Bahamas News
Courtesy Calls, Historic Tour, Parliament Opening & Prime Minister’s Soiree; TCI Delegation attends Opening of Parliament in The Bahamas
#TheBahamas, October 8, 2021 – The TCI delegation to The Bahamas for the Opening of Parliament in New Providence was more than a set of seats in the audience but a string of opportunities which strengthened diplomatic ties between the two countries. 
Led by Speaker of the Turks and Caicos Islands House of Assembly, the Hon Gordon Burton, upon the invitation of the new Government of The Bahamas, the party of five made courtesy calls, visited the 292 year-old Parliament and attended a reception hosted by Prime Minister Hon Philip Davis.
“During the four day visit the delegation was treated very well by the Bahamian Government and people and the delegation received the highest level of protocol from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Office of the Prime Minister and the House of Assembly, informed Hon Burton, “On Monday, 4th October the delegation made a courtesy call on the Hon. Phillip Brave Davis and a number of members of his Cabinet and staff. On Monday, the delegation also made a courtesy call on the new Speaker Elect of the House of Assembly, M’s. Patricia Deveaux. The delegation then met with the Clerk of the House of Assembly, Mr. David Forbes and was given a tour of the House of Assembly (which is undergoing renovations) and the Senate Chambers. The Clerk then gave the delegation a history lesson on House and Senate throughout the years of their existence.”
The Opening of Parliament and ceremonious reading of the Speech from the Throne was held, for the first time away from Parliament and Rawson Squares due to ongoing construction, the need for physical distancing in accordance with Covid-19 public health protocols and inclement weather, informed a government issued statement. The Convention Center of the Baha Mar Resort proved the ideal setting for the auspicious event.
Thirty-nine members of parliament and 16 senators were duly sworn in and the Speech from the Throne, which dictates the Government’s legislative agenda and culminates campaign promises made to the Electorate, were read by His Excellency, Hon Cornelius A. Smith, Governor General of The Bahamas.
It was reported that some 1,200 people attended the posh event.
“An invitation was extended by the House of Assembly of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas to the House of Assembly of the Turks and Caicos Islands to attend the opening of Parliament held Wednesday, 6th October.”
The delegation informed the Speaker was comprised of himself, Hon Edwin Astwood, Leader of the Opposition; Hon Shaun Malcolm, 5th All Island Member and the Clerk to the HOA, Mrs. Tracey Parker made up the official delegation. The Speaker’s wife Zaneta Burton also attended the event.
“After the public ceremony the delegation was then invited to attend the private proceedings in the House Chamber. On the conclusion of the House Sitting the delegation was invited to attend a reception hosted by the Hon. Prime Minister Davis. In the evening the delegation also was able to spend time with the Hon. Jobeth Coleby-Davis, the Minister of Transportation and Housing.
Traditionally, members of the Cabinet, led by the Turks and Caicos Premier would be in attendance on the occasion; however, a previously scheduled TCI Cabinet retreat on the island of South Caicos prevented that happening.
The TCI House of Assembly delegation left on Sunday, 3rd October and returned today 7th October 2021.
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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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