Face'T Media (2024)

27/02/2024

Grand Bahamian appointed newest Ambassador-at-Large

NASSAU, The Bahamas Feb. 20 – NBA star Grand Bahamian Chavano “Buddy” Hield, was appointed the country’s third Ambassador-at-Large for Sports and Cultural Advancement during a ceremony in which he was presented credentials, February 16, 2024 by Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Philip Davis at the Office of the Prime Minister.

Other athletic Ambassadors-at-Large have been former NBA star Rick Fox and Olympian Chris Brown.

During the ceremony, the Prime Minister said “Buddy’s journey from the shores of Eight Mile Rock in Grand Bahama to the bright lights of the NBA is a testament to the spirit and resilience of the Bahamian people. Growing up as the fifth of seven children, Buddy’s early life was marked by the kind of challenges that forge true champions. His story is not just one of athletic prowess but of profound personal growth and dedication.

“We’re reminded of a profound truth from the scriptures: 'Your gifts will make room for you.' Buddy’s story is the embodiment of this wisdom.”

He added, “In every dribble, every shot, and every game, Buddy has carried the heart of our nation, demonstrating to the world what we, as Bahamians, are capable of achieving. But what’s truly remarkable is how he’s used his platform. Returning home, leading camps, uplifting the youth— Buddy has shown us that success isn’t just about reaching the top; it’s about how many people you bring along with you.

“Buddy, your story inspires us all to aim higher and support one another. As Prime Minister, empowering Bahamians like Buddy is a privilege. Today, we celebrate not just an athlete but a leader who embodies the best of The Bahamas.

“Let’s draw inspiration from his story, not just in sports, but in every endeavor. Our gifts, nurtured with hard work and grounded in community, can indeed open doors and create opportunities, not just for ourselves, but for those around us. Buddy Hield, today, we celebrate you not only as an athlete but as a symbol of hope and a testament to the power of giving back.

“Buddy, you have been an ambassador for The Bahamas long before today draped in the Bahamian colors both on and off the court, embodying our values, our resilience, and our hope. As you officially take on this role, know that you carry with you the pride, love, and support of your Bahamian family. We are confident that you will continue to represent our beautiful archipelago with the same grace, dedication, and excellence that you have always shown.

“So, to the young people of The Bahamas, let Buddy’s journey inspire you. Dream big, work tirelessly, and remember, your gifts, combined with dedication and a commitment to your community, can indeed make room for you in the world.

“And to Buddy, thank you. Thank you for being a shining example of what it means to be truly great, both on and off the court.”

Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Fred Mitchell congratulated Ambassador Hield in a press release which commended the new Ambassador’s efforts of promoting Bahamian culture and as one of the “most influential figures amongst our youth, Mr. Hield’s appointment will aid well in encouraging our youth in the benefits of leading a positive life regardless of their background.”

27/02/2024

Scores of residents attend GB Entrepreneurial Expo 2024

GRAND BAHAMA, The Bahamas Feb. 22 – The Ministry for Grand Bahama hosted its second entrepreneurial Expo 2024 this month, this time at the Foster B. Pestaina Hall, Pro-Cathedral of Christ the King on February 21, 2024 where scores of budding entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized businesses in Freeport gained valuable insight for their ventures from representatives of the Ministry of Tourism, the Tourism Development Corporation of The Bahamas, Bahamas Development Bank, Access Accelerator, Inland Revenue, Small Businesses Development Centre, Bank of The Bahamas, Grand Bahama Port Authority, the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources, and UB Ignite.

Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, the Hon. Chester Cooper and Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey encouraged attendees to take full advantage of the wealth of resources being made available at the Expo to empower them along their business journey.

Also in attendance were Parliamentary Secretary Kingsley Smith; Senators James Turner, Kirk Russell and Randy Rolle and Permanent Secretary Joel Lewis.

The West Grand Bahama Entrepreneurial Expo, the first for the year, was held on February 1 at St. Mary Magdalene Parish Hall in West Grand Bahama.

(BIS Photos/Lisa Davis)

27/02/2024

Lundy concludes Abaco visit with assurances

MARSH HARBOUR, Abaco, The Bahamas February 26 – Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Disaster Risk Management, the Hon. Leon Lundy, concluded his two-day Official Visit to Abaco with an assurance that disaster risk managers and planners are putting the necessary mechanisms in place to mitigate (lessen) the impacts of natural disasters such as hurricanes on local communities – country-wide.

This includes ensuring that the psychological, emotional and physical well-being of Bahamians who have been negatively impacted by storms in the past, are addressed as best as possible.

State-Minister Lundy spent Thursday (February 22), and Friday (February 23) in Abaco on the second leg of what is expected to be a country-wide mission designed to promote preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery, ahead of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season that begins June 1 and ends November 30.
His first stop was in Grand Bahama (February 15-16). The messaging will go beyond the 2024 Hurricane Season.

The decision to launch the Official Visits in Grand Bahama and Abaco was based on the fact that Grand Bahama and Abaco have been impacted by more hurricanes than any other area in the region – Category 5 Hurricane Dorian being the latest.

Abaco, in particular, has experienced more major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher) than anywhere else in the region over the past 175 years according to data collected and assessed over that timeframe.

During his stay in Abaco, Minister Lundy met with disaster managers and planners at the government and community levels, in addition to residents, business-owners and other stakeholders – the latter of which took place during a Town Hall Meeting.

Accompanied by Dr. Marcellus Taylor, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Disaster Risk Management; Mr. Alex Storr, Chairman, the Disaster Reconstruction Authority (DRA); Mr. Aarone Sargent, Managing Director, the Disaster Reconstruction Authority; Captain Stephen Russell, Director, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and Mr. Cyprian A. Gibson, Deputy General Manager, the Water and Sewerage Corporation, along with technical teams from the DRA and Water and Sewerage, the State-Minister and his teams conducted assessments.

Mr. Lundy said the Town Hall Meeting allowed for an exchange of views on the way forward for the island as part of the government’s “holistic approach” that includes “buy-in” from all stakeholders.

“The main focus is that we have to have preparedness,” State-Minister Lundy said. “We have a hurricane season coming up.

"We want to make sure that everyone is prepared. That everyone is on the same page. That everyone has buy-in. That everyone understands the direction in which the government wants to go, where we want to make sure that it is fundamentally sound the way we react recover, but also how we prepare for a storm. That we are doing what we have to do on our side. That we are going to get the shelters ready; that we are going to ensure that they are internationally sound and ready to move forward. That this train is moving in the right direction and that we are going to get it done.

State-Minister Lundy said the merging of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Disaster Reconstruction Authority (DRA), and the Disaster Management Unit (DMU) into the Disaster Risk Management Authority (DRM Authority) will enhance the Davis Administration’s efforts to better serve Bahamian communities before, during and in the aftermath of a natural disaster.

Under the new Authority, emergency services will also be improved to better assist the population with responses to natural disasters. These include “highly vulnerable” populations such as women, children, persons with disabilities and older adults.

The DRM Authority is anticipated to move into new office accommodations in the “near future” that will allow for a more coordinated approach in its planning, activities and functions.

“Our job as the new DRM Authority is to make sure that we are ready for any major disaster that happens,” Mr. Lundy said.

“Dorian taught us many lessons. I want to make sure that all Bahamians know that we are in this together and that we are going to make sure that everybody feels safe; that we are going to do our best to mitigate, that we are going to do our best to prepare for any storm and make sure that we minimize any damage.”

State-Minister Lundy said the next Official Visit will take place in the southern Bahamas where Technical Teams from the government agencies responsible for Disaster Risk Management have installed and commissioned the first set of 28 new generators that are to be installed in approved emergency storm shelters in various islands.

Generators have been earmarked to be installed in 20 shelters across the archipelago ahead of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season, scheduled to officially begin in June 1, as part of the Administration’s year-round focus on mitigation, preparation, response and recovery to natural disasters.

27/02/2024

State Minister Leon Lundy makes a stop at the Treasure Cay Debris and Waste Management Site on his first Official Visit tour of Abaco

ABACO, The Bahamas – State Minister Leon Lundy (left) makes a stop at the Treasure Cay Debris and Waste Management Site as part of his first Official Visit to Abaco, February 22 and 23, in his new position as Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for the Ministry of Disaster Risk Management.

The delegation also toured the Spring City and Green Turtle Cay Debris and Waste Management Sites to assess work being done at those locations. Also pictured (second left) are: Mr. Alex Storr, Chairman, Disaster Reconstruction Authority which has oversight of all three operations, and Mr. Aarone Sargent, (foreground), Managing Director, Disaster Reconstruction Authority.

State Minister Lundy began his two-day Official Visit to Abaco with an initial stop at the Office of the Prime Minister, Abaco, located in the Government Complex in Marsh Harbour. His tour included a Town Hall Meeting, Thursday, February 22, at the Agape School Gymnasium, Marsh Harbour.

Mr. Lundy, who was appointed to the role in January, 2024, was greeted upon arrival in Abaco by John. H. Pinder, Member of Parliament for South and Central Abaco and Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, and Kirk Cornish, Member of Parliament for North Abaco. This official visit follows on the heels of a similar mission to Grand Bahama over the February 15-16 period. (BIS PHOTO)

27/02/2024

Quotes from the 25th Grand Bahama Business Outlook

"Collaborations with the Ministry for Grand Bahama, and the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce and the Grand Bahama Port Authority, are enhancing the ease of doing business, as well as setting the stage for joint promotions that will elevate Grand Bahama Island's profile as a prime location for investment and development."
~ Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Tourism, Aviation and Investments, Hon. I. Chester Cooper

"Freeport was originally conceived as a groundbreaking public-private partnership – emphasis on the third P, partnership – where Govt and GBPA worked hand-in-glove, tapping into global financial markets to deliver considerable economic benefits to Grand Bahama and the country as a whole.

"We must return to this foundation – this time creating a true PPP between the Port Authority, its licensees, the Government and EVERY resident of every community on the island and across our nation; a partnership characterized by broad representation, integration and above all deep collaboration."
~ Grand Bahama Port Authority Director, Mr. Rupert Hayward

11/09/2023

Youngsters awarded for exceptional achievements in Frank’s Ice Cream Summer Job Program

Frank OuttenFrank Outten, owner of Frank’s Ice Cream, and his partners continue to inspire and support the young children in Grand Bahama through Frank’s Ice Cream Summer Job Program.

The initiative that started over 10 years ago, encourages children from Kindergarten to High School to learn Bible verses throughout the summer, to earn cash, prizes and awards.

At the end of the summer, the youngsters sit an exam, answering Bible questions.

On Sunday, Sept. 10 at Frank’s Ice Cream Shop Downtown Freeport, the winners were awarded cash of $200, $300, and $400. The first place winner also received a voucher for two to travel on the Balearia.

Kudos toMr. Outten and his partners for continuing the initiative that brings the word of God to the children in our communities.

10/09/2023

HAPPENING NOW: The Cooling Waters in concert at Frank’s Ice Cream Giveaway, Downtown Freeport

10/09/2023

HAPPENING NOW: Pastor Barry B. Morris encouraging students at Frank”s Ice Cream Giveaway.

15/07/2023

Face'T Media shares condolences to the family of the late Vanessa "Divine Lady" Clarke, who passed away Friday, following her 'Faith Walk' with a health condition.

Vanessa's voice will be missed. Continue to keep her family, friends and followers in prayer.

11/07/2023

Happy Independence Bahamas

12/06/2023

Congratulations to BMES Matteo G. Davies, who is the 2023 Primary School Student of the Year.

12/06/2023

Congratulations to HCA Travonte Saunders

12/06/2023

Congratulations to HCP Adriana Cooper.

12/06/2023

Support the National Blood Drive.

08/06/2023

VP of the United States in the capital for Caribbean Leaders Meeting

Vice-President of the United States Kamala Harris arrived in The Bahamas at Odyssey Aviation, on June 8, 2023, for the US and Caribbean Leaders Meeting today.

Among those there to greet her were: Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Public Service the Hon. Frederick Mitchell; Minister of Education and Technical & Vocational Training the Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin; Minister of State for the Public Service the Hon. Pia Glover-Rolle; US Charge d'Affaires, a.i., Ms. Usha E. Pitts; senior representatives of the Royal Bahamas Police and Defence Forces; special invited guests; civic group representatives; and students.

(BIS Photos/Eric Rose)

27/05/2023

POLICE HAVE LOCATED THE FOLLOWING MISSING PERSONS:

*New Providence Police Report
*Missing People located
The following missing people have been found and are in good health:
Kendino Sturrup
Ashleigh Butler
Deonte Clarke
Ja'Miah Williams
Natallia Bain
Glendina Braynen
Keyshawn Taylor
Lavar Munroe
According to police, Monelle Marie Martin, who was wanted for a Major Stealing matter in New Providence is no longer wanted.
Police is requesting the public to refrain from further disseminating her photo.

27/05/2023

The reopening of the Nassau Cruise Port Friday night, signals a new beginning for Nassau, promising a prosperous and sustainable future for all Bahamians!

The $300 Million expansion includes a new terminal, a Junkanoo museum, an amphitheater, local stores, and food and beverage facilities - and It brings many opportunities for Bahamian ownership and employment.

Not only are there jobs directly related to the operation of the port itself, there are also designated areas for hair braiders, taxis, tour operators, and vendors of all kinds.

Over 70 Bahamian businesses, including food vendors, Bahamian-made goods and crafts stores, and tour operators will occupy this space.

This port will not only enhance the city's economy but will also serve as a catalyst for the wider development of downtown Nassau.

26/05/2023

HELP FIND KYLE

26/05/2023

Bahamas Ambassador to China Her Excellency Paulette Bethel presents Credentials to His Excellency President Xi Jinping

The Ambassador of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Her Excellency Paulette Bethel, presented her Credentials to His Excellency President Xi Jinping in a ceremony that was held at the Great Hall of the People, in Beijing, on 24 April, 2023.

Ambassador Bethel conveyed to President Xi greetings and warm wishes from the Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Philip Davis, and the people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

In his statement to recently accredited Ambassadors to the People’s Republic of China, President Xi expressed the hope that the envoys would have the opportunity to develop a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of China, and become conduits of friendship and bridges of cooperation between their respective countries and China.

He also pledged that the Chinese government would provide the support and convenience required to facilitate the ex*****on of their duties as Ambassadors.

Since taking up her post as Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China in September, 2022, Ambassador Bethel has met with various Chinese government officials, and has visited government Agencies at the Municipal, Provincial and National levels.

On 29 September, she presented the working copy of her Credentials to Mr Hong Lei, Director-General for Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign A airs of the People’s Republic of China.

Shortly thereafter, she met the then-Premier, His Excellency Li Keqiang, at which me she also conveyed warm greetings from the Government and people of The Bahamas. The Ambassador has also met with Mr. Cai Wei, Director-General for the Latin America and Caribbean Region at the Ministry of Foreign A airs in Beijing.

Her Excellency Paulette Bethel has held numerous high-level positions in the world of diplomacy, including having served as Ambassador of The Bahamas to the United Nations (UN) for ten years (2003-2013). She was the first woman to be appointed as Ambassador of The Bahamas to that organization.

She has also held senior positions, as an international civil servant, engaged as an employee of both the UN and the Organization of American States (OAS), at various points during her career in the international arena.

Ambassador Bethel has also had a wide range of experience in the private sector, most recently as a consultant addressing issues related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and their intersection with agriculture development, food security, and health.

H.E. Paulette Bethel is the fourth Ambassador to represent The Bahamas in Beijing, since the opening of the Embassy in May, 2006.

26/05/2023

Senator commends women’s accomplishments during groundbreaking ceremony in Grand Bahama

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas – At the groundbreaking ceremony for Heroic Concrete and Concrete Products on Thursday, May 23, Senator the Hon. Kirkland Russell paid tribute to women in the country who blazed trails throughout history, adding the company’s president and CEO Glennett Fowler to the list.

The first phase of the $6.4M project is expected to begin in two to four weeks with the first phase completed by the beginning of 2024.

Describing the event as significant for the island, Senator Russell added that the business venture is expected to employ 70 people at a time when the island needs employment opportunities. He added that it will not only cater to the diverse needs of the community but will provide essential services to various stakeholders.

Also present were Senator the Hon. James Turner, Senator the Hon. Randy Rolle, Mrs. Phylicia Woods-Hanna, Director of Investments at the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, and other senior government officials and members of the business community.

Following the groundbreaking ceremony, the group then moved to the new FowlCo Maritime and Project Services Building, another business owned by Mrs. Fowler, for a ribbon cutting ceremony there.

(BIS Photos/Andrew Miller)

26/05/2023

Grand Bahama students celebrate 50th anniversary of Independence with march and rally

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas – Students representing all schools in Grand Bahama got in on the 50th anniversary of Independence on Wednesday, May 24 with a march and rally, from the Ministry for Grand Bahama to Open Park in downtown Freeport.

Accompanied by the marching bands of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, hundreds of students arrived at the rally site excited to participate in the scheduled festivities.

The event was held under the theme, “A Golden Jubilee Spectacular Parade and Rally” and was filled with performances by the students doing a poem including representatives from all schools on the island covering every major island.

The Minister of State in the Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training, the Hon. Zane Lightbourne, got the students involved by having them wave their flags and yell “Bahamas” whenever he said “242”.
The participation of the students in the march and rally, said Minister Lightbourne, proves that “we are doing something right. No matter what is said, this is still the greatest little country anywhere on this planet.”

He said he was proud to be Bahamian just being at the rally seeing hundreds of students waving their flags. “I am proud.”

“Parents, you continue to be involved in our students lives because the formula for their success and the success of our educational system lie within our young people having parents and teachers work together to make them great and to maximize their potential.”

Minister Lightbourne pointed out that The Bahamas is doing exceptionally well internationally when compared to other countries per capita. The islands and people make the country recognized around the world as a beautiful place. It has the best food, best athletes.

In closing, he urged the students to be “all that you can be and be the kind of leader that can take our country to the next level.”

The Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force then performed for the students, taking the opportunity to engage the students encouraging them to dance with them. Following the rally, students were treated to lunch from KFC, Wendy’s and Marco’s Pizza, courtesy of the Grand Bahama Port Authority.

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