Bahamas News
DPM Says East End Communities are Ecological Dream Come True
#Bahamas, October 11, 2017 – East End, Grand Bahama – In officially opening the 45th Annual Conch Cracking Festival in McLean’s Town, during the National Heroes Day Holiday, October 9, 2017 Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, and Member of Parliament for East Grand Bahama, the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest remarked that places like McLean’s Town remain an ecological dream – a paradise by many standards.
“Therefore, I want to encourage you to enjoy the beauty of these communities and the surrounding cays,” Deputy Prime Minister Turnquest told the hundreds of participants at the annual festival, which was held at McLean’s Town All-Age school.
The event not only featured an array of Bahamian dishes made from conch, but offered a variety of other Bahamian-made dishes, desserts and drinks, as well as the sounds of Bahamian music throughout the day. The highlight of the festival was the conch-cracking competition, in which locals as well as visitors were invited to participate. Competitions included how quickly one could extract a conch from its shell, a conch eating competition, and a conch cleaning competition.
During his opening and welcome address, DPM Turnquest noted that because McLean’s Town and many communities within the East End area are so far away from the City of Freeport, not that many people bother to make the long trek to visit those communities.
He said this was both a blessing and a curse. “It’s a blessing because it has allowed this community to pretty much stay pristine and genuine – a true reflection of Bahamian culture here on Grand Bahama. It’s a curse because it does not expose as often as we like what is so special and unique about McLean’s Town, Rocky Creek, and the Cays.
“I want to particularly welcome and invite our guests – from abroad and from Nassau and other Family Islands – to not only enjoy the activities and the food here at this festival, but to take time out to enjoy the environment that surrounds you here today.”
DPM Turnquest pointed out that each of the islands within The Bahamas is unique in its own special way, even though Bahamians all share a general culture. He pointed out that if one went from one island to another or, in some cases, from one settlement to another it would be easy to realize that Bahamians are a diverse group of people with diverse cultural customs in the way they cook, the way they dress, and the way they speak.
“I want to encourage that inter-island tourism, particularly among our own citizens, but also among our visitors from abroad; and don’t think that because you’ve been to Grand Bahama that you’ve experienced it all,” added Mr. Turnquest. “I can assure you that this is only but a taste of our 700 islands. So, I want you to think about coming back and getting an opportunity to experience what each of our islands has to offer.”
The East End Member of Parliament said that the 45th Conch Cracking Festival was a celebration of the original event, which distinguishes the community of McLean’s Town as well as celebrates its history as a fishing and conching village, where the people of the community obtained their livelihood from the sea.
“That’s why I’m so happy that the chairman of this committee and members of his team have continued this great tradition, [and] even in the midst of great odds and discouraging events at times, continue to press on to ensure that this tradition lives on and continues to grow,” he said.
By: Andrew Coakley (BIS)
Photo captions:
Header photo: Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament for East Grand Bahama, the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest officially opened the 45th Annual Conch Cracking Festival at McLean’s Town All Age School on Monday, October 9, 2017 — part of National Heroes Day celebrations. (BIS Photo/Andrew Coakley)
Insert: Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest talks with some of the locals and visitors who attended the Conch Cracking Festival on Monday, October 9, 2017 on the school grounds of McLean’s Town All Age School. Following his official address to open the festival, the Deputy Prime Minister took time to visit all of the stalls at the event and chat with the participants. (BIS Photo/Andrew Coakley)
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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