Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: An Educational Legacy – The Jane and Marcus Bethel $100,000 Scholarship Established at UB
#Nassau, July 07, 2018 – Bahamas – Growing up “liberty is through education,” was the adage which resonated through the home of the late Marcus Bethel, founder of Bethel Brothers Morticians, renowned visionary, entrepreneur and patriarch, with seven children Justice Rubie M. Nottage (Ret.), Dr. Pamela F. Etuk, Dr. Marcus R. C. Bethel, Dr. Paulette A. Bethel, Michael Bethel, Marion Bethel Sears and Owen M. Bethel. He and his wife, the late Jane Fitzroy Bethel (nee Butler) believed in the transformative power of education. Though the couple did not have the opportunity to graduate from high school, they instilled in their progeny the value of a sound education.
“My father ensured that all of his young girls would be educated, there were four of us out of seven and he said to each one of us, ‘I may not be able to leave properties and land for you but if you have a good education, no man can take that away from you’,” recalls the oldest Bethel daughter, Retired Justice Ruby M. Nottage. “Holding his hand very strongly was my mother…together they saw this vision of educating their children.” An astounding decision for that time, Jane and Marcus Bethel allowed their first two daughters to go to boarding school at the ages of seven and nine.
Surrounded by family, friends and University of The Bahamas senior administrators, faculty and staff on Wednesday, 4th July 2018, the Bethel family founded the Jane and Marcus Bethel Scholarship Award in memory of their beloved parents. On behalf of the family, former parliamentarian Dr. Marcus Bethel and his wife Chantal donated $100,000 to the University for the establishment of entry level scholarships for needy students and awards for student travel abroad experiences. Awardees are required to maintain a GPA of 3.00 and be full time students with 12 or more credits.
While celebrating his birthday, Dr. Bethel expressed profound support for UB, reflecting on the many family ties to the institution over the years including the leadership of former Attorney General, Minister of Education and College Council Chairman Mr. Alfred Sears – husband of Dr. Bethel’s sister Marion – and Retired Justice Nottage’s contributions as a former member of the College Council and current law faculty member.
“Our family is connected in many ways to the University of The Bahamas and we as a family are all proud of the University, where it came from and where it is going. I want to commend President Smith and Provost Davis whom we worked with for the past few months on this scholarship. We want to congratulate you and the staff for the tremendous work you are doing. I’m amazed and so proud to hear that so many students in Grand Bahama and throughout The Bahamas who are eager to get into the University of The Bahamas; eager to achieve a degree that will be internationally recognized. Our giving is part of the process to help move this forward,” express Dr. Bethel.
University President Dr. Rodney D. Smith shared his gratitude on behalf of the institution and touted the impact the donation would have on the 
expansion of learning experiences for UB students.
“By creating the Jane and Marcus Bethel Award, the Bethel family communicates a public, permanent and powerful message – that they believe in extending access to excellent tertiary education to an increasing number of students. This is truly nation building. At the University of The Bahamas, we believe that investment in study abroad experiences is essential to creating students who have a broader world view, which in turn can make them better nation builders. Education is so much more than a classroom and campus experience – it is global,” said President Smith.
Proud spokesperson for the family, Mrs. Nottage, said in closing, “A culture of giving is very needed in this society, we must be able to give and give freely not counting the cost and not expecting anything in return.”
Release: BIS
Photo Caption:
- Event moderator Justice Ruby M. Nottage (Retired).
- Friends and family gathered in honour and celebration of the late Jane and Marcus Bethel.
- Dr. Marcus Bethel, his wife Chantal and sons presented the $100,000 cheque to UB President Dr. Rodney D. Smith.
- University of The Bahamas President Dr. Rodney D. Smith and Provost Linda Davis signs MOU with Bethel family.
- Former parliamentarian Dr. Marcus Bethel.
Mr. Owen Bethel son of the late Marcus Bethel.
Bethel family with Dr. Smith and Dr. Davis.
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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