Bahamas News
Texas Trip Addressed Tech and Port Opportunities for Grand Bahama
#Bahamas, January 29, 2018 – Grand Bahama – Minister of State for Grand Bahama, Senator Kwasi Thompson says that the recent investment and business opportunity trip to Texas, led by Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Hubert Minnis, speaks to the fact that the Prime Minister of The Bahamas is committed to reviving Grand Bahama.
Senator Thompson noted the purpose of the trip was to principally market Grand Bahama. This, according to Minister Thompson, proves that the country’s leader is still focused on promoting Grand Bahama and helping to revive its economy.
“The Prime Minister has always been focused on Grand Bahama and on promoting the island of Grand Bahama,” noted Senator Thompson.
During the trip Minister Thompson noted that the delegation met with the Governor of Texas, the Texas Chamber of Commerce, with investors, business executives, as well as with a group of Bahamian diaspora. One of the features of the trip was a meeting the delegation held with a number of executives from tech companies, including Google, Del, HP, Gearbox and a number of other companies, including reps from Silicon Valley.
“We were able to give them a good, detailed presentation about the benefits of doing business in Grand Bahama,” said Minister Thompson. “I believe that we accomplished that purpose, which was to begin to strengthen relationships with those tech companies.
“It was important for us to get the message out that Grand Bahama was opened for business. It is important to get the message out that we want to invite these companies to come to the Bahamas, but more importantly, we’re doing this because we want to be able to create more opportunities for Bahamians. “That has to be the key focus, which is to create the environment that provides an opportunity for Bahamians.”
The meeting with Tech executives falls in line with Minister Thompson’s push to make Grand Bahama the Tech Hub for The Bahamas. Minister Thompson said that many of the Tech Executives in Texas said that they had heard of Grand Bahama’s first technology Summit, and they spoke highly of the reports they had received. Minister Thompson says this bodes well for the second Tech Summit set for Grand Bahama this year.
Minister Thompson said that another major meeting in Texas, which can have direct investment opportunity for Grand Bahama, was the meeting they had with executives of the Port of Houston.
“They made a very detailed presentation to us and we began the dialogue of how we here in Freeport, with our Container Port and the GB Shipyard, could partner with them to have mutual exchange, which we hope would lead to more opportunities here in Grand Bahama,” said Minister Thompson.
While in Houston, the Bahamian delegation was able to meet with Bahamians living in Texas, and were pleased to find out that there were a number of Bahamians living in the Houston area who were interested in doing projects in Grand Bahama.
“The trip overall, we believe was a success. But the real success will come in the results. We are hopeful that we will see some positive results from this trip.”
Minister Thompson noted that followup with the companies and individuals whom they met in Texas, has already begun. Although he says, it’s still at the early stages.”
By: Andrew Coakley (BIS)
Photo caption: Minister of State for Grand Bahama in the Office of The Prime Minister, Senator Kwasi Thompson said the business and investment trip to Texas led by Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert Minnis was primarily to promote Grand Bahama as a great place in which to invest.
(BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)
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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