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Bahamas 2012 in Review with Azaleta Ishmael-Newry
By The Bahamas Weekly News Team
Jan 3, 2013 - 4:05:53 PM

Public relations and marketing consultant, Azaleta Ishmael Newry of Nassau feels we need more "Education, compassion and story telling."

TheBahamasWeekly.com has randomly selected 10 Bahamians to canvas their opinions on highlights of The Bahamas over the year 2012, as well as ask about the upcoming 40th year of independence for The Bahamas, and the direction of the country. Their comments will be shared over the coming weeks.

It is our way of highlighting Bahamians in our community, as well as sharing a wide variety of opinions.

Our fourth feature is with public relations and marketing consultant, Azaleta Ishmael-Newry:



What event do you feel was the most important for The Bahamas in 2012?

There were many events that took place in The Bahamas that were important, however, the General Elections of 2012 where the PLP Government led by Perry Gladstone Christie won over the FNM’s led by Hubert Ingraham was the most significant.  The PLP’s “I believe” campaign reached out to the younger generation and the general populace. It was also good to see new, younger Bahamians in the Cabinet.  Not to be overlooked was the courageous lead of Branville McCartney for his DNA party.  Although the country was not ready for a complete change, it was refreshing to have people who think outside of the box, and bring their energy and ideals to the forefront, to help shape the political scene and show us that different things and ideals matter.

Other aspects included infrastructure developments like the major road works in New Providence (although it caused many businesses and families to suffer), the new Lynden Pindling Airport – opening of the US Departures Terminal and the Arrivals Terminal, the new Sports Centre, the ground breaking and speedy progress of Baha Mar and redevelopment of Cable Beach, the expansion of Atlantis and its positive reshaping of the way they market their products and services; all of these developments are improvements for the country that continues to make The Bahamas a sought after destination.

 

Who passed away this year that you feel will be ‘most missed’ and why?

There were many Bahamian icons who passed away and while I cannot single out the most important, there were many who contributed to building our nation in different avenues.  They include - Politics: Sir Paul Adderley and Hon. Charles Maynard; Sports:  Olympian Thomas A. Robinson; Tourism and Entertainment: Bonefish Folly, Berkley Van Byrd and T’rez Hepburn: Arts and Culture: Kayla Edwards; Education: Dr. Keva Bethel; and, Banking and Business: Al Jarrett.  They will be missed especially as our country will mark its 40th Independence anniversary in 2013 and each helped mold the success of The Bahamas both locally and internationally.

 

2013 is the country's 40th anniversary of Independence. What should we be most proud of in the past 40 years?

I would like to bring attention to the accomplishments of Bahamian women, particularly those in politics since 2012 marked the 50th anniversary of the suffrage movement in The Bahamas.  Women have been the backbone of families, business politics, the courts, and an amazing strength to our country. Marion Bethel’s “A Chronology of Events Leading Up to the Enfranchisement of Women” is a good read.

Almost forty years ago, The Bahamas gained its Independence on July 10, 1973. Women who continued to make a difference since that time included: Dr. Doris Johnson who was part of a group of women who had fought for the right for women to vote. She had joined the Suffrage Movement in 1958 and the following year, she “led a march to the House of Assembly and presented a Petition to members of the House, demanding that women have the right to vote.”  It was realized on November 26, 1972.  She continued to carve her place in history when in 1973, under the PLP Government, she was the first woman to be appointed as President of the Senate. Other women who contributed to the political area of The Bahamas include: Janet Bostwick, Ruby Ann Cooper-Darling, R. Italia Johnson, Dame Ivy Dumont, Cynthia A. Pratt, Sharon Wilson, Lynn Holowesko and others.

 


Looking forward, where do you feel the country still needs to improve and why?

Education, compassion and story telling.  We need more investment in our youth.  Children and young people are the future.  They deserve to be loved, respected and guided at home. In turn, when we hand them over to the education system, schools need to continue to provide a safe, caring, loving and respectful environment.  This way, young persons can foster well to not only become respectful, caring citizens, but also to bring out the best of their talents and abilities. Their knowledge and skills and who they become will build and shape our country.

We need more storytelling.  The cohesiveness and great things about of our families and friends are being lost because we have become a fast paced, electronic world.  We need to put away the electronics, turn off the cell phones and re-connect. We need to listen to the stories each one of us have to tell and through this we will learn more about each other, our heritage, and gain wisdom and life lessons.  We will also gain a greater sense of family and understanding.

 

 
Is there an 'unsung hero' you feel should be recognize? If so, who and why?

Lisa Sawyer McCartney has been involved in education for the past 20 years and   she is the principal of the Meridian School that was established more than 16 years ago.  She is the wife of Branville McCartney, a lawyer who is the leader of the DNA Party. I believe that Lisa is an unsung hero because of the great things she has done in the field of education and the positive impact she has made on young lives.  Her passion for education, her love for family and people, and her integrity is steadfast.  She is a visionary and her strong family upbringing is reflected in her guiding principles of strength, character and loyalty.  “Her school caters to pre-school to primary aged children and education is a time of fun, warmth, security, exploration and discovery. With its small classes, the school emphasizes community spirit, connecting students, parents and teachers.” (Tribune/Jaffarah Gibson).

I have known Lisa since 2003 and have felt her love and compassion for her students, the parents, teachers and others. She continually supports underprivileged children and many who are less fortunate.  Although she was not a trained educator, she continually keeps herself and her staff up to par in that field. She does not believe in advancing a student if they are not ready, giving them the extra time or assistance they need and feels that children should be equipped with the tools they need to chart their own course.  A few years ago at a grade 6 graduation, one of her former students addressed the audience. She was a Harvard student whose speech inspired everyone who heard it. Her parents, Lisa McCartney, the Meridian School and the teachers there had molded that young lady who has achieved a great education due to hard work and great beginnings.



Do you have a Personal Highlight for 2012?

My personal highlights include my self growth and gratification through the dynamic work with my client projects which allowed me to showcase my skills and talents, as well as learn and grow as a professional and individual. 

A personal highlight was being able to share my work with my young children when on assignment covering events for thebahamasweekly.com. They learned the art of networking, the power of connecting, and the importance of their mother’s work while being a part of it.  I feel that the legacy we leave children should not be focused on monetary but rather, the value of hard work, life experiences and lessons.  My favourite Gandhi quote is: “Be the change that we want to see in the world.”



About AZALETA:

Azaleta Ishmael-Newry is an established consultant in the public relations and marketing area.  Her other talents include journalism, event planning, graphic arts and photography; another passion. Writing and gaining respect for her work is an honour and she is proud of her strong ties to her local community both personally and professionally.

Azaleta is a Guyanese-Canadian who is married to a Bahamian and they have 2 children. She has resided in New Providence for just over 20 years, having worked for multinationals and local companies before establishing her consultancy business. Her ties to The Bahamas began as a child since she had relatives living there.

She is proud of her family and her extended family includes the service organization of Rotary. Azaleta is one of the longest serving female Rotarians in Nassau (second inducted) where she has been a member of the Rotary Club of Southeast Nassau with more than 17 years of perfect attendance. She is also a past secretary and board member (4 years). Her Rotary recognitions include a Paul Harris Fellow and other club awards in club service, vocational service and outstanding Rotarian.  Earlier in 2012, she completed two years as public relations chair for Rotary Bahamas and as a director at the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation.  Other volunteer work included the Bahamas Red Cross, Alliance Francaise des Bahamas, the International Cultural Festival and Club India.

Azaleta Ishmael-Newry can  be reached at azaletaprm@gmail.com




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