Bahamas News
Bahamians played significant role in Commonwealth Youth Forum at CHOGM
#England, May 01, 2018 – London – For the voices of young people to be heard at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting bodes well for the future of the 53-member nations and by extension, the world.
During the meetings, five Bahamian young people joined an estimated 500 delegates who participated in the Eighth Commonwealth Youth Forum held on the margins of CHOGM from April 16-18. There are about 1.8 billion young people between the ages of 10 and 24 – the largest youth population ever, according to latest United Nations Population Fund statistics.
The 2018 Youth Forum’s theme of “Powering Our Common Future” reflects the CHOGM theme of “Towards a Common Future” and illustrates the powerful potential of young people across the Commonwealth in devising solutions to complex global challenges as well as their ability to bring forward meaningful recommendations to the Heads of Government meeting.
According to Bahamian participants, who are no strangers to the Commonwealth Youth Forum, the future is really in their hands and that of their peers.
Attorney Tamar Moss, president of The Bahamas National Youth Council, said that The Bahamas had a significant role to play in the General Assembly of the Commonwealth Youth Council. She pointed out that the purpose of the Bahamas National Youth Council participation in the Commonwealth Youth Forum is to make policy recommendations that are beneficial to the Commonwealth and nationally.
“So that the Commonwealth charter is more nationalized and more personable, so that we all as citizens of the commonwealth of The Bahamas can benefit from the policy recommendations that we have all agreed on as 53 member states.”
According to Moss, it was a very rewarding experience for them as they could appreciate policies the Government decides to put in place and why. And, at the end of the day, they want to see certain things pledged come to fruition.
“For example, we want to see a sustainable Bahamas; we want to see a fair Bahamas that not only promotes equality but equity. And of course a secure Bahamas in which our physical borders are protected and our economy is protected and secured,” she said.
Andril Aranha, CEO of Aroma Bahamas, general secretary of the Bahamas National Youth Council, is also on the Commonwealth Youth Council. He plays a vital role in the Council’s election process with a team that represents The Americas. The young CEO first attended the 2015 CHOGM in Malta as representative of the Commonwealth Youth Entrepreneurship Network. He said what he noticed mostly, was that succession planning is very important in preparing young people for growth and development.
Shaquille Knowles, Chairperson of the Caribbean Regional Youth Council, and member of the International Task Force of the Commonwealth Youth Forum was, for almost a year, instrumental in the planning of the youth programme in conjunction with the Commonwealth Secretariat.
And according to Knowles, it was a “wonderful experience” sitting at a roundtable discussion with UK Prime Minster the Hon. Theresa May and especially Prince Harry who was appointed Commonwealth Youth Ambassador by Her Majesty The Queen, just days before she relinquished her position as Head of the Commonwealth.
“We spoke about what are the ideals of the young people in the Commonwealth, what are our issues and how best we can speak on those amongst our peers,” said Knowles.
He noted that some of the shared issues were youth unemployment and the lack of youth representation on various decision-making organizations. “We want a say. We want a seat at the table and we to be respected like everyone else at the table.”
The young people representing The Bahamas at the Commonwealth Youth Forum pledged to make a difference in the further development of the country. Also present were Robin Thompson and Rashad Ritchie.
By Lindsay Thompson
Photo Caption: Prime Minister Dr. the Hon Hubert A. Minnis met some of The Bahamas’ youth who participated in the Commonwealth Youth Forum during a meeting reception with the Bahamian Diaspora, following the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London. The meeting, followed by a reception, was held at the Royal Overseas League at Park Place, St. James Street, April 21, 2018. Pictured from left: Attorney Tamar Moss, president of the Bahamas National Youth Council; Prime Minister Minnis; Shaquille Knowles, Chairperson of the Caribbean Regional Youth Council and member of the International Task Force of the Commonwealth Youth Forum; and Andri Aranha, CEO of Aroma Bahamas, Secretary General of the Bahamas National Youth Council, and member of the Commonwealth Youth Council.
(BIS Photo/Yontalay Bowe)
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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