Bahamas News
Bahamas Urban Renewal starts curbside delivery to Seniors
#NASSAU, The Bahamas – May 11, 2020 – Employees from the ten Urban Renewal Centres in New Providence implemented curbside delivery over the May 1-3 weekend to distribute care packages to senior citizens in those communities in which Urban Centres are located.
The care packages consisted of food items the seniors would need to ensure they had a well-balanced, nutritious meal during the mandatory “lockdown period.”
The curbside delivery of care packages to the seniors was part of the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development’s overall plan to provide the greatest amount of social assistance to persons in the face of the COVID-19 Pandemic, by maximizing the reach of its human and other resources.
Similar deliveries will be replicated in Grand Bahama, Abaco and the Family Islands in order to be consistent with Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon. Frankie A. Campbell’s mandate “of not being just New Providence-centric.”
Team members of Urban Renewal preparing care packages ahead of instituting curbside deliveries to senior citizens residing in the ten communities in which Urban Centres are located as part of the Ministry of Social Service and Urban Development’s overall plan of maximizing its reach into the communities which they serve. (Urban Renewal Photo)
As Essential Service workers, the teams were allowed to perform that essential service to the senior citizens.
The teams collected, packaged and distributed food to senior citizens in the Fort Charlotte, Bain Town, Flamingo Gardens, Fox Hill, Free Town, Englerston, Pinewood, Centreville, Nassau Village and St. Barnabas urban communities, all the while strictly following all of the safeguards and protocols set out by the Ministry of Health in the fight to contain the spread of the COVID-19 Pandemic, and in order to ensure the safety of team members and the general public they serve.
“We were mandated by Minister of Social Service and Urban Development, the Hon. Frankie A. Campbell, to ensure that food is not an issue for persons in need of food assistance, particularly those in the inner-city communities, during the mandatory lockdown period,” Mr. Kellen Russell, Director, Urban Renewal said.
“During this distribution we targeted the senior citizens of the inner city to ensure that the precious pearls were lacking nothing.”
Director Russell said the implementation of curbside delivery service and other services, is part of Urban Renewal’s mandate to transform lives using “innovative measures.”
“Urban Renewal is all about being that beacon of light to those in need in the inner-city. While we are unable to host our seniors and our children at our ten centres throughout New Providence because of the pandemic, we are working to make our presence felt among them through innovative ways — virtually and now through feeding.
“No matter what happens, Urban will stay on the ground working to carry out our mandate which is to transform lives one community at a time,” Director Russell added.
Residents can contact the Commission Office at 502-4450 for any concerns or issues within the communities.
BIS NEWS by Matt Maura
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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