Bahamas News
MOU Signed Between BDOCS and Correctional Services of Canada
#TheBahamas, March 1, 2022 – On Thursday 24th February, 2022 at 2:00 p.m., at the Ministry of National Security, John F. Kennedy Drive, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between The Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDOCS) and Correctional Services of Canada (CSC).
The objective of this MOU is to facilitate an effective pathway for information and expertise sharing, along with the provision of technical assistance and training in the field of Correctional Services.
In an effort to begin the transition of Her Majesty’s Prison from a penal institution to that of a correctional facility, the Government of The Bahamas, in August 2013, enacted new legislation, the Correctional Services Act, 2014, and repealed the Prison Acts 208 and 193.
As a result of the same, the historic name of the prison was changed from Her Majesty’s Prison to that of the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. This paradigm shift, in keeping with the new philosophical approach to corrections undertaken by democratic nations worldwide, sought to align The Bahamas with its counterparts in transitioning our institution from a sole focus on incarceration to a focus on effective rehabilitation and reintegration.
Shortly thereafter, The Bahamas Department of Correctional Services, signed the first MOU with Correctional Services of Canada. Under this agreement, many officers throughout the ranks were afforded months of intensive Corrections training in Canada.
A second MOU was signed in 2017 which allowed even more officers to take advantage of the knowledge, skills, and expertise of our partners, CSC.
Moving forward to 2022, as BDOCS continues its transition to a true rehabilitation and reintegration facility, the signing of the 2022 MOU with Correctional Services of Canada will allow the organization to begin to implement similar operational and management practices. Therein, the new structural and operational model for Corrections at BDOCS will mirror best practices from the CSC’s mode of structure and operations.
Amongst the many benefits of this continued and renewed partnership will be key training modules, certifications,
and systems that facilitate BDOCS being registered and recognized as a functional and effective correctional facility, based on international best practices.
Some of the featured trainings and systems will include:
1) Executive Management Training – for Senior Officers;
2) Professional Development Training – for Junior and Mid-level Staff;
3) Offender Correctional Programme and Assessment Tools – a programme that allows, based on inmate classification, the most effective correctional programme to be designed, implemented, and assessed for efficacy of implementation;
4) Parole Management System;
5) Inmate Classification System;
6) Facility Security; and
7) Facility Planning
Signing on behalf of the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services was Acting Commissioner of Corrections, Mr. Doan Cleare and Mrs. Anne Kelly, for Correctional Services of Canada (signed previously).
Also in attendance were the Minister of National Security, the Honorable Wayne Munroe, QC., Mrs. Cheryl Darville, Permanent Secretary, Mr. Delgardo Forbes, Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary, and other senior ministry officials.
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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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