Bahamas News
Remarks by Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis at UN Political Forum on Sustainable Development, July 18, 2018 in New York
#New York, July 18, 2018 – USA –
High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development
United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
Transformation towards Sustainable and Resilient Societies
Localizing the SDGs
United Nations Headquarters, New York, New York
18 July 2018
The Most Honourable Dr. Hubert A. Minnis
Prime Minister
The Commonwealth of The Bahamas
Mr. Chairman;
Excellencies;
Ladies and gentlemen.
I am pleased to be here today to make the first presentation of The Bahamas, at the High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.
As a small island developing state, located in a volatile hurricane zone, The Bahamas identifies strongly with the theme for this year’s Forum: “Transformation towards Sustainable and Resilient Societies”.
We have been made more resilient by the necessity of having to rebound after being thrashed repeatedly by hurricanes. Since gaining independence 45 years ago, The Bahamas has enjoyed a stable political climate and significant economic success. We have witnessed a rise in life expectancy; attained widespread literacy; ensured greater access to preventative and curative healthcare; and expanded educational opportunities for all.
This said, challenges remain. Approximately 12.5% of our population resides in poverty. Economic opportunities and sound infrastructure are unevenly distributed. Youth unemployment rates are consistently high. There are still too many people without access to clean water piped to their homes. Many face poor educational and health outcomes.
In a country surrounded by water and basking in sunlight, we have made insufficient progress in becoming considerably more energy efficient and coastally resilient. Amidst these challenges, the Government of The Bahamas is determined to move forward its national development agenda, to enhance the quality of life for all in The Bahamas, in a manner that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Mr. Chairman:
We are a caring people, endeavoring to nurture our children, cherish our elderly and protect our vulnerable. We are a people who honour our culture and preserve our heritage, while welcoming of others. We are stewards of our land and oceans.
These are some of the sentiments from the Vision Statement of our National Development Agenda, our long term strategic planning and reform agenda, which has effectively mapped the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, into virtually every relevant aspect of 16 national development goals.
Today, I would like to focus on a new initiative of the Government of The Bahamas, which focuses on all of the key themes of this year’s High Level Political Forum.
In 2017, my Government launched the Over-the-Hill Community Development Partnership Initiative. The Over-the-Hill area sits on the southern side of a major ridge that runs across the midsection of the primary island of New Providence. Historically, this ridge separated the wealthy merchant class from the working masses.
Over the years, as prosperity came to The Bahamas, many of the original residents moved to newly built suburbs. Many who remained, or who moved in, were left behind, with dilapidated housing and struggling infrastructure. It is an area where high levels of poverty, unemployment, crime and environmental degradation are rampant.
Nevertheless, this was and remains an historic proud area. The Over-the-Hill Community Development Partnership Initiative, seeks to improve the living conditions within this urban area. The focus of the partnership with the private sector, civil society and academia includes: establishing programmes which tackle the underlying causes of poverty.
This includes: the lack of training, soft and hard skills for job opportunities, childhood trauma and victimization and access to affordable childcare, so that parents can work. The Initiative also addresses the manifestations of poverty such as hunger, substandard housing, and inequitable access to quality health.
Mr. Chairman, this is Sustainable Development Goal 1, in Action.
The Initiative will introduce green energy to the community. Many residents of this area do not have electricity. We are seeking to provide them, as a first step, with small-scale alternative energy solutions such as solar lamps. However, broader sustainable energy solutions are proposed and we look forward to piloting community solar projects in this area. This is in line with our target to increasing the share of renewable energy resources to 30% by 2030.
This is Sustainable Development Goal 7 in action.
Water and sanitation are also challenges. Approximately half of the 4,000 households in this community do not have access to piped water to their homes. This may be because of disconnections for non-payment, or the lack of modern plumbing infrastructure within the household. The alternative for many is the public water pump that provides clean, safe water.
However, as a Government, we feel that we can do better and we have committed to providing water for all within this community by 2025. This will include improvements to the sewerage infrastructure and upgrading homes to accommodate piped water. It will also include addressing issues of land reform, so that those who have been living in the community may make the necessary investments in their homes after they have clear property title.
This is Sustainable Development Goal 6 in action in The Bahamas.
Chair, one of the elements that is striking about the Over-the-Hill community is its greenery. Imagine a dense landscape of towering silk cotton trees with their substantial root systems and abundant fruit trees. In contrast, we also have the blight of uncollected garbage, household and industrial waste.
My Government has already launched one of the largest clean up campaigns in our history in this community and is investing in bulky waste and more frequent trash collection. We are supporting the value of trees in this area, by turning fruit into earnings as we promote backyard farming and encourage fruit vendors. We are also providing additional support for a wetland just adjacent to the Over-the-Hill area called Big Pond, which is already fitted with a boardwalk through the mangroves to support an appreciation for the bio-diversity of the community.
This is Sustainable Development Goal 15 in action.
The Over-the-Hill Initiative reimagines the relationships between downtown Nassau, which is the hub of economic activity and tourism, and the community of workers who live Over-the-Hill. It looks to improve the key infrastructural issues of transportation, drainage, and affordable housing. It seeks to create a community that is socially empowering for both the young and the elderly. Indeed, one of the key features is a restored system of parks.
The Government has committed to the rejuvenation of all of Over-the-Hill’s 15 parks, in particular its central park, the Southern Recreation Grounds. We will make these parks more inviting and useable, and include access to Wi-Fi services.
This is Sustainable Development Goal 11 in action for The Bahamas.
Chair, beyond the Over-the-Hill project, our work toward fulfilling sustainable development for our people continues. The Bahamas has increased its efforts to reintroduce and restore greenery to our country. Additionally, as a big ocean nation, we seek to protect our seas. As such, we have made a commitment to banning single-use plastics and Styrofoam by 2020.
In the immediate term, for the 2018/2019 fiscal year, we have committed $5 million for LED street lighting. Additionally, one of our power 
companies is undertaking a $5 million solar energy park, capable of generating 4.5 million kilowatt hours annually of clean, renewable energy, on Grand Bahama Island, home to our shipping, industrial and technology hubs.
We are also pursuing the modernization and digitization of our public institutions, so that they may better meet our development needs, and provide enhanced services to our citizens and residents.
Chair, we realize that our efforts will be a costly investment. However, we know that the dividends in the long run, will make investing in these goals worthwhile for the people of The Bahamas. Much of our work is being done in partnership with others, not only to secure technical expertise, but because the challenges we face are collective. We therefore seek to strengthen these partnerships, at all levels: local, national, regional, and international.
The Bahamas reiterates its commitment to localizing the Sustainable Development Goals into its National Planning processes.
Thank you and good morning.
Release: BIS
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
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.”
-
News5 days agoDR man rented Jet Ski nine days ago in Providenciales; where is he now?
-
Health5 days agoDengue cases rising in Region
-
TCI News2 days agoExperience Turks and Caicos and Ministry of Tourism explore development of Cruise industry at Seatrade Global Cruise Conference
-
Caribbean News4 days agoCARICOM pushes need for Reparations Tribunal at Forum in Geneva
-
Caribbean News7 days agoCARICOM, UN applauds published decree establishing Haiti’s Transitional Government
-
Caribbean News1 week agoHaiti Gang Firearms more than Police – UN says where they come from.
-
Education4 days agoCampus Brawl at Clement Howell High sends students to Hospital
-
Bahamas News1 week ago$36 Million Dollar Upgrade for World Athletics Relays in Nassau, Bahamas