Bahamas News
Relief supplies and aid continue to pour into Grand Bahama
#Freeport, GB, September 13, 2019 – Bahamas – On Wednesday morning World Central Kitchen, owned by chef and philanthropist Jose Andres, arrived in Freeport Harbor, with thousands of already prepared meals, as well as tons of dry goods and other relief supplies. Chef Andres has joined the many international volunteers who have opened up their hearts and storehouses to the people of Grand Bahama in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian.
“The outpouring of support from both the Caribbean and our international partners has been tremendous,” said Senator Jasmin Dareus, who is working closely with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in the distribution of supplies.
According to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Floridians have raised more than $11 million for hurricane relief in The Bahamas.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line has stood strong behind its commitment to supply some 10,000 per day to Grand Bahama, along with other supplies like pallets of water, canned and dry goods. Freeport Harbour has become a beehive of activity every day since the restoration effort began.
Carnival Cruise Line has also made significant commitment to assisting Grand Bahama during this time of great devastation.
From as early as 6:00 a.m. to later into the afternoon, charitable organizations, churches and other civic groups are in an out of the dock, collecting supplies for their respective organizations. They in turn will distribute the goods to their respective communities. “What’s going on here is this place has become our official point of distribution to all of the centers, shelters, churches and other organizations,” Senator Dareus pointed out, while dodging moving forklifts and people claiming supplies.
“Right now there are 35 shelters and centers across Grand Bahama, from West to East End and what we do is ensure that every day these centers are filled with breakfast items, lunch, dinner, snacks, water and other necessary items. There are more than 20,000 such meals per day and at this point we have already distributed over 100,000 meals, along with cases of water, canned goods and other relief supplies.”
But the Senator is ensuring that not only do churches and other groups who show up for their supplies receive those supplies but, working closely with NEMA, that they take food and supplies to those who may not be able to get to the harbour to collect provisions. Because of severe flooding caused by Hurricane Dorian a number of government and private citizen vehicles were damaged and out of commission. Senator Dareus added, “Working along with NEMA, Senate President, Kay Forbes-Smith and I assist in ensuring that the meals get to individuals within the community. There are people who are unable to get out because of flooding, but these individuals need to be fed and to receive supplies. We cater to the Children’s Home, to the Rand Memorial Hospital and every shelter on this island.”
In addition to the aid that’s coming in from the United States — Japan, China and Caribbean islands have committed themselves to supplying aid to both Grand Bahama and Abaco, the two islands hardest hit by the Category Five Hurricane Dorian.
Senator Dareus thanked all of those nations and countries who have come to the aid of The Bahamas generally and Grand Bahama, specifically.
By Andrew Coakley
Photo Captions:
Header: Individuals from churches, civic and charitable organizations make frequent trips to Freeport Harbour to collect donated items to distribute within their communities and to victims of Hurricane Dorian. The supplies have been donated by a number of international donors from the United States, the Caribbean and other parts of the world.
Insert: Crew members of Royal Caribbean Cruise Line unload hurricane relief supplies on Tuesday morning at Freeport Harbour. RCCL has committed to donating 10,000 cooked meals per day, along with other relief supplies to Grand Bahama.
(BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)
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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