Bahamas News
Bahamas seeks US assistance in illegal migration problem
By Lindsay Thompson, Bahamas Information Services
#LIMA, Peru – Tuesday April 17, 2-018 The Commonwealth of the Bahamas seeks assistance from the United States of America in stemming the tide of illegal migration into the island nation.
This, among other issues were further discussed in a meeting between The Bahamas’ Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon Hubert Minnis and US Vice-President Mike Pence on the margins of the Eighth Summit of the Americas held in Lima, Peru, April 13-14, 2018. 
The US Government announced that President Trump would not attend the 8th Summit of the Americas, as originally scheduled. At the President’s request, the Vice-President traveled in his stead. The President remained in the United States to oversee the American response to Syria and to monitor developments around the world.
“I’ve had a one-one-meeting with Vice-President Pence: we are more concerned about the problems we face with illegal migration and I pointed out that we need assistance in this matter,” Dr. Minnis said.
He said he was very satisfied with Mr. Pence’s response to those matters, who also acknowledged he recognized the issues facing The Bahamas.
The Bahamas is “not looking for money, per se,” the Prime Minister said. But seeking assistance in improving its technology, skills, and its access to more supplies and equipment.
The Prime Minister said The Bahamas has also had this discussion with President Jovenel Moïse of Haiti, whom he said is aware of the problem and is willing to work with the Bahamian Government. 
“They would allow us to take a ship ride into their waters so as to deal with this issue. But it would also help us with the problems we face with illegal fishing. Once our technology and manpower resources increase then we can deal not only with the migratory problem but also illegal fishing,” the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister stated that he also asked for assistance in dealing with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s blacklisting of The Bahamas as a ‘tax haven.’
“We are a transparent nation. We do all to stem corruption. We do all to ensure transparency, honesty and good governance… and if they think we are off track, to let us know so that we can correct that problem and maintain world standards.
“But I pointed out that I don’t think it is fair to us or other small nations because every time the bar is moved it affects us. So at least fix it for everybody so that we can have fairness,” the Prime Minister said. 
Prior to this meeting, the Prime Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs the Hon. Darren Henfield and Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Senator the Hon. Carl Bethel met with US Vice-President Pence and Acting US Secretary of State John Sullivan to discuss security cooperation, disaster risk preparedness and economic and trade cooperation.
And, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Attorney General and the Minister of Education the Hon. Jeff Lloyd attended a CARICOM Meeting with a nine-member US Congressional delegation, headed by House Chair of the Western Hemisphere Sub-Committee, the Hon. Paul Cook, to discuss CARICOM issues related to climate change, disaster risk preparedness, security cooperation, and trade arrangements.
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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