The BP PRESS

16/12/2025

JUST IN: 🇺🇸🇮🇱 White House issues warning to Israel for violating ceasefire in Gaza.

"If you want to ruin your reputation and show that you don't abide by agreements, be our guest, but we won't allow you to ruin President Trump's reputation after he brokered the deal in Gaza."

16/12/2025

16/12/2025

16/12/2025

Hunan Demonstration Farm Officially Handed Over to the Bahamian Government

NASSAU, The Bahamas — The Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, the Hon. Jomo Campbell said the Hunan Demonstration Farm at the Gladstone Road Agricultural Centre has over the past two-and-a-half years planted seeds of knowledge, innovation and friendship between the two regions.

“When this project began, we welcomed a team of experts from Hunan Province who brought with them decades of agricultural experience, advanced technology and a genuine spirit of partnership,” the Agriculture Minister said during the Handover Ceremony at the Completion of the Demonstration Farm on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.

He added, “They came not merely to advise, but to work alongside our Bahamian farmers and technical officers – teaching, demonstrating and leaving behind a legacy of capacity building.”

The Minister noted that through this collaboration, Bahamians have seen firsthand the benefits of modern farming techniques: improved crop yields, strengthened soil management practices, integrated pest control, greenhouse advancements and the introduction of new varieties suitable for the unique Bahamian environment.

He said, “What began as a demonstration, has become a living classroom – one that has enhanced our agricultural expertise and expanded what we believe possible for food production in our islands.”

The Minister added, “Today’s handover, is not an ending, but the start of a new chapter as this facility transitions fully under the stewardship of the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources, we carry forward his knowledge, systems and best practices shared by our partners from Hunan.

“We accept this farm not only as a physical asset, but as a symbol of the progress that can be achieved when nations work together with a shared purpose.”

Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to The Commonwealth of The Bahamas Her Excellency Yan Jiarong; Representative Hunan Province, Gong Zhiming; Representative Lin Shi Company, Wang Jian; Undersecretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources, Montez Williams and Director of Agriculture, Dr. Jason Sands were also in attendance.

The Chinese Ambassador explained that this project has fulfilled its mission. “I am sure the Ministry of Agriculture will make full use of the resources left by this project. They include supplies, materials and technology.”

She said the cooperation between the Governments of China and The Bahamas has not ended in regards to Agriculture, and the Chinese Government intends to give further donations to the Bahamas Agricultural & Industrial Corporation and other entities.

The Agricultural Project between Hunan and The Bahamas was launched in May 2023 and is undertaken by the Hunan Linshi Agricultural Service Co., Ltd.

Since the launch of the project, the project team has completed the trial planting work of 25 varieties across 13 crop types including watermelon, pumpkin, broccoli, melon, lettuce, cauliflower and Chinese cabbage. Ultimately 10 outstanding varieties were collected including watermelon, melon, hot pepper, cauliflower, tomato, sunflower and cucumber.

Demonstration and extension plots have been carried out inside three greenhouses: hot pepper, cauliflower, tomato, cucumber and melon, while open fields of sunflower, cucumber and cauliflower cover five varieties. Two hundred and ten growers have benefitted by seven large-scale training courses.

During the collaboration, more than 50 model vegetable-farming households have registered and over 10,000 healthy vegetable seedlings have been distributed free of charge.

16/12/2025

U.S. Ambassador Walker Presents $500,000 Grant for Hurricane Melissa Disaster Relief in The Bahamas

NASSAU| In a ceremony at the U.S. Embassy, newly arrived Ambassador Herschel Walker presented a $500,000 grant to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to support shelter, water and sanitation relief in The Bahamas in the wake of Hurricane Melissa. IFRC Program and Operations Manager Rhea Pierre, and Bahamas Red Cross President Edison Sumner, accepted the grant on behalf of the IFRC.

The Honorable I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation represented the Right Honorable Prime Minister.

“This grant ensures that vulnerable populations receive needed assistance as they recover from Hurricane Melissa and that The Bahamas Red Cross is equipped and ready to provide pre-positioned assistance during the next hurricane,” stated Ambassador Walker.

“I am truly glad that the United States has provided this assistance so that folks in impacted areas can rebuild and return to normal life.”

“Hurricane Melissa has shown just how critical anticipatory action is in safeguarding communities across the Caribbean,” stated Necephor Mghendi, IFRC Head of Delegation for the English and Dutch Speaking Caribbean. “In the region — and especially in countries like The Bahamas — the Red Cross is fully committed to meeting urgent needs with speed and dignity. With the support of partners such as the U.S. Department of State, the IFRC is working hand in hand with the Bahamas Red Cross, national authorities, and local partners to deliver life-saving shelter, safe water, essential relief items, and targeted support that helps families stay safe today while strengthening their resilience for tomorrow.”

“Through the IFRC-supported project addressing humanitarian needs related to Hurricane Melissa, funded by the U.S. Department of State, the Bahamas Red Cross is expanding its capacity to deliver life-saving assistance,” said BRC President Sumner. “This includes emergency shelter, water and sanitation services, and essential non-food items crucial for affected communities. With IFRC’s technical and operational support, we are preparing to implement a conditional cash and voucher assistance programme that will enable families to purchase construction materials to repair their damaged homes from local suppliers and vendors—preserving dignity, ensuring safety, and speeding their return to normal life.”

The grant will support the efforts of the IFRC and Bahamas Red Cross to repair homes and shelters and restock essential disaster relief supplies including cots, hygiene kits, blankets and essential household items. The funding will also enable 300 families in the Southern Bahamas to carry out essential repairs to their homes and return safely.

The United States has provided nearly $37 million to date in emergency, life-saving assistance and on-the-ground support throughout the region in response to Hurricane Melissa. This funding enabled critical efforts by our Disaster Assistance Recovery Team (DART) and search-and-rescue teams from Los Angeles and Fairfax Counties to assist communities in need.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to helping our neighbors recover from this disaster,” stated Ambassador Walker. “Our deep friendship with The Bahamas demands no less.”

16/12/2025

Air Canada Launches Inaugural Flights to The Bahamas from Ottawa and Halifax

Ottawa travel to The Bahamas is up 54% year-over-year, and Nova Scotia has increased 85% as more Canadian guests come to the sunny islands of the Bahamas!

NASSAU, THE BAHAMAS — Canadians will have even easier access to The Bahamas this winter as Air Canada launches new nonstop flights from Ottawa and Halifax to Nassau starting December 5. Demand from both regions continues to surge — Ottawa travel to The Bahamas is up 54% year-over-year, and Nova Scotia has increased 85% — and the direct flights are expected to accelerate that growth by removing connections and giving travellers a faster, smoother trip south. With warm ocean waters, sunny skies, and temperatures around 30°C, Canada’s ultimate winter escape is just a few hours away.

“The Bahamas continues to strengthen its position as a favourite destination for Canadians, and expanding airlift is essential to keeping pace with this growing demand,” said the Honourable I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister of The Bahamas. “These new flights deepen our connection in Canada and make it even easier for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty, culture, and warm hospitality that define The Islands of The Bahamas.”

Air Canada echoed the importance of increased connectivity for Canadian travellers. “We’re thrilled to launch non-stop service from Nassau to Ottawa and Halifax, further connecting Canada with one of the Caribbean’s most popular destinations,” said Alexandre Lefevre, Vice President of Network Planning at Air Canada. “These new routes offer our customers more choice and convenience for winter getaways, while strengthening our commitment to providing direct access to exciting leisure destinations.”

The new routes complement the existing airlift from across Canada and add to the broad portfolio of nonstop options available to travellers this winter. Combined with the strong air service already in place, Air Canada’s new Ottawa and Halifax flights give Canadians even more convenient ways to reach The Bahamas this season.

Air Canada’s scheduled service to Nassau includes:

● Toronto (YYZ): 6–7 flights per week

● Montreal (YUL): 3–4 flights per week (seasonal variations)

● Ottawa (YOW): New weekly Friday flights starting December 5, 2025

● Halifax (YHZ): New weekly Friday flights starting December 5, 2025

With more than 700 islands and cays and 16 unique island destinations, The Bahamas offers endless opportunities for Canadians to trade winter for warmth. Nassau serves as the vibrant gateway to the country’s many islands, and the new flights make it even easier for travellers across Canada to begin their Bahamian adventure.

16/12/2025

PM Davis Visits and Encourages Opportunity Hub: Upskill Participants

NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his remarks at the Opportunity Hub: Upskill visit to the Edmund Moxey Centre, on December 12, 2025, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis pointed out to those who had enrolled in and started the free programme that the first hurdle was rarely the course content.

“The first hurdle is time,” Prime Minister Davis said. “It is fatigue. It is doubt. It is that voice in your head that says, ‘I busy. I too old. I too far behind’.

“Yet you still started,” he added. “And I came here today to tell you: that decision matters. A programme can be launched; a website can go live; a banner can be hung. None of that changes a life until a person decides, ‘I ready’.”

Prime Minister pointed out that that was what he saw when he walked through the stations there that day.

“Laptops, phones, tablets, the computer room — different devices, same purpose: Bahamians choosing growth,” he said.

Prime Minister Davis added: “This is exactly why we created the Opportunity Hub. The Opportunity Hub is a national initiative built to help Bahamians learn about government opportunities, sign up online, share feedback directly, and see real stories of progress.”

He pointed out that it also operated through “a simple tool everybody can access: opphub.gov.bs”.

Prime Minister Davis noted that his government called it the “Opportunity Hub” because “opportunity should feel close”.

“It should feel reachable,” he stated. “It should feel like something made for you, where you live, and where you are right now.”

Prime Minister Davis pointed out that Upskill was launched on November 14, 2025, and the first grouping of courses began on December 1. Since then, the response has been strong: over 8,000 Bahamians registered, 27 courses started, and over 2,000 applications came from the Family Islands, he added.

“Those numbers tell a story,” Prime Minister Davis said. “They tell the story of a people who are hungry for forward movement. They tell the story of families trying to stretch a paycheck and still find time to build new skills.”

“They tell the story of young people trying to step into the workforce with confidence,” he added. “They tell the story of adults who have carried responsibility for years and still decided to invest in themselves.”

Prime Minister Davis stated that he wanted to be clear about what should happen next.

“Signing up is a strong start,” he said. “Starting the course is even stronger. Completion is where the doors really open.”

“That is the core message of today’s event: course completion and sustained engagement after enrollment,” Prime Minister Davis added. He then asked every participant there to make themselves a promise.

Prime Minister Davis said: “Finish what you started. Set a schedule you can live with, even if it is 30 minutes at night when the house quiets down. Reach out when you get stuck. Use the support around you. Share your progress with your family, your friends, your co-workers. Let them keep you accountable. And when you complete, wear that certificate with pride. Put it on your resume. Take it to a job interview. Use it to apply for the next opportunity.”

He pointed out that Upskill was “built for real life”.

“It is built for the single mother who wants a better job,” Prime Minister Davis stated. “It is built for the father who wants to move from day-to-day work into a steadier career.”

He added: “It is built for the young man who wants a skill he can build a future on. It is built for the young woman who wants her own income, her own independence, her own options. And it is built for Family Island residents who deserve access, even when geography has made access harder for too long.”

Prime Minister Davis said that that was also why they kept doing the Opportunity Tours.

“We come to you. We listen. We watch what works. We hear what needs fixing. We collect feedback, and then we adjust,” he said.

“That is the whole point of this Hub model: information, access, enrollment, stories, feedback, repeated in communities across the country,” Prime Minister Davis added.

He then spoke directly to people who might not be present, but kept saying, in the vernacular, ‘I gon’ do it next week’.

Prime Minister Davis said: “If you have been putting it off, use today as your sign. Go to opphub.gov.bs. Look at what is available. Pick one course that fits your life. Start; because the hardest part is deciding that you matter enough to invest in.”

He added: “That is the deeper work of opportunity. It is dignity. It is confidence. It is a country saying to its people: we believe in you, and we are going to back your effort with tools that meet you where you are.”

Prime Minister Davis said to the participants there that day, that he also wanted them to “understand something else”.

“When you push through and complete, you become somebody else’s proof,” he said. “Somebody is watching you: a child, a cousin, a friend, a co-worker – maybe a brother or sister.”

Prime Minister Davis added: Your consistency gives them courage; so, as you move through your modules, do it for yourself. Do it for your household. Do it for the person who needs to see that it can be done.”

He stated that every day, he has an opportunity to help someone get ahead.

“Today, I chose to spend it with Bahamians who already started, who already took the first step,” Prime Minister Davis said. “My commitment is simple: we will keep widening the doors of opportunity, keep improving access, keep supporting skills development, and keep expanding this work.”

He added: “Your commitment is simple too: keep going. Finish strong.

“Thank you, and I am looking forward to hearing your stories, and celebrating your completions.”

16/12/2025

GET READY FOR THE ULTIMATE BEACH DAY: ROYAL CARIBBEAN AND THE BAHAMAS HOST RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY FOR FIRST ROYAL BEACH CLUB

MORE GOWTH, AN ENHANCED TOURISM PRODUCT AND PROGRESS FOR BAHAMIANS!

MIAMI, Dec. 13, 2025 – Today, Royal Caribbean officially marked the debut of Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in The Bahamas with a ribbon cutting ceremony just days ahead of welcoming its first vacationers on Dec. 23. Royal Caribbean executives and Bahamian government officials gathered at the all-new beach club to celebrate the launch and highlight the deep collaboration between the vacation brand and The Bahamas that brought the destination to life.

More than 150 government officials, VIPs and community members joined the festivities to celebrate the official ribbon cutting and get an exclusive look at the first-of-its-kind destination. From the location – one of the island’s most idyllic beaches – to the Bahamian food, culture and staff, the beach club combines the beauty and spirit of The Bahamas with signature Royal Caribbean touches across the experience, service and design.

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is set to redefine the ideal beach day with all-inclusive experiences for every vacationer and mood. From all-day party vibes at Party Cove’s The Floating Flamingo – the world’s largest swim up bar – to laidback energy at Chill Beach and nonstop family time at Family Beach, vacationers can create their ultimate beach day in more ways than one.

For more information on Royal Beach Club Paradise Island and day pass options, guests can visit Royal Caribbean’s website.

16/12/2025

16/12/2025

16/12/2025

Presentation of King’s 2025 Birthday Honours at Government House

NASSAU, The Bahamas -- An Investiture ceremony of the King's Birthday Honours, 2025 was held in the Ballroom of Government House, December 15, 2025. Governor General, Her Excellency the Most Hon. Dame Cynthia A. Pratt presented the honours. Prime Minister the Hon. Philip Davis congratulated the honourees.

Dame Cynthia Pratt presented Insignia to Mr. Talmage Raymond Leo Pinder Sr., CD, JP who received Officer of the British Empire (OBE) for service in Business; Member of the British Empire (MBE) was presented to Mrs. Cynthia Allison Donaldson nee Johnson for Public Service and Activism; Dr. Idamae Hanna for service in the field of Health and Wellness, and Mrs. Eva Hilton, for service in the field of Education. Ms. Shanta Emily Knowles, CD, OM received the King's Police Medal (KPM) for service in the field of Law Enforcement.