Bahamas News
JAMAICA: More Children with Disabilities to Receive Early Stimulation
#Kingston, July 11, 2018 – Jamaica – More children with disabilities will benefit from early intervention services, with the opening of the expanded Stimulation Plus Early Childhood Development Centre (Stim-Plus). The facility, located in Rockfort, Kingston, was upgraded through $70 million in funding from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
It comprises seven classrooms, bathrooms, administrative offices, sickbay, physiotherapy rooms, a caretaker’s cottage, and a specialized play area. With the improvement, the centre, which previously accommodated 126 children, is now able to increase enrollment by at least 40 per cent, adding another 80 children.
Minister of State in the Social Security Ministry, Hon. Zavia Mayne, who spoke to JIS News that the opening ceremony in May, noted that the upgraded building will advance the growth and success of the disability agenda in Jamaica. He hailed the partnership with the IDB, while affirming the Ministry’s commitment, through the Early Stimulation Programme (ESP), to improve the quality of life of children with disabilities.
“It is a crucial responsibility of the Ministry and a duty that we take very seriously,” he said.
Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, pointed out that the expansion project is in keeping with the Government’s commitment “to ensure that every child is targeted from birth”.
“We want to make sure that everybody gets an opportunity for full education and proper development,” he noted.
For her part, Director at the ESP, Antonica Gunter-Gayle, said that the opening of the upgraded centre “is a bright day in the lives of our children with disabilities”. She noted that the additional classrooms, along with the services provided, will increase enrollment and enhance the quality of the interventions provided, better enabling the children to realize their full potential.
“Jamaica is on the right path where caring for special needs children is concerned,” she said, adding that the staff is committed to fostering the cognitive, social and emotional development of the children.
“When they leave here, they must not leave here like they came. We want to make a difference in the lives of our children with disabilities,” she said.
For parent Nicola Bright, the centre has been invaluable in the development of her nine-year-old son. She hailed the “very dedicated support” from the staff, noting that “it is just a family affair”.
“The care for the children is just tremendous,” she added.
Miss Bright is encouraging more parents with special needs children to seek help for them, rather than keeping them at home.
“We are here with children (who have) special needs just like yours. It is okay for you to reach out for help,” she pointed out.
In her remarks, Chief of Operations at the IDB, Adriana La Valley, said the completion of the project is a “tremendous achievement” for Jamaica and a demonstration that the country is focused on “developing capabilities and expanding possibilities”.
“It is a quality-care educational facility dedicated to providing needed interventions,” she noted.
The IDB official lauded the work of the ESP. “We are pleased to see the wide range of services offered, including its home-based visits,” she said.
Meanwhile, Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) Managing Director, Omar Sweeney, is encouraging the Rockfort community to “cherish and treasure this facility”. JSIF provided project management during the construction phase of the centre. Mr. Sweeney said the agency’s participation 
in the undertaking is a source of pride, as the facility is dedicated to a vulnerable segment of the society, which is in keeping with the organisation’s mandate.
“The most important thing we can do in today’s Jamaica is set our youth on the right path; there is no cause that is more important,” Mr. Sweeney contended.
The ESP caters to children from birth to six years with challenges such as cerebral palsy, sensory impairment, autism, Down’s syndrome, developmental delay, psycho-social deprivation and co-morbid behavioral problems such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The programme’s services fall into two main categories – centre-based and community-based, with the former comprising clinical assessment, re-evaluation, reviews, physical therapy, speech therapy, parent orientation and counselling, and parent/staff training workshops.
The community-based aspect entails home visits by specially trained early-childhood workers called child development officers. They visit homes, basic schools, day-care centres, private as well as government institutions, to train parents and caregivers to stimulate the child in the various areas of development, such as language, cognitive, self-help, motor and socialization.
Since its inception in 1975, the ESP has provided early intervention and assessment for thousands of children across the island.
By: Garfield L. Angus
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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