Bahamas News
Bahamas poised for digital innovation, says PM
#Nassau, November 2, 2018 – Bahamas – The Bahamas is poised for a new time of innovation and transformation, according to Dr. the Most Hon. Hubert A. Minnis, Prime Minister, as the nation adapts to today’s digital world.
He was addressing the Royal Bank of Canada Re-imagining Banking Reception held at the Grand Hyatt, Baha Mar Convention Centre on Wednesday, October 31, 2018.
Royal Bank of Canada is the oldest bank to be established in The Bahamas; with its first branch opening in 1908. And throughout its 110 years of existence, it has served as the principal banker of The Government of The Bahamas, for many years
“Royal Bank has been a significant contributor to the development and growth of the modern Bahamas,” the Prime Minister said. He noted that this includes the development and financing of major projects namely: Arawak Cay Port Development, Princess Margaret Hospital Critical Care Block, the Harry C. Moore Library, Nassau Airport Development Company and the Franklyn Wilson Graduate School of Business at the University of The Bahamas.
Earlier this year, RBC announced that its flagship youth skills and empowerment programme – Future Launch – would be coming to The Bahamas.
“RBCs are launching this program around the world, and are pleased that the program will be here in The Bahamas,” the Prime Minister said.
The community engagement initiatives by RBC dovetail with the vision and various initiatives of the Government of The Bahamas, said the Prime Minister. Toward this end, the government recently launched the Small Business Development Center, for which an amount of over $25 million has been allocated to support micro- small- and medium-sized businesses.
“One of our guiding principles is that sustainable economic growth should be driven by Bahamian investment and creativity, in tandem with strategic foreign direct investment,” the Prime Minister said. “We believe that entrepreneurs are the primary drivers behind innovation and growth,” he added.
The Prime Minister said some of the goals set by his administration are to: stimulate Bahamian ownership, create jobs, and to reduce poverty.
“In order to achieve those goals, we realized that we had to address the blockages that prevent Bahamian ownership, that stifle job creation, and that perpetuate poverty,” he said. Therefore for his government, access and opportunity are important.
“Access to the kinds of opportunities that those who have traditionally succeeded in our economy often take for granted, including: good advice, help with planning and execution, contacts and networking, and of course, critically, access to capital,” he said.
He told RBC that private enterprises and banks like it should also play a vital role in helping small businesses and entrepreneurs to gain access to capital for business development. The Prime Minister then pointed out that the Bahamian economy is growing with tourism doing “exceedingly well.” Also a number of major investments are on the horizon.
“Given its history in The Bahamas, I know that the Royal Bank of Canada will continue to be a significant player in the economic life of The Bahamas.
“I look forward to an enhanced partnership between the Government and RBC in the development of more Bahamian entrepreneurs and small businesses.
“I also look forward to enhanced opportunities for corporate citizenship by RBC, especially in the area of youth development, including for at-risk youth,” the Prime Minister said.
By Lindsay Thompson
Photo Caption: Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Hubert Minnis addresses the RBC Re-imagining Banking reception at the Grand Hyatt, Baha Mar, October 31, 2018; also mingles with RBC executives, along with Minister of Financial Services, Trade & Industry and Immigration, the Hon. Brent Symonette.
(BIS Photos/Yontalay Bowe)
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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