Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Amazing mural unveiled as Abaco Sunny Waters launched
#Abaco, 21 December, 2019 – The Bahamas – Children of several Abaco communities have teamed up with The Goodness Tour, Water Mission, The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) to transform a damaged water tank in Marsh Harbour into an amazing piece of artwork.
“This mural behind us is a mere reflection of the work behind the scenes every single day,” said Benjamin Swatez, International Artist and Co-Founder, The Goodness Tour during the unveiling.
“It’s about the Abaco Sunny Waters and this initiative to build back bigger and to be able to not only show the people here in Abaco, in all of The Bahamas, and the entire world, that you can take something that most people would consider a curse and transform it into an opportunity to truly rise up as one human voice, and one human heart.”
Abaco Sunny Waters is a solarization project between WSC, The Goodness Tour, Water Mission and UNICEF to transform 11 water systems in Abaco, the mainland and the cays that have suffered damage as a result of Hurricane Dorian.
Adrian Gibson, Executive Chairman, WSC, and MP for Long Island said the agreement, signed between stakeholders December 12, will result in the supply and installation of a state-of-the-art solar facility that will power both well fields and a new pumping station in Marsh Harbour.
Swatez and his team have been providing psychosocial support to children in Hurricane shelters in New Providence and schools in Abaco through music therapy, film making and more.
“We’ve had the great honour through being able to make music; painting and photography with children here. There is so much talent, there’s so much brilliance. They are fantastic. We’re truly honored to be able to provide a little bit of psychosocial support through creativity, just a tribute to what all of you are doing so well,” said Swatez.
He explained that the mural depicts the culture of Abaco and what’s important to the people of Abaco.
Incorporated into the mural is a very aggressive Cuban fresh water crocodile that was found in an archaeological discovery in a blue hole. The crocodile is used as a symbol, not only of the past, but also of Hurricane Dorian.
The work of art also shows the WSC turning a spigot from which flows fresh drinking water falling upon the aggression of the crocodile, or the storm and bringing life back to the islands.
Swatez said the mural depicts the blue hole, the people that have explored it and how the relationship with the sun and the water, the solar power, and the watershed comes together and creates a beautiful symbiotic relationship similar to what locals and internationals formed in Abaco and throughout The Bahamas.
“This mural is not complete is because the most important element, according to us, is this village. All these beautiful children from around Abaco today children are going to paint the colors of love into the house, into Abaco and bring that love into this beautiful island through the next generation.”
Swatez said it is an honour be able to share the beautiful culture of the islands in a moment in time simultaneously sending ripples around the world.
Following the ceremony the students donned tee shirts and gathered around the water tank to add finishing touches to the mural.
By Kathryn Campbell
Photo Caption: Children from throughout the island of Abaco help to turn a damaged water tank into a work of art.
(BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)
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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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