Bahamas News

National Security to Improve Infrastructure and Equipment for Police in Grand Bahama

Published

6 years ago

January 16, 2018

#Bahamas, January 16, 2018 – Grand Bahama – Minister of National Security, the Hon. Marvin Dames says that in the coming months, the government will present many new policies which they have spent a considerable amount of time on, that are holistic in scope and are expected to complement current law enforcement efforts of restoring peace in the country.

“This will happen through improved strategy, acquisition of new equipment, enhanced training of officers and building capacity, not only in New Providence, but throughout the entire Bahamas,” added Minister Dames.

The National Security Minister’s comments came during his address during the Grand Bahama & Northern Bahamas District, Royal Bahamas Police Force annual Church service, which was held at the Central Church of God on Sunday, January 14, 2018. During his address the National Security Minister acknowledged the three murders in Grand Bahama, which took place at the beginning of the New Year. While he admitted that the events were unusual for the Second City, he said he was thankful to the police on Grand Bahama, for bringing closure to those homicides in an expeditious manner.

He reassured Grand Bahamians that the government is cognizant of the issues facing Grand Bahama in respect to violent crimes and have already begun taking measures to ensure that improvements in crime fighting in 2018 become evident throughout the island, especially in those pockets where violent crime is of great concern.

“We want to send a message to all those in Grand Bahama who continue to live a life of crime that we are unwavering in our efforts to find you wherever you hide and make you account before the court of law for your actions,” said Minister Dames.

“Let me remind you that there is no hiding place for anyone who seeks to tarnish the reputation of our nation to satisfy their selfishness and greed, and there is no one you can go to or call on, to protect you from the long arms of justice.”

Minister Dames told law enforcement officers that his government is serious about improving infrastructure and providing them with the necessary equipment to perform all their duties optimally and professionally. He noted that with the construction of a new police and fire station on Grand Bahama now completed, the government is now working to ready that station to improve policing services.

“As Minister of National Security, I have also acutely aware of the inferior working conditions that many of you have had to contend with for far too long,” added Minister Dames. “West End comes to mind. I have seen pictures of the infrastructure at the West End station and seen firsthand on a visit after coming to office. We cannot expect you to give of your best when we fail to acknowledge and fix the substandard environment in which you work. Let me assure each of you that we are going to rectify these issues and put our money where our mouth is. We are taking corrective steps to have your dilapidated stations and other buildings that officers occupy completely renovated.”

The National Security Minister said that he is aware of the rumors that Grand Bahama is frequently used as a gateway for trafficking of persons, illegal drugs and guns from North America, into the rest of the archipelago.

To combat this, Minister Dames said that the police department will use a multi-agency approach in 2018 to combine intelligence capacity, skills and resources and continue to partner with regional and international counterparts to remain a united front against transnational organized crime that threatens the existence and stability of the nation.

By: Andrew Coakley (BIS)

Photo caption: National Security Minister, Hon. Marvin Dames addressed law enforcement officers in Grand Bahama and the Northern Bahamas, during the annual Royal Bahamas Police Force church service, which was held at Central Church of God on Sunday, January 14, 2018.

(BIS Photo)

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.”