Bahamas News
Minister of Foreign Affairs bilateral trade meetings at CARICOM
#MontegoBay, July 07, 2018 – Jamaica – Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Darren Henfield attended CARICOM, July 4-6 2018 bilateral meetings on trade issues impacting region and The Bahamas. He attended the business working breakfast session, where the CARICOM Heads heard from the prime ministerial sub-committee on external and trade relations.
“The focus of the meeting was to hear reports on three main issues – the World Trade Organization, the post ACP-the Cotonou Agreement, and trade as it relates to the European Union post Brexit. We know that the Cotonou Agreement is coming to a close by 2020 and we are in the process of trying to negotiate our way forward, as a region.
“And then of course, Bexit is upon us and so we have to figure a way to communicate with them after they would have departed the European Union,” he said.
Mr. Henfiend said that The Bahamas, as well as the region, is a bit concerned as a number of trade wars are brewing with major trading partners in the WTO. “So we are going to have to look at this very carefully and hope that these issues can be readily resolved.”
Added Mr. Henfield: “We are operating in a free capitalistic society and market and economy and so trade is what the WTO is all about. Some 96 or more percent of the world’s trade goes through countries that are part of WTO.”
Regarding discussions on integration, Mr. Henfield said he believes the Bahamian people are not fully ready to open the borders of The Bahamas, for obvious reasons.
“We are a small developing country with (about) 400,000 in population. I believe we are among the more integrated countries in the region, quietly.”
He noted that in various stages of development, The Bahamas recruited professionals from all over the region namely Barbados, whose professionals came to The Bahamas to work in areas such land surveying, engineering, doctors, lawyers and particularly teachers.
“We have a free open application for immigration to The Bahamas to apply for positions that are available,” Mr. Henfield said.
As far as Haiti is concerned an estimated, $58 million in remittances left The Bahamas for Haiti in 2017, he said.
“Experts say that’s World Bank figures. Experts say if you multiply that by three you account for what goes into the informal economy and so you are looking at an average of maybe $150 million. Larger countries call this overseas development assistance. We can’t call it overseas development assistance but it’s money from migrants; from Caribbean people, going back to support another Caribbean economy.
“So even though we are not signatory to CARICOM SME and this open movement of people because of obvious reasons, we think it happens informally in The Bahamas and formally in some instances,” Mr. Henfield said.
By: Lindsay Thompson (BIS)
Photo Caption: Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert A. Minnis (right) leads The Bahamas delegation at the 39th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) July 4-6, 2018 in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Among key agenda items are crime and security strategy, disaster management and climate change, and the implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). Pictured chatting with Dr. Minnis is, left, President of Haiti, His Excellency Jovenel Moise; and centre, Bahamas Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Darren Henfield. (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.”
-
Caribbean News1 week agoBelize, Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Syphilis
-
TCI News7 days agoEquity in Energy says Bahamas Energy & Transport Minister in legislative roll out
-
TCI News7 days agoFamily of 16 tourist claims negligence in Grand Turk jet ski death; Coroner’s Court hearing evidence
-
TCI News5 days agoAMERICAN MOTHER AND DAUGHTER ALLEGEDLY ARRESTED FOR TWO BULLETS
-
Caribbean News1 week agoMagnetic Media attends Caribbean Media Summit, in focus AI in Journalism
-
world news1 week agoElectricity Access for 600 Million a goal of UN Sustainability Week
-
Bahamas News7 days agoThe Bahamas Successfully Hosts Its Fourth World Athletics Relays
-
TCI News7 days agoPolice Swarm Five Cays, newest murder victim is 37 year-old man