Bahamas News

BAHAMAS: ‘Strong Women, Strong Families, Strong Communities’

Published

6 years ago

December 8, 2017

#Bahamas, December 8, 2017 – Nassau – The Department of Gender and Family Affairs, Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development hosted several activities to commemorate ‘National Women’s Week 2017’ being observed in The Bahamas November 26 through December 9. The activities reflect the progress of Bahamian women, celebrate their accomplishments and address social issues impacting them.

The week incorporates the annual observance of National Women’s Day, November 26, with recognition of the 25th anniversary of that day. This year in The Bahamas, the observance has been extended an additional week. The theme for the week is “Strong Women. Strong Families. Strong Communities.”

Among the activities were an awareness raising/report sharing session on The Bahamas’ Sixth Periodic Report to Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), November 28, and a special school assembly at Doris Johnson High School, November 29.

Panelists in the CEDAW discussion were Ambassador Rhoda Jackson, Acting Permanent Secretary, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Marion Bethel, The Bahamas’ candidate for (CEDAW); Donna Nicolls, Bahamas Crisis Centre; and Deandra Cartwright, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The event was attended by the Director of Gender and Family Affairs, Gaynel Curry; government officials, representatives of non-governmental organizations including Zonta Club of The Bahamas.

CEDAW is an international treaty adopted in 1979 by the United Nations General Assembly. Described as an international bill of rights for women, it was instituted on September 3, 1981 and has been ratified by 189 states.

In her remarks, Ms. Jackson said CEDAW is much more than a legal document to be discussed by policy makers and lawyers. S he said it represents a commitment by a Government to its people, which seeks full respect for the rights and dignity of women in the country, and is therefore an instrument that belongs to the people it is intended to protect.

As The Bahamas celebrates the advances to protect women’s rights in the past two decades, Ms. Jackson urged those present to remember the shortcomings that still exist and give those areas priority.

“One of the most notable inadequacies is the need for additional changes to The Bahamas’ Constitution relative to gender equality. This is paramount to fulfilling the Convention’s mandate to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women. As long as gender disparities exist, The Bahamas would not have lived up to the mandate the country pledged to uphold, when we signed onto CEDAW.

“I am, therefore, pleased by the presence of representatives from civil society and public sector organizations here today. Public fora of this nature should be at the helm of the engagement process. The government should strive to continue ongoing dialogue and collaboration with national and international women’s organizations, schools, churches and religious groups, also, devising a plan for expansion of the role of the two latter groups. Educational campaigns that generate awareness of women’s issues and also the Convention will form an integral part of combating the ills that affect women, particularly since educational campaigns in schools will target both girls and boys, who are armed with useful instructions which become extremely meaningful as they become women and men,” she said.

In her overview, Ms. Marion Bethel urged civil society groups to hold the government accountable for the advancement of the optional protocol tool of the CEDAW Convention, which allows improvements in human rights.

Shonel Ferguson, MP for Fox Hill, addressed the special assembly at Doris Johnson Senior High. S he told the students that they can determine the path that they want their lives to take. She reminded them that they are created to succeed, designed to win and equipped to overcome. The assembly was attended by IDB representatives, Mrs. Patricia Minnis, wife of Prime Minister Hubert Minnis; senators and education officials.

Photo Caption: Shonel Ferguson speaks at Doris Johnson Senior High School, celebrating National Women’s Week 2017.

Release: BIS

Bahamas News

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

Published

3 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

5 days 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

5 days 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.”