Bahamas News

Health Minister says Newly Renovated West End Clinic Has Come a Long Way Since 1959

Published

7 years ago

October 9, 2017

#Bahamas, October 9, 2017 – Grand Bahama – A key feature of the newly renovated West End Clinic is the provision of an ambulance, which will afford 24-hour EMS services to the residents of West End.

“This marks the first time a state of the art ambulance with a crew of trained NEMS technicians will be stationed here,” said Minister of Health, Dr. the Hon. Duane Sands. “What this means is that we will be able to improve response times to emergency calls for residents of West Grand Bahama.”

The Health Minister, who was one of the guest speakers at the commissioning ceremony of the expanded West End Community Clinic on Friday, October 6, 2017, said that the Government’s efforts to further health development on the nation’s second most populous island has culminated in the commissioning of the expanded community clinic.

He pointed out that the project was built at a cost of over $2 million. “That is what it cost to transform the two pre-existing structures on this property into a single 6,348 square-foot modern health center,” said Minister Sands. “Indeed, the expansion of the clinic has doubled its capacity, and patients will experience an enhanced environment that offers additional and improved services.”

The expanded clinic includes a dedicated trauma area, increased examination and treatment rooms, upgraded dental suites, a fully outfitted staff training room, on-call and National Emergency Medical Services-ready rooms, and a refurbished two-bedroom residence, to accommodate nursing staff.

According to the Health Minister, the West End Clinic will offer primary care, as well as improved dental care and trauma services to the people of West Grand Bahama. He noted that a newly acquired portable digital X-ray machine will allow emergency patients off-site access to radiology services.

“The growth and development of health infrastructure and services here in Grand Bahama and across the Family Islands reflects the evolving nature of healthcare and the continually expanding demand for health services by the public,” said Minister Sands.

“We know that community health clinics provide primary health care as the entry point into the health system. These clinics also serve as the coordinators of care and services across the health system. In recent years, significant investments have been made and continue to be made to repair, expand and upgrade public health facilities, to improve access to services by expanding hours of operation in locations more convenient for patients.”

Additionally Minister Sands noted that emergency medical services on the island of Grand Bahama have increased over time to a current staffing level of 29, including 16 trained emergency service technicians and paramedics, and a fleet of six modern emergency service vehicles.

Minister Sands pointed out that on the very site where the newly expanded West End Clinic has been built, the Government of The Bahamas established the first public clinic on the island of Grand Bahama in 1959. He noted that since that time the Rand Memorial hospital has evolved into an essential lynchpin in the public health platform, providing hospital-based care to the residents of the entire Northern Bahamas.

“Its services include a modern emergency room and urgent care center, 21^st Century surgical facilities, a psychiatric ward, obstetrics & gynecology services as well as rehabilitation and out-patient services.

“The hospital, together with the National Emergency Medical Services and nine outlying community health clinics across Grand Bahama and its adjacent cays, with this facility being one of them, forms the local health system known as The Grand Bahama Health services, or GBHS, operating under the Public Hospitals Authority,” said Minister Sands.

The Health Minister commended the Public Hospitals Authority, as well as those contracted to execute the significant construction and engineering works for the expanded West End Clinic. He noted that on a previous trip to Grand Bahama, he had the opportunity to tour the newly expanded, fully revitalized public health clinic and can say with confidence that the new facility represents a job well done on behalf of the Bahamian people.

MINISTER’S REMARKS – Minister of Health, Dr. the Hon. Duane Sands was one of the guest speakers at the official opening ceremony of the newly- renovated West End Clinic on Friday, October 6, 2017. Minister Sands says that the West End clinic has expanded its services to residents and will have full-time ambulance service.

09(BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)

Bahamas News

Get your laugh on, March On, family drama by Gea Pierre, debut this weekend in Turks and Caicos

Published

6 days ago

May 13, 2024

Shanieka

Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

After resounding success in the Bahamas, hit play ‘March On, The Story of Us’ has been inundated with requests to take their show on the road, and the first location they’ll be hitting is Providenciales Turks and Caicos with tickets on sale again this weekend, the show debuts Friday night.

Magnetic Media spoke to Gea Pierre, playwright, who told us the TCI was a natural first choice for the cast and crew where shows are set for Brayton Hall, for Friday May 10 at 8pm and Saturday has two showings; matinee at 4pm and evening, 8pm.

Tickets are $75 VIP. General admission is $60.

“We started ‘March On’ in November 2023 and it was really an opportunity for us to tell a story, the story of the Bahamas and to encompass the nations that we have an amazing relationship with like the Turks and Caicos,” she continued “We really got a lot of people calling [for the play] from [the TCI], so much so we really had to pay attentattention.

The response to ‘March On’ at home and abroad was overwhelming.

“To say it went well is an understatement, even before we opened we got calls from Canada, from all over the US with people wanting us to come and perform.”

And take the show on the road they did! Gea and her team have launched “March On: The Tour” and will be in Providenciales to perform on May 10th and 11th. It’s the first of a number of stops which include Nassau and several US locations.

Online tickets are available for purchase with credit cards. The full team returns on Friday, May 10 with the comedy production being held under the patronage of Washington Misick, TCI Premier and First Lady Delthia Misick.

Describing the close familial relationships between the TCI and the Bahamas, for many on the crew it will be like coming home Gea told us, for others it will be a treat to visit for the first time, the places that their grandparents described.

Gea maintained that the team wanted to keep the show as accessible to residents as possible.

As for why you should come out and see the play, other than the great price point:

“The way that people have responded to it is non stop laughter, people have been moved to tears because there’s some emotion. It does not only lend to Bahamians. It’s a family drama, and anyone who’s ever been a part of a family is going to get something out of it, and something moving.”

Bahamas News

The Bahamas Successfully Hosts Its Fourth World Athletics Relays

Published

1 week ago

May 12, 2024

Shanieka

NASSAU, Bahamas – Hundreds of people from around the world turned out in full force for the BTC World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 that took place at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, May 4 -5, 2024.

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.

In fact, The Bahamas was able to take advantage of the second day of competition.

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.

(BIS Photos/Kemuel Stubbs)

Bahamas News

PM at World Relays 2024 Opening: ‘Tonight, the eyes are on The Bahamas’

Published

1 week ago

May 12, 2024

Shanieka

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.”