Officials at the Department of Gender and Family Affairs, Ministry of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting, along with partners at the National Women’s Advisory Council, and other women’s non-governmental stakeholders, are gearing up for the annual celebrations of National Women’s Week scheduled for November 24-30.

Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting, the Hon. Myles K. LaRoda, said the Week’s 2024 theme: 'Empowered Women: Refined, Reskilled, Resilient, Resolute,' underscores the qualities of women -- especially Bahamian women – whom he said are “strong, even through times of struggle and hardship.”

Mr. LaRoda said this strength and tenacity were demonstrated during the Women’s Suffrage Era (which concluded in gaining women’s Right to Vote); through times of struggle, and amidst the social and economic challenges faced over the years.

“History records that women and men worked closely together to root out political and economic inequities to obtain the right to vote. Amidst social and economic challenges, women in The Bahamas have demonstrated tenacity.

“Our Women have remained strong through times of struggle and hardship. Amidst social and economic challenges, they have demonstrated tenacity. During this National Women’s Week, it is an opportunity to reflect, celebrate and strategize,” Mr. LaRoda added.

This year marks 62 years since women first voted. (The historic accomplishment took place on November 26, 1962.)  Mr. LaRoda said the right to vote should never be taken lightly.

"As we celebrate the women of the suffrage movement and the historic right to vote, we also celebrate the great strides our women have made and their many accomplishments in various spheres,” Mr. LaRoda said “We also recognize that the work started during the suffrage movement continues to this day through the various women’s organizations who lobby for a life free of violence, true equality and economic empowerment.

"The contributions of those women and men who fought for the enfranchisement of Bahamian Women remained resolute in their goals. Today, we pay tribute to some of the leaders of the Suffrage Movement, including:  Mary Ingraham, Mabel Walker, Georgiana Symonette, Eugenia Lockhart and Doris Johnson.  These brave women were among others who agitated and bravely led the charge of the Suffrage Movement.

“Since that momentous first vote, women have continued to contribute to the building of this great nation.  In commemoration of this significant milestone, the Department of Gender and Family Affairs, in collaboration with the National Women’s Advisory Council, Civil Society and Non-Governmental Women’s Organizations (NGOs) throughout The Bahamas, celebrates National Women’s Week with a series of events.”

The start of National Women’s Week serves as the precursor to the global observance of the United Nations’ Sixteen Days of Activism to End Violence against Women and Girls, which will be observed from November 25, (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day).  The campaign calls for global action to increase awareness, advocacy and innovations to help end violence against women and girls.

The sixteen days of activism are included in the observance of National Women’s Week and, in this regard, the Department of Gender and Family Affairs has organized the End the Violence March and Rally for Sunday, December 7, beginning at 4 p.m.  The March will commence at South Beach Police Station and end at Pinewood Gardens Park with a rally.  It is expected that representation from a cross-section of the country will come together in solidarity to speak out against violence against women and girls.

Activities for the month include: two church services (Saturday, November 23 at 11am at Good News Seventh Day Adventist Church, Flamingo Gardens, and Sunday, November 24 at 10am at New Destiny Cathedral on Gladstone Road.

Other events include a National Women’s Week Empowerment Luncheon featuring a panel of female leaders from across the political divide (November 26); participation in school assemblies, talk shows and the broadcast of the documentary screening: 'Womanish Ways, Freedom, Human Rights and Democracy.'

Officials at the Department of Gender and Family Affairs, Ministry of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting, along with partners at the National Women’s Advisory Council, and other women’s non-governmental stakeholders, are gearing up for the annual celebrations of National Women’s Week scheduled for November 24-30. Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting, the Hon. Myles K. LaRoda, said the Week’s 2024 theme: 'Empowered Women: Refined, Reskilled, Resilient, Resolute,' underscores the qualities of women -- especially Bahamian women – whom he said are “strong, even through times of struggle and hardship.” Mr. LaRoda said this strength and tenacity were demonstrated during the Women’s Suffrage Era (which concluded in gaining women’s Right to Vote); through times of struggle, and amidst the social and economic challenges faced over the years. “History records that women and men worked closely together to root out political and economic inequities to obtain the right to vote. Amidst social and economic challenges, women in The Bahamas have demonstrated tenacity. “Our Women have remained strong through times of struggle and hardship. Amidst social and economic challenges, they have demonstrated tenacity. During this National Women’s Week, it is an opportunity to reflect, celebrate and strategize,” Mr. LaRoda added. This year marks 62 years since women first voted. (The historic accomplishment took place on November 26, 1962.)  Mr. LaRoda said the right to vote should never be taken lightly. "As we celebrate the women of the suffrage movement and the historic right to vote, we also celebrate the great strides our women have made and their many accomplishments in various spheres,” Mr. LaRoda said “We also recognize that the work started during the suffrage movement continues to this day through the various women’s organizations who lobby for a life free of violence, true equality and economic empowerment. "The contributions of those women and men who fought for the enfranchisement of Bahamian Women remained resolute in their goals. Today, we pay tribute to some of the leaders of the Suffrage Movement, including:  Mary Ingraham, Mabel Walker, Georgiana Symonette, Eugenia Lockhart and Doris Johnson.  These brave women were among others who agitated and bravely led the charge of the Suffrage Movement. “Since that momentous first vote, women have continued to contribute to the building of this great nation.  In commemoration of this significant milestone, the Department of Gender and Family Affairs, in collaboration with the National Women’s Advisory Council, Civil Society and Non-Governmental Women’s Organizations (NGOs) throughout The Bahamas, celebrates National Women’s Week with a series of events.” The start of National Women’s Week serves as the precursor to the global observance of the United Nations’ Sixteen Days of Activism to End Violence against Women and Girls, which will be observed from November 25, (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day).  The campaign calls for global action to increase awareness, advocacy and innovations to help end violence against women and girls. The sixteen days of activism are included in the observance of National Women’s Week and, in this regard, the Department of Gender and Family Affairs has organized the End the Violence March and Rally for Sunday, December 7, beginning at 4 p.m.  The March will commence at South Beach Police Station and end at Pinewood Gardens Park with a rally.  It is expected that representation from a cross-section of the country will come together in solidarity to speak out against violence against women and girls. Activities for the month include: two church services (Saturday, November 23 at 11am at Good News Seventh Day Adventist Church, Flamingo Gardens, and Sunday, November 24 at 10am at New Destiny Cathedral on Gladstone Road. Other events include a National Women’s Week Empowerment Luncheon featuring a panel of female leaders from across the political divide (November 26); participation in school assemblies, talk shows and the broadcast of the documentary screening: 'Womanish Ways, Freedom, Human Rights and Democracy.'

Uniformed officers and students from throughout Grand Bahama lined the streets, Sunday, for the Remembrance Day March to pay homage to fallen war veterans.

The procession culminated at Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, where members of the community gathered for what was the 62nd Annual Remembrance Day Church Service.

Prayers were lifted up for national restoration, Grand Bahama, veterans, their families, and the youth of the nation.

While delivering the homily, Reverend Elkanah Brian Seymour, Pastor at St. Paul’s Methodist Church, urged those gathered to make good memories and give God thanks.

He also reminded the congregation that the purpose of all gathered was to give thanks for those who have sacrificed their lives.

During the wreath laying ceremony, Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey laid a wreath on behalf of the government; Justice Indira Francis on behalf of the Judiciary; Senator James Turner on behalf of the Senate; Assistant Commissioner of Police Shanta Knowles for the Royal Bahamas Police Force; Commander Valentino Rolle for the Royal Bahamas Defence Force; and Stephanie Barr for the Bahamas Red Cross Grand Bahama Centre.

Uniformed officers and students from throughout Grand Bahama lined the streets, Sunday, for the Remembrance Day March to pay homage to fallen war veterans. The procession culminated at Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, where members of the community gathered for what was the 62nd Annual Remembrance Day Church Service. Prayers were lifted up for national restoration, Grand Bahama, veterans, their families, and the youth of the nation. While delivering the homily, Reverend Elkanah Brian Seymour, Pastor at St. Paul’s Methodist Church, urged those gathered to make good memories and give God thanks. He also reminded the congregation that the purpose of all gathered was to give thanks for those who have sacrificed their lives. During the wreath laying ceremony, Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey laid a wreath on behalf of the government; Justice Indira Francis on behalf of the Judiciary; Senator James Turner on behalf of the Senate; Assistant Commissioner of Police Shanta Knowles for the Royal Bahamas Police Force; Commander Valentino Rolle for the Royal Bahamas Defence Force; and Stephanie Barr for the Bahamas Red Cross Grand Bahama Centre.

This week, Nassau Airport Development Company will share its plans to integrate solar power at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) at the upcoming Ministry of Energy and Transport’s Energy Summit. On November 7, 2024, Kevin McDonald, NAD’s Vice President of Engineering and Maintenance, will join a panel of key stakeholders as part of the event’s theme, “Accelerating The Bahamas Energy Transition through Innovation and Strategic Partnerships.” He will discuss NAD’s path to sustainable energy solutions, specifically the development of a scalable solar power system at LPIA.

“Solar energy is an essential part of our vision for a more resilient and sustainable LPIA,” said McDonald. “This upcoming project allows us to harness our natural resources, stabilize energy costs, and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, which is increasingly important as The Bahamas navigates energy challenges and looks towards a greener future.”

LPIA’s solar project is anticipated to roll out in three stages: design, procurement, and implementation. NAD currently has an RFP open for the engineering and design phase on the government’s procurement portal. The project is expected to begin at 1 megawatt and could expand to as much as 3.4 megawatts pending government approvals and regulatory changes. The estimated cost of the phased project ranges from $2.5 million for 1MW up to $8.5 million for 3.4MW.

The grid-tied system will require collaboration with Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) to ensure seamless integration into the existing energy infrastructure. The project is also contingent upon the support of key stakeholders including the Ministry of Energy and Transport and URCA. Transitioning a major consumer like LPIA to sustainable solar power could set the stage for an energy shift that addresses the island’s current power supply challenges while meeting the airport’s operational needs.

“Collaborating with government, regulators, and utility providers is essential to scaling this initiative,” added McDonald. “As legislation and infrastructure evolve, we can create a reliable, renewable energy source that benefits the airport and wider Bahamian community.”

NAD initially began exploring solar options in 2017, though plans were delayed due to the pandemic. Now, construction is anticipated to begin by fall 2025, moving LPIA closer to achieving a sustainable, reliable energy supply that can better support the airport’s needs during peak operating hours, while also positioning The Bahamas at the forefront of renewable energy adoption in the region.

This week, Nassau Airport Development Company will share its plans to integrate solar power at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) at the upcoming Ministry of Energy and Transport’s Energy Summit. On November 7, 2024, Kevin McDonald, NAD’s Vice President of Engineering and Maintenance, will join a panel of key stakeholders as part of the event’s theme, “Accelerating The Bahamas Energy Transition through Innovation and Strategic Partnerships.” He will discuss NAD’s path to sustainable energy solutions, specifically the development of a scalable solar power system at LPIA. “Solar energy is an essential part of our vision for a more resilient and sustainable LPIA,” said McDonald. “This upcoming project allows us to harness our natural resources, stabilize energy costs, and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, which is increasingly important as The Bahamas navigates energy challenges and looks towards a greener future.” LPIA’s solar project is anticipated to roll out in three stages: design, procurement, and implementation. NAD currently has an RFP open for the engineering and design phase on the government’s procurement portal. The project is expected to begin at 1 megawatt and could expand to as much as 3.4 megawatts pending government approvals and regulatory changes. The estimated cost of the phased project ranges from $2.5 million for 1MW up to $8.5 million for 3.4MW. The grid-tied system will require collaboration with Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) to ensure seamless integration into the existing energy infrastructure. The project is also contingent upon the support of key stakeholders including the Ministry of Energy and Transport and URCA. Transitioning a major consumer like LPIA to sustainable solar power could set the stage for an energy shift that addresses the island’s current power supply challenges while meeting the airport’s operational needs. “Collaborating with government, regulators, and utility providers is essential to scaling this initiative,” added McDonald. “As legislation and infrastructure evolve, we can create a reliable, renewable energy source that benefits the airport and wider Bahamian community.” NAD initially began exploring solar options in 2017, though plans were delayed due to the pandemic. Now, construction is anticipated to begin by fall 2025, moving LPIA closer to achieving a sustainable, reliable energy supply that can better support the airport’s needs during peak operating hours, while also positioning The Bahamas at the forefront of renewable energy adoption in the region.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Fred Mitchell says Grand Bahama has defied the odds of lightning striking twice in the same place -- acknowledging that it has struck three times in the second city with this third hosting of Diplomatic Week, which begins on Monday, November 4, and will run through November 8, 2024.

The first time Diplomatic Week was held in Grand Bahama was in June of 2005 when Minister Mitchell was Chair of the CARICOM Foreign Ministers.

The second time the International meeting was held in Grand Bahama was in April of 2016.

“This marks the third time that I am hosting a gathering of international diplomats and personalities in Freeport,” said Minister Mitchell, during an official church service to launch Diplomatic Week on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at First Baptist Church, Freeport. 

In attendance were members of the Bahamian and Foreign Diplomatic and Consular Corps.

“The reason we hold the meeting here is so that the international community can get to know this city.  But more importantly to help support the people of Grand Bahama in what is a wonderful city and a great place to live.”

The Foreign Affairs Minister recalled several positive stories and feedback he received from visiting diplomats during the two years Diplomatic Week was held in Grand Bahama.  He recounted an experience in 2005 by the then Foreign Minister of St. Vincent & the Grenadines who had heard about the beauty and friendliness of the residents of West End and took off on an adventure to West End on his own.

While there, according to Minister Mitchell, the Minister from St. Vincent came across some local men playing dominoes on the waterfront and joined the game and spent the entire evening in West End enjoying the Bahamian culture and fellowshipping with the people of West End.

There was also the experience of Philip Harmon, the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom.  After the meeting was over in 2016, he and his delegation sat outside the landing of their hotel enjoying the beauty of the islands and the warm weather.

“I remember asking them if they were going to bed,” said Minister Mitchell. “He said ‘no. I can’t believe this. There is no way at 10 p.m. at night at this time of the year, at this time of the day, that I’m able to do this in London. So, while I have the opportunity, we’re going to sit outside and enjoy this moment until it’s time to go to bed.’

“So, those are some of the memories that people take away when they come to this beautiful city.  A city I love and hope to retire to one day.”

Minister Mitchell pointed out that the most recent Census of The Bahamas indicated that Grand Bahama had lost about 5,000 people since Hurricane Dorian, knocking down the island’s population to just about 45,000 people.

“I keep trying to encourage young Bahamians that Grand Bahama is the future of the country and to come here and to buy land,” said Minister Mitchell. “I keep trying to say that if we don’t invest in Grand Bahama, others certainly will.  And that brings with it other issues.

“So that’s why we’re here.  And we hope that since climate change is the number one issue charged to us by the Prime Minister in foreign policy, followed secondly by reparatory justice and slavery, that those who come for this meeting this week to join all of our diplomats who serve overseas, will go away with a story not only of official business being held, but with a commitment to climate justice and also to reparatory justice. We hope that they will carry with them fond memories of a beautiful city, a beautiful island and a beautiful country.”

Over the next four days, the Diplomatic and Consular Corps will engage in briefing sessions and dialogue with various stakeholders through the Government of The Bahamas, International Organizations, and bilateral partners.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Fred Mitchell says Grand Bahama has defied the odds of lightning striking twice in the same place -- acknowledging that it has struck three times in the second city with this third hosting of Diplomatic Week, which begins on Monday, November 4, and will run through November 8, 2024. The first time Diplomatic Week was held in Grand Bahama was in June of 2005 when Minister Mitchell was Chair of the CARICOM Foreign Ministers. The second time the International meeting was held in Grand Bahama was in April of 2016. “This marks the third time that I am hosting a gathering of international diplomats and personalities in Freeport,” said Minister Mitchell, during an official church service to launch Diplomatic Week on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at First Baptist Church, Freeport.  In attendance were members of the Bahamian and Foreign Diplomatic and Consular Corps. “The reason we hold the meeting here is so that the international community can get to know this city.  But more importantly to help support the people of Grand Bahama in what is a wonderful city and a great place to live.” The Foreign Affairs Minister recalled several positive stories and feedback he received from visiting diplomats during the two years Diplomatic Week was held in Grand Bahama.  He recounted an experience in 2005 by the then Foreign Minister of St. Vincent & the Grenadines who had heard about the beauty and friendliness of the residents of West End and took off on an adventure to West End on his own.   While there, according to Minister Mitchell, the Minister from St. Vincent came across some local men playing dominoes on the waterfront and joined the game and spent the entire evening in West End enjoying the Bahamian culture and fellowshipping with the people of West End. There was also the experience of Philip Harmon, the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom.  After the meeting was over in 2016, he and his delegation sat outside the landing of their hotel enjoying the beauty of the islands and the warm weather.   “I remember asking them if they were going to bed,” said Minister Mitchell. “He said ‘no. I can’t believe this. There is no way at 10 p.m. at night at this time of the year, at this time of the day, that I’m able to do this in London. So, while I have the opportunity, we’re going to sit outside and enjoy this moment until it’s time to go to bed.’ “So, those are some of the memories that people take away when they come to this beautiful city.  A city I love and hope to retire to one day.”   Minister Mitchell pointed out that the most recent Census of The Bahamas indicated that Grand Bahama had lost about 5,000 people since Hurricane Dorian, knocking down the island’s population to just about 45,000 people. “I keep trying to encourage young Bahamians that Grand Bahama is the future of the country and to come here and to buy land,” said Minister Mitchell. “I keep trying to say that if we don’t invest in Grand Bahama, others certainly will.  And that brings with it other issues. “So that’s why we’re here.  And we hope that since climate change is the number one issue charged to us by the Prime Minister in foreign policy, followed secondly by reparatory justice and slavery, that those who come for this meeting this week to join all of our diplomats who serve overseas, will go away with a story not only of official business being held, but with a commitment to climate justice and also to reparatory justice. We hope that they will carry with them fond memories of a beautiful city, a beautiful island and a beautiful country.” Over the next four days, the Diplomatic and Consular Corps will engage in briefing sessions and dialogue with various stakeholders through the Government of The Bahamas, International Organizations, and bilateral partners.