Bahamas News
CIBCFirstCaribbean donates 63 computers for better equipped E-Learning
#Nassau, Bahamas, October 22, 2020– Schools, libraries, and community centres serve as central access points to a range of programmes and services that meet the needs of the public. As the online school year begins, many students without the necessary devices at home will turn to these institutions as resources during their virtual learning experience.
Aware of this, CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Technology Team presented sixty-three computers to eight critical community treasures.
Reverend Clinton Josey of the African Methodist Episcopal Community Centre in Savannah Sound, Eleuthera, is especially thankful and described the bank’s donation as “important and timely.”
“A number of the boys and girls in the community have had to walk or hike a ride to other settlements to have access to a computer or the internet. Our students from our local church and the community can now just walk a minute or so to the centre to complete assignments and projects in a timely manner and not pay community centre fees because it belongs to our community,” he said.
The Palmdale Primary Special Education Unit, Claridge Primary School, Arthur’s Town High School in Cat Island and various public libraries including the Nassau Public Library, Eastern Public Library, Carmichael Public Library and National Library and Information Services are also now better equipped for this eventuality.
Ms. Serethea Clarke, Under Secretary at the Ministry of Education (MOE), in her thanks to CIBC FirstCaribbean, also described the donation as timely.
“These will assist us in achieving our goals in ensuring that our teachers are well equipped and, in the case of our libraries, students will be able to access information at their fingertips to be able to complete research and to ensure that they are active participants in the learning process,” she said while accepting the devices on behalf of the MOE.
“We all know that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, e-learning is the new norm. Unfortunately, many students still have challenges accessing online education,” said Mrs. Nikia Christie, CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Marketing Manager.
“Our hope is that these devices will not only assist disadvantaged students while they are working safely at home but also later on when they can safely return to schools. Donating computers to libraries and the community centre ensures that there are additional safe and quiet places for them to learn and study.”
Mrs. Christie underscored that “this is not the end.” She said there are also schools and organizations in Abaco and on Grand Bahama that the bank would be looking to donate to as it ensures as many students as possible have access to virtual learning. “CIBC FirstCaribbean is committed to helping the communities that we serve and we are happy to make this donation to ensure that children have suitable computer equipment to continue their education during this challenging time,” said Andrew Hanna, Senior Manager of Technology, CIBC FirstCaribbean.
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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