Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: : Family Island Educators Laud the E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival
#Bahamas, April 14, 2018 – Nassau – As the E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival adjudications continue throughout The Bahamas, educators applaud the Festival and the role it plays in the overall development of students.
Physical Education Teacher at the Louise McDonald High School in Bimini, Stephanie Woodside not only helped to direct the school choir’s entry in the Festival, she also entered the adjudication as a singing participant. She said that she was very honoured to be in the Festival this year because she had entered since primary school.
“I had always been in the National Arts Festival; so, naturally, when I became a teacher, I wanted to take on the task of helping the students to perform in the Festival,” she said.
In Nicholl’s Town, Andros, Huntley Christie High School Art teacher Elkino Dames also had high praises for the Festival.
“The E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival is an excellent pursuit for displaying the students’ talent and creativity; and we here, at Huntley Christie High, at more than ecstatic to be a part of it,” he said. “The students gave an overwhelming response in their time and effort, and their approach in producing the work. We feel ecstatic about the entire process.”
The school’s vice principal Bryan Williams also voiced his support for his students entering the Festival.
“We are always excited when the National Arts Festival comes becomes the children look forward to it; and they work to prepare pieces for this,” he said. “Coming out last year as national winners (in their class), definitely we know that we have to defend our title; and we look forward to dong that again this year.”
In the Abacos, Principal of Hope Town Primary School Justin Higgs said that, over the past five years, his school’s choir had been involved with the Festival.
“It’s a joy to bring our little island to the rest of The Bahamas, with some special treats of the beautiful voices of the children,” he said. “We are thrilled to have the judges come up to Abaco, and to come all the way out to our little cay, to see this special treat.”
The school’s Choir Director Donnella Rolle said that it was an honour to perform every year and her students work “really hard” to prepare, and it shows in the way they preform. After their performance that day, the choir received a distinction for their Bahamian medley.
“It’s always awesome to receive great grades and my kids worked extremely hard to get them,” she said with pride.
At at Every Child Counts, a school for special students in Marsh Harbour, Abaco, Principal Lynn Major also had high praises for the Festival.
“The students love being in the National Arts Festival because it’s an area where they can excel and they can do very well; and there is a lot of talent;” she said. “It is an exciting time for them, getting ready for the National Arts Festival.”
When asked about how she felt with the adjudicators coming to her school for the students, Ms. Major gave a heartfelt response.
“It’s great, we love it,” she exclaimed. “It’s wonderful for us that they come and that the students get to participate; so we appreciate that.”
District Superintendent for Abaco Dominique McCartney-Russell said that she was elated that students there were taking part in the Festival.
“The reality is that all of them have gifts, they have talents, they have abilities and skills; and they have to be displayed,” she said. “It gives them confidence, as well as competence. They become stronger individuals and a better person, I believe.
“Each student who is participating has an opportunity to showcase the talents that God has given them, and we who are in charge of their schools have to support the effort; so that those students do their best.”
Principal of the Treasure Cay Primary School Chantell Cox said that it was a wonderful feeling to have her students participate in the National Arts Festival because it is a chance for them to showcase their culture.
“A lot of times we stay within the four walls and we tend to focus on academics; but then we have to realize that, to build a well-rounded child, we have to move away from just academics,” Ms. Cox said. “The children have to participate in more of the cultural experiences, as well as the sporting activities.”
Junkanoo Co-ordinator at the school Stephanel Stubbs said that her passion is getting the students passionate about their cultural experiences.
“I enjoy the fact that they bring out their absolute best,” she said. “They feel it, they hit the streets, the rhythm. They get the crowds involved and, at the end of the day, it is all about them performing.”
“It’s about them bringing out their best and that is what they aspire to do – and as co-ordinators and faculty of Treasure Cay Primary, we are they to inspire them and continue to work along with them, so that Junkanoo will be something that never dies in Bahamian society,” Ms. Stubbs added.
Central Abaco Primary School (CAPS) Music Teacher Ervin Colebrooke noted that the students performed in prior years and for the performances that day was to allow the children to express themselves and get the opportunity to “really reach out”.
“Giving them the chance to participate was first and foremost,” Mr. Colebrooke said. “We really have some talented students and this opportunity allows them bring that out, and you never know what they are going to be in the future.
“You can see the budding artists, the budding psalmist – and all these things – just by letting them perform in the National Arts Festival.”
Fourth Grade teacher Jessika Smith, of CAPS’ Culture Club, said her students performed excellently in the National Arts Festival, stating it was beyond her expectations. “I am very proud of them,” she said.
At Arthur’s Town High School, on Cat Island, Senior Assistant and Religious Studies teacher Antoine V. Duncombe said it was a privilege to have the Festival visit their school every year.
“This is the fourth year I have been in charge of getting the students together for the Festival, for the four years I have been here; and it always does my heart well to see them do something beyond academics,” Mr. Duncombe said.
Principal of Old Bight Primary School Olivia King said she was her proud of her students who also performed during the Cat Island adjudications.
“They really brought the energy and they showed me why I am so, so very proud of them,” she said. “It takes a lot of practice; but once they see their counterparts performing, they really get a higher interest in being in it.”
As of press time, the E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival Adjudications were taking place in Grand Bahama, with its next stop being New Providence.
By: Eric Rose (BIS)
Photo Captions:
Photo 1841
NICHOLL’S TOWN, Andros, The Bahamas – Huntley Christie High School’s Vice Principal Bryan Williams voices his praise for his students and the E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival, during the recent adjudications at the Andros school. In the background is Art Adjudicator Katrina Cartwright. (MOYSC/BIS Video Capture Footage By Eric Rose)
Photo 2244
HOPE TOWN, The Abacos, The Bahamas – Hope Town Primary School Choir Director Donnella Rolle smiles with her students, during the recent E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival Adjudications at the school, located in The Abacos. (MOYSC/BIS Video Capture Footage By Eric Rose)
Photo 2565
MARSH HARBOUR, Abaco, The Bahamas – Fourth Grade teacher Jessika Smith, of Central Abaco Primary School’s Culture Club, cheers recently with a number of her students, during the E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival Adjudications in Marsh Harbour. (MOYSC/BIS Video Capture Footage By Eric Rose)
Photo 2544
MARSH HARBOUR, Abaco, The Bahamas – District Superintendent for Abaco Dominique McCartney-Russell expresses her elation that students there were taking part in the recent E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival Adjudications in Marsh Harbour. (MOYSC/BIS Video Capture Footage By Eric Rose)
Photo 2546
MARSH HARBOUR, Abaco, The Bahamas – Principal of the Treasure Cay Primary School Chantell Cox (right) and the school’s Junkanoo Co-ordinator Stephanel Stubbs speak about the role culture plays in the balanced development of their students, during the recent E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival Adjudications in Marsh Harbour. (MOYSC/BIS Video Capture Footage By Eric Rose)
Nassau, THE BAHAMAS — Some of the most successful and accomplished professionals and business leaders in the country
recently shared their experiences and nuggets of wisdom with students at University of The Bahamas (UB) about thriving in a wide range of careers.
The University Centre for Counselling and Career Services and the Career and Job Placement Advisory Unit collaborated to host the 2024 Career Symposium which brought students face to face with leaders in the careers to which they aspire.
Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Maria Oriakhi, said the symposium was key to developing potential as university students strive to leave their mark on the world.
Ms. Rickell Curry
“In the spirit of collaboration and growth, let us engage in meaningful dialogue, cultivate relationships, and harness the power of collective wisdom to shape our futures,” said Dr. Oriakhi. “Together, let us embark on this journey of exploration and discovery, united in our commitment to realizing our fullest potential and making meaningful contributions to our communities and beyond.”
Promoting careers in psychology, Ms. Curry noted that psychologists are equipped with the ability to help others, troubleshoot areas of weakness within themselves, and become better people and professionals in the process.
“The floor is yours to be able to explore. There’s no job where you don’t have to deal with people, so learning, even if you get a bachelor’s in psychology, is a great grounding,” she said.
Dr. Darville, one of few interventional radiologists in The Bahamas, offered another nugget of advice on choosing an area of study.
Dr. Elizabeth Darville
“It is important to know enough about yourself in order to make the decisions you want to make,” said Dr. Darville. “You have to work on yourself first and know what you want to do. Radiology gives you a chance to have fun. It gives you a chance to mold your career closer to your personal life than other medical specialties might.”
Another growing field is project management which Mr. Hepburn called a life skill. He also urged a commitment to lifelong learning.
“Individuals that continue to learn become unstoppable, period,” said Mr. Hepburn. “It is so true. When you learn, you become unstoppable because nothing can stop you in your process of development.
Mr. Wellington Hepburn
“The more you know, the more valuable you are. We need individuals who are cross functional—that can operate in different capacities. So please understand that your learning should never stop.”
With small and medium-sized businesses helping to drive the economy at an incredible rate, Ms. Rolle affirmed the importance of entrepreneurship in any economy.
“When we talk about entrepreneurship, we usually look at it from a myopic standpoint,” she said. Ms. Rolle. “What do I mean by that? Small, but usually about self: ‘how do I make more money?’ And in some cases, some look at entrepreneurship as a way of survival. ‘I need to make a couple extra dollars, I have this bill to pay’. Those types of things.
Ms. Samantha Rolle
“But entrepreneurship really, in its truest form, is about innovation, whether it’s a new concept or any existing concept that you innovate new ways, or help expand the economy.”
The career symposium was held at the Harry C. Moore Library and Information Centre and is held every academic year.
PHOTO CAPTIONS
- Career Symposium 1: UB Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Maria Oriakhi, delivers the opening address at the 2024 Career Symposium.
- Career Symposium 2: Students and guest speakers enjoy a lighthearted moment during the 2024 Career Symposium.
- Career Symposium 3: Ms. Rickell Curry speaks to students during the 2024 Career Symposium.
- Career Symposium 4: Dr. Elizabeth Darville delivers remarks during the 2024 Career Symposium.
- Career Symposium 5: Mr. Wellington Hepburn educates students on the importance of project management during the 2024 Career Symposium.
- Career Symposium 6: Ms. Samantha Rolle talks about the role and importance of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship in any economy.
Office of University Relations
University of The Bahamas
2nd Floor, Michael H. Eldon Complex
Oakes Field Campus
P.O. Box N-4912
Nassau, The Bahamas
Tel: (242) 302-4355/4354/4365
Rashaed Esson
Staff Writer
#TheBahamas, April 15, 2024 – After years of thorough maintenance, The Thomas A Robinson National Stadium in The Bahamas is finally getting a multi-million dollar makeover, readying the 10-year old facility ahead of the World Athletics Relays on May 5, 2024; it is being staged in Nassau for the fourth time.
This $36 million refurbishment is being funded by the Chinese Government, as part of a vision to enhance the country’s sport infrastructure to benefit youths in athletics. The stadium was gifted to The Bahamas in 2012 by the Chinese.
The relay is the qualifying event for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games and there will be 32 national teams, in each relay event, and 20 races on both days of competition, according to World Athletics.
Day 1, will have 20 heats across the five Olympic-calibre events (4 heats each for 4×100, 4×400, men, women and mixed) and will qualify 40 teams for the Summer Olympics.
Distinctly, the top two teams from each heat will directly qualify for the 2024 Games.
On day 2, 30 more national teams will be qualified through 15 heats and five finals, across those five events.
The upgrades which include new trusses, rooftops, seats, the lawn, score boards, LED displays and more, are expected to be complete at least two weeks before the relays, being held under the theme: ‘Chase the Sun’.
In a special ceremony on Monday April 8, The Bahamas Prime Minister, Philip Davis said:
In December 2023, our shared vision took shape, as the government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, and the government of the People’s Republic of China, inked an implementation agreement for the renovation of the stadium. This gesture of goodwill and friendship, from the Chinese government to undertake the China Aid Maintenance and Renovation project of our national stadium, stands as a testament to the strong bonds that unite our countries. This project, executed by China Urban Construction Research Institute Company Limited, and the China Machinery Industry Construction Group Company Limited, reflects our shared commitment to excellence, innovation and mutual development.”
Additionally, H.E Dai Qingli, outgoing Chinese Ambassador to The Bahamas who also attended that ceremony, spoke.
“At the end of the project, the Bahamian people will get a fully renewed and modern world class stadium because everything is going to be either renewed or repaired,” she said.
Some 1,600 athletes will be in The Bahamas for the World Athletics relays, with five events. The Bahamas won the bid over Lausanne, Rome in 2022.
Mario Bowleg, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture in reports, thanked China for their contribution to the redevelopment of the stadium.
“We thank them for their commitment to ensuring that they bring this facility back up to A1 standard so that we can continue holding international events and using these facilities as a development of our young people.”
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