Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: PM accepts donation from RBC for Southern Recreation Grounds redevelopment
#Nassau, January 18, 2019 – Bahamas – Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Hubert Minnis accepted a donation from the Royal Bank of Canada towards the redevelopment of the historic Southern Recreation Grounds – one of the projects under the Over-the-Hill Community Development Partnership Initiative.
The initial sum of $10,000 collected by RBC employees, who wanted to contribute to a local outreach community programme, was handed over to The Over-the-Hill Community Development Foundation.
The donation is said to be the forerunner to a larger donation that will be made over the course of approximately the next six months. The donation will be earmarked for the green technology component of the Over-the-Hill revitalization programme.
During a ceremony held on the green spaces at the British Colonial Hilton, on Thursday, January 17, 2019 the Prime Minister thanked RBC for its corporate-sponsored initiatives especially geared toward the nation’s youth.
Following the ceremony, the Prime Minister, representatives from the Over the Hill Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister and RBC took in a site visit to the Southern Recreation Grounds where the redevelopment process was well underway.
The Prime Minister said that Over-the-Hill, where the Southern Recreation Grounds is located, is important to the cultural and historical landscape of New Providence.
“The Southern Recreation Grounds was one of the more accessible parks to the majority of our people who lived in the area south of Gregory Arch that we know as Over-the-Hill. It is always important to give some historical perspective, and to remind people, especially our young people, of the rich history and heritage of The Bahamas,” the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister recalled that it was on the Southern Recreation Grounds that so many Bahamians over many 
generations gathered for recreational purposes, to socialize and to play. Some also met under the silk cotton trees to discuss the issues of the day.
“The Southern Recreation Grounds became an important centre for the expression of a new political awakening which started in the forties. The bandstand became a platform for the national heroes, and the public speakers and thinkers of the new movement for change in the Colony,” he said.
Also, in 1942, thousands gathered at Southern Recreation Grounds for what was a very tense meeting with the representatives of the day during the Burma Road Riot. In 1950, a new movement was launched at Southern Recreation Grounds by the Citizens Committee when the Old Guard refused to allow a showing of the movie “No Way Out”, which starred our own beloved Sidney Poitier.
During the General Strike of 1958, some of the public meetings were held at Southern Recreation Grounds.
It was there that the late former Prime Minister Sir Lynden Pindling led a very large crowd after the confrontation on Bay Street on Black Tuesday. And it was there that many political rallies were held leading up to Majority Rule Day, which was celebrated on January 10.
“So the Southern Recreation Grounds was, perhaps, more than any other public gathering place the principal theatre for the continuing political and social drama of our times,” the Prime Minister said.
In restoring the Southern Recreation Grounds, we are revitalizing the Bahamian spirit and our collective memory.
Proposed for the Grounds are green spaces for picnics, cook-outs and concerts. There will be storyboards and signage recalling the history of the Grounds as a site of assembly for critical events in Bahamian history.
“The refurbished Grounds may serve as a classroom for students and young Bahamians on the history of the modern Bahamas, including the struggle for equality and freedom,” the Prime Minister said.
Additionally, the new Southern Recreation Grounds will include areas for fitness and health activities as well as outdoor and experiential educational activities.
The park will be redesigned to incorporate and allow better access to nearby facilities such as the Lillian Weir-Coakley Public Library.
Other features and amenities will include better-organized public parking spaces, new playground equipment installed for children, an improved basketball court, softball diamond and accommodating facilities.
“The new Southern Recreation Grounds will help to preserve our history. These new Grounds will offer current and future generations a transformed space to renew and restore their minds, spirits and bodies in the heart of New Providence,” the Prime Minister said.
By Lindsay Thompson
Release: BIS
Photo Caption: Prime Minister Minnis addresses ceremonies at the British Colonial Hilton, today, where RBC Royal Bank pledged funds towards redevelopment of historic Southern Recreation Grounds.
(BIS Photos/Yontalay Bowe)
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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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