Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: PM opens Access Accelerator Small Business Development Centre, Over-the-Hill
#Nassau, May 9, 2019 – Bahamas – Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis officially opened a branch of the Small Business Development Centre at the Edmund Moxey Youth and Community Centre, specifically for residents in the area to access funding for economic empowerment.
He deemed opening the branch as part of his government’s ambitious and broader Over-the-Hill Revitalization Programme.
Also, the SBDC is an intrinsic part of the six pillars of the Over-the-Hill Community Development Partnership Initiative which are: Social Empowerment, Economic Empowerment, Rejuvenation, Smart Technology, Green Technology, and Youth and Elderly Empowerment.
The opening of this branch of the SBDC took place Wednesday, May 8, 2019, just hours after the injection of private sector funding in the amount of $100,000 by businessman Mark Holowesko. Before a packed community centre, the Prime Minister outlined to residents several goals of the SBDC, which they can take advantage of.
These goals include economic development and expansion for more Bahamians, the development of more small businesses and empowering entrepreneurs, and youth and community development Over-the-Hill.
“These goals share a single idea and objective, which is: One Bahamas for all Bahamians,” said the Prime Minister.
This SBDC branch at the Edmund Moxey Youth and Community Centre represents a dedicated location in the Over-the-Hill area as it is easily accessible and within walking distance for the residents.
“This new branch will provide enhanced, hands-on training with access to computers, and basic computer training through collaboration with existing programs,” the Prime Minister said.
Beginning May 14, classes will be held at the community centre on Tuesdays and Thursdays for 8 weeks between the hours of 6pm – 8pm.
Topics will include community tourism; sessions on taking advantage of concessions and financial management; and through a partnership with the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute — trade and entrepreneurship will be combined. The SBDC is also the product of a three-part arrangement between the Government (through the Ministry of Finance), the University of The Bahamas (UB) and the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC).
“I am very pleased that we are able to partner with various businesses and companies in our program for social and economic renewal and development,” the Prime Minister said.
He then informed that towards this end, the first phase of the redevelopment of Southern Recreation Grounds is nearly complete, thanks to $600,0000 which was donated by Albany Bahamas.
“I am advised that the redeveloped grounds will be one of the sites on a proposed heritage tour for tourists,” he added.
Out of the SBDC is the Access Accelerator initiative, which has four goals in mind:
1. To improve the environment that enables small business to flourish;
2. To increase direct financing to micro, small and medium enterprises;
3. To create and promote innovative programmes to support MSMEs; and,
4. To foster a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation, with a particular focus on marginalized groups.
In the past seven months, the SBDC has trained nearly 500 people through its two-weeks of classes; provided almost 300 substantial hours with its one-on-one business advisory services and registered over 3,500 people throughout The Bahamas. Fifty percent of those registered are in New Providence.
“It is anticipated that with the launch of this branch of the SBDC here this evening, this number will significantly increase for New Providence.
“The vision of the Over-the-Hill initiative is to see communities most of us originally hailed from, [become] thriving, prospering, and revitalized,” the Prime Minister said.
He concluded: “Our mission and my mission is to offer tangible hope and opportunity. Jobs and growth remain the government’s primary focus.
“More Bahamians must feel the economic recovery in their pocketbooks and bank accounts.”
By Lindsay Thompson
Release: BIS
Photo Caption: Prime Minister Minnis (at podium) officially opened a branch of the Small Business Development Centre at the Edmund Moxey Youth and Community Centre on Wednesday evening.
(BIS Photos/Yontalay Bowe)
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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