Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Former Parliamentarian Earl Vincente Thompson, Sr. Laid to Rest
#Nassau, October 6, 2018 – Bahamas – Governor General Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling, Parliamentarians, Archbishop of Nassau t
he Most Reverend Patrick Christopher Pinder and senior government officials joined family and friends at the State-Recognized Funeral for the late former Parliamentarian Earl Vincente Thompson, Sr. at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, October 5, 2018. The service was officiated by Father Glen C. Nixon and Interment followed at St. Augustine’s Monastery, Fox Hill.
During his Homily, Father Nixon described Mr. Thompson who passed away at the age of 84, as a devout Catholic who kept an eagle eye on everything. He said, “It was no secret that Earl, this son of the soil was Catholic to the bone. He often boasted of the monks and their work with him and how they taught him the eulogy.
“Earl Sr. drew his strength from his faith in Jesus who is the bread of life and the resurrection. He never forgot the duty of a Catholic parent and so he passed onto his children his legacy of faith and fortitude.”
Father Nixon explained that sometimes Thompson’s passion for the faith made him too confrontational, but all who took the time to know him soon learned that while he may be tough, his heart was in the right place; his bark was worse than his bite. He said the late former Parliamentarian is still living even though he has been cut down by death.
“He is alive in Jesus Christ who is the bread of life and the resurrection. He is alive in the hearts and memories of his loved ones; he is alive in the tapestry that tells the story of St. Francis Xavier Cathedral and the community of Chippingham. He is alive in the Knights of Columbus where he was not simply a leader but one who fed the hungry. He is alive in the hearts of fellow Junkanooers such as Sting and the Pigs.”
Father Nixon said, “Among his accomplishments Earl Sr. worked very hard to contribute to a culture of life and love in our land. A man of prayer, Earl would frequently be the last person in church praying for his family, his church, for his beloved country, for himself and for peace in the 
world.”
Mr. Thompson held several executive positions in the Progressive Liberal Party before being elected Member of Parliament for the Fort Charlotte Constituency in 1972. During his one term in office, he served as the first Chairman of the National Insurance Board that was established in 1974. In 1980, he joined the Free National Movement, where he held several executive positions, and remained a member until his death.
Mr. Thompson was a member of St. Francis Xavier Cathedral all of his life and served his church in several areas including the Ushers Board, Senior Choir and Parish Council. He is the founding Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council 10415, which was founded in The Bahamas in 1991.
He served as a member of the Board of Governors of St. Augustine’s College for many years, followed by President of the Alumni Association, and President of the Parent Teacher Association. He was a member of Lodge Saint Michael Scottish Masons, and is considered an Icon in the Chippingham Community where he lived all of his life.
He is survived by his wife Venencia (nee Nixon), four children: Clinton, Earl Jr., Marici & Jacinta and numerous other relatives.
Release: BIS
Photo Caption: Photos from the State-Recognized Funeral for the late former Parliamentarian Earl Vincente Thompson, Sr. held at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, October 5, 2018. The service was officiated by Father Glen C. Nixon and Interment followed at St. Augustine’s Monastery, Fox Hill.
(BIS Photos/Derek Smith)
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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