标签： Bahamas

The highly anticipated Hope City homeless shelter, a project by Great Commission Ministries (GCM), has been postponed until 2026 due to significant setbacks. Bishop Walter Hanchell, the founder of GCM, acknowledged the challenges but assured the public that a detailed update would be provided before the end of the year. The shelter, announced in 2023, is envisioned as a two-story, 100-bed facility equipped with dormitories and an empowerment center focused on skills training, job readiness, and life-skills development. Despite having approved plans and a construction estimate of $3.5 million, the project has encountered serious obstacles. Paul Daniel Lewis, chair of GCM’s Resource and Philosophy Committee, emphasized the critical role of increased volunteer participation in the ministry’s future expansion, particularly for the successful launch of Hope City. He highlighted ongoing initiatives like ‘Live to Give’ and ‘Stop and Drop,’ as well as direct-deposit options, to encourage consistent contributions from residents and corporate partners. Bishop Hanchell also detailed GCM’s monthly ‘Power Up’ program, which aims to empower disenfranchised individuals through training in budgeting and life improvement. The ministry continues to face overwhelming demand for its emergency housing services, often resorting to placing families in hotels when shelters are full. With the need for public support growing, GCM is seeking at least 200 new volunteers to bolster its operations in 2026.

Great Commission Ministries (GCM), a prominent charity in The Bahamas, is grappling with a severe financial crisis as its resources dwindled to a mere $246 last month. Founder Bishop Walter Hanchell revealed the dire situation during a press conference announcing the charity’s inaugural Hope Fest. He highlighted the escalating demand for food, shelter, and emergency support, driven by the surging cost of living and deepening social crisis. GCM, which serves up to 600 people daily, provides groceries, shelter, and support for homeless residents, alongside initiatives like a weekly Children’s Club, a substance abuse treatment program, and daily street outreach. Bishop Hanchell described the increasing desperation among families, with many resorting to living in their vehicles. He also noted a rise in young men experiencing mental and emotional breakdowns, often requiring staff to locate and assist them. The ministry’s operating expenses now exceed $5,000 daily, including the purchase of 300 pounds of meat, even as donations have declined over the past six months. Despite the financial strain, Bishop Hanchell emphasized the spiritual motivation behind GCM’s mission, crediting unexpected miracles for keeping the ministry afloat. He urged the public to support the charity by contributing money, groceries, or meat, stressing the critical need for assistance.

The Bahamas Taxicab Union (BTCU) is gearing up for intensified industrial action, citing unresolved grievances and accusing the government of failing to curb illegal operations that undermine taxi drivers’ livelihoods. Union President Tyrone Butler expressed frustration over livery drivers allegedly soliciting passengers in areas reserved for taxis, with major hubs like Atlantis, Nassau Cruise Port, and Lynden Pindling International Airport enabling the practice. Butler warned of escalating unrest, stating, ‘We can’t continue to operate where the government is allowing one fraction of society to operate illegally.’ He also criticized Transport and Energy Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis for allegedly favoring livery drivers, claiming she supports their right to operate despite legal violations. The dispute, which escalated earlier this year, led to a formal request for legal guidance from the Office of the Attorney General regarding the Road Traffic Act. The Ministry of Transport and Energy emphasized its commitment to a fair and modern regulatory framework but acknowledged the conflict stems from differing interpretations of the law. Recent protests outside Nassau Cruise Port, which resulted in arrests of two taxi drivers, underscored the union’s determination to be heard. Butler expressed satisfaction with the union’s efforts to highlight their concerns but warned of further unrest if the government continues to ignore the issue.

In a remarkable achievement, Bahamian national Bianca Smith has officially become a barrister after being called to the Bar in London. At the young age of 23, Smith was formally admitted to the Bar of England and Wales on November 20 at Gray’s Inn, in a ceremony presided over by the Rt Honorable Justice Lady Geraldine Andrews.

Reflecting on her accomplishment, Smith expressed immense pride and gratitude. ‘It was an immense reward after all of my hard work, and I am incredibly proud,’ she stated. ‘I could not have done it without all of the support I have received. Thank you to everyone that has been a part of this journey. I am honoured to be a Barrister.’

Smith’s academic journey is equally impressive. She earned her Bachelor of Laws with First Class Honours from Goldsmiths University of London, where her dissertation focused on Bahamian women and the systemic inequality in legislation concerning women’s rights, particularly citizenship transference and the lack of recognition of women’s issues. She further pursued Bar Vocational Studies (BVS) at City, University of London, graduating with a postgraduate diploma with merit.

This milestone not only highlights Smith’s dedication and intellectual prowess but also underscores her commitment to addressing systemic inequalities, particularly in the context of women’s rights in The Bahamas.

The Mitchell family, who tragically lost their 19-year-old daughter Camille to ovarian cancer in November 2023, found solace in a heartfelt tribute by her classmates during Benedict College’s 2024 graduation ceremony. Camille, a former Anatol Rodgers High School prefect captain and a Presidential Cup scholar with a perfect 4.0 GPA, had been pursuing a degree in Cyber Security. Despite her illness, she attended classes via Zoom from her hospital bed, determined to complete her education. Her untimely death came just months before she could walk the stage. Ahead of the Spring commencement, one of Camille’s friends informed the family that students planned to honor her memory by carrying her legacy across the stage. Many graduates wore funeral pins and stoles adorned with her name and photograph, creating a poignant moment for the Mitchells, who watched the ceremony via livestream. Kemel Mitchell, Camille’s brother, shared that the tribute was particularly emotional for their mother, who had been struggling to cope with reminders of her daughter’s passing at home. To help the family heal, Kemel created a shrine with Camille’s belongings, which has become a source of comfort. Camille’s classmates revealed that her determination and spirit had inspired them to persevere in their studies, with several crediting her as their motivation. Diagnosed in December 2022, Camille’s academic achievements and leadership roles, including her position as vice president of the Key Club, left a lasting impact on her community. Kemel, now studying education in the United States, reflected on how Camille’s illness influenced his youngest sister’s decision to pursue cellular and molecular biology. He emphasized that her passing has taught the family to cherish their time together and strengthened their faith. The graduation tribute, coupled with messages and photos shared by Camille’s friends, brought comfort to her mother, who had treated many of them like her own children.