New Category : Business

BTC supports Falcons Boys Club of GB Conference for the 26th Year!

Fri, Apr 19th 2024, 01:26 PM

For the past 26 years BTC has partnered with the Falcons Boys Club in Grand Bahama to support the upliftment and mentorship of the nation’s youth.

On April 18th, the Club held its 21st annual “Building Youth is Better than Mending Boys” Conference at the Champs Community Center, catering to some 200 boys in grades six to nine from various schools in the nation’s second city.

This year’s conference was held under the theme, Team Up, and the keynote speaker was prime minister the Hon. Philip Davis. BTC’s Executive Senior Manager for the Northern Bahamas, Dominic Petty, also delivered remarks and donated mobile devices, which were used as giveaways at the conference.

Petty also announced at the conference that BTC will offer an extension of fiber connectivity to the Falcons Boys Community Center as well as 12-months of complimentary super-fast and reliable fiber services for the Club’s free afterschool vocational institute.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to the community and to youth development,” Petty told the conference attendees. “Furthermore, BTC is delighted to present smart devices to deserving young men selected by the Falcon Boys Club. This endeavor is a part of our broader commitment to leveraging technology for educational enrichment and empowerment. As we unite at this conference, let us continue to invest in our youth as they are not only the leaders of the tomorrow, but also the driving forces of innovation today.”

For 27 years the Falcons Boys Club has mentored young men, free of charge, throughout several islands in The Bahamas in partnership with the Champs Mission organization. Its Saturday programs have served to offer free guidance to young boys, ultimately preparing them to serve as exemplary role models in society.

For the past 26 years BTC has partnered with the Falcons Boys Club in Grand Bahama to support the upliftment and mentorship of the nation’s youth. On April 18th, the Club held its 21st annual “Building Youth is Better than Mending Boys” Conference at the Champs Community Center, catering to some 200 boys in grades six to nine from various schools in the nation’s second city. This year’s conference was held under the theme, Team Up, and the keynote speaker was prime minister the Hon. Philip Davis. BTC’s Executive Senior Manager for the Northern Bahamas, Dominic Petty, also delivered remarks and donated mobile devices, which were used as giveaways at the conference. Petty also announced at the conference that BTC will offer an extension of fiber connectivity to the Falcons Boys Community Center as well as 12-months of complimentary super-fast and reliable fiber services for the Club’s free afterschool vocational institute. “This initiative reflects our commitment to the community and to youth development,” Petty told the conference attendees. “Furthermore, BTC is delighted to present smart devices to deserving young men selected by the Falcon Boys Club. This endeavor is a part of our broader commitment to leveraging technology for educational enrichment and empowerment. As we unite at this conference, let us continue to invest in our youth as they are not only the leaders of the tomorrow, but also the driving forces of innovation today.” For 27 years the Falcons Boys Club has mentored young men, free of charge, throughout several islands in The Bahamas in partnership with the Champs Mission organization. Its Saturday programs have served to offer free guidance to young boys, ultimately preparing them to serve as exemplary role models in society.

BTC Sponsors National Family Island Regatta & Will Provide Free Wi-Fi

Tue, Apr 16th 2024, 03:12 PM

Thousands attending the upcoming National Family Island Regatta in Geroge Town, Exuma will be able to take advantage of free Wi-Fi, compliments of BTC throughout the duration of the five-day event.

Director of Commercial Operations, Keisha Edwards said having a presence at the Exuma regatta strengthens the strong bond and connection that BTC has forged with “Exumians” and visitors to the island for many years.

“BTC has always been a premier sponsor of culture and all things Bahamian, and when it comes to the Exuma regatta, BTC is embedded in that community and we are happy that we can serve once again this year as a sponsor and we have provided $10,000 to support the event,” Edwards said. “We are also excited about offering residents and visitors free Wi-Fi at Regatta Park, along with other awesome offers. This is truly something that they would appreciate as they use their devices to capture regatta memories.”

The Chairman and Commodore of the National Family Island Regatta Committee, Dallas Knowles expressed his appreciation to BTC for this year’s donation, stating that the Company has been a faithful and longstanding supporter of the National Family Island Regatta for many years.

“Corporate sponsorship is key for this and any cultural event, and BTC has been one of our biggest supporters, so we are very grateful that they are still committed to making sure that this regatta is a success,” Knowles said. “As the cost of the regatta goes up, it is more important that we have support so that we can maintain the high level of standard that is expected at the Regatta, and thanks to BTC, we can do that.”

Knowles also said that the free Wi-Fi will be a plus because, for the first time ever, an official National Regatta App will be available on Google Play for Android and iPhone users, giving fans the ability to view sloop races in real time via live stream.

BTC will have a major presence at Regatta Park in George Town, with a full promotional booth, and at the Skipper’s Party. Customers who sign up or port-in for a postpaid plan of $64.99 or higher, will receive a free handset. Prepaid customers who activate a $15 or high combo plan throughout the duration of the regatta will receive free data for WhatsApp, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok. Customers can use the new and improved MyBTC Mobile App to purchase prepaid plans.

The Regatta is slated to be held April 23rd – 27th at Elizabeth Harbour.

Thousands attending the upcoming National Family Island Regatta in Geroge Town, Exuma will be able to take advantage of free Wi-Fi, compliments of BTC throughout the duration of the five-day event. Director of Commercial Operations, Keisha Edwards said having a presence at the Exuma regatta strengthens the strong bond and connection that BTC has forged with “Exumians” and visitors to the island for many years. “BTC has always been a premier sponsor of culture and all things Bahamian, and when it comes to the Exuma regatta, BTC is embedded in that community and we are happy that we can serve once again this year as a sponsor and we have provided $10,000 to support the event,” Edwards said. “We are also excited about offering residents and visitors free Wi-Fi at Regatta Park, along with other awesome offers. This is truly something that they would appreciate as they use their devices to capture regatta memories.” The Chairman and Commodore of the National Family Island Regatta Committee, Dallas Knowles expressed his appreciation to BTC for this year’s donation, stating that the Company has been a faithful and longstanding supporter of the National Family Island Regatta for many years. “Corporate sponsorship is key for this and any cultural event, and BTC has been one of our biggest supporters, so we are very grateful that they are still committed to making sure that this regatta is a success,” Knowles said. “As the cost of the regatta goes up, it is more important that we have support so that we can maintain the high level of standard that is expected at the Regatta, and thanks to BTC, we can do that.” Knowles also said that the free Wi-Fi will be a plus because, for the first time ever, an official National Regatta App will be available on Google Play for Android and iPhone users, giving fans the ability to view sloop races in real time via live stream. BTC will have a major presence at Regatta Park in George Town, with a full promotional booth, and at the Skipper’s Party. Customers who sign up or port-in for a postpaid plan of $64.99 or higher, will receive a free handset. Prepaid customers who activate a $15 or high combo plan throughout the duration of the regatta will receive free data for WhatsApp, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok. Customers can use the new and improved MyBTC Mobile App to purchase prepaid plans. The Regatta is slated to be held April 23rd – 27th at Elizabeth Harbour.

BTC ramps up fiber buildout in GB and NP

Mon, Apr 8th 2024, 03:32 PM

More legacy copper services are slated to be decommissioned this week as BTC expands its fiber network throughout the country.

BTC will decommission its copper services in three more communities in Grand Bahama and in two areas of New Providence, starting April 8th.

In Grand Bahama, copper services will be permanently shut down in Hudson Estates and Chesapeake and Heritage Subdivisions.

This latest turndown in the nation’s second city comes on the heels of a successful decommissioning exercise in the Sunrise Subdivision, Hawksbill, Wellington Pinder Heights, and Glenburn communities on March 9th.

Additional areas in Grand Bahama will be decommissioned in the coming weeks as the island prepares to position itself as the first “smart city” in The Bahamas, offering superfast fiber connectivity to thousands of BTC customers.

In New Providence, BTC will continue to expand its fiber footprint, decommissioning all copper services in Flamingo Gardens and Golden Isles.

“The installation of BTC’s fiber will give subscribers the opportunity to take advantage of faster and more reliable broadband services – not to mention more value for money,” said BTC Director of Technical Operations, Drexel Woods. “We are focused on delivering a better customer experience for those who upgrade.”

Customers who upgrade to fiber will be able to take advantage of 1 gig fiber connectivity as well as symmetrical upload and download speeds, which will not only stimulate growth within the orange economy but deliver a differentiated and reliable product experience.

BTC urges residents in these areas scheduled for decommissioning in Grand Bahama and New Providence to upgrade as soon as possible to fiber. BTC has teams in place to canvass these communities that are being upgraded, but the Company is urging customers to avoid disruptions in service, by visiting any retail store or contacting the company by phone or WhatsApp message at CALL-BTC (225-5282) to schedule an appointment to be upgraded.

During the upgrade, BTC will be providing a complimentary battery pack for continued landline and internet connectivity in the event of a power outage.

Already more than 80% of New Providence has been fiberized, and the company is well on the way to completing its fiber rollout in Grand Bahama.

BTC has thus far installed fiber in Exuma, Grand Bahama, Abaco, San Salvador, Rum Cay, Long Island and Crooked Island. An additional upgrade of internet services to supplement fiber will also be announced soon for residents of Eleuthera and Bimini.

As for New Providence, fiber has so far been installed in numerous communities including Pinewood Gardens, South Beach, Jones Heights, Pastel Gardens, Cowpen Road, Soldier Road, Sea Beach Estates, Westridge, Coral Harbour, Bacardi Road, Gladstone Road, Tropical Gardens, Gambier, Westwinds, Sandyport, Silver Gates, Jubilee Gardens, and Stapledon Gardens.

More legacy copper services are slated to be decommissioned this week as BTC expands its fiber network throughout the country. BTC will decommission its copper services in three more communities in Grand Bahama and in two areas of New Providence, starting April 8th. In Grand Bahama, copper services will be permanently shut down in Hudson Estates and Chesapeake and Heritage Subdivisions. This latest turndown in the nation’s second city comes on the heels of a successful decommissioning exercise in the Sunrise Subdivision, Hawksbill, Wellington Pinder Heights, and Glenburn communities on March 9th. Additional areas in Grand Bahama will be decommissioned in the coming weeks as the island prepares to position itself as the first “smart city” in The Bahamas, offering superfast fiber connectivity to thousands of BTC customers. In New Providence, BTC will continue to expand its fiber footprint, decommissioning all copper services in Flamingo Gardens and Golden Isles. “The installation of BTC’s fiber will give subscribers the opportunity to take advantage of faster and more reliable broadband services – not to mention more value for money,” said BTC Director of Technical Operations, Drexel Woods. “We are focused on delivering a better customer experience for those who upgrade.” Customers who upgrade to fiber will be able to take advantage of 1 gig fiber connectivity as well as symmetrical upload and download speeds, which will not only stimulate growth within the orange economy but deliver a differentiated and reliable product experience. BTC urges residents in these areas scheduled for decommissioning in Grand Bahama and New Providence to upgrade as soon as possible to fiber. BTC has teams in place to canvass these communities that are being upgraded, but the Company is urging customers to avoid disruptions in service, by visiting any retail store or contacting the company by phone or WhatsApp message at CALL-BTC (225-5282) to schedule an appointment to be upgraded. During the upgrade, BTC will be providing a complimentary battery pack for continued landline and internet connectivity in the event of a power outage. Already more than 80% of New Providence has been fiberized, and the company is well on the way to completing its fiber rollout in Grand Bahama. BTC has thus far installed fiber in Exuma, Grand Bahama, Abaco, San Salvador, Rum Cay, Long Island and Crooked Island. An additional upgrade of internet services to supplement fiber will also be announced soon for residents of Eleuthera and Bimini. As for New Providence, fiber has so far been installed in numerous communities including Pinewood Gardens, South Beach, Jones Heights, Pastel Gardens, Cowpen Road, Soldier Road, Sea Beach Estates, Westridge, Coral Harbour, Bacardi Road, Gladstone Road, Tropical Gardens, Gambier, Westwinds, Sandyport, Silver Gates, Jubilee Gardens, and Stapledon Gardens.

Heather Hodgson-Kosoy's "Screwball Comedy" coming to Atlantis Theater in April to benefit four local charities

Thu, Mar 28th 2024, 12:28 PM

Screwball Comedy, a play written by Norm Foster, produced by Heather Hodgson Kosoy and starring Hodgson Kosoy along with well known local actor D. Sean Nottage, will open in April promising laughs for theater-goers and a financial boost for four local causes.

Ranfurly Homes for Children will join Bahamas Feeding Network, Bahamas National Trust (BNT), and Lend a Hand Bahamas as beneficiaries with all net proceeds going to the four charities. The nine-night event will run April 11-14 and 16-20 at the Atlantis Theater, Paradise Island.

Screwball Comedy is Hodgson-Kosoy's third production. Last year's Comedy for a Cause raised $90,000, with the Bahamas Feeding Network, Bahamas National Trust and Lend A Hand Bahamas each receiving $30,000.

Screwball Comedy takes the humor one hilarious step further with belly laughs in almost every line of the comedic journey and gutsy narrative of an ambitious, tough young woman in the 1930's planning to catapult her life from perfume salesperson to renowned reporter. Pitted against the man considered the gold standard of journalism to get to the bottom of a news story, the unlikely competitors' uproarious banter is seasoned with her salvos while he swallows gulps of wine and pride.

The play by Foster, considered Canada's most produced playwright, also stars Maria Dinn and Stephen Sparks who returns after wowing audiences with his performance in The Long Weekend last year.

For Hodgson-Kosoy, acting, producing and giving back go hand-in-hand.

"I am so fortunate in life, being able to use my skills on stage to bring laughter to audiences and at the same time, in some small way, to bring relief to those in need," says Hodgson-Kosoy. "In both instances they make life a little brighter whether in a theater chuckling or at the receiving end of a food distribution."

For first-time beneficiary Ranfurly Homes for Children, the donation will help to fill a gap the home faces monthly to cover food and electricity costs. Some 80 percent of Ranfurly's operating revenue comes from the local community.

"We are absolutely delighted and honoured to be a part of this. It's wonderful that they are able to raise money and give to local charities," said Joey Premock, president of the homes on Mackey Street that have served as a safe haven for over 60 years and are currently home to 23 boys and girls ages 12-17. Ranfurly is completing a long-awaited transition home for those who have nowhere to stay and no family to turn to once they leave high school and are no longer able to stay at the place they have called home for their teen years.

Other recipients expressed similar appreciation.

"Last year's event was such a treat," said Director of Lend a Hand Bahamas Shelagh Pritchard.

"We were so appreciative of the efforts and proceeds. I and many others are looking forward to enjoying a fun evening filled with laughter."

The Bahamas National Trust's Executive Director Lakeshia Anderson also expressed "heartfelt thanks and appreciation for again selecting BNT as one of the charitable organizations." And Bahamas Feeding Network's Executive Director Nicolette Archer pledged the volunteer-led organization's complete support, describing conditions post-Covid as "more challenging than ever before with hunger continuing at a pace faster than donations can match despite rising employment figures. We are extremely grateful for Sterling's continuing support as we face challenges and try to stretch our food parcels more every month."

Sterling Global Financial, Sterling Hurricane Hole, Island Site Development and 2Hoops Productions return as Platinum, Gold and Silver sponsors.

Tickets for the showing are now available for purchase online at atlantisbahamas.com/events or you can call 363-6601. For group rates, email box.office@atlantisparadise.com or visit the Atlantis Box Office located in the Convention Center. Ticket prices range from $42.90 - $82.50 (prices include VAT). https://www.atlantisbahamas.com/events/screwball-comedy

Screwball Comedy, a play written by Norm Foster, produced by Heather Hodgson Kosoy and starring Hodgson Kosoy along with well known local actor D. Sean Nottage, will open in April promising laughs for theater-goers and a financial boost for four local causes. Ranfurly Homes for Children will join Bahamas Feeding Network, Bahamas National Trust (BNT), and Lend a Hand Bahamas as beneficiaries with all net proceeds going to the four charities. The nine-night event will run April 11-14 and 16-20 at the Atlantis Theater, Paradise Island. Screwball Comedy is Hodgson-Kosoy's third production. Last year's Comedy for a Cause raised $90,000, with the Bahamas Feeding Network, Bahamas National Trust and Lend A Hand Bahamas each receiving $30,000. Screwball Comedy takes the humor one hilarious step further with belly laughs in almost every line of the comedic journey and gutsy narrative of an ambitious, tough young woman in the 1930's planning to catapult her life from perfume salesperson to renowned reporter. Pitted against the man considered the gold standard of journalism to get to the bottom of a news story, the unlikely competitors' uproarious banter is seasoned with her salvos while he swallows gulps of wine and pride. The play by Foster, considered Canada's most produced playwright, also stars Maria Dinn and Stephen Sparks who returns after wowing audiences with his performance in The Long Weekend last year. For Hodgson-Kosoy, acting, producing and giving back go hand-in-hand. "I am so fortunate in life, being able to use my skills on stage to bring laughter to audiences and at the same time, in some small way, to bring relief to those in need," says Hodgson-Kosoy. "In both instances they make life a little brighter whether in a theater chuckling or at the receiving end of a food distribution." For first-time beneficiary Ranfurly Homes for Children, the donation will help to fill a gap the home faces monthly to cover food and electricity costs. Some 80 percent of Ranfurly's operating revenue comes from the local community. "We are absolutely delighted and honoured to be a part of this. It's wonderful that they are able to raise money and give to local charities," said Joey Premock, president of the homes on Mackey Street that have served as a safe haven for over 60 years and are currently home to 23 boys and girls ages 12-17. Ranfurly is completing a long-awaited transition home for those who have nowhere to stay and no family to turn to once they leave high school and are no longer able to stay at the place they have called home for their teen years. Other recipients expressed similar appreciation. "Last year's event was such a treat," said Director of Lend a Hand Bahamas Shelagh Pritchard. "We were so appreciative of the efforts and proceeds. I and many others are looking forward to enjoying a fun evening filled with laughter." The Bahamas National Trust's Executive Director Lakeshia Anderson also expressed "heartfelt thanks and appreciation for again selecting BNT as one of the charitable organizations." And Bahamas Feeding Network's Executive Director Nicolette Archer pledged the volunteer-led organization's complete support, describing conditions post-Covid as "more challenging than ever before with hunger continuing at a pace faster than donations can match despite rising employment figures. We are extremely grateful for Sterling's continuing support as we face challenges and try to stretch our food parcels more every month." Sterling Global Financial, Sterling Hurricane Hole, Island Site Development and 2Hoops Productions return as Platinum, Gold and Silver sponsors. Tickets for the showing are now available for purchase online at atlantisbahamas.com/events or you can call 363-6601. For group rates, email box.office@atlantisparadise.com or visit the Atlantis Box Office located in the Convention Center. Ticket prices range from $42.90 - $82.50 (prices include VAT). https://www.atlantisbahamas.com/events/screwball-comedy