Bahamas News
Minister Glover-Rolle Delivers CARICOM Statement at UN’s Commission on the Status of Women
#USA, March 14, 2023 – On Monday, 6th of March 2023, Minister of State for the Public Service, the Honourable Pia Glover- Rolle, delivered an official statement on behalf of CARICOM at the 67th annual Commission on the Status of Women held at the United Nation headquarters in New York.
Taking place during Women’s History Month and launching just two days before International Women’s Day, the Commission on the Status of Women allows for the global community to come together to discuss common international challenges, highlight region-specific gender issues, and take account of the progress made toward
gender equality.
This year’s Commission is focused on the priority theme, “Innovation and technological change, and education in the digital age for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.” Attendees include representatives from UN Member States, UN entities, and ECOSOC accredited non-governmental agencies.
Minister Glover-Rolle addressed attendees on regional plans for digital transformation and the ways that women and girls will play pivotal roles in this transformation.
“This digital transformation is providing new avenues for the economic empowerment of women and can contribute to the achievement of gender equality. With access to the Internet and skills to use digital technologies, they can pursue education and find better-paid jobs, start new businesses, promote and sell products in new markets, and access and exchange information, as well as network and increase participation in public life.”
She also highlighted the need for greater inclusivity in emerging digital fields, especially in regard to greater representation of women through increased opportunities and support.
“While ICT and STEM occupations are among the highest earners, there has been historic underrepresentation of women and girls. This is often a result of gender stereotyping in career choices. The CARICOM Girls in ICT Partnership Programme is focused on changing gender-specific expectations about professions, including by fostering female role models in STEM and ICTs.”
“Efforts are ongoing to integrate ICT studies and skills training into our formal education systems, including through capacity development for teachers. There is also need for re-skilling and up-skilling for women who are already in the job market so that they can have equal opportunities for promotions and higher earnings.”
In closing her statement, Minister Glover-Rolle emphasised the region’s commitment to “closing the gender digital divide” stating that CARICOM nations would “contribute to the economic and social empowerment of women and
girls through improvements to women’s and girls’ digital skills, access to the internet and devices, and ensuring a safe and enabling online environment for them.”
The Minister of State for the Public Service is one of several government executives and officials present at the Commission on the Status of Women to represent The Bahamas and play a pivotal role in highlighting CARICOM’s priorities and policy solutions to address gender-based issues. The delegation’s agenda also includes a roundtable discussion on bridging the gender divide, which will be led by Minister Glover-Rolle.
In addition to the Minister of State, the Bahamian delegation includes Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon. Obediah Wilchcombe, Senator, the Hon. Dr. Erecia Hepburn-Forbes, Permanent Secretary, Joel Lewis, technical staff from the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development, and Bahamian civil society leaders.
Minister Glover-Rolle applauded the robust participation of the Bahamian delegation, stating that she believes participation in international events such as this one ensures that the Caribbean makes its contributions felt at a global level.
“It is important that the voice of the Caribbean is heard at the United Nations,” said Minister Glover- Rolle. “Especially for major issues such as gender equality, it is critical that we play a role in international goal setting, policy development, and adding our inputs into the discussion on essential human rights.”
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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