Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Minister Campbell Challenges to Men/Men’s Groups to Serve as Father Figures
#Nassau, August 20, 2019 – Bahamas – Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon. Frankie A. Campbell, told executives of a visiting group of male organizations that one of the best ways they can partner with the Ministry to ensure equity and equality for women, and the protection of women across The Bahamas, is if they continue to provide positive influences/programmes geared towards the nation’s young men.
“There is a saying: ‘Bend the tree while it is young.’ Another is that ‘it is easier to build a boy, than repair a man.’ Both of those are very wise sayings that would be useless clichés if we do not put them into action,” Minister Campbell said.
“If we want to bring equity and equality to our girls and females; if we want to ensure the protection of our girls and women from gender-based violence, all of our efforts would be in vain if we do not ensure that there are similarly-minded Adams to partner with them and so our underlying efforts have to be to save Adam while we work to ensure that there is equality and equity and empowerment for our girls and women.
“What we have here is a tremendous opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our boys and men and by extension, our girls and women. I assure you of my personal commitment to this process as a man who has three daughters who someday are going to need husbands. Someday your daughters and the daughters of all of the other fathers in our Bahamas are going to need husbands, and so our jobs as men in this society, is to ensure that there are some good husbands out there from among whom they can select.
“This presents yet another connection – the depth of our obligation to be parents/fathers to as many young children, the boys in particular, since our statistics indicate that boys and men – for the most part – are the perpetrators of violence. If we father them now, we reduce the likelihood of encountering them in a violent capacity,” Minister Campbell added.
Minister Campbell’s charge came while addressing the men during a Working Meeting with members of the International Men’s Day Committee and executives of the Movement for Change, Dream Catchers and R.I.S.E. (Reform, Inspire, Strengthen and Educate) Programmes. The latter three operate year-round life and social skills enhancement programmes for males living in the urban communities.
The group met with Minister Campbell to discuss a number of matters impacting males in The Bahamas, and to present the Minister with a plaque to show their appreciation for the establishment of a Male Desk at the Department of Gender and Family Affairs.
Minister Campbell told the group that while he appreciated the gesture, it was he who was thankful to them and the work they have been doing in the community.
(The International Men’s Day Committee has expanded its role from mainly organising activities to observe IMD annually in November, to focusing on addressing the social issues impacting men year-round through various partnerships.)
“I commend you for the plaque, (but) I am always pleasantly amused when I receive these acts of appreciation and gratitude, but the reality is that it is I who appreciate the opportunity to have this level of involvement. I thank you for thinking that I did something that deserves recognition, but it is I who want to thank you for allowing me to be a part of this opportunity to evoke change in our society.
“We have an opportunity here to ensure that if history is accurately documented, it would show that – as a team – we would have been able to leave one or two footprints in the sand as we move towards greater equity, equality and protection for our girls and women, while also empowering our boys and men to a greater degree of consciousness, and so I just want to thank you again for welcoming me as a part of it and to the extent that I can, both personally and with the office that I hold, I assure you of my support,” Minister Campbell added.
By: Matt Maura
Release: BIS
Photo Captions:
Header: Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon. Frankie A. Campbell (seated centre) with executives of the International Men’s Day Committee (IMDC) during a Working Meeting at the Ministry’s headquarters, Aventura Plaza. Also pictured (seated from left) are: Ethrice Cooper, Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary, Human Resource Unit, Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development and (at far right); Keith Cox, President, IMDC. Pictured (standing from left) are IMDC executives Pastor Henry Higgins, Terence Bethel, Dr. Eric Fox and Henry Johnson, Male Programme Coordinator, Department of Gender and Family Affairs.
Insert: Keith Cox, President of the International Men’s Day Committee IMDC), presents Minister of Social Services, the Hon. Frankie A. Campbell, with a plaque in recognition of the establishment of a Male Desk at the Department of Gender and Family Affairs, Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development. The desk is headed by Henry Johnson, a CARCOM certified Gender-based Violence Expert, who serves as Male Programme Coordinator.
(BIS Photo/Matt Maura)
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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