Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Prime Minister Calls for Sustained Partnership Between Church and State to Help the Poor
#Bahamas, May 31, 2018 – Nassau – Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert Minnis said that in order for the least among the people to benefit, there must be a continued partnership between the Church and State. He was addressing the Bahamas Baptist Missionary and Educational 
Convention’s 83rd Annual Session, held under the theme: ‘Counting The Cost,’ taken from Matthew 16:24.
In attendance were Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling, Governor General of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, and other officials who assembled among the congregation in the William Thompson Auditorium on Tuesday evening, May 29, 2018.
In congratulating the Baptist community on its stability, the Prime Minister said that the denomination has been a witness to the message of Jesus Christ throughout its history He also acknowledged the positive impact the Baptist Convention, through its various ministries, has had on the lives of thousands of Bahamians over the years.
“You have also served through servant leadership and social outreach,” he said. “And you know well the fundamental role of the church in the protection and respect for the dignity of the human person made in the image and likeness of God.”
According to the Prime Minister the Baptist community has taken to heart the instruction from Matthew 25 verses 35-36: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you 
clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
The Baptist community, he said, has a legacy of promoting the common good and social justice.
“The promotion of the common good and social justice requires a sustained partnership between church and state. We must work together, and work unceasingly, to address the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable in our land.
“The greatest privilege of serving as Head of Government is the opportunity to improve the lives of my fellow-Bahamians. It is a special privilege to work daily to provide our children and young people with opportunities to dream and to realize their dreams,” the Prime Minister said.
He said since coming to office in May 2017 he has a new vantage point to see, more in-depth, the challenges and problems as well as possibilities for the country. However, the work of good governance requires tough and difficult choices, he noted.
The Prime Minister also said that he is guided by a quote from the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who said: “On some positions, Cowardice asks the question, ‘Is it safe?’ Expediency asks the question, ‘Is it political?’ And Vanity comes along and asks the question, ‘Is it popular?’ But Conscience asks the question ‘Is it right?’
He continued: “And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor political, nor popular, but he must do it because 
conscience tells him it is right.”
In order to restore our country and move it in the right direction, some tough choices have been made; and there are more tough choices ahead, the Prime Minister said. “But in the end we will be a more productive, healthier and more vibrant country because the hard decisions were made.”
He said that his vision and commitment as Prime Minister is to help the Bahamian people, especially the young people, with the resources and opportunities they need to build a good life and a better Bahamas.
These resources include education, health care, social development and economic opportunities including jobs and opportunities to become entrepreneurs and business people, he said.
By: Lindsay Thompson (BIS)
Caption: Photos show highlights of the Bahamas Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention’s 83rd Annual Session at William Thompson Auditorium on Tuesday evening. Prime Minister Hubert Minnis addresses the audience and greets the Governor General Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling, and Baptist ministers including the Convention’s President Rev. Dr. William Thompson, and its Executive Secretary Rev. Dr. Delton Fernander.
(BIS Photos/Yontalay Bowe)
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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