Bahamas News
Minister of Works inspects government buildings and projects in Grand Bahama
#Bahamas, April 18, 2018 – Grand Bahama – Minister of Works, the Hon. Desmond Bannister said repair of the Garnett Levarity Justice Centre is at the top of the Ministry of Works list of priorities for Grand Bahama.
“The building is in a bad state of disrepair and needs a lot of work,” said Minister Bannister. “I believe that the building had problems in the way it was constructed at the beginning and so it’s going to take a lot to get that building back to where it should be.
“We’re hoping that by next July – depending on if we are not hit with any major hurricanes – the courthouse should be at the place it was designed to be in terms of its construction and operational aspect.”
Minister Bannister, along with a number of executives of the Ministry of Works in Nassau arrived in Grand Bahama on Thursday morning (April 12, 2018) and set out for a tour of a number of facilities and project sites on the island for which the government is responsible.
Following a meeting with staff members at the Ministry of Works in Grand Bahama, Minister Bannister and his team toured the Garnett Levarity Justice Centre before making their way to the local post office, downtown Freeport.
At the post office, Minister Bannister got a first-hand look at some of the damage to the building, which had became more evident following the passing of two major hurricanes through Grand Bahama in 2016.
“This is an old building, and when you look at it, you see the cast iron pipes, so there are issues with respect to the bathrooms, which have to be addressed,” said Minister Bannister. “There has to be a fundamental overhaul of this building.”
The Minister said repairs to the building and mold remediation are important steps and that since coming to office, the government has spent over a million dollars on mold remediation at the Freeport Post Office in the interest of keeping the workers safe. He said there must be a greater appreciation for the need to regularly maintain public buildings like that of the post office, not just in Grand Bahama, but in Nassau and throughout the Family Islands.
Upon leaving the Freeport Post Office, the Minister of Works and his entourage made their way to the newly built police and fire station on Settlers Way, to get a first-hand view of the modern-designed facility.
Minister Bannister was impressed with the project and said that plans are in place to ensure that police and fire officers are moved into the building as soon as possible. The obstacle that had prevented officers from occupying the building since it had been completed over a year ago was the lack of furniture. The Minister assured the media that he had been advised that the furniture has been ordered and that it should be arriving on island in short order, following which immediate action would be taken to have the officers in Grand Bahama occupy the new facility.
Minister Bannister also toured a number of other government buildings and projects throughout the day on Thursday, including the Fishing Hole Bridge, Bartlett Hill Primary School, the new Holmes Rock Primary school (still under construction), the Eight Mile Rock Government Complex (still under construction) and the seawall in West End, Grand Bahama.
By Andrew Coakley (BIS)
Photo captions:
Header: Minister of Works Desmond Bannister (second from right), along with Member of Parliament for Pineridge and Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Works, Iram Lewis (right) look up at a hole in the ceiling in part of the building of the Freeport Post Office. During a tour of the facility the Minister was given an update on the state of the facility which had deteriorated over time, combined with damage suffered from hurricanes in 2016.
BIS Photos/Lisa Davis
WHAT’S THE PROBLEM HERE? – Minister of Works, the Hon. Desmond Bannister, along with Assistant Engineer in Grand Bahama, Mrs. Toni Hudson-Bannister look at damage to the courthouse at the Garnett Levarity Justice Center in Freeport, during a tour of the courthouse on Thursday, April 12, 2018. Minister Bannister said that repair of the courthouse is at the top of his Ministry’s priorities.
UPDATE ON BUILDING – Officer in charge of the newly built fire station and police department gave Minister of Works, Desmond Bannister an update on the work to the newly constructed building and the reason why officers have not yet moved into the building.
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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