Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: : Issues with High Rock seawall need to be fixed
#Bahamas, April 18, 2018 – Grand Bahama – In visiting two seawalls in East Grand Bahama on Friday, April 13, Minister of Public Works the Hon. Desmond Bannister, while pleased with the seawall in Smith’s Point, was displeased with the work on the seawall in High Rock.
Before the Minister had a chance to inspect the High Rock seawall, students from the East End Primary School were on hand to welcome him with a song. Following this, the Minister gave the students words of encouragement, stating that readers are leaders. Minister Bannister, along with members of the delegation then inspected the High Rock seawall.
“We came out here because what you see is a seawall that was improperly built. It has not given the people of Grand Bahama value for their money and you’ve seen where this was improperly done. The wall further down has actually separated, and there are a number of issues which ought never to have happened.
“We’re going to have to do some things to remedy this but we’re very concerned about the quality of work we get from contractors with respect to seawalls and other protective mechanisms for the people of Grand Bahama and the people of The Bahamas.”
It is important, the Minister noted, that people see what has happened with their tax dollars and the way it has been wasted with “shoddy work, shoddy workmanship, work that’s not going to last, and we have to ensure that this doesn’t happen again.”
Antonne Taylor, Engineer (Coastal/Structural), said that the shorelines need to be made more resilient to coastal hazards. To this end, he said, well-built coastal protection is needed, and the seawall in High Rock is an example of one done incorrectly.
“As a result, it’s suffered the various damages. Going forward, we have to make the necessary recommendations and works to ensure the proper functionality of the seawall.”
The seawall was built in 2004 and there is not yet a timeline for the repairs. The Minister added, “It’s a good contrast to see the quality of work that you saw at Waugh Construction and how that can protect a community, and when you have something like here that’s not tied in properly, it’s not backfilled properly, it comes back to haunt you in a few years.”
With hurricane season fast approaching, concern was expressed by the Minister as to whether the seawall will protect or harm the residents.
Earlier on Friday, the delegation toured the seawall in Smith’s Point. Following that tour, the Minister expressed pleasure in the work. He said that in his tenure as Minister for almost one year, that project makes him “most proud.” He said, “You’ll remember when I started as Minister of Public Works, this project was lagging. It was quite a bit behind time.” Having visited the island on a private visit, the Minister saw the condition of the seawall and said at the time he was not pleased.
The right decision was made, he said, when the former contractor was terminated and Waugh Construction was brought in. “They have shown extreme, outstanding professionalism in getting the job done. When you see something like this that is going to protect the community and you see what they’ve done here. The beach is coming back and so you’ll be able to walk on the beach. The amount of erosion that they had on this beach before, the sand is now coming back naturally because of the work that they’ve done.”
Minister Bannister said he was particularly proud that there were Bahamians doing the work.
Toni Hudson-Bannister, officer in charge of the Ministry of Works and Utilities in Grand Bahama said that the original project amount was $4.8 million and is expected to be completed in June, at the beginning of Hurricane season.
Minister Bannister, along with other staff from the Ministry of Works in Nassau, arrived in Grand Bahama on Thursday, when they toured a number of projects in West Grand Bahama.
By Robyn Adderley (BIS)
Photo captions:
Header: While touring the construction site of the seawall in Smith’s Point on Friday, April 13, Minister of Public Works, the Hon. Desmond Bannister, along with other officials from the Ministry.
First insert: Minister of Public Works, the Hon. Desmond Bannister, toured the construction site of the Seawall in Smith’s Point on Friday, April 13. The Minister, along with other officials, are seen having the work explained by personnel of Waugh Construction Company.
Second insert: Minister of Public Works, the Hon. Desmond Bannister, was not pleased when seeing the damaged seawall in High Rock. Minister Bannister is seen with Parliamentary Secretary, Iram Lewis and Toni Hudson-Bannister, officer in charge of the Ministry of Public Works in Grand Bahama.
Third insert: Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Works, Iram Lewis, is seen talking with the Minister of Works, the Hon. Desmond Bannister, during a tour of the seawall at Smith’s Point on Friday, April 13.
Fourth insert: The seawall in Smith’s Point is progressing, and expected to be completed around the beginning of the 2018 Hurricane Season. Workmen of Waugh’s Construction, the contracted company, are seen working while Minister of Public Works, the Hon. Desmond Bannister, toured the site on Friday, April 13.
(BIS Photos/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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