Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Health Minister presents national health priorities to PAHO meeting
#Bahamas, May 02, 2018 – Nassau – Minister of Health the Hon. Dr. Duane Sands said the National Budget allocated for health has experienced a linear increase over the past 10 years.
“In 2017-2018, direct MOH allocation accounts for 11.5 per cent of the National Budget”, Dr. Sands explained as he presented the National health priorities at the Pan American Health Organization’s Caribbean Country and Sub-Regional Managers’ Regional Meeting at Atlantis Resort, Tuesday, May 1, 2018. “Government Health Expenditure accounts 14.1 per cent of the National Budget if the health insurance premium allocation for civil servants is included,” he said.
The Health Minister also explained that data reflects that at least 65 per cent of the Bahamian population access healthcare services through the public health network of hospitals and community clinics. He detailed the Government’s priorities and burden of disease, explaining that the second leading cause of death among males is violence contrasting to 2009 when it was the sixth leading cause of death.
Dr. Sands said this is leading to losing citizens in what should be their most productive years and this potential life loss (PYLL) also has significant economic implications. He said injury and violence (25.4 per cent) are contributing to a higher percentage of PYLL than non-communicable diseases and related risks (12 per cent) and all forms of cancers (11 per cent). He said statistics reveal that the victims of violence are predominantly single, male, unemployed with criminal record.
The Health Minister said there are questions about whether there is a link between poverty, household size and violence. Dr. Sands pointed out that The Bahamas’ poverty rate is at least eight percentage points lower than India and Turkey. Yet, its murder rate is almost six times higher per 100,000.
He said current interventions do not work and perhaps questions should be asked of what is known to be true; there should be a re-examination of the problem of public health methodology. Dr. Sands said PAHO can help with preparing the studies to undertake this re-examination.
He said priority number two is con-communicable diseases. “Over the past two decades, the Bahamian society has drifted more and more away from an agricultural one towards an industrialized, instant society.
“The drug of choice for many is sugar and this addiction starts early in life.”
The Health Minister presented detailed graphs with obesity rates and the non-communicable disease rates for The Bahamas, showing how they are higher than our neighbours’ in the region.
By: Llonella Gilbert (BIS)
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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