco; John Pinder, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation and MP for Central and South Abaco; Ricardo Ferguson, Family Island Administrator, other community leaders, and students.

Following welcome remarks by the island administrator, the Opening Prayer was said by the

Reverend Paulette Cartwright, president of the Abaco Christian Council.

Both MPs brought brief remarks marking the historic occasion on the 'Road to 50.' They also spoke to the resilience of Abaconians, following the devastating Hurricane Dorian in 2019, and that the island will emerge as “One People… One Bahamas”. 

Afterwards, the Hoisting of the National Flag was performed by a 4-member Colour Guard and Band ensemble comprising the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force to the song “One God. One People. One Bahamas.” 

Once the Flag was hoisted, students from S.C. Bootle High School, Forest Heights Academy, Agape Christian School, Central Abaco Primary School, Crossing Rocks Primary School, Man-O-War Cay Primary School, and Great Guana Cay Primary School led in the observance of the National Anthem played by a pre-recorded rendition by the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band, and then reciting of The Pledge. 

Pastor Cedric Bullard gave the Benediction.

Each community, through Local Government officials, is being galvanized in a spirit of unity for the Flag Relay. The same Flag in the relay will be used in New Providence on July 9 in the celebration and Tattoo at Clifford Park, ushering in Independence morning on July 10.

Residents came out in full force to witness the Golden Jubilee Flag Relay happen in their community, Tuesday, June 6 – marking 34 days to the 50th Anniversary of Bahamas Independence on July 10, 2023. The National Independence Secretariat facilitated a Flag-Raising Ceremony at Leonard M. Thompson International Airport.  The same will be duplicated throughout the islands, leading to the Golden Jubilee Anniversary, celebrated in New Providence. Present were Kirk Cornish, Parliamentary Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister and Member of Parliament for North Abaco; John Pinder, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation and MP for Central and South Abaco; Ricardo Ferguson, Family Island Administrator, other community leaders, and students. Following welcome remarks by the island administrator, the Opening Prayer was said by the Reverend Paulette Cartwright, president of the Abaco Christian Council. Both MPs brought brief remarks marking the historic occasion on the 'Road to 50.' They also spoke to the resilience of Abaconians, following the devastating Hurricane Dorian in 2019, and that the island will emerge as “One People… One Bahamas”.  Afterwards, the Hoisting of the National Flag was performed by a 4-member Colour Guard and Band ensemble comprising the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force to the song “One God. One People. One Bahamas.”  Once the Flag was hoisted, students from S.C. Bootle High School, Forest Heights Academy, Agape Christian School, Central Abaco Primary School, Crossing Rocks Primary School, Man-O-War Cay Primary School, and Great Guana Cay Primary School led in the observance of the National Anthem played by a pre-recorded rendition by the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band, and then reciting of The Pledge.  Pastor Cedric Bullard gave the Benediction. Each community, through Local Government officials, is being galvanized in a spirit of unity for the Flag Relay. The same Flag in the relay will be used in New Providence on July 9 in the celebration and Tattoo at Clifford Park, ushering in Independence morning on July 10.

Understanding that heathy aging is vital to the social, mental, and physical health of a country’s geriatric population, BTC has stepped up to serve as the title Platinum sponsor for the 12th annual Geriatrics Push-a-Thon on Saturday June 3rd. 

The Push-a-Thon is an exciting push, walk and run event that is hosted by the Public Hospitals Authority and Sandilands Rehabilitation Center. The event was introduced as a creative way to promote mobility while engaging caregivers and the community at large. 

This year’s Run, Walk and Push-a-Thon theme is, PUSHH on Bahamaland - Positively Uplifting Seniors with Helping Hands, and the event is being held under the patronage of Deputy Governor General the Hon. Cynthia “Mother” Pratt. 

Dr. Sasha Dorsett, Chairperson of the Geriatrics Push-a-Thon said: “We are so thankful to have BTC serve as our title sponsor for Push-a-Thon 2023. This corporate sponsorship provides the Geriatric Hospital with an opportunity to partner with the BTC community and will give the Hospital significant financial support. The proceeds from BTC and other corporate sponsors will be utilized to purchase accessories and assist seniors with walking aids, proper footwear, and the purchase of 50 wheelchairs to ensure safe and effective mobility.”

BTC has contributed $5,000 to the 2023 Push-a-Thon’s success. 

The Company is also encouraging its team members to lend their support by registering to participate.

BTC’s CEO Sameer Bhatti said the Company is happy to serve as a Platinum sponsor for the 12th annual Geriatric Push-a-Thon, which promotes healthy aging and encourages older persons to be physically active. 

“We are always willing to support any efforts that are being taken to ensure that our precious senior citizens adopt ways to stay active and feel included,” Bhatti said. “Our sponsorship and those of others will ensure that the elderly is given the tools that are needed to maintain their independence and live longer lives.  We are therefore encouraging our staff and the general public to register and support this upcoming event, which is also open to walkers and runners.”

Since the beginning of this year BTC has implemented several initiatives to encourage its employees to adopt healthier lifestyles. Bhatti and his family hosted a recent Famers Market at BTC Perpall Tract location where colleagues were able to enjoy Eleuthera grown vegetables free of charge. 

In recognition of Earth Day, BTC teamed up with the Ministry of Agriculture to purchase 500 fruit and vegetable backyard farming kits, which were distributed to BTC colleagues on New Providence, Grand Bahama, Eleuthera, Abaco, Long Island, Exuma and Andros. Kits were also distributed to Family Island schools with the goal of having students embrace farming and feeding themselves at an early age.  

The company also recently wrapped up its Wellness Week that included a health fair and a number of activities and learning sessions to promote and encourage healthy lifestyles. 

Persons interested in participating in this years’ Geriatrics Run, Walk and Push-a-Thon can register at the website: www.pushathon242.com or at the Sandilands Geriatric Hospital. There is a registration fee of $15 that can be paid at the Sandilands business office or via Cash and Go.

The Run, Walk, Push-a-Thon will begin at 6:30am on Saturday, June 3rd.  There will be warm up at 6:15am and there will be staggered times for walkers, runners, and pushers.

Route: Starting at the entrance of the Sandilands Rehabilitation Center, turn south onto Fox Hill Road to Yamacraw Road. Turn East on Yamacraw Road to Commonwealth Boulevard. Turn North on Commonwealth Boulevard through Elizabeth Estates to Prince Charles Drive. Turn West on Prince Charles Drive to Fox Hill Road. Turn South on Fox Hill Road ending at Sandilands Rehabilitation Center.

Understanding that heathy aging is vital to the social, mental, and physical health of a country’s geriatric population, BTC has stepped up to serve as the title Platinum sponsor for the 12th annual Geriatrics Push-a-Thon on Saturday June 3rd.  The Push-a-Thon is an exciting push, walk and run event that is hosted by the Public Hospitals Authority and Sandilands Rehabilitation Center. The event was introduced as a creative way to promote mobility while engaging caregivers and the community at large.  This year’s Run, Walk and Push-a-Thon theme is, PUSHH on Bahamaland - Positively Uplifting Seniors with Helping Hands, and the event is being held under the patronage of Deputy Governor General the Hon. Cynthia “Mother” Pratt.  Dr. Sasha Dorsett, Chairperson of the Geriatrics Push-a-Thon said: “We are so thankful to have BTC serve as our title sponsor for Push-a-Thon 2023. This corporate sponsorship provides the Geriatric Hospital with an opportunity to partner with the BTC community and will give the Hospital significant financial support. The proceeds from BTC and other corporate sponsors will be utilized to purchase accessories and assist seniors with walking aids, proper footwear, and the purchase of 50 wheelchairs to ensure safe and effective mobility.” BTC has contributed $5,000 to the 2023 Push-a-Thon’s success.  The Company is also encouraging its team members to lend their support by registering to participate. BTC’s CEO Sameer Bhatti said the Company is happy to serve as a Platinum sponsor for the 12th annual Geriatric Push-a-Thon, which promotes healthy aging and encourages older persons to be physically active.  “We are always willing to support any efforts that are being taken to ensure that our precious senior citizens adopt ways to stay active and feel included,” Bhatti said. “Our sponsorship and those of others will ensure that the elderly is given the tools that are needed to maintain their independence and live longer lives.  We are therefore encouraging our staff and the general public to register and support this upcoming event, which is also open to walkers and runners.” Since the beginning of this year BTC has implemented several initiatives to encourage its employees to adopt healthier lifestyles. Bhatti and his family hosted a recent Famers Market at BTC Perpall Tract location where colleagues were able to enjoy Eleuthera grown vegetables free of charge.  In recognition of Earth Day, BTC teamed up with the Ministry of Agriculture to purchase 500 fruit and vegetable backyard farming kits, which were distributed to BTC colleagues on New Providence, Grand Bahama, Eleuthera, Abaco, Long Island, Exuma and Andros. Kits were also distributed to Family Island schools with the goal of having students embrace farming and feeding themselves at an early age.   The company also recently wrapped up its Wellness Week that included a health fair and a number of activities and learning sessions to promote and encourage healthy lifestyles.  Persons interested in participating in this years’ Geriatrics Run, Walk and Push-a-Thon can register at the website: www.pushathon242.com or at the Sandilands Geriatric Hospital. There is a registration fee of $15 that can be paid at the Sandilands business office or via Cash and Go. The Run, Walk, Push-a-Thon will begin at 6:30am on Saturday, June 3rd.  There will be warm up at 6:15am and there will be staggered times for walkers, runners, and pushers. Route: Starting at the entrance of the Sandilands Rehabilitation Center, turn south onto Fox Hill Road to Yamacraw Road. Turn East on Yamacraw Road to Commonwealth Boulevard. Turn North on Commonwealth Boulevard through Elizabeth Estates to Prince Charles Drive. Turn West on Prince Charles Drive to Fox Hill Road. Turn South on Fox Hill Road ending at Sandilands Rehabilitation Center.