Today in History: October 8

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THE BAHAMAS – On October 8, 1974, The Bahamas became a member of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). The Bahamas PAHO/WHO Country Office, situated in Nassau, provides technical cooperation to The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands.

The relationship between The Bahamas and PAHO/WHO began in October 1964. After applying for membership sometime later, The Bahamas became a member state in 1974 and was served from the PAHO/WHO Jamaica Country Office.

In 1978, a sub-regional office of the Jamaica Country Office was established in Nassau, The Bahamas, with a resident staff member. In 1982, The Bahamas office was upgraded to full country office status and became a full-fledged representation in 1986.

Media Guidelines Leak in 2021

In 2021, a leaked document revealed new guidelines for journalists seeking to interview the prime minister and members of his cabinet.

That document outlined restrictions, including that absolutely no interviews were to take place while the prime minister or a cabinet minister was attending an event, unless pre-approved by the Office of the Press Secretary or the minister. Random cabinet office interviews would be discontinued and replaced with a structured cabinet press briefing at the briefing room at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM).

Reporters requesting specific responses to issues would be required to communicate with the press secretary’s office by 6 p.m. the night before.

Earthquake in Haiti and Inagua in 2018

In 2018, a powerful earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale hit Haiti, with shock waves felt as far away as Inagua in the southeastern Bahamas. Inagua residents told Our News at the time that they were terrified when they experienced tremors.

Authorities reported no injuries or damage on the nation’s most southern island.