Bahamas News
Prime Minister confident Bahamians will recover post Hurricane Dorian
#NASSAU, The Bahamas, February 13, 2020 – Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis expressed confidence Bahamians will recover from the destruction caused by Hurricane Dorian which struck North Abaco and Cays and East Grand Bahama about five months ago.
He made the statement in his first National Report on Hurricane Dorian Restoration Effort, which aired on Tuesday, February 11, 2020. He intends to make similar reports on other national developments, throughout the year.
Hurricane Dorian struck the country’s second and third most populated islands and economic centres September 1-3, 2019. At its highest peak, the category 5 storm with maximum sustained winds of 185mph and storm surge of more than 20ft, wiped out infrastructure, buildings, and lives were lost.
The hurricane left in its wake an estimated $3.4 billion in damage; and is recorded as the most powerful hurricane on record in the open Atlantic region and certainly for The Bahamas.
Nevertheless, the Prime Minister is optimistic that Bahamians will recover from the historically devastating event.
“We have never before, suffered this scale of destruction in our history,” he said. “However, I have every confidence that the Bahamian people are up to the challenge.”
The Prime Minister also observed that Bahamian labour and creativity built this chain of islands into the most dynamic tourism economy in the region.
“What Dorian destroyed, we will build back better and more resilient. My government policies on coming to office has placed us in a position to be able to assist,” he said.
The Prime Minister told the nation that after Dorian struck, the government knew that no small island developing state could respond on its own. The government sought help from foreign governments, NGOs, charities, multilateral agencies, churches and individuals. And, that response is still ongoing in unison.
He then pledged that as Prime Minister, he and his government would be with the Bahamian people at every stage of this massive rebuilding effort.
“We will help Bahamians in need in Abaco, the Abaco Cays and Grand Bahama,” he said.
Additionally, the Disaster Reconstruction Authority has held a series of town hall meetings on both islands to provide updates on the rebuilding progress.
“As Prime Minister, I pledge to you the full effort of the government to restore Abaco, the Abaco Cays and Grand Bahama,” he said. He called on all to continue the hard work to make the country whole again.
“Let us be united, and of one accord with resilience in the work of renewal and reconstruction,” the Prime Minister said.
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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