Bahamas News
DPM and Works Parliamentary Secretary Tour Seawall Project at Smith’s Point
#Bahamas, August 20, 2017 – Grand Bahama – With a low pressure area categorized tracking towards The Bahamas and soon expected to become a Tropical Storm, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Hon. Peter Turnquest, along with Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Public Works, Hon. Iram Lewis, on Friday wanted to get an update on work being carried out on the seawall at Smith’s Point.
The Deputy Prime Minister and the Parliamentary Secretary, August 18, 2017, invited members of the press along to meet with the Contractor for the latest news concerning the much-anticipated project in the Smith’s Point Community.
“As you know we’re in the middle of hurricane season and so this project is of paramount concern for us at this stage,” said Deputy Prime Minister Turnquest. “Residents of this community are aware of a potential storm traveling at this moment. So, it is all the more important that we make the kind of progress as quickly as possible to secure this site to protect the people in this community.
“I’m pleased to say that we’re now making positive progress in respect to this project.”
The project, which will cost the Government some $4.2 million, and was expected to be completed within 28 weeks, had some delays and a change of Contractors on the site, with Waugh Construction taking over the project.
“It is unfortunate that we have had the delays that we’ve had as a result of issues that have already been outlined,” added Minister Turnquest. “But again, we are making positive steps to get this project completed as quickly as possible.”
Minister Turnquest pointed out that the Government has a vision for the project that goes beyond just the construction of a seawall. He explained that the vision includes making a part of the project a promenade, which will help to increase economic activity to the community.
“So we are expecting and envisioning a real transformation of this waterfront so that it becomes not only a means of providing a safety factor, but also gives an opportunity to spur economic activity in this area,” said Minister Turnquest.
Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Public Works, Iram Lewis said that while the Government would like to see the seawall project completed expeditiously, the focus is also on quality work.
“The whole idea of this project is to protect this settlement and the people of this community,” added Mr. Lewis. “We are working as best as we can to ensure that this project is completed not only at a fast pace, but with top quality, where we won’t have any concerns about washout in the future.
“We are ensured that we have selected the right team to complete this job and we are confident that once this project is completed that the residents of Smith’s Point will be pleased with the final result.”
Asked if the project will still be on budget, Mr. Lewis said that staying on budget is always the objective and added that the Representative for the area also happens to be the Minister of Finance and so he is sure that the project will remain on budget.
“But we are dealing with nature and with a project like this there are always unforeseen occurrences that come up, but the goal is to stay within budget,” added Mr. Lewis.
Mr. Turnquest said that there have been some community meetings about the project within the Smith’s Point community to apprise residents of the on-going project.
“As we get updates, we update the residents as to where we are with the project and the reason why we take tours of this site on a regular basis is to be able to pass on the information to the residents in the community as to where we are with the project,” added Minister Turnquest.
The Deputy Prime Minister said that he is happy to see that the Contractor has agreed to partner with the community of Smith’s Point, by offering employment among the locals. Contractor Godfrey Waugh, President of Waugh Construction, confirmed that they are seeking to employ ten additional people to work on the completion of the project and their first preference include residents of Smith’s Point.
“We believe that at the end of the day, this project will be brought to a successful conclusion, which will be satisfactory to all involved.”
Story by: Andrew Coakley (BIS)
PHOTO CAPTIONS
BIS Photos/Vandyke Hepburn
Header Photo – President of Waugh Construction, Godfrey Waugh (left) explains some of the work being carried out by his company on the Seawall at Smith’s Point. The DPM and the Parliamentary Secretary took a tour of the site on Friday, August 18, 2017 to get an update on the project.
1st Insert – Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Peter Turnquest and Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Public Works, Hon. Iram Lewis addressed members of the press, following their tour of the seawall project in Smith’s Point.
2nd Insert – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Hon. Peter Turnquest, (center), along with Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Public Works, Hon. Iram Lewis (second from right) look at plans of the seawall at Smith’s Point outlined by Godfrey Waugh, President of Waugh Construction.
Bahamas News
Get your laugh on, March On, family drama by Gea Pierre, debut this weekend in Turks and Caicos
This is the sixth edition of the relays and the fourth time that The Bahamas has hosted the event, which actually made its debut in The Bahamas in 2014.
President, World Athletics, Sabastian Coe said after three very successful editions from 2014 to 2017, the World Athletics Relays has quickly become one of the World Athletics vibrant competitions, developing a culture of fun and innovation that gives it a unique flavour.
He thanked the Bahamas Government, the local World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 committee and the Bahamian people for agreeing to host the relays. However, his main thanks were to the “world’s best sprinters” travelling from all the continents to compete in preparation for the road to Paris, France, in two months’ time.
During the opening ceremony, the athletes were given words of advice from Carl Lewis, one of only four Olympic athletes to have won nine Olympic gold medals, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
He said, “Keep it simple, do not try to do anything extra. Do what your coaches said. Leave on time, leave on time, leave on time.”
The athletes and crowds were treated to the sounds and sights of Junkanoo at the end of the opening ceremony. The Junkanoo performers stuck around for the two days of competitions, playing for the sprinters as they competed on the track.
Teams competed in the Women’s and men’s 4x100m, and the women’s men’s and mixed 4x400m. A total of 14 teams at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 automatically qualified for places at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Both days of competition were important, as day two offered another chance for qualifications for those teams unsuccessful on day one.
Bahamians were made proud as the country set a new national record during the mixed 4x400m relays thanks to the efforts of 16-year-old Shania Adderley, a student of Tabernacle Baptist Academy.
The team came first in their heat on Sunday evening after not being able to gain a spot for the Paris Olympics on the first day of competition.
Other sprinters on the team included Alonzo Russell, as well as Olympic champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his remarks at the Opening Ceremony for the World Athletics Relays 2024, on May 4, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis welcomed the special guests, athletes, officials, and “all lovers of athletics from around the world” to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium here in the “vibrant heart” of Nassau, Bahamas.
“This weekend, the world’s finest athletes gather on our shores to embark on a journey that is not only about speed and strength but also about dreams and determination,” Prime Minister Davis said. “From the serene beauty of our islands to the historic grandeur of Paris, this event marks a crucial path to the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.”
He added: “Here in The Bahamas, we are no strangers to world-class athletics or the warmth and exuberance that such international gatherings bring. It is a distinct honor to once again welcome the World Athletics Relays back to our islands. This event holds a special place in our hearts, symbolizing a bridge between nations brought together by the universal language of sport.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that that year’s theme, “Paradise to Paris,” captured the essence of that journey.
“It is here, amidst the splendor of our sun-kissed beaches and the rhythmic sway of our palms that the chase towards Olympic glory begins anew,” he stated. “We are thrilled to offer a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, where every sprint, every baton pass, and every victory lap is set against the picture-perfect canvas of our islands.”
He added: “To our athletes, I say this: as you stand on the precipice of your dreams, ready to catapult yourself into the annals of history, know that you are part of a legacy of excellence and determination. This weekend, you are not only competitors but also ambassadors of your countries and the spirit of sport. We are especially proud of Team Bahamas, who carry the weight of their performance and the hopes and pride of our nation. You embody the spirit of The Bahamian people, and we are behind you every step of the way.”
Prime Minister said that to the international visitors, he extended “the warmest Bahamian welcome”.
“Over the next few days, as you revel in the thrill of competition, take a moment to bask in the beauty of our island,” he stated. “Discover why we proudly say, “It’s Better in The Bahamas.” Whether it’s the hospitality of our people, the tranquility of our waters, or the rhythm of our culture, you are in for an experience that captures the heart and rejuvenates the soul.”
“Let us celebrate the unity and friendship that sports foster, cheering every athlete and savoring the spectacle of human potential at its best,” Prime Minister Davis added. “I hope the races are swift, the results are inspiring, and the memories are lasting.
“Welcome to The Bahamas, the paradise where champions chase their dreams to Paris. As your host, it is my immense pleasure to declare the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024 officially open. Let the games begin.”
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