Bahamas News

Bahamas Elite Athlete Subvention Panel Announced

Published

7 years ago

October 31, 2017

#Bahamas, October 31, 2017 – Nassau – Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Michael Pintard in a press conference, Monday, October 30, 2017 thanked those who have helped to develop the Elite Athlete Subvention Programme on behalf of the Ministry. He also saluted those who have benefited from it over the years. The Minister especially thanked those who are now a part of the newly-formed panel that is tasked with revising the programme.

Minister Pintard stated, at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs Gymnasium: “during the various courtesy calls with various federations and associations, the Ministry promised to work with them in revamping the subvention programme which has been a source of concern for many federations and athletes throughout the country.

“Today we are here to announce the committee that has been assembled, who are already engaged in the work of revamping the subvention system.”

This process is expected to take approximately six weeks.

Panel members include Director of Sports Tim Munnings, National Sports Authority (NSA) Chairman Vaughn Roberts, Senator Jennie Isaacs-Dotson, Consultant Grafton Ifill, Jr., Gold medalist Tonique Williams, Businessman and former elite athlete David Morley, Attorney Koschina Marshall, and the Bahamas Olympic Committee Chairman (once elected).

Director of Sports Tim Munnings pointed out that the Elite Athlete Subvention Scheme was created in 1996, primarily to assist with athletes returning to The Bahamas to compete. At that time, he said, only about six athletes benefited.

“Today, over 60 athletes are currently enrolled in the programme, benefiting from direct government financial assistance toward their competition and training expenses,” Mr. Munnings said. “The Government of The Bahamas is pleased that the programme has contributed to the podium success of many of the participating athletes; and we feel that through the improved management of the programme, we are confident that we will celebrate even more success of our athletes.”

Mr. Munnings noted that the panel assembled to review the programme was made up of former athletes and professional administrators capable of providing an objective analysis and recommendations for the future. The work of the committee will be done in consultation with federations, athletes and other stakeholders.

“I want to make it perfectly clear: The Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas – having seen the exponential growth in sports in the country and the successes we have been experiencing across various sporting disciplines – is not in a position to provide what ideally we would love to provide by way of funding for all of the elite athletes in the country, however we are committed to doing our part,” Minister Pintard stated.

“Furthermore, let me say that the purpose of sports in The Bahamas – and certainly under this Administration – is to not only develop elite athletes,” he added. “We have other objectives, as well.”

Minister Pintard said that one of those objectives is to use sports as a “national development tool” to promote healthy living among Bahamians. An active lifestyle helps us in the fight against obesity and other non-communicable diseases.

Secondly, Minister Pintard noted that the Government believes that education is “absolutely” important and sports play a key role in assisting many Bahamians who would have otherwise not been able to afford tertiary education by way of scholarships.

“In addition, sports help persons develop various characteristics that are essential for wholesome development.”

He added that the Government believes that sports can generate employment and be a source of revenue for many Bahamian professionals.

“We ask all of our elite athletes to continue to do well in your respective disciplines; and demonstrate your commitment to The Bahamas.”

He noted that it is not uncommon for many larger countries around the globe seek to lure elite athletes from other countries by offering forms of inducements.

“In our case, we encourage you to remain focused, loyal, and nationalistic with respect to your country and we will do our part, within our financial capacity, to assist in your continued development,” Minister Pintard said.

By: Eric Rose (BIS)

Photo Caption: Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Michael Pintard (second left) and Director of Sports Tim Munnings (left) are pictured on October 30, 2017, with Consultant Grafton Ifill, Jr. (second right) and Businessman and former elite athlete David Morley, two members of the newly-announced Elite Athlete Subvention Panel, during a press conference at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs Gymnasium.

(BIS Photo/Kristaan Ingraham)

Bahamas News

Bahamas economic growth

Published

1 day ago

May 4, 2024

Shanieka

Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

The Bahamas’ economy is in good standing according to reports from the Bahamas National Statistical Institute which released the Quarterly Gross Domestic Product Series. They indicate that quarterly GDP trends for 2023 saw increases compared to 2022, a sign of recovery from the Covid 19 pandemic.

The most significant increase was 9.9 percent in the first quarter of 2023, and the industries responsible for the growth include Accommodations and food, construction and Arts.

Bahamas News

C&W COMMUNICATIONS PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED AS ATHLETES “CHASE THE SUN”

Published

1 day ago

May 4, 2024

Shanieka

World Relays to be title sponsored by BTC, one of C&W’s local brands.

In just a few days, athletes from over fifty countries will converge in The Bahamas for the BTC World Athletic Relays Bahamas 24. C&W Communications, the parent company of BTC, is proud to be associated with this major event, which will see athletes from The Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago competing for a place in the upcoming Olympic games in Paris.

Inge Smidts, CEO of C&W Communications, who also serves as Chair of the BTC Board of Directors will be in the stands to witness the highly anticipated relays. Smidts says, this was an event that she simply could not miss. “We are proud to support our Caribbean athletes, and we wish them well as they vie for a spot in the Olympic games.

The relays will be held one of in our markets, The Bahamas, and we are honoured to be the title sponsor of the event. The world relays represent the spirit of relentless courage and the willingness to succeed of the Caribbean people and of our business. Through partnerships like this we demonstrate our unwavering commitment to connect communities and change lives.”

In addition to its sponsorship of the event, Smidts says it was important that athletes, officials, and fans stayed connected during the games. “As a business we are focused on ensuring that our customers have access to faster, stronger, and more reliable connectivity, and we worked with our partners to make certain that athletes and guests remain connected.

We have offered e-sim cards, and we also worked with the major hotels to set up care centers to ensure that we address any connectivity concerns on the spot. Additionally, I am pleased to announce that BTC will provide free Wi-Fi at the stadium giving patrons and athletes the opportunity to share every riveting moment.”

BTC has hosted a special event just for the Caribbean athletes, at the newly renovated Queen’s Staircase in Nassau, a recently renovated historic landmark visited by thousands of tourists each day. This event gave athletes the opportunity to unwind, mingle, and to learn more about each other right before the competition.

This is the fourth time that BTC and its parent company C&W Communications have title sponsored the world relays. The BTC World Athletic Relays will be held at the Thomas A. Robinson Track & Field Stadium from May 4-5, under the theme, “Chase the Sun, from Paradise to Paris.”

Bahamas News

RBC appoints new Country Manager and Area Vice President for Turks & Caicos

Published

1 day ago

May 4, 2024

Shanieka

RBC Royal Bank (Bahamas) Limited (“RBC”) is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Kerryl-Lyn King-Henry as Country Manager and Area Vice President (“AVP”), Personal and Commercial Banking, Turks & Caicos Islands (TCI).

In her new role as Country Manager and AVP, King-Henry will take on full responsibility for the bank’s operations, strategy, and development in the TCI market, with a strong focus on solidifying partnerships with the Government, regulatory bodies, and the local community.

King-Henry brings to the role a dynamism influenced by nearly 25 years of industry experience. Prior to her new appointment, she served as AVP of Business Banking in Trinidad and Tobago. She has held progressively senior roles within both personal and commercial banking, as well as various functional units.

King-Henry holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, with a specialization in Leadership, FinTech and Big Data Analysis, in addition to a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Further enriching her professional profile, Kerryl-Lyn is a certified John C. Maxwell Coach, Trainer, Teacher, and Speaker. Her passion for leadership and development is matched by her commitment to community service, as she actively volunteers her time and leverages her professional expertise to mentor and support others. “

Kerryl-Lyn’s extensive experience and proven leadership capabilities make her the perfect choice to lead our operations in the Turks & Caicos Islands,” said Ericka Rolle, RBC’s Managing Director and Vice President, Personal Banking, The Bahamas and TCI.

“Her commitment to excellence, combined with a genuine passion for community engagement, aligns perfectly with our Bank’s purpose of helping clients thrive and communities prosper. We are excited to see the positive impact she will undoubtedly bring to her new role,” she added.