Bahamas News
Bahamas Striping Group raises $50M for Eleuthera & Long Island Infrastructure
Rashaed Esson
Staff Writer
#TheBahamas, May 23, 2023 – Putting an end to a cycle of “slow and unsuccessful” development in Eleuthera and Long Island Bahamas, roughly $50 million dollars in available funds raised by the Bahamas Striping Group of Companies (BSGC), in a Private Public Partnership (PPP), will be poured into enhancing the islands from roads in dire need of repairs, seawalls thirsty for construction, to sidewalks and a playgrounds in need of rehabilitation and other projects.
This accomplishment of BSGC is in line with 14 years of success thanks to the business model and a wavering quality of work, as expressed by Dominic Sturrup, Executive Chairman.
“Growth is assured when a business group’s interests are closely aligned with national interests. Determined and active nation building is a credo that is close to our hearts as a group, and our reputation for project work excellence has elevated the brand and brought success to the company,” he expressed.
BSGC has revised its funding model, and with it, funders pay for specific projects while the Government pays on the backend in installments, usually ranging from 3-5 years.
Essentials like equipment are covered by the funding and the Government is allowed to take under its wing and make paramount, other commitments while BSGC holds all liabilities, as opposed to its old business model where they were responsible for raising its own funds to execute its own projects.
BSGC has pulled into the project, Rowdy Boys Construction Company, Quick-Fix Construction Company and NuView Construction Company.
Bernard Knowles, President of Rowdy Boys Construction Company expressed gratitude for being included by BSGC, highlighting that his company has known struggle when it comes to funding.
“The Bahamas Striping Group of Companies support means a lot to me because I never left Long Island and there’s not a lot of opportunities here. I have a lot of staff that I struggle to keep so this is a way for me to also hire more people. BSGC has taken the initiative to believe in me and by getting this big project going.”
He further stated that he hopes skilled Long Islanders will want to return home since work is now available.
Elton Symonette, President of 39-year-old Quick-Fix Construction Company, mentioned that collaborating with BSGC will get jobs started. He added that Quick-Fix has its fingers crossed for a long term relationship.
He continued, “Getting things going in our community moves Eleuthera’s economy. It is also important for us to empower our people instead of going out of the country. When Eleutherans work in Eleuthera, our money stays here.”
Peter Kemp, President of Nu-View Construction Company gave shout outs to BSGC for taking the initiative to be the first to lead a partnership such as this. He further spoke to how beneficial the funding will be in allowing Eleuthera’s road improvement needs.
“I am well pleased to note that a Bahamian contractor has received the contract to do road repair for Eleuthera. This is the first time, especially for local contractors, to be able to get this amount of work subbed out to them from another contractor. This is something that you really don’t see on Family Islands.”
These contractors meet BSGC’s meet company and Ministry of Works standards.
BSGC, 26 years old, had come a long way and Sturrup made sure to highlight that success in building funding did not happen overnight.
“The first-time seeking funding, whether locally or internationally, is always tough. Once you go through the initial process however, funders get to know you, understand you and trust you to deliver on time and within budget. We motivate future investments as funders see the work done,” he maintained.
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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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