Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Outstanding Students Receive National Bursary Scholarship Awards to Attend UB
#Nassau, August 20, 2018 – Bahamas – Dreams of university education will be realized for 546 high school graduates who are now recipients of the National Bursary Scholarship Award. On Thursday evening, August 16, deserving high school students from across The Bahamas were recipients of scholarships and other tuition assistance at the National Bursary Scholarship Award Ceremony at Melia Nassau Beach resort.
The award programme provides scholarships for qualifying students to attend the University of The Bahamas (UB) and obtain a four-year degree.
To qualify for a Bursary Award, applicants must have obtained a minimum of five Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education subject passes with a grade of “C” or above. Mathematics and English Language are compulsory. Students already in attendance at UB may obtain the Bursary Award by maintaining a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher. They are required to take a minimum of 15 credits (5 courses) and maintain a 3.0 GPA every semester.
In his remarks, the Hon. Jeffrey Lloyd, Minister of Education, encouraged the recipients to be positive forces in the community. “Many are takers and not givers; this goes against the Biblical principal. Life is not about you, you are about life.”
Of the many scholarship applications received, many had to be declined. “It’s heartbreaking,” said Minister Lloyd. “Unfortunately, we are unable to do as much as we would like. The Government of the Bahamas is only able to budget $20 million in scholarships. It sounds like a lot, but it is unable to reach as many as we would like.
“The Government wants to make tertiary education available to our young people. If education is what it ought to be… then we ought to put our money where our mouth is and this government will do so.
“We have to do better. Next year at UB those who qualify will go to school free. The Bursary Award this year is going to cost the government $2.1 million and will be repeated every year until these beautiful lamps of light graduate,” he added.
Dr. Rodney Smith, President, University of The Bahamas, thanked Minister Lloyd and the team in the Scholarship and Education Loan Division for helping to make higher education more accessible to hundreds of deserving Bahamian students.
“Accessibility is a key goal for the university. We want as many as possible to be able attend our institution, and together with the Government of The Bahamas, [have] the ability to work towards increased numbers in our classrooms.”
President Smith remarked that since 2015, in addition to fundraising efforts, the University’s Summer Bridging Programme has played a great part in increasing accessibility to UB programs. He said UB is “assiduously” working on growing an endowment for first generation university students.
“A student who attends university and earns a degree positively impacts the lives of everyone in his immediate family and in the surrounding community,” said the President.
The 2018 National Bursary Scholars and the 2018 Outstanding Scholars were introduced and presented. Some students attained at least 8 BGCSE subject passes with ‘C’ grade or higher, some earned 5-7 or more BGCSE subject passes with ‘C’ grade or higher, some qualified for Financial Assistance having earned 5 or more BGCSE subject passes with ‘C’ grade or higher and some earned a 3.0 GPA or higher while pursuing full time studies at UB during the last academic year.
One hundred and nineteen of the students will be attending UB North in Grand Bahama.
By Kathryn Campbell
Released: BIS
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.”
-
Health1 week agoAstraZeneca withdraws COVID vaccines after millions took their jabs
-
Caribbean News5 days agoBelize, Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Syphilis
-
TCI News4 days agoEquity in Energy says Bahamas Energy & Transport Minister in legislative roll out
-
TCI News4 days agoFamily of 16 tourist claims negligence in Grand Turk jet ski death; Coroner’s Court hearing evidence
-
Caribbean News5 days agoMagnetic Media attends Caribbean Media Summit, in focus AI in Journalism
-
world news6 days agoElectricity Access for 600 Million a goal of UN Sustainability Week
-
TCI News3 days agoAMERICAN MOTHER AND DAUGHTER ALLEGEDLY ARRESTED FOR TWO BULLETS
-
Bahamas News4 days agoThe Bahamas Successfully Hosts Its Fourth World Athletics Relays