Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Prime Minister National Address
#TheBahamas, August 19, 2021 –
National Address
Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis
Prime Minister and Minister of Finance
General Election
Thursday, 19 August 2021
My Fellow Bahamians:
Good morning.
We live in a vibrant parliamentary democracy, secured by our Founders for the promotion of the common good and the general welfare. Our rich democratic heritage includes free and fair elections through which the people choose their representatives.
Earlier today Parliament was dissolved.
It is time for you, the people, to choose who you will elect to form the next Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
For the past year and a half, we have battled the COVID-19 pandemic together. This is the worst public health crisis in our modern history. This deadly virus has killed millions of people around the world, and made hundreds of millions of others sick. Here at home many of our loved ones have died or fallen ill.
You have worked with my Government and the public health team, abiding by the rules and doing your best to help to protect lives and livelihoods. I thank you for partnering with us on this difficult journey.
Dear Fellow-Bahamians
On Wednesday August 11, I announced in the House of Assembly that the United States of America donated 397,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine to The Bahamas. We received 128,000 of those doses the following day. The Bahamas received earlier today, 38,400 doses of the one-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine. These doses are in addition to the AstraZeneca vaccines we received over the past few months.
In total, including doses received and those arriving in the coming weeks, The Bahamas was able to secure well in excess of 550,000 doses of the lifesaving vaccines. We can now vaccinate ourselves out of the emergency phase of the pandemic. This does not mean the pandemic will quickly go away.
Indeed, the pandemic will continue for some time around the world, with the risk of other variants.
We will, for a time, still have to abide by commonsense public health measures such as wearing masks.
My Government has provided for public consultation a draft of new legislation to replace the Emergency Orders.
The Emergency Orders will end on Saturday, November 13, 2021.
Although there has been progress in securing vaccines, we still face challenging times in the short term due to the current surge in cases. Much of the world is battling increased cases due to the delta variant.
My Government is spending more than seven million dollars on public health resources to help battle this wave. This includes creating more beds and spaces to treat those who are ill as well as bringing on more health care and medical personnel.
My sympathies and prayers go out to all who have lost loved ones to this terrible virus.
Let us all remember to keep abiding by the public health measures to definitively defeat this surge.
Dr. Merceline Dahl-Regis chairs our National Covid-19 Vaccine Consultative Committee. This past Sunday, August 15th, Dr. Dahl-Regis indicated that the country hoped to fully vaccinate 60,000 Bahamians over the next six weeks. I am encouraged by the high number of people coming forward to get vaccinated.
With our new supply and you doing your part taking the shots, we are beginning the process to end the emergency phase of the pandemic.
Our goal is for The Bahamas to be one of the most vaccinated small-island developing countries in the world.
Dear Fellow Bahamians
As a result of our country reaching the goal of securing the vaccines we need, it is now time for the Bahamian people to choose who they want to lead them as we move toward vaccinating every Bahamian who wishes to be vaccinated.
Your next Government will have key decisions to make in enacting post pandemic public health legislation.
Your next Government will have to make other key decisions to build on the robust economic growth started on our watch.
Your next Government will have to make important decisions on rebuilding and renewing a post-COVID-19 Bahamas.
A new mandate is needed to ensure that a Government is in place to do this difficult work over the long term as we are reaching a critical turning point in the pandemic.
I have advised the Governor General to issue the writs of election which will be held on Thursday the 16th September 2021. We have a long tradition of peaceful elections. Let us continue that proud tradition. We must discuss the issues rigorously and peacefully, contrasting our various visions for the country.
In our democratic tradition the people rule.
Your collective wisdom will decide our way forward.
Your collective wisdom will decide our shared future.
All political parties should conduct their campaigns in keeping with public health guidelines.
May God continue to bless and guide our Bahamas.
Thank you for listening.
Good morning.
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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