On the Record (Bahamas)

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.

FACING THE FUTURE: Pintard on Politics, Power and Progress / S8E16

In this episode of "On the Record," hosted by Jerome Sawyer, Michael Pintard, leader of the Free National Movement (FNM) in the Bahamas, discusses the political landscape, the party's vision for the future, and strategies for addressing current challenges. Pintard emphasizes the importance of leadership, unity, and innovative policies to foster national progress. The conversation also touches on the FNM's plans for economic development and social reform, aiming to build a more resilient and prosperous Bahamas.

THE MANDATE: Dr Minnis' bid for leadership / S8E15

In this week's episode of "On the Record" hosted by Jerome Sawyer, the show features a candid conversation with Dr. Hubert Minnis, former Prime Minister and former leader of the Free National Movement. As the FNM's June 1st convention approaches, Dr. Minnis discusses his decision to re-enter the political arena, aiming to reclaim leadership of the party. He addresses the criticisms and political tensions that have resurfaced amid his announcement, sharing his motivations for leadership and his vision for the party's future.
Dr. Minnis elaborates on his previous tenure as Prime Minister, focusing on key decisions made during significant crises such as Hurricane Dorian and the global COVID-19 pandemic. The discussion explores the strategies implemented during these challenging times and reflects on the current administration's performance. This episode provides unfiltered insights into the complexities of leadership during crisis and Dr. Minnis's perspective on national governance and political accountability.

Tasting the Future: BAIC's Culinary Showcase and Beyond / S8E14

In this episode of "On the Record," hosted by Jerome Sawyer, the focus is on The Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC) during its third annual Taste and Tell event. This event not only showcases local culinary talents and products from the Family Islands but also serves as a critical platform for promoting small business growth and sustainability. The episode delves into BAIC's initiatives to support local entrepreneurs in agriculture and industry, highlighting its collaboration with the Small Business Development Center. It also addresses BAIC's broader mission to empower local entrepreneurs and diversify The Bahamas' economy, which is pivotal for the sustainable development of the nation.
Throughout the episode, viewers gain insights into BAIC's strategies, which are geared towards transforming small-scale operations into thriving businesses and enhancing the agricultural sector with a focus on sustainability and self-sufficiency. The program emphasizes the need for public awareness of the resources available to entrepreneurs, which is essential for maximizing their impact. It also explores the integration of Bahamian products into the tourism sector, showing how this not only benefits the economy but also enriches the cultural exposure of tourists. Overall, the episode paints a picture of BAIC as a cornerstone in fostering economic growth and innovation in The Bahamas.

On the Record: OPERATION EAGLE CLAW — A Night on the Frontline / S8E13

In the latest episode of "On the Record," hosted by Jerome Sawyer, the focus is on the culmination of a series exploring crime in the country. The episode provides a detailed look at an intelligence-led police operation, highlighting the concerted efforts of various units including SWAT and K9 teams. The program starts with a historical overview of crime-related discussions over the season, featuring insights from community leaders, charity organizations, and law enforcement. The narrative then shifts to a live operation, where the crew accompanies police during a night of raids targeting drug-related crime. This vivid portrayal emphasizes the daily challenges faced by law enforcement and the complexity of combating crime, spotlighting the strategic and hazardous nature of police work.
The operation, dubbed "Operation Eagle Claw," is showcased as a proactive and intelligence-led approach to curb crime. Viewers are taken through the process from the initial briefing to the execution of raids in high-risk areas. The episode effectively captures the tense and precarious environments officers navigate, from entering properties with drawn weapons to managing interactions with suspects and the community. Throughout the night, the police target several locations known for drug trafficking, resulting in multiple arrests and seizures of illegal substances. The episode serves not only as a dramatic recount of police operations but also as a reflective piece on the broader implications of crime in the community, the role of technological advancements in law enforcement, and the ongoing battle against criminal activities.

On the Record: ACCOUNTABILITY IN ACTION — Empowering Voice in Policy & Governance / S8E12

In this episode of "On the Record" hosted by Jerome Sawyer, the discussion pivots to the realm of responsible governance in a context where trust and accountability are hard to come by. The episode emphasizes the importance of democracy and the intertwined relationship between the governed and the governing, spotlighting the organization for Responsible Governance (ORG), a nonpartisan nonprofit committed to advancing the principles of good governance. The organization actively engages with government entities, citizens, the private sector, and civil society to foster a more inclusive and engaged future, aiming to uplift the community's voice, often overshadowed by partisan politics.
ORG's efforts in promoting transparency, accountability, and participatory governance are highlighted, showing how these efforts aim to bridge the gap between citizens and government through various initiatives. The organization works on policy initiatives, citizen engagement, fostering communication bridges, and enhancing civil society's capacity, striving for a more accountable and transparent governance structure. The episode serves as a call to action for citizens to get informed and involved, emphasizing the crucial role of collective effort in achieving tangible governance improvements.

On the Record: A LIFE OF SERVICE — The Mark of a Nation's Son / S8E11

In this episode of "On the Record" hosted by Jerome Sawyer, the show pauses its usual discussions to honor and remember Donald Saunders, a key political figure in the Bahamas who has tragically passed away. Saunders, a titan in both the political arena and community service, leaves a profound legacy through his dedication, compassion, and commitment to his country and its people. The episode features heartfelt tributes and insights from those who knew him well, including his brothers and close associates, shedding light on his multifaceted contributions beyond politics. They speak about his unwavering loyalty, service to the community, and the significant impact of his work on youth and national development. The episode not only celebrates Saunders's life but also highlights the collective responsibility in addressing systemic issues contributing to violence and crime in society, underscoring the importance of unity and action beyond political affiliations.

On the Record: IN THE SHADOW OF RISK - A Live Colonoscopy / S8E10

In this episode of "On the Record," hosted by Jerome Sawyer, viewers are taken on an enlightening and deeply personal journey with the host. Recognizing Colon Cancer Awareness Month, Sawyer courageously undergoes a live colonoscopy, aiming to demystify the procedure and stress the importance of early detection in preventing one of the most common yet preventable forms of cancer. Throughout the episode, viewers gain insight into the preparation, process, and post-procedure aspects of a colonoscopy, alongside professional commentary that educates on the significance of regular screenings, especially for those with a family history of colon cancer. The episode is a mix of personal storytelling, medical expertise, and a call to action, emphasizing the potential life-saving impact of staying informed and proactive about one's health.