Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Regional Bank Takes Lead at Infrastructure Forum
#Nassau, December 10, 2018 – Bahamas – CIBC FirstCaribbean headed two key sessions at this year’s Caribbean Infrastructure Forum (CARIF 2018), targeting trends in financing Caribbean infrastructure and climate 
resilient water infrastructure. The conference, which explores the financing and construction of world class infrastructure projects throughout the Caribbean, took place at the Baha Mar Convention center on December 4th and 5th, 2018.
Managing Director and Head of Investment Banking at CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank, Adam Carter, said having more resilient infrastructure projects goes a long way in improving the lives of citizens and increasing economic prosperity through increased job creation.
“CIBC and CIBC FirstCaribbean are very strong and very committed players in the infrastructure space across the globe and closer to home. We have been at the forefront of many projects, from government initiatives to government sponsored deals to private sector deals. I think we have helped improve the competitiveness of the process and we certainly try to be innovative in terms of providing world standard products and advisory services to get projects off the ground. We stand ready to continue that push in the islands that we have our footprint in,” Carter said.
Executive Director of Corporate Finance and Advisory, CIBC FirstCaribbean Corporate Investment Banking, Gillian Charles-Gollop, moderated the session dedicated to financing climate resilient water infrastructure. She emphasized the significant need for stakeholders and authorities to consider ways of reducing the impact of extreme weather events on water supply.
“In the last year we have had several islands that were hit hard in the region with significant destruction of infrastructure. The resulting damage and disruption to water services severely impacted not only the general population, but also the supply of other essential services that would have an impact on both health and other environmental risks,” said Mrs. Charles-Gollop.
She said across the region, the issue of water security and infrastructural resilience is a key agenda for many 
countries, with several multilateral agencies supporting the development of sustainable water infrastructure.
“In many of our own islands, an added challenge is that water treatment infrastructure remains outdated, inefficiently managed and heavily subsidized, indicating the critical need for national water processes and planning for a sustainable future. Given also that our countries also face a very high debt to GDP load, alternative financing and operating structures is a prudent consideration,” said Gollop.
The Caribbean Infrastructure Forum (CARIF) is the largest gathering of regional infrastructure market on the annual calendar. CARIF 2018 convened policy-makers, utilities, multilaterals and financiers to map out the region’s infrastructure need, generate vital new relationships, and introduce world-class Caribbean projects to international sources of financing.
Release: CIBC First Caribbean International
Photo Caption: CIBC FirstCaribbean Executives headed two key sessions at the Caribbean Infrastructure Forum (CARIF 2018), targeting trends in financing Caribbean infrastructure and financing climate resilient water infrastructure. Pictured are Gillian Charles-Gollop, Executive Director of Corporate Finance and Advisory for CIBC FirstCaribbean Corporate Investment Banking; and Adam Carter, Managing Director, Head for Investment Banking at CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank.
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.”
-
Health1 week agoAstraZeneca withdraws COVID vaccines after millions took their jabs
-
Caribbean News5 days agoBelize, Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Syphilis
-
TCI News4 days agoEquity in Energy says Bahamas Energy & Transport Minister in legislative roll out
-
TCI News4 days agoFamily of 16 tourist claims negligence in Grand Turk jet ski death; Coroner’s Court hearing evidence
-
Caribbean News5 days agoMagnetic Media attends Caribbean Media Summit, in focus AI in Journalism
-
world news6 days agoElectricity Access for 600 Million a goal of UN Sustainability Week
-
TCI News3 days agoAMERICAN MOTHER AND DAUGHTER ALLEGEDLY ARRESTED FOR TWO BULLETS
-
Bahamas News4 days agoThe Bahamas Successfully Hosts Its Fourth World Athletics Relays