#FREEPORT, Grand Bahama – July 23, 2020 — As the island of Grand Bahama prepares for a two-week lockdown, Minister of State for Grand Bahama, Senator the Hon. J. Kwasi Thompson urged everyone to protect themselves, their families and have faith in God as Grand Bahama is in a “serious situation.”
During a
press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister on Thursday, July 23,
Senator Thompson provided pertinent information for residents, while also
encouraging everyone to stay safe.
Describing
the lockdown as “one of the most difficult periods in Grand Bahama” Minister
Thompson said Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis’s decision to do
so was “correct and balanced.”
He said, “I
urge Grand Bahamians to take these measures seriously and to fully comply. We
are facing a very serious situation in Grand Bahama and we need to do all we
can to get the situation under control.
“Many are
infected and sick and unfortunately, lives have already been lost. I want to
send out the strongest possible message. Protect yourself and protect your
families.”
For this to
happen, he continued, residents must comply with regulations.
Addressing
the long lines of people rushing to the food stores, Minister Thompson said
they will remain open and so there is no need for people to rush out as there
is enough food.
During the
lockdown, the Minister urged residents not to leave their homes unless it is an
emergency, even if it is to go to the food store, gas station or pharmacy.
Those exempt
are construction workers for hurricane repair and preparation purposes,
essential Government services, and industrial companies for maintenance of
their equipment and for essential and emergency services.
The
government quarantine facility will be manned by NEMA officials and the Royal
Bahamas Defence Force.
Addressing
the food assistance programme, Minister Thompson said the joint effort between
the Government of The Bahamas, the Grand Bahama Port Authority, the Grand
Bahama Chamber of Commerce, and the Grand Bahama Christian Council, has issued
some 4,535 vouchers which he believed would assist 18,000 Grand Bahamians.
To receive
assistance, he explained, people are asked to register online at www.feedgrandbahama.com and fill out the necessary form. There is one voucher per
household and after the applicant has been verified and approved, they will be
assigned a distribution center and notified of when the voucher will be ready
for collection. The participating food stores are: Solomon’s, Sawyer’s Fresh
Market and Express Food Mart.
Said
Minister Thompson, “Residents should remain in their homes for their safety and
the safety of their families. We managed this before, and we are confident that
if we comply with the regulations, we will be able to manage this and to
control this again.”
For those
needing information during the lockdown, they may reach the Office of the Prime
Minister’s Information Centre via Whatsapp at 727-2473; email opminfocentre@bahamas.gov.bs; help desk available from 9am to 5pm
727-8119, 727-0993, and 727-0826. The
Information Centre may also be reached through the Office of the Prime
Minister’s Facebook page facebook@opmgbi which is being manned.
Minister
Thompson closed by sending an encouraging message out to residents, “We’re
facing a very difficult time. We are going to be facing a difficult time in the
next two weeks. I want to encourage Grand Bahamians. They are strong. They are
a resilient people. They have fought through hurricanes, they have fought
through a difficult economy, they have fought through COVID-19. We’ve done it
before, and we can do it again.”
He encouraged residents to be patient, take care of themselves, their families and they ought to be their brother’s keeper during this difficult time.
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After resounding success in the Bahamas, hit play ‘March On, The Story of Us’ has been inundated with requests to take their show on the road, and the first location they’ll be hitting is Providenciales Turks and Caicos with tickets on sale again this weekend, the show debuts Friday night.
Magnetic Media spoke to Gea Pierre, playwright, who told us the TCI was a natural first choice for the cast and crew where shows are set for Brayton Hall, for Friday May 10 at 8pm and Saturday has two showings; matinee at 4pm and evening, 8pm.
Tickets are $75 VIP. General admission is $60.
“We started ‘March On’ in November 2023 and it was really an opportunity for us to tell a story, the story of the Bahamas and to encompass the nations that we have an amazing relationship with like the Turks and Caicos,” she continued “We really got a lot of people calling [for the play] from [the TCI], so much so we really had to pay attentattention.
The response to ‘March On’ at home and abroad was overwhelming.
“To say it went well is an understatement, even before we opened we got calls from Canada, from all over the US with people wanting us to come and perform.”
And take the show on the road they did! Gea and her team have launched “March On: The Tour” and will be in Providenciales to perform on May 10th and 11th. It’s the first of a number of stops which include Nassau and several US locations.
Online tickets are available for purchase with credit cards. The full team returns on Friday, May 10 with the comedy production being held under the patronage of Washington Misick, TCI Premier and First Lady Delthia Misick.
Describing the close familial relationships between the TCI and the Bahamas, for many on the crew it will be like coming home Gea told us, for others it will be a treat to visit for the first time, the places that their grandparents described.
Gea maintained that the team wanted to keep the show as accessible to residents as possible.
As for why you should come out and see the play, other than the great price point:
“The way that people have responded to it is non stop laughter, people have been moved to tears because there’s some emotion. It does not only lend to Bahamians. It’s a family drama, and anyone who’s ever been a part of a family is going to get something out of it, and something moving.”
NASSAU, Bahamas – Hundreds of people from around the world turned out in full force for the BTC World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 that took place at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, May 4 -5, 2024.
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.
In fact, The Bahamas was able to take advantage of the second day of competition.
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.”