Bahamas News
Bahamas Crisis Centre Continues Call for Action to End Gender-Based Violence
#TheBahamas, April 23, 2023 – The reports of incidents of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in The Bahamas in the media over these recent weeks must be the ultimate wake-up call for us as a nation.
This week the news report was “MP choked and abused his fiancé”, and last week, the report was that of a mother and daughter being found dead and having suffered brutal attacks by a male known to them.
The week before, a repeat offender sexually assaulted a 12-year-old girl, while at the park.
Let us all pause to reflect on the terror that has been present in those scenarios, and remember the trauma and horror faced by other victims who endured such attacks from others.
Gender-Based Violence can occur in any socioeconomic bracket, as was clear in the incidents mentioned above. It is not something that only occurs in gangs or circumstances that we can often say: ‘Oh it does not affect us all directly’.
Gender-Based Violence can occur under the cloak of any household; it is a broad-based social health issue that cannot be pushed aside.
Bahamas statistics reveal a 50% increase in reports of child abuse in addition to the police reports of an increase of
34% in reported sexual offenses in 2022 over 2021.
How many more wake-up calls do we need as a nation?
Swift action to address these types of assaults, particularly against the vulnerable in society, needs to be taken.
We congratulate the Minister of National Security and the Commissioner of Police for implementing a Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences Unit and look forward to working with the ministry in this initiative.
Kudos to The Ministry of Social Services & Urban Development for the recent launch. We cannot forget about The Department of Social Services with the recent launch of the Family Island Gender-Based Violence Coordination Council in Abaco, which is a promising beginning.
We must however recognize the delay of successive governments in implementing the Task Force recommendations put forward in the completed Strategic Plan in 2016.
We call on the government to pass the Gender-Based Violence Legislation and the implementation of the Gender-Based Violence Authority that will bring together the key ministries and services to interrupt this cycle of violence that threatens the stability of our nation.
We have learned a great deal about Gender-Based Violence over the last decades. It is clear that a need exists to move away from the silos approach model, and instead, bring together all the partners involved in the work of addressing Gender-Based Violence in The Bahamas.
We need to establish a properly resourced Sexual Offences Court; we need to expand the capacity of the Police Forensics Unit to respond to the large numbers of reported sexual offences.
Sexual Offenders will continue to rape with impunity and without consequences, until we become serious in our response to this global and national shame.
The Bahamas Crisis Centre stands ready to continue to raise awareness on these issues and provide services for survivors, but we need more than platitudes and promises, we need ACTION!
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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