Bahamas News
STABILIZING OUR MINDS: ESTEEM NEEDS – BASIL SPRINGER COLUMN
“One man esteems one day as more important. Another esteems every day alike. Let each man be fully assured in his own mind.” Romans 14:5
December 31, 2021 – Satisfying our needs as human beings and achieving harmony living in the same space on Earth is a complex affair. We compete for resources to satisfy our physiological survival needs, then as spiritual beings in an earthly environment we seek to preserve the sanctity of our mind, body, and create that fabric of love that binds us together.
Alas, that is not all. We must engage in positive belief systems to feed our needs for fame and glory as we cross the bridge of respect, confidence, competence and achievement. If we do not get this right, we run the risk of lapsing into an abyss of falsehoods, greed, selfishness, narcissism, loneliness, anxiety, and depression.
When I first entered university in Jamaica, I was fresh from my cheeky Barbadian cocoon of comfort, but I was also thrust into a new environment of contemporaries who were more talented than I was.
The illusions of fame and glory that had sprung up in my mind were about to take a hit. Fortunately, my parents
came to my rescue by continually reminding me that they only expected me to do my best.
As a young man living as part of a minority in a hostile racial environment in the U.K. in the 1960s, my father taught me to exude self-respect by carrying myself (appearance and behavior) with honor and dignity.
I later learned how to command respect from others by practicing the tenets of Rotary International’s Four Way Test: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned (win-win)?
Life’s experience is still teaching me the importance of respecting others and showing that I care.
Last week in an interview, I was asked what would you say is the top characteristic for your success in life? I responded without hesitation: “Discipline.” I have always lived a rather structured life and I get things done.
I always share with entrepreneurs, whom I shepherd, that they must be passionate about what they do, persistent and never give up while being patient while awaiting results.
Then of course there is the Sequential Evolutionary Approach (SEA) concept where the intelligence gained at any step along a journey fashions the next step.
Often, we go through prescribed formal schooling processes and then rue the fact if we have not gone as far as we would have liked. My advice is that we can learn from the cradle to the grave. We must encourage ourselves and others to pursue every opportunity that comes our way to acquire knowledge especially now that this is facilitated by tools of the information age.
As we go through life, we assemble a roller deck of contacts. Leverage them to the fullest, they are an invaluable source of information and knowledge. We should document our experiences and mobilize them to shape the future of disruptive innovation.
Do not hide our lights under a bushel, modestly show them off. How else can we guarantee that others know about us? Frame and hang our certificates, chronicle our successes. Share our recognitions and awards. Be proud about what other people think about us.
Let us continually build our esteem and seek new horizons as we celebrate safely during this Christmas season.
December 20, 2021
Season’s blessings to all!!
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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