By the end of November, the Bahamas Development Bank (BDB) will be in a position to begin issuing money to businesses it has held in its funding pipeline thanks to a $30 million capitalization for the bank from the African Export-Import Bank, BDB Chairman Senator Quinton Lightbourne said Friday.

Lightbourne said there are several businesses in the pipeline that will be helped by this first capitalization of the bank in almost two decades.

"Today, I stand before you to address a momentous occasion in the history of The Bahamas, and at the Bahamas Development Bank, an institution that has played a pivotal role in the shaping of the economic landscape of our beloved nation," said Lightbourne.

"... We gather here to witness the historic transformation, a new day at the Bahamas Development Bank.

"It has been a long and arduous journey for the Bahamas Development Bank since the last capitalization approval in 2005."

He said the new management of the bank has "essentially rebuilt" the institution and brought best practices and policies to its operation and governance.

"The impact of this capital infusion will reverberate throughout our beautiful country, not just within New Providence," said Lightbourne.

"The Bahamas Development Bank is a development bank for the entire nation and we are committed to ensuring that every chance at every corner and every island within our archipelago that the benefits of this realization is revitalized.

"We are currently collaborating with partners to create real time opportunities for business growth, particularly focusing on Family Island development.

"We are dedicated to enhancing food security, by investing in smart cultural solutions, reducing our dependency on imports, and increasing our exports by expanding the value-added manufacturing sector.

"Moreover we aim to diversify and expand our tourism product through unforgettable experiences for our visitors."

According to Lightbourne, the bank will also continue with a strong focus on energy efficiency and renewable energy so as to remain aligned with the Progressive Liberal Party's Blueprint for Change, which he said is rooted in the UN's Sustainable Development Goals of 2030.

THE British Colonial Hotel anticipates reopening the doors of the renovated hotel in December and plans to recruit more than 300 staff.

A dynamic cocktail list, refreshing ceviches, and world class tacos are among the menu offerings at Salsa Mexican Bar& Grill, a new, authentic Mexican restaurant making a splash in Nassau’s culinary scene. The new establishment, located dockside in the Elizabeth on Bay plaza downtown promises to fill the space for a much needed authentic Mexican restaurant in the country.

Ryan Delva, restaurant partner, shares, “We’ve been listening to the feedback ofBahamian foodies for a while regarding the absence of a restaurant dedicated tosolely authentic Mexican cuisine. We’re happy that we were able to answer that callby providing a space with a beautiful view and great ambiance to enjoy just that.”

In addition to the restaurant space featuring nods to Mexican culture & design andwall art by Bahamian artists, it also boasts the country’s largest tequila list with 100different types of tequila available for sampling, sipping or shooting by connoisseurs.The tequila price ranges from $9 per shot to $300 per or $7500 per bottle for themore seasoned tequila palettes.

Delva added, “Our opening night attendance exceeded our expectations. It was funand we got some great feedback from the attendees. We’re also proud to get aunique Bahamian artist in on some of the design features and we’re looking forwardto sharing our tequila holdings with locals and international visitors alike. We hope tobecome the place to enjoy delicious and authentic Mexican food and the best tequilain The Bahamas.”

Salsa Mexican Bar & Grill is open Wednesdays to Sundays, 12pm to 12am,reservations are encouraged.

A dynamic cocktail list, refreshing ceviches, and world class tacos are among the menu offerings at Salsa Mexican Bar & Grill, a new, authentic Mexican restaurant making a splash in Nassau’s culinary scene. The new establishment, located dockside in the Elizabeth on Bay plaza downtown promises to fill the space for a much needed authentic Mexican restaurant in the country. Ryan Delva, restaurant partner, shares, “We’ve been listening to the feedback of Bahamian foodies for a while regarding the absence of a restaurant dedicated to solely authentic Mexican cuisine. We’re happy that we were able to answer that call by providing a space with a beautiful view and great ambiance to enjoy just that.” In addition to the restaurant space featuring nods to Mexican culture & design and wall art by Bahamian artists, it also boasts the country’s largest tequila list with 100 different types of tequila available for sampling, sipping or shooting by connoisseurs. The tequila price ranges from $9 per shot to $300 per or $7500 per bottle for the more seasoned tequila palettes. Delva added, “Our opening night attendance exceeded our expectations. It was fun and we got some great feedback from the attendees. We’re also proud to get a unique Bahamian artist in on some of the design features and we’re looking forward to sharing our tequila holdings with locals and international visitors alike. We hope to become the place to enjoy delicious and authentic Mexican food and the best tequila in The Bahamas.” Salsa Mexican Bar & Grill is open Wednesdays to Sundays, 12pm to 12am, reservations are encouraged.

AML Foods today announced the successful conclusion of its Back-to-School Snackathon promotion, a collaborative effort with the Guardian Media Group. The goal of the campaign, which ran for three weeks from August 8th to August 31st, was to raise funds to provide snacks for children in need as they headed back to school. More than 150 families benefited from the initiative.

The partnership reflects both organizations' unwavering commitment to making a positive difference inthe community by addressing the issue of food insecurity, similar to AML Foods' Feed5000 initiative duringthe holiday season. Food insecurity is a critical concern in The Bahamas, impacting the learning experienceof countless young students. Hunger can significantly hinder their ability to concentrate, focus, andactively participate in classroom activities. Adequate nutrition is fundamental to cognitive developmentand academic success. Without proper nourishment, these children may struggle to unlock their fullpotential in their educational journey.

AML Foods expresses its heartfelt gratitude to its dedicated customers who generously contributed tothis important cause. The company is looking forward to collaborating with Guardian Media Group in thefuture to continue serving the communities. All proceeds from the Back-to-School Snackathon weredonated to the Bahamas Feeding Network and Hands for Hunger for distribution.

Photo Caption Left to Right: Naomi Grant, Events Marketing Manager, AML Foods Limited, Janet Lees,Guardian Media Group, Precious Thompson, Outreach Manager, Hands for Hunger Organization, FatherJames Palacios, President, Bahamas Feeding Network, Nicolette Fountain Archer, Executive Assistant,Bahamas Feeding Network, J.J. Turnquest, Communications Manager, Hands for Hunger Organization,Monalisa Sweeting, Media Marketing Manager, AML Foods Limited.

About AML Foods Limited: AML Foods Limited was incorporated in 1989 in The Bahamas and is listed on theBahamas International Securities Exchange. The Company and its subsidiaries are primarily engaged in theoperations of retail and club stores offering dry and perishable food items and other consumer products and theprocess of a food franchise business. AML Foods Limited’s Food Distribution includes its retail division - Solomon’sSuper Center, Solomon’s Yamacraw, Solomon’s Fresh Market, Solomon’s Lucaya, and Exuma Markets – and its clubdivision - Cost Right Nassau and Cost Right Freeport; the Company’s Franchise Division consists of ten Domino’sPizza locations in Nassau and Freeport. The Company’s registered office is at One Millars Court, off Shirley Street,Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas, and the corporate office is at #20 University Drive, Nassau, New Providence,Bahamas, Tel: 242.677.7200.

About this report: This report may include “forward-looking statements.” While AML Foods Limited believes thatthe expectations reflected in such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations willprove correct. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from AML Foods’ expectationsinclude external economic conditions, changes in the marketplace, changes in interest rates and operating costs, andother unforeseen events or conditions that affect the Group’s performance.

AML Foods today announced the successful conclusion of its Back-to-School Snackathon promotion, a collaborative effort with the Guardian Media Group. The goal of the campaign, which ran for three weeks from August 8th to August 31st, was to raise funds to provide snacks for children in need as they headed back to school. More than 150 families benefited from the initiative. The partnership reflects both organizations' unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in the community by addressing the issue of food insecurity, similar to AML Foods' Feed5000 initiative during the holiday season. Food insecurity is a critical concern in The Bahamas, impacting the learning experience of countless young students. Hunger can significantly hinder their ability to concentrate, focus, and actively participate in classroom activities. Adequate nutrition is fundamental to cognitive development and academic success. Without proper nourishment, these children may struggle to unlock their full potential in their educational journey. AML Foods expresses its heartfelt gratitude to its dedicated customers who generously contributed to this important cause. The company is looking forward to collaborating with Guardian Media Group in the future to continue serving the communities. All proceeds from the Back-to-School Snackathon were donated to the Bahamas Feeding Network and Hands for Hunger for distribution. Photo Caption Left to Right: Naomi Grant, Events Marketing Manager, AML Foods Limited, Janet Lees, Guardian Media Group, Precious Thompson, Outreach Manager, Hands for Hunger Organization, Father James Palacios, President, Bahamas Feeding Network, Nicolette Fountain Archer, Executive Assistant, Bahamas Feeding Network, J.J. Turnquest, Communications Manager, Hands for Hunger Organization, Monalisa Sweeting, Media Marketing Manager, AML Foods Limited. About AML Foods Limited: AML Foods Limited was incorporated in 1989 in The Bahamas and is listed on the Bahamas International Securities Exchange. The Company and its subsidiaries are primarily engaged in the operations of retail and club stores offering dry and perishable food items and other consumer products and the process of a food franchise business. AML Foods Limited’s Food Distribution includes its retail division - Solomon’s Super Center, Solomon’s Yamacraw, Solomon’s Fresh Market, Solomon’s Lucaya, and Exuma Markets – and its club division - Cost Right Nassau and Cost Right Freeport; the Company’s Franchise Division consists of ten Domino’s Pizza locations in Nassau and Freeport. The Company’s registered office is at One Millars Court, off Shirley Street, Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas, and the corporate office is at #20 University Drive, Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas, Tel: 242.677.7200. About this report: This report may include “forward-looking statements.” While AML Foods Limited believes that the expectations reflected in such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove correct. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from AML Foods’ expectations include external economic conditions, changes in the marketplace, changes in interest rates and operating costs, and other unforeseen events or conditions that affect the Group’s performance.