Bahamas News
Education Minister says visit to GB schools was “refreshing”
By Andrew Coakley (BIS)
#TheBahamas, February 15, 2022 – “I truly believe that this generation who has been subjected to this ordeal of the COVID-19 pandemic, they will prove to be the most resilient generation of Bahamians we have ever seen. They are going to excel. I think they are going to be incredible. And we’re seeing it as we move through this country. It’s a very hopeful experience,” said Education Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin, during a tour of public schools in Grand Bahama on Friday, February 4, 2022.
It was the Education Minister’s first official trip to Grand Bahama since being elected to office and she said she was impressed with the level of resiliency among the teachers, administrators and students within the schools she visited. Accompanying Minister Hanna-Martin was Minister of State for Education, Zane Lightbourne.
Minister Hanna-Martin visited schools in West Grand Bahama and in Freeport, where she spoke with the principals, teachers and even entered a few classes, where she chatted with the students, asking the 12th graders their plans for college and university. Some of the schools which the Minister visited included Eight Mile Rock High, Jack Hayward High, St. George’s High School, Sister Mary Patricia Junior High and the Beacon School.
Minister Hanna-Martin described her trip to Grand Bahama as “refreshing,” noting that in spite of what Grand Bahama has been through in the past few years progress was still being made.
“This has been such an uplifting time for me, because Grand Bahama went through the pandemic and Hurricane Dorian, so they had double whammy and the optimism, the resiliency, the determination I’ve seen in the schools is
so refreshing, so heart-warming and really, engenders a sense of hope for what we’re looking forward to,” said Minister Hanna-Martin.
“To see the focus and determination of the young people at all levels; this has been an excellent experience for me here in Grand Bahama. There are still challenges that some of the schools face, but to see the positive attitudes exhibited by the teachers, the administrators and the students is really refreshing.
This has been a wonderful eye-opener today. It’s been very engendering to me.”
The Education Minister admitted that the COVID-19 pandemic and devastation by Hurricane Dorian have had a negative impact on Grand Bahama. A fact, she said, that cannot be denied. However, she noted that a combination of the parents, the schools, the teachers, and the wider community working together is the formula for students to excel.
She pointed out that students in grade 12 have been most negatively impacted by the pandemic, because it hit during the most critical times in their schooling, forcing students to miss two years of face-to-face learning.
“Actually, its three years they were affected, if you count the Hurricane,” added Minister Hanna-Martin. “But, in speaking with those senior students today, they just seem so determined and focused.
“In the way forward, I think we just have to support our children and support the schools. This is going to take a lot of legwork to catch up for the loss that has occurred during this pandemic, and there has been loss. But I think what I see in Grand Bahama – this shining optimism, I think that it bodes very well for the recovery for Grand Bahama and we hope across the board in this country.”
Photo Caption: Education Minister, Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin (second from left) chats with students of grade 12 at St. George’s High School during her visit there on Friday, February 4, 2022. Accompanying Minister Hanna-Martin was Minister of State for Education, Hon. Zane Lightbourne (second from right)
(BIS Photos/Lisa Davis)
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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