Bahamas News
Campbell refutes criticism of lack of preparedness ahead of Dorian
#NASSAU, The Bahamas – February 24, 2020 — Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon. Frankie A. Campbell, Wednesday refuted criticisms that there was a lack of preparation in the face of the monster storm, Hurricane Dorian, in 2019.
Minister Campbell told House Members that: “while there is always more that can be done just because we occupy the largest room in the world, which is the room for improvement, let us not take away from what has been done because we believe there is more that could have been done.”
Contributing to the Mid-Term Budget Debate for the Fiscal year 2019-2020 in the House of Assembly Wednesday, Minister Campbell said Hurricane Dorian was of the magnitude that had never before been experienced. It resulted in what Minister Campbell said became the greatest humanitarian aid and relief effort in Bahamian history.
Minister Campbell said officials at the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development, the four Departments (Department of Social Services, Department of Rehabilitative Welfare Services, the Department of Gender and Family Affairs and the Urban Renewal Commission) and many Divisions and Units that fall under its remit (and in particular, the Disaster Management Unit) engaged in a wide range of activities months prior to the start of the 2019 Atlantic Hurricane Season – including the inspection and assessment of proposed shelters and the launch of public service announcements as part of its education and awareness campaigns.
He applauded ministry employees across the country for their commitment to preparations prior to the Hurricane Season and the approach of Dorian, and their efforts on the frontline during and in the aftermath of the monster Hurricane, and despite suffering major losses in some instances themselves.
“My level of respect and gratitude for, and towards, the staff and the team of the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development has increased ten-fold after observing and witnessing their level of commitment and dedication – even in the face of their own adversity; even while some of them lost their own homes and had family members who were injured and/or missing. They continued to give the service that was required.”
Minister Campbell said the Ministry was called upon to manage up to 15 shelters throughout The Bahamas, including ten in New Providence, in the aftermath of the Hurricane. He commended those institutions that: “allowed us to use their facilities here in New Providence.”
These included: All Saints Anglican Church, the Salvation Army, the Enoch Backford Memorial Gymnasium, Bahamas Academy Gym, Pilgrim Baptist Church, Kendal G.L. Isaacs national Gymnasium, Calvary Haitian Baptist Church, Grants Town Seventh-Day Adventist Church and the Fox Hill Community Centre.
“We were very fortunate to have use of these facilities and let me say that none of these facilities were purposefully built for the amount of persons and the duration that we needed use of them.”
Minister Campbell said of the shelters mentioned, just one — Bahamas Academy Gymnasium — remains operational. The Kendal G.L. Isaacs Gymnasium closed its doors as a shelter February 15.
Minister Campbell told House Members that the ministry’s preparations have already begun for the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season even as it continues to provide assistance to victims of the 2019 Hurricane.
“I assure the Bahamian people that we in the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development are evaluating protocols, policies and procedures. We are mindful that it cannot be business as usual. We are mindful that what we faced could become more frequent and as a result, we will continue like every good sailor does, to adjust our sails and remain steadfast and agile at the helm so that we can remain on course and meet our target.
“We ask persons to continue to come forward and volunteer because the next hurricane season is upon us. We ask persons to appreciate that even as we haven’t been able to conduct a complete post mortem of Dorian because we are still living it, we are already planning for the commencement of the next season,” Minister Campbell added.
BIS STORY BY 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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