Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Small Business Development Program Launched in Eight Mile Rock
Eight Mile Rock, GB, March 12, 2019 – Bahamas – The Government launched its Grand Bahama’s Small Business Development program in West Grand Bahama at the Eight Mile Rock High School auditorium, Friday, March 8, 2019.
After successfully launching the program in East Grand Bahama last month, Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest said he wanted to give residents in Eight Mile Rock and West Grand Bahama the same opportunities to become successful entrepreneurs. He noted that the residents of Eight Mile Rock are no strangers to start-up businesses.
“You here in West Grand Bahama, you have a history of entrepreneurship and for anyone driving up and down the main street here it is evident. But is it not interesting that people still drive down to Freeport to shop?
“So, you have to ask the question, why have all the big businesses that were set up here closed down? I think what it says is that we have to first learn to support one another and then it tells me that before you launch into a business, you must first determine, by research, what it is the people in this community want. What sorts of businesses in this community will they support?
“The Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) will help you make that determination and give you an idea of just how viable your business idea will be for this community.”
Minister Turnquest told those who had gathered for the launch of the SBDC that when the Free National Movement came to office, they held a series of consultations and brain-storming sessions to see how they could create some sort of programs that would help to empower the ordinary Bahamian.
The creation of the SBDC was birth out of those consultations.
“Like you, we heard the cries that Bahamians feel by and large that there are advantages that are given to foreign investors that are not given to Bahamians. That a foreigner can come to this country, and because he has access to easy money or to networks, which Bahamians are not able to access, can get an advantage over us in our own country.
“Obviously that is inherently unfair.”
However, Minister Turnquest noted that for the most part, Bahamians have never been taught how to be entrepreneurs, or how to think with an entrepreneurial mind-set and to take risk. He said that Bahamians, as a people are very risk averse.
He said many Bahamians believe that they would like to be business owners, however, not that many are willing to take the risk, leave a secure job and go out to pursue their dreams.
“Thinking through this problem, we asked what could we do to address that lack of entrepreneurial thinking in our people, to address the fear that leads to this reluctance for people to strike out on their own, and how do we get financiers to get over their uncertainty of taking a risk on our people.
“We came up with this idea of the small business development centre, whose objective is to help the ordinary Bahamian to think through an idea. And those ideas can be diverse as we are a people.
“Some ask the question, ‘if I am interested in the creative arts, can I come to the Small Business Development Centre?’ The answer is absolutely. If you’re interested in agriculture, retail, wholesale, manufacturing, or intellectual property, you can come to the Small Business Development Centre.
“The idea is to have you be as creative and as opened as you possibly can.”
Minister Turnquest encouraged those present at the SBDC launch to “look within themselves” to discover their respective talents and to consider that desire of doing the things that would make them happy to get up each morning and pursue that dream in their hearts.
“Then we encourage you to come to the Small Business development Centre and talk through it with one of the Advisors, so that you can determine, with their help, whether your idea is commercially viable. It is great to have a hobby, but if you cannot turn it into money, then it is just a hobby.
“They will walk you through the idea, from the inception, to developing that business plan, so that we can test it to ensure that it is a reasonable idea. You are taken through the training so that you can understand business.”
The SBDC will then help the prospective entrepreneur to find the funding necessary to bring the business idea to fruition. DPM Turnquest said that one of the beauties of the SBDC program is once an individual goes through the SBDC, it gives their business plan credibility.
By Andrew Coakley
Release: BIS
Photo Caption: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest (standing) addresses the crowd who showed up for the launch of the Small Business Development Program in West Grand Bahama at the Eight Mile Rock School Auditorium, Friday, March 8, 2019. Also on hand for the launch was Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister and Member of Parliament for West Grand Bahama, Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe (seated, third from right).
(BIS Photo/Andrew Miller)
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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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