Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Urban Renewal Utilizes Assets to Help Effect Community Change
#Nassau, May, 28, 2019 – Bahamas – Officials from the Urban Renewal Commission, Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development, recently distributed care packages to 900 families residing in the urban communities of New Providence where Centres are located.
They included Bain and Grants Town, Centreville, Englerston, Fort Charlotte, Fox Hill, Free Town, Nassau Village, Pinewood and St. Barnabas. Care packages were also delivered to a number of Senior Citizen facilities.
Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon. Frankie A. Campbell said there are times when families in the urban communities may need assistance for a short period of time outside of the scope of the Department of Social Services. He said it is during these times that the Urban Renewal Commission can step in and assist those families.
Minister Campbell said as both entities “basically serve” the same group of persons and fall under the scope of the same Minister, there will naturally be opportunities for collaborations “in the best interests of Bahamian families from time to time.”
“It’s not a duplication of efforts,” Minister Campbell noted. “Rather, it’s simply a matter of two agencies that fall under the scope of the same Minister and the same Ministry complementing each other and combining some of their assets to effect positive change within our communities as opposed to being in competition with one another,” Minister Campbell said.
“Opportunities for these types of collaborations between Urban Renewal and the Department of Social Services, from time to time, can only be a plus,” Minister Campbell added.
Acting Director of the Urban Renewal Commission, Mr. Kellen Russell, said the beneficiaries of the care packages were identified during the usual walkabouts through the communities conducted by Centre Managers and Staff.
That information, Director Russell said, is then forwarded to the relevant government stakeholders in order to effect positive change for residents of the urban communities.
“The Department of Social Services does a great job in meeting the needs of many in our communities, but when you look at the size of some of the households within those communities, that assistance – particularly food assistance – can be dispatched of within a short period of time,” Mr. Russell said.
“The persons (who received the gift packages) were identified by the Centre Managers and the Staff of the Centres and included the elderly, single mothers and/or participants in some of the many programmes that we run at the Centres.
“The walkabouts provide us with a great source of information with regards to who is in need and what are some of the things that need to be done to address the concerns/deficiencies of or in those communities. We are then able to meet with the relevant agencies in order to get those needs addressed.
“With our link to Social Services, we will have an idea, we will have an understanding, we will have the necessary intelligence that will cause us to understand who the persons are in the urban communities who have a real need, so that we can extend our hands to them thereby making services accessible to these communities,” Acting Director Russell added.
By Matt Maura
Release: BIS
Photo Captions:
Header: Kellen Russell (third from right) with members of the Urban Renewal team, prior to distribution of the care packages. (Urban Renewal Photo)
Insert: Team members of the Urban Renewal Centres distribute care packages during a recent initiative by the Urban Renewal Commission.
(Urban Renewal Photo)
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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