Bahamas News
$64 million school of medicine will help Grand Bahama to rebuild
#Freeport, GB, October 23, 2019 – Bahamas – A $64 million Heads of Agreement was signed on Monday, October 21, between the Government of The Bahamas and Western Atlantic University School of Medicine.
Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis, was accompanied to Freeport by Minister of Education, the Hon. Jeffrey Lloyd and Minister of Health, the Hon. Dr. Duane Sands. Also present was Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator the Hon. J. Kwasi Thompson; Ian Rolle, president of the Grand Bahama Port Authority; senior government officials as well as Peter Goetz, CEO and Managing Member of Western Atlantic University and staff members from Western Atlantic.
Western Atlantic University will offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in allopathic medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, osteopathy and nursing, and nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant programmes.
Prime Minister Minnis said that over the past two months, since the devastation of Hurricane Dorian in Abaco and Grand Bahama, the government and international partners have focused on rebuilding the communities and lives of those affected. “Today’s signing is an important part of the recovery effort. In order to rebuild Grand Bahama and Abaco, we must spur economic development and job-creation.
“This development represents a significant investment in Grand Bahama, the country’s second largest economy. It is estimated that in the University’s first 10 years of operation, student and faculty spending on housing, food, entertainment, goods and on-island transportation, will provide a combined $200 million in revenue for Grand Bahama. At the peak of construction, 150 jobs will be created. During the full operation of the campus, approximately 200 permanent jobs will be created for Bahamians.”
The development is expected to inject hundreds of millions of dollars into the Grand Bahama community while also providing direct and indirect opportunities for residents.
“It will help Grand Bahama to rebuild.”
It is expected that the facility will include university-owned housing for faculty, staff and students on campus. Also expected onsite will be on-campus businesses, including a bookstore, cafeteria and a student center providing music, food, beverages, a copy center and related services. Western Atlantic intends to build its own campus on land to be leased from the Public Hospitals Authority.
The 50 acres are located south of Jack Hayward High School and will be developed in multiple phases over the next 10 years. A $64 million investment is expected during the first phase, which will involve the construction of 98,000 square feet of classrooms, offices, lab facilities, maintenance, security and related spaces.
Construction will begin on the first phase by the end of this year.
Western Atlantic, said the Prime Minister, has agreed to have an 80 percent Bahamian workforce during the construction phase. “The University is committed to recruiting qualified Bahamians for all posts, including faculty positions. Whenever possible, and when candidates present nearly identical skills, experience and qualifications, the University will adopt a “Bahamians First” mantra. The primary purpose of this mantra is if everything is equal between multiple candidates for a position, the University, at its discretion, will seek to hire Bahamians before any ex-pats applying for the same position.
The University will offer employment positions to Bahamians for all non-faculty staff that encompass a breadth of disciplines. This includes management positions and opportunities for advancement at a ratio of 80 percent Bahamian to 20 percent non-Bahamian. Western Atlantic will also work closely with the Government and local communities to develop training and professional development programs for Bahamians who want to work during the operation of the campus.”
In order for the campus to become operational, they must obtain accreditation from the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and other Health Professions (CAAM-HP), or an equivalent body.
Five scholarships will be available to Bahamians through the Ministry of Education.
In closing, the Prime Minister added, “Grand Bahama has started to rebuild. Essential services are being restored. Clean-up efforts continue. A number of businesses and restaurants are back up and running. Cruise ships have started to call again. Port Lucaya has re-opened. Earlier this month, the Grand Lucayan started to welcome guests back to the property. In September, the Government signed an agreement for the development of a $100 million cruise port in Freeport.
“All of Grand Bahama is now designated as a Special Economic Recovery Zone. And small businesses have started the process of receiving assistance from the Small Business Development Centre. Grand Bahama has re-opened for business. But there is still a tremendous amount of work to be done to restore and to rebuild Grand Bahama. Many Grand Bahamians lost their homes and livelihoods. Many are still mourning the loss of loved ones. We have a long road ahead of us for recovery and reconstruction. But we are making progress. Today’s signing is yet another indication of the progress we are making together.”
Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator the Hon. J. Kwasi Thompson noted, “The Prime Minister has made it clear that a significant part of our rebuilding process is to accelerate the progress of investments which will bring economic activity, critical mass of residents, and jobs for Bahamians.”
Through partnerships such as this, he said, Grand Bahama will not only recover, “but grow stronger than ever before.”
By Robyn Adderley
Release: BIS
Photo Caption: A Heads of Agreement was signed on Monday, October 21, 2019 between the Government of The Bahamas and Western Atlantic University School of Medicine. Construction on the first phase of the $64 million project is expected to begin at the end of the year. Shown following the ceremony in the foyer of the Office of the Prime Minister in Freeport from left are: the Hon. Dr. Duane Sands, Minister of Health; Dr. Tom Shepherd, Senior Executive Policy Advisor, WAUSM; the Hon. Jeffrey Lloyd, Minister of Education; Peter Goetz, CEO and Managing Member, WAUSM; the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis, Prime Minister; Terrance Gape, attorney, Dupuch and Turnquest; Senator the Hon. J. Kwasi Thompson, Minister of State for Grand Bahama in the Office of the Prime Minister; Dr. John Flaherty, President, WAUSM; Senator Jasmin Dareus; and Ian Rolle, President, Grand Bahama Port Authority.
(BIS Photo/Yontalay Bowe)
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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