Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: PM accepts donation from RBC for Southern Recreation Grounds redevelopment
#Nassau, January 18, 2019 – Bahamas – Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Hubert Minnis accepted a donation from the Royal Bank of Canada towards the redevelopment of the historic Southern Recreation Grounds – one of the projects under the Over-the-Hill Community Development Partnership Initiative.
The initial sum of $10,000 collected by RBC employees, who wanted to contribute to a local outreach community programme, was handed over to The Over-the-Hill Community Development Foundation.
The donation is said to be the forerunner to a larger donation that will be made over the course of approximately the next six months. The donation will be earmarked for the green technology component of the Over-the-Hill revitalization programme.
During a ceremony held on the green spaces at the British Colonial Hilton, on Thursday, January 17, 2019 the Prime Minister thanked RBC for its corporate-sponsored initiatives especially geared toward the nation’s youth.
Following the ceremony, the Prime Minister, representatives from the Over the Hill Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister and RBC took in a site visit to the Southern Recreation Grounds where the redevelopment process was well underway.
The Prime Minister said that Over-the-Hill, where the Southern Recreation Grounds is located, is important to the cultural and historical landscape of New Providence.
“The Southern Recreation Grounds was one of the more accessible parks to the majority of our people who lived in the area south of Gregory Arch that we know as Over-the-Hill. It is always important to give some historical perspective, and to remind people, especially our young people, of the rich history and heritage of The Bahamas,” the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister recalled that it was on the Southern Recreation Grounds that so many Bahamians over many 
generations gathered for recreational purposes, to socialize and to play. Some also met under the silk cotton trees to discuss the issues of the day.
“The Southern Recreation Grounds became an important centre for the expression of a new political awakening which started in the forties. The bandstand became a platform for the national heroes, and the public speakers and thinkers of the new movement for change in the Colony,” he said.
Also, in 1942, thousands gathered at Southern Recreation Grounds for what was a very tense meeting with the representatives of the day during the Burma Road Riot. In 1950, a new movement was launched at Southern Recreation Grounds by the Citizens Committee when the Old Guard refused to allow a showing of the movie “No Way Out”, which starred our own beloved Sidney Poitier.
During the General Strike of 1958, some of the public meetings were held at Southern Recreation Grounds.
It was there that the late former Prime Minister Sir Lynden Pindling led a very large crowd after the confrontation on Bay Street on Black Tuesday. And it was there that many political rallies were held leading up to Majority Rule Day, which was celebrated on January 10.
“So the Southern Recreation Grounds was, perhaps, more than any other public gathering place the principal theatre for the continuing political and social drama of our times,” the Prime Minister said.
In restoring the Southern Recreation Grounds, we are revitalizing the Bahamian spirit and our collective memory.
Proposed for the Grounds are green spaces for picnics, cook-outs and concerts. There will be storyboards and signage recalling the history of the Grounds as a site of assembly for critical events in Bahamian history.
“The refurbished Grounds may serve as a classroom for students and young Bahamians on the history of the modern Bahamas, including the struggle for equality and freedom,” the Prime Minister said.
Additionally, the new Southern Recreation Grounds will include areas for fitness and health activities as well as outdoor and experiential educational activities.
The park will be redesigned to incorporate and allow better access to nearby facilities such as the Lillian Weir-Coakley Public Library.
Other features and amenities will include better-organized public parking spaces, new playground equipment installed for children, an improved basketball court, softball diamond and accommodating facilities.
“The new Southern Recreation Grounds will help to preserve our history. These new Grounds will offer current and future generations a transformed space to renew and restore their minds, spirits and bodies in the heart of New Providence,” the Prime Minister said.
By Lindsay Thompson
Release: BIS
Photo Caption: Prime Minister Minnis addresses ceremonies at the British Colonial Hilton, today, where RBC Royal Bank pledged funds towards redevelopment of historic Southern Recreation Grounds.
(BIS Photos/Yontalay Bowe)
Rashaed Esson
Staff Writer
#TheBahamas#RoyalCaribbean, April 23, 2024- After being delayed following its announcement in 2020, Royal Caribbean’s new 17 acre Royal Beach Club on Paradise Island in Nassau, Bahamas, is now in the works and is scheduled to be ready for 2025, according to reports. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Monday April 22, signifying the start of construction in the next few months. This project is huge for The Bahamas as it’s a first of kind for the nation, with a unique public private partnership allowing Bahamians to hold up to 49 percent in equity.
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
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