The Tribune

BAHAMAS GIRL GUIDES ASSOCIATION

The Training Team of The Bahamas Girl Guides Association reminds all new Brownie leaders  that the Practical Sessions  of Orientation Level Training will begin on Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 10am to noon  at the new headquarters  on West Bay Street. Come and learn how to form the Brownie Ring; sing the Six Songs and other action songs; plan exciting and fun-filled games and activities  with a purpose for Tweenies and Brownies; make a toadstool; and  learn how to  integrate  the Dream Programme into the weekly meetings. The Training Team  looks forward to seeing all new leaders needing to complete the sessions of orientation level training. For further information, call.Guide headquarters at 322-4342.

KIWANIS CLUB OF NEW PROVIDENCE

The Kiwanis Club of New Providence hosted its annual Back to School project on Saturday August 23, at Claridge Primary School.  

The Sponsored Leadership Programme and Youth Service Committee was on the move once again organising this annual project to ensure the children were equipped with essential school supplies for a successful new school year.  

Children from our sponsored schools and the Prison Fellowship were invited to join us for a time of fun and giving back.   

Musical chairs and the egg and spoon races were some of the favourites among the children in attendance!  

Lunch was also served to all attendees before the distribution of the school supplies.  

Branded backpacks filled with supplies inclusive of composition notebooks, rulers, pencils, pens, erasers, sharpeners, crayons, markers, and geometry sets were provided to the children in preparation for the opening of school.  

The Sunshine Pilot Club partnered with our club in this initiative, forging a new relationship with another civic organisation.  

In addition to impacting the lives of children, this project also encouraged teambuilding, as our club’s four teams/flower groups, Birds of Paradise, Purple Orchids, White Lilies, and Yellow Roses, were asked to work together to outfit the backpacks with the school supplies.  What a rewarding project that not only enhanced our enduring friendships, but simultaneously improved the lives of children and the community!

Kiwanis Southwest New Providence

A souse out and community health and wellness fair will be held on September 28 from 10am-2pm at Sybil Strachan Primary School. 

Featured events include a souse out from 8am to noon - with tickets from the July 27 souse out honoured after it was previously postponed. 

There will also be health screenings, kids and adult fitness challenges, healthy cooking demos, a mini job fair with recruitment by RBDF and Baha Mar among others and a jobseekers’ masterclass by Atlantis. 

There will be Department of Labour skills bank registration, NHI registration, RBPF demonstrations including the fire truck and the K9 unit, outreach programmes and a pop-up market and mini farmers’ market. 

Rotary club of Nassau

The Rotary Club of Nassau’s (RCN) Education and Literacy Committee members met at Starbucks, Harbour Bay, to launch a ‘Sip ’N Read’ evening.  Each member brought a book that either stretched their capacity, helped with their growth mindset or empowered them to better themselves. 

Members purchased their favorite beverage delights and read to their heart’s contentment. After a time of reading there was a time of sharing on how the chapter reading impacted trajectory in life.  The evening turned into an intimate and soul searching time while hearing everyone’s take-away from the passages they read. 

Some passages encouraged one to take a journey of faith, to ‘kiss the wave’ and let go of areas of their lives that caused trauma.  Then, the art of being an effective leader who impacts and shows empathy was discussed.  Lastly, to avoid distractions that would prohibit growth and a paradigm shift was also presented during this reflective evening of ‘Sip N Read’. 

What started out as an event symbolising ‘Basic Education & Literacy Month’ turned into an initiative which has sparked the flames to take to our schools and communities.  Our first school is Stephen Dillet Primary School on Wednesday, September 18.

ROTARY CLUB OF SOUTH OCEAN

The Rotary Club of South Ocean, in collaboration with the Bahamas Alzheimer’s Association, recently hosted its second annual “Care for the Caregivers” seminar, an event dedicated to supporting and uplifting the caregivers of those affected by Alzheimer’s and Dementia. 

The seminar, held in a spirit of camaraderie and encouragement, brought together caregivers, healthcare professionals, and community members to share valuable insights and provide much-needed support.

The Rotary Club of South Ocean had the vision for this initiative last year after recognising how near and dear caregivers are to our families and friends. Understanding the vital role they play in the lives of those with Alzheimer’s and other conditions, the club approached the Bahamas Alzheimer’s Association to collaborate. The inaugural seminar was a resounding success, creating a meaningful space for caregivers to connect, learn, and rejuvenate. Building on that momentum, this year’s event aimed to deepen that impact.

This year’s seminar featured a range of activities and sessions designed to refresh and empower caregivers. Participants enjoyed an invigorating Zumba session led by coach Myra Farquharson, who got everyone moving and lifted spirits with her infectious energy. The exercise session served as a reminder of the importance of self-care for those who often prioritise the needs of others.

Attendees also benefited from powerful presentations by notable speakers, including Dr Daniel Lloyd and Mrs Corlette Deveaux, who shared expert advice on managing the emotional and physical toll of caregiving. Their talks focused on practical strategies for maintaining well-being and provided new perspectives on dealing with the challenges faced by caregivers every day.

Adding a fun element to the event, Focus360 provided a photo booth where caregivers could capture special moments of the day. Each participant left with a keepsake, reminding them of a day filled with learning, support, and community.

To further show appreciation for their dedication and hard work, each caregiver received a thoughtfully prepared care package. These packages included items designed to offer comfort and relaxation, reinforcing the seminar’s central message: caregivers need care, too.

The Rotary Club of South Ocean and the Bahamas Alzheimer’s Association remain committed to supporting caregivers and raising awareness of Alzheimer’s and Dementia. As the seminar concludes for another year, the hope is that attendees left feeling more empowered, more connected, and more appreciated than ever.

Looking ahead to next September, the organisers hope to see even more caregivers join, not just those caring for Dementia patients but all caregivers who play such vital roles in our community. The seminar aims to provide a supportive space for all who give tirelessly of themselves, reinforcing that they are not alone in their journey.

For more information about upcoming events or how to get involved, please contact the Rotary Club of South Ocean or the Bahamas Alzheimer’s Association. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who care for our most vulnerable.

SUNSHINE PILOT CLUB of Nassau

The Sunshine Pilot Club of Nassau is pleased to announce the appointment of president elect Tyrell Farquharson as the new president, for 2024-2025, along with a distinguished team of officers who will steer the organisation toward continued success and innovation.

The Sunshine Pilot Club of Nassau is made up of professional business women from all parts of the community. Ranging from working fulltime to retired persons in diverse fields such as education, banking, religion, health services and social work.

The club meets monthly for the business meeting discussing club initiatives and activities. Educational and informative sessions through the program meetings have ranged from speakers on topics of brain-related disorders, motivational speakers and on maintaining good health. When the club participates in service activities for the community we assist the elderly, teenagers at risk and educate primary school students on brain safety. 

Under the theme ‘Striving for Excellence as we Do More, Care More and Be More in our community’, President Tyrell brings strategic vision and an innovative approach, that is poised to lead The Sunshine Pilot Club of Nassau into new levels of growth and achievement.

President Tyrell says, “In keeping with this theme, Pilots must relentlessly pursue Excellence. They must embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and use obstacles as stepping stones to success.”

The Sunshine Pilot Club of Nassau installation of officers ceremony was held at the Paul Farquharson Conference Center where Past Governor Terez Curry, Bahamas District (2023-2024) installed the following officers for 2024-2025: Tyrell Farquharson – president, Deanne Johnson - president elect, Amanda Bethell - vice president, Dequizzia Demeritte – secretary and Sophia Walker – treasurer.

These new officers each bring a unique set of skills and perspectives that will help advance the mission and goals of the club.

Also in attendance of the installation was Nickola ‘Nicki’ Dawkins, president, Pilot International, 2024-2025.  President Nickola has become the second Bahamian to hold the office of Pilot International President. She follows in the footsteps of the first Bahamian to achieve this position - Deborah Archer of the Pilot Club of Lucaya who served as the first Bahamian Pilot International president, 2008-2009. We, the Sunshine Pilot Club of Nassau extend our congratulations to president Nickola Dawkins in her new role as she represents the clubs of the Bahamas District and indeed The Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

We also extend our deepest gratitude to the outgoing president, Lina Mortimer Reyes and the previous officers for their exceptional service and leadership. Their contributions have been invaluable, and they leave behind a strong legacy that will inspire future achievements.