Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: 41 Persons Graduate as Environmental Monitors in Over-the-Hill Development Partnership Initiative
#Nassau, March 2, 2019 – Bahamas – During a ceremony Thursday, February 28, 2019 a total of 41 persons from Bain and Grants Town communities became the first set of Environmental Monitors after 12 weeks of intense training.
The ceremony was held at the Wesley Methodist Church hall on Meadow Street, during which Minister of the Environment and Housing the Hon. Romauld Ferreira delivered remarks on the initiative – a partnership between the Over-the Hill Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister and the Department of Environmental Health Services.
This particular effort sees a partnership between The Over-the-Hill Initiative and the Ministry of the Environment & Housing, which last year introduced the #Be A Hero Campaign to recognize community leaders for going the extra mile.
Samita Ferguson, Executive Manager of the Over-the-Hill Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister underscored the importance of the partnership initiative. Also present at the graduation ceremony were the Members of Parliament for Centreville, and Bain and Grant’s Town, Reece Chipman and Travis Robinson, respectively.
The Over-The-Hill Community Development Partnership Initiative is serious about its mandate to transform lives and bring rejuvenation to the Bain & Grants Town and Centerville communities according to Mrs. Ferguson.
The Environmental Monitors hail from the various communities within the Over-the-Hill area. Now that they have graduated, their responsibilities will vary from ensuring the areas are free from environmental infractions such as illegal dumping, monitoring target areas daily, filing weekly reports and presenting evidence that could lead to offenders being charged in a revived environmental court.
The ongoing cleanup campaign entails a four-pronged approach. Once the monitor identifies an abandoned vehicle or another hazard, a notice would be placed on it with a request for removal within a given time frame.
Other aspects include a doubling of regular garbage collection with twice weekly pick-ups in the targeted areas; and the concern of abandoned, derelict buildings.
The Over-the-Hill Community Development Partnership Initiative, officially launched in May 2018, is built around six key pillars designed to fully restore the Over-the-Hill residential areas. The pillars are:
· Social Empowerment;
· Economic Empowerment;
· Rejuvenation;
· Smart Technology;
· Green and Sustainable Technology; and
· Programmes for the Youth and the Elderly.
The Over-the-Hill Community Development Partnership Initiative is the brainchild of Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert A Minnis, whose goal is to transform those communities into cleaner and safer environments, while economically empowering residents.
By Lindsay Thompson (BIS)
Photo Captions:
Header: A total of 41 persons from Bain and Grants Town communities became the first set of Environmental Monitors after 12 weeks of intense training. The ceremony was held at Wesley Methodist Church hall on Meadow Street on Thursday, February 28, 2019. Minister of the Environment and Housing, the Hon. Romauld Ferreira gives graduation address at the podium.
First insert:During a graduation ceremony Thursday, February 28, 2019 a total of 41 persons from Bain and Grants Town communities became the first set of Environmental Monitors after 12 weeks of intense training. The ceremony was held at Wesley Methodist Church hall on Meadow Street. Pictured front row from left are Samita Ferguson, Executive Manager of the Over-the-Hill Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister; Reece Chipman, Member of Parliament for Centreville; Travis Robinson, Member of Parliament for Bain and Grant’s Town; and Minister of the Environment and Housing the Hon. Romauld Ferreira.
Second insert:Rocky Nesbitt, Project Manager for Over-the-Hill Initiative, Office of the Prime Minister, congratulates the 41 Environmental Monitors on Thursday, February 28, 2019 at Wesley Methodist Church hall on Meadow Street.
BIS Photos/Derek Smith
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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