Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Nation Can Only Advance with Common Purpose, Says Senate President
West End, GB, July 6, 2019 – Bahamas – “Whatever the true meaning of national progress may be, or by whatever measuring stick used, one thing is certain, we can only advance as a nation when people are unified with one common purpose,” said President of the Senate, Katherine Forbes-Smith.
The President’s comments came during her address at the official ceremony for National Pride Day in West End on Friday, July 5, 2019.
Senator Smith said that Bahamians will not accomplish as much as they would like, nor advance as much as they would like, until all Bahamians come together and decide that what they desire for The Bahamas is the very best.
She noted that as individuals Bahamians all have their respective political and religious preferences and may differ on what each person’s civil rights should be, but added that one thing for sure is that as Bahamians, each will feel the effects of the success or failure of the country.
Continuing her call for unity, she said: “After winning the United States elections and becoming America’s first black President, Barack Obama said ‘to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices. I need your help and I will be your president too.’
“In essence, he was admonishing the American people that once the elections were over, it was time to move away from the everyday politics and instead lend a hand in moving America forward. I echo those sentiments for our beloved Bahamaland.
“I am home in West End, the capital of Grand Bahama, and I say we need that same civility to grow this community. We owe it to the children of this community. As I said at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church on Sunday past, as leaders our goal should be to leave this community better than we met it.”
Making reference to the ceremony many years ago in Nassau during which time the country was honouring Oscar winner Sir Sydney Poitier and naming the Paradise Island bridge in his honour, Senator Smith noted some remarks that were made by the Oscar award-winning actor.
During that event, Sir Sydney called on the young people to take The Bahamas to levels unimagined by their ancestors. He told school children gathered at the event that they were golden gifts and the future of The Bahamas. “Sir Sydney went on to tell the students ‘you will design the country’s future. You, and the education that you will provide to the culture, to the history, to the on-going strength of the country of your birth, will also be remembered.’
“I leave that with you today.
“As July 10th approaches and we raise our Flag on this National Flag Day, let us stand together in unity, faith and hope. And remember the differences we have as a people helped us to get to where we are today.
“Those differences did not stop our forefathers from coming together in the interest of The Bahamas and a people 46 years later. As we raise our Bahamian Flag today, we do so with pride, excitement and hope in our country, which we call home – The Bahamas.”
By Andrew Coakley
Release: BIS
Photo Captions:
Header: President of the Senate, Mrs. Katherine Forbes-Smith was the keynote speaker during Flag Raising Ceremonies in West End on Friday, July 5, 2019, which was a part of National Pride Day. The ceremony in West End was held simultaneously with ceremonies in Freeport, East End and Sweeting’s Cay.
Insert: Senate President, Katherine Forbes-Smith (second from left) stands at attention as the Bahamian Flag was raised by Police Constable 3255 Wells to culminate Flag Day in West End on Friday, July 5, 2019. Joining Senator Smith were Administrator Christian Palacious and Chairman of the West End Township, Ken Barr.
(BIS Photos/Andrew Coakley)
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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