Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Long Island Descendants Receive British Empire Medal for Service
#Nassau, September 21, 2018 – Bahamas – Her Excellency the Most Hon. Dame Marguerite Pindling, Governor General, presented the British Empire Medal (BEM) to Captain Vernon Ritchie and Bennett D. Minnis during the 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honours and Investiture ceremony, Thursday, September 20, 2018.
The brief ceremony was attended by family, members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force along with well-wishers including the Hon. Marvin Dames, Minister of National Security, at Mount Fitzwilliam, Government House. Julie Bingham, daughter of Captain Ritchie, accepted the award on her father’s behalf.
In her remarks, Permanent Secretary to the Office of the Governor General, Anita Beneby said the two honourees, who are both descendants of Long Island, have contributed to the development of The Bahamas and its people.
“They are men whose lives are illustrious, not because of title, profession or office, but because of their dedicated public, business and community service,” said Mrs. Beneby.
She added that the award brings national recognition to the work they have done and the service they have rendered on a local level over many years.
“It is most gratifying that you have agreed to accept this honour. You have earned it and certainly have every right to be proud.”
Captain Ritchie, 80, has sailed the high seas for almost 43 years. He attained the rank of Master Mariner before the age of 25, at a time when this title was held by very few Bahamians. He has spent decades sailing the on the oceans and seas and experiencing what so many have only read in books. His travels throughout the archipelago provided an understanding and appreciation for the beauty, creativity and resilience of Bahamians.
A nationalist at heart, Captain Ritchie helped to build the country by sharing his knowledge and skills with younger generations. For more than 20 years he visited the male residents of the Geriatric Department of Sandilands Rehabilitation Hospital where he prayed and fellowshipped with them. He also imparted his knowledge of navigation and other topics to young men.
Captain Ritchie is married to Maxine (nee Burrows) Ritchie and is the father of three daughters and two sons. Bennett Minnis is a Certified Licensed Plumber and a self-employed businessman. He is a civic-minded community worker and activist whose charitable pursuits on behalf of the elderly and youth have become hobbies. He has served as a member of the Town Planning Board, the Hotel Licensing Board and the Real Property Tax Board. He presently serves on the board of the Water and Sewerage Corporation.
Mr. Minnis is an Anglican who presently serves on the Vestry of Christ the King Anglican Church, and is a member of the Anglican Church Men. He is married to Virginia Minnis and the father of 3 daughters.
Police Corporal Hield and Police Corporal Pinder serenaded the honourees with a solo, and members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force Pop Band provided music for the event.
A reception followed on the terrace.
Release: BIS
Photo Captions:
Header: Her Excellency the Most Hon. Dame Marguerite Pindling, Chancellor and Governor General, is pictured centre along with recipients of the British Empire Medal (centre left) Bennett Minnis, and (centre right) Julie Bingham, who accepted on behalf of her father, Captain Vernon Ritchie.
Also pictured are members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force at the Queen’s Honours Investiture 2018 at Government House, September 20, 2018.
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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