Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: ‘Preserving Our Coral Reefs’ Artworks by Uriah McPhee Students Opens at D’Aguilar Art Foundation
PRESS RELEASE (May 20, 2021) – Bud Light bottle caps representing treasures in a treasure box, plastic water bottles formed into the shape of fish, colorful yarn for the legs of an octopus, coca cola soda cans shaped into sting rays and green painted pasta noodles decorating a turtle are just a few of the recycled and everyday objects the students of Uriah McPhee Primary School have used to transform the studio of the D’Aguilar Art Foundation (DAF) into a rainforest of the sea.
Wife of Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis — Mrs. Patricia Minnis of the Office of the Spouse of the Prime Minister clipped the ribbon Thursday, May 20, signaling the official opening of “Preserving Our Coral Reefs,” an exhibition featuring the artworks of Uriah McPhee Primary School.
The event was attended by: Mrs. Pamela Armaly, principal; Mrs. Shaphell Knowles, science coordinator; students of the school; the Hon. Jeffrey Lloyd, Minister of Education; the Hon. Dionisio D’Aguilar, Minister of Tourism and Aviation; the Hon. Romauld Ferreira, Minister of the Environment and Housing; Mrs. Saskia D’Aguilar, director, DAF, and Mrs. Tessa Whitehead, creative artist. The school recognized March as ‘Science Awareness Month.’ Students from kindergarten through Grade 6 were assigned a project to create 3D sculptures of underwater landscapes along with an oral presentation on the topic “Conserving the Coral Reefs of The Bahamas.” The project was judged on creativity, projection of voice, factual information, recycled material and scientific thinking.
Mrs. Armaly explained that teachers were expected to integrate the theme into their daily lessons and staff members were encouraged to wear items made from recycled materials each day of the week.
“Each morning all students were introduced to and reviewed vocabulary words followed by a listening comprehension passage about coral reefs and explanations on preservation of coral reefs,” said Mrs. Armaly.
“Students were fully engaged in applying varied learning styles such as verbal, visual, auditory, social and kinesthetic. Blooms taxonomy was definitely incorporated. Students went from concrete to abstract thinking — from who, what, where, to creating. The greatest elements involved were parents/guardians, students and stakeholders.”
She acknowledged the partnership of the DAF with the school through Mrs. D’Aguilar and Mrs. Whitehead. For the past three years, the DAF has operated an after school art program each Wednesday.
“Uriah McPhee Primary School maintains a supportive and unique relationship between positive stakeholders in the form of an afterschool Art Club. COVID-19 did not steal our joy because we maintained the relationship with our Art Club throughout the school year.”
Minister Lloyd said the students’ work deserves the highest commendation and celebrated their creative abilities.
Minister Ferreira underscored the importance of the responsibility of parents, teachers, the government and the private sector to provide a nurturing environment for children. “The most important thing is the young people. No matter what we do, and how much we do, we want you to be encouraged. I’m pleased to see you are taking responsibility on the environment,” he said.
Mrs. D’Aguilar applauded the students for their “stunning” artworks. She acknowledged Mrs. Shaphell, Mrs. Armaly and the school’s team for allowing DAF to be a part of the school’s art program and for inspiring the talented students to produce such masterpieces.
She thanked the in-house team at the DAF, including Mrs. Whitehead and volunteers Cherlindrea Thompson, Letitia Pratt, and Mary Gottlieb. The guests toured and viewed the exhibits following the ceremony. The exhibition is open to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to 4pm without an appointment until June 15. Appointments can be made for other days and times.
By Kathryn Campbell
Release: BIS
Photo Captions: Scenes from the official opening of the exhibition entitled “Preserving Our Coral Reefs” by Uriah McPhee Primary School at the D’Aguilar Art Foundation. Wife of Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis — Mrs. Patricia Minnis of the Office of the Spouse of the Prime Minister is flanked by government ministers, students and representatives of the school, as she cuts the ribbon to officially open the exhibition. Guests are seen touring the artworks. Trevon Taylor, student of Grade 3, gives a testimony of his work.
(BIS Photos/Patrick Hanna)
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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