NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Over-the-Hill Unit of the Office of the Prime Minister continues to equip residents with knowledge to empower themselves economically and socially.

A ‘Connecting to Empower Town Hall Meeting’ was recently staged under the Over-The-Hill Community Development Partnership Initiative, which attracted some 100 residents from the Bain and Grants Town community and vicinity.

Assembled in Salem Union Baptist Church Hall on Taylor Street on July 30, 2019, residents heard from SallyAnn Chisholm, the Department of Environmental Health Services; Patricia Rolle, Ministry of Labour; Chrystal Glinton, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Dr. Esther de Gourville, Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO).

Residents heard about the availability of jobs and were encouraged to register online at jobseekers.bahamas.gov.bs.  

Environmental Health services focused on bulk waste collection, the clearing of properties of abandoned buildings and derelict vehicles, vector control and penalties for environmental infractions.

Dr. de Gourville outlined the technical assistance granted to The Bahamas by PAHO/WHO in a number of areas, the need for green spaces to encourage physical activities, the need for more affordable foods such as fruit and vegetables and backyard farming, more water consumption which leads to overall good health.

In Ms. Glinton’s presentation, she reminded residents that the Hurricane Season starts June 1 and ends November 30 and that residents should take responsibility for their readiness. She also explained the role of NEMA and its supporting agencies, which coordinates in the event of any disaster, natural or man-made.

Over-the-Hill project manager Rocky Nesbitt explained the responsibility of Environmental Monitors to ensure that areas are free from environmental infractions such as illegal dumping, and that monitors target areas daily, file weekly reports and present evidence that could lead to offenders being charged in a revived environmental court. 

Samita Ferguson, Executive Manager of the Over-the-Hill Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister, underscored the importance of the partnership initiative.

The Over-the-Hill Community Development Partnership Initiative, officially launched in May 2018, is built around six key pillars designed to fully restore the Over-the-Hill community communities.  These areas include:

·      Social Empowerment;

·      Economic Empowerment;

·      Rejuvenation;

·      Smart Technology;

·      Green and Sustainable Technology; and

·      Programmes for the Youth and the Elderly.

The Over-the-Hill Community Development Partnership Initiative is the brainchild of Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert A. Minnis, whose goal is to transform those communities into cleaner and safer environments, while economically empowering residents.

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(NEMA presentation)

The Over-the-Hill Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister held a Connecting to Empower Town Hall Meeting at Salem Union Baptist Church Hall, Taylor Street on July 30, 2019. Pictured from left: Captain Stephen Russell, Director, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA); Italia Johnson, former Speaker of the House of Assembly who received a hurricane kit; Chrystal Glinton, Deputy Permanent Secretary, NEMA; and Samita Ferguson, Executive Manager, Over-the-Hill Unit, Office of the Prime Minister.  (BIS Photo/Lindsay Thompson)

(Residents getting info)

Resident receiving information during Connecting to Empower Town Hall Meeting under the Over-The-Hill Community Development Partnership Initiative at Salem Union Baptist Church Hall, Taylor Street on July 30, 2019.

(BIS Photo/Lindsay Thompson)

(Labour)

Patricia Rolle, Ministry of Labour imparts job opportunities during recent Connecting to Empower Town Hall Meeting under the Over-The-Hill Community Development Partnership Initiative.  (BIS Photo/Lindsay Thompson)

(Nesbitt OTHU)

Rocky Nesbitt, Project Manager, Over-the Hill Unit in the Office of The Prime Minister addresses the role of Environmental Monitors during the Connecting to Empower Town Hall Meeting under the Over-The-Hill Community Development Partnership Initiative, Salem Union Baptist Church Hall, Taylor Street on July 30, 2019. (BIS Photo/Lindsay Thompson)