Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Women’s Issues Highlighted at ‘National Women’s Week’ Forum
#Bahamas, December 17, 2017 – Nassau – Issues which women face today including domestic violence, child abuse, unemployment, single parenting and sexism were among the issues discussed at a Women’s Forum put on by the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development. The Forum, Monday, December 11th, 2017 at Gary and Myrtle Curry Youth Centre, Collins Avenue, brought to a close two weeks of events in observance of National Women’s Week 2017. The theme was “Strong Women, Strong Families, Strong Communities.”
In addition to providing information, the Forum was designed to promote awareness of women’s issues, offer guidance and survival tips and help to improve the standards of women. Panelists for the Forum were: Rev. Gloria Ferguson, Mt. Ararat Baptist Church; Dr. Jacinta Higgs, educator and former Senator; Lillian Quant-Forbes, acting director, Department of Social Services; Senator Jasmine Dareus, Deputy Director, Urban Renewal Commission; Ramona Farquharson-Seymour, Counsel and Attorney-at-Law.
The event was attended by: the Hon. Miriam Emmanuel, MP for MICAL, Sherrylee Smith, Permanent Secretary; Vaughn Miller, Parliamentary Secretary and senior government officials. The Hon. Lanisha Rolle, Minister of Social Services and Urban Renewal, said The Bahamas has a “strong” foundation laid by “strong” men and women and it is the duty of descendants, successors, and heirs to build upon that.
“From 1962 to now, the women of The Bahamas have charted a course for the upward movement and equal advancement of women of all walks of life.
Beginning with the Women’s Suffrage, a movement to ensure that women were and are given the right to vote; mothers, secretaries, housekeepers, housewives, teachers, all realized that women of every strata had and have a role to play in every sector and at every stage of this country’s development. Hence a strong foundation was laid by persons like Eugenia Lockhart, Mary Ingraham, Hon. Doris Johnson and others. As a result of their labour and sacrifice, women voted for the first time in 1962.”
She said the work was continued by Janet Bostwick, Cynthia Pratt, Dame Ivy Dumont, Italia Johnson, Dame Joan Sawyer, Loretta Butler-Turner and wives of Bahamian prime ministers stood with their husbands and ensured that the voices of women were heard.
“We live in this strong house built by women and having regard for their labour and sacrifice, we simply cannot come down,” said Minister Rolle.
She declared that the women of The Bahamas are doing a great work and urged them to continue to work together to build strong women, strong families and strong communities. A question and answer period followed the discussion.
The following numbers are available to get assistance:
323-0171, 323-3859, 422-2763 and 322-2763.
By: Kathryn Campbell
Photo captions:
Header: Panelists in the Women’s Forum are pictured. From left: Senator Jasmine Dareus, Deputy Director, Urban Renewal Commission; Lilian Quant-Forbes, Acting Director; Ramona Farquharson-Seymour, Counsel and Attorney-At-Law; Rev. Gloria Ferguson and Dr. Jacinta Higgs, educator and former Senator.
Insert 1: The Hon. Lanisha Rolle, Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, speaks at the Women’s Forum at Gary and Myrtle Curry Youth Centre.
Insert 2: Audience at the Women’s Forum are pictured.
Insert 3: Officials in attendance at the Women’s Forum. Shown from right Vaughn Miller, Parliamentary Secretary, The Hon. Miriam Emmanuel, MP for MICAL and Coralie Adderley, Chairperson, National Women Advisory Council.
BIS Photos/Raymond A. Bethel, Sr.
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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