Bahamas News
Gender and Family Affairs Hosts Key Workshop for Female Law Enforcement Officials
#Nassau, August 10, 2019 – Bahamas – Female law enforcement officials from all ranks and across the government sector, were hosted to a one-day ‘Women, Peace and Security’ Workshop by staff of the Department of Gender and Family Affairs (DGFA), Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development.
The session was also attended by Ms. Maria Kelley, Executive Secretary, Secretariat, the National Commission for Persons with Disability. The Commission serves as an advocate for the community of persons with disabilities.
The workshop, which took place on Wednesday (August 7), allowed Department of Gender and Family Affairs to apprise the law enforcement officials of a number of key regional and international conventions to which The Bahamas is a States Party (Signatory), and how those conventions relate to their jobs and the protection of human rights.
They include the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Beijing Platform for Action and its 12 critical areas of concern, and the Inter-American Convention on the Prevention, Punishment and Eradication of Violence Against Women (Belem do Para).
Wednesday’s workshop, was a forerunner to a series of educational and awareness initiatives on the Department’s agenda, and further allowed the law enforcement officials “to be guided and made aware of” the importance of documentation/data collection with regards to the functionality of their respective offices and in the decision-making process.
It further afforded the DGFA to apprise the officials of the Department’s expanded, and expanding role, particularly as it relates to reporting at the regional and international levels on the mechanisms, laws, protocols and strategies the country has in place that address the Conventions, Treaties and Agreements.
The workshop targeted officials from the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Bahamas Customs Department, the Department of Immigration, Road Traffic Department and the Department of Correctional Services.
“The Bahamas Government signed onto about ten international and regional Conventions, Treaties and Agreements that have been ratified which means that our country has a legal obligation for the Government, all governments, to fulfill the various articles of these Conventions,” Director of the Department of Gender and Family Affairs, Dr. Jacinta Higgs said, noting that personnel in each Ministry of government must be made aware of what is expected of them with regards to implementing human rights and protection for every citizen of every country.
She said, “On Wednesday, we began with the female law enforcement officials so that we could begin to share with them what is expected of them regarding these international Treaties, Agreements and Conventions and how they relate to their jobs.”
The sessions were conducted by DGFA staff in the areas of the Role of Education regarding the Rights of Women and Children, the CEDAW Convention, Belem do Para and MESECVI, the Role of Law Enforcement in Rehabilitation and Protecting the Rights of Women Prisoners and Detainees, Gender-based Violence, and Sexual Harassment.
Presenters included Ms. Vechenda Roberts, Education Officer, Department of Gender and Family Affairs; Miss Allicia Role, Gender Programme Officer, Department of Gender and Family Affairs, whose work is in international conventions; Mrs. Elaine Sands, Gender-based Violence Expert, Department of Gender and Family Affairs, who presented on the Convention of Belem, MESECVI, and Human Rights; Mr. Henry Johnson, Gender-based Violence Expert and Male Programme Coordinator, Department of Gender and Family Affairs who presented on the Role of Law Enforcement in Rehabilitation and Protecting the Rights of Women Prisoners and Detainees; and Ms. Simone Bridgewater, Gender-based Violence Coordinator, Department of Gender and Family Affairs.
By Matt Maura
Photo Captions:
Header: Officials from the Department of Gender and Family Affairs Wednesday (August 7, 2019) hosted female law enforcement officials to a one-day workshop on the topic: ‘Women, Peace and Security’ held at the Community Affairs Division, Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development.
Insert: Retired Superintendent of Police, Mrs. Elaine Sands (centre) pictured with Superintendent of Police, Royal Bahamas Police Force, Crislyn Skippings (left) and Assistant Superintendent of Police, Royal Bahamas Police Force, Dr. Indirah Adderley, Ph.D., prior to the start of the one-day workshop on ‘Women, Peace and Security’ hosted by the Department of Gender and Family Affairs. The training was conducted by DGFA staff. Mrs. Sands is one of two staff members who have earned the designation of CARICOM Gender-Based Violence Expert.
Release: BIS
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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