Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Minister of Foreign Affairs chairs “Windrush” meeting at CHOGM
#England, April 24, 2018 – London – The Bahamas’ Minister of Foreign Affairs the Hon. Darren Henfield walked into a busy schedule of Pre-CHOGM Meeting of the Commonwealth Foreign Ministers.
“It’s been a very busy agenda in London, straight from the Summit of the Americas in Lima, Peru (April 13-14) Mr. Henfield said.
The first thing the Minister did was chair a caucus between the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the British Government on the margins of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting — after Britain faced severe criticism over the treatment of the “Windrush generation” of British residents. The concern was that the British Home Office can “sometimes lose sight of the individual” or those who came to Britain from the Commonwealth after the Second World War.
Dubbed the ‘Windrush generation’ after the cruise ship that brought one of the first large groups of West Indians to Britain, anyone who entered the UK before 1973 was legally entitled to live in the country. However, despite having been in the UK for most of their lives, the group of British residents began to experience issues as a result of tightened UK immigration requirements.
It has seen some Windrush generation residents, who might never have felt the need to apply for a UK passport before, left without the documentation now required by officials.
Mr. Henfield, who is the incoming Chair of Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) of the Caribbean Community, said, “We are satisfied that the United Kingdom is doing all in its power to ameliorate these unfortunate circumstances.”
Mr. Henfield also attended a Commonwealth Small States meeting where issues discussed related to sustainability and environmental protection. Climate change is always a concern for Small Island Developing States such as The Bahamas: the country has suffered in the past three consecutive years from devastating hurricanes.
The United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean estimated that The Bahamas suffered damage in the amount of $700 million as a result of the consecutive hurricanes.
“So we impress upon our Commonwealth brothers and sisters that there must be some other form of measurement to attract ODA (Official Development Assistance) and concessionary loans for rebuilding,” Mr. Henfield said.
He explained, “We have not yet finished rebuilding in the first cycle of three years and we are now approaching another cycle of the Hurricane Season and those loans and overseas development assistance are based upon your GNP and GDP per capita.
“Our GNP and GDP per capita, are in the same company with China but we always put forward this argument that there should be consideration for vulnerability because you can make all kinds of grand plans as a country to do the public good, [develop] infrastructure, to build schools, to build clinics and in one fell swoop (Irma) will come and displace all those plans.”
Mr. Henfield said he sensed a move by the Commonwealth to re-engage member states more deliberately, especially in the wake of Brexit. “This deliberate re-engagement by the Commonwealth and the United Kingdom can only bode well for The Bahamas and CARICOM as a whole. So, we are looking at a more sustainable and more prosperous and more secure future in the Caribbean region.”
The Commonwealth Foreign Ministers also discussed the issue of cyber security, a concern for The Bahamas, which seeks to participate in the digital economy and environment.
Mr. Henfield also attended meetings on ocean conservation and trade between the countries.
By: Lindsay Thompson
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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