Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: First of National Honours Bestowed Upon Sir Orville Turnquest and The Hon. A.D. Hanna
#Nassau, August 24, 2018 – Bahamas – Two of the country’s “finest sons” were bestowed the ‘Order of the Nation’ for their contributions to the 
development of The Bahamas. The honour was bestowed upon former Governors-General Sir Orville A. Turnquest and the Hon. Arthur D. Hanna before family and officials, during an 11:00 a.m. Investiture Ceremony in the Ballroom of Government House, Mt. Fitzwilliam, on Thursday, August 23, 2018.
Governor General, Her Excellency, the Most Honourable Dame Marguerite Pindling, who became Chancellor of the Societies of Honour as established under the National Honours Act 2015 in a ceremony earlier that morning, pinned the incoming Members of the O.N.
Sir Orville Turnquest was the sixth Governor General, having been sworn in on January 3, 1995 and Mr. Hanna was the eighth Governor General having been sworn into office on February 1, 2006.
Both men became the first to be honoured following the introduction of indigenous national honours; hence the letters after their names would be: The Most Honourable Sir Orville Turnquest, O.N., G.C.M.G and The Most Honourable Arthur Hanna, O.N.
And according to according to Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert Minnis, it is an important and overdue milestone in the history of a sovereign and independent Bahamas.
“As I noted at a previous ceremony at Government House in July, at the heart of any system of honours, is the ideal of service,” the Prime Minister recalled in his remarks. “A nation’s wealth cannot be solely measured in terms of economics and natural resources,” he said. “A nation’s wealth and well-being must equally be measured by the quality of service and generosity of its people in the promotion of the common good, and in the fostering and development of the talents of a people.”
The Prime Minister said that The Bahamas is blessed to have so many Bahamians who have contributed to the common good, by rendering service towards the charitable, cultural, athletic, artistic, political, governmental, commercial and social development of the country.
“In honouring those who served with distinction, we offer current and future generations fine examples of national and community service,” he said. “Our national honours express the grateful thanks of a people and a nation to those who deserve special recognition.”
The Prime Minister observed that the men who were honoured have given a lifetime of service, culminating with their becoming Head of State. Sir Orville will turn 90 next year, and Mr. Hanna is 90. The historical background reflects that since they were in their 20s, both men answered the call to national service for the betterment of the lives of their fellow-citizens.
“Both men generously lent their ideals and their considerable talents and intellect to political and national development, including the struggle for equality,” the Prime Minister said.
Sir Orville Turnquest and the Hon. Arthur Hanna served in parliament, and in the cabinet of The Bahamas. Both played essential roles in the development of a vibrant parliamentary democracy and party system.
“It is so wonderful that these men are still happily with us, and that we are able to celebrate with them their investiture as Members of the Order of the Nation. I know that your respective families and your Bahamian family are proud of you, and are grateful for your dedicated service over more than six decades,” the Prime Minister said.
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PHOTO CAPTIONS
BIS Photos/Derek Smith
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Governor General Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling (centre left) was invested today as Chancellor of the Societies of Honour at Government House. Pictured from left: Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert Minnis, HE The Most Honourable Dame Marguerite Pindling, Acting Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Vera Watkins, and Leader of the Opposition the Hon. Philip Davis.
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The Most Honourable Sir Orville Turnquest.
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The Most Honourable Arthur Hanna.
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Bahamian honours bestowed: Pictured from left, the Most Honourable Sir Orville Turnquest, Her Excellency, the Most Honourable Dame Marguerite Pindling, the Most Honourable Arthur Hanna. Standing behind at the ceremony at left: Commissioner of Police Anthony Ferguson and, at right, RBDF Commander Commodore Tellis Bethel.
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Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert Minnis.
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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