The Tribune

Bahamas Human Resources Association. - On Thursday, January 28, the Paul H. Farquharson Conference Center was all abuzz with excitement, laughter and talk as the Bahamas Human Resources Association (BHRA), under the theme “Grow. Achieve. Lead,” installed seven HR professionals to the 2016 executive board. At the helm of this board is President Villiemae Black, HR manager at the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC).

President Black was honored as she humbly accepted the role of president. In her remarks, she promised that the association will seek to enhance the quality of individual leaders and work towards developing and cultivating emerging leaders within the profession throughout the private and public sectors. In addition, the number one priority of her executive board is to provide outstanding learning opportunities for the members through monthly meetings, workshops and the annual conference by providing dynamic and diverse Bahamian and international speakers to speak on various pertinent HR topics.

The keynote speaker for the installation ceremony was Marisa Mason-Smith, assistant general manager human resources and training at the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) and a past president of the Bahamas Human Resources Association. Ms Mason-Smith encouraged the newly installed executives and all HR professionals present to incorporate what she called the P’s of HR standards which were; being high performers and passionate about their careers; positioning themselves for greatness; participating in growth; presenting their professional selves; creating partnerships; being prepared for changes; polishing their skills of communication; practicing praising others and treating people with respect. Ms Mason-Smith also admonished the executive to always stay committed and focused on growing the organisation through leadership.

The Bahamas Human Resources Association is a non-profit organisation and an affiliate of the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM). BHRA’s main objective is to provide a forum for human resources professionals to enhance their knowledge and skills in the area of HR and to provide technical assistance and support to its members. It offers opportunities for HR professionals to become certified locally.

Monthly meetings are held the third Thursday of each month. The next meeting is scheduled for February 18 at 5:30pm at the BEC - E Coburn Sands Building Training Centre. The featured speaker is Joy Baldridge, CPC, CSP world-renowned speaker of self-management expert in leadership, sales, productivity and change. To become a member, email bhrda.bs@gmail.com or call 552-2003.

Cycling Club Bahamas. - Weekday rides (east): Morning, Tuesday & Thursday leaving 5am sharp from Sea Grapes Shopping Centre, East Prince Charles Drive. This ride is a 17-mile loop to the Northbound Paradise Island Bridge and back again (Both bridges are sometimes incorporated depending on available time). Open to riders capable of 18 mph + for 1 hour. Lights are essential.

Weekday rides (west): Morning - Wednesdays & Fridays leaving 4:45am sharp from Cable Beach Police Station, West Bay St. This ride is a 20-mile loop. The route is varied. Open to riders capable of 18mph+ for 1 hr. Lights are essential. Contact Shantelle to confirm your attendance.

Afternoon - Tuesdays & Thursdays leaving 5:30pm sharp from Lyford Cay Gas Station Parking Lot. This ride is 18-20 miles depending on whether you choose to do a second loop. Recommended for strong riders capable of 20mph+ for 1-1.5hrs. Intermediate Riders 18-22mph -see Spyda.

Weekend rides - Saturdays leaving 6am sharp from Harbour Bay Shopping Centre in front of First Caribbean Bank (Starbuck’s) 30 miles headed West. In order to complete this ride, it is recommended that you have done some recent cycling! Leaving P/I bridges optional at the end! The pace will range from 18–20+mph, 2-hour duration

Sundays leaving 6am sharp from Harbour Bay Shopping Centre in front of First Caribbean Bank (Starbuck’s) 40-50 miles headed East. This ride is not recommended if you have not cycled recently or first timers! P/I Bridges optional at the end! The pace will range from 18mph – 20+mph, @3 - 3.5 hour duration (cyclists are invited to join in anywhere along the route).

Upcoming events:

February 14 - Potcakeman Supersprint Triathlon.

February 27, 28 - Tour De Grand Bahama.

March 18-20 - Great Abaco Family Fitness Weekend, www.gaffw.com.

May 16 - Caribbean Championship Triathlon, www.multirace.us/events/44.

July 2 & 3 - Independence T/T and Road Race.

July 23 - Seagillian Cycling Fest.

August 13 & 14 - VIVA! Bahamas Invitaional T/T & Road Race.

September 24 - Potcakeman Main Event Triathlon.

Rotaract Club of East Nassau. - The Rotaract Club of East Nassau awarded member Brock North with Member of the Quarter (Q2 2015) at the professional development meeting held January 25. Brock is one of the newest members of the Rotaract Club of East Nassau as he was just inducted in August 2015. Brock has shown great membership qualities as he is a great help at Rotaract and Rotary events, has high meeting and community service attendance, and is a strong member of the club’s fundraising committee. Brock has brought a breath of fresh air to the club as he has lots of energy and enthusiasm towards Rotaract and brings a lot of great ideas.

Unity House luncheon - On January 30, the Rotaract Club of East Nassau held a luncheon at Unity House, a home for the elderly. Members served food and drinks and spent time chatting with the elderly members of the home. The Rotaract Club of East Nassau has developed a good relationship with Unity House, as the club visits the home annually. At the end of the community service event, the club presented a donation of $3,000 to Unity House. Unity House expressed their deepest appreciation for the donation as it will greatly help with the high operating expenses.