Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Senior government officials undergo training in Public Policy Analysis and Management
#Bahamas, March 23, 2018 – Nassau – Permanent Secretaries and other senior government officials are taking part in a Public Policy Analysis and Management, and Project Cycle Management Training Programme facilitated by the Caribbean Development Bank and DODs Training UK.
The training comes as The Bahamas Government conducts a sizeable effort to strengthen the effectiveness, efficiency, reliability, transparency and accountability of the public sector in delivering service to the public, which is its primary goal, Secretary to the Cabinet and Head of the Public Service, Camille Johnson said at the launch of the training at the Office of the Prime Minister, March 19, 2018.
“Bahamas Government Inc. is a not for profit organisation – it is in the business of providing services, not just any service, but specialised services that governments alone can provide, and regulating those services provided by the private sector. We therefore should act in harmony with that sector to create a business climate in which it can best operate.”
The Cabinet Secretary said, “Many of you here are, or should be, in the business of providing unfettered advice to policy makers and legislators to assist in the creation of that climate.”
She said that many of the policy changes that are occurring have been in direct response to the identification by policy advisors of how to improve the delivery of services to the public.
Ms. Johnson said in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Report 2018, The Bahamas ranked 119 of 190 countries, a slight improvement from its ranking of 121 of 190 countries in 2017. To ensure that the country improves in the rankings even more, she said in January of this year the Government has made significant policy changes that will result in an improved process for obtaining a business license.
“This is a prime example of the significance of this current training effort, which emphasises that public policy is not static and needs to continually 
be reviewed and evaluated and updated.”
The Cabinet Secretary said the Government has also begun the process of moving towards a programme-based approach to management and budget formulation and has just recently established the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit to bring about a Centre-of-Government approach to results-based management.
“This is a new approach from which we expect significant results.”
She said while the transformation taking place in the service is noteworthy, it must be noted that no transformation can take place without one key element – people.
“They are the most valuable resource of any public service and changes in the processes begin with a concomitant alteration in the attitudes, practices and mindset of the people who conceptualise or manage those processes.”
The Cabinet Secretary said this particular training exercise is one of the largest training efforts in the Bahamian public service’s history with approximately 170 public servants of varying grades receiving face-to-face training in all aspects of public policy development and project management.
Darran Newman, Acting Division Chief, Technical Cooperation Division, Caribbean Development Bank explained that over the next six weeks, the training will refine talents and enhance skills. She said the face-to-face training will allow for the participants to look closely at areas around policy capacity, implementation, formulation, appraisal and monitoring and evaluation.
Ms. Newman said the curriculum was created with wide consultation with public officers to ensure that it is relevant and specific. She said, “We acknowledge that there is a wealth of talent and I know that we have to be constantly working to create innovative policies and programmes that serve people.”
By: Llonella Gilbert
Photo Caption: Senior government officials take part in the Public Policy Analysis and Management and Project Cycle Management Training Programme facilitated by the Caribbean Development Bank and DODs Training UK at the Office of the Prime Minister, Monday, March 19, 2018.
(BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)
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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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