Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Bank donates $100,000 to Red Cross, announces concessions for staff and clients
#Nassau, September 20, 2019 – Bahamas – A hundred thousand dollars and financial concessions to contribute to Hurricane Dorian relief efforts were announced by CIBC FirstCaribbean during a presentation at the Bahamas Red Cross headquarters recently.
During the donation to the Bahamas Red Cross, CIBC FirstCaribbean Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the bank’s charitable arm the FirstCaribbean International ComTrust Foundation, Colette Delaney, named a series of initiatives the bank has undertaken to help victims of the hurricane.
Ms. Delaney said, “We have an unwavering commitment to our staff and clients in the Caribbean, and we’re determined to do all we can to facilitate them as they rebuild their lives, homes, and businesses. To this end, we’ve put together a suite of special loans, deferred payments, and other concessions aimed at helping our staff, retail and corporate clients, credit card holders, and other Bahamians who qualify to receive this special financial assistance.
“We’ve also partnered with the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, to offer immediate support to 17 students from the Abaco islands and Grand Bahama whose lives were upended by the storm, but who will still travel to the campus in Barbados to commence their studies.”
The announcement came as Ms. Delaney presented a cheque for $100,000 to aid Hurricane Dorian relief efforts to Bahamas Red Cross President Terez Curry. Ms. Delaney noted that the donation was part of a larger contribution of $150,000 made by CIBC as a whole.
“Your pain and loss here is equally ours because we’re a part of this community, and we remain deeply committed to The Bahamas. Together, we will rebuild and heal. Rest assured, Bahamas, that we’re with you and we’re with you for the long haul,” she said.
Bahamas Red Cross President Terez Curry accepted the donation with thanks. She said, “CIBC FirstCaribbean has been a corporate partner with the Red Cross over the years, and has come to our aid with donations for the many hurricanes we’ve had in previous years.
“We’ve all seen the heartbreaking devastation on the islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama, in which we’ve seen lives lost, homes destroyed, and people’s daily lives completely disrupted. However, we are a resilient people, and those affected islands will be back up and running in short time.
“We are partnering with our global network of Red Cross Red Crescent Societies who are here to support and assist us in this effort. Together we are rolling out a major humanitarian effort, and it is with corporate partners and donors that we are able to carry out our mandate to alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found and to provide humanitarian aid to everyone.”
Since its inception CIBC FirstCaribbean’s ComTrust Foundation has committed to giving no less than USD$1 million annually in support of projects in the communities in which the bank operates. The bank has traditionally contributed to hurricane relief efforts regionally, more recently Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.
Release: CIBC First Caribbean International
Photo Captions:
Header: CIBC FirstCaribbean has a history of supporting the Bahamas Red Cross in hurricane relief efforts, and recently donated $100,000 to them for Hurricane Dorian relief. The funds were part of a larger contribution of $150,000 made by CIBC as a whole. L to R: CIBC FirstCaribbean Managing Director (Bahamas & TCI) Marie Rodland-Allen; Bahamas Red Cross President Terez Curry; and CIBC FirstCaribbean CEO and ComTrust Chair Colette Delaney.
Insert: Bahamas Red Cross President Terez Curry shakes the hand of CIBC FirstCaribbean Managing Director (Bahamas & TCI) Marie Rodland-Allen (center) at a recent presentation to donate $100,000 from CIBC FirstCaribbean to Hurricane Dorian Relief Efforts. To Mrs. Rodland-Allen’s left is Red Cross representative Luke Bethel and to her right is CIBC FirstCaribbean CEO and ComTrust Chair Colette Delaney.
Photo credit: Azaleta Ishmael-Newry
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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