Bahamas News
MOU to be signed Between the MOH and Americares for health services to Hurricane Dorian Survivors
#NASSAU, Bahamas — January 30, 2020 — Minister of Health the Hon. Dr. Duane Sands explained that as The Bahamas moves into the recovery stage after Category Five Hurricane Dorian hit the islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama recently, the Ministry will sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Americares organization on February 24, 2020.
During a press conference at the Ministry, January 29, 2020, Minister Sands said the MOU will facilitate critical primary health, mental health and psycho-social support services, with a social worker and clinical psychologist, to Hurricane Dorian survivors. It will also include training to strengthen the capacity of the Bahamian healthcare system specifically through the Ministry of Health, with first responders and other stakeholders to aid the recovery from Hurricane Dorian.
He pointed out that since September 4, 2019, Americares submitted to the Ministry of Health its ability to deploy a type one mobile emergency medical team to provide support and access to primary healthcare services.
“Soon thereafter, Americares quickly went to work to conduct damage assessments on the island of Abaco to understand its needs remaining in close contact with the Ministry of Health, the Pan American Health Organization and other partners.”
Americares is a health focused relief and development organization that saves lives and improves the health of people affected by poverty or disaster.
Established 40 years ago, Americares has provided more than $18 billion worth of aid in 164 countries including the United States, and each year the organization responds to approximately 30 natural disasters and humanitarian causes.
It focuses closely on the establishment of long-term recovery projects and disaster preparedness programmes to vulnerable communities.
Minister Sands said, “Americares provided medicine, clinical and physiological support services to close the gaps made by the destruction of many of our health facilities and also addressed the medical needs of remaining residents in Marsh Harbour, Elbow Cay and Man-O-War Cay.
“Operations were expanded to include Fox Town, Cooper’s Town, Sandy Point, Guana Cay and Green Turtle Cay.”
He explained that on September 11, 2019, Americares started providing primary care services, medicine and mental health and psychosocial support to the shelters in New Providence to the residents who relocated from Abaco.
“Subsequently, they also provided mobile health aid to Abaco. For nearly five months on the island of New Providence and nearly four months in Abaco, Americares has provided more than 4,000 medical and more than 2,500 mental health and psychosocial support consultations to persons impacted by Dorian.”
The Health Minister stated, “Americares provided these services in New Providence alongside our hardworking Ministry of Health staff from the community clinics and public hospitals.”
He said with the forthcoming MOU, Americares has also agreed to provide medicine and to collect data to assist the Ministry of Health to track diseases, referrals and health service utilizations during the recovery and also on joint efforts on public relations and communications.
It will also foster a collaborative partnership and allows for Americares to expand its clinical services for Hurricane Dorian survivors in New Providence.
Moreover, Americares will continue to provide health and mental health, psychological services in Abaco.
Americares Hurricane Dorian Response Team Leader, Cora Nally noted that her organization has delivered medicine, medical supplies and relief items valued at more than $2.6 million to support the health needs of survivors.
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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