On the Record (Bahamas)

The Creative Pursuit / S8E29

GuestPeter Deveaux Isaac Jr
Credits
Executive ProducerJerome Sawyer
ProducerJondeisha “JD” Hall
Technical DirectorNathaniel ConliffeTerrence Colebrooke
Audio EngineerJoey Butler
Camera OperatorGarcia Smith
GraphicsLynette Lockhart
PhotographyUdaijah Taylor-Stevens
Make-upRegina McCook

FREEPORT'S JOURNEY: Inside the GBPA / S8E28

Freeport’s Journey: Inside the GBPA Part 2
GuestRupert Hayward - ShareholderIan Rolle - President
Credits
Executive ProducerJerome Sawyer  
Executive Technical Director Ghaly Swann
ProducerJondeisha “JD” Hall
Technical Director
Nathaniel ConliffeTerrence Colebrooke Raychard Ferguson
Audio EngineerJoey Butler
Camera OperatorRaychard Ferguson
GraphicsLynette Lockhart
PhotographyUdaijah Taylor-Stevens
Make-upKaylisa Sands

FREEPORT'S JOURNEY: Celebrating the Hawksbill Creek Agreement / S8E27

On the Record hosted by Jerome Sawyer.

BRACING FOR THE STORM: Adapting to New Hurricane Realities / S8E26

On the Record hosted by Jerome Sawyer.

UNITED FOR CHANGE: The UN's Regional Initiatives / S8E25

In this episode, Jerome Sawyer interviews three distinguished guests from the United Nations who play pivotal roles in addressing global challenges such as climate change, poverty reduction, and sustainable development. Dr. Dennis Zulu, the UN Resident Coordinator, explains the coordination of UN agencies to ensure cohesive implementation of programs in the Bahamas. Mr. Kanan Koda from the UNDP highlights efforts to build local capacities for social inclusion, climate resilience, and governance. Mr. Chrisen Hall from UNHCR discusses his role in providing protection for refugees and asylum seekers, emphasizing the Bahamas' adherence to international standards and the importance of aligning national policies with global protocols.
The discussion delves into the UN's support for economic development, healthcare, education, and disaster recovery in the Bahamas. The panel addresses the challenges of connecting local activities with broader regional agendas, such as the SIDS 4 conference's action plan for small island developing states. They emphasize the importance of technical assistance, capacity building, and collaborative efforts to address issues like migration, biodiversity, and reef resilience. The episode concludes with a look at future UN initiatives, including the establishment of a regional human rights office in the Bahamas and preparations for the Summit for the Future, aimed at planning for post-2030 sustainable development goals.

BREAKING BARRIERS: A Bahamian’s Derby Dreams / S8E23

In this episode of "On the Record," hosted by Jerome Sawyer, the spotlight is on Larry DeMeritt, a distinguished horse trainer and the first Bahamian to bring a horse to the Kentucky Derby. DeMeritt shares his remarkable journey, starting from his early days around horses in The Bahamas, his experiences at the Hobby Horse Hall racetrack, and his transition to the United States in the 1970s to pursue a career in horse racing. He reflects on the challenges and successes he encountered along the way, including his determination to reach the Kentucky Derby and his work with notable horses such as West Saratoga.
The conversation also delves into the impact of DeMeritt's achievements on Bahamian society and the broader Caribbean community. He discusses the importance of setting goals, the role of hard work and faith in overcoming obstacles, and the significance of representing The Bahamas on the international stage. Additionally, DeMeritt talks about his battle with cancer, his commitment to supporting young Bahamians in the equestrian sport, and his hopes for the future of horse racing in The Bahamas, including the potential re-establishment of a racetrack to provide opportunities for employment and economic growth.

A GRAND CROSS JOURNEY: Dame Cynthia Pratt Reflects / S8E22

In this week's episode of "On the Record," hosted by Jerome Sawyer, Dame Cynthia Pratt, the Governor General of The Bahamas, reflects on her recent honour of being made Dame Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George at Buckingham Palace. She shares her experiences during the ceremony, including her interactions with Princess Anne and King Charles, emphasising the significance of the honour for her lifetime of service to The Bahamas. Dame Cynthia recounts her humble beginnings and the support she received from her family and community, expressing gratitude for the recognition and the opportunity to represent the Bahamian people.
The discussion also touches on Dame Cynthia's role as Governor General and the adjustments she has made transitioning from a political figure to her current position. She reflects on the historical and personal significance of The Bahamas' independence, the challenges facing the nation today, and the importance of fostering unity and appreciation for the country's heritage. Dame Cynthia highlights the vital role of education and her efforts to support Bahamians in pursuing higher education and contributing to national development. She emphasises the need for a collective focus on people over material wealth and underscores the enduring value of faith, family, and community in building a strong nation.

FIRST OF THE SEASON: Hurricane Beryl's Historic Path / S8E21

In this week's episode of "On the Record" hosted by Jerome Sawyer, the focus is on Hurricane Beryl, the first hurricane of the 2024 season. The episode starts with an overview of the destruction caused by the hurricane, which made landfall as a Category 5 storm, unleashing unprecedented devastation across the Caribbean. Sawyer highlights the significant damage in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves describes the country as devastated, with 90% of houses on Union Island severely damaged or destroyed. The broadcast also covers the severe impact on Grenada, where Prime Minister Deon Mitchell calls the aftermath almost Armageddon-like, with extensive damage to buildings, agriculture, and natural environments.
The episode continues with a report on Jamaica's preparedness for Hurricane Beryl, featuring statements from Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who emphasises the government's state of readiness and the importance of community support. The segment includes updates on the evacuation of Bahamian students from Jamaica and the proactive measures taken by the Bahamian government to assist affected Caribbean nations. The program concludes with interviews and personal accounts from individuals affected by the hurricane, providing a comprehensive overview of the storm's impact and the ongoing recovery efforts.

THE LABOUR LEDGER: Policies, Promotions, and Prospects / S8E20

In this week's episode of "On the Record" hosted by Jerome Sawyer, the focus is on recent developments in labour and public service policies with the Honourable Minister Pia Glover-Rolle. Minister Glover-Rolle discusses her transition into an expanded role following the cabinet shuffle in September 2023, where she now oversees significant advancements in labour relations and the public service. Key achievements include the ratification of industrial agreements that promise enhanced benefits for thousands of public servants. Despite these successes, Minister Glover-Rolle addresses ongoing challenges such as the rising cost of living and the need for further steps to ensure the well-being of workers in The Bahamas.
 
The episode also features a discussion on the public's concerns regarding government employment policies and the backlog of unresolved human resources matters. Minister Glover-Rolle emphasises her commitment to modernising labour relations and enhancing the public service landscape through policy reforms and legislative changes. She highlights the importance of preparing the workforce for future opportunities, addressing the skills mismatch in the job market, and ensuring that Bahamians are equipped for available careers. The show concludes with an exploration of the Minister's proactive approach to improving communication and resolving issues within the labour sector.

THE FISCAL CHECKPOINT: Decoding the Budget / S8E17

In this week's episode of "On the Record" hosted by Jerome Sawyer, the focus is on the 2024-2025 budget communication with Minister of Economic Affairs, Michael Halkitis. The discussion explores the government's ambitious plans to drive economic growth, including reducing the national deficit by a billion dollars, implementing comprehensive energy reforms, and making significant investments in healthcare and education. Halkitis emphasizes the administration's focus on growing the economy, improving revenue administration, controlling expenditure, and finding new revenue sources, particularly highlighting the resurgence of tourism and construction sectors post-pandemic as key drivers of economic recovery.
Additionally, Halkitis addresses concerns from the business community about new tax requirements and efforts to ease compliance through improved customer service and streamlined processes. The episode also covers major infrastructure projects aimed at sustaining economic growth, such as the Family Island airport infrastructure program, and investments in digitizing public services to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. The segment concludes with an overview of the ongoing legal and financial issues with the Grand Bahama Port Authority and the government's plans to stimulate economic activity in Grand Bahama through redevelopment projects, including the Grand Lucayan Hotel and the international bazaar.