Bahamas News
Special Tribute to Bahamian Women by Minister Wilchcombe at Concert Celebration
By ANDREW COAKLEY
Bahamas Information Services
#TheBahamas, November 2, 2022 – Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe said Bahamian women broke the proverbial ‘glass ceiling’ a long, long time ago, adding that throughout the years in the nation, women have been recognized and celebrated for their accomplishments.
During a special concert on Saturday, October 29th at Jubilee Cathedral, observing the culmination of ‘Older Persons Month,’ Minister Wilchcombe highlighted the achievements of Bahamian women throughout the years, in various areas of life, pointing out the fact that the Bahamian woman has done much to build The Bahamas we know today.
Marking 60 years next month, he said, “our country will pause and celebrate the anniversary of women voting for the first time in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas,” said Minister Wilchcombe. “Earlier this year, we celebrated 40 years of a woman (Janet Bostwick) being elected for the first time in Parliament.
“That’s why this event is so special, because it is also on the eve of the celebration of our 50th Independence anniversary.
“Independence of a nation that has been able to grow from Inagua to Bimini and all of our people provided with opportunities and given the chance to be whatever they want in this country. Not a country of perfection, but in search of perfection. Along the route to perfection, we have people like you who stand, who encourage, who push and who tell us that we can do it.”
The Older Persons Month concert gave special focus to older women and their accomplishments within their respective islands and communities. Seventeen Grand Bahamian women were honored in various areas, including
politics, education, civics, economics, social and cultural arenas.
“The women we honor here tonight represent the backbone; represent all of us who have been able to move on and achieve in our society,” added Minister Wilchcombe. “Many years ago, when we didn’t believe, as a nation, that we couldn’t achieve, the women were the ones who were working. The women led the crusade for change.”
He recalled the point in Bahamian history when women sought to have the right to speak to the Parliament about liberation, about civil liberties, about equality, about opportunities and about the simple request for the right to vote.
When those women were denied that request, they took their matter to the Magistrate’s Court, after some time, Dame Doris Johnson got the opportunity to stand and address the Parliament of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
“What determination!” said Minister Wilchcombe. “Such was the determination of three women from Cat Island, who decided to take on the authorities of the country who told them that the land they thought they owned was not theirs, and [they] had their land stolen from them. The women protested and spent several weeks in prison, because they stood up for what they believed in.
“What about the fact that when women of our country travelled the world to participate in international sporting activities? Well, we won our first gold at the Olympics because of the ‘Golden Girls’.
“Throughout our country, we must celebrate the fact that The Bahamas has a foundation of very strong women. Look at the collection of women here – whether its in education, the church, civic duties, in providing cuisine for others to celebrate and in sports – just think,” he said, others can now come along and ‘stand on their shoulders’.
The Social Services and Urban Development Minister noted that while many Bahamian women of the past were trail blazing a new path for those who were to come, there were many women who did not have the kinds of opportunities that women enjoy today: however, because of the determination and drive of Bahamian women decades ago, many women of today have gone on to higher acclaim both nationally and internationally.
“I’m happy to be a part of this celebration and I don’t refer to you as older women or women who have crossed the threshold of a particular age, but I see you simply as phenomenal women. I see you as mothers, as sisters, as the builders and the individuals who used your talents, gifts and made our country one of the greatest countries in the world.”
Photo Caption: Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe along with Mrs. Dorothea Gomez, Head of Social Services in Grand Bahama and other social services administrators, stand with the seventeen Grand Bahamian women who were honored for their dedication, commitment, contributions to their respective communities, during a special concert held at Jubilee Cathedral on Saturday, October 29, 2022.
(BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)
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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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