Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: National Alert Messaging System Pilot Period Expires
#Bahamas, January 25, 2018 – Nassau –The Government of The Bahamas wishes to advise the public that the ‘Alert Bahamas’ pilot period expired in December 2017. The pilot solution was provided by Unified Messaging Systems Americas (UMS) on a pro-bono basis as part of the Sustainable Nassau initiative, and led by the Office of The Prime Minister with technical assistance from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
The solution was first introduced to the public in September 2017, and provided the opportunity for NEMA, Bahamas Information Services, the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Department of Meteorology to disseminate critical information to the public via multiple communication channels (SMS messages, email, and Facebook), comprising a national alert messaging system. The Government of The Bahamas extends its gratitude to its partners (UMS, IDB, BTC and Aliv) for their generous participation in making this pilot possible.
On 12th December 2017, during a mission of the Sustainable Nassau IDB team, representatives of the participating agencies and project partners met to discuss the lessons learned from the project. There was consensus that the experience will enable the Government to be in a better position when developing appropriate terms of reference for a longer-term solution. The pilot implementation also provided insight into the enabling structures and frameworks that would be necessary to facilitate the effective implementation of a national alert messaging system.
The Government also thanks the public for its tremendous support and for the feedback provided over various platforms. Over three thousand persons registered on the citizen portal at www.alertbahamas.com to participate in the pilot and received messages from all four participating agencies. The wider national community and visitors would have also received hurricane and tropical storm warnings from NEMA.
A satisfaction survey targeted at persons registered on the portal was conducted, and revealed that registrants were generally happy about the opportunity to participate in such an initiative, and were very encouraging of a longer term solution. A number of useful recommendations were also provided that will be taken into consideration by the Government as it explores options for procuring a permanent solution. The results of the satisfaction survey are available on the Alert Bahamas web portal (www.alertbahamas.com).
It should be noted that login and registration capabilities have been deactivated on the web portal, and all personal information registered during the pilot period has been securely discarded in accordance with the UMS privacy and data protection policy and data protection requirements of The Bahamas.
On behalf of the Government, the Office of the Prime Minister again thanks all stakeholders and participants.
Release: BIS
Photo caption: Representatives from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Office of the Prime Minister, Unified Messaging Systems, Bahamas Telecommunications Company, Be Aliv Limited, National Emergency Management Agency, the Bahamas Information Service, Royal Bahamas Police Force, and the Department of Meteorology during a mission of the Sustainable Nassau IDB team (held on 12th December 2017) to discuss the lessons learned from the Alert Messaging Pilot project. Not pictured: Data Protection Commissioner.
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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