Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: IDB Team Views Quakoo Street Community Centre’s Role in Citizen Security and Justice Initiative
#Bahamas, May 15, 2018 – Nassau – Implementation of the government’s expansive multi-agency Citizen Security & Justice Program continues with the objective to reduce crime, and increase safety and security. The Citizen Security and Justice Program (CSJP) continues to be a top priority for the government and the Minister of National Security, the Hon. Marvin Dames, whose ministry is responsible for overseeing its operation.
An Inter-American Development Bank Portfolio Review Mission Team and CSJP, in meeting with various stakeholders, recently viewed ongoing initiatives of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and role it plays in CSJP. They saw first-hand the Fresh Start refresher and Mentorship Training initiatives that are operating in the Quakoo Street Community Centre as a part of the Citizen Security & Justice Program. CSJP is funded by an IDB loan as in investment in addressing the problem of crime in The Bahamas.
Key stakeholders of this far-reaching initiative include: the Office of the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit, the Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Labour and Department of Labour, National Training Agency, Office of the Attorney General, The Chief Justice (Acting), Registrar of Courts, The Department of Public Prosecution, The Bahamas Department of Corrections, Ministry of Social Services, Department of Rehabilitative and Welfare Services, Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institution (BTVI), the Ministry of Finance, and the Inter-American Development Bank.
The Citizen Security and Justice Program may be one of the largest, concerted efforts to address the social and systemic challenges that contribute to crime within local communities. It attacks crime from a different angle, being driven by strengthening the capacity of various institutions, and improving mindset and skillset of members in the communities.
The first of four components is designed to addresses behavior modification and social re-engineering needed to equip young persons to resolve conflict in a non-violent manner. Led by the Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture and the Ministry of Education, plans are underway to open fully programmed Youth Centers and Community Centres throughout various districts in New Providence over the next three years. In addition to Sports and Culture, programs will focus on gender-based violence, parenting, against sexual assault training, violence interrupters, job readiness, youth empowerment, safe dating and conflict resolution within the school system.
The second component of the program will empower the young adult population through soft skills and technical training with a view towards improving their prospects of employment. The Ministry of Labour and Department of Labor have partnered with the National Training Agency to implement the training programs designed to prepare some 2,600 young persons for the workforce. The capacity of the NTA will also be strengthened through training of its personnel. The Citizen Security and Justice Program has financed the upgrade of the Electronic Labour Exhange Platform (ELE), operated by the Department of Labour. The ELE is a web-based tool that will help expand and enhance the Public Employment Services offered to employers and prospective job seekers.
There is a strong effort to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the criminal justice system. Under review is a major investment to implement a robust Integrated Case Management System to improve, court scheduling, electronic case management, court recording and reporting. Once implemented, along with other judicial reforms, the anticipated benefit is a reduction in the backlog of cases and more efficient processing of court cases.
The final component to this massive program is spearheaded by the Department of Corrections and includes plans to continue the reformation of the prison from a penal to correctional institution. The chief output is the implementation of a rehabilitative model and case management systems for the incarcerated adults and juveniles. The model and case management system will provide a structured program of rehabilitation throughout an inmate’s/juvenile’s stay. An exciting partnership is being fostered with the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institution to provide certifications for inmates. This will assist with reintegration of offenders into the community upon release. The goal is to reduce the rate of recidivism.
Undergirding this effort is a Project Implementation Unit in the Ministry of National Security and an active Steering Committee comprised of Permanent Secretaries throughout the various government agencies.
Release: BIS
Photo Caption: Members of the IDB’s Mission Team and officials of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture at the Quakoo Street Community Centre. In front row, l-r: Joel Korn (IDB), Alex Veyrat-Pontet (IDB), Silvana Fitzpatrick (IDB), Nicole Campbell, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, Dr. Dorcas Cox, Project Manager, Citizen Security & Justice Program, Natalie Bethel (IDB), Inga Carey (IDB), K. Darron Turnquest, Director of Youth/Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture, Tonika Stubbs, Project Administrator, Citizen Security & Justice Program. Back row, l-r: Eugene Poitier, Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of National Security and Dr. Valerie Knowles, Component IV Coordinator, Citizen Security and Justice Program.
(BIS Photo/Eric Rose)
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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