Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Minister Expresses Well Wishes to Chinese Government at Event Celebrating Chinese New Year
#Bahamas, February 16, 2018 – Nassau – Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Darren Henfield attended a ceremony commemorating the opening of the Chinese New Year (Spring Festival). The event was held at the British Colonial Hilton on Thursday, 8th February. The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to The Bahamas, His Excellency Huang Qinguo and his wife Madame Zheng Chuncao hosted the event. Also in attendance were: the Governor General, Cabinet Ministers, Members of the Judiciary, Senior Public Service officials and Members of the Chinese community in the Bahamas.
Minister Henfield said he was honoured to attend the celebration: “The Spring Festival is a very important celebration on the Chinese calendar and is traditionally marked by happy gatherings, close family interactions, vibrant parades and colourful celebrations among Chinese communities all over the world. Here in The Bahamas, it is no different.
“I wish you, Ambassador, and the entire Chinese Community in The Bahamas a wonderful evening and all the best for this coming Chinese New Year.”
Last year, The Bahamas and China commemorated a significant milestone, as both countries celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the establishment of Diplomatic Relations.
“Since 1997, the Government of the People’s Republic of China has made invaluable contributions to the development of The Bahamas,” said Mr. Henfield. “We have continued to enjoy a harmonious friendship deepened by co-operation in areas such as tourism, health care, financial services, trade, agriculture and education.”
He said that the Government of The Bahamas ‘appreciates and welcomes’ China’s continued support with respect to mutually supported candidacies, cultural exchanges, cross-training, visa-free travel, and business investments. And also looks forward to the finalization of the Civil Air Services Agreement, which will further help to stimulate economic growth.
“Excellency, the appointment of His Excellency Sterling Quant as The Bahamas Ambassador to China in December past reaffirmed our commitment to the cordial relations between The Bahamas and China. Just this past Monday, The Bahamas Embassy in Beijing hosted a Sino-Bahamas Financial Co-operation Seminar, where some 23 senior banking officials were in attendance. Exchanges of this nature help to deepen and solidify our mutually beneficial relationship,” said Mr. Henfield.
The Minister also took the opportunity to thank Counsellor Wang Qingjun, in his absence, for his contributions, and to welcome the new Counsellor, Mr Yin Haigang.
“Excellency, Each year, scores of Bahamians benefit from educational and technical opportunities offered by your Government,” he said. “These scholarship opportunities expose our citizens to your unique culture and equip them with the necessary skills to contribute positively to the national development of The Bahamas upon their return. I thank you for such opportunities which continue to bring our two countries closer.”
He reiterated the commitment of the Government of The Bahamas to strengthening and promoting Sino-Bahamian relations through on-going direct dialogue between the nations and peoples.
By: Betty Vedrine (BIS)
Photo caption: Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Darren Henfield greets Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Huang Qinquo and his wife, Madame Zheng Chuncao, during the celebration commemorating the opening of the 2018 Chinese New Year (Spring Festival). The event was held on Thursday, February 8, at the British Colonial Hilton.
(Photo courtesy of Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
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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