Bahamas News
Bahamas Feeding Network Thanks Royal Caribbean for ‘Awesome’ Cruise
#TheBahamas, June 2, 2022 – More than 100 men, women and children – the volunteers of Bahamas Feeding Network (BFN) and their families – today thanked Royal Caribbean International for what one called “an awesome cruise with memories that will last until eternity.”
The 100+ cruisers were guests of honour aboard Freedom of the Seas for a complimentary four-day cruise that took them from the Port of Miami to Nassau, Perfect Day at CocoCay and back to Miami.
BFN Chairman Felix Stubbs lauded Royal Caribbean International for its generous gift to the volunteers.
“Royal Caribbean continues to demonstrate commitment to its partnership with Bahamas Feeding Network. I express profound gratitude to Royal Caribbean on behalf of the Network’s Board of Directors,” Stubbs said. “These volunteers give of their time tirelessly and we are so grateful that Royal Caribbean recognizes their service to community and rewarded it in this memorable way.”
The Network’s Executive Director Lester Ferguson agreed.
“Corporate friendships like the one we share with Royal Caribbean are essential to the progress of our work,” said Ferguson. “We are both heavily vested in our community, so it’s great when can work together to achieve the
common good. We’re simply better together.”
Former Executive Director Philip Smith who still serves on the Board and who accompanied the volunteers said, “Royal Caribbean International has always been the most incredible partner for the Bahamas Feeding Network. But treating more than 100 people to a cruise – wow, that is an unbelievable show of generosity and kindness and something that the tireless volunteers of Bahamas Feeding Network will never forget.”
Royal Caribbean International executives and crew have visited BFN, volunteering themselves, and shoring up a bond that began four years ago with RCI President & CEO Michael Bayley serving the community and those who came from afar in search of a hot meal and the warmth of friendship.
Since then, the cruise line has been a constant partner, living up to its commitment to donate $400,000 in 2020 at the height of COVID although its ships were anchored and there was no revenue. In the same year, they also donated 21 forty-foot containers of frozen meat. That donation was worth nearly $800,000.
For Distribution and Volunteer Coordinator Recina ‘Scully’ Ferguson, who has been at the heart of the volunteer organization since its inception in 2013, the cruise was more than a celebration. It was an opportunity to find freedom and rejuvenate.
“It was an awesome trip. The service was on point, it was excellent. I appreciate Royal Caribbean so highly,” said Ms. Ferguson, the former educator who Smith credits with working non-stop. “The ship was named Freedom of the Seas and that is what I felt, freedom. I felt like a heavy weight was lifted off me for that four-day cruise. I’m raring to get back to feeding those in need and making sure no one goes hungry who we can help.”
The Bahamas Feeding Network recently moved into its new home, two doors south of its former location. In January, Lester Ferguson succeeded Smith as the second executive director of the NGO which helps to provide more than 60,000 meals per month through its 97 feeding program partners, fulfilling its mission to provide a central hub for donations and assistance, maximizing resources in order to create a sustainable solution to poverty and help eradicate hunger in the Bahamas.
Release: DPA News
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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