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BTVI and BGWU sign first industrial agreement

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By KATHRYN CAMPBELL
Bahamas Information Services
NASSAU, The Bahamas – Over 50 non-managerial and non-instructional staff will benefit from a three-year agreement signed by Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) and the Bahamas General Workers Union (BGWU).
 The first industrial agreement ever negotiated between BTVI and a union was signed March 1, 2023 at the Office of the Prime Minister, West Bay Street.
 The agreement which is estimated at a cost of $157,000 provides benefits of improved salary scales, allowances, merit pay increases, performance reviews, promotions, regularization among others.
The Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin, Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training congratulated the negotiating teams for BTVI and BGWU.
“BTVI is one of the most important institutions in the further progress of our nation. It is the agency that is and will have responsibility for ensuring our young people are equipped and technically sound so they can participate meaningfully in our economy,” said Minister Hanna-Martin.
 “BTVI is the key to the advancement of our young people in the technical and vocational fields and for the future of our economy as a Bahamian people.
 “We are looking at deepening the relationships in our high schools with BTVI. The well-being of all who work there is critical because the Bahamian people will be depending upon the performance of BTVI in advancing our cause as a people.
“I am very happy we were able to come to a consensus in such efficiency and it has resulted in improved terms and such conditions as outlined by the Acting President.”
 BTVI’s Acting President Dr. Linda Davis described the signing as an “historic” occasion for BTVI because it is the first industrial agreement that the institution has signed.
She applauded the efforts of BTVI lead negotiator, Zakia Winder, and Obie Ferguson Jr., lead negotiator for BGWU.
 “The negotiations lasted one month. We are pleased that through this period we were able to come to a conclusion. The current working relationship between BTVI and members of the negotiating team are extremely good,” she said.
Mr. Ferguson acknowledged the contribution of the late Dr. Thomas Bastian, former trade unionist to the agreement.
 He also thanked the Government for laying the groundwork for the agreement and making it possible.
 Linda Sands, BGWU Acting President, said the industrial agreement also includes up to three – 3.5 % merit pays, a cost of living increase, uniform allowance, risk allowance for security, two 15-minute breaks, outstanding merit pay for eligible staff, education assistance for professional development, administrative leave with pay, and per diem increase.
 The Hon. Zane Lightbourne, Minister of State in the Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training witnessed the signing.
PHOTO CAPTIONS
BIS Photos/Patrick Hanna
Header: Members of the BGWU, BTVI representatives are shown at the Office of the Prime Minister at historic signing of BTVI’s first industrial agreement.
1st insert: Acting President of BTVI Dr. Linda Davis, centre, and Linda Sands, BGWU Acting President, sign the first industrial agreement for BTVI at the Office of the Prime Minister on March 1, 2023. The Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin, Minister of Education and Technical & Vocational Training is pictured, centre left.
2nd insert: The Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin, Minister of Education and Technical & Vocational Training, speaks at the signing of the first industrial agreement for BTVI and the BGWU.  Also shown is the Hon. Zane Lightbourne, Minister of State, and Lorraine Armbrister, Permanent Secretary. 

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The Bahamas Successfully Hosts Its Fourth World Athletics Relays

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NASSAU, Bahamas – Hundreds of people from around the world turned out in full force for the BTC World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 that took place at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, May 4 -5, 2024.

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.

In fact, The Bahamas was able to take advantage of the second day of competition.

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.

(BIS Photos/Kemuel Stubbs)

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PM at World Relays 2024 Opening: ‘Tonight, the eyes are on The Bahamas’

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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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Bahamas Agriculture Advancements-Reduces Food Import Reliance

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Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

The Bahamas is on its way to greater national food security and being less dependent on food imports with the Ministry of Agriculture’s container farms, two of them, provided by Eeden Farms.

On its Facebook, the ministry informs that the farms, both 40 feet, are able to produce the equivalent of 5 acres of high quality produce annually, resistant to hurricanes and pesticide free.

A container farm is a 21st century farming method that involves growing plants inside customized storage or shipping containers.

 

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