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BAHAMAS: Prime Minister Minnis Brings Remarks at Calvary Deliverance 36th Annual Convention

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#Nassau, July 23, 2018 – Bahamas

Remarks

Dr. the Hon. Hubert Minnis

36th Annual Convention

Calvary Deliverance Church

“The Year of New Beginnings, Revelations, Declarations & Manifestations – The Year to Live and Not Die” 

Calvary Deliverance Church

Nassau, Bahamas

Sunday, 22 July 2018

11:00 A. M.

 

 

  • Bishop James Newry & Elder Queenie Newry
  • Bishop V.G. Clarke & Elder Beverly Clarke
  • Other members of the clergy
  • Congregants,

 

Good morning.

It is always a joy and an honor for me to be here at Calvary Deliverance.

I had the privilege of being with you last December for the Fifth Pastoral Anniversary Celebration for Bishop Newry and Elder Queenie Newry, under the theme: “My Season is Not Finished Yet!”

I am happy to be with you this morning in worship and praise as you begin your 36th Annual Convention.  To begin with, I wish to congratulate Pastor James Newry on his elevation to the Office of Bishop.  Please accept my best wishes in your new role.

On behalf of the Government of The Bahamas, and on my own behalf, and that of my wife, Patricia, I bring you prayerful greetings and best wishes for your convention.  May these be days of renewal and thanksgiving, and a time for celebration and fellowship.

Your theme for this Convention, “The Year of New Beginnings, Revelations, Declarations & Manifestations – The Year to Live and Not Die!”, has ancient roots in the Psalms, namely, Psalm 118:17-24.  But your theme is also timely, evoking the God of New Beginnings. The God of Rebirth and Restoration.

Beginning at Verse 17, the Psalm invites us to choose life in the Lord:

“17I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the LORD has done.

18The LORD has chastened me severely, but he has not given me over to death.

21I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation.

22The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone;

23the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.”

And in Verse 24, we are invited to rejoice in the goodness of the Lord and to be people of gratitude:

“24The LORD has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.”

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

The late Pope John Paul II often spoke about the Culture of Life and the Culture of Death.  He spoke of the need for the Church and the State to collaborate in the promotion of a Culture of Life, and to work together to address the attitudes and practices which give rise to a Culture of Death.

The dignity of every human being, made in the image and likeness of God, must be a shared and fundamental value for both Church and State.  When we defend or uphold human dignity we promote a Culture of Life.  We are all brothers and sisters and equal in the sight of Almighty God.

This is why the fight and struggle for equality throughout history is essential in promoting and building a Culture of Life.  This means equality for all, whether racial or gender equality.  There must be equality for all, no matter the circumstances of one’s birth or background.

Discrimination and prejudice fuel a Culture of Death.  Equality and Justice are necessary values in the promotion of a Culture of Life.

 

Brothers and Sisters:

We know all too well that while talent and gifts are broadly distributed among any population; opportunity is not broadly or evenly distributed.  My vision and mission as prime minister is to promote a greater Culture of Life by greatly expanding access to opportunity and hope for more Bahamians.  I want more of our young people to realize their dreams and to develop their talents.  Access to quality education and training are fundamental in building a more prosperous and productive, and a fairer and more just society.

Toward this end, beginning in September, those young people who meet the necessary qualifications will be able to attend BTVI for free.  Just imagine what this will mean for scores of young people, who want to lead productive and hope-filled lives as they contribute to better a better Bahamas.  And beginning next year September, those young Bahamians who meet the necessary qualifications will be able to attend the University of The Bahamas tuition-free.  This is a revolution in education in The Bahamas.

Indeed, it is one of the biggest advancements in education in our history.  Scores of young Bahamians who never dreamed they could afford or go to college, will now be able to dream big dreams, and make their dreams come true, if they are ready to work hard and to study hard.

Another dream for many Bahamians is to own their own home.  We promote the Culture of Life when we help to improve family life.  Greater home ownership is one way of improving family life and the stability of families.  This is why the Government is making it easier for Bahamians, in particular young Bahamians, to own their own homes.  Scores of qualifying Bahamians will be able to purchase fully serviced-lots from the Government, and to do so at extremely reduced rates.   In some cases, the lots will be sold at a value seventy percent less than market value.

This means, from the outset, the land that is acquired will contain equity to facilitate any mortgage that may be required to build.  When we say fully serviced-lots, we mean that the lots will already include the infrastructure to start construction, including electricity, water and paved roadways.  Once prospective homeowners receive a serviced-lot, they will be able to create their own home design, altering it as they see fit.

Increasing access to home ownership by thousands of Bahamians throughout the country in the years to come will help in the development of a more just and fairer society.

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

We must also address crime and violence, particularly gang violence, which help to fuel a Culture of Death.  Crime and violence, are typically symptoms of something deeper and more troubling in a culture or society.  While there is always a need to improve policing and to make the criminal justice system more effective and fair, we must also addresses the causes of crime.

Last year, we launched the Citizen Security and Justice Program which is specifically designed to help reduce crime.  Through this program we hope to reach hundreds of young at-risk youth, and offenders in the criminal justice system.  The objectives of the program are to:

“(i) improve behaviours for non-violent conflict resolution in New Providence;

(ii) increase employability and employment of the at-risk youth population in New Providence;

(iii) strengthen institutional capabilities of justice services;

(iv) reduce the recidivism rate among persons within the juvenile system.”

We want to give hundreds of young people the opportunity to help build a Culture of Life instead of being involved in behaviours which often lead to early deaths.  I know many of you have heard of some of the plans by the Government to revitalize Over-the-Hill.  I will present more details on the economic empowerment component of this plan this week in the House of Assembly.  And in a national address in September I will present more components and details of this plan to help reduce poverty and provide opportunity for more of our fellow-citizens.

Calvary Deliverance, you enjoy a rich legacy and firm foundation given the teachings from your first pastor Reverend Clementina Stubbs.  Bishop V.G. Clarke, your second pastor has done much to modernize the church.  Bishop Newry, this church under your leadership is well on its way to fulfill its true mandate.

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

I ask for your prayers and your help as we work together to build a country committed to a greater Culture of Life, with more hope and opportunity for more of our people.  May God bless your Convention abundantly. And may the God of New Beginnings continue to guide and bless our Bahamaland.

Thank you and good morning.

 

(BIS Photos/Yontalay Bowe)

Photo Captions:

Header: Prime Minister, Dr.the Hon. Hubert A. Minnis brings remarks at Calvary Deliverance 36th Annual Convention.

First insert: Bishop James Newry, Senior Pastor (right) welcomes Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert A. Minnis to Calvary Deliverance 36thAnnual Convention.

Second insert: Official photo of Prime Minister, Dr.the Hon. Hubert A. Minnis (left) Bishop James Newry, Senior Pastor of Calvary Deliverance Church and Elder Queenie Newry, wife of Bishop Newry.

 

Release: BIS

 

 

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Career Symposium 2024 Connects University Students with Successful Professionals

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Nassau, THE BAHAMAS — Some of the most successful and accomplished professionals and business leaders in the country recently shared their experiences and nuggets of wisdom with students at University of The Bahamas (UB) about thriving in a wide range of careers.

The University Centre for Counselling and Career Services and the Career and Job Placement Advisory Unit collaborated to host the 2024 Career Symposium which brought students face to face with leaders in the careers to which they aspire.

Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Maria Oriakhi, said the symposium was key to developing potential as university students strive to leave their mark on the world.

Ms. Rickell Curry

“In the spirit of collaboration and growth, let us engage in meaningful dialogue, cultivate relationships, and harness the power of collective wisdom to shape our futures,” said Dr. Oriakhi. “Together, let us embark on this journey of exploration and discovery, united in our commitment to realizing our fullest potential and making meaningful contributions to our communities and beyond.”

Promoting careers in psychology, Ms. Curry noted that psychologists are equipped with the ability to help others, troubleshoot areas of weakness within themselves, and become better people and professionals in the process.

“The floor is yours to be able to explore. There’s no job where you don’t have to deal with people, so learning, even if you get a bachelor’s in psychology, is a great grounding,” she said.

Dr. Darville, one of few interventional radiologists in The Bahamas, offered another nugget of advice on choosing an area of study.

Dr. Elizabeth Darville

“It is important to know enough about yourself in order to make the decisions you want to make,” said Dr. Darville. “You have to work on yourself first and know what you want to do. Radiology gives you a chance to have fun. It gives you a chance to mold your career closer to your personal life than other medical specialties might.”

Another growing field is project management which Mr. Hepburn called a life skill. He also urged a commitment to lifelong learning.

“Individuals that continue to learn become unstoppable, period,” said Mr. Hepburn. “It is so true. When you learn, you become unstoppable because nothing can stop you in your process of development.

Mr. Wellington Hepburn

“The more you know, the more valuable you are. We need individuals who are cross functional—that can operate in different capacities. So please understand that your learning should never stop.”

With small and medium-sized businesses helping to drive the economy at an incredible rate, Ms. Rolle affirmed the importance of entrepreneurship in any economy.

“When we talk about entrepreneurship, we usually look at it from a myopic standpoint,” she said. Ms. Rolle. “What do I mean by that? Small, but usually about self: ‘how do I make more money?’ And in some cases, some look at entrepreneurship as a way of survival. ‘I need to make a couple extra dollars, I have this bill to pay’. Those types of things.

Ms. Samantha Rolle

“But entrepreneurship really, in its truest form, is about innovation, whether it’s a new concept or any existing concept that you innovate new ways, or help expand the economy.”

The career symposium was held at the Harry C. Moore Library and Information Centre and is held every academic year.

 

PHOTO CAPTIONS

 

  • Career Symposium 1: UB Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Maria Oriakhi, delivers the opening address at the 2024 Career Symposium.
  • Career Symposium 2: Students and guest speakers enjoy a lighthearted moment during the 2024 Career Symposium.
  • Career Symposium 3: Ms. Rickell Curry speaks to students during the 2024 Career Symposium.
  • Career Symposium 4: Dr. Elizabeth Darville delivers remarks during the 2024 Career Symposium.
  • Career Symposium 5: Mr. Wellington Hepburn educates students on the importance of project management during the 2024 Career Symposium.
  • Career Symposium 6: Ms. Samantha Rolle talks about the role and importance of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship in any economy.

 

Office of University Relations

University of The Bahamas

2nd Floor, Michael H. Eldon Complex

Oakes Field Campus

P.O. Box N-4912

Nassau, The Bahamas

Tel: (242) 302-4355/4354/4365

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$36 Million Dollar Upgrade for World Athletics Relays in Nassau, Bahamas

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Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer 

 

#TheBahamas, April 15, 2024 – After years of thorough maintenance, The Thomas A Robinson National Stadium in The Bahamas is finally getting a multi-million dollar makeover, readying the 10-year old facility ahead of the World Athletics Relays on May  5, 2024; it is being staged in Nassau for the fourth time.

This $36 million refurbishment is being funded by the Chinese Government, as part of a vision to enhance the country’s sport infrastructure to benefit youths in athletics. The stadium was gifted to The Bahamas in 2012 by the Chinese.

The relay is the qualifying event for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games and there will be 32 national teams, in each relay event, and 20 races on both days of competition, according to World Athletics.

Day 1, will have 20 heats across the five Olympic-calibre events (4 heats each for 4×100, 4×400, men, women and mixed) and will qualify 40 teams for the Summer Olympics.

Distinctly, the top two teams from each heat will directly qualify for the 2024 Games.

On day 2, 30 more national teams will be qualified through 15 heats and five finals, across those five events.

The upgrades which include new trusses, rooftops, seats, the lawn, score boards, LED displays and more, are expected to be complete at least two weeks before the relays, being held under the theme: ‘Chase the  Sun’.

In a special ceremony on Monday April 8, The Bahamas Prime Minister, Philip Davis said:

In December 2023, our shared vision took shape, as the government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, and the government of the People’s Republic of China, inked an implementation agreement for the renovation of the stadium. This gesture of goodwill and friendship, from the Chinese government to undertake the China Aid Maintenance and Renovation project of our national stadium, stands as a testament to the strong bonds that unite our countries. This project, executed by China Urban Construction Research Institute Company Limited, and the China Machinery Industry Construction Group Company Limited, reflects our shared commitment to excellence, innovation and mutual development.”

Additionally, H.E Dai Qingli, outgoing Chinese Ambassador to The Bahamas who also attended that ceremony, spoke.

“At the end of the project, the Bahamian people will get a fully renewed and modern world class stadium because everything is going to be either renewed or repaired,” she said.

Some 1,600 athletes will be in The Bahamas for the World Athletics relays, with five events.  The Bahamas won the bid over Lausanne, Rome in 2022.

Mario Bowleg,  Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture in reports, thanked China for their contribution to the redevelopment of the stadium.

“We thank them for their commitment to ensuring that they bring this facility back up to A1 standard so that we can continue holding international events and using these facilities as a development of our young people.”

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Bahamas Government and Grand Bahama Port Authority in $360 MILLION squabble 

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#TheBahamas, April 15, 2024 – The Bahamas Government says the Grand Bahama Port Authority owes over $300 million, now causing a very public squabble between the two entities and  potential years long  arbitration proceedings.

The total owed according to the government is $357 million over the last five fiscal years, 2018-2022.

Seemingly down to business, the Davis Administration, according to reports,  sent a letter to the Port Authority at the start of the month, in which 30 days was given for them to pay up.

If the 30-day deadline isn’t met, Davis says the Government has the right to start arbitration proceedings.

A Grand Bahama attorney who criticized the government’s actions, also expressed that the tension could lead to up to five years of arbitration.

The letter, as reported by the Tribune, refers to clause 1(5)(c) of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement.

Regarding the tensions between the Port Authority and the Government, the financial conflict apparently rests on Davis’ accusation that the Port Authority failed to follow its obligations under the Hawksbill Creek Agreement.

“Unfortunately, the Port Authority has not been living up to its legal obligations to develop and grow the economy in Freeport. In many cases, the government has had to step in where the Port has failed. Let’s be clear about what this means: it means that the Bahamian people have been subsidizing the profits of these private shareholders! That is not right. You deserve flourishing, thriving communities. You deserve an inclusive economy that generates opportunity, dignity, and security. You deserve what is owed to you under the Hawksbill Creek Agreement,” Davis said.

In a clap back at the Government’s accusations, the Port Authority in reports are quoted declining the Government’s claim that they owe the “sum of $357 million.”

“We reject and will robustly defend against this claim, which we firmly believe will be defeated,” it stated.

Davis, who was speaking in a meeting on Saturday April 6, informed that before things got to this level, they were having meetings.

“We had many, many meetings and exchanges before we arrived at this point. But there were too many delays and too many dead ends. When only one side appears interested in advancement – and when the people of Freeport urgently need change and progress – then decisive action is the only choice,” he maintained.

The now peaked tension was sparked in June of 2023 when Davis stated that the Authority is failing to maintain Freeport’s infrastructure and encourage the growth of the city, as it claimed owed expenses, now said to be the hundreds of millions.

To this, in June 2023, the free quasi-governmental authority responded saying the sums stated by the government are “contested” and “it is yet to be satisfied,” claims reports say, are supported by credible evidence.

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