Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Commonwealth Day Celebrated at C.R. Walker
#Bahamas, March 16, 2018 – Nassau – C. R. Walker Senior High School braved the inclement weather Monday, March 12, and joined the 53 Commonwealth countries around the world as it observed Commonwealth Day with a special assembly.
Students, teachers, administrators and special guests gathered in Ju Ju Square, the school’s courtyard, to recognize and celebrate the day set aside for Commonwealth nations to observe and strengthen the bond that ties the Commonwealth together. Commonwealth Day was formerly known as Empire Day.
The theme for 2018 is “Towards a Common Future.” It explores how the Commonwealth can address global challenges and work to create a better future for all citizens through sub-themes of sustainability, safety, prosperity and fairness, in keeping with the theme of the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
Special guest speaker, R. Aruba Ferguson, Foreign Service Officer, reflected on Claudius Roland Walker, the individual for whom the school is named after, and described him as the “embodiment of the Commonwealth’s theme Towards a Common Future.”
Ms. Ferguson said Mr. Walker came from humble beginnings in Bain Town and emerged as a medical doctor, linguist, musician, politician and educator who established the Bahamas Technical Institute, an evening institute for adults and the Southern Library.
“Claudius Walker looked Towards a Common Future for his fellow Bahamians and people of the Commonwealth. He sought to ensure that children in The Bahamas had access to a better life through education and cultural and social enhancement. He worked and fought for a nation in which people could live free from violence, crime and fear,” said Ms. Ferguson.
She told those gathered that they are capable of going against the status quo and accepting the norm similar to freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King, Jr., Sir Lynden Pindling and Claudius Roland Walker.
“They all used their obstacles as springboards. The power they summoned to meet and beat those challenges became their greatest advantage and propelled them towards a future of political, social and economic equality for all.
“We, too, can use their example in working towards a common future despite the obstacles, to inspire us to improve education and health services for all, to support women and young people to start and run their own business and seek solutions to economic and environmental problems.”
Ms. Ferguson urged her audience to be concerned about the rights of others, stand against intolerance, prejudice and racism and to do their part to eradicate crime.
“Let us put in the extra time, the sacrifice, the extra effort and go the extra mile towards a common future for sustainable development for the citizens and states of the Commonwealth of nations and ultimately for The Bahamas” she said.
Highlights of the assembly included a parade of flags by students who are Royal Bahamas Defence Force Rangers, musical selection by C. R. Walker’s School Band, a poem entitled “Hey Black Child” by Ricardo Adderley, a student of 11A, and a message from Queen Elizabeth II, Head of the Commonwealth, read by Mrs. Nicola McKay, Principal.
Release: BIS
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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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