Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Prime Minister paid tribute to Sir Arthur at his 90th Birthday Celebration
#Bahamas, May 08, 2018 – Nassau – Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert Minnis hailed Sir Arthur A. Foulkes as a visionary and a nation builder during the former Governor General’s 90th Birthday Celebration on Friday, May 4, 2018. Sir Arthur worked as a journalist, served in 
politics as a Member of Parliament, in Government and as Governor General. He was also one of the framers of The Constitution. Hence, he is considered a Founding Father of the nation.
Before a packed Balmoral Club with family members including Joan Lady Foulkes, former and serving politicians, Sir Arthur was honoured for his dedication to family and country. Tributes were paid by former prime ministers, the Rt. Hon. Hubert Ingraham and the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie. Also present was former Governor General Arthur D. Hanna.
In his remarks Prime Minister Minnis told Sir Arthur, “You have given your lifeblood and every measure of devotion for our country. We revere and love you.”
According to the Prime Minister, it would take the poetic genius of Caribbean Nobel Prize winner Derek Walcott, or the brilliance of the West Indian Renaissance man Rex Nettleford, or the artistry of Max Taylor and Brent Malone, or the words and imagination of Sir Arthur Foulkes “to even begin to express the tremendous gratitude of the Bahamian people for the life and the legacy of the national hero, whose ninetieth birthday we joyously celebrate this evening.”
The Prime Minister recalled that during the struggle for Majority Rule he was fortunate at a young age to meet Sir Arthur, who was then editor of The Bahamian Times, and one of the leaders of the National Committee for Positive Action, the NCPA.
“The newspaper, which Sir Arthur edited, and the NCPA, were pivotal in the struggle. Both were the brainchild of Sir Arthur and a number of his colleagues,” the Prime Minister said.
He said that his uncle Dudley Gilbert, who helped to produce the Bahamian Times often, spoke about the kindness Sir Arthur showed him over the years before and after the Majority Rule government.
“He spoke of Sir Arthur’s decency, his sense of fairness and justice, his compassion and humanity, all of which have graced our nation for nearly a century. Uncle Dudley always reminded me of how Sir Arthur remained faithful to the movement, and to his vision of racial, social and economic equality,” the Prime Minister said.
He recalled that he was about 13-years-old when Majority Rule was ushered in. “As a young boy I couldn’t fully understand all the things that were being talked about and debated by my elders,” the Prime Minister said. “But over the decades many of us came to understand more fully the ideals and the vision of Sir Arthur and his generation of compatriots.”
The Prime Minister said that he entered politics to give back to the country, what The Bahamas so richly afforded him and that Sir Arthur, among others, inspired him to public service.
“Sir Arthur: None of us can walk in your shoes. But we can follow in your footsteps on the path you trod and bravely cleared for your beloved Bahamas through your blood, sweat and tears. We have undoubtedly made tremendous progress as a nation.”
But he said had the country remained more faithful to Sir Arthur’s vision, it would have progressed even further in terms of equality and social justice. The Prime Minister noted that the Over-the-Hill transformation plan his administration is leading is, in part, inspired by the social vision of Sir Arthur, who served as the Member of Parliament for Grant’s Town.
By: Lindsay Thompson
Photo Captions:
Header: At his 90th Birthday Celebration at Balmoral Club on Friday — Sir Arthur, seated, and standing behind him, from left, the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie, Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert Minnis, and the Rt. Hon. Hubert Ingraham.
Insert: Sir Arthur takes the podium.
(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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