Bahamas News
PM Tours Areas Devastated by a Tornado in Grand Bahama
#Bahamas, September 15, 2017 – Grand Bahama – Members of the Government, the Opposition, and NEMA are working together as a team to improve the quality of life for Bahamians, said Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Dr. the Hon. Hubert Minnis during a statement to the press following a tour of the areas destroyed by a tornado on Sunday.
Prime Minister Minnis, along with members of his Cabinet, NEMA, and other senior government officials, on Thursday, September 14, toured Bimini and then Freeport to view damage done caused by Hurricane Irma, including the impacts of tornadoes.
Accompanying the Prime Minister and his team was Leader of the Official Opposition, the Hon. Philip ‘Brave’ Davis, whose presence Prime Minister Minnis said was important as he too would have seen the problems.
While the codes in place are good, enforcement is very important the Prime Minister stressed. While visiting the homes destroyed by the tornado, they noticed the hurricane straps were not properly placed and the trusses were not consistent.
In Bimini, he said, there was some damage to docks resulting in floating foam in the waters. These matters, he continued, must be investigated to see what may have contributed to this happening so that it does not recur.
He said, “What that points out to me is that we possibly have excellent codes but our enforcement is not in place. And we must improve on our inspection, and that is very serious.”
“All of us would work together, NEMA, the Opposition, ourselves and we have one job, one purpose, and that is to improve the lives of Bahamians…. It’s a learning experience, and whomever is in power would have the responsibility to ensure that the enforcements are there.”
The Prime Minister reiterated that working as a team, great things could be accomplished. “Who would have thought that as a team The Bahamas, as small as we are, would succeed in evacuating individuals from throughout the Bahamas by airlift. It’s never been done before, and we were the first to go down in history to be successful.”
Although there were some errors and some things could have been done better, in future, he said, in working together “we will most certainly have a more powerful, strong, beautiful Bahamas.”
After arriving in Grand Bahama shortly after 12:30 p.m., the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament and other senior government officials first went to Imperial Park where a number of homes were hit by a tornado on Sunday. The residents had the opportunity to speak with the Prime Minister and state their needs and concerns.
A luncheon was held at Pelican Bay Hotel; and following his brief statement to the press, the Prime Minister and his delegation departed for their next destination at about 3:00 p.m.
Press Release: BIS
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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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