Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: PM touts Maritime Industry as another means to diversify the economy
#Bahamas, May 15, 2018 – Nassau – Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert A. Minnis has extolled the potential of the maritime sector as another way to diversify the economy. He made the observation during the Official Christening Ceremony of Tugboats Samson and Rose at Prince George Dock on Monday, May 14, 2018.
“The maritime sector holds great promise for The Bahamas, and is another sector for increased diversification,” the Prime Minister said. “There are approximately 5,000 jobs Bahamians can be trained for in the international maritime industry.”
The new-state-of-the art vessels valued at $15 million, will complement the Government’s tugboats fleet in rendering service to cruise ships coming in port and emergency services to smaller vessels.
The Prime Minister deemed it an honour to participate in the christening ceremony. And he particularly noted that Tug Samson was named in honour of the late Sir Durward Knowles – the first Bahamian to win an Olympic medal, for sailing. He died at age 100.
“Today would not have been possible without Sir Durward Knowles, who departed this life just this past February,” the Prime Minister said. “Sir Durward’s memory and legacy will live on in many ways and in many places, including with the inauguration of the new service provided by these 
state of the art tug boats,” he added.
Tugs Samson and Rose will be operated by Tug Services Limited, a 100 percent Bahamian-owned and operated company. The Government of The Bahamas entered into a 15-year contractual lease arrangement with Tug Services Limited, which began April 1, 2018.
“These are the kinds of public/private partnerships which help to provide certain necessary services,” the Prime Minister said.
The agreement calls for Tug Services Ltd. to provide two 50-ton bollard pull, Azimuth Stern Drive, tug boats, on a daily timed charter. It also includes management services, crew, firefighting, oil spill recovery; salvage capabilities and vessel maintenance for tug services at Nassau Harbour and Clifton Pier.
With its world-class equipment and experienced Bahamian staff, Tug Services Limited has the task of providing tugboat services 24 hours per day, 365 days per year for the next 15 years to “ensure the safety and enhance the competitiveness” of Nassau Harbour and Clifton Pier. This also includes reliable service during poor weather and in emergencies.
Tugs Rose and Samson are on the cutting edge of technology. They are a 60-ton vessel and a 70-ton vessel, respectively. Both contain life jackets, immersion suit life rafts, portable fire extinguishers, lifebuoys and other emergency equipment. The tugboats also contain an external firefighting system, which is powered by a Caterpillar C32 engine, with two general service pumps that can be used for bilge/ballast/internal firefighting.
The Prime Minister congratulated Tug Boat Services Ltd. and its management and staff for this milestone. He also thanked the officials in his administration and in the former administration, who were involved in negotiating and finalizing this agreement.
The Government is reviewing other possible public/private partnerships in a number of areas in the maritime and transport sectors.
“This is all a part of our program of modernization of public services, including in the generation of electricity; the installation of fibre optics throughout the government-operated school system and solarization and renewable energy projects,” the Prime Minister said.
By: Lindsay Thompson (BIS)
Photo Captions:
Header: Christening of the tugboats – pictured from left: Commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Commodore Tellis Bethel, the Right Reverend Gilbert Thompson, Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert Minnis, Lady Holly Knowles, Charlotte Albury, and Captain Ritchie.
Insert: Prime Minister Minnis, during his address.
BIS Photos/Peter Ramsay
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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