Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Social Services stockpiles supplies for its role in Dorian relief effort
#Nassau, September 4, 2019 – Bahamas – Officials at the Department of Social Services, Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development, have been stockpiling emergency supplies since Friday (August 30) ahead of the massive relief effort expected to be undertaken in the Northern Bahamas in the wake of the monster Hurricane Dorian.
Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon. Frankie A. Campbell, who gave the mobilization order more than 96 hours ago, said statistics from the 2010 Survey conducted by the Department of Statistics, indicate that more than 73,000 persons and 20,000 homes could be impacted by Dorian which battered islands of the Northern Bahamas as a Category 5 Hurricane – primarily Grand Bahama and Abaco.
Minister Campbell said Social Work staff across The Bahamas have been placed on full alert in order to facilitate the role of management of the relief effort in the Northern Bahamas, once the initial assessments have been completed and the ‘all clear’ has been given for Emergency Responders to safely operate in the impacted areas.
“This is a massive and unprecedented relief and recovery effort solely because Dorian turned out to be a mammoth and unprecedented Hurricane,” Minister Campbell said. “But despite its status, the reality is that we are going to have to hit the ground running, working in conjunction with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and our other partners to ensure that our response is immediate, efficient and effective.
“Emergency packages have already been put together by staff of the Department of Social Services for the affected islands and include food items, canned goods, non-perishable items, water, hygiene supplies – things that we know our people will need in those first few hours, first few days.
“We are just waiting for the all clear. We are just awaiting to be assured the aircraft that will be used to channel immediate relief to our people can land; the vessels that will be used to ship immediate relief to our people can dock in the affected islands, and these items will be on their way,” Minister Campbell added.
Minister Campbell said based on the sample size of images on the potential extent of the damage caused by Dorian: “it is almost certain that there will be a significant housing need.” He said government planners will make determinations as to whether temporary shelters can be housed on the impacted islands, or transported elsewhere for shelter.
“For those who have no family or friends to take them in, we are going to have to extend shelter in the short term and then move into our mid-to-long term plan.”
Minister Campbell said the Ministry and its various Departments and Divisions, are “absolute” in giving its best duty with regards to the role they will be required to play as part of the overarching response to Hurricane Dorian
“As I always indicate, we are a part of the before, during and after team. We would have started our preparations before the Hurricane Season approached, identifying shelters, putting teams in place and working along with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) as an Emergency Support Function (ESF). All of the respective islands affected by the Hurricane had their shelters and shelter teams in place.
“The second phase of our role would be the ‘during’ which would cover shelter management; although some of the buildings were compromised as a result of the unprecedented magnitude of the Hurricane, we were able to successfully transfer them [persons] to other secure spaces. Persons who made their way to our shelters, we can account for them and they were cared for.
“But while we still have people in shelters, you would see that we are also preparing for the next phase — which is the aftermath,” Minister Campbell said.
By Matt Maura
Release: BIS
Photo Captions:
Header: Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon. Frankie A. Campbell, receives a progress report on the stockpiling of relief supplies from senior staff of the Department of Social Services Monday afternoon. Pictured (from left) are: Assistant Directors, Department of Social Services, Mr. Wrensworth Butler and Mrs. Chereley Kelly. Also pictured is Mrs. Lillian Quant-Forbes, Director, the Department of Social Services whose back is to the camera.
Insert: First Responders from the Royal Bahamas Police Force arriving at the Kendal G.L. Isaacs Gymnasium with two shelter seekers Monday afternoon. Shelter Management Team Members from the Department of Social Services were on hand to receive the two ladies. (BIS Photo/Matt Maura)
(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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