NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A local advocacy group has penned their frustration over what they see as a lack of urgency in protecting women's fundamental rights.

In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister and his Cabinet, Women United expressed their "deep disappointment" after successive governments have, in their view, "overlooked and neglected" women's fundamental rights.

"Women across our nation have tirelessly contributed to every facet of society—bearing children, managing businesses, and upholding our communities—yet we continue to be denied the basic recognition and respect that is long overdue," the letter read.

"It is incredulous that in this day and age, we are still fighting for the recognition of our inherent worth and equality.

"Marital rape remains a stark example of the injustices faced by women in The Bahamas. The absence of laws criminalizing this abhorrent act perpetuates a culture that undermines the autonomy and dignity of women within their marriages.

"This is not just a legal issue; it is a matter of human rights and basic decency," it continued.

The topic of marital rape has again resurfaced in recent weeks; Successive administrations have promised to address the longstanding controversy.

Prime Minister Davis told reporters recently that marital rape was not part of his party's platform in the last election, a reminder some interpreted as a sign that the Davis administration would not prioritize legislative action on the issue.

To Prodesta Moore, the President of Women's United who signed the letter, the requests of women have fallen on deaf ears for too long.

"We demand the immediate amendments to the sexual offenses act that criminalizes marital rape, ensuring that no woman in The Bahamas is subjected to violence and violation within the confines of marriage," she wrote.

"Furthermore, we implore you to champion comprehensive reforms that uphold gender equality in all spheres of life, including healthcare, employment, education, and political representation. It is time to eradicate the systemic barriers that perpetuate inequality and to create a society where women are valued and respected as equals.

"The women of The Bahamas refuse to accept complacency or delay any longer. We demand justice, equality, and respect.

"We urge you to listen to our voices, to heed our concerns, and to act swiftly and decisively to bring about the necessary changes," Moore charged.

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Carnival Corporation has announced that it has purchased 5,000 palm trees, all grown locally in Grand Bahama from seed, to beautify the company's flagship cruise port destination, Celebration Key. Through the resounding success of Phase One of the company's 'Plant a Tree' initiative, 40 percent of these trees were purchased from small-scale community growers on the island.

The initiative was designed to showcase the natural beauty of Grand Bahama at Celebration Key while fostering sustainable practices, empowering the community, and supporting local growers who can benefit financially while helping showcase the island's dazzling native plant life to cruise guests from around the world.

"The Grand Bahama community's enthusiastic participation has been instrumental in achieving this milestone," said Raquel Mota, Senior Port Services Manager, Carnival Corporation. "The initiative was launched in October 2023, and we have already met our target for the first phase.

"We want to congratulate and say thank you to every local grower who took part. We encourage them to keep up the good work as Carnival Corporation intends to continue partnering with as many Grand Bahamians as possible as we move toward the opening of Celebration Key."

Carnival Corporation hosted a tree-planting event on Wednesday to celebrate the initiative's top contributors in the areas of 'Best Quality Plants' and 'Most Plants Provided.' Winners were gifted project shirts and dinner vouchers and will be invited to visit Celebration Key once the port is open to see their efforts flourishing onsite.

Leslie Saunders, who has sold more than 200 plants to Carnival Corporation through the initiative so far, said: "We are very thankful for this initiative as it has allowed us to profit from working on the land. I want to thank Carnival for believing in Bahamians and supporting the efforts of local growers in a meaningful way. It is also a source of pride to know that the development will be beautified by native plants, born and raised in Grand Bahama."

He said he intends to continue supplying plants to beautify Celebration Key as the initiative moves forward.

Building upon the success of Phase 1, which focused on palm trees, Carnival Corporation is launching Phase 2 starting on May 9, 2024. Phase 2 will focus on an array of native plants, including Gumbo-Limb, Seagrape, Silver and Green Buttonwood, Green Island Ficus, and Bougainvillea of various colors. 

She said: "Once again, we are calling on the Grand Bahama community to participate actively.  "We are looking for plants with good foliage and roots, among other quality requirements so bring us your best green thumb efforts!"

All plants must be grown from seed or cuttings, be fully rooted in the pot, and planted in quality commercial potting soil. They must be grown on private property and cannot be taken from public beaches, lands or parks. As Phase 1 targets have now been met, no further coconut, areca, or other palm trees will be accepted.

Starting May 9, drop-off for plant contributions will be available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am-11am at ATO Landscaping, Gina Farms Site, Grand Bahama Highway.  Carnival is encouraging any grower interested in taking part in Phase 2 to come out and discuss their production capacity with the landscaping team ahead of time. More information on this initiative can be found at https://celebrationkeygrandbahama.com, or by following 'Celebration Key Grand Bahama' on Facebook and Instagram, where a list of requirements and plants needed will be posted. 

In all, Carnival Corporation is seeking 200,000 locally grown plants to adorn Celebration Key through the various stages of this initiative. Mota added: "We want to showcase the very best of the natural splendor of Grand Bahama at Celebration Key to our guests, while also creating economic opportunities for Bahamians. Together we can create a vibrant, sustainable environment that benefits both locals and visitors alike."

With a $100 million pier extension recently announced, the $600 million project is set to generate over 700 permanent local jobs in Grand Bahama, including direct employment opportunities in the food and beverage, retail, and transportation sectors. At least 75% of Celebration Key outlets will be owned and operated by Bahamians. 

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — June 1st is the date for the Free National Movement's 2024 one day convention, this news coming from Chairman Dr Dune Sands following a party council meeting Thursday evening.

The party last hosted a two day convention back in 2022. Before that, they hosted a one day leadership convention where Michael Pintard was elected the new party leader.

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Police are investigating three (3) separate armed robbery incidents that occurred in the capital.

The first incident occurred shortly after 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday April 24, 2024 in the area of Bangladesh Crescent off Carmichael Road, police said.

Initial reports revealed that the victim arranged a jewelry sale with an unknown male he met on Facebook. Upon his arrival at the agreed location, he met a male dressed in all black clothing who

requested to see the jewelry item. During this time, the unknown male reportedly produced a firearm and robbed him of several jewelry pieces before fleeing the area.

The second incident, took place around 11:00 p.m. on Wednesday April 24, 2024, at a parking lot in the area of West Avenue.

According to preliminary reports, a male and female who were inside a purple Honda Fit L/P #DA5651 in the parking lot of a business establishment were accosted by three (3) unknown males, the occupants of a white Mitsubishi Bus. It is reported that two of the males, were armed with

handguns as they robbed the victims of their vehicle and personal belongings.

The final incident occurred shortly before 1:00 a.m. on Thursday April 25, 2024 at Montague Beach.

Initial reports indicate that a male and female were inside a gray 2013 Nissan Note when they were confronted by two (2) unknown males, one of whom was armed with a firearm. It is reported that

the culprits robbed them of their vehicle and personal belongings before they fled the area, traveling east along East Bay Street, making good on their escape.

Police are appealing to members of the public to be on the lookout for the stolen vehicles.

Additionally, police wish to further advise members of the public to utilize the services of the Royal Bahamas Police Force when conducting business transactions with persons unknown. Anyone with

information regarding these or other matters is urged to contact the Criminal Investigations Department at 502-9991/2/3 or CRIME STOPPERS at 328-TIPS.