Bahamas News
Coordinator for NEMA Grand Bahama Updates the Community at Press Conference
#Freeport, GB, September 19, 2019 – Bahamas – A more efficient system to deal with the influx and distribution of the much-needed hurricane relief supplies is in place, along with many volunteers and organizations to better assist the affected residents of Grand Bahama and surrounding cays following the passing of Hurricane Dorian, said newly-appointed Coordinator for NEMA Grand Bahama, Senator the Hon. Katherine Forbes-Smith during a live press conference at NEMA headquarters in the C.A. Smith Building on Monday.
Noting that it was her sixth day since having been appointed to the position, and 16 days since Hurricane Dorian ravaged the island of Grand Bahama, Senator Smith said that as soon as the ‘all clear’ was given, teams were mobilized to search, rescue and recover.
“Emergency security, food, water and other resources were deployed as quickly as was possible once the all-clear was given, so that first responders and aid workers were not put at risk in harm’s way. Shortly thereafter, additional aid, in the form of supplies and volunteers from all over the globe started arriving to Grand Bahama. The outpouring of generosity and caring has been, and continues to be, truly remarkable. As we move forward with the relief operation, we ask that all residents of Grand Bahama remain focused on caring for the needs of our people and ultimately rebuilding our community. Now is the time that we all need to pull together as one, and be strong and supportive neighbors for each other.”
The need for an efficient warehouse and distribution system were set up immediately following Senator Smith’s appointment, to manage the influx and distribution of supplies.
“As of today, NEMA has set up a warehouse in Freeport to receive shipments of donated food, water and other supplies intended for Grand Bahama, and our goal is to establish at least two more warehouses in the coming days. It is imperative that we do our absolute best to process the supplies and aid in a very efficient manner. Supplies, such as food and water, in a warehouse do us no good unless we can quickly get them inspected, sorted and packaged for delivery or pick up.”
Assisting with this are the United States Coast Guard and the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, or OCHA — all experts in logistics, warehouse management and distribution.
Also assisting with this mammoth task are dozens of volunteer organizations, NGOs, and faith-based organizations who all help with the distribution of food, water, medical care and other necessities in those communities most affected.
Senator Smith thanked all those who have given time, money and resources so generously and added, “To that point, let me also humbly mention that we will continue to need assistance and donations as we pull ourselves up and begin rebuilding Grand Bahama, rebuilding our future. It may seem premature to some to think about rebuilding, but that’s really the ultimate objective of any disaster recovery – to restore people’s lives, and livelihoods, back to normal.
“Bahamians are strong and resilient people. We know that even the largest, most destructive hurricane cannot destroy our spirit. And, thanks to so many wonderful and caring people and organizations, we are on the path to rebuilding. We as a community, and as a nation, must remain focused on serving the needs of our citizens and rebuilding our local economy. To that point, we would strongly discourage any form of price gouging as that only hinders the rebuilding effort.”
Focus is also on the removal of debris from roads and neighborhoods as well as de-mucking homes. Mold remediation on structures that have flood and water damage will also have be dealt with. Senator Smith noted that there are volunteers and organizations dealing with this.
Also, of note was the presence of a team from the Ministry of Public Works who will begin assessing damage to assist NEMA Grand Bahama prioritize rebuilding efforts.
Minister of State for Grand Bahama, Senator the Hon. Kwasi Thompson, was also present giving details on the operation of various government departments. The Office of the Prime Minister is now open daily from 9am to 12pm, while many government agencies have a representative present at the C.A. Smith Building.
Iram Lewis, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Public Works and Member of Parliament for Central Grand Bahama; Tammi Mitchell, Supply Officer for NEMA; Island Administrator for East Grand Bahama, Gaye Antoine-Bowe and Island Administrator for West Grand Bahama, Cristian Palacious along with representatives from the Grand Bahama Power Company; Cable Bahamas; Grand Bahama Utilities Company; the Royal Bahamas Police Force; the Royal Bahamas Defence Force; as well as the various international organizations were present for the live press conference.
In closing, the Grand Bahama native urged Bahamians to remain strong as there are many from around the world assisting residents to rebuild.
“As we move forward, we will be sharing lists of what we need most for the relief effort – and encourage cash donations to the government’s disaster relief fund or to reliable NGOs to help us with the long-term rebuilding. All of us at NEMA Grand Bahama are very optimistic about the progress we have made in just a few short days. NEMA will open two more warehouses soon to help process the growing amount of relief supplies that we are taking in, and then processing out.
“In fact, this past Saturday, in what we called ‘Operation Relief Saturday,’ volunteers and NEMA staff assembled hundreds of boxes of basic supplies – including food, water and hygiene products and then delivered them directly, door to door, in the Hawksbill and Regency Park neighborhoods.
“In addition, as you heard today, we are pleased to report that the Ministry of Public Works has arrived today and will begin the process of assessing damage to help us prioritize rebuilding efforts while we at NEMA Grand Bahama work to ensure residents have access to food, clean water and shelter.
“We are committed to providing regular updates, in full transparency, so that all of our community are aware of developments and progress we are making in rebuilding our great island of Grand Bahama. We applaud each and every one of you for your dedication, compassion, and commitment to our nation. This is not just a whole-of-government response, but a whole-of-community endeavor. Let’s rebuild Grand Bahama together and make it better than ever!”
By Robyn Adderley
Release: BIS
Photo Captions:
Header: President of the Senate and newly-appointed NEMA Grand Bahama Coordinator, the Hon. Katherine Forbes-Smith, on Monday, September 16, 2019 told a live press conference that a more efficient method of dealing with the influx and distribution of hurricane relief supplies is now in place. Also shown are Minister of State for Grand Bahama, Senator the Hon. Kwasi Thompson; and NEMA Supplies Manager, Tammi Mitchell.
Insert: During a live press conference, President of the Senate and NEMA Grand Bahama Coordinator, the Hon. Katherine Forbes-Smith on Monday, September 16, 2019 thanked the hundreds of volunteers assisting Grand Bahamians rebuild. Shown are representatives from the various organizations assisting, following Category 5 Hurricane Dorian. (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)
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.”
-
News5 days agoDR man rented Jet Ski nine days ago in Providenciales; where is he now?
-
Health6 days agoDengue cases rising in Region
-
TCI News2 days agoExperience Turks and Caicos and Ministry of Tourism explore development of Cruise industry at Seatrade Global Cruise Conference
-
Caribbean News4 days agoCARICOM pushes need for Reparations Tribunal at Forum in Geneva
-
Caribbean News1 week agoCARICOM, UN applauds published decree establishing Haiti’s Transitional Government
-
Education4 days agoCampus Brawl at Clement Howell High sends students to Hospital
-
Caribbean News4 days agoCARICOM sends warning as Oil prices creep higher in the Israel v Iran conflict; 14 regional states import energy
-
Bahamas News1 week ago$36 Million Dollar Upgrade for World Athletics Relays in Nassau, Bahamas