By OSWALD T. BROWN
WASHINGTON, D.C., February 27, 2021 – I lived in Freeport, Grand Bahama, for 12 years prior to relocating to Washington, D.C., in 2013 as the Press, Cultural Affairs and Information Manager at the Embassy of The Bahamas. When my diplomatic status was revoked after four-plus years following the change of government in The Bahamas in May of 2017, I decided to remain in D.C. and established THE BROWN AGENCY LLC, a public relations company that publishes the online publication BAHAMAS CHRONICLE, which was launched to keep Bahamians and nationals from other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries in the diaspora up-to-date with news from their respective countries.
BAHAMAS CHRONICLE has attracted a huge following in The Bahamas, especially in Grand Bahama, as well as among Bahamians and other CARICOM nationals in the diaspora across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
Despite the difficulties involved in attracting clients in a competitive business like public relations, I had some very supportive clients in Grand Bahama, but after the devastation caused to the island by Hurricane Dorian in September of 2019 and the ongoing havoc being wreaked by COVID-19 country-wide and, indeed around the world, my client base has reduced considerably.
A major blow, of course, was the decision by the Ministry of Tourism last December to not renew the year-long agreement I had to assist in promoting The Bahamas for $1,000 monthly; however, I nonetheless continue to promote The Bahamas in BAHAMAS CHRONICLE without compensation because I love the country of my birth and want to help it maintain its status as one of the world’s leading tourist destinations.
Fortunately, in Grand Bahama I have two clients in particular that I want to publicly thank for their ongoing support. Thanks to Sarah St. George, Acting Chairman of the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), and R.H. Culmer, CEO of Jarol Investments, Ltd. and CHANCES GAMES, both the GBPA and CHANCES GAMES have continued to be very supportive clients.
With the next general election in The Bahamas constitutionally due before May of 2022, I am hoping to increase my client base with a promotional offer I emailed to a number of candidates who are already busy campaigning, suggesting that it would be a good idea for them to “consider using the public relations services of THE BROWN AGENCY LLC and my online publication BAHAMAS CHRONICLE to assist in promoting your campaign.”
“Our rates are very affordable, and I really think that BAHAMAS CHRONICLE can be an extremely effective medium in promoting your campaign,” the email notes. “For a retainer of $500 per month, BAHAMAS CHRONICLE will publish articles and photographs of all of your campaign events throughout the month. You can contact me at oswalb317@gmail.com.”
Meanwhile, I saw a Facebook post for Flying Fish GastroBar, a restaurant in Freeport, and decided to give its owners “Tim and Rebecca” some free publicity, with the hope that they would reciprocate by advertising in BAHAMAS CHRONICLE; likewise, other establishments in Grand Bahama and, indeed, The Bahamas-at-large.
In their post on February 18, 2021, with a photo of themselves, Tim and Rebecca wrote: “Today marks the beginning of our 10th year at Flying Fish! This is Chef Tim and Rebecca at the beginning of our first service. We served 40 people as part of our soft opening and it felt like 400!
Lots of hurtles and achievements, laughs and tears, long hours and perseverance coupled with the support of our crew, family, friends and the community, we’re proud to be part of this community through (literal) thick and thin!
It started out as a vision by Tim & Rebecca but quickly evolved into its own being with the care and pride and hard work of everyone involved. With 2 major Hurricanes and a pandemic under our belt, we’re proud of all accomplishments big and small.
Thank you for the continuing patronage and support and we look forward to year 10 together with you all! #flyingfishgastrobar #flyingfishbahamas #caughtinparadise.”
