The Tribune

By KEILE CAMPBELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

ROYAL Caribbean Group and the Bahamas Feeding Network joined forces once again to bring holiday cheer to scores of Bahamian families through their annual turkey distribution event.

The initiative, now in its third year, saw nearly 40,000 pounds of turkey delivered to the Bahamas Feeding Network headquarters in Fox Hill. 

The turkeys will be distributed to more than 100 feeding programmes and community groups across the country, benefiting over 2800 families in need during the holiday season.

Philip Simon, president of Royal Caribbean Group’s Bahamas operations, said the event reflected the company’s long-standing commitment to The Bahamas.

“For more than 50 years, The Bahamas has been the number one destination for Royal Caribbean International,” Mr Simon said. “This partnership is about more than business — it’s about friendship, community, and people.”

Mr Simon noted that Royal Caribbean has been a partner in hunger relief efforts for nearly a decade. 

Mr Simon highlighted the company’s ties to the Bahamas Feeding Network, recalling a visit by Royal Caribbean’s president and CEO Michael Bayley six years ago when he helped plate meals for those in need.

“He was so moved by what he saw and felt that he made sure the Bahamas Feeding Network has had a special place in the heart of Royal Caribbean ever since,” Mr Simon said.

Chairman of the Bahamas Feeding Network, Felix Stubbs, expressed gratitude for the donation, calling it a lifeline for many families struggling with the rising cost of living.

Mr Stubbs addressed the growing challenge of food insecurity in The Bahamas, citing rising inflation and a widening poverty gap as key factors. 

“Even though the economy is improving, the cost of living is increasing at an even faster rate,” he said. “More and more families are falling below the poverty line, and initiatives like this help us keep up with the growing demand for assistance.”

The Bahamas Feeding Network currently feeds about 30,000 people each month through its 113 feeding programmes, a task that Mr Stubbs described as daunting but necessary. 

“At about $8 a meal, it costs us $240,000 a month to meet the need, and that’s just the baseline,” he said.

The organisation relies heavily on donations like Royal Caribbean’s turkey contribution to meet those costs, which continue to rise. Mr Stubbs noted that the donation of 40,000 pounds of turkey was part of a broader effort to meet the growing demand for assistance.

“We have 113 feeding programmes that we work with, and this donation goes directly to helping the people who depend on us,” he said. “Right now, with 25 percent of Bahamians living below the poverty line, this support is critical.”

Mr Simon said Royal Caribbean’s partnership with the Bahamas Feeding Network reflected its commitment to supporting Bahamians in tangible ways.

“This donation is about more than providing food — it’s about giving health, joy, and a sense of hope this holiday season,” Mr Simon said.

Mr Stubbs pointed out that the distribution of turkeys is just one part of a larger year-round effort to fight hunger in The Bahamas. 

“We’re not just here at Christmas — we’re here every day, making sure people don’t go hungry,” he said. 

He added that while hot meal distribution is more expensive, the network focuses on sourcing and packaging food to give to programmes that can efficiently prepare and deliver meals.

Mr Stubbs encouraged others to follow Royal Caribbean’s lead by contributing to the Bahamas Feeding Network’s ongoing efforts. 

“Anyone can help,” he said. “Whether it’s through donations or volunteering, we all have a part to play in making sure no one goes hungry.”