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BAHAMAS: 1st Bahamas Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Conference a Week Away

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#GrandBahama, June 13, 2018 – Bahamas – As the launch of the first Bahamas Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Conference is just over one week away, Minister of State for Grand Bahama in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator the Hon. J. Kwasi Thompson, on Monday encouraged Bahamians to get registered.  The conference, scheduled to be opened by Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Dr. the Hon. Hubert A. Minnis, is being held from June 20 to 22 at the Grand Lucayan resort.  The official opening will be held at 10:00 a.m.

Minister Thompson said the government is pleased to be able to host the conference. “The government has been very focused on ensuring that we progress with our tech hub initiative. We believe in this initiative. We believe that this is going to do wonders for Grand Bahama.”

Direct benefit with this initiative has already been seen, he said, with the opening of GIBC Digital which has already hired 25 people and is scheduled to hire 25 more.

The tech conference hosted last year started the initiative, and armed with a strategic plan as to how to successfully become a technology hub, one of the suggestions was to have a conference that focused on blockchain and cryptocurrency, which the Minister described as “one of the fastest moving industries in the technology field.”

Stating that they are pleased with the response to the conference both locally and internationally, Minister Thompson added the calibre of speakers shows the desire the country has to be a part of the industry and shows companies that Grand Bahama is open for business.

“Again, it is a marketing tool to allow the world to know that Grand Bahama is open, open for business and it is about diversifying our business here in Grand Bahama.  Which ultimately means providing more improvements to our economy and providing more jobs for Bahamians because that really is the focus of this government.”

Omar Isaacs, an Investment Officer at Office of the Prime Minister, said the conference focuses on opportunities for venture capitalists and some of the pitch presentation companies in attendance from around the world.

“A lot of persons have really looked towards the crytocurrency portion of this, but we want to focus on the blockchain technology that allows for crytocurrency to be exchanged.”

Listing some of those who will be in attendance, he said, Michael J. Casey and Anthony Di lorio are internationally known in this field and they explain what blockchain is all about.

Describing the conference as a “hybrid” one, Mr. Isaacs added, “We will have a venture conference side of this. So during the time we have education panel discussions going on we’ll also have pitch presentations from international companies that will be set before venture capitalists coming in from Los Angeles, Houston, Texas, New York and Canada to hear these particular companies pitch their wares and see if we can strike deals right here in Grand Bahama.

“In addition to that, after they would have struck those deals, our investment officers will be right there with them to help them make that transition to bring their base of operations here to Grand Bahama.”

To register for the conference, visit www.blockchainbahamasconference.com

Registration for Bahamians is free of charge (promo code: bah2018).

 

By: Robyn Adderley (BIS)

Photo Caption: Bahamians are urged to register for the upcoming Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Conference being held from June 20 to 22 at Grand Lucayan resort. Bahamians can attend free of charge.  Shown from left are: Olivia Blatch, attorney, Investment Unit; Harcourt Brown, Permanent Secretary, OPM; Minister Thompson; Omar Isaacs, Investment Officer, OPM; and Shamine Johnson, Investment Officer, OPM.

(BIS Photo/Andrew Miller)

 

 

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Get your laugh on, March On, family drama by Gea Pierre, debut this weekend in Turks and Caicos 

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Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer

After resounding success in the Bahamas, hit play ‘March On, The Story of Us’ has been inundated with requests to take their show on the road, and the first location they’ll be hitting is Providenciales Turks and Caicos with tickets on sale again this weekend, the show debuts Friday night.

Magnetic Media spoke to Gea Pierre, playwright, who told us the TCI was a natural first choice for the cast and crew where shows are set for Brayton Hall, for Friday May 10 at 8pm and Saturday has two showings; matinee at 4pm and evening, 8pm.

Tickets are $75 VIP. General admission is $60.

“We started ‘March On’ in November 2023 and it was really an opportunity for us to tell a story, the story of the Bahamas and to encompass the nations that we have an amazing relationship with like the Turks and Caicos,” she continued “We really got a lot of people calling [for the play] from [the TCI], so much so we really had to pay attentattention.

The response to ‘March On’ at home and abroad was overwhelming.

“To say it went well is an understatement, even before we opened we got calls from Canada, from all over the US with people wanting us to come and perform.”

And take the show on the road they did! Gea and her team have launched “March On: The Tour” and will be in Providenciales to perform on May 10th and 11th. It’s the first of a number of stops which include Nassau and several US locations.

Online tickets are available for purchase with credit cards. The full team returns on Friday, May 10 with the comedy production being held under the patronage of Washington Misick, TCI Premier and First Lady Delthia Misick.

Describing the close familial relationships between the TCI and the Bahamas, for many on the crew it will be like coming home Gea told us, for others it will be a treat to visit for the first time, the places that their grandparents described.

Gea maintained that the team wanted to keep the show as accessible to residents as possible.

As for why you should come out and see the play, other than the great price point:

“The way that people have responded to it is non stop laughter, people have been moved to tears because there’s some emotion. It does not only lend to Bahamians. It’s a family drama, and anyone who’s ever been a part of a family is going to get something out of it, and something moving.”

 

 

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The Bahamas Successfully Hosts Its Fourth World Athletics Relays

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NASSAU, Bahamas – Hundreds of people from around the world turned out in full force for the BTC World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 that took place at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, May 4 -5, 2024.

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.

In fact, The Bahamas was able to take advantage of the second day of competition.

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.

(BIS Photos/Kemuel Stubbs)

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PM at World Relays 2024 Opening: ‘Tonight, the eyes are on The Bahamas’

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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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