Bahamas News
UNDP introduces new Country Programme for the Bahamas at regional ‘Partnership Roundtable’ series debut in Nassau
Invites local, regional and international partnerships for sustainable development
#TheBahamas, May 5, 2023 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has unveiled a number of development solutions aligned to The Bahamas’ national priorities and opened the door for further cooperation on new solutions, under its 2022 – 2026 Country Programme.
UNDP Resident Representative, Denise E Antonio, urged local, regional, and international organizations, as well as
donor countries, to partner with the UNDP in enhancing existing initiatives and creating new innovative solutions that align with the developmental goals and aspirations of the Bahamian people.
UNDP introduced its five-year Country Programme in Bahamas along with its development services to government officials, civil society, diplomatic corps, and development partners during the debut of UNDP’s sub regional Partnership Roundtable series on Monday 17th April 2023, at The Balmoral.
The new Country Programme will prioritize development solutions that focus on social resilience and inclusion, citizen safety and security and rule of law, climate change resilience, and sustainable natural resource management over the next five years. These priorities were developed following consultations under the regional Multi Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework led by the United Nations Resident Coordination team.
“We are committed to supporting the goals and aspirations of our host countries. Our role is to provide technical assistance and to leverage our resources, networks, facilities, and partnerships to support national priorities. Our Country Programme pillars serve as a framework to guide our collaborative efforts with countries towards achieving sustainable development outcomes,” she said.
In a keynote address delivered by the Honourable Jamahl Strachan, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Strachan said that the Region looks to the UNDP to serve as an interlocutor, and to provide that advocacy support in the meeting halls of the international financial institutions regarding the acceptance of a multi-dimensional vulnerability index.
He also applauded the UNDP for the creation of the Mobile App for persons with disabilities as well as for the significant support rendered to the UNDP Abaco Hurricane Shelter/Community Centre Project.
“UNDP’s universal presence, commitment to transparency, world-leading operational standards, and global knowledge networks and expertise enable us to bring significant value to any partnership we form,” said Linda Maguire, Deputy Regional Director for UNDP in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Under the 2022 – 2026 Country Programme, UNDP is actively supporting the government in the implementation of several initiatives in The Bahamas including projects that aim to strengthen public debt management frameworks promote innovative financing tools for women and youth; establish a hurricane shelter in Abaco; and prepare Bahamas for the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. UNDP is also partnering with communities and NGOs to advance climate change adaptation and mitigation through the UNDP-implemented Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme. Ms Antonio expressed her gratitude to UNDP’s current donor partners including Government of India, the Joint SDG Fund, GEF and UN agencies. 
UNDP has collaborated with various local partners, including the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Public Works, Disaster Reconstruction Authority, Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation, and National Council for Persons with Disabilities, on both past and current development solutions. Under the previous country programme (2017-2021), UNDP worked alongside government and civil society to support The Bahamas’ recovery, relief, and resilience agenda in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian.
The Bahamas is one of 42 countries served by UNDP’s Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean. The UNDP Multi Country Office in Jamaica serves Jamaica, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands. On 12th July 1974, the Government of The Bahamas became the first among the UNDP Multi Country Office’s five partner countries and territories to formally establish an agreement with UNDP.
Photo Captions
Header: Following the UNDP‘s Partnership Roundtable, evet organizers and invited guests mingled. They include, from left From left, event moderator Krissy Hanna, Vice Chancellor, Bahamas Alrae Ramsey Institute of Foreign Service; Chinese Ambassador Dai Qingli; United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative for Bahamas, Jamaica, Bermuda, Cayman Islands and Turks and Caicos Islands, Denise E Antonio; Linda Maguire, Deputy Director, UNDP in Latin America and the Caribbean; Jamahl Strachan, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Honourable Vaughan Miller, Minister of Environment and Natural Resources; Kirk Cornish, Member of Parliament for North Abaco; Thomas Hartley, British High Commissioner ; Phedra Rahming Turnquest, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources; Phyllis Baron, Country Representative, Organization of American States (OAS)
1st insert: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative for Bahamas, Jamaica, Bermuda, Cayman Islands and Turks and Caicos Islands, Denise E Antonio.
2nd insert: Jamahl Strachan, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
3rd insert: Linda Maguire, Deputy Director, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Latin America and the Caribbean.
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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