Bahamas News
University of The Bahamas UBFIT 5K/10K Race Exceeds Participation Goal
#Bahamas, April 12, 2021 – More than 350 persons participated in the University of The Bahamas (UB) Virtual UBFIT Fun Run Walk Bike Skate Push 5K/10K race that happened over the weekend in a tangible display of support for wellness and the University.
In its fourth year, but the first in a virtual format, the UBFIT race attracted participants in Exuma, Andros, Long Island, New Providence, Grand Bahama and internationally as the excitement spread. Each participant completed either a 5K or 10K race course on their own, as a family, or in small groups and submitted the results tracked in their apps in order to receive a finisher’s medal. The event was held from 9th to 11th April.
“Despite the pandemic and the many restrictions we faced, as a committee, we re-envisioned what UBFIT could look like this year in a virtual capacity,” said Ms. Kandice Eldon, UBFIT Co-Chair and UB Executive Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations. “And we are so pleased that members of the public, corporate Bahamas and the University participated in such a major way.”
UBFIT has become one of UB’s staple community building and fundraising initiatives. In its inaugural year, more than 500 people participated, consequently contributing to UB’s Annual Fund and supporting the goal of increased mobility for students with special needs. The event grew from the University’s annual Health and Safety Week, held under the theme “Fit. Healthy. Safe.”
To date, more than $180,000 has been collectively raised from sponsorships, registrants and generous in-kind donations. Funds raised this year from UBFIT will support the COVID-19 Technology Relief Fund and Annual Fund to provide laptops, tablets and other technology for students in need.
“We have exceeded our fundraising and registration goal with more than 350 registrants who participated especially dedicated community running groups, friends of UB, and corporate Bahamas,” said Ms. Eldon. “I wish to thank all of our sponsors and title sponsor Oaktree Medical Center for joining us for the next three years as we expand this health and wellness initiative.”
Oaktree Medical Center Director Dr. Don Diego Deveaux noted that he was more than happy to be UBFIT’s title sponsor as the health and education of a nation is its wealth.
“To whom much is given, much is required, and for the Oaktree family the opportunity to partner with University of The Bahamas for UBFIT represents many of the core values we believe in and is picture perfect and timely,” said Dr. Deveaux. “We are delighted to strengthen our relationship with University of The Bahamas and encourage corporate Bahamas to continue doing the same.”
Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) Company Ltd. was another corporate partner and expressed pride in being a founding UBFIT sponsor.
“We have committed to improving the lives of Bahamians by improving access to safe, reliable and affordable energy, and we believe University of The Bahamas is equally as committed to improving the lives of Bahamians by both preparing our young people for a job and preparing them to thrive in their overall lives,” said Mr. Quincy Parker, BPL Director of Public Relations. “UBFIT targets its fundraising to help people discover and live out their own, individual purpose and find purposeful work, and we at BPL are proud to help that effort succeed.”
Additional corporate and in-kind sponsors of Virtual UBFIT included Bahamas First, J.S. Johnson, Leno Corporate Services Ltd., Public Hospitals Authority, Walk-In Clinic, BowFlex Barbie, Caribbean Bottling Company and UB’s Alumni Association.
Participants in New Providence collected their finisher’s medals at a drive-by collection site on Sunday, 11th April at UB’s main entrance on University Drive.
Release: University of The Bahamas
For photos and video of UBFIT race participation visit the UBFIT Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/UBFIT2021
Photo captions:
Header: Check presentation with University President Dr. Rodney D. Smith; Vice President, Division of Institutional Advancement, Dino Hernandez; Oaktree Medical Center Medical Director Dr. Don D. Deveaux along with UBFIT Leadership team. (UB file photo)
Insert: BPL Check Presentation: From left: Ms. Inga Bostwick, UBFIT Co-Chair, Assistant Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations, University of The Bahamas; Mr. Quincy Parker, Director of Public Relations, Bahamas Power and Light Company; and Ms. Kandice Eldon, UBFIT Co-Chair, Executive Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations, University of The Bahamas.
Rashaed Esson
Staff Writer
#TheBahamas#RoyalCaribbean, April 23, 2024- After being delayed following its announcement in 2020, Royal Caribbean’s new 17 acre Royal Beach Club on Paradise Island in Nassau, Bahamas, is now in the works and is scheduled to be ready for 2025, according to reports. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Monday April 22, signifying the start of construction in the next few months. This project is huge for The Bahamas as it’s a first of kind for the nation, with a unique public private partnership allowing Bahamians to hold up to 49 percent in equity.
Nassau, THE BAHAMAS — Some of the most successful and accomplished professionals and business leaders in the country
recently shared their experiences and nuggets of wisdom with students at University of The Bahamas (UB) about thriving in a wide range of careers.
The University Centre for Counselling and Career Services and the Career and Job Placement Advisory Unit collaborated to host the 2024 Career Symposium which brought students face to face with leaders in the careers to which they aspire.
Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Maria Oriakhi, said the symposium was key to developing potential as university students strive to leave their mark on the world.
Ms. Rickell Curry
“In the spirit of collaboration and growth, let us engage in meaningful dialogue, cultivate relationships, and harness the power of collective wisdom to shape our futures,” said Dr. Oriakhi. “Together, let us embark on this journey of exploration and discovery, united in our commitment to realizing our fullest potential and making meaningful contributions to our communities and beyond.”
Promoting careers in psychology, Ms. Curry noted that psychologists are equipped with the ability to help others, troubleshoot areas of weakness within themselves, and become better people and professionals in the process.
“The floor is yours to be able to explore. There’s no job where you don’t have to deal with people, so learning, even if you get a bachelor’s in psychology, is a great grounding,” she said.
Dr. Darville, one of few interventional radiologists in The Bahamas, offered another nugget of advice on choosing an area of study.
Dr. Elizabeth Darville
“It is important to know enough about yourself in order to make the decisions you want to make,” said Dr. Darville. “You have to work on yourself first and know what you want to do. Radiology gives you a chance to have fun. It gives you a chance to mold your career closer to your personal life than other medical specialties might.”
Another growing field is project management which Mr. Hepburn called a life skill. He also urged a commitment to lifelong learning.
“Individuals that continue to learn become unstoppable, period,” said Mr. Hepburn. “It is so true. When you learn, you become unstoppable because nothing can stop you in your process of development.
Mr. Wellington Hepburn
“The more you know, the more valuable you are. We need individuals who are cross functional—that can operate in different capacities. So please understand that your learning should never stop.”
With small and medium-sized businesses helping to drive the economy at an incredible rate, Ms. Rolle affirmed the importance of entrepreneurship in any economy.
“When we talk about entrepreneurship, we usually look at it from a myopic standpoint,” she said. Ms. Rolle. “What do I mean by that? Small, but usually about self: ‘how do I make more money?’ And in some cases, some look at entrepreneurship as a way of survival. ‘I need to make a couple extra dollars, I have this bill to pay’. Those types of things.
Ms. Samantha Rolle
“But entrepreneurship really, in its truest form, is about innovation, whether it’s a new concept or any existing concept that you innovate new ways, or help expand the economy.”
The career symposium was held at the Harry C. Moore Library and Information Centre and is held every academic year.
PHOTO CAPTIONS
- Career Symposium 1: UB Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Maria Oriakhi, delivers the opening address at the 2024 Career Symposium.
- Career Symposium 2: Students and guest speakers enjoy a lighthearted moment during the 2024 Career Symposium.
- Career Symposium 3: Ms. Rickell Curry speaks to students during the 2024 Career Symposium.
- Career Symposium 4: Dr. Elizabeth Darville delivers remarks during the 2024 Career Symposium.
- Career Symposium 5: Mr. Wellington Hepburn educates students on the importance of project management during the 2024 Career Symposium.
- Career Symposium 6: Ms. Samantha Rolle talks about the role and importance of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship in any economy.
Office of University Relations
University of The Bahamas
2nd Floor, Michael H. Eldon Complex
Oakes Field Campus
P.O. Box N-4912
Nassau, The Bahamas
Tel: (242) 302-4355/4354/4365
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