Nassau, The Bahamas -- Bahamas Information Services (bis) Marked Its 50th Anniversary With A Gala Dinner Held At The Balmoral Club, Celebrating Five Decades Of Bridging Communication Between The Bahamian People And Their Government.
the Golden Jubilee Gala, Held On October 19, 2024, Brought Together A Host Of Distinguished Guests -- Including Government Officials, And Past And Present Bis Employees And Officials -- To Honour The Legacy Of Bahamas Information Services Since Its Establishment In 1974.
director General, Elcott Coleby, Outlined The Future Direction Of Bis, Highlighting Plans For The Launch Of A Bis Network That Will Feature Live Programming, Press Conferences, And Interviews. The Vision Also Included The Digitization Of Bis’ Archives, Transitioning The Agency Toward A More “paperless Environment,” And Broadening Its Reach Into The Digital Space.
as Part Of The Celebration, Acting Minister Of Social Services, Information And Broadcasting, The Hon. Zane Lightbourne, Emphasized Bis' Continued Importance In Providing Credible, Official News In An Era Increasingly Plagued By Misinformation.
“i Am Fully Aware That Governments Around The World, International News Organizations, News And Business Magazines, And Nongovernmental Organizations Rely On Bis For Official News About National Developments And Policies Of The Government Of The Bahamas,” Said Minister Lightbourne. “in The Era Of Fake News, Hidden Agendas, And A Growing Culture Of Mistrust Of Government Brought On, In Part, By This Baneful Culture Of Willful Misinformation And Disinformation, The Truth And Facts Are Under Attack.”
he Continued, “the Work Of Organizations Like Bis Represents An Increasing Importance And, I Dare To Say, A Critical Institutional Instrument In Building Public Trust And Credibility Not Only Locally, But Internationally. What Bis Is Not, Is A Propaganda Machinery For The Governing Political Party And Too Many People Make That Mistake And Fall Into Error Regarding The Statutory Mandate And Responsibility Of Bis.”
the Evening Also Featured Special Awards To Longtime Bis Employees For Their Continued Service In Furthering The Work Of The Agency.
also In Attendance Were The Permanent Secretary Of Social Services, Information And Broadcasting, Phedra Rahming; Bis Executive Director, Diana Swann; And Bis Assistant Director/editorial, Camilla Cheong.
the Golden Jubilee Gala Served As A Time Of Celebration And Reflection On Bis’ Legacy And A Glimpse Into The Next Chapter Of The Agency’s Service To The Bahamian People. With A Plan Of Further Embracing Digital Media And A Continued Commitment To Transparency, Bahamas Information Services Is Well-positioned To Continue Its Mission And Mandate To Link People And Government.
(bis Photos)
