Connect with us

Bahamas News

BAHAMAS: Ministry of National Security Launches Jobs Skills Training Initiative For Unemployed Youths

Published

on

#Nassau, October 17, 2018 – Bahamas – The Ministry of National Security signed a contract with the National Training Agency (NTA) to provide training for hundreds of young, unemployed Bahamians.  The contract was signed at the Paul Farquharson Centre, Police Headquarters, October 15, 2018.

The contract signing marks a major milestone in the progress of the Ministry’s Citizen Security and Justice Programme (CSJP).  The CSJP is a multi-faceted crime and violence prevention initiative of the Ministry of National Security, funded by a $20 million loan from the Inter-American Development Bank. The objective of the CSJP is to reduce crime and build community safety.

“Today’s contract signing is an excellent demonstration that the government fully understands the connection between unemployment and crime,” said Minister of National Security, the Hon. Marvin Dames.  “The government remains concerned about the rate of unemployment in The Bahamas; in particular, the high rate of unemployment among our young people.”

Also in attendance were Minister of Labour, the Hon. Dion Foulkes; NTA Executive Director Gadville McDonald; and IDB Acting Country Representative Michael Nelson.

Minister Dames said that NTA has been mandated to build competency-based training and a job placement system, flexible and responsive to the realities of the Bahamian workplace.  He said that hundreds of Bahamians have already received certification through NTA and its range of training opportunities for the unemployed, or those who need to sharpen their job skills.

Minister Dames said: “In re-launching the Inter-American Development Bank’s (IDB) Citizen Security and Justice Programme (CSJP), the Government of The Bahamas has demonstrated its commitment to increasing opportunities for unemployed Bahamians to acquire the strong and relevant job skills needed to find a job and maintain employment.  The CSJP represents a comprehensive approach to reducing crime and violence in The Bahamas.

According to CSJP Project Manager, Dr. Dorcas Cox, the agreement has been a work in progress since 2017 and is a partnership between the National Training Agency, the Department of Labour, the Citizen Security and Justice Programme, and the Ministry of National Security.

“One of the objectives of the Programme is to increase employability and employment among the vulnerable youth population in New Providence by collaborating with ministries and agencies to support meaningful opportunities such as this one,” said Dr. Cox.

The Ministry of National Security applied part of the proceeds of the IDB loan to contract the NTA to provide training that will certify 260 eligible trainees over the next twelve weeks.

The first four weeks of training will focus on the development of soft skills, such as responsibility, commitment, teamwork building, persistence, self-control, and remedial education in literacy and numeracy.

The final eight weeks will involve comprehensive on-site employment training with special emphasis on hospitality and retail sectors.

 

By Betty Vedrine

Release: BIS

Photo Caption: The Ministry of National Security signed a contract with the National Training Agency to conduct a job skills program that will provide training for hundreds of young, unemployed Bahamians. A signing ceremony was held at the Paul Farquharson Centre, Police Headquarters, on October 15, 2018.  Pictured, l-r: Gadville McDonald, Executive Director, NTA; Cecilia Strachan, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour; Senator the Hon. Dion Foulkes, Minister of Labour; the Hon. Marvin Dames, Minister of National Security; Michael Nelson, Acting Country Representative, IDB; Eugene Poitier, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of National Security; and Dr. Dorcas Cox, Project Manager of the Citizen Security and Justice Programme (CSJP).

 

(BIS Photo/Kristaan Ingraham)

 

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

Get your laugh on, March On, family drama by Gea Pierre, debut this weekend in Turks and Caicos 

Published

on

Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer

After resounding success in the Bahamas, hit play ‘March On, The Story of Us’ has been inundated with requests to take their show on the road, and the first location they’ll be hitting is Providenciales Turks and Caicos with tickets on sale again this weekend, the show debuts Friday night.

Magnetic Media spoke to Gea Pierre, playwright, who told us the TCI was a natural first choice for the cast and crew where shows are set for Brayton Hall, for Friday May 10 at 8pm and Saturday has two showings; matinee at 4pm and evening, 8pm.

Tickets are $75 VIP. General admission is $60.

“We started ‘March On’ in November 2023 and it was really an opportunity for us to tell a story, the story of the Bahamas and to encompass the nations that we have an amazing relationship with like the Turks and Caicos,” she continued “We really got a lot of people calling [for the play] from [the TCI], so much so we really had to pay attentattention.

The response to ‘March On’ at home and abroad was overwhelming.

“To say it went well is an understatement, even before we opened we got calls from Canada, from all over the US with people wanting us to come and perform.”

And take the show on the road they did! Gea and her team have launched “March On: The Tour” and will be in Providenciales to perform on May 10th and 11th. It’s the first of a number of stops which include Nassau and several US locations.

Online tickets are available for purchase with credit cards. The full team returns on Friday, May 10 with the comedy production being held under the patronage of Washington Misick, TCI Premier and First Lady Delthia Misick.

Describing the close familial relationships between the TCI and the Bahamas, for many on the crew it will be like coming home Gea told us, for others it will be a treat to visit for the first time, the places that their grandparents described.

Gea maintained that the team wanted to keep the show as accessible to residents as possible.

As for why you should come out and see the play, other than the great price point:

“The way that people have responded to it is non stop laughter, people have been moved to tears because there’s some emotion. It does not only lend to Bahamians. It’s a family drama, and anyone who’s ever been a part of a family is going to get something out of it, and something moving.”

 

 

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

The Bahamas Successfully Hosts Its Fourth World Athletics Relays

Published

on

NASSAU, Bahamas – Hundreds of people from around the world turned out in full force for the BTC World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 that took place at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, May 4 -5, 2024.

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.

In fact, The Bahamas was able to take advantage of the second day of competition.

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.

(BIS Photos/Kemuel Stubbs)

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

PM at World Relays 2024 Opening: ‘Tonight, the eyes are on The Bahamas’

Published

on

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.”

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING