Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Minister Dames Attends 13th Conference of Defense Ministers of the Americas
#Cancun, October 10, 2018 – Mexico – Minister Marvin Dames, Minister of National Security, is attending the XIII (13th) Conference of
Minister Dames with the other 33 Member States including the United States, Canada and Mexico which make up the Conference of Defense Ministers of The Americas.
Defense Ministers of The Americas (CDMA) in Cancun, Mexico from 7th – 10th October, 2018. The CDMA was formed in 1995 and it is comprised of 34 Member States inclusive of countries in North America, the Caribbean, and Latin America. The CDMA is an international hemispheric multilateral political forum directed and integrated by the respective Defense Ministers of the Americas along with the respective leaders of their security forces.
Formed in 1995 the CDMA seeks to promote mutual knowledge and exchange of ideas at the Ministerial level in the scope of hemispheric defense and security.
The Americas and the Caribbean are inextricable bound and this hemispheric body which meets every two years has brought together Ministers of Defense to address the constantly evolving and increasingly complex nature of safety and security. In this 21st century, it is extremely important for security forces to engage in structured dialogue so as to better understand the diverse and multifaceted safety and security challenges on individual countries and the region, collectively. The main objective is to develop feasible and effective national and regional strategies.
There are six principles which govern CDMA and they are inclusive of Member States preserving democracy as the basis for ensuring mutual security in the hemisphere; acknowledging that the military and security forces play a critical role in supporting and defending the legitimate interests of sovereign democratic states; affirming the commitments of Member States that their respective armed forces will be subordinate to democratically controlled authority; increasing transparency in defense matters through exchanges of information and greater civilian-military dialogue; resolving hemispheric disputes by negotiated settlements and widespread adoption of confidence building measures; and promoting greater defense cooperation in support of voluntary participation in the UN- peacekeeping operations and the fight against narco-terrorism.
This year’s conference focused on five issues which Minister Dames addressed during his presentation. The Minister reaffirmed The Bahamas’ commitment to hemispheric defense and security cooperation. He noted the recent Trade-Winds 2018 Military Exercise in The Bahamas, in which the Mexican Military and other regional security forces participated.
As for emergency humanitarian assistance and search and rescue, the Minister highlighted the Royal Bahamas Defence Force’s mission to Dominica after last year’s hurricane. Further, he added that The Bahamas will provide assistance to Haiti after the recent earthquake.
On the issue of girls and women, Minister Dames stated that The Bahamas has begun to broaden the training of its law enforcement agencies to focus on the vulnerable complexities facing women locally, regionally and hemispherically. He alluded that the country firmly believes that women enlarge the scope of safety and security to include the broader set of critical societal priorities and needs required not only for lasting peace, but for mutual respect.
On the issues of environmental conservation, the Minister stated that the Royal Bahamas Defence Force has expanded its role with a focus on environmental conservation by partnering with local government and non-governmental agencies to promote sustainable conservation and build capacity within the agency so as to sustain the terrestrial and marine flora and fauna of The Bahamas.
The Minister concluded by stating that over the past several years countries of the Americas and Caribbean, both big and small, have come together in new ways – diplomatically, economically, intelligence, politically, and militarily both unilaterally and multilaterally and the partnerships they have built among their defense establishments will be the continued foundation of shared safety and security for the hemisphere.
Release: Ministry of National Security
Photo Captions: Photos of Minister Marvin Dames and other Heads of National Defense
Header: Minister Marvin Dames (R) with Canada´s Minister of National Defence, Harjit Singh Sajjan (L) and Canada’s Attache´ to The Region (The Americas), Capt. Paul Dempsey (C).
First insert: Minister Dames with the other 33 Member States including the United States, Canada and Mexico which make up the Conference of Defense Ministers of The Americas.
Second insert: Commodore Tellis Bethel (L), General Terrance O´Shaughnessey (LC), General James Mattis (LR) and Minister Marvin Dames (R) at the reception for XIII Ministers of Defense of The Americas held in Cancun, Mexico.
Third insert: Minister Dames (R) with General Terrance O´Shaughnessey, Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM).
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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