Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Residents urged to complete preparations as hurricane season heightens
#Nassau, September 12, 2018 – Bahamas – As The Bahamas moves into the peak of the hurricane season, the National Emergency 
Management Agency (NEMA) urges residents, companies, schools, churches and government ministries and departments to bring hurricane preparedness measures to a completion.
Basil Dean, Chief Met Officer, announced during a Press Briefing at NEMA headquarters, Gladstone Road, Tuesday, September 11, 2018, that The Bahamas is expected to be indirectly affected by Hurricane Florence as it draws closer to the Carolinas. Very large sea swells with wave heights of 18 to 20 feet are anticipated to hit the coastlines of islands including Abaco, Eleuthera and Cat Island.
“Major, large swells will be a major problem for residents along the coast . We’re asking beachgoers to stay out of the water during this period. We expect the swells to remain through Friday at which time they are expected to subside a bit.
“Up until then, large swells will continue to impact the northern east coast of these islands and will be amplified during high tide. We anticipate high tide around 9:28 am in the capital, and in Eleuthera, 9:48 when we will experience the full impact of sea swells. The Glass Window Bridge in Eleuthera will be impacted by this. We’re asking residents and motorists to exercise extreme caution. Once swells begin we’re asking them to cease using the bridge until conditions have subsided,” said Mr. Dean.
Captain Russell appealed to persons in North Eleuthera to refrain from traversing the Glass Window Bridge during the swells. He recalled that a visitor who was sightseeing at the Glass Window Bridge lost his life in the aftermath of a weather system earlier in the year. Administrators in Northern Eleuthera will be advised to close the bridge at a certain point in time during severe weather.
“We must stress that when the Bridge goes into a rage as a result of swells coming across the area people are to refrain from going in that area ” said Captain Russell. Captain Russell expounded on hurricane preparations in effect by NEMA. He said all government ministries and departments including the Royal Bahamas Police Force, The Royal Bahamas Defence Force, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Social Services, are prepared to respond individually and collectively to any event that may occur in the hurricane season.
“All key partners are involved and standing by. In the event that we have to activate local partners, regional partners, international partners are standing by in response to assist us.”
Improvements to communications, evacuation plans particularly for disabled persons, senior citizens, and young children, and its shelter program, are among the efforts to assist in the response and recovery plans of NEMA.
As a result of a Japanese Grant Aid of $1.8 million to assist with equipment for a disaster response programme, NEMA has received “key” assets to improve its logistics and transportation capabilities including a tractor head, a crane, freezer containers and 3 trucks.
“We’ve asked (the Japanese government) for some 40 base radios and 200 hand-held radios. Our aim is to ensure that in every district where there is an administrator, there is a radio camp set up with 8-12 hand held radios to have them better communicate within their districts,” said Captain Russell.
Fifteen marines from the RBDF and officers from the Ministry of Works have been trained to operate the crane. Next week, officers are expected to be trained in how to operate and maintain the freezers and manage the tractor heads and trucks.
Captain Russell said the assets will greatly enhance recovery and response operations throughout the entire Bahamas.
“Once the roll-on, roll-off vessel is operational, and we have personnel and equipment to move between our warehouses to disaster stricken areas, the aim is to reduce the timeline in getting supplies to an impacted area.
Members of the press were given a tour of the equipment which is scheduled to be officially presented to The Bahamas government in October.
By Kathryn Campbell
Release: BIS
Photo Captions:
Header: Captain Stephen Russell, Director of NEMA, speaks at a Press Briefing, Tuesday, September 11, 2018.
First insert: Basil Dean, Deputy Director, the Meteorological Department, urges residents to prepare for the hurricane season as it reaches its peak.
Second insert: Media representatives are taken on a tour of equipment given by the Japanese Government to assist with hurricane preparations and recovery efforts.
(BIS Photos/Raymond A. Bethel, Sr.)
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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