Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: PM says Government Relentless in its Crime-Fighting Efforts
#Nassau, January 24, 2019 – Bahamas – Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Hubert Minnis said his Government will be relentless in its efforts in reducing crime for a safer and secure Bahamas. He was addressing the contract signing ceremony between the Ministry of National Security and ShotSpotter Technology, a US -based company known for its technology in detecting gunshots being fired, almost immediately, in criminal activities.
The aim is to put a dent in criminal activities in The Bahamas involving illegal guns. The technology, which cost an estimated $1.9 million, is expected to come on stream before the end of this quarter.
“In addition to such advanced gun-detection technology, we will employ other cutting-edge and effective technological and scientific advances to make our people and our country safer and more secure,” the Prime Minister said.
The ceremony took place at the SLS Baha Mar, Wednesday, January 23, 2019.
Also present were the Minister of National Security the Hon. Marvin Dames; Stephanie Bowers, Charge d’Affaires of the US Embassy, Nassau; members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force; other Government officials and representatives from ShotSpotter Technology.
The Prime Minister deemed the contract signing as another critical initiative in the Government’s strategy to making The Bahamas safer.
“I am pleased that today we are fulfilling another promise to the Bahamian people of introducing gun detection technology to our crime- fighting arsenal,” he said.
ShotSpotter Technology is expected to come on stream before the end of this first quarter. This project will cost $1.9 million over a three-year period. It is anticipated that the technology may help to significantly reduce crime across the country.
“I am very pleased that we will implement this innovative and highly-successful technology, the Prime Minister said.
This advanced technology is also expected to aid in further decreasing gun violence and homicides. ShotSpotter has the capacity to increase gun-fire awareness by 500 per cent. The ShotSpotter Technology is known to utilize acoustic technology to identify when and where a gunshot is fired. This will lead to the more precise detection and location of incidents.
“Along with job creation, economic growth and our opportunity agenda, the safety and the security of citizens, residents and guests, is among the highest priorities of our government,” the Prime Minister said.
The Police Force has recorded that last year the country experienced a 25 per cent decrease in homicides, the first time in nearly a decade. Plus, there was an overall decrease in crime of eight per cent.
“These decreases are the result of very hard work, better policing and leadership, and a more comprehensive 
strategy to reduce crime,” the Prime Minister said.
“This includes the use of advanced technology to prevent and to detect crime, and to apprehend and monitor criminals, and those who want to do harm and to commit crime.”
In this vein, he thanked the Minister of National Security, the Commissioner of Police and his leadership team, as well as the members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, for their “unyielding efforts in combating crime and protecting Bahamians, residents and visitors.”
The Prime Minister said that while this is pleasing, there is still much work to be done to make the Bahamian people feel safer and more secure.
“We must continue to work aggressively to reduce other crimes on people and property. We can never rest on our laurels in fighting crime and protecting the Bahamian people from criminal violence.
We must do everything we can to protect Bahamians, residents and visitors,” he said.
By: Lindsay Thompson
Release: BIS
Photo Captions:
Header: Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Hubert Minnis at the contract signing ceremony between the Ministry of National Security and ShotSpotter Technology, a US -based company known for its technology in detecting gunshots being fired, almost immediately, in criminal activities. The ceremony was held Wednesday, January 23, 2019 at the SLS Baha Mar on Cable Beach. He is pictured with the Hon. Marvin Dames, Minister of National Security.
Insert: Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Hubert Minnis addressing the contract signing ceremony between the Ministry of National Security and ShotSpotter Technology, a US -based company known for its technology in detecting gunshots being fired, almost immediately, in criminal activities. The ceremony was held at the SLS Baha Mar, Wednesday, January 23, 2019.
(BIS Photo/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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