Bahamas News
“Bright Future” for Grand Bahama Amidst Tech Revolution
#Freeport, GB, November 17, 2018 – Bahamas – “Grand Bahama has a very bright future” stated Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Dr. the Most Hon. Hubert Minnis, during a ‘Pop-up Chat’ with Parliamentary Secretary Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe on Wednesday, November 14.
Prime Minister Minnis had just completed opening remarks for the 2nd Grand Bahama Technology Summit at the Grand Lucayan when he was invited to sit for a brief interview with Mrs. Edgecombe. He said, while looking at the room of some 600 Summit participants, guests, investors looking for opportunities — he sees a bright future for Grand Bahama.
Addressing the direction the world is taking with technology, he remarked, if The Bahamas is to attract investors or encourage businesses, the country must, and the people, businesses and government ought to be prepared for the technological era.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed with Cisco Systems and Cisco Networking Academy, at the summit, to expand IT training in Grand Bahama. In the Pop-Up Chat with Mrs. Edgecombe, the Prime Minister said it was vital to train young people in the country if we are going to being a part of technological revolution.
He noted, “We recognize that there are a lot of Bahamians who cannot afford to pay the necessary school fees to improve their knowledge and become a part of this new wave, this innovation that is occurring in the world.”
Recalling his own experiences, Prime Minister Minnis said the government does not want marginalization of Bahamians who cannot afford higher education. This is why, he continued, it was decided that education at Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute (BTVI), with its progressing IT curriculum, be free to all Bahamians.
The government, he said, is now going into high schools and getting the students involved with technology before they graduate.
He noted too, with respect to the annual student summer work programme: rather than spend money to pay students to be employed during the summer, receiving adequate salary but doing remedial or very little work — summer programmes will change: “We will employ our students, but our students will attend courses to uplift 
their education.”
He added: “What we will also do is pick some of the best students from the various high schools, and those students will be paid to assist those students who have fallen behind so as to uplift them. What I find is students respond better to student teachers.”
Prime Minister Minnis noted with interest how important it is for the country — as part of the technological revolution — to become solarized, as dynamic changes are very quickly taking place. He noted, for example, that Ford Motor Company is moving their vehicles towards electrical power. Implications are that “Our parking facilities will not only have to become solarized but have the necessary sockets so that as our cars pull in, they can be recharged.”
By Robyn Adderley
Release: BIS
Photo Caption: Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Hubert Minnis, on Wednesday, November 14, is pictured in brief chat with Parliamentary Secretary, Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe following his opening address of the 2nd Grand Bahama Technology Summit at Grand Lucayan resort. The three-day event has attracted some 600 participants under the theme, “The Future is Now.”
(BIS Photo/Andrew Miller)
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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