Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: ‘Tell the young they are the future, but also what to make of it’ says DPM at launch of Youth Month
#Freetown, GB, October 3, 2018 – Bahamas – Member of Parliament for East Grand Bahama, the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest on Monday, 
October 1, encouraged young people from the area to become the best and brightest the country has ever seen during a church service in recognition of National Youth Month. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance acknowledged them as National Youth Month officially started on Monday, and is being celebrated all over The Bahamas under the theme, ‘Youth: Forefront of Change.’
Describing the young people present as “diamonds in the rough” the Deputy Prime Minister added that they all have special talents waiting to be discovered. As young focused people, he said, they are the future and added that when hearing it as a young person, he thought the saying was not only scary and powerful, but carried great responsibility.
“The strange part is, there were other people also being told that they were the future. Now many years later, here I am, serving as the Deputy Prime Minister of The commonwealth of The Bahamas, while some of those same people, who were given the same message as me, have lost their lives to gun violence, or are behind bars as a result of it. You see, the problem was that they told us that we were the future, but they didn’t complete the sentence. I believe that life and death are in the power of the tongue, but what we say can be just as powerful as what we fail to say.
“They told us that we were the future, so some of us came up to be the leaders that we are today, and then there were those who grew up to commit murders, sell drugs, plague our streets with crime and vicious acts of violence. So just as the future looks bright today, it also had a dark side and many do not take heed of the warnings, leading to destruction and a hard life. We tell the young people that they are the future, but we don’t tell them what to make of it.”
The Member of Parliament encouraged the young people by stating that they are the ones to set the highest grade average ever in the country, be the future law enforcement officers, live at peace with their neighbors, family and children, do well at whatever they do, and they will not steal, kill or take advantage of the vulnerable.
This is a very important stage in their lives, Minister Turnquest said, as they can still think freely and decide on their future. “This is the time you are allowed to be creative and spontaneous; make mistakes, erase them, and start over again.”
He added, “The point is, you must all seek to discover what it is within you that will someday add meaning to your lives.”
Referring to the donation of over $8,000 in musical instruments for the schools in East Grand Bahama, the Member of Parliament added that he hoped this would open doors for those interested in music.
“In the months to come, I will also donate computers to each of the schools, to ensure our children have every opportunity to do well in school and remain focused on positive values and skills development.
“I’m looking forward to seeing greatness come out of East Grand Bahama. You may not know it now, but within this gathering may be another legend, whose musical works will be revered all across The Bahamas. There might be a new leader for one of the greatest Junkanoo groups sitting in this assembly today. While others may choose to take on the important role to be music teachers, passing on your knowledge to the next generation.
“Some of you will become technicians and professionals in other fields, the next computer genius or scientist. Looking into many of your faces from where I stand, I see excitement and anticipation, which is something that I hope never dies as you go through school, and seek to discover your place in the grand scheme of life.”
Release: BIS
Photo Caption: Member of Parliament for East Grand Bahama, the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest, who is also Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, on Monday, October 1, donated some $8,000 worth of musical instruments to the Eastern schools which include: Sweeting’s Cay Primary School, East End Preschool, East End Primary School and East End Junior High School. Shown with some of the students are Deputy Prime Minister Turnquest; Rosie Lewis, principal of East End Primary School; and Kadreah Wildgoose, music teacher for the East End schools.
(BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)
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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