Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Minister Campbell Kicks Off Busy Week at United Nations
UNITED NATIONS, New York — Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon. Frankie A. Campbell began what is scheduled to be a busy week at the United Nations in New York, attending the Opening Session of the Sixty-Third Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW63), Monday, March 11, 2019.
Joining Minister Campbell in the General Assembly Hall for the Opening Session were Mrs. Patricia Minnis, Office of the First Spouse, and Her Excellency, Sheila Carey, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of The Bahamas to the United Nations.
Minister Campbell was accompanied by Dr. Jacinta Higgs, the Director of the Department of Gender and Family Affairs and Lillian Quant-Forbes, Director, Department of Social Services, Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development.
The Sixty-Third Session of the Commission on the Status of Women will be held at United Nations Headquarters, New York, United States of America, from March 11 through March 22. The Priority theme for CSW63 is: “Social Protection Systems, Access to Public Services and Sustainable Infrastructure for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women and Girls”.
CSW is the principal global intergovernmental body of the United Nations that is exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality. A functional commission of the Economic and Social Council (or ECOSOC), the Commission was established by Resolution in 1946.
CSW is instrumental in promoting women’s rights, documenting the reality of women’s lives throughout the world, and shaping global standards on gender equality and the empowerment of women.
“It is good to be here to search for best practices to be able to go back home and ensure that we are able to add quality to the lives of our people, not just for the sake of reporting, but to be able to report if and when that is necessary,” Minister Campbell said.
“We are here to do things that affect us all as people on this planet. Sure we have our various shortcomings and peculiarities as independent nations, but we also have the common denominator of ensuring equity and equality for our people.
“The focus is currently on women and girls, but equity and equality for our people – which is a basic human right – is what we are after. It is good to see that we are all on the same page in that regard,” Minister Campbell added.
Earlier Monday, the Assembly took time to extend expressions of condolences to the families and countries of the 157 persons (149 passengers and 8 crew members) that were killed Sunday following the deadly crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 shortly after take-off from the airport in Addis Ababa. The flight was scheduled to land in Nairobi, Kenya.
“When you think of the United Nations, this morning’s expressions of condolences and sympathy for the passengers and crew members was a true embodiment of what the United Nations is all about,” Minister Campbell said.
“We saw the world come forward and take a break from the intended subject matter to sympathize and offer words of kindness, and to me that is the true essence of what we are doing here.”
A main focus of the Sixty-Third Session of the Commission on the Status of Women is the implementation of social protection systems.
Social protection systems consist of policies and programmes designed to reduce poverty and vulnerability, while diminishing exposure to certain social risks, among other key factors.
By: Matt Maura
Release: BIS
Photo Captions:
Header: Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon. Frankie A. Campbell participated in the Opening Session of the Sixty-Third Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW63) which got underway at the United Nations in New York, Monday, March 10 (2019). Her Excellency, Sheila Carey, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of The Bahamas to the United Nations, is at Minister’s Campbell’s right. Also pictured (front row) is: Dr. Jacinta Higgs, Director, The Department of Gender and Family Affairs. Pictured in the back row (from left) are: Lillian Quant-Forbes, Director, Department of Social Services; President of the Senate, Senator, the Hon. Kay Forbes-Smith and Patricia Minnis, Office of the First Spouse.
Insert: Technical Staff and Team Members of the Department of Gender and Family Affairs, Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development, pose with representatives of non-governmental organizations prior to the start of the Opening Session of the Sixty-Third Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW63) on Monday. Four members of the team at the Department of Gender and Family Affairs are attending the Session as a result of a public/private partnership between the Department and Generali Global Health Services.
(BIS Photo/Matt Maura)
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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