Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: The Government Believes the Best Kind of Relief is Empowerment
#Nassau, May 31, 2019 – Bahamas – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest explained that this government administration believes the best kind of relief is empowerment and has a clear economic vision of a modern country where Bahamians are empowered and independent: free from dependency on political patronage and free from the limiting constraints of an inefficient government bureaucracy.
DPM Turnquest was speaking at the National Budget 2019/20 Press Conference held at the British Colonial Hilton, Thursday, May 30, 2019.
He along with the Financial Secretary, Marlon Johnson also took the time to answer questions posed by the country’s national media.
The DPM explained that the government has delivered empowerment in a number of areas including expanding opportunities in education to help break the cycle of poverty. “That means$20 million to ensure Bahamians have access to free education from primary school to college.”
The DPM stated that the government is also investing in entrepreneurship to build job creators, which means an increased allocation from $5 million to $8.5 million in small business to give young people access to capital to pump into their businesses.
He said, “We are building 21st century infrastructure as a new foundation for growth, which means $170 million invested in renewable energy over the next 10 years, with a focus on solar energy projects in the Family Islands. In the medium and long term, Bahamians will save money on electricity and the cost of living.
“We are increasing the ease of doing business. That means no more standing in lines at the passport office; you will be able to renew your passport online. That means — no more waiting weeks or months to renew your business licence. You can get it in 48 hours.
“Lastly, we are leading the digital transformation to a modern government with massive investments in technological integration. The Department of Information Technology is transitioning to the Department of Transformation and Digitization, with an increased allocation of $15 million.”
DPM Turnquest noted that the government is serious about citizen empowerment and the way we are spending taxpayer money in the Budget is a reflection of that. The best relief is ‘empowerment’ and we are doing things that are meaningful and impactful.
He also touched on transparency, where he said the government is doing a number of things to educate the public more about the Budget and how the Government is spending taxpayer money. That includes a quarterly budget performance reporting, efforts to strengthen the Auditor General’s Department, and the implementation of the Fiscal Responsibility Act.
By Llonella Gilbert
Photo Caption: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest explained that this government administration believes the best kind of relief is empowerment, at the National Budget 2019/20 Press Conference held at the British Colonial Hilton, Thursday, May 30, 2019. The DPM and Financial Secretary, Marlon Johnson also took the time to answer questions posed by the country’s national media.
(BIS Photos/Kristaan Ingraham)
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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