To celebrate this year's 50th Anniversary of Bahamas Independence the 'Dame Doris Johnson National Women's Unity March and Concert,' was held on Sunday afternoon, March 26, 2023.  The march began at Rawson Square and proceeded to the Western Esplanade.  An evening concert provided entertainment for all. 

The Mother Pratt Foundation has donated essential medical supplies to the Ministry of Health and Wellness earmarked for clinics throughout The Bahamas. 

Continuing the fight against COVID 19, Cynthia “Mother” Pratt, through the assistance of donors in the United States, donated the “fighting instruments” including disinfectant, gloves, hand sanitizers and masks, to the Hon. Michael Darville, Minister of Health and Wellness and Colin Higgs, permanent secretary. 

The presentation was made Friday, March 17, 2023 on the grounds of Prayer and Praise Assembly, Ragged Island Street.

“We’re giving back to our country through health,” said Mother Pratt.

“As we all know COVID seems to be slipping up again and so we thought it necessary for us to be able to assist with COVID-19 fighting instruments.

“We have a lot of stuff that will counter COVID. We’re delighted to know this Foundation is helping in a small way. We try our best to do what we can because we’re talking about building a nation.”

Mother Pratt expressed thanks to the donors who have been sponsors for many years.

“This trailer is the 100th trailer that they’ve sent. Over a long period of time they’ve been donating to the Mother Pratt Foundation. We’ve helped Education, we’ve helped Social Services all through the Foundation. It’s because of giving people who want to give. We don’t want to look for anything in return but we want to see our country move forward in a healthy way.

“That’s what we’re about. We’re trying to see how best we can help in a small way,” she added.

Minister Darville accepted the gifts on behalf of the Government and people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. He said the medical supplies are absolutely “vital” for sanitization of clinics.

He thanked the Mother Pratt Foundation for the “gift of love”. 

“These supplies will be distributed throughout the Family Islands in order for us to be able to ensure that those individuals who come to our clinics come to environments that are completely sanitized.

“Mother Pratt did say something -- that COVID is still with us -- but there are also lots of upper respiratory tract infections this time of the year. The same sanitization methods for COVID exist for upper respiratory tract infections.”

He said the donations will be earmarked for New Providence and Family Island clinics.

“Mother Pratt’s foundation is moving into many areas throughout The Commonwealth of the Bahamas. Do not mind small things. These things add up in the long run. This is one of 100 containers that have come through this foundation and it has been done with utmost integrity. These supplies go where they are supposed to go. Today, it’s the Ministry of Health and we’re pleased to be a part of this great gift and I’m certain it will go a long way,” he said.

Minister Darville acknowledged the NGOs associated with the Foundation who continue to give to agencies in The Bahamas including health care services, education, and social services.

 

The Mother Pratt Foundation has donated essential medical supplies to the Ministry of Health and Wellness earmarked for clinics throughout The Bahamas.   Continuing the fight against COVID 19, Cynthia “Mother” Pratt, through the assistance of donors in the United States, donated the “fighting instruments” including disinfectant, gloves, hand sanitizers and masks, to the Hon. Michael Darville, Minister of Health and Wellness and Colin Higgs, permanent secretary.   The presentation was made Friday, March 17, 2023 on the grounds of Prayer and Praise Assembly, Ragged Island Street. “We’re giving back to our country through health,” said Mother Pratt. “As we all know COVID seems to be slipping up again and so we thought it necessary for us to be able to assist with COVID-19 fighting instruments. “We have a lot of stuff that will counter COVID. We’re delighted to know this Foundation is helping in a small way. We try our best to do what we can because we’re talking about building a nation.” Mother Pratt expressed thanks to the donors who have been sponsors for many years.   “This trailer is the 100th trailer that they’ve sent. Over a long period of time they’ve been donating to the Mother Pratt Foundation. We’ve helped Education, we’ve helped Social Services all through the Foundation. It’s because of giving people who want to give. We don’t want to look for anything in return but we want to see our country move forward in a healthy way. “That’s what we’re about. We’re trying to see how best we can help in a small way,” she added. Minister Darville accepted the gifts on behalf of the Government and people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. He said the medical supplies are absolutely “vital” for sanitization of clinics. He thanked the Mother Pratt Foundation for the “gift of love”.    “These supplies will be distributed throughout the Family Islands in order for us to be able to ensure that those individuals who come to our clinics come to environments that are completely sanitized.   “Mother Pratt did say something -- that COVID is still with us -- but there are also lots of upper respiratory tract infections this time of the year. The same sanitization methods for COVID exist for upper respiratory tract infections.” He said the donations will be earmarked for New Providence and Family Island clinics.   “Mother Pratt’s foundation is moving into many areas throughout The Commonwealth of the Bahamas. Do not mind small things. These things add up in the long run. This is one of 100 containers that have come through this foundation and it has been done with utmost integrity. These supplies go where they are supposed to go. Today, it’s the Ministry of Health and we’re pleased to be a part of this great gift and I’m certain it will go a long way,” he said. Minister Darville acknowledged the NGOs associated with the Foundation who continue to give to agencies in The Bahamas including health care services, education, and social services.

The Princess Margaret Hospital through the Public Hospitals Authority received 100 cotton blankets from Quality Homes Center and a group of fraternity organizations, for the comfort of patients who present at the Emergency Department.

The official handover ceremony was held at Quality Home Centre on Prince Charles Drive, March 2, 2023.

According to PHA, the Emergency Department of PMH is often the first point of contact members of the public seeking “urgent” medical attention.

“It is important to provide a safe, clean and comfortable environment thus allowing patients to focus on their health,” said PHA. “The PHA is grateful to all partners in this generous donation which will improve the comfort and dignity of patients who access care at the hospital’s Emergency Department.”

On hand to accept the blankets – in various sizes – was Alana Major of the PHA Foundation who underscored the importance of public private partnership, especially pertaining to the administering of health services to the community.

Other stakeholders who contributed to the donation were Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, Iota Epsilon Lambda and Phi Mu (University of The Bahamas) Chapters.

Kevin Basden, President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, said the fraternities believe in giving back to the community not only in this case to the PMH but in other areas of nation building. Also, Frannie Mullings, manager of Quality Home Centre said the business was pleased to be involved, and encouraged other corporate citizens to do likewise.

 

The Princess Margaret Hospital through the Public Hospitals Authority received 100 cotton blankets from Quality Homes Center and a group of fraternity organizations, for the comfort of patients who present at the Emergency Department. The official handover ceremony was held at Quality Home Centre on Prince Charles Drive, March 2, 2023. According to PHA, the Emergency Department of PMH is often the first point of contact members of the public seeking “urgent” medical attention. “It is important to provide a safe, clean and comfortable environment thus allowing patients to focus on their health,” said PHA. “The PHA is grateful to all partners in this generous donation which will improve the comfort and dignity of patients who access care at the hospital’s Emergency Department.” On hand to accept the blankets – in various sizes – was Alana Major of the PHA Foundation who underscored the importance of public private partnership, especially pertaining to the administering of health services to the community. Other stakeholders who contributed to the donation were Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, Iota Epsilon Lambda and Phi Mu (University of The Bahamas) Chapters. Kevin Basden, President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, said the fraternities believe in giving back to the community not only in this case to the PMH but in other areas of nation building. Also, Frannie Mullings, manager of Quality Home Centre said the business was pleased to be involved, and encouraged other corporate citizens to do likewise.

A small blood donation can make a huge impact on the lives of women on Grand Bahama.

This was the message promoted during a press conference for the Rand Memorial Hospital's blood drive this past Saturday that was spearheaded by the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department to replenish its blood bank.

Minister for Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey called on Grand Bahamians to donate.

"Blood is the most precious gift that anyone can give to another person — the gift of life," said Moxey.

Dr. Greganique Cooper and Dr. Shaminique Bodie-Williams acknowledged the anxiety around donating blood, but encouraged donors that they'll be committing to a great cause.

"We are very often faced with ladies [who] need blood," said Bodie-Williams.

"We would like for this to become a situation where no lady ever has to go without something that they need that could save their life."

The Ministry for Grand Bahama said the blood drive was hugely successful.

It noted that a record-breaking number of residents supported the event.

Those who missed the event and wish to donate may give blood at the Rand from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays.

Donations are also accepted on Saturdays by appointment for groups of four.