Bahamian Journalist Meets with Members of Congress of Parliamentarians

Dr. Debbie Bartlett meets with Members of Congress of Parliamentarians of the Americas in Washington D.C.

The congress of Parliamentarians enjoy a membership of 700 Congressman. Senators and Parliamentarians from the United States and Latin America.

The keynote speaker for the Private dinner hosted by ADF and The Congress of Parliamentarians on October 30th 2017 was Senator Mike Lee.

Dr. Debbie Bartlett (center) meets with members of the Congress of Parliamentarians of the Americas. 

Media Awards 2017 Ticket Sale Begins Oct. 21

Media Awards 2017 tickets on sale beginning October 21.

Place ticket order at thebahamaspressclub.org or call 242-434-5643.

Bahamian Journalist and Press Club Member Participates in NBCUniversal Workshops

Bahamian journalist and Bahamas Press Club member Deandre Williamson participated in the CNBC Business News Associate Workshop and NBCUniversity at the Excellence in Journalism Convention in Anaheim, California,
September 7-9, 2017.

The Bahamas Press Club 2014 is proud that its member, Deandre Williamson was selected from among hundreds of applicants to participate in the CNBC Business News Associate Workshop and NBCUniversity at the Excellence in Journalism Convention held recently in Anaheim, California.

The Press Club congratulates Williamson, in keeping with its mission, which is to foster a culture of excellence and integrity in the profession of Journalism and Mass Communications.

The convention was held September 7–9, 2017 and hosted by the Society of Professional Journalists, the Radio Television Digital News Association, and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.

Williamson was among the few journalists who participated in the CNBC Business News Associate Workshop, designed to educate journalists about the fundamentals of world-class business journalism and demonstrate the underlying strategies that define and differentiate CNBC in the marketplace.

“The selection process for the CNBC workshop was highly competitive, but I’m excited to have been chosen,” Williamson said.

Unfortunately, the convention occurred during the passage of Hurricane Irma in The Bahamas and Williamson was unable to assist her JCN news team with its coverage.

“I was a bit disappointed that I was unable to help my colleagues at home with Irma’s coverage, but Irma became the topic of many discussions during the conference,” Williamson said.

“Since hurricanes have many business news angles, I was able to pitch several story ideas for business news coverage on Hurricane Irma during the CNBC workshop.  I had to present the story ideas and explain how the stories would be covered for CNBC, which was a part of the business news simulation exercise.”

Williamson also participated in NBCUniversity, another competitive workshop hosted by NBCUniversal.

This was Williamson’s second time participating in NBCUniversity.  She was selected to participate in this workshop in 2015 at the National Association of Black Journalists Convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

“NBCUniversity this year was awesome as expected.  You have to complete your script homework assignment before attending NBCUniversity,” Williamson explained.

“I saw the improvements in my broadcast script when compared to the one presented during the session in 2015.  Actually, my script was the best presented in my group.  The NBC news director, who did the critiques for my group this year, gave me thumbs up.”

This year, NBCUniversity focused on the Fourth Estate and delved into the role of journalism in the society’s emerging political and social landscape and the give and take between government and media.
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“NBCUniversity reminded me to be proud to be a journalist because journalists are in need now more than ever before.  It’s a great time to be a journalist!” Williamson said. 

Anthony Newbold steps down as Bahamas Press Club President; Anthony Capron voted in

Anthony Newbold (left) hands the gavel to Anthony Capron.

NASSAU, The Bahamas – Veteran journalist Anthony Capron takes the gavel and is now President of The Bahamas Press Club 2014. Mr. Capron was unanimously voted in, succeeding Anthony A Newbold, who led the organization for almost three years.

Mr. Newbold officially stepped down as president during the Annual General Meeting held at the British Colonial Hilton on Tuesday, June 27, 2017. He relinquished the post following his appointment as Press Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister on May 18, 2017; so as to avoid any conflict of interest.

Mr. Newbold thanked the executives and members for their support since the reestablishment of The Press Club in 2014. He also pledged his continued support to the further growth of the organization and encouraged members of the mass media to join.

He also encouraged media professionals to submit their work for judging in the Press Club Media Awards scheduled for November 18, 2017. Details will be announced in the coming weeks.

Incoming President Anthony Capron thanked outgoing president Newbold for his dedicated service over the past three years and pledged to work for the growth of The Press Club.

THE PRESIDENT’S REPORT DELIVERED AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – Tuesday, June 27, 2017.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
British Colonial Hilton-Harry Oakes Room
PRESIDENTS REPORT
JUNE 27TH, 2017

Good evening and thank you for coming to this third Annual General Meeting of The Bahamas Press Club 2014.

Despite what some may consider great odds we continue to survive. However, the ultimate survival of the club depends on you and those you can convince of the righteousness of this cause.

STATE OF THE NATION
On May 10th, 2017, Bahamians went to the polls and 91,000 of them decided that it was time for a new government. The Free National Movement led by Dr. Hubert Minnis polled 91,394 votes or 56.98% of the ballots cast to the Perry Christie led progressive liberal party’s 59,248 or 36.9% to win the most lopsided victory in the political history of The Bahamas.

Baha Mar, the decade old project that continues to tease the Bahamian people inched a step closer to becoming a real player in the economic life of the country with a soft opening in early may. President Graeme Davis says the resort is on track for the planned ramping up of operations.

This is important as the GFS deficit for 2017/18 is expected to be $323 million. While it is a marked improvement from the $500 million deficit in 2016/17, it is still higher than the $310 million deficit posted in 2015/16. The new government has promised robust efforts at collecting outstanding amounts owed to the government and introducing new measures to earn revenue.

Crime is still a problem that residents of New Providence in particular hope the new government can get a handle on, especially murders.

THE BAHAMAS PRESS CLUB MEMBERSHIP
We have once again been able to attract some of the best and brightest to our ranks. Included in the list is head of media at the University of the Bahamas, Dr. Yvette Stuart. It is expected that others like tribune chief reporter Ava Turnquest will once again step forward for service as every able bodied member of the media is needed to move the organization forward.

INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCES
The Bahamas Press Club became a Founding Member of The African Caribbean & Pacific (ACP) Press Clubs Federation in October 2016. I was fortunate to represent The Club at the Founding Congress in Kigali, Rwanda.

Because of my involvement in the meeting and moving the process forward, I was voted on to the Interim Executive Council, which remains in place until 2018 when a permanent council will be appointed.

The follow-up meeting was held in Brussels in November 2016 where further steps were taken to solidify the mandate of the Federation and create new alliances.

At that time, despite my absence, I was appointed vice president of the organization and charged with producing a business plan.

My attendance brought us to the attention of The Press Club of Brussels and the International Federation of Journalists. Both are robust organizations and membership in either is a coveted item.

SPEAKERS
We were privileged to have several interesting presenters over the past 12 months, none more influential or important than Prime Minister, Dr. Hon. Hubert Minnis. He spoke to us shortly before the General Election and addressed the role and expectations of the press from a public perspective. Dr. Minnis also encourage journalists to be more diligent in preparing their stories and reports and to dig deeper for the real story.

Attorney Alfred Sears also addressed The Club shortly before Dr. Minnis. Mr. Sears was, at the time, contesting for the leadership of the Progressive Liberal Party. Mr. Sears was unsuccessful in his bid to unseat Party Leader and then Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie.

We also heard the views of Canadian/Guyanese John “Ish” Ishmael on Citizen Journalism and from Ms. Mary Curtis from the National Public Radio on the recent U.S. Election via skype.

EVENTS
THE 2ND ANNUAL PRESS CLUB AWARDS
As always The Press Club Awards on November 19th, 2016 was the signature event of the year. For the first time the number of awards presented was expanded, with the Lifetime Achievement Award going to his Excellency, Calsey Johnson, Bahamas High Commissioner to Canada.

Awards for Best Documentary, Political Story and Best Photograph among others, were presented. While several categories were not represented, Columnist of The Year, for example, we should not be deterred in seeking to generate interests for all of them in 2017.

Former Jamaican Prime Minister, The Most Honorable P. J. Patterson was the keynote speaker.

UNIVERSITY OF THE BAHAMAS MEDIA WEEK
The University of the Bahamas held Media Week, March 19th – 25th on the campus. The Press Club was invited to sponsor a Media Reception, which we did at Choices Restaurant. By all accounts it was well received. Thanks go to among others, Secretary Lindsay Thompson, Treasurer Vincent Vaughan, Gina Morley, Deandre Williamson and Frankie Ferguson who provided food for the reception and Charles Sawyer for the brochures. The Club will need to engage in more events such as this to increase its profile and visibility and to pique the interest of those we wish to attract. Several scholarships were awarded, thanks to Assistant Prof Winston Mitchell, UB Journalism, who arranged for The Club to be invited to sponsor the event.

Berthony McDermott and Jillian Grey are among those students.

WEBSITE
After many fits and starts I am proud to formally announce tonight that The Bahamas Press Club has a new and functioning web site, designed and built by our own Deandre Williamson. The website will be officially launched shortly. I also note that Deandre was the First Place Winner in the Walter Cronkite Conference on Media Ethics and Integrity.

THE WAY FORWARD
I have been fortunate to be tapped by the prime minister to be his press secretary. The first one ever in The Bahamas. Another milestone for The Bahamas Press Club. As a consequence I must resign as president of this fine organization.

As I turn over the gavel tonight, I reflect on June 2013 when I began the journey that resulted in this latest incarnation of The Bahamas Press Club.

Unfortunately conditions were pretty much the same: the country was beset with crime and deficits and journalists were not bonding and banding together as we should to advance the profession.

However, in all fairness, we have made great strides since then.

We are now in our third year of existence, with the first Pioneer Awards and Mrs. Eileen Carron as the Lifetime Achievement Awardee, under our belt. The public attention and respect we were able to garner propelled us into the 2nd Annual Media Awards last November. And, we can boast membership in the ACP Press Clubs Federation. Locally we can say that our members remain steady with the possibility of growth.

There is obviously much work to be done but I am confident that you have within this organization the ability to accomplish much. It is now a matter of will and commitment.

I must commend my executives who have been steadfast with me since the beginning. Lindsay Thompson, our secretary, Vincent Vaughan our treasurer and Anthony Capron, our 1st vice president who takes the gavel tonight in order of succession.

I could not have done it without you and you have my undying gratitude. I must also commend Frankie Ferguson who could not be here but who was always ready to lend his support, especially when I needed a quorum. I thank Charles Sawyer, who also could not be here. Going forward you have 60 days, until August 29th, to either confirm Mr. Capron or choose a New President. You will also get to choose a vice president. In the meantime, please give Mr. Capron the kind of support you gave to me. That is what he will need. I wish you well and much success. The world awaits you.

I will always be available for advice and consultation but I must move on. It has been a labor of love. Those of us who love the profession must never give up on any effort to make it better and more effective.

God speed and good night!

Dr. Hubert A. Minnis, FNM Leader to Address Bahamas Press Club Monthly Meeting

Dr. Hubert A. Minnis, FNM Leader
to Address Bahamas Press Club Monthly Meeting

Free National Movement Leader Dr. Hubert Minnis

NASSAU, The Bahamas – Free National Movement Leader the Hon Dr Hubert A Minnis will address The Bahamas Press Club monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at the British Colonial Hilton.


Dr Minnis, is scheduled to speak to the organization and other media colleagues at 7 p.m. in the Sir Harry Oakes Boardroom.


As the country gears up for General Election, The Press Club will facilitate a number of such presentations “aimed at strengthening the democratic process, thus encouraging eligible Bahamians to register to vote,” says Press Club President Anthony A Newbold.


Affectionately known as ‘Doc” Hubert Alexander Minnis, first entered frontline politics in 2007 when he was elected as the Member of Parliament for the Free National Movement (FNM) Government. He served as Minister of Health under the FNM from 2007 – 2012.

He was reelected to Parliament on May 7, 2012, as the Member of Parliament for the Killarney Constituency.


On May 26, 2012, Dr. Minnis accepted the leadership of the Opposition Free National Movement. During his acceptance speech, he pledged a vision for The Bahamas encompassing the principles of accountability and transparency. At the November 22, 2015, Free National Movement Convention, Dr. Minnis was re-elected as Party Leader. Once again, at the July 2016 Free National Movement’s National Convention, Dr. Minnis emerged as Leader of the Party.


Dr. Minnis is “dedicated to the promotion of Bahamian ownership and the expansion of wealth in the economy through the redevelopment and transformation of traditional Over-the-Hill and inner-city communities,” he biography reflects.


His biography also states that he has endeared himself to the children of the Killarney Constituency through his “Lets Read Killarney Program” designed to cultivate in the youth, and foster within them a love for reading and literature. He enjoys reading, meeting people, spending time with family and friends, and working out at the gym.


A Junkanoo enthusiast and member of the Saxons Junkanoo Super Stars, it is not unusual to see Dr. Minnis rushing on Bay Street during the Boxing Day and New Year’s Junkanoo Parades.


Born in Bain’s Town to Rosalie North and Randolph Minnis, Dr. Minnis attended Our Lady’s Primary School, Western Junior, and St. Augustine’s College in Nassau. He graduated from the University of Minnesota, U.S.A., with a Bachelor of Science degree and further matriculated in London, Great Britain. He is a Member of the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (MRCOG) and a Fellow of The Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (FRCOG).


Dr. Minnis is married to the former Patricia Beneby and has three children.

Sears Demands Constitutional Amendment for Free Press

Sears Demands Constitutional Amendment for Free Press

PLP Promised Free Press Since 1953

Alfred Sears, former Attorney General

A free press is vital to any democratic society and along with the citizens’ right to know, former Attorney General Alfred Sears is calling on the government to amend the Bahamian constitution to include press freedom.   

“I believe that the right of the people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to know and to be kept informed on the conduct of public affairs via a free press is so fundamental that it should be expressed in the constitution rather than left for judicial construction,” Sears said during his address at The Bahamas Press Club’s recent meeting at the British Colonial Hilton.

During his presentation on ‘The Role of the Media in National Development,’ Sears said he is advocating for the constitution to be amended to include the right to vote and freedom of the press as fundamental rights. 

“I make no apologies for this because as I look at the history of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, the most dramatic examples of accountability have been those occasions when the press through its diligence, through its investigation, and through its determined efforts have reported on the misdeeds of public officials within our country.  It is then that we respond by appointing Commissions of Inquiry,” Sears explained.

The discussion to include freedom of the press in the Bahamian constitution isn’t new. 

In 2013, the Constitutional Commission chaired by Sean McWeeney, QC, advocated for the amendment of the constitution to include a free press.

According to the Constitutional Commission’s report, “It cannot be denied that a free and unbridled press is one of the most important institutions of a democratic society and is deserving of constitutional protection.”

The report recommended that Article 23 of the Bahamian constitution be expanded to include a reference to freedom of the press and the media.

The Constitutional Commission also made the same recommendations in 2006.

Article 23 of the constitution states, “Except with his consent, no person should be hindered in the enjoyment of his freedom of expression.”

Sears also agree that this phrase should be construed liberally to include freedom of the press.

Sears, who is also the Progressive Liberal Party’s Fort Charlotte candidate, explained that the PLP, since its inception in 1953, included a free press in its pledge.

The PLP pledged in 1953, according to Sears, “A press which is unbridled.  A press which may be irritating, but it is a press which is not controlled by the policy makers of the state, by the politicians and by the vested interest within the society.”

The Fort Charlotte candidate expressed that the PLP, in its founding documents, also promised servant leadership.

However, Sears said servant leadership is not modeled in the political affairs of the country and as a result, citizens become fearful of those who exercise power.

“The concentration of power is so great, especially in the Office of The Prime Minister, that the citizens feel intimidated and fear with good reason because there have been cases where people have been victimized,” he added.

“And therefore, we see that the exercise of public power within the Commonwealth of The Bahamas tend to have a chilling effect on robust public conversation and petitioning of the government.”

When situations like this occur, Bahamians must wait five years until another general election for their voices to be heard, Sears said.

But, Bahamians should not have wait five years, he explained, because “the important role and the important function of a free press within a democratic society is one of the safeguards of democracy.”

BPC President in Brussels at the first ACP Press Clubs Federation Meeting

BPC President Anthony Newbold (right) and other members of the
ACP Press Clubs Federation

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Executives of the newly formed African Caribbean & Pacific (ACP) Press Clubs Federation took a conscious decision on Wednesday night (November 30, 2016) to encourage more involvement from journalists in member states, especially the Caribbean and Pacific, as it moves to establish an identity for the new organization.

Representing the Caribbean Region are The Bahamas Press Club President Anthony Newbold and Jewel Forde, Asst. Secretary General, Association of Caribbean Media Workers.

Meeting at ACP House on the Avenue Georges-Henri in Brussels for the first time since being appointed in Kigali in October, executives of the Federation pledged to do all within their power to ensure the presence of the ACP and the Federation in all member states is evident.

“The first recommendation to the president for action was my suggestion to mount a competition for the design of the Federation’s Logo,” says Bahamas Press Club President Anthony Newbold. “Graphic artists from news organization, who are hopefully members of the areas press clubs would be asked to submit samples for consideration.”

Leading the discussions was Mr. Albert Rudatsimburwa from Kigali, who represented ACPC Federation President Gaspard Safari who could not attend because of health reasons.

“It is important that we agree a vision for this organization,” he said. “Because we must move quickly to establish the ACP Press Clubs Federation as a vibrant and relevant force in our member states in raising the cause of press freedom.”

The vision for the ACP PCF as articulated by the executive council: “To strengthen and sustain media associations in ACP countries to be a catalyst for development, by bolstering transparency in public affairs, rising public awareness on important issues as well as facilitating open debate and the dynamic exchange of information and ideas.”

The ACP PCF will initially be directed from Brussels which will allow the Federation to lean on the support of the ACP Group Secretariat, which in the initial stages will provide the funding necessary for the operations of the organization.

ACP PCF Interim President, Gaspard Safari is expected to soon release the agenda for the next meeting of the Council which is scheduled for February 2017 in Kigali, Rwanda ahead of the World Congress of Press Clubs.

The ACP Press Clubs Federation was established at a special meeting in Kigali in October 2016, with the primary objective being “to foster dialogue, cooperation and an exchange of practical experience and ideas between ACP-PCF members.”

An interim Executive Council was appointed comprising 12 members, two from each region represented: West Africa, Central Africa, Southern Africa, Eastern Africa, the Pacific Islands and the Caribbean Region.