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BAHAMAS: Campbell Promotes Public/Private Partnerships in Treatment of Autism

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#Nassau, April 4, 2019 – Bahamas – Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon. Frankie Campbell Tuesday made an appeal for the country’s speech, behavioral and occupational therapy specialists to partner with the government in the treatment of Autism by offering their services “gratis” to REACH Bahamas as a way of giving back to the community.

“I also urge students who are passionate about helping others to pursue these areas of study, as they are much in demand in this country,” Minister Campbell added.

Minister Campbell said while there is no cure for Autism and the causes are unknown, treatment is available through therapy and behavioral interventions that address the core symptoms of Autism which are impaired social interaction, challenges with verbal and nonverbal communication, and obsessive or repetitive routines and interests.

The Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development is a “proud partner” of REACH Bahamas, providing an annual subvention.  Minister Campbell pledged that his ministry will “continue to do our part in this worthy effort.” REACH Bahamas is the country’s resource and educational source for Autism and other related challenges. A non-profit organization, its aim is to provide parents with comprehensive knowledge and tools in all areas of this neurological disorder.

Addressing the Annual World Autism Day Awareness “Light it up Blue” Ceremony hosted by REACH in Rawson Square Tuesday (April 2), Minister Campbell said speech, behavioral and occupational therapies are imperative for autistic children to progress.

“While the government offers these services, there is always a need for partnerships in this effort,” Minister Campbell said. “REACH offers these services during its summer camp, however, ongoing treatment is needed.”

Minister Campbell said private agencies offer help, but that the help is costly.

“As a result, the autistic child does not receive the imperative interventions necessary.” 

Minister Campbell said the Ministry of Education, through its Special Services Division, offers Placement, Assessment, and Speech Therapy to Autistic students in New Providence.  Additionally, they provide a three-phase programme: the Willard Patton Primary School caters to the preschool student; the Garvin Tynes and Palmdale Primary Schools, to elementary students, and The Stapledon School as well as Anatol Rodgers Pre-vocational Unit, offer services to older students.

Grand Bahama and Eleuthera are the only other islands that provide specialized services.

“In some instances, Autistic students attend both public and private schools.  Those students who are in the special units are mainstreamed for some of the subjects, based on their level of competence.”

Minister Campbell said while the exact number of Autistic children within the Commonwealth of The Bahamas is unknown, the Department of Statistics “has assured that this question will be included in its upcoming 2020 Census.”

“Once the results are tabulated, the government will have in its possession reliable data that will inform and drive policies and programmes that would be of even more assistance to this group. I invite the community to celebrate with REACH, as April is Autism Awareness Month.”

Among the activities planned for the month: an Easter Egg Hunt; T-Shirt Day (every Friday throughout the month); a Fun/Run/Walk at Montagu Beach; a Jazz Concert, and a Parent Support Group Meeting.

“I applaud REACH for the free services and ongoing training offered throughout the year to parents, teachers, and caregivers, in addition to the Parent Support group sessions that are held every fourth Wednesday of each month.  Continue to do your best.

“I am cognizant of the barriers as well as challenges that parents face: embarrassment; difficultly accessing services; an insensitive community; costly or unavailable services; long waiting lists; among so many others.  Thankfully, organizations such as REACH are slowly breaking down these barriers.  I therefore appeal to the community for your tangible and intangible support of this valuable non-profit organization.

“In conclusion, Lanita, a writer to Wyzant, an official tutoring online site, said it beautifully when she stated, “We must listen to these beautiful children and reach down into their world.  Providing them with special care such as occupational therapy, special diet considerations, and additional tutoring, enable autistic children to overcome many of their limitations and pursue a happy, fulfilled life, full of potential.”


By Matt Maura

Release: BIS

Photo Captions:

Header: World Autism Awareness Day Light It Up Blue.

1st Insert: Attending the Light It Up Blue ceremony in Rawson Square, April 2, 2019.  From left: Minister of Social Services and Urban Development the Hon. Frankie Campbell; Minister of Education the Hon. Jeffrey Lloyd; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Peter Turnquest; and Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis.

2nd Insert: REACH Chairman Dwayne Gibson and REACH Secretary to the Board Paula-Maria Hospedales-Bosland (right) present award to Volunteer Sandra Smith-Johnson.

3rd Insert: REACH Chairman Dwayne Gibson and REACH Secretary to the Board Paula-Maria Hospedales-Bosland (right) present award to Hopedale Centre Owner Arlene Davis.

BIS Photos/Kristaan Ingraham



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Get your laugh on, March On, family drama by Gea Pierre, debut this weekend in Turks and Caicos 

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Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer

After resounding success in the Bahamas, hit play ‘March On, The Story of Us’ has been inundated with requests to take their show on the road, and the first location they’ll be hitting is Providenciales Turks and Caicos with tickets on sale again this weekend, the show debuts Friday night.

Magnetic Media spoke to Gea Pierre, playwright, who told us the TCI was a natural first choice for the cast and crew where shows are set for Brayton Hall, for Friday May 10 at 8pm and Saturday has two showings; matinee at 4pm and evening, 8pm.

Tickets are $75 VIP. General admission is $60.

“We started ‘March On’ in November 2023 and it was really an opportunity for us to tell a story, the story of the Bahamas and to encompass the nations that we have an amazing relationship with like the Turks and Caicos,” she continued “We really got a lot of people calling [for the play] from [the TCI], so much so we really had to pay attentattention.

The response to ‘March On’ at home and abroad was overwhelming.

“To say it went well is an understatement, even before we opened we got calls from Canada, from all over the US with people wanting us to come and perform.”

And take the show on the road they did! Gea and her team have launched “March On: The Tour” and will be in Providenciales to perform on May 10th and 11th. It’s the first of a number of stops which include Nassau and several US locations.

Online tickets are available for purchase with credit cards. The full team returns on Friday, May 10 with the comedy production being held under the patronage of Washington Misick, TCI Premier and First Lady Delthia Misick.

Describing the close familial relationships between the TCI and the Bahamas, for many on the crew it will be like coming home Gea told us, for others it will be a treat to visit for the first time, the places that their grandparents described.

Gea maintained that the team wanted to keep the show as accessible to residents as possible.

As for why you should come out and see the play, other than the great price point:

“The way that people have responded to it is non stop laughter, people have been moved to tears because there’s some emotion. It does not only lend to Bahamians. It’s a family drama, and anyone who’s ever been a part of a family is going to get something out of it, and something moving.”

 

 

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The Bahamas Successfully Hosts Its Fourth World Athletics Relays

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NASSAU, Bahamas – Hundreds of people from around the world turned out in full force for the BTC World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 that took place at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, May 4 -5, 2024.

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.

In fact, The Bahamas was able to take advantage of the second day of competition.

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.

(BIS Photos/Kemuel Stubbs)

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PM at World Relays 2024 Opening: ‘Tonight, the eyes are on The Bahamas’

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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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