Bahamas News
Social Services Minister Calls on UN to Partner with Bahamas
#Nassau, October 30, 2018 – Bahamas – The Hon. Frankie Campbell, Minister of Social Services and Urban 
Development, called on the United Nations System to partner with The Commonwealth of The Bahamas in its quest to improve protection of the rights of women and girls.
“Allow me to also recall the number of challenges highlighted throughout today’s dialogue and to invite you and the United Nations System to partner with us through the provision of technical assistance in order to bolster our efforts in the protection of the rights of women and girls,” he said.
The following areas of interest for assistance were highlighted:
-training for members of the judiciary on CEDAW;
-strengthening the organizational capacity of civil society;
-harnessing the leadership achieved by women in public life toward sustainable avenues for women’s progress;
-implementation of the National Gender Policy and National Gender-Based Violence Plan;
-dis-aggregated data collection, analysis and reporting
Minister Campbell made the appeal at the closing session of the 71st Session of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women [the Sixth Periodic State Report of The Bahamas under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women] (CEDAW), Thursday, October 25, 2018. A Bahamian delegation represented The Bahamas at UN CEDAW, which is ongoing in Geneva, Switzerland, October 22 to November 9, 2018.
He expressed profound gratitude on behalf of The Government of The Bahamas for the opportunity to present to CEDAW an overview of its efforts in the implementation of CEDAW. He emphasized that the preparatory process for the review involved an “extensive” and “diverse” set of representatives across sectors of government and civil society including representatives from the differently-abled community.
Special thanks was extended to the Most Honourable Prime Minister, Dr. Hubert Minnis; the inter-sectorial CEDAW preparatory Task Force; previous Ministers of Social Services namely the Hon. Lanisha Rolle and Melanie Griffin; Gaynell Curry and Christine Campbell, former Directors; and UN entities; toMadam Dalia Leinarte, Chairperson; and the CEDAW Committee.
“Indeed, we hope to be able to report to you, at our next review, the additional progress made toward the full 
implementation of the CEDAW in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. I also wish to reiterate my earlier invitation to you to come to The Bahamas to see, first hand, what we are doing.
“As I stated at the outset, the achievement of gender equality and the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women is a journey and not a destination. Nevertheless, I assure you that The Bahamas is fully committed to walking this important path with courage and with stamina,” said Minister Campbell.
In her concluding comments, Madam Leinarte thanked the experts for their questions and comments, and the State Party for the explanations and responses provided during the dialogue.
Release: BIS
Photo Captions:
Header: Marion Bethel, the first female Bahamian expert CEDAW Committee member, is pictured with The Bahamas 2018 delegation to UN CEDAW. Also shown (front row) from left is Frank Davis, Charge d’Affaires, Deputy Permanent Representative, Geneva; Dr. Jacinta Higgs, Director and The Hon. Frankie Campbell, Minister of Social Services and Urban Development. Other members of the delegation are pictured along with NGO representatives.
First Insert: Pictured from left: The Hon. Frankie Campbell, Minister of Social Services and Urban Development; Dr. Jacinta Higgs, Director, Gender and Family Affairs, Jewel Major, Chief Counsel, the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs; Sharmaine Sinclair, Assistant Director, Ministry of Education. Back row: Celsus Williams, Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Alicia Gibson, Assistant Counsel, Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs.
Second Insert: The Hon. Frankie Campbell, Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, is pictured with staff of the Department of Gender and Family Affairs and representatives from local non-governmental organizations in attendance at UN CEDAW 2018. From left: Melvelyn Symonette, First Assistant Secretary; Virginia Campbell, Pilot Club of Nassau and civil society Bahamas; Alicia Wallace, Equality Bahamas; Minister Campbell, Noelle Nicolls, Bahamas Crisis Centre; Dr. Jacinta Higgs, Director; and Erin Green, Rights Bahamas.
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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