Bahamas News
Minister Wells Envisions ACP Countries Becoming Major Fisheries Exporters
#Bahamas, September 23, 2017 – Nassau – As the 5th Meeting of ACP (Africa, Caribbean, and Pacific) Ministers of Fisheries and Aquaculture in Nassau closed on Thursday, delegates resolved to create a strategic plan to secure the aquaculture and fisheries sectors of the 79 member countries (of almost one billion people) to bring about foreign exchange, improve job security and food security.
Bahamas Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources the Hon. Renward Wells chaired the week-long meeting and, delighted that the group arrived at a resolution, gave brief remarks to the media at the session’s closing. He remarked with respect to the potential of the blue economy: “Over the next few years, you’re going to see nations in Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific engaging in fisheries at the level of Asia, so we become major exporters in the industry, able to supply food and maintain food security in our own economies, as well as assist in creating jobs, and able to export our products to other countries.”
He observed that promotion of the growth of fisheries along the current level of Asian countries is not a lack of will, but rather a matter of implementation of new technology, or of creating the funding.
ACP Assistant Secretary General Viwanou Gnassounou noted, “Since 2012, we still have to improve upon the monitoring of the process and also the mobilization of resources for implementation. We are catalysts in this situation and we look at how we can accelerate the movement.
“The Blue Economy Initiative is based on investment. We need to focus on value addition, processing and export. That is the only way we can reach the level of what you are assessing.”
The conclave took place at Melia Nassau Beach resort, Cable Beach, September 18-21, 2017 — almost two years since the last meeting attended by The Bahamas, in 2015 during the 29th session of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly that took place June 15-17, 2015 in Suva, Fiji.
The countries of Sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific Islands have up to US$5.3 billion worth of fish exports entering the international market each year. The meeting seeks to reinforce shared commitments to improve governance and boost development of fisheries and aquaculture resources.
Of the 79 ACP Group of States, more than 60 export fisheries products, both from maritime and inland fisheries and from aquaculture. Of these, more than 50 countries are coastal states, most of them with important coastal fishing communities.
The meeting allowed the countries to take stock of the ACP strategic plan of action for fisheries and aquaculture and share regional good practices, deepen partnerships, and discuss priority issues for multilateral engagement.
By: Gena Gibbs
Photo Caption:
At the Press Conference at Closure of the 5th Meeting of ACP (Africa, Caribbean, and Pacific) Ministers of Fisheries and Aquaculture, September 21, 2017 – Chairman of the meeting, Bahamas Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources the Hon. Renward Wells addresses the media. At the table, the group pictured from left: Dr. Kaire Mbuende, Chairman of ACP Working Group on Fisheries; Phaedra Rahming, Permanent Secretary, Bahamas Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources; Minister Renward Wells; Mr. Viwanou Gnassounou, ACP Assistant Secretary General; and the Hon. Lopaoo Natanielu Mua, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries of Samoa.
(BIS Photos/Raymond A. Bethel Sr.)
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.”
-
Health1 week agoAstraZeneca withdraws COVID vaccines after millions took their jabs
-
Caribbean News5 days agoBelize, Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Syphilis
-
TCI News5 days agoEquity in Energy says Bahamas Energy & Transport Minister in legislative roll out
-
TCI News5 days agoFamily of 16 tourist claims negligence in Grand Turk jet ski death; Coroner’s Court hearing evidence
-
Caribbean News5 days agoMagnetic Media attends Caribbean Media Summit, in focus AI in Journalism
-
world news6 days agoElectricity Access for 600 Million a goal of UN Sustainability Week
-
TCI News3 days agoAMERICAN MOTHER AND DAUGHTER ALLEGEDLY ARRESTED FOR TWO BULLETS
-
Bahamas News5 days agoThe Bahamas Successfully Hosts Its Fourth World Athletics Relays