Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: BTVI Student Interns Abroad
#Nassau, April 29, 2019 – Bahamas – The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTV) recently facilitated its first international internship. Carpentry student, Odler Pierre, boldly reached out to Storm Team Construction and secured an internship opportunity with the company.
Odler works at a marina where he met Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Storm Team Construction, Chad Simkins and the two became friends. He told Mr. Simkins about his internship and Mr. Simkins offered Odler the opportunity to intern with his company. Storm Team Construction is a company that specializes in rebuilding and restoration after storms and has several locations across the United States of America. The company has received several awards including the Service Excellence Award by the United Association of Storm Restoration Contractors.
When Odler realized he would be completing his internship abroad, he felt excited and blessed for the opportunity. Most of all, he felt confident and prepared because of the education he received from BTVI.
“I just want to thank God for giving me this amazing opportunity to be the first student from BTVI that had a chance to intern abroad. Special thanks to CEO of Storm Team Construction, Chad Simkins who went out of his way, allowing me to intern with his company and making sure all my needs were taken care of,” said Odler.
Odler spent five weeks interning at Storm Team Construction in Jupiter, Florida, and completed the required 160 hours for his internship. During this time, Odler was tasked with constructing formwork for concrete walls, constructing stud walls, installing doors, roofs and windows and other related tasks. He even completed a short online course on installing window and door systems while he was there. He said it was easy for him to adjust to the work environment based of what he did in class and working alongside his father who is a carpenter.
When he was not working, Odler would go fishing with friends which he describes as one of his best experiences. He learned how to clean and maintain a vessel, create boat knots, fishing techniques and how to drive a boat. He also attended Bible study, went to bowling alleys, beaches and restaurants, taking advantage of his time there.
Odler pointed out that his most memorable experience was watching how hard the employees around him worked; he alluded to learning what it means to earn an honest living. This was in addition to learning the importance of networking with those who could help him grow professionally and achieve his goals.
Meanwhile, BTVI Career Services Officer, Michael Smith, explained how impressed he was not only with Odler’s initiative to secure the internship, but also his outstanding performance during it.
“His performance speaks volumes to the strength of the instruction he received in BTVI’s Carpentry program. He was able to teach Storm Team Construction’s employees techniques and safety practices based on his OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) training at BTVI. Based on what was reported by the company, his internship assessment forms show an outstanding performance,” said Mr. Smith.
Odler is appreciative of the internship component of BTVI’s programs and believes it is an integral part of making the transition from the classroom to the work environment seamless.
“Internship provides real life experience and exposure. It teaches you how to communicate with colleagues, enhances the practical skills learned in class, leaderships skills and how to be a team player. It can help you acquire more education and gives you the opportunity to learn more about yourself. To know yourself is to know your goals and do your best to achieve them,” he said.
“If offered a job right now I would take it! I feel the amount of education I got from BTVI was enough to prepare me for the work field. Right now, my goal in to continue focusing on my education so that I can be a Project Manager one day,” said Odler who is set to graduate from BTVI in May.
“I had an awesome time with Storm Team Construction. If I had a chance to do it again, I would,” he added.
Release: BTVI
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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