African Methodist Episcopal Church General Officer’s Retreat
Atlantis Paradise Island Resort
Nassau, Bahamas
November 2 – 5, 2023
As General Officers, you worked hard to take care of our Zion and grow your departments in 2023.
This retreat is to provide an opportunity for you, our elected leaders, active and retired, to step out of their normal work environment and engage in activities that promote bonding and an intentional team spirit.
Our expectation is to help build a sense of camaraderie, increase the morale, and ignite motivation within our ranks. The AME Church could not function efficiently without the commitment and expertise of each one present.
We will gather on beautiful Paradise Island in Nassau, Bahamas to collaborate with colleagues, share experiences and relax our minds.
I hope you enjoy your time during this meeting, and the refined accommodations.
Thank you for all that you do on a daily basis for our storied Zion!
Blessings be to all,
Rev. Dr. Teresa Fry Brown
Rev. Dr. Teresa Fry Brown, President General Officer’s Council
o n t e n t s
Important Information
Preparing for the Trip
1. Remember to check your passport. If it is set to expire before October 1, 2023, it must be renewed prior to the General Officer’s Council.
2. Refill your prescription medication before you leave and have enough for the duration of the trip.
3. All guests are to be registered through the Meeting Management Department, led by Director Sharon Blaylock. Please keep in mind the Atlantis is not a traditional, all-inclusive resort, though the property offers robust amenities and perks included with your stay. It is a full-service resort. Only registered guests will be allowed on property.
4. Make sure you contact your mobile phone carrier to learn about international phone plans prior to traveling to the Bahamas.
5. Each General Officer (retired or active) participating, will receive a $1,000.00 stiped toward airfare.
6. Booking of your flights can be at your leisure with a requested arrival date of November 2nd by 12 noon and requested departure flight after 12 noon on Sunday, November 5th.
7. Ground transportation to and from the airport will be provided. Please submit your travel itinerary as well as any travel guest, to Director Sharon Blaylock at sblaylock@amecfo.org to ensure your pick-up times are secured. Director Blaylock may be reached by phone at 1(832) 983-1775.
8. Any Uber’s or alternate transportation, other than what has been provided through the Meeting Management Department, such as ride share, will be at your own expense.
General Information
Time & Climate
During the General Officer’s Retreat, Nassau, Bahamas is on Eastern Time.
November Weather in Nassau, Bahamas
Daily high temperatures decrease by 3°F, from 83°F to 81°F, rarely falling below 78°F or exceeding 86°F.
Daily low temperatures decrease by 3°F, from 76°F to 74°F, rarely falling below 70°F or exceeding 78°F.
Check In/Check Out Times
Check In: 4:00 p.m.
Check Out: 11:00 a.m.
*Once on property, please note that Meeting Management is not responsible for securing early check-ins or late check-outs.
Attire
Dress at The Atlantis is primarily resort casual, with restaurants ranging from Resort Informal to Resort Elegant.
**GO Business meeting attire: Resort Upscale Dress**
The following are descriptions of the different levels:
• Resort Informal: T-shirts, bathing suits with cover up, and flip flops allowed.
• Resort Casual:
T-shirts or polo shirts, shorts or jeans, sundresses, skirts and similar apparel. No bathing suits or cut-off shorts. Shoes are required.
• Resort Upscale: Dress t-shirts or polo shirts, dress shorts, trousers or jeans, sundresses, skirts or similar apparel. No bathing suits, cut-off shorts, logo or silk screened t-shirts. Shoes are required.
• Resort Elegant: Long-sleeved shirts and closed-toed shoes (gentlemen), trousers, sundresses, skirts or similar apparel. No shorts, jeans, tennis shoes, logo or silk-screened t-shirts.
International Calling
Check with your mobile phone carrier about your options prior to your departure as features may need to be added for international dialing.
Internet
Wi-Fi and high-speed internet access is available complimentary as part of your stay.
