Baam Fall 2015 Edition

BAAM - Fall Edition | Vol II

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‘Rebuilding our Nation with hope’ “Our obligation is to address Joblessness and a sense of Hopelessness amongst our young people.”

Prime Minister The Rt. Hon. Perry Christie MP, PC, SC, LLB

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NATIONAL YOUTH AWARD WINNERS

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PRIME MINISTER CHRISTIE AT UN: A $20 MILLION INVESTMENT IN THE YOUNG PEOPLE OF THE BAHAMAS “TO GIVE THEM A FAIR CHANCE”

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The Ministry of Youth Sports & Culture Thompson Blvd Nassau P.O. Box N-3913 Telephone - (242) 502-0600 - 0605

The Hon. Dr. Daniel Johnson Minister Calvin Balfour - Permanent Secretary Eugene Poitier - Deputy Permanent Secretary Phedra Rahming - Deputy Permanent Secretary Tim Munnings - Director of Sports Daron Turnquest - Director of Youth Dr. Linda Moxey-Brown - Director of Culture Cleophas Adderley, Jr. - Director of Music & Heritage Published by The Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture and Bahamas Information Services in association with A Culture Shock Media and Projects Masters Business Limited. Earlin Williams- Editor.

Teejay Olander-Creative Director. .

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MY COUNTRY TIS TO THEE...

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UPCLOSE WITH DIRECTOR OF YOUTH: K. DARRON TURNQUEST

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THE URBAN RENEWAL BAND: AN INVESTMENT IN THE UNLIMITED AND BOUNDLESS TALENT OF

BAHAMIAN YOUNG PEOPLE

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ARIANNA VANDERPOOL-WALLACE

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THE GRAND BAHAMA YOUTH CHOIR

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BAHAMAS INFORMATION

SERVICES: SUMMER STUDENTS PROGRAMME

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THE GERALD CASH PRIMARY

SCHOOL AND THE GENESIS OF

THE RAKE AND SCRAPE MUSIC COMPANY

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THE PRICE OF FREEDOM: SIR LYNDEN PINDLING

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Contributing Writers : Ty Olander, Gena Gibbs, Lionella Gilbert, Clara Williams, Lindsay Thompson, Eric Rose, Stirling Strachan, Betty Vedrine, Cordero Williams, Kathryn Forbes Campbell, and Fenton Williams. Contributing Photographers: Derek Smith, Kent Minnis, Letisha Henderson, Kristaan Ingraham, Peter Ramsey, Raymond Bethel, and Patrick Hanna.

‘A spirit of Bahamian Ingenuity!’

“I wish to highlight a few initiatives and programmes of The Government of The Bahamas which are designed to facilitate the development of a fresh and bold new generation of skilled, young entrepreneurs who possess a spirit of Bahamian ingenuity and who are creatively inspired to look to the future we all want; and be able to take full advantage of the opportunities that lie ahead.”

The Honourable Daniel Johnson MP, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture at the United Nations, NY Monday June 1st 2015.

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ROAD TO 2016

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DR. JOHNSON AT THE HIGH LEVEL

EVENT ON THE DEMOGRAPHIC

DIVIDEND AND YOUTH

EMPLOYMENT AT THE UNITED NATIONS

The College of The Bahamas (COB) is the national public institution of higher education in The Commonwealth of The Bahamas with campuses throughout the archipelago.

The main campus is located in the capital city of Nassau, on the island of New Providence.

COB is on track to become the national ‘University of The Bahamas.’ (UOB) in 2016. As the national University of The Bahamas, its mission is to support and drive national development through education, research and innovation, and service, by offering high quality, signature programs grounded in the unique features of the Bahamian environment, economy and history.”

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THE NATIONAL YOUTH POLICY

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JUNIOR COUNCILORS: FUTURE NATION BUILDERS RECOGNIZED

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THE THIEF OF LOVE

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THE BIRTH OF LITURGICAL DANCE IN THE BAHAMAS

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ALL-BAHAMAS MERIT SCHOLAR

DOMONIC HUMBLED BY THE AWARD

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BAHAMAS INFORMATION SERVICES L I N K I N G

P E O P L E

NASSAU ZNS Radio Building Harcourt “Rusty” Bethel Drive off Collins Avenue P.O. Box N-8172 Nassau, Bahamas Tel: (242) 326-5803 Fax: (242) 326-5816

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G O V E R N M E N T

FREEPORT Office of the Prime Minister Government Complex East Mall Drive, 4th Floor P.O. Box F-60137 Freeport, Grand Bahama Tel: (242) 352-8525 Fax: (242) 352-8520

Luther E. Smith, Director General Elcott Coleby, Deputy Director Fredericka Lightbourne, Executive Director

w w w . b i s n e w s o n l i n e . c o m

PARENTS THE KEY TO A CHILD’S SUCCESS

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THE CATALYST TO CHANGE OUR COUNTRY HER EXCELLENCY MRS. ALMA ADAMS ON THE FESTIVAL OF FIRE

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BAHAMAS LIFTS CUBA‘S FESTIVAL OF FIRE TO A BAHAMIAN THUNDER BALL

AG MAYNARD GIBSON

INVOKES SIR LYNDEN’S

SPIRIT OF “SERVICE TO

COUNTRY “TO NEW

REGIONAL LAW GRADUATES

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REMEMBERING THE ROLE SIR LYNDEN AND BAHAMAS PLAYED IN ENDING APARTHEID IN SOUTH AFRICA

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NATIONAL YOUTH CHOIR AND CLEOPHAS R. E. ADDERLEY PROUDLY HAILED AS AN INSTITUTION

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WHAT SERVICE WILL YOU GIVE OUR COUNTRY TO MAKE LIFE BETTER FOR YOUR FELLOWMEN

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JEFFREY GIBSON

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TUREANO “RENO” JOHNSON THE BAHAMAS‘ NEW HOPE

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COPYRIGHT © 2015 BAAM: BAHAMAS AMBASSADOR, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT THE PERMISSION OF A CULTURE SHOCK/ PROJECT MASTERS, IS HEREBY PROHIBITED. BAAM: BAHAMAS AMBASSADOR, P.O. BOX N10042 , NASSAU, N.P. THE BAHAMAS | www.bahamasambassador.com

Did y ou kno w?

Rebecca Henderson

Our Nation’s Highest Academic Achiever In 2014

Young Rebecca Henderson has so much to be proud of yet she remains with her feet firmly planted on the ground. At the age of 16 she graduated from Queens College, Nassau with the distinction and recognition as Student of the Year and with her overall best performance in the BGCSE, Rebecca also received several coveted titles and awards.

The youngest child of Mark and Nicola Henderson, Rebecca says, “I want to be a doctor. I want my life to mean something. I want to do something which not only I like but which also helps other people. I don’t just want to be another human on this planet doing something that doesn’t really matter.”

In January 2015 the Ministry of Education Science and Technology recognized Rebecca’s outstanding scholastic performances.

Having spent 13 years as a student at Queens College, Rebecca earned 10 BGCSE’S certificates with 9 at ‘A’ grade and one at ‘B’ grade. Her ‘A’s’ were in Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Geography, Religious Studies, English Language, English Literature, Mathematics and Spanish. Her ‘B’ was in Combined Science.

She graduated with a 4.42 GPA or grade point average. Her awards were the Paul L. Adderley ( named for a former Minister of Education, Attorney General and Minister of Foreign Affairs ) Award for best overall BGCSE successes in the nation; Carol Hanna Award for Best Overall Performance in the 2014 BGSCE and an Independent or private School student.

Rebecca credits her success to her relentless pursuit of work.

“I always make sure I work. I don’t slack off during the year and when exam times come I suddenly just start work. No. All through the year I work.

Through the year I go over things and when exams come I don’t stress myself overly or have a complete break down,” she says.

Pursuing a United World School scholarship, Rebecca offers this advice to students: “do your best. You can’t do better than your best. So just do your best and try your hardest and don’t give up at all.”

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National Youth Awards Winners Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Dr. Daniel Johnson presented National Youth Awards to outstanding young people – young leaders of The Bahamas.

The awards programme, a highlight of National Youth Month, showcases and celebrates positive youth and their impact on their communities.

Also present were K. Darron Turnquest, Director of Youth in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture; Phedra Rahming, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture; and Wellington Miller, President, Bahamas Olympic Committee (BOC).

Keyron Smit, President of the College of The Bahamas Union

of Students (COBUS) 2015-2016, won the Prime Minister’s Cup. NATIONAL YOUTH AWARD WINNERS 1. Prime Minister's Cup Keyron Smith 2. The Youth Minister's Cup LaTess Bartlette 3. Director of Youth's Cup Andrew Knowles 4. Bahamas Olympic Committee President's Award - Paloma Cartwright 5. Bahamas Olympic Committee Secretary General's Award - Justin Lunn 6. Religion – Malcolm Foulkes 7. Entrepreneurship – Randia Vernetta Coakly 8. Education – Lakeisha Angelique Rolle 9. Arts and Culture Award –

Asif Ali Robinson (Grand Bahama) 10. Personal Triumph – Andrew Junior Knowles 11. Environment – Truernanda Niketa Cox 12. Leadership – Keyron Livingston Smith 13. Volunteerism in The Community – Phylicia Esther Babb 14. Youth Ally (Leader) Award – Rev'd. Nathan Gene Wells 15. Youth Organization Award – Full Potential Organization (Grand Bahama) 16. Swimming Award - Arianna Vanderpool-Wallance 17. Track and Field Award Shaunae Miller 18. Sailing Award - Paloma Cartwright (Long Island) 19. Boxing Award - Hubert

Fernander 20. Equestrian Award - Emily Lowe 21. Tennis Award - Justin Lunn 22. Gymnastics Award - Kianna Dean 23. Volley Ball - Prince Wilson 24. Rising Star Award for Religion - Joshua Davis 25. Rising Star for Creative Arts - O'Vaughnya Julia Higgs (Harbour Island) 26. Rising Star for Sports Carisma Taylor 27. Rising Star for Entrepreneurship - LaTess Maude Bartlett (Grand Bahama) 28. Rising Star for Personal Triumph - Danavio Amphony Neely 29. Rising Star for Education Brianna Tinker

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A REAL BAHAMIAN THING!

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A $20 Million Investment in the Young People of The Bahamas “to give them a fair chance”

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Prime Minister Christie at UN : ‘Our obligation is to address Joblessness and sense of Hopelessness amongst our Young People’

rime Minister Perry G. Christie says the issue of high unemployment amongst Young People tops his Government’s agenda as $20 million is being earmarked for an ambitious and aggressive policy and programme geared exclusively towards his mantra: No child will be left behind. Every child must count. Young People shall a enjoy a bright, prosperous and solid future.

Carrying the baton for the Prime Minister’s great commission on the nation’s fullest attention and focus to the needs and concerns of Young People is a re-charged Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture, which has become like a disturbed bee hive with its personnel engaged in all its divisions to create, foster and nurture opportunity for the Youth of the country. (See Interviews inside: The Hon. Dr. Daniel Johnson MP and Minister, Mr. K. Darron Turnquest, Director of Youth).

The MYSC celebrated YOUTH MONTH in October, National Sports Heroes Month in November and Culture Month in December.

The National Youth Policy, which was presented to Parliament

by Dr. Johnson, again cements the Government’s posture on celebrating the Youth of the Nation as the wealth of the Nation.

Mr. Christie underscored his personal interest in the affairs of the Youth of the nation in his National Budget Communication in May this year; and again in the prestigious forum of the

United Nations on Thursday September 26th, he re-pledged his commitment to the Young People of The Bahamas.

The Prime Minister encouraged young people, at a Youth Conclave on October 21, 2015, to contribute to the future development of The Bahamas, inclusive of those who pursue education and training outside of its border.

The Prime Minister also noted that The Bahamas is a country of “immense talent”.

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My government has committed itself in the area of Education, to serve the needs of our population in all demographics able and disabled, young and old

“Our young people have incredible talent and the question is how do we go about providing them with opportunities to maximise their talent, even to the point where they have a career in the theatre, a career in singing -- but they are able to maximise their talent,” he told young people at the Vision 2040 National Development Plan Summit, held at the Melia Resort, Cable Beach.

Prime Minister Christie said is noteworthy because it leads to the question of how to develop more employment for the young people of The Bahamas.

“In every country in this region, the most significant problem is the problem of unemployment among young people,” he said.

Prime Minister Christie said that problem could lead to the additional concern of the fact that unemployment can “creep and slide” into criminality. He stressed the fact that “much more” has to be done to ensure that young people to have gainful employment.

“This obligation to be able to find work for you that will enable you to have a dignified existence is an ever-pressing obligation,” he told the young people in the audience.

Prime Minister Christie reiterated that Bahamians must be given the opportunities for their various talents to shine, as it has been encouraged in other countries in the region, and it becomes evident that young Bahamians should be engaged sufficiently in the areas of culture and sports.

He pointed to a paper by former Prime Minister of Jamaica the Hon. P. J. Patterson encouraging Prime Ministers of the Caribbean to embrace and take advantage of cultural industry and sports, even to the point of showing that three top Jamaican artists have earnings that were more than the earnings of the Jamaican banana industry. „You can, therefore, see the dimension of the economy is more than being a lawyer, a doctor, an engineer, a college professor; and the

challenge of the country is, therefore, to continue to inspire our youth to use their God-given gifts -- but to be able to do more,” Prime Minister Christie said.

He encouraged the young people present to continue to get to know The Bahamas and realise that there are inherent problems, as well as opportunities.

Prime Minister Christie noted that as the Government develops The Bahamas, some young people will have to go be willing to take the opportunities in the “frontiers of development” that will be taking place throughout the islands.

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“Some of you will have to see the opportunity to have a career and to live out that career in new frontiers,” he said.

Prime Minister Christie told those young people who were present and discussing the national development plan that what they were doing was very important for future generations.

“And you are doing it for the children you would have (in the future) and I cannot tell you how important that is -- so that we can build upon the suc-

Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie toured the LJM Maritime Academy, with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works the Hon. Philip Davis, the Minister of Transport the Hon. Glenys HannaMartin, and other Government officials. Shown is the Prime Minister speaking with the maritime cadets and viewing the facility at Crystal Cay

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cesses of the governments before us,” Prime Minister Christie said.

Prime Minister Christie said that he was particularly concerned about the Young People and reminded that Government has an obligation to them and must address the joblessness and the sense of hopelessness.

“I want to bequeath to them a sustainable world, free of violence, war and crime and with a fair chance to access the economic benefits of the world. I say again if we fail to address this, we do so at our peril,” Prime Minister Christie said.

The Prime Minister said one key focus of this Youth Empowerment agenda will be through Education.

“My government has committed itself in the area of Education, to serve the needs of our population in all demographics able and disabled, young and old,” he stated.

“We recognize the continued role of Education in supporting efforts for economic growth and poverty eradication, as well as acting as a tool for socialization,” Mr. Christie said.

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“My Government is committed to achieving concrete and significant improvements in our Education system at all levels, such that high standards of performance are established and appropriate academic and technical achievements are realized, in line with the needs of a modern, technology-based economy,” he told Parliament.

“The Ministry of Education, for example, is pursuing its efforts to strengthen standards for high school education as well as improve the quality of teaching. We are, of course, also moving ahead with plans to transform the College of The Bahamas into a full-fledged University which will play a vital role in research, planning and development, including providing more adequately the relevant human resource skills needed for contributing the building a stronger and modern Bahamas,” the Prime Minister said.

advantage of the future employment opportunities that are expected to emerge as the economic recovery gathers steam and further strengthens.

“Our nation presently faces a grave problem in terms of the proportion of our Youth who remain unemployed.

Unfortunately many of these young individuals lack the training and basic skills that are required to take

“My Government attaches a high priority to addressing this most critical public policy challenge, as a means to both increase the long term employability of Young Persons and reduce incentives for criminal

The President of St. John’s University and President of the College of St. Benedict, their executives, and alumnae paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie, , at the Office of the Prime Minister.

BEIJING, China – Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie, first row, centre, met Bahamian students in Beijing. Also shown are: fourth right, front row, Minister of Transport and Aviation the Hon. Glenys Hanna Martin; fourth left, front row, Senior Policy Advisor in the Office of the Prime Minister Sir Baltron Bethel; and sixth right, second row, Charge d’Affaires at the Bahamas Embassy in Beijing Sheila Carey.

activity” he said.

“Accordingly, in this Budget we are proposing two new interventions in this area, for which the Budget includes the allocation of $20 million to which I referred earlier. We will, for one, establish a special school for Young Persons with behavioural issues that militate against their employability. It reinforces the Government’s policy commitment that every child must count and none be left behind,” he said.

“We will also initiate an Apprenticeship Programme in partnership with the private sector under which employers will be incentivized, through a wage subsidy, to employ young persons in positions that will afford them the opportunity to acquire vital, basic job skills. The programme will strive to enhance the employability of participating Youth through practical on-the-job training and learning by doing” he said in Parliament.

MY COUNTRY TIS TO THEE...

Interview with Minister of Youth Sports & Culture Minister Johnson says Ministry is on full throttle to bring relief, employment, training and ownership to Bahamian Young People.

‘Fresh Start and Jobs Website will do wonders for our Youth’

Dr. Daniel Johnson, MP for Carmichael and Minister of Youth Sports and Culture sat down with BAAM’s Ashley Williams for this interview. We present excerpts below.

BAAM: Tell us about the task your Ministry has undertaken to turn around the fortunes of so many Young People who desperately deserve and need that second chance. Indeed that first real opportunity?

MINISTER JOHNSON: For the first part people should be aware that we have done an extensive study on conditions of young people, disfranchised people in Bahamas today. This study has identified the areas of concern. We found pockets of endemic poverty in some areas. What we would have expected. In other areas. You would be surprised at the significant amount of marginalized young people and pockets of poverty where one thought did not exist.

Many young people who did not do well in the traditional education system. They now find themselves out of school; out of a job and in some sense also out of place.

BAAM: Young People are tired of band aid solutions to gaping wounds and cynical about Politicians talk. How serious is this Government and of course your Ministry in showing a bountiful harvest in the shortest possible time to Young People that your programmes are real and can work?

MINISTER JOHNSON: Our faith and our resolve to do the right thing can best be summed up in the evidentiary work that is carried on here in this Ministry on a daily basis. I am talking about the Officers and Staff of the Youth division going beyond and beyond some more in the cause of their duty to save the day for Young People. Number One. We have spent considerable time in this country with a system that projects or seeks to steer children in a traditional direction. We have to reach kids with a view to assisting them in attaining whatever is their dream and aspiration. While we must continue to give them educational opportunities; we must also reassess directions and steer them towards preparation in training for decent employment. Our Ministry is engaged in the expansion of the Fresh Start Programme

.We have interviewed Eight Hundred (800) applicants in last two months. Some of whom we have been able to direct to ongoing training. Some of whom do need to build on or complete the high school curriculum and experience. Many of whom do not have the skills and enthusiasm to participate in the work place. What they need is a portal or platform. Number Two. We are putting together our Jobs Website and we have contacted our partners in the private sector. Hundreds of calls. It is therefore a proud moment for me to announce that our Jobs Website will launch on the afternoon of 21st of October at 6 pm at #1 Bay Street down town at the historic Hilton Resort. What we are doing is registering several thousand young people and we will attach them. They will be able to access on line and in person e very opportunity we can avail them.

BAAM: This $20 Million of the Taxpayers money will be put to proper and accountable and transparent use by the Government and will the country see tangible and wide spread instant relief to the issues at hand?

MINISTER JOHNSON: The Bahamian people want the best for their children.

Every generation has faced it challenges. My father’s parents would have been poor dirt farmers on Cat Island where they eked out a living in what was commonly called Pot Hole Farming. Eventually some economic help came in the form of jobs as share croppers or pickers on the Agricultural Programme in the USA which we called The Contract.

There was the Burma Road Riot which came as a pivot to promote the cause of Trade Unionism and collective bargaining.

Majority Rule and Independence inculcated in the next generation the significance of the journey that had gone on before the onerous new task our parents had taken on to establish The Commonwealth of The Bahamas. The crash of the world’s economy 2008/2009 ushered in a most

dreadful period. For more years than we care to remember the country operated at an alarming Budget Deficit. We saw major projects stall in this country as the world’s economy crashed. Recently we experienced the rigours of another large scale project BAHAMAR. It cannot be a right and proper thing in this country for Young People to cue for miles for a handful of jobs and thousands more to leave school unprepared even if they do find a job. The Prime Minister and his Government have acted.

My Ministry will act for the future and sustainable benefit of our Young People.

When this Ministry of Youth was first introduced in 1977, the slogan or ideology of this Ministry was that our Youth are the wealth of the nation. Well we are going to put $20 million behind them. This fund will be vested towards their further education and training and then placement in viable employment. The thought behind this is if someone is exposed and trained at same time then the greatest opportunity to retain the job that they have attained. To keep the job you get requires discipline and focus.

BAAM: Tell us in the language that the ordinary man can understand how this will work?

MINISTER JOHNSON: It troubles us to discover young people who have been out of school two and three years and never have had a job. It is urgent that we fix this.

What we are discovering is we have to teach deportment and soft skills to better equip young people not just in getting a job but in keeping the job that they get. It is about turning up on time, decorum in the work place … skills young people in many instances generally don’t know. A couple weeks in the work place and they are fed up and their employer is fed as well. We have to start on the ground floor and work our way up. Whether you are a butler, doorman, waiter you have to appreciate starting at the bottom and working your way up. It is the Private who joins the Army and eventually

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becomes the General. So many people think it is the other way around. So my Ministry is teaching attitude, conditioning and skills.

It is just natural that one will find difficulty in holding down a position for which they have not been prepared. We can’t set young people up for failure. We have failed young people to some extent in the way they are prepared from entry into primary school. Yes the three ‘R’s … reading, riting and rithmetic are the foundation and with it a student is expected to take and pass various tests or exams. However when you leave school and you are in the job market it is a new skill that is required. The skill to get the job in the first instance, the required focus to learn the skills the new job demands and then the skill to grow into that job and assimilate into the work place. A 360 degree turn from what a student was immersed as they sat in a classroom from primary school to junior high to senior high for twelve years. If the student failed at the school level we then see a heightened risk of that student failing again in the skills sets to get and hold a job. There is this need for this stuff to be connected.

We are excited and anxious over the planned launch of the STAR ACADEMY by the Ministry of Education Science and Technology. This Academy will give young people who did not complete their high school education this splendid new opportunity to go back to their

high school curriculum and become prepared.

There are disciplinary problems. My dad grew up in the era of what was called ‘The Reform School’ which later became known as the Boys Industrial School and today is known as the Simpson Penn School for Boys.

My dad talked about his own brush with the Reform School as a boy who did not want to behave. He said the few weeks he spent there straightened him out. We have to reach out to so many young persons who we just simply leave to fall through the cracks.

We have to give them a new look at themselves. We have to provide the social intervention. So many young people are in environment where they encounter extreme experiences. Experiences that may have been so overwhelming these young people require special attention not just in areas of reading writing and arithmetic but in social cohesion, social integration, inter personal relationship building in order for them to become people who can be focused and look at integrity and compliance and risk taking and confidence.

Their foundation has been shaken. Our task is to build a new and secure foundation on which they can rebuild their lives in a more structured environment. These young people are out there. The Bahamas has proven more challenging to them than it is to others. This is why we are so determined to reach at risk

youth through the programmes of my Ministry.

Like FRESH START. We think from this group of 800 people and growing will come surprising success stories from these persons who hail from these challenged back grounds. If given the chance and they truly have the capacity to defy the system and show the human potential they will possess the ability to succeed.

We in this Ministry endorse and support STAR ACADEMY very heavily and lend our expertise and full support to MOESC and Ministry of Social Services to make it a success.

For far too long we have been concentrating on the top twenty percent and its time now pay attention to bottom twenty per cent and to pull them out of state of affairs, break the cycle of poverty.

We have to make the Bahamian economy accessible to our Young People. They look around the see so many opportunities.

Opportunities that are afforded so easily to others and they feel marginalized and left out.

This Ministry working in partnership with other divisions of the Government in identifying Young Persons with the courage and vision and tenacity to become EMPLOYERS or ENTREPRENEURS and OWNERS to be involved.

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These Young People have this wonderful experience in Junior Achievement. They learn all these business modules and they leave school and it’s like they have washed ashore on Gilligan’s Island. Now is the time for the transformation. This is why we were so eager and tenacious in our presentation of the first ever Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival.

We wanted to create yet a new base for Young Persons to find their niche in cottage industries that come out of Culture and Craft. We saw the energy and the direction.

I want them to know, every Young Bahamian that here in this Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture we are working for them.

BAAM: Who are the people who inspire you to get up every day and give this portfolio, which the Prime Minister has entrusted to you; 1000 % of your effort, skill, devotion and focus?

MINISTER JOHNSON: First my parents.

Oscar and Sylvia Johnson and indirectly my maternal grandfather E. P. Roberts, who actually lived with us through my childhood up until his death. E. P. Roberts was from the old school. Deportment. Manners.

Discipline. Christian heritage. He was an Artist. His skills were in his hands. Whether he was using wood, cloth, paper or straw, he mastered the element and never settled for mediocrity. MY dad Oscar was the consummate politician. He wanted for his family the same things that he strived to achieve for every other Bahamian. My mother grew up in Transfiguration Baptist Church and was always volunteering her time and effort and skills to some worthy cause. I think her selfless task as matron of the Children’s Emergency Hostel demonstrated her love and commitment to assist children who needed mothering and she just shared herself between her own children and those whom she raised.

Second; People often ask me why I keep this bust of Dr. Robert Love on my mantle piece.

Well I had him here until last week when I donated the bust, solid bronze weighing

over 300 pounds to the National Museum.

Robert Love was a Bahamian who studied medicine in the USA and whose career took him to Jamaica at a period when this Caribbean territory was regarded as the mover and shaker of the winds of change blowing through the region. There he met Marcus Garvey, who is today revered as the National Hero of Jamaica. Love imparted his social theories of equality and fairness and justice and economic empowerment for the colonialized people of the region and when Garvey took his United Negro Improvement Association to the segregated United States, once again it was Love’s foundational teaching which anchored Garvey’s call to action of a disenfranchised negro people to first know and appreciate their true worth and to rise up and live out that creed whilst being noble creatures of humanity.

Thirdly the classic stories of our three Prime Ministers. The Right Honourable Sir Lynden Pindling, Hubert Ingraham and Perry Christie. Look and examine carefully their boyhoods and how they overcame their adversities to achieve the highest elected office in the land. Great footprints to follow in.

BAAM: If you were endorsing any philosophy, watch word of ideology to share with today’s Bahamian Youth what or who would you recommend, quote of use?

MINISTER JOHNSON: IAAF President Lamine Diac hails from Senegal.

He has brought a theory to Sports which consists of three core movement and of which I want to inculcate in our approaches with Young People in The Bahamas. President Diac opines that Sports allows

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Young People to ‘ know your Self, control your Self and improve your Self’. I would borrow from Pindling when he inspired the nation to “Step boldly into a new frontier: Amazons or Vision. Warriors of Steel. No faint hearts. No Weaklings”. I would season that with the words of President John F. Kennedy and “Ask not what your country can do for you. Rather ask what I can do for your country”. Given the current prevailing social conditions Young People face, I would also borrow from Prime Minister Christie and his admonition that we are a Government of second chances and Young people must shake the tree of opportunity.

BAAM: Thank You.

ON THE SET

Director of Youth

K. Darron Turnquest BAAM: Director, tell us about your training and preparation for this post you hold and what fascinates you, if that is the proper term to this commitment to Youth Development?

In my formative years, I started Youth Work as a Sunday School Teacher, and continued as Vice President of Student Affairs at Acadia University Students Union. During my tenure at Acadia, I obtained a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Degree in Psychology, minoring in Political Science. I later graduated from Anna Maria College, obtaining a Master of Arts Degree (M.A.) in Counseling Psychology. My most fascinating time was serving in three (3) Juvenile

Correction Facilities and two (2) Outreach and Tracking Facilities. Currently, in addition to serving as the Director of Youth for the country, I am an Adjunct Professor at The College of The Bahamas. I am also a Certified International Project Manager.

My time with university students is most rewarding as I got to guide and mentor a generation of new leaders.

For me, the momentum for my drive and commitment in this role was the apparent need for young people to be inspired and fueled into accomplishing their dreams and aspirations. I personally felt as though more strategic commitment was needed towards assisting young people through government led interventions, which in my view required also a strategic agenda and partnership with private and civil society sectors. I had a lot of experience working at that level, and felt as though I could bring that to the table to the benefit of Bahamian youth.

More importantly my excitement, passion and my crazy makes me the right man for the job ‘pink tie and all’.

BAAM: There is no doubt about it that the Division of Youth has become an institution and perhaps its greatest success is the fact that this demographic called Youth have been properly identified and quantified in our country. How does your style differ from that of former Directors of Youth and how has the culture and awareness of

this demographic changed since the formation of this Ministry in 1977?

There is no doubt, that I stand on the shoulders of some of our countries greatest development strategists who have given their contribution, each of which was unique to their time and era.

I must state though, that the issues in today’s context are far more complex and the variables are more extreme which call for an even greater level of innovation, care and strategy towards ensuring that we attach, impact and empower our young people. Access and opportunity still remains paramount, and it will always be the responsibility of each director, uniquely so, to determine the course of direction for making that impact.

Of course, I bring my own energy and brand to the table that is uniquely DARRON, no one can ever replicate it, because it is who I am. I am not a routine Director, and in fact, I am the youngest of all who previously served and even the youngest at my rank in the service. This has helped me in being seen as more relatable to young people, not without its institutional challenges of course. I don’t believe in being a one man band, and thus take to listening to the views of my staff and see them as important partners in the execution of what we do.

My staff some days believe I am crazy and usually I give them every reason to do so.

BAAM: I think most critics of this Ministry would say that it does not produce enough success stories of young people who have fallen through the cracks or are potentially in such danger that programmes and the intervention of my Division can be credited with having saved or brought resolution. Defend that for us please.

Our work here provides access and opportunities to every young person, and strategically pushes all young people toward matters that are important to them. We are the institution of the Government with full responsibility for the well being and guidance of youth ages 16 - 25 years. Sometimes we are overlooked as the authority on youth, but the strategic partnerships tend to redirect the public response to us. In short, we are in the business of youth and we do the business of Youth.

On a personal note, I have had the pleasure of working with two (2) ministers (Honourable Charles Maynard, MP and The Honourable Dr. Daniel D. M. Johnson, MP) that celebrated the stories of young people rather than exploit them. They understood that youth development work is serious business and not a public relations exercise and further that impacted lives matter. Charles said “Don’t think out the box- think out of this world.” And Danny, well he said to me “Let’s Just Do It!” The freedom I have been given to achieve my development

goals is unheard of. Minister Johnson has given me a platform to serve and that I do.

BAAM: What do you want to achieve as a broad niche objective during Youth Month October 2015?

The objective for Youth Month 2015 is that it is a launch pad for all our National Programs.

This gives us an opportunity to put on display what an energetic and exciting division we are and it is symbolic of that fact that there is a place here for every young person (all young people are involved).

BAAM: The National Youth Policy is yet again another wonderful accomplishment and achievement of my Division.

Give us the behind the scene story of how so many Youth from so many diverse backgrounds were able to come together and impact and influence this policy?

The process of drafting this policy called for lots of money and lots of time (some 8 years).

It would not be polite of me to take all recognition for this historical moment, as former Directors of Youth Charles Beneby and Autherine TurnquestHanna among others should be celebrated for its success.

This policy aims to look for a change in a strategic progress for young people of the country and it stands by the saying that “Nothing for us, without us.”

The solutions included within the policy are all solutions that

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people want to see.

I wish to also thank the chair of the National Youth Policy Team, Mr. Tavarrie Smith and his team.

BAAM: These crucial areas of critical concern of Young People such as Unemployment, healthy life styles, conflict resolution, dynamic and amicable but not gullible interpersonal skills that your Division must deal with every day must be overwhelming.

Do you feel as if all agencies of the central government are united as a team in using their portfolios to assist what you do or have it become confusing and cumbersome? Should the Urban Renewal Youth Band and after school classes and training be docked at your Ministry? Should the Summer Youth Camps organized by other departments and agencies have a central portfolio or direction from your Division? How are you able to properly track the affairs of young people and the ratio of how such programmes reach and keep the broadest possible range of participants?

Youth Development work is a professional field. With this being said, colleagues must be trained to understand and respect young people. It can be frustrating as Director's passion for young people isn't always a shared passion among other Ministries. However, I am encouraged by the focus of young people who have helped and

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Youth Development work is for those that have specialized, rather than a Public Relations exploitation opportunity.

proven that there is a need.

Youth Development work is for those that have specialized, rather than a Public Relations exploitation opportunity.

BAAM: Tell us about the direct programmes of your Division and what they are intended to achieve and their successes and if you can, their short comings?

At the Division, programs are accessible for all young people to be successful. We have learned that we shouldn't judge a book by its cover as some people are nurtured in environments that have negatively affected them.

Some shortcomings are that we need more monies and resources to impact this nation and the poor quality of youth leaders in

the country. The capacity in the Division to handle those young people coming into programmes and the space as well , has proven to be a shortcoming. On the other hand, some successes are that we are able to justify the existence of various programs and that there is an umbrella of youth organizations that are under the Youth Division (Junior Achievement, Governor-General Youth Award Program, Youth Leaders Certification Program, CEBO, Fresh Start, Job Ready etc). Since the implementation and inception of these programs, there is a place for all young people here at the Youth Division.

BAAM: Are young people who were given the franchise to vote

at the age of 18 from 1972 in your opinion beyond the exercise of that right what needs to be done to get young people involved in the national development plans and goals of the country? Can young people rise to that occasion or are we bound to a culture which says "children should be seen but not heard?”

This year, we worked with the Office of the Prime Minister to reach 500 young people for the National Power Plan. This gives them all an opportunity for their voices to be heard and to table their concerns. Young people are now given the chance to no longer be apathetic, but to push until something happens and become activists, articulating collective needs for the young people of this country.

DOY/ Turnquest hopes that it is a culture that is dead or that enough people are on the rise to ensure that it is dead. He believes that young people have voices and should be able to have them heard and respected.

He is of the opinion that we are

not bound to that culture and he will not allow it.

BAAM: Tell us about the people you work with in this Division and how their passion and commitment make your day?

When the people in my Division strive for excellence and I see the merge between the young and the old, it proves to be very exciting. The wisdom of the old coupled with the brilliance of the young and the synchronization of them all, encourages me not to quit but to give them more things to do as a means of working together. Their skills in group dynamics are exemplary and they acknowledge the fact that each one of us has something different, yet very unique to bring to the table. We all see our young people as assets rather than liabilities.

BAAM: Are we getting through to young people?

What goes through your mind when you see so many juveniles passing through the criminal system and so many young adults graduating to the correctional facility? Are you equipped to do enough? What more do you need? What more can the Bahamian people do to bring transformation?

We would never be equipped to

do all we need; it's humanly impossible. However, we are mindful of our roles, jobs and territories and in spite of the apparent impossibilities we look for the greater success.

BAAM: Your Division no doubt functions as an employment placement agency, a guidance counselor, mentorship, training and skills assessment, a forum for young people to meet, greet and share and impart ideas. What else is missing that you need to do here?

We need to strengthen the Bahamas National Youth Council. We should be working with them hand-inhand. Additionally, we should establish an association of Youth Leaders. This would indicate how serious we are about who our young people are interfacing and interacting with. We need licensure for youth leaders as a means of protecting our young people. Also, a more youthful appearance is needed in the space identified as the Division of Youth. It is all about young people with a look that's more youthful and attractive to the young people of our nation. Bottom-line we have to #Tunup the Youth Division every day and be like BTC and always stay connected.

BAAM: In a single phrase, what do you say young people want most out of being citizens of The Bahamas?

Young people want to be treated with respect; they want their voices to be heard and to boast of the feeling that they matter #YouthMatter. Oh, you said one phrase‌.#YouthMatter.

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The Urban Renewal 2.0 Band

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An investment in the unlimited and boundless talent of Bahamian Young People

he Urban Renewal Young Band is a marvelous institution of pride, talent and dedication.Whenever or wherever the Urban Renewal Band performs there are hundreds of proud parents, guardians, family, teachers and friends who turn up to cheer on the Young People.

The Band began its development on Prime Minister Christie’s first term in office (2002-2007). It quickly became the mascot for Urban Renewal 2.0, an ambitious national programme initiated

by Mr. Christie.

Recognized internationally and regionally for its positive impact

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on the development of Young People, Urban Renewal 2.0 continues to transform lives, conditions and build opportunities for Bahamian Youth.

The Urban Renewal Band comprised of hundreds of school children and has distinguished itself in performances and its endless pool and array of super talent.

The programme seeks to trans-

form and mould the lives of the nation’s Youth, at the formative stages.

Musicians and artists from many genres volunteered their talents to teach inner city Young People their craft and to create the band.

Corporate Bahamas, fully cognizant of the merits of the programme generously gave support.

Young people can check into their community Urban Renewal Office and get professional help with their academic work, athletic training and counseling.

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The signature of Urban Renewal has been the Band which just dazzles and bubbles with new vigour and enthusiasm at every performance.

Corporate Bahamas, fully cognizant of the merits of the programme generously gave support.

Urban Renewal 2.0 is in the portfolio of Deputy Prime Minister Philip Davis, who has taken the baton to every nook and cranny of our Commonwealth to touch lives.

Co-Chairs of Urban Renewal 2.0 are former Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Cynthia Pratt and former

Minister of Youth, Sports and Housing the Hon. Algernon S. P. B. Allen.

The dynamic team of Pratt and Allen has brought a new dimension to the progamme and under their watch it has become a respected and home recognized brand.

Since Implementation: 1. Derelict vehicles have been removed from inner city communities.

2. Overgrown properties were cleared, removing bulk waste and other unsanitary debris.

3. Abandoned structures identified as safe havens where criminals lurked and conducted unscrupulous business.

4. Young persons have learnt discipline and musical talent through their participation in the Urban Renewal Band.

5. Persons have found gainful employment through Urban Renewal Job fairs.

6. Homes have been repaired through our Small Home Repair Programme. Corporate sponsors are donating through various private sector individuals for the programme.

By any standard, the Urban Renewal 2.0 Programme is proving to be successful. The police and community residents are working together to create long term solutions to combat crime and anti-social behavior.

#YOUTHMATTER

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Did y ou kno w?

Arianna Vanderpool-Wallace

rianna Vanderpool-Wallace is a sprint freestyle specialist from the Bahamas. She graduated from the sprint powerhouse, Auburn University, where she was a multi-time All-American and three-time NCAA Champion. Born March 4, 1990 to Vincent and Tietchka Vanderpool-Wallace, she has one brother named Aleksandr.

Auburn University Vanderpool-Wallace spent her four years in college studying Hotel and Restaurant Management and competing at Auburn University. The university had ties to The Bahamas, having housed Bahamian swimmers, Alana Dillette and Jeremy Knowles. Prior to her senior year, Vanderpool-Wallace was an 18time All-American the 2011 NCAA Champion in the 100m freestyle and the 50m freestyle. Vanderpool-Wal-

lace graduated from the Bolles School in Jacksonville, Fla., where she was rated a five-star recruit by Swimming World Magazine.

College career During her freshman season she took 10th in the 100m freestyle and 13th in the 50m freestyle, but earned more All-American honors on relays. At the 2010 NCAA Championships she earned six total All-America honors, including a fifth-place finish in the 100m freestyle. During her junior year she was a double-winner in the 50m freestyle and 100m freestyle, and she was named the 2011 SEC Swimmer of the Year. At the SEC meet she broke the NCAA and U.S. Open Records in the 100 freestyle, taking the title from Cal’s Natalie Coughlin. In her senior year at Auburn, she led off the fifth-place 200 freestyle relay,

anchored the fifth-place 200 medley and 400 medley relay and finished second on the 400 freestyle relay.

Individually she came in third in the 50 freestyle, fifth in the 100 butterfly, and won the 100 freestyle.

Early international career Vanderpool-Wallace competed at the Central American & Caribbean Games in 2006, and a year later she was part of the bronze-medal winning 400m medley relay at the 2007 Pan Pacific Championships.

Beijing Olympics When she qualified for her first Olympic Games in 2008, Vanderpool-Wallace was only the second female swimmer to ever qualify for an Olympic Games. She competed in the sprint freestyle events – Vanderpool-Wallace finished 28th in the 100m freestyle and 24th in the 50m

freestyle.

2012 Olympics At the 2012 London Olympics, Vanderpool-Wallace was part of a small Bahamas team that was sent to the Olympics. She made it into the final of the 50m freestyle, finishing eighth, and ended up 10th in the 100m freestyle. When she finaled in the 50m distance, Vanderpool-Wallace made history as the first Bahamian woman to make the finals of a swim event at the Olympics.

2015 world rankings As of May 5, 2015 she’s one of the world’s fastest swimmers in the 50m freestyle. Currently training with SwimMAC Elite, Vanderpool-Walllace was honored by receiving The Bahamas’ 2015 “Senior Swimmer of the Year.”

Did y ou kno w?

Shannon Butler

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Our Nation’s Highest Academic Achiever in 2013

Shannon Butler has settled very nicely into St. Andrew’s College in Scotland where he is pursuing his B. Sc. Degree in medicine. The 19 year old graduate of Queen’s College was awarded the prestigious All Bahamas Merit Scholarship by the Lyford Cay Foundation and named Valedictorian by the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.

Shannon was Head Boy and Valedictorian at QC. He is the son of Peter and Wendy Butler and hopes to become a cardiologist.

His dream is to return to The Bahamas after his education and to open the region’s first Cardiod-pulmonary transplant service and establish a regional donor register.

His 10 BGCSE successes came with 9 ‘A’s’ and 1 ‘B’. Shannon also chalked up the highest grade in the mathematics examination in his graduating year.

The Grand Bahama Youth Choir

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he Grand Bahama Youth Choir has been receiving worldwide acclaim and bringing joy to the hearts of people around the world since its creation in 2009.

The GBYC was created when there was a need to assemble a choir for the distinct purpose of performing for the opening ceremony of the local government conference hosted on Grand Bahama in May of that year. During the conference, the Choir sang for 500 delegates from around the Caribbean.

The GBYC performed under the direction of Kevin Tomlinson, who was directly responsible for finding the members to perform for the conference.

The stellar performance received such rave reviews that the GBYC was invited to perform at a Bahamian Cultural Concert in Centennial Park, Atlanta, Georgia.

On the return trip to Grand Bahama, Mr. Tomlinson saw the effect it brought to the lives of the choir members and how spellbinding the whole thing was to everyone.

From that moment, he decided to turn this experience and project into a permanent programme.

The GBYC continues to travel on a route to excellence. It has not only given young people a place where they can interact in a meaningful way, but it has afforded young people a place they can call their second home and get the needed attention to develop their talents and skills.

The Director General of CARICOM, HE Irwin LaRocque stopped by to pose with the group that won the hearts of the government heads and guests in attendance at the opening ceremony of the 26th Intersessional meetings of CARICOM government heads, the Grand Bahama Youth Choir. (Photo right)

The Choir has travelled to Detroit, Michigan and performed for Pastor Marvin L Winans at the Perfecting Church. They have also performed in North Carolina, New York, and in Washington, for former Ambassador Andrew Young, who was instrumental in the civil rights movement with Martin Luther King.

The Choir’s music was used for the acclaimed Ministry of Tourism’s “Behold” commercial that was featured in Super Bowl XLVII, and which also starred Bahamian NBA player Rick Fox and model Shakara Ledard. This is considered one of the major highlights of the Choir’s performances along with its participation at the Miss Universe Pageant when it was held in The Bahamas in 2009.

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How do you intend to contribute to the development of your country?

Bahamas Information Services - Summer Students Programme

“Growing up in Primary School our class took field trips cleaning up litter. I feel today many people are not concerned with the cleanliness of their land. I want to encourage a lot of young people today to take more care of their country. The Bahamas has a lot of room for improvement and the young people today have to stand up and help their country a better place.” – Ashley Neymour 20 yrs., COB Student.

“There are many ways I can help with the development of The Bahamas. Keeping the environment and our community clean green and pristine is key to me. We don’t want tourists feeling unwelcome and unhappy with the way the country looks.

I want to become a doctor. I feel that doctors are always needed. We also have to give a helping hand to those in need.

We cannot excel as a country if some people are always down.

Everyone must be moving Forward, Upward and Onward Together.” - Samantha Dorsett, 23 yrs.

“I intend to contribute by encouraging my generation to be role models and to look up to younger role models”- Danielle Mesigor 15 yrs. GHS.

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“As a young bright and exceptional lady of this country the through of contributing to my society has often surfaced in my mind. I enjoy helping others and spending my leisure time by being involved in things that are of a positive nature. I will continue to be a volunteer at my school on community programmes. My major is Primary Education so volunteerism at my school can help me to provide a positive impact on the children I will come into contact with.” – Lakishna Neely 17 yrs.

COB “I intend to contribute to the development of my country by being the change I wish to see. I intend to gain the knowledge and skill sets to become financially independent as well as to create new jobs for others and help to stimulate the Bahamian economy. I intend to be an upstanding Citizen and present myself as an example for the youth of our nation to follow.” – Geron Dorsett, 25.

“I intend to contribute to the development of my country because we need more than most people can imagine. I encourage athletes to do their best to earn a gold, silver or bronze medal for our country. We have to stop Crime in our society and get guns off the streets. Work with the Police.

Assist the country by displaying your best and your objectives in your work and performance.” – Lauren Henfield, 20 yrs., BTVI.

“As a major in Management Information systems I intend to aid The Bahamas by improving technical viability and IT friendliness in the Business Sector. My knowledge will be geared towards helping Bahamian Businesses to expand their Online Industry and take advantage of new technologies whilst also informing Business Owners of IT opportunities and risks and threats.”- Dyaje Cartwright, 21 yrs. Minot State University.

“I am currently a Mechanical Engineering student with a profound interest in Jet Propulsion engine design and innovation. The way I intend to contribute to The Bahamas is through the experience and knowledge I will gain postgraduation. I would like to better propel the aeronautical industry of The Bahamas to another level. Whether it is through Bahamasair or private enterprise.

The development of The Bahamas is something I am proud to be a part of.” – Arie Smith 21yrs, University of Arkansas.

The Gerald Cash Primary School and the genesis of The Rake and Scrape Music Company

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herever they appear they are an instant hit. Their innocence, their smiles, their passion for their unique Bahamian sound and the international novelty of their instruments and their charm have made the Rake and Scrape Company a stronger Ambassador at home and abroad for young Bahamian talent.

The group has received funding from Baha Mar and from proceeds of a private auction to finance their international experiences and show case their talent and purchase instruments.

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he band is mainly made up of students of the Gerald Cash Primary School Rake ‘n’ Scrape band, but also includes students who have gone on to high school.

The Bahamas Rake ‘n’ Scrape Company, led by its director, Nathaniel Adams has performed at several landmark locations in New York including The Roman Catholic Church of the Epiphany and Vassar College, culminating in a one-hour concert at the United Nations.

Youth Sports and Culture took the group to Cat Island for the local heritage festival and they were a major hit.

Philanthropist Beat Schlagenhauf, who hails from Switzerland, was in attendance at the Cat Island festival and from that Cat Island performance plans were underway for a major fund raising event to finance the groups travel to the United States to perform. Schlagenhauf worked with the Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture and Sapodilla Restaurant own-

around beyond the current century.

Businesswoman Elaine Pinder from Bamboo Shack opened her Sapodilla Restaurant for a gala night where the band performed and an Auction was held to raise their trip funding.

The event featured an art auction conducted by businessman Dionisio D’Aguilar, with works donated by artists John Cox, Toby Lunn and Marco Mullings.

Adams said the Bahamas Rake ‘n’ Scrape Company started with an idea and six Gerald Cash Primary School students.

Now the band, which also goes by the name ‘Rhythm ‘n’ Youth’, has blossomed to 25 skilled members, ages five to 16-years from nine different schools across New Providence.

When Mr. Adams first started teaching rake ‘n’ scrape music to the young boys, who would linger around the park after school, he did it with the intention of ensuring that the community children did not grow idle and wayward, but instead develop a focus in life. What he got was a whole lot more.

The band has grown in number, and devoted students who went on to high school just could not leave the group behind, and so the Rhythm & Youth band was formed and it all came out of The Flamingo Gardens Park in the Carmichael Constituency, where the boys once hung out after school.

The group got their major endorsement and plug when Dr. Daniel Johnson Member of Parliament and Minister of

er Elaine Pinder to arrange a gala event, where others with the ability to donate and support the group could see them perform live and up close.

With the enthusiasm and excitement the band generates the culture of Bahamian indigenous Rake N Scrape music and its instruments are going to be

“For five years we have been building and working on the rake n’ scrape program. It’s about the music, but music is only a vehicle,” Adams explained. “Baha Mar donated to our group, which is a big deal. We can use that money to get items to get some things that will help the band to move forward.”

"My generation has always believed that children are a gift from God, 'the author and giver of all things good.' Sadly though, mankind is failing young people.

Throughout much of the world children are the principal victims of all of society's most troubling ills. In this decade of the child, it is children, the fruit of humanity in developed and developing countries, who must quietly endure the ravages of war, hunger, poverty, disease, and illiteracy.

In the so-called advanced countries of the world we are seeing evidence of a spiritual poverty, a sense of hopelessness and despair, that leads to drug addiction, crime, gang violence and other forms of anti-social behaviour, particularly among young people. And in The Bahamas we find ourselves struggling to deal with a spiritual poverty of our own as we try to respond to rising expectations in a rapidly changing economic, political and social environment.

"We are not a rich country, but we certainly are not poor. We do not have all we want; neither do we have all we need; but we do have more than most people have and for that we should be grateful. Everywhere people are struggling for the very things many of us take for granted. We have peace, stability, freedom of speech and religion and the right to go where we please whenever we please.

The poor are still with us, and, like death and taxes, they will always be but, thank God, poverty does not stalk our land and everyone has access to basic health care and education.

Millions of our neighbours, however, can only dream of living as we do. Yet, how many of us give thanks to God for the blessings he has bestowed upon us?

"We have known hard times in The Bahamas too but most of you are too young to remember them, too young to know what your grandparents had to do to survive. You can't imagine the sacrifice they made to bring you to where you sit today. You are too young to know that, back then, the only place they had where they could take refuge from the daily battering their spirit and their pride took from racial and economic oppression was the church. It may be difficult for you to understand that the only peace many of them ever knew in those days was that moment when they fell to their knees and asked God to guide them.

"We were not a Nation then. At that time we could not be a Nation because a majority of the people were not free to determine their own fate. Some of them knew freedom would come one day, but many were not so sure.

Some of them believed it because they knew that God would never abandon them; and they knew, too, that He would make a way out of no way. Still, however, there were others who did not believe.

They believed that they would be free because they had faith and they kept that faith, the kind of faith the Bible talks about in Hebrews; faith that 'is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.' They had that kind of faith, the kind of faith that God rewards, and they worked to achieve the things hoped for because they also learned, long before John Kennedy ever said it, 'that here on earth God's work must truly be our own.' I should like to remind you young Christian warriors this evening that Bahamians as a people have always had faith, and though some may waver, and others profess doubt, as a people we do still trust in the Lord.

"Today your generation of young Bahamians, facing new challenges and seeking still greater goals, needs the faith that sustained your parents and grandparents during those trying times. Besides

being members of that generation you are also believers in God so I ask who better than you to spread that faith. If not you, who? And if not now, when?

"Your world is different from mine. You face a different set of challenges and problems than those I faced. Your interests and priorities, even your language, have changed and you are growing up with a global culture in a global village where the whole world is your backyard. Your music, which is a reflection of much of what your generation feels and

embraces, is constantly changing. Your attitudes about life, love, work and faith are still being formed, however, and I pray that they are consistent with what The Bahamas needs to prosper as a Nation for all that you achieve and all that you believe will rest on the values you adopt during these formative years.

"A government's mandate is primarily the physical world, the material world. However, the spiritual domain is no less important and it clearly is the province of the church.

Bahamians needed a vision to come this far and, from the day Prince William landed in The Bahamas and founded Bethel Baptist Church 200 years ago, the church has played an important role, spiritually strengthening our people for the battle for freedom and equality. Your generation will need a vision of its own, a vision for the 21st Century, a vision of the kind of society in which you and your children will want to live. Your vision may be a new one but, in planning your life and the society you want to build, you will find that the foundation of your vision will be the same as that which fortified your forefathers before you. Their foundation was built on three very important things: God, Family and Country, and I can tell you now that you will not be able to find better ones.

"You see, freedom does have a price. It is not free. Freedom means responsibility, a responsibility to properly look after our families and ourselves; and citizenship demands more than simply paying taxes and voting for one's leader. In addition, each of us has a sacred duty to love and protect this blessed land God has given to us, to build it up and make it better for future generations.

All of us have a stake in being Bahamian."

Dr. Johnson on the Demographic Dividend and Youth Employment at The United Nations, New York on June 1st, 2015 Youth Minister says Young People will not be left behind as Government allocates $20 Million to Youth Employment, Entrepreneurship and Training

“Mr. President of the General Assembly, Mr. Secretary General, Excellencies, Colleagues, Distinguished Delegates, I am pleased to be here today to lend my voice as Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture of The Bahamas to the important theme of this high level event. Coming on the heels of last Friday’s inspiring high-level meeting on the 20th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth, today’s event is indeed timely. My thanks to you, Mr. President for convening this event.

“As I prepared for this meeting I recalled the words of former Secretary –General Kofi Annan who spoke of young people being at the forefront of global change and innovation and if empowered, can be key agents of development and peace. I cannot agree more for as we embark on a new sustainable development agenda, we must do more to invest in the development of young people and harness their potential to spur economic growth and development in our societies.

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The reality is that many young people, not only in The Bahamas but many regions across the world, will be forced to sit on the margins of society waiting for an opportunity that seems impossible, in what can only be termed, in their eyes as ‘The Impossible Dream’.

“Mr. President, As I stand here today, I reflect on the more than 5,000 young people in The Bahamas who will be matriculating from Secondary institutions in the next few weeks. A number of them will follow their dreams of attaining a tertiary level of education while others will pound the pavement in search of decent job opportunities. The reality is that many young people, not only in The Bahamas but many regions across the world, will be forced to sit on the margins of society waiting for an opportunity that seems impossible, in what can only be termed , in their eyes as ‘The Impossible dream’. Let us be resolute in our efforts to ensure that young people are not left on the margins of society because if they are, as said Mr. Annan, “all of us will be impoverished”.

“In the few minutes allocated to me, I wish to highlight a few

initiatives and programmes of the Government of The Bahamas which are designed to facilitate the development of a fresh and bold new generation of skills, young entrepreneurs who possess a spirit of Bahamian ingenuity and who are creatively inspired to look to the future we all want, and be able to take full advantage of the opportunities that lie ahead.

“Mr. President With a youth population of nearly two thirds and a youth unemployment rate in excess of 30 per cent, youth development is an essential pillar in our small nation’s quest to create a better Bahamas for present and future generations. The Government of The Bahamas is committed to youth development and has announced , in its 2015/2016 Budget Communication which was presented to Parliament, a twenty million ($20 million) Dollar Budget

allocation investment for special employment projects to address youth unemployment through the following imitative: *Establishment of a special school for young persons with behavioural issues. Issues which if left unattended may hamper their employability. This initiative reinforces the Government’s policy commitment that every child and young person counts and that none should be left behind. *Launch of an Apprenticeship programme in partnership with the private sector under which Employers will be incentivized, through a wage subsidy, to employ young persons in positions that will afford them the opportunity to acquire vital, basic job skills. The programme will strive to enhance the employability of participating youth through practical on the job training and learning by doing.

“Further, our most recent initiative- The Bahamas National Youth Policy, will provide a frame work to accelerate greater youth development. The policy is awaiting final approval for my presentation to Parliament for adoption and its eventual support by national law Its crafting has been guided closely by the voices

of Bahamian youth from across the archipelago and addresses a number of critical areas {Identification and Self Awareness; Education, Technology, & Capacity Building; Employment, Social Enterprise, & Young Professionals; Health, Sustainable Livelihoods & the Environment; Youth in conflict with the Law, Access to Justice and Safety; Inclusion in the Decision Making Process and Youth Empowerment, and, Streamlining National Development Goals} ; some of which speaks to a number of sustainable development goals

and targets; such as those related to employment and decent work , healthy lives and education.

“Mr. President, The National Youth Policy also provides a framework for a number of ongoing youth business and

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education development programmes and initiatives, such as: 1. Youth Enterprise Programmes and Micro Credit Initiatives.

2. Creative Employment and Business Opportunities for Youth (CEBO Programme 3. National Training Agency 4. National Youth Leaders Training Programme

“Consultations held by the National Youth Policy Team have reaffirmed that young people should play an integral role in national development and should be provided with opportunities and

space to assume their roles in a healthy and positive environment.

However, the recurring sentiment expressed by young people in The Bahamas who seek to enter the job market/entrepreneurial market are: (a) that they lack confidence in starting their own businesses, (b) the market is over-saturated with small enterprises, (c) lack of micro finance facilities, (d) no diversity in The Bahamian economy and (e) lack of a national effort to build a “low entry tourism labour force.” These are all examples of factors hindering the growth and development of our young people.

Thus, the imitative for young people launched by the Government are critical and complementary to national economic development policies and strategies.

“Mr. President, Coupled with employment challenges, we are also facing critical social ills, such as increased violence and crime among young men in the 18-35 years cohort who are both perpetrators and victims. We are also cognizant of burgeoning health issues such as HIV/AIDS and Non –communicable diseases affecting a large

percentage of our young people, as well as those at risk of infection.

“The Government’s employment outreach initiatives, its $180 million investment over the next three years to affect the launch of the National Health Insurance scheme and the near completion of the transition to university status of the country’s sole tertiary institution will foster improvement in the development of our human capital and the creation of a healthier and more educated, highly skilled and empowered work force.

“However, all these initiatives will not generate much needed results if we do not create innovative and sustainable industries and technologies, provide access to land, financing, training, leadership and management skills and a diversified job market for young people.

National strategies must complement those at the global level.

“I am cognizant of the targets on youth employment in the proposed Sustainable development Goals (SDGs) and the call for the development and operationalization of a global strategy for youth employment. This is a start but such as strategy also calls for resources, The question is how do we provide the means of implementation- a term heard all too often in the course of the ongoing intergovernmental negotiations on the post 2015 development agenda and the financing for development processes- in order to affect the level of transformational change necessary to improve the lives of young people?

“A reliable, accessible and adequate financing for development system in support of the effort of Small Developing States, like The Bahamas, is critical, as too is the support of the United Nations system.

“Mr. President, Excellencies, Colleagues, distinguished Delegates, we have a moral responsibility to level the playing field and to create conducive avenues for investments for the 1.2 billion adolescents and young people in the 15-24 age cohort who will be the inheritors of the sustainable development agenda currently under debate in these very halls.

Very shortly, they too will sit here as we do as leaders and policy makers. Let us prepare them for the challenges they will no doubt confront.

“In conclusion, young people are no longer content to be “left behind”. As we have seen in the proliferation of one line global platforms and social media advocacy campaigns addressing issues affecting their lives. Young people across the world have emerged as a powerful and cataclysmic force for change from Main Street to Wall Street. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to create spaces for the cultivation of their unbridled imagination, and to learn from their dreams and aspirations on how to create a better Now and a better Future for generations to come.

Thank You.”

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Charles Hamilton Jr.

The Spelling B Little Dynamo Charles Hamilton Junior, a 13 year-old grade 8 student of St. Anne’s High School, Nassau was the only boy contesting against 19 girls at the Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island in the finals of the National Spelling B. Master Hamilton competed at the International Spelling B held in Washington DC the American capital earlier this year and had an impressive showing. He correctly spelt his qualifying words – “UMLAUT” AND “WENSLEYDALE” and hopes to compete again in the prestigious event.

Mr. Oswald Brown, Journalist who introduced the National Spelling B to The Bahamas is proposing a National coach to prepare future participants. Master Hamilton is a sure bet to return to the Winner’s Circle. He is a prolific and avid reader and his favourite novel, Tolstoy’s, “Anna Karenina” which is a tome of over 800 pages is just some of the light things he breezes through. He is also a keen soccer player and aspires to be ‘The Bahamas David Beckham’.

He enjoys swimming, solving mazes, riddles and puzzles.

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THE ATIONAL YOUTH POLICY

TO GUIDE THE NATION IN THE AFFAIRS OF ITS FUTURE Vision and Mission for the Youth Mission: “The national direction for youth development is to aid young people in the successful transition into adulthood” Value Statement: “We value and respect young people as major assets in the development of our nation; we recognize the importance of building strategic partnerships with the Government, private sector and community leaders. In all our interactions for youth development we demonstrate

excellence, creativity and integrity” Motto: “Engaging, Enabling and Empowering Our Youth” • Engaging: That we first engage our young people through attractive and appropriate means; • Enabling: That we provide the enabling environments for our youth to succeed.

• Empowering: That we provide services and skills training to empower them , and finally;

Definition of Youth Due to the youthfulness of The Bahamas and its status as a developingnation, there is a need for The Bahamas to begin investing strongly in its human capital, particularly its youth, if we are to competitively on the same scale as our counterparts. The government must provide opportunities for young people –either through the MOYSC or through different programmes so that the youth become the main beneficiaries, especially when it comes to education, employment, safety and

health. It also has to be stressed that youth issues are unique in The Bahamas compared to many other Caribbean and/ or Commonwealth Nations because of the extensive archipelagic land-seascape that we cover. Government support and interest in young people must become a priority to be demonstrated by providing more opportunities and favourable conditions for youth development.

It is for these reasons that the policy adopts a wide definition of youth, defining youth in the country as the age group of 15 to 35 years, male and female, similar to other developing countries and smallisland states. We believe that this group signifies a separate socio-ethical category of the population who are particularly vulnerable to socio-economic changes. It is further recognised that social, cultural, and economic influences construct the positive development of youth; since all persons within this age group do not represent one homogenous group, but rather a mixture of sub-groups of 15 – 25 years (primary youth) and 26 – 35 years (adult youth) to assist stakeholders in the delivery of their programmes and services.

However, for statistical purposes, the UN definition of youth (referring to ‘youth’ as people between the 15 to 29 years) will be frequently used so as to benefit from international youth designations. This policy should guide the official designation of youth for The Bahamas and recognizes that the ages of 15-35 years is the preferred age and should be used as the prevailing age Official Statement on Youth As recognized by the National Youth Policy Consultative Team, we declare that: “Young people are clever and competent enough to assume responsibility for their own development and to make meaningful contributions to all decisions and on all issues pertaining to them, at all levels of society. The participation of youth in the affairs of The Bahamas is an indispensable step in the promotion of national development and responsible citizenship. Their capacity to contribute

needs to be ensured in the true form of their youthful expression, creativity and strength and undertaken by stakeholders to allow them to play the central role in their own development.”

Principles, Strategy and Expected Impact The National Youth Policy is designed to ensure that there is a cohesive, recognizable and manageable national response mechanism in place to respond to the various issues and challenges impacting young people in The Bahamas.

Such response efforts must be made to equally benefit males and females, the marginalized, Family Islanders, the disabled and other sub-groupings of youth, according to their unique needs.

The MOY must also ensure that there is meaningful contribution and participation from youth in making decisions at all levels. For this policy to strategically achieve its expected impact, it will be governed by the following priniciples: • Recognizing that the basis of the future development of The Bahamas begins with the acknowledgement that youth are a sub-population with their own unique challenges, circumstances, needs and dimensions that require specific assignment of social resources towards meeting those needs • Recognizing that the basis for the building of the concept of a productive Bahamian citizen must be integrated with the inclusion of young people in the centre of the political, social economic and cultural life of The Bahamas; • Recognizing that the promotion of dignity and equal treatment amongst all citizens cannot be realized until we value young people as the most treasured national asset of The Bahamas; • Recognizing that society’s tendency to underestimate the awareness of young people as participants in the governance of The Bahamas must be countered by the meaningful and consistent preparation of young people to achieve their own vision of

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a peaceful, fair and equal Bahamas; Recognizing that young people have a central role to play in all social processes and institutions and that this role is critically underrepresented in government bodies and local self-government units, civil society, and particularly youth-related bodies; Recognizing the need to encourage the existence, functioning and sphere of action surrounding the associative and active life of young people, their freedom of expression, their freedom of association, and their right to access equal opportunities at the local and national level;

This policy is designed to have a targeted impact upon all youth as defined by Article 2.1 of this document, while recognizing that affirmative action approaches are necessary to harness positive impacts from the following sub-categories of young people: • Marginalized Youth • Family Island Youth (Underdeveloped Communities/rural youth) • Stateless Youth • Vulnerable youth • Unemployed and Underemployed Youth • Youth in Conflict with the Law • Inner-City Youth • Youth in State Care (Wards of the State) • Out of School Youth (Dropouts, Pregnancy, Suspension, Expulsion) • Youth infected by STDs, HIV & AIDS • YOUTH with Chronic/Terminal Health Illnesses • Youth with Disabilities • Female Youth (Young Women and Girls) • College Students Home and Abroad (Ministry of Education has priority for adolescents) • Young Professionals Policy Goals and Long-Term Objectives The foremost goal of this Youth Policy is: “To provide an appropriate framework for the Ministry of Youth, stakeholders,

partners and benefactors of youth development in The Bahamas that will coalesce efforts to improve education, health and the quality of life for young Bahamians, ensuring that investments in youth takes place at all levels of society while creating an enabling and meaningful environment for youth participation as agents of social, economic, political and cultural change at every stage of the overall development of Bahamian society.”

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healthy lifestyles, ethical standards, spiritual and moral values for young people in their living, working, learning and social environments; Legislative development and enforcement that will promote fundamental human rights, the rights of the child, and juvenile justice reform through meaningful access to justice for young people and the adoption of the concept of restorative

(left to right) Rashard Ritchie, attached to High Schools, Marcos Armbrister Dean of the Consular Corps, Khadijah Young CARICOM Consul, Kyrann Turnquest Consul at large, Bertram Roker Consul at large, Davin Beneby Ambassador at large.

The Youth policy has the following longterm objectives: • Sustainable youth development for The Bahamas by mainstreaming youth matters into the various focal areas of local and national development; • Active participation of young people in the defining of Bahamian identity, Bahamian culture and Bahamian values through expression of their own creative potential; • Social development and social integration of youth through quality formal and informal education; • Economic development through increased employment, selfemployment and more competitive employment opportunities for young people; • Promoting sustainable livelihoods,

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justice for young people; Meaningful participation and inclusion of young people at all levels, including all social and public processes of decision-making.

A more efficient, functioning and competent Ministry of Youth through professionalized staffing and coordinated restructuring to provide relevant services/programmes that are tangibly measured, and The development and promotion of the youth sector as a whole by the adoption of best practices, the strengthening of innovative youth initiatives and the creation of new features that the sector should be integrated into the overall scheme of youth development.

JUNIOR COUNCILORS

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Future Nation Builders Recognized

ver 100 of the nation‘s youth were recognized for their participation in making their communities better places in which to live and study. During a ceremony held September 29 at SuperClubs Breezes, young people from various islands attended a ceremony commemorating the 2014/2015 Local Government Junior Councilors Programme Conclave.

Minister of Financial Services and Local Government, the Hon. Hope Strachan was in attendance and she congratulated the students for participating and completing the programme.

Calling the youths the ‚future leaders‘ of the country, Minister Strachan urged the students to ‚take responsibility‘ for their communities in order to ensure a better Bahamas.

“I wish to congratulate the Local Government Junior Councilors for a job well done

in successfully completing your one-year term in office,” said Minister Strachan. “I commend and applaud all those who would have given unselfishly of their service.”

The Minister also thanked the Coordinators, Members of the community, District Councilmen, Family Island Administrators and parents for their support and dedication to the programme.

She said that their contributions were ‚invaluable‘ and ‚greatly appreciated.’

“It is vital that you support and persistently encourage our future Nation Builders, as we seek to provide them with the knowledge and skills to become future community leaders who would one day become Local Government practitioners.

During the one-year programme, students were able to achieve several goals including, beach clean up campaigns, community gardening and landscaping projects. The students also participated in fundraising activities and donated the funds to several projects, including the purchase of books and cash donations to students.

Students also participated in speech contests, ‚election‘ campaigns, a motorcade and a swearing ceremony for the winning junior councilors.

Approximately 300 students from several islands attended the ceremony and were treated to a luncheon and awards.

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Stephen Cornelius Adams III PRIMARY SCHOOL: Hugh W. Campbell HIGH SCHOOL: Sir Jack Hayward High School TERTIARY: Terreve College Inspirational Quotes: “Success is not measured by the things you possess but by the obstacles you managed to overcome.” Apostle Carolyn Cooper “A quitter never wins and a winner never quits” Napoleon Hill

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS: Basketball, Volleyball, Track and Field, Boxing, Sudoku, Backgammon.

GROUP: Grand Bahama Volleyball Association THE WAY FORWARD FOR ANY YOUNG BAHAMIAN: The way forward is simple yet a challenging road to travel as a young Bahamian who dares to be different! Jesus, in his word declares: “I am the way.”

He said “seek first my kingdom and righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.” When I became obedient to his voice, I didn’t have to chase the blessings, but the blessings ran me down and overtook me. Many youth go wrong when they think that success is found in the amount of things they possess.

Like my spiritual leader always says, “success is not measured by the things you possess, but by the obstacles you overcome.” If we had more youth focusing on overcoming challenges, negative situations and temptations through prayer, fasting, and reading his word, instead of a temporary relief through drugs and alcohol, our country would be in better shape. We need solutions not substitutions. It is my belief that until we put God back in the equation, we’ll never get the right answer we’re looking for. He said to remember now thy creator in the days of thy youth. My vision for young Bahamians is to know God in a personal way for we are a Christian nation. When our youth come to the reality that we are a blessed nation, God’s chosen and elect and see that a humble child tastes the grace (undeserving favor) of God, we will live in love and peace with each other and have stronger communities. We will experience harmony and brotherhood. I know this because I am a living testimony of what seeking God first produces. As a result, I am now employed in Bank of The Bahamas and a recipient of a Banking Scholarship to continue improving myself. God made a way through The Ministry of Youth: Fresh Start Program and my faith in HIM.

Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling, Governor-General, hosted the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture's National Youth Awards Nominee Medal Presentation Ceremony at Government House on Tuesday, October 6, 2015. One hundred and sixty-seven young people were nominated in fields such as leadership, education and sports.

Minister of Youth Sports and Culture the Hon. Dr. Daniel Johnson declared that the ceremony highlighted youth who are doing good things. In the photos, Governor General Dame Marguerite presents the medals as Minister Daniel Johnson looks on.

Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture’s National Youth Awards Nominee Medal Presentation Ceremony

Averia Wright & Jodi Minnis, proud stand outs at the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas Watching the passion, energy and commitment of Ms. Wright and Ms. Minnis, either on their respective posts at the NAGB, seeing their labour of love in working with Director Amanda Coulson and her staff in mounting new perspectives and exhibitions or just seeing them go beyond the ordinary to successfully stage The Bahamas’s much heralded debut at the Festival of Fire in Santiago de Cuba in July; is refreshing.

Averia is now at Ohio State University where she is doing post graduate studies in her discipline in Sculpture. Her years of experience at NAGB are already bringing her admiration and recognition and the University has engaged her managerial talents at its Gallery.

Jodi plans to continue her education abroad in the new year.

Minister Johnson said he was most impressed to observe Ms. Minnis and Ms. Wright’s “total dedication and devotion to getting the NAGB opened on time in Santiago de Cuba and how they worked around the clock to assist in the country’s exhibition of Bahamian artists.

“This is the time when Bahamians must shine when we are abroad representing the country. Jodi and Averia touched all of us,” Dr. Johnson said.

R. Brent Malone: Reincarnation Governor General Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling and Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie attended Opening Night of R. Brent Malone: Reincarnation, a retrospective of the work of the notable Bahamian artist spanning decades at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas. Photos show Dame Marguerite, centre, and Prime Minister Christie touring the show, which takes up all floors of the Gallery; and the Prime Minister and Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Dr. Daniel Johnson taking in a painted Junkanoo extravaganza.

Terez Davis Nixon

THIEF OF

LOVE BAAM: Tell what your experience has been like to work with so many ambitious and talented young Bahamians who aspire to careers in theatre, drama, film and multimedia?

Nostalgia is the word that comes to mind because these young people remind me of myself. It is humbling to say the least to know that I have the responsibility to give this young artist at the least a “platform” from which to express their feelings and share their gifts/talents.

BAAM: Given the current limited opportunities for young people to perform and express themselves on stage, television, video and film, how do you contain their disappointment and their craving for an audience?

I feel it is very important to be honest with them in highlighting the current realities of our country as it relates to the opportunities in the Arts while simultaneously helping them to understand that they should not “despise small beginnings” which in due time with commitment and Faith can lead to a sustained career in the Arts.

BAAM: Tell us who “Thief of Love” came about?

In 2014, the Director of youth K. Darron Turnquest shared with me his desire for the Youth Division to work with a group of young persons to produce a “Broadway Style” production. I then began searching for a show

Mrs. Terez Davis Nixon, Preparing Young People for Theatre

that we could purchase the rights for and stage here in the Bahamas. As I searched, I realized that it would be more cost effective and relatable if I wrote my own Production seeing that I had already been writing plays for the last 14 years. In my search I had come across West Side Story and Romeo and Juliet and so I began to think of what those stories would look like in present Bahamas…thus, “The Thief of Love.”

BAAM: Tell us about the outstanding cast and the talent “Thief of Love” presented. How did you discover such an array of personalities and talent?

I have had the privilege of being the Drama coach for a talented group of students from the Ministry’s Youth Development Through The Arts program based at The Government High School for the last two and some years.

Some of the talent came from this group but most of the Talent in The Thief of Love came from an Open audition in the Month of June.

One final talent was recommended to me by Miss SaNovia Pierre an accomplished Bahamian Singer and Musician.

BAAM: What motivated these young people to provide such outstanding performances?

I believe the young people were motivated by each other first of all. They were a part of four week Drama Camp hosted by the Ministry and the constant talking sharing and celebration of each other’s gifts and talents encouraged them to believe they had something worth sharing. Secondly I believe the “story” motivated them because they could relate to it and it gave them the feeling that they could help shed light on a human ill in our country. Lastly I believe after hearing the affirmation of family and friends after the first show, they were inspired to perform again for shows two and three.

BAAM: From the loins of this country came the greatest Vaudeville and Silent Screen Star of the silver screen in Bert Williams. Sir Sidney was the first Black to achieve Best Actor Academy Award status.

In your opinion why has the public and private sector not empowered the genre of performing arts despite the proven talent and enthusiasm our young people possess?

I blame it on the lack of Vision and Love. Some persons will always “love” and value what is foreign.

For some reason they don’t believe (although the evidence is staring them in the face) we have the talent to compete with our counterparts around the world. Secondly I blame

the lack of Vision for this gross overlook. Public and Private sector lack sometimes the creativity to operate beyond what they are familiar with, so they do not have the ability to see beyond the familiar careers in medicine, law, finance and hospitality.

BAAM: In speaking with members of your cast, it is very apparent that there is a burning zeal to perform.

Yet these young people don’t want this to be seen as a hobby or a past time. How far are we away from a national theatre and a national ensemble with a bevy of and scope of local work that not only is sustainable at home but can travel the world and earn decent livings for so many Bahamians?

We are as far as the day our leaders see the Vision and put funding behind Cultural Industry or as close as the day a citizen like me steps out on faith again and open a Dramatic Arts School and then hire those same young persons to perform.

BAAM: What encourages you most about what you do and what discourages you?

I am encouraged to see a young person develop, not only creatively but also socially and spiritually. I am discouraged when I don’t have the infrastructure by which to offer them sustainable

work in the field of Theatre or The Arts in General right away but this ironically leads me back to the mindset of encouragement because I know …..by faith soon I will be able to employ young talented individual and prove to all the vast career opportunities offered through the Arts right here at home.

BAAM: In your words describe for us the bounteous harvest and thriving cottage industry that theatre can bring to the Bahamas and the Bahamian people? Tell us about the spin off areas for impactful employment beyond the thespians on the stage or before the camera but also the technical people that would be needed in this industry?

As I just alluded in the previous question, there are countless career opportunities in the Theatre Arts field.

Not only are there jobs on stage for the actor, singer dancer but there is set design and construction jobs, lighting media and sound engineering jobs, costume design, make up and cosmetology jobs. Next you need persons skilled in marketing and advertisement as well as those adapt to accounting and budgeting.

Theatre management is an entirely untapped dimension that persons don’t even know exists. Someone has to book the local and international tours ect ect. All of that is just live Theatre, film and television is just as extensive.

BAAM: As in all genres and scopes there is always this opposing energy of mediocrity that presents itself.

In the age of almost 40 years since Jamaica’s Trevor Rhone brought “Smile Orange” and “Harder They

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Not only are there jobs on stage for the actor, singer dancer but there is set design and construction jobs, lighting media and sound engineering jobs, costume design, make up and cosmetology jobs.

Come” to the screen, The Bahamas is still lagging behind. How do we set a standard for the highest excellence to get a firm grip on the international standards required?

We see skits being passed off as plays and so much overacting. Can training properly begin?

“If each before his door step swept, the Village would be clean”, of course training can change this substandard presentation that some have grown to expect and accept.

I used that quote because I am seeking to train those young and old I have the privilege of working with and I believe there are other Thespians and Dramatist who are doing the same, however a renewed respect for the “craft” and those who teach it needs to be regained. Too many persons without training or skills believe that “it een dat hard anyone can do it” and so they at-

tempt and make a blunder out of it.

I speak for stage more than film.

BAAM: Five years from today what do you envision for the young people currently in your charge who aspire to be the next Halle Berry, Samuel L. Jackson and an adolescent Macaulay Caulkin?

I see some of them abroad in college studying acting on scholarships and others of them working with and for me in the Theatre Industry locally.

I believe I can so inspire and train many of them that they will catch the eye of talent scots that I can persuade to come to the Bahamas to see what we have to offer.

BAAM: You encounter fresh new talent on a daily basis. Who should we keep our eye on?

Five young persons come to mind, they are Devonte Hanna, Vinesha LaRose, Garry John Williams Edline Nicholas and Jaquay “The

Bubbler” Adderley. The first two have their strength in dramatic acting such as Shakespearean acting and the later are few of the youngest comedians I have come across.

They have raw talent!

BAAM: Why have we been so deficient in developing a national show?

Has our subjectivity to the Tourism industry impaired our openness and freedom of expression to the point where we have to present our story as comedy or satire because we are afraid of the truth? We are afraid to present the Slavery or Emancipation or Burma Road story but we are eager to dress up Black men and women to play white British Colonial Soldiers at Fort Charlotte and Pirates during the age of piracy?

Comment please.

Again our deficiency is due to lack of vision and love. Play writes have

written these stories which ironically the tourist want to hear and see, but those who have the financial backing needed and the power of policy do not see the potential and power of such stories told because it is not entertaining to them. Successive governments have failed to produce the “National Show”. It has been talked about year after year but the implementation of it is yet to be realized.

BAAM: What motivates you in this field of endeavor?

I am motivated by my relationship with God. I believe He has mandated me to write, preach, produce and sing and so I am busy fulfilling that assignment. “The Thief of Love” allowed me the opportunity to do at least two of those assignments and its fulfilling that at the same time so many young persons were able to benefit from it.

THE BIRTH OF LITURGICAL DANCE IN THE BAHAMAS Dr. Anne Higgins moves dance from the Casino to the Cathederal

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he birthing of Liturgical Dance in The Bahamas started in 1985 as a result of Dr. Ann Higgins giving her life to the Lord Feburary 10 1985 at Bahamas Faith Ministries International under the leadership of Dr. Myles Munroe (deceased). Dr Higgins had spent over fifteen years as a lead dancer in casino shows in Grand Bahama and New Providence. After finding Christ Dr. Higgins left the casino stage and established the first Christian fitness and dance studio and television prgoramme called “Exercising by Faith Fitness and Dance Studio” which led hundreds of children to pass through those doors introducing a new style of movement in The Bahamas. She was also appointed Dance Director at her church by her Pastor where she trained many young men and women in the area of liturgical dance. She led in teaching dance in major conferences at her church.

Liturgical dance was not known in The Bahamas at the time and many of the local churches were not with agreement with this form of dance in the church. In fact many denominations and pastors preached their disapproval from the pulpit. After traveling around the world with her pastor Dr. Myles Munroe she saw that at this time there were an influx of the charismatic churches and pastors elsewhere, who embraced the concept of liturgical dance as a part of their worship experience. Many of the local Churches began inviting Dr. Higgins to their church to share her gift of dance in their Ministry and with those who also had a passion and the gift to dance before the Lord.

Dr. Higgins established dance ministry in churches such as Bahamas Christian Fellowship, New Covenant Baptist Church, Church of God in The Bahamas, Church of God of Prophecy, Zion Baptist Church and Faith United Missionary Baptist Church among others. Dr. Higgins also help establish a Christian dance leader’s network whose goal was to network with other churches and dancers locally and internationally to introduce this new form of dance to them.

Dr. Higgins also travelled to some of the Family Islands like Eleuthera and San Salvador on a weekly basis to teach liturgical dance at the local churches and community.

dance taught in them are T.G Glover Primary, Oakes Field Primary, Albury Sayles Primary, H.O. Nash Junior High School. Liturgical dance was also taught at The National Dance School by Dr. Higgins.

In 1990 Dr. Higgins begin holding conferences drawing liturgical dancers from other countries. She join together a group of liturgical dancers to help established the Caribbean Christian Dance Network whose vision was to network with dancers in The Bahamas, the Caribbean and throughout the world.

This international dance conference brought liturgical dancers to The Bahamas from the United States, England, Jamaica, Barbados, Bermuda, Trinidad and Tobago, France, Netherlands, Martinique and other countries throughout the world. This began to strengthen liturgical in The Bahamas and establish it among the Bahamians. As a result Dr. Higgins has also travelled throughout the United States and other parts of the world sharing her gift of dance and teaching and preaching the gospel as it relates to liturgical dance.

Liturgical dance has been highlighted in national events such as Bahamas Games, Carfita, Track and Field opening ceremony and numerous Independence celebrations throughout the years. Hundreds of dancers assemble to worship the Lord through dance at these events. Dancers from various churches in New Providence and the Family Islands unite to participate in these major and national events in our country. Liturgical dance has also been showcased for national church conventions for the major denominations in the nation such as the Methodist, the Baptist and the Churches of God. Liturgical dancers have participated and led in the National Baptist Day Parades on many occasions.

Dr. Higgins has ministered at conferences being hosted by powerful Women of God such as Dr. Fuschia Pickett, Dr. Ernestine Reems and Pastor Claudette Copeland. Because of her conferences she has been able to network and bring to The Bahamas powerful speakers such as Dr. Janalyn Glymph, Dr. Sandy Mitchell, Dr. Cindy Trimm from the USA, Minister Pat Noble, Minister Marcia Weeks from Barbados and many others Liturgical dance was also introduced in the local schools where the school children have shown a keen interest in liturgical dance. This dance caught on as a new phenomenon in the nation and every school, community group, church or youth group started a liturgical dance group. This dance began to influence our culture in a positive way. it also brought some behavior changes to our young women. Some of the first schools to have liturgical

In 1995 Dr. Ann Higgins was hired by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture by the former Minister of Youth Sports and Culture Mr. Algernon Allen and the Deputy Director of Culture the late Mrs. Kayla Lockhart because of the effect liturgical dance had on the children in the nation. As a result of this liturgical dance was formally introduced to the National Arts Festival. As a matter of fact it became the category with the most entries for adjudication for many years. Many schools, churches and community groups participated in the various liturgical dance categories in the festival. Schools from the family islands also participated heavily in the liturgical dance category especially Grand Bahama. This form of dance played an important role in school assembly’s church functions and many community gathering as a new art form.

In 2003 The Bahamas National Liturgical Dance Company was formed. The dance company included dance leaders and dancers from various local churches in The Bahamas. The dance company

consist of over 300 members. The dance company’s purpose was to spread the Gospel through liturgical dance locally and internationally. The group has spent over 12 years traveling and spreading The Gospel throughout the world exposing God’s glory through their culture. The company has represented The Bahamas locally in major national events and international events in China from 2004 and various international festivals throughout the world including Bradenton, Florida for the feast of tabernacles and Paris, France for Asaph, Paris.

In 2010 (DUFAC) Dancers United for a Cause was introduced to the community this organization use liturgical dance as an art form to come against violence, sexual abuse, drugs, etc. This group of young people help to keep young boys and girls focus on spiritual things and help them to use their energy on things that are positive. They are given opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge. Liturgical dance can be seen by these young persons in parks throughout New Providence on a daily basis evangelizing through the arts to gang members, drug dealers and troublesome youths. “We are winning the war one street at a time using liturgical dance as a bait to bring our society back to peace on the streets,“ says Dr. Higgins.

“The future of liturgical dance is bright. I see the children using this spiritual art form to bring peace in our nation, breaking the back of crime and also to bring Christ back to his place in our nation and our lives,” Dr. Higgins professes. “Once our children begin to be trained in the way of God and find their identity in Christ we have a better nation,” she says.

“This liturgical dance should be taught in our school system. It should also be part of Religious Tourism promotions. I would like to see The Bahamas National Liturgical Dance Company become recognized as a national entity by The Government of The Bahamas,” is Dr. Higgins prayer.

Our GENERATION NEXT Prime Minister: All-Bahamas Merit Scholar Domonic McDonald sets his goal to one day lead the country

Domonic McDonald

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e may only be all of 17 years old, but Domonic McDonald, this year‘s winner of the National Merit Scholarship says he wants to one day be Prime Minister. The words “grateful” and “humbled” were used by the 2015 All-Bahamas Merit Scholar, Domonic

McDonald to describe being awarded this most coveted award for high school students in the country.

through the All-Bahamas Merit Scholarship programme by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.

The 17-year-old 2015 graduate of Queen's College even beat out his twin brother Donovan, but was relieved that both of them are being afforded the opportunity to attend college,

Domonic was officially introduced during the AllBahamas Merit Scholarship Award Ceremony facilitated by the Ministry on Wednesday, August 12, 2015 at the Thomas

A. Robinson National Stadium.

The awardee received a $150,000 four-year scholarship to attend the prestigious University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario, Canada, to study International Relations and Diplomacy.

The Minister of Education,

Science and Technology the Hon. Jerome Fitzgerald described Domonic as “a truly amazing individual whose academic portfolio is quite impressive.”

Responding to the honour awarded him, Domonic likened his family experience to the one illustrated in the award winning play “A Raisin in the Sun” which focuses on an African-American family living in post World War II era. Despite the many challenges faced by that family, they managed to send their daughter Beneatha to college to achieve her dreams.

familiar to me,” Domonic said.

Domonic observed the recurring theme of sacrifice the family endured so that Beneatha could attend college -- even when her bother squandered the money set aside for her tuition.

However, the family kept their hopes high and did what it took for her to succeed.

“Another word I would use to describe this feeling right now is ‘humbled.’ I am humbled by the fact that just as easily as the Selection Committee said, 'Domonic McDonald', someone else’s name could have been called,” he said.

“Although, thankfully, my family and I were spared the unfortunate circumstances that befalls the family in the play, I must say that the images presented within it are strikingly

He told of how his parents – Brian and Constance McDonald, sacrificed so much so that he and his brother could be successful in high school, for which he was “beyond grateful.”

Domonic said that two words came to his mind when describing his feelings. The first, “grateful.” His parents raised twin boys, he and his brother, Donovan, who is also a recipient of a Merit Scholarship. He plans to study Biomedical Science at Texas A &M University.

The aspiring United Nations Diplomat and Prime Minister thanked the Ministry and the school he attended since age four, Queen's College – the teachers who went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure

he understood what was taught him.

He achieved six BJC “A” grades after sitting the examinations in grades 8 and 9. He was awarded for outstanding performance in the 2014 BGCSE Examinations for obtaining 10 'A' passes in grade 11. He made an impressive SAT score of 2050, maintained the Principals' List Status for his entire high school career, and obtained a cumulative GPA of 4.1.

Domonic’s activities included: Campus Duty Assistant, Student Council Representative, Model UN Seminars, Past President of Queen's College Debating Society, represented Team Bahamas in the Squash CASA International Tournament from 2011-2013, a Bronze Level Participant in the Governor General’s Youth Award Programme and the Bahamas Red Cross, The Salvation Army the Bahamas Humane

Society and the Bahamas National Trust.

His response as to “Why do you think you would be the ideal All-Bahamas Merit Scholar: “ I pride myself in being a dogged and determined person who aims for nothing but the highest standards both in and out of school. I look for opportunity to grow and learn as I journey toward my goal of one day becoming the Prime Minister of this beautiful archipelagic nation, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas.”

Moments of the arrival of HRH The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, as her flight touched down at Lynden Pindling International Airport on Sunday, September 27, 2015. She was greeted by Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Dr. Daniel Johnson, and Co-Chair of the local Steering Committee of the Caribbean-Canada Emerging Leaders’ Dialogue (CCELD) Janet Johnson. Princess Anne is President of CCELD: The Bahamas is the first stop of her pop-in tour of the Dialogue taking place in Canada and the Caribbean. CCELD is an intensive two-week leadership development experience that takes place every four years. Three young Bahamian women of The Bahamas joined others from 21 countries for CCELD15 in Ottawa.

Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling, Governor General of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas received HRH The Princess Royal, Princess Anne in a Welcome Reception at Government House on Sunday, September 27, 2015 attended by the Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Sen. the Hon. Allyson Maynard Gibson, and Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Dr. Daniel Johnson. The Princess, who is president of the CaribbeanCanada Emerging Leaders’ Dialogue (CCELD), arrived in Nassau Sunday afternoon as the first stop of her tour of the Dialogue taking place among young, emerging leaders in Canada and the Caribbean. Pictured are: HRH The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, second left; HE Dame Marguerite Pindling, centre; Prime Minister Perry Christie, second right; Attorney General Allyson Maynard Gibson, right; and Minister Daniel Johnson,left.

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Navardo Dawkins

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avado Dawkins, all of 18 years old is headed to New York and College in January 2016 to pursue his passion for fashion and the brand he has developed called “Navashion”, where he proudly declares, “we believe in creating a fashionable experience”.

Navado makes no apologies for baring his teen age soul on the struggles and challenges he encountered growing up. Things turned around when he made a shirt for himself and knew he had found his niche in Fashion Designing.

Navado, a graduate of C. V. Bethel Senior High School has already held presentations of his work and his Fall Collection launch will debut in early November.

“College will prepare me for this industry. I am eager to research and experience the diversity of the fashion industry. I have a passion for fashion” he says.

Somewhat humble, Navado has to be persuaded to talk about some of his youthful accomplishments in the fashion scene and High School in The Bahamas:• President of the Youth Empowerment Programs Student Association 2014 • One of the lead designers of Miss Bahamas Petite World Pageant Fashion Show 2015 • Produced a Spring collection called “Azul” which was featured in the pageant.

• Certified Fashion Stylist • Attended the “ JSSA Stylist Boot camp” and came out with the top score ( 1st place) and the Winner of a spread in Brutha Magazine ( April 2015) • His constant inspiration line “if you think you will lose- you have lost, Out in the world we find, success begins with a winning state of mind.

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What is Fresh Start?

The Fresh Start Programme is a youth employment skills training programme that provides job search skills and training to Bahamian youth between the ages of 16 to 25. Once enrolled in this programme, participants are exposed to relevant workplace experiences and instructions through a structured training and placement curriculum. The programme covers a variety of personal development and job search topics, geared to afford the young prospective professionals, with the resources, information and tools needed for successful employment and job retention.

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Stephen Cox

Stephen Cox paints his way through Summer

A 12th grade student of Doris Johnson High School, Prince Charles Drive Nassau, Stephen Cox has been creating with his brush and paints from the day he first held crayon.

His work was splashed all over Tiki Bar at Junkanoo Beach this summer as Stephen found easy employment decorating the Tourist Village on that beach with island motifs and signage.

Stephen participated in the Summer Young Person’s Art Workshop sponsored by the Royal Bank of Canada.

On a recent visit to Cat Island he presented Deputy Prime Minister The Hon. Philip Davis with a painting of the famous Mount Alvernia and the famous Catholic rectory.

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Shaquille Knowles “Our best efforts are placed in any career we choose”

“Not every High School graduate is a future doctor or lawyer or attorney. However every high school graduate is the driving force for the nation’s development. As a nation we should halt in brainwashing youth: - When young people are made to believe that without a college degree they are not good enough has to be discontinued. What we should do is encourage and hone the talents of our Youth, their interests and passions. Our best efforts are placed in any career we may choose. Only then as a nation can we see Youth’s optimal contribution to the nation’s development,” says Shaquille Knowles who hails from Freeport Grand Bahama and is currently enrolled at COB Nassau Campus.

Shaquille was the Bahamas representative at the 40th Conference of The Caribbean, The Americas and the Atlantic Region of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association which was held in Road Town Tortola the British Virgin Islands during July 25th thru August 1st, 2015.

Under the theme “Promoting Democracy and Good Governance: A Unified Approach”, the conference included the 8th Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Conference and the 11th Regional Youth Parliament.

Conference delegates were nationals from thirteen (13) countries which included Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, Nevis Island, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and Turks and Cacios Islands.

Guests at the conference included nationals from Canada and the UK and the United Nations and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

Unlike the Bahamas where the Youth Parliament is convened in the official legislative Lower House of elected House of Assembly, the 11th regional Youth Parliament was held at the Eileen L. Parsons Auditorium at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College at Paraquita Bay in Tortola.

The motion presented for the session was: “WHEREAS the participation of young people in any representative democracy is essential for the continued growth and strengthening of that democracy; “AND WHEREAS the youth are integral part of the future leadership of a Country and must therefore be engaged from an early age to ensure succession planning and continued development of that Country; “NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands agrees to engage future generations in representative democracy.”

Shaquille, who aspires to a career in Medicine says he thoroughly enjoyed the experience . His wish is to galvanize more concern and interest of Bahamian Youth in civil society and nation building.

WHAT IS JOB READY? This program is designed for unemployed persons between 17 and 25 years who have been unable to secure long term employment.

The program will last six (6) weeks and include both classroom instruction and on-the-job training. At least one cycle of the program runs every year.

Session topics include: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Employability and Personal Qualities Developing a Career Vision Setting Goals Personal Branding Diversity in the Workplace Getting Along with Co-Workers Listening and Speaking Skills How to Apply for a Job Preparing for a Job Interview Telephone Etiquette Providing Good Customer Service Understanding Your Anger Thinking Critically and Solving Problems Teamwork Makes the Dream Work Resolving Workplace Conflicts Effective Coping Strategies for Stressful Situations Practical Solutions for Workplace Challenges

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PARENTS THE KEY TO A CHILD’S SUCCESS

The role of parents in their children's education.

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any people have often wondered why some children perform well in school while others seem to struggle. For decades now, educators, parents and people in general have debated whether there is a magic formula, a specific set of skills or genetics that contribute to a child’s academic success.

In recent studies, many theories have been tested to determine whether or not certain elements contribute to a child’s success. Particular emphasis was placed on parents and their role in a child’s success or lack thereof. Many individuals believed that specific factors resulted in success and certain conditions needed to exist in order for a child to succeed. Most of these factors seemed to have a direct correlation to a parent’s perceived status in society that may appear to give them an advantage over those whose status was different.

Before I share the secret, I wish to discredit many of the myths that have been associated with a child’s success. Parents, the success of your child is not tied to any of the following: where you work; where you live; your level of education; whether you grew up in a single parent home or a dual-parent home; whether

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you are single, married, divorced or widowed; whether you completed high school or not; whether you can read or not; or how much money you make – you material possessions and the accumulation of wealth is not a guarantor for your child’s success.

Parents hold the key that unlock their child’s door to success. As a parent, you are the most important person in the life of your child and your opinion of your child matters more to them than anything in this world. Surprisingly, all parents have something valuable to offer to their children.

Contrary to popular beliefs, the intangibles matter far more than the tangibles when it comes to a child.

Parents, there are two things that

you can give your children that can mean the difference between success and failure; a good life versus a hard life; the difference between your child’s adult life being one of comfort or poverty – a middle class or an affluent existence; rather than a lower class or poor existence.

There are three things you can give your child that will cost you absolutely nothing, but will reap great returns. Time, love, and the value of an education are three of the greatest investments you can make in the life of your child.

Parents, your child needs you to invest your time, not so much your money; to ensure that you create a positive parental relationship that will support them throughout their

childhood and well into adulthood.

Among the many benefits of parents spending time with their children are: • Greater emotional bonds between parent and child; • Experience receiving expressions of love and affection; • Academic success is associated with children whose mothers frequently communicate with them; • Children whose fathers spend time with them doing activities tend to have better academic performance; • Adolescence whose parents spend quality time with them and are involved in their lives tend to exhibit fewer behavioural problems;

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• Youth who communicate, do activities with, and have close relationships with their parents are less likely to engage in violence and, • Teens whose parents are able to spend time with them at home after school and in the evenings are less likely to experience emotional distress.

Just as importantly as time, is love; your child needs to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you love them; not simply by you saying it, but by demonstrating your love on a daily basis. A child who knows that they are loved are said to have a great head start on life. The positive effects of love are: • The child is happier and calmer,

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is at peace with the world and is able to bear disappointment better; • The child is more confident and understands that he is worthy of being loved, which boosts the child’s self-esteem; • The child is better able to form relationships with others; a loving relationship with parents makes the child a kinder, more loving person; • The child develops a positive outlook on life; a child who is loved looks at the world with enthusiasm and will be eager to try and experience new things.

The long and short of it, is that love or the lack of it has a profound effect

on the lives of a child. Parents must be nurturing, caring, compassionate and supportive. It is the parents’ role to build their child’s confidence and self-worth so that when the child leaves home and steps out into the unknown, they believe that they can conquer the world and accomplish whatever they put their minds to.

Parents, you must focus on finding small ways to positively affirm and re-affirm your child on a daily basis; to build them up and not tear them down, to encourage and not discourage.

Thirdly, parents have an obligation to pass on to their child, the value of an education. Simply put, education empowers and enables those with a

quality education to attain a quality life. In its most straightforward context, education is defined as acquiring skills and there are many ways a child can be educated and many subjects that can be taught/studied. Additionally, school is not the only place where a child can learn or get an education. Truthfully, the child’s first classroom is really at home and learning for a child begins the day they exit the womb and enter their home environments. While many people do not like to materialize education, there is no denying that having a certain level of education provides the individual with a particular lifestyle. Education is the key to a good life – parents must help children to realize that:

• A good education goes beyond schooling; • A good education is rooted in the family; • Education empowers people; • Education is the true wealth of a nation; • Education provides hope for the future.

There is no question that life is a process of learning and growing and that education is a part of the process of life. Essentially, the value of an education can aid in developing good, successful and self-actualizing individuals. A parent has the responsibility to portray education as a never ending process that begins at childhood and continues until death.

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If you are a parent, I want you to take a minute to reflect on your life and the person you have become; particularly as a parent. Think about your experiences as a child and your relationship and interactions with your parents growing up. Now, consider the role your parents would have played in shaping who you are. For some of you, that will be reminiscent of happy memories, while for others, it may not be so happy. The point being made is that we are all the products of our home environments and heavily influenced by the significant role our parents played in our lives; whether positive or negative.

Today, commit yourselves to being intentional parents, determined to provide your child with the tools necessary for their success not just as children but as adults. Intentional

Parents affirm that “average parents follow the crowd, while intentional parents pursue the goal.” It is asserted that there are three types of parents. I want you to determine which of the three define you. For each parenting type, there is an assigned motive, goal, objective and gift.

The first type of parent is the Survival Parent. The motive is that “if I can just make it through the child-rearing years, I can get my life back.” The objective is “getting the kids out of the house and these parents often bribe and/or threaten their children and the television is the child’s primary babysitter. What the survival parent regards as gifts to their child, are often in actuality, a detriment to the child.

The second type of parent is the Default Parent who is motivated by the fact that “I don’t want my child to miss out on what all the other kids have.” They are driven by “making the child happy by giving the child whatever is popular.” These parents view gifts as having their children involved in lots of activities, providing the latest fashion trends and keeping up with popular culture, and are deeply influenced by television shows and media.

The third type of parent is the Intentional Parent. This parent’s motive is “I want to give my child what will be best and most helpful for him. This parent’s goal is “preparing their child for life as a productive adult; develop-

ing their child’s God-given mind and abilities and protecting their child’s heart.” Their objective is “purposely spending time with their child and building a relationship so that the child will learn by watching and interacting with their parents.” The gifts the intentional parent gives their child are enjoyable pastimes that create lasting memories, the value of an education, home skills, manners, moral character, and Biblical principles, and a sense of value and self-worth.

I encourage you to assess who are as a parent and if you are a parent who is merely surviving, then I encourage you to do everything in your power to become an intentional parent who not only empowers their child, but in the process empowers themselves as well.

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Parents, always remember that you hold the key to your child’s future and you are responsible for the success they will experience from childhood to adulthood. The words you speak, the affection you display and the love that you exhibit towards your child will be paramount to who they become. As a parent, your primary role is to equip your child with the skills and tools to thrive in this world, and the best way you can do that, is to foster self-respect, self-love and self-confidence. When you believe in your child, they will believe in themselves and will soar to unimaginable heights with the possibility of living their best life; maximizing their potential and living a purpose-driven life.

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N O I T A C U D E

y r t n u o C r u O e lyst To Chang

The Cata

E

ducation is the driving force of any progressive society. Most of the world superpowers can boast of having a highly educated populous and have made education the nucleus of their societies. The most educated populations tend to be in countries where spending on all levels of education is among the highest priority of a government’s budget. Countries like Russia, Canada, Japan, Israel, United States, New Zealand, United Kingdom and Singapore are considered to be among the most educated countries in the world.

According to Education Minister, the Hon. Jerome K. Fitzgerald, “education must become a core value and not simply a priority”.

Just decades ago, in our Bahamian history, education was regarded as a core value and the citizens of that time knew that education would be their ticket to a better life, to equality, to freedom and most importantly, to independence; not merely from British rule but individual, social and economic liberty.

The Role That Education Will Play On Our Nation’s Growth and Development.

The 1940s, 50s and 60s saw a national emphasis on education. For the average Bahamian living in those days, they realized that if they were to have a better life, they needed to have an education. Consider the leaders of our country; all from very humble beginnings, and most, if not all of whose parents did not have much formal education. They clung to the value of an education and used it to propel them from poverty to palaces. The attainment of education in the Bahamas between the 1940s and 1960s catapulted many citizens “from marginalization to lionization”, a phrase used

by Deut-

sche Welle (DW), and thus began the creation of a Bahamian middle class. In fact, according to DW “it was the middle class that set protest in motion – particularly the younger among them; 20-35 years-old, often students or academics, who felt deceived by a regime

and slighted in opportunities.” It was the young, educated Bahamians who led the charge for independence and sought to empower the masses.

As our country has reached the prime of its adult years, being

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forty-two years old; now, more than ever, the need exists for us as a country to reposition and refocus our attention on education. Our Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie often reminds us of the words of St. Lucian Developmental Economist and Noble Prize Winner that “education, not money is the cure for poverty and likewise, education, not jail is the solution for crime." We must send out a national clarion call and echo this sentiment that if we are to eradicate both crime and poverty, then education must be the catalyst by which we change our country.

In February 2016, the Hon. Jerome K. Fitzgerald had the opportunity to address his ministerial colleagues of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Panama City. In his remarks, Minister Fitzgerald clearly outlined the impact of education on a nation “Education is the driving force for the success of any nation.

It is a matter of National Security.

I am reminded of the manner in which Dr. Ben Levin outlines the cost to a nation when the education system is inadequate. He states that ‘countries will experience five major socio-economic problems and failures as a direct result of poorly educated citizens: 1. Foregone national income, GDP. 2. Foregone tax revenues for the support of government services, 3. Increased demand on social services, 4. Increased crime, and 5. Poorer levels of health.’

Simply put, a poorly educated populace leads to a decrease in tax revenue and GDP and increased demand on social services, health services and safety services.”

There is no question that our country is paying the debt for poorly

educated citizens – we are experiencing all five major socio-economic problems promulgated by Dr. Levin.

So where does this leave The Bahamas? The fact of the matter is that there is no development without education. As the National Development Plan comes into existence, education will be the driving force of its success. The rate at which we are able to educate our students both young and old and provide opportunities for life-long learning will determine the fate of our country.

The correlation between education and social benefits has long been recognized. It is touted by the Global Partnership for Education that “education is the most important investment a country can make in its people and future, and is critical to reducing poverty and inequality. If all students in low-income countries left school with basic reading skills, 171 million people could be lifted out of poverty.”

So whose responsibility is it to ensure the education of our children?

It is a collective responsibility. Education must be everyone’s business.

We can no longer point fingers and place blame on parents, teachers, the system or the government. We must each take greater ownership in the education of the children in the archipelago of islands that comprise The Bahamas. We must realize that the future of our children and the future of our country depend on the level of education our population is able to attain.

Having hosted the 19th Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers in June 2015, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology adopted for its national theme throughout all public schools the 19CCEM’s theme, ‘Quality Educa-

tion for Equitable Development; Performance, Paths and Productivity.” The MOEST is on a mission and we are not about business as usual. We recognize the importance of education and we know that we must be proactive in our approach.

Providing quality education is indeed the focus of the MOEST and as we educate the next generation of Bahamians, we are strategized to ensure that the education we offer is also relevant. Students must be able to understand and appreciate the connection between what they learn in school and how it will impact them as adults.

The world now stands at the cross roads of what was and what will be. In 2000, the global community through the United Nations embarked on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and in September 2016, the world will adopt and shift its focus to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). What will the next 15 years look like and what will be our focus leading into 2030? In 2000, the year 2015 seemed like such a long way away and now it is almost over. This is a clear indication that the time is now for us to act, to elevate our standard of education and to increase our expectation of parents, students, teachers, administrators, senior education officials, the community and our country. Excellence must become the norm and not the exception, and when we as a country boast of being the best little country on the planet, the facts must be there to validate and confirm the assertion.

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According to Global Partnership for Education, “girls and boys who learn to read, write and count will provide a better future for their families and countries. With improved education, so many other areas are positively affected. In short, education has the power to make the world a better

place.” In the same vein, education certainly has the power to make our country a better place, as it did for scores of Bahamians during the 1960s, 70s and 80s.

This is truly a defining period in our nation’s history. This is our moment in time to recalibrate and set the course for our country, using the education compass to steer us in the right direction. The benefits of education must no longer be underestimated. Education must matter - not just to those who know its value and have benefitted from the privileges of having received a quality education, but also to those who find the concept hard to grasp.

We must find a way to get each citizen and resident of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to recognize the significant role education will play in moving The Bahamas forward, upward, onward, together.

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Alex Turnquest Fashion Designer • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Currently employed as a Senior Personal banking officer at a local bank Began designing and sewing what I call 'walking art' at the age of 16 Decided to become fully immersed in fashion by leading all about design, fashion production and styling.

Currently attending BTVI to fine tune my skills as a fashion designer Certified stylist Premier collection Attended St. Annes school Primarily designs mens wear My passion is fashion however I also enjoy fast paced activities such as tennis and running.

It is my intention to attend a fashion school abroad to become certified in fashion design and become a noted fashion designer Born to Donovan Turnquest & Andrea Moncur To fulfill my life long dream of becoming a household name in fashion is what I strive for in life.

Would love to appear on public media and local or international radio to talk about fashion and help others in need of styling advice.

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Shomekhan Cargill

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eet 23 year old Shomekhan Cargill, a graduate of St. Andrew’s High School and the College of the Bahamas, who along with his team are bringing new modern technological advances to Agriculture while mentoring others in making a substantial contribution to the development of the country.

Shomekhan’s keen and avid interest and discipline earned him the prestigious 2014 National Youth Award Prime Minister’s Cup. This young man enjoys the outdoors, fishing, shooting, camping, raising ducks and dominoes, Earning his BSc degree at the College of the Bahamas in 2014 in small island sustainability focus in sustainable agriculture he has rolled up his sleeves and leading the charge in the nation’s ability to feed itself.

“Agriculture on a large scale usually involves land and capital. As a young person fresh out of school, those two things are in very short supply. So consulting work was the perfect solution. We young people have access to lots of information, plenty strength to do hard work and lots of time.

His advice to youth of the nation: - “A man who is hungry doesn’t really listen to counseling and an idle hungry man is frustrated and dangerous.

I try to keep young people as busy as possible often sacrificing profits to keep guys working. The feel of honest work uplifts the spirit and gives confidence. I also work with kids and am no stranger to Agri or science camps or class visits with animals. I try to help wherever I can. We started a project with permission from the Ranfurly home last year and worked with some of the kids and grew okra, cucumbers, carrots and a few other things. We hope to do even more with them this year.

the goal of helping more people. Or maybe I can inspire someone who saw me then it’s all worth it in the end. I am happy with the concept as a whole because it invigorates positive competitive spirits as well as highlights positive achievements that often take a sideline to negatives such as violence or corruption”.

As being the recipient of the Prime Minister’s Cup : “To have a Prime Minister’s Cup Winner from the Agri field also says a lot about how many persons in the nonconventional successful careers are also making noteworthy contributions.

I’m not excited about the praise itself but more so happy that recognition is often useful in gaining more ability to carry out

DEFINING THE NATION'S RICH HERITAGE

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Her Excellency Mrs. Alma Adams

Ambassador of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas to the Republic of Cuba on the Festival of Fire

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he dust has now settled and the curtains have come down on the weeklong magnificent celebration of Premio Internacional Casa Del Caribe and the 35th annual Festival of Fire in the quaint and bustling city of Santiago de Cuba; with its narrow winding alleys and looping hill top streets and its wonderful people; watched over by the majestic Sierra Maestra Mountains; which hold the lore of this country’s revolutionary history.

The Commonwealth of the Bahamas had the distinction of serving as the Honour Country for this Festival in which nearly 30 countries from Europe, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean participated; and in which our renowned Bahamian Entertainer and World famous drummer Berkley Peanuts Taylor was honoured with accolades, certificates and commendations for his lifetime achievements.

It was particularly a blessing and a tremendous incentive for the 300 plus talented Bahamian Cultural delegation to participate in the festival and show off the best of The Bahamas in the week leading up to our very own 42nd anniversary of Independence on July 10th. I join with the Bahamian delegation in offering our gracious thanks of The Honourable Dr. Daniel Johnson, Minister for Culture, who was here for most of the Festival and Mr. Ian Poitier, who served as Artistic Director.

The Bahamian Team was further encouraged and inspired by the presence and active participation of Mrs. Bernadette Christie, the wife of the Prime Minister who represented him at the Festival and

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made us all proud with her humility and engaging and infectious spirit in our interacting with the other Festival participants and indeed the good people of Santiago de Cuba.

I want to assure the Bahamian people at home and abroad that it soon became clear during this international Festival that the culture and spirit and flavor of the Bahamian contingent was the toast of this town.

The Bahamas, despite some early preliminary disadvantages regarding luggage and arrival into Santiago quickly got into the game and demonstrated for all that we are a world super power in Culture and Talent.

Bahamians would be thrilled and excited to see millions of Cubans, Tourists and the other participating delegations lining the historic route of the parade on the afternoon of July 9th ; just to experience their first glimpse of Junkanoo and to hear the continuous and deafening roar from the crowd of their joy and excitement.

The Bahamian delegation in the words of Shakespeare; they came, they saw and they conquered.

This magnificent Junkanoo parade was a most fitting episodic end to a weeklong display and demonstration to the world of what the Bahamas has to offer. I was particularly pleased with the attention that the Foreign Press gave the Bahamas presentation during the Festival as it made it clear that we had caught their attention and they were eager to share us with the world.

The City of Santiago de Cuba was founded 500 years ago and the Festival marked that anniversary.

Bahamians would know that the founding of this Cuban city would have taken place just short of a

score of the landing of the European navigator Columbus on the Island of San Salvador.

This shared history with the people of Santiago and in particular the harsh and brutal experiences of the African diaspora on our two countries provided an important and interesting linkage to the fusion of our two cultures during the Festival.

I wish to highlight the following events and circumstances of the Bahamas delegation.

1. The Opening Ceremony in which Minister Johnson spoke to our connectivity with Santiago de Cuba and the Columbus experience and Mrs. Christie did us all proud with a stirring speech in Spanish.

2. The initial parade in the City Square in which the entire Bahamian contingent did a rush pass the Official Dias.

3. The Opening of the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas led by the Director of the NAGB Amanda Coulson and her dedicated staff in which splendid pieces of Bahamian art were put on display.

4. The High powered and award winning Bahamian Culinary team which offered a taste of the Bahamas throughout the week at various locations.

5. The State Dinner in which Cuban Chefs joined the Bahamian Culinary Team in offering a nine course Bahamian fete to invited guests and dignitaries.

6. The Gala in the National Theatre in which The College of the Bahamas Choir, the National Dance School, Emanji, The Royal Bahamas Defence Force, The Rake and Scrape Youth Band, various solo Bahamian

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artists, Javorette Bethel, Fashion Designer and her models brought a packed theatre to their feet in a rousing applause at the end of our presentation.

7. The performance of the Junkanoo artists at the Gala which left the Theatre and went into the streets where again hundreds of Cubans and visitors lifted their voices in song to the Cuban poplar anthem of “Guantanamera “, so ably performed by Bahamian

on the afternoon of July 9th.

11. The Raising of our National Flag and the singing of our National Anthem at Bahamas House at mid night July 10th to celebrate the 42 anniversary of our National Independence.

Junkanoo to wide critical acclaim.

8. The hosting of the Town Council of a Dinner for the entire Bahamian Delegation after the Gala.

9. The Opening of Bahamas House of Casa De Bahamas which became the headquarters of the Bahamian production and the nightly events showing our culture and people.

10. The grand finale Junkanoo performance in the City Centre

We are convinced that the Bahamas took Cuba by storm and had the world in the palm of our hands as we once again as a young nation with a vibrant and talented people took the Bahamas to the world and emerged El Numero Uno.

The Embassy wishes to thank all of the Bahamians who made us all proud of their deportment and conduct while in Cuba and the stellar representation and excellence they gave to the Bahamas brand.

We sincerely thank the Government and the people of Cuba and the City of Santiago de Cuba for their kind invitation for the Bahamas participation at the Festival.

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he majestic Sierra Madre mountain range, which hold the secrets of the Cuban Revolution and frames the ancient city of Santiago de Cuba pulsated, echoed and trembled with Junkanoo, Rake N’ Scrape, Bahamian art and craft and our culinary pleasures baring witness to a Bahamian tour de force there to celebrate at the Festival of Fire in July.

Co-sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, a delegation of more than 300 Bahamian artisans were in Santiago de Cuba for the colourful festival, with performances throughout the city and ending in a fabulous crescendo in the fabled Santiago De Cuba City square on the steps of the historic offices of Fidel Castro before the victory of the Revolution in 1959.

Thousands of Cubans and visitors filled the route of the final parade, leaning out of windows, packed on patios and roof tops, atop statues, plastering the streets, and mesmerized with the magic of the Bahamian Junkanoo beat and the majesty artistic flair and confidence of the Bahamian dancers and musicians.

This city of Santiago was founded 500 years ago and today is the second most populous city on the Island, only to Havana. Here a multi-cultural ethnic diversity of the Cuban people reside in peace and harmony. The Festival of Fire is enjoying its 32nd year.

The Bahamas participation as the “Country of Honour” was cemented in August 2014 when Prime Minister Perry G. Christie was in Havana for an international regional conference. President Raul Castro on behalf of his

Government graciously offered The Bahamas this prestigious honour and Prime Minister Christie accepted.

The rush was then on to identify,

mould and prepare a Bahamian contingent for the event.

“We came. We saw. We conquered,” says Dr. Danny Johnson, Minister of Culture.

“Millions of Cubans enjoyed their national song Guan tan Amera Bahamian Junkanoo rendition version and it lifted them off their feet. To see the infants in Cuba and their parents and older siblings

electrified by Bahamian Culture in a country where we know the Cubans are an international Cultural Meteor was a once in a life time experience,” says Dr. Johnson.

“It was particularly important for the Bahamian artisans who are so familiar with how their craft is enjoyed at home and then to go abroad and hold the world in the palm of your hands is an experience which will improve the quality, content, character and direction of this art form,” the Minister said.

The Bahamas Delegation was led by Dr. Danny Johnson, Minister of Youth Sports and Culture.

First Lady Mrs. Bernadette Christie, wife of the Prime Minister was the special guest of the City and the Festival.

The Chief of Mission was Ian Poitier assisted

by Ronald Simms. Chris Justilien, Audrey Wright, both from the Music department of the College of the Bahamas, Dr. Linda Moxey Brown, Director of Culture, “Fast Eddie Dames, Deputy Director, several award winning Bahamian chefs, Saxon’s leader Percy Vola Francis, Linda Stubbs, the site creative director, Amanda Coulson, CEO of the National Art Gallery, K Darron Turnquest, Director of Youth, Georgie Bethel and Bill Wallace from the Junkanoo Commission Vaughn Jones and a number of other Junkanoo personalities made up the team.

The National Dance School, Emanji Dance Circus, Frankie Gibson, the Magician, Jadorette Bethel Fashion Designer, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Band complimented with Bahamian Set designers and Film Makers Kareem Mortimer, Gina Rodgers, writers Dr. Ian Bethel-Bennet, Marion Bethel, and artists Chan Bethel and the Junkanoo consortium were much admired events and displays and performances at the Festival.

More than 23 countries from around the world participated in the festival including Spain, USA, Germany, Finland, Argentina, Brazil, Aruba/Bonaire/Curacao, the Netherlands, France, Haiti, St. Kitts and Cayman Islands.

“To see the actual participants from these foreign countries in a freeze frame actually parting the parade route to allow The Bahamas precedence and marveling at the Bahamian Junkanoo performance was classic,” Dr. Johnson said.

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According to Mr. Francis, Leader of the Saxons Junkanoo Group the Cuban experience can only be compared to the Bahamas’ performance in Edmonton Canada at that most prestigious international festival, “where the world stood still and the Bahamas became the only country to be invited back a second time.”

Award winning Bahamian Chefs prepared and served a 12 course Bahamian Dining Experience at a State Dinner held in Santiago.

Hundreds more Cubans filled the Santiago National Theatre where the Bahamas took to the stage with a production designed by Mr. Strachan which drew a standing ovation.

Bahamas House, a two story Cuban house was re-decorated by Linda Stubbs and her Bahamian crew in the Gold, Aquamarine and Black of the National Flag and Bahamian motifs, art work and furniture used to create the Bahamian experience. On the grounds of Bahamas House, the Festival was feted to Bahamian food, Ring Plays and Story Telling Time and Cuban and Tourist children were taught Bahamian nursery rhymes, dances and songs and how to play traditional Bahamian music instruments. Film Makers Kareem Mortimer and Gina Rodgers presented their recent work.

Just a stone’s throw across the ciudad was the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas where Mrs. Coulson and here team converted this building into a presentation of Bahamian work with artists like Chan Bethel was there to discuss their work.

Cuban translators assisted in the presentation of works by Marion Bethel and Ian Bethel Bennet.

“We created the Bahamian Experience in Cuba.

It is our National Brand which the people of the world continue to show an appreciation. It is the truest most natural exhibition of who we are, demonstrates our uniqueness and our unity and proves the tenacity and beauty, rhythm, talent and humanity of the Bahamian people,” Dr. Johnson said.

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42 Cultural Legends

The Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, on the occasion of the 42nd anniversary of independence, July 10th 2015-“The Year of Culture”- presents to the country FortyTwo CULTURAL LEGENDS for National Recognition, Honour and Highest Commendation.

Drawn from a multi-layered field of endeavor, our 42 CULTURAL LEGENDS have distinguished themselves through their art form and expression, and accordingly have humbly achieved status amongst their peers and the public consensus of appreciation.

It is with profound gratitude, we present the 42 CULTURAL LEGENDS:-

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1. Patrice Johnson 2. Viveca Watkins 3. Smokey 007 4. The Region Bells 5. The Rahming Brothers 6. The Cooling Waters 7. Sister Rachel Mackey 8. Paul Knowles 9. Fast Eddie Dames 10. Terez Hepburn 11. Bert Williams 12. Johnny Kemp 13. Sweet Richard

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14. Berkley Van Byrd 15. Dry Bread (Cyril Ferguson) 16. Eric Minns 17. Pat Rahming 18. K.B. (Kirkland Bodie) 19. Eugene Davis 20. Funky D (David Ferguson) 21. Fred Ferguson

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22. Ira Storr 23. Nehemiah Hield 24. Max Taylor 25. Frank Penn 26. Nita Ellis 27. Priscilla Rollins 28. Claudette "Cookie" Allens 29. Hope Curry 30. Phil Stubbs 31. Arlene Nash Ferguson 32. Abigail Charlow 33. Joanne Callender 34. Telcine Turner-Rolle 35. Greg Lampkin 36. Brother Barry 37. Rev. JJ Stubbs 38. Veronica Bishop 39. Duke Errol Strachan 40. Alton Lowe 41. Royal Bahamas Police Force Band 42. Terez Davis (Dynamite Daisy)

WWW.OURCULTURELEGENDS.COM

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AG Maynard Gibson invokes Sir Lynden’s spirit of ‘Service to Country’ to new regional law graduates.

As the nation continues to push for Service to humanity and nation building Attorney General Senator The Hon. Alyson Maynard Gibson inspired the new graduates of the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad and Tobago to understand, appreciate and embrace this as a duty in their profession.

WE ARE PLEASED TO PRESENT THE AG’S BRILLIANT ADDRESS:TO THE GRADUATES HUGH WOODING LAW SCHOOL It is an honour and great pleasure to be here this afternoon and to join with your professors, lecturers, tutors, advisors, family and friends as we celebrate and honour the Region’s newest lawyers. I congratulate all of you and thank all who have supported you to this important day in your lives. Your certificates equally belong to your parents and significant others who have supported you on this journey.

I am especially honoured to participate in this occasion. I am the Granddaughter of 2 of the members of the Maverick Club formed in 1919 in Port of Spain, Trinidad

by C.L.R. James. I have a picture of the 1919 members. In that picture are my Grandparents and 3 of my Grand Aunts (including Auntie Kay who is well known to Trinidadians of my generation). They were close friends of Sir Hugh Wooding and our families have been connected for generations. May I also acknowledge my cousins Madam Justice Judith Jones and former Justice of Appeal James Davis, shoots of the same root.

About 35 years ago I was in your

position: excited, relieved, scared and bursting with pride! I assure you that you are about to commence a learned profession that is one of the most exciting, if not THE most exciting profession in the world!

Graduates frequently tell me that they care about “jobs and money” and that in 10 years they want to be “well-known and very successful”. For some this translates to “I want to be rich”.

Savour today’s enthusiasm and take it with you every day for the rest of your life. I’d like you to remember that the tripod upon which success as a lawyer stands comprises 3 words: learn; return; and earn.

To become a “well known and successful lawyer”, you must daily work hard in pursuit of excellence.

Word will spread of your reputation for excellence.

There will be such demand for your services that you will earn. But note, success comes from reputation, which can’t be bought. You will gain satisfaction, knowledge, and so much more [which also can’t be bought] from giving back or returning.

Sir Lynden Pindling, the first Prime Minister of an Independent Bahamas, when he was called to The Bar in 1953 quoted his former tutor, saying, “These are the days when the need for men of sterling worth is greatest. When I was a young man, a lawyer was essentially a defender of criminals, or a draughtsman of wills: but today the lawyer’s task is greater. He must reach forward out of the realm of pure law and delve into the life of this community, he must unravel the mysteries of unrest and dissention and assist in the promotion of a good life for his fellow citizens, the good life that Aristotle, the cream of Greek philosophers, so valiantly sought. All of you can help fill that need: some of you must.”

Sir Lynden then said, “My Lord as I have vowed to uphold the principles of this noble profession, so do I dedicate myself to the service of this land, this colony, this people, this community.” [Sir Lynden Pindling on his call to the Bar July 11 1953] Sir Lynden is one of the Founding Regionalism.

The words of Sir Lynden and his tutor are as important today as they were in 1953, “…the lawyer’s task is greater”.

You are entering practice at an extremely exciting

time – of change- the Information and Communication Technology (“ICT”) era. This means that your options, duties and responsibilities are limitless.

Notwithstanding rapid change, there are some principles/rules that are timeless. I urge you to consider some of them.

1. Integrity. Integrity is the first rule for lawyers. Always remember that money in your client account belongs to your client, not you.

And, ensure that the Court and everyone in your community can say of you that you are “…of sterling worth…” or can be trusted.

This takes time. The time taken to assure your good reputation reaps endless rewards.

2. Always carry yourself or conduct yourself like a member of this learned profession … the law.

The only place where “success” comes before “work” is the dictionary. People expect much from lawyers. ALWAYS do your best.

No matter how simple something

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The only place where “success” comes before “work” is the dictionary.

an UNQUENCHABLE thirst for knowledge- “…the lawyer’s task is greater”.

Even the traditional areas of law have evolved in the ICT era. 30 years ago, Criminal law would have primarily encompassed murder, theft, rape and similar crime. Today, criminal law encompasses cross border offences like human smuggling, trafficking in persons, and cyberspace offences.

Wills and other legal documents are now available online in prepackaged software.

Family law is no longer “traditional”.

Existing laws in some jurisdictions have placed them in the position where 2 parents could ask a surrogate mother to carry a child conceived the result of donated egg and donated sperm. Law-

These are the days when the need for men of sterling worth is greatest.

- Lynden Pindling on his call to The Bahamas July 11th, 1953

may seem, give it your best.

When matters appear to be very simple they usually contain complexity that can only unraveled though humility and hard work.

3. Never stop learning. Choose an area of law that you enjoy recognizing that law touches every aspect of “life”. So, you may practice in other areas of the law during your career. Have

yers will be challenged as each of them asserts rights in respect of the child?

Financial services, seen by many countries in the Region as a sector with tremendous potential for expansion, is being redefined. As most countries in the Region emerge from the adverse impact of the Global Recession, banks are consolidating services, closing branches and promoting online busi-

ness. Online business brings new legal challenges in an ICT world. I foreshadow that Caribbean region banks over the short to medium term will be reconsidering their correspondent banking relationships. For decades Regional correspondent banking has been conducted through the U.S.A. I believe that we will see China grow as a choice for correspondent banking.

Some countries in the Region have become dollarized economies i.e. that the U.S. dollar is the official currency.

Surely we can imagine a day when countries may decide to become “Chinese Yuan Renminbiized”. And, many countries may decide to link their currency to one or other currency. Securities law, online gaming law, regulatory law and focus on combatting money laundering and terrorism financing will require your attention.

Consider the importance of CFATF, headquartered in Trinidad which, next month will take the Chair of CFATF. The first female and I believe only female to Co-Chair an FATF Committee is from Trinidad, Ms. Dawne Spicer.

Of course being a Region primarily of Island States, Maritime law is increasing in importance. Maritime law and any other specialty involving international trade or treaties present untold opportunities in international arbitration.

The Bahamas’ Prime Minister has just demitted the Chair of CARICOM. He and other CARICOM Prime Ministers are deeply concerned about the impact of climate change. Environmental law is front and centre on national and international agendas.

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The era of ICTs and adherence to international conventions continues to redefine Constitutional law. Thirty years ago access by a disabled person to a building, or a matter involving the rights of and to children would have been domestic matters. Today lawyers must reference UN Conventions and decisions from other jurisdictions.

The Region needs people who understand and speak the language of international law. You are graduating at a time when you will probably need to know how to draft petitions for the Inter-American Commission or Court of Human Rights; the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the Dispute Settlement Panel of the World Trade Organization (WTO), or the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) and regionally, the Caribbean Court of Justice. Some of you may eventually sit as a member of that eminent court.

In the arena of rapid change, I see the formation of Regional Law Firms.

Many US based law firms have offices in major or strategic world trading centres. Look around you at your colleagues from other jurisdictions. Could they be your partner in a Regional law firm? This issue will be on your doorstep sooner rather than later. As I speak, lawyers from other parts of the world are lobbying national Bar Councils and Governments to have rights of audience in national Courts.

You are coming into the profession at an exciting time – one involving tremendous change – change in how we practice within law firms (led by the use of technology); change in the Courts’ processes (led by technology and the awareness of the value of judicial time, a treasured and limited commodity); increasing focus on international order/norms rather than domestic order/norms (examples are routine reference to various UN Conventions and regimes of international organizations such as FATF and

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Photo from L to R: Ms. Carol Aina (Principal of the Norman Manley Law School); Mrs. Miriam Samaru (Principal of the Hugh Wooding Law School); Mrs. Jacqueline Samuels Brown (Principal of the Council of Legal Education); Senator the Hon. Allyson Maynard Gibson Q.C. (Attorney General of The Bahamas); Mr. Reginald Armour SC (President of the Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago); Mrs. Tonya Bastian Galanis (Principal of the Eugene Dupuch Law School).

CFATF, WTO and EPA); and in the Region, continued development of Caricom and the CCJ. And, especially as the Caribbean is underrepresented in these organizations, a part of your career may be spent working in one of them.

Never stop learning.

4. Consider whether for you law will be a business. Professor Richard Susskind has written extensively about the “End of Lawyers”. In the ICT era lawyers are outsourcing support services. Some feel that these are best provided by businesses led or owned by lawyers. You may be the owner of, or shareholder in, such an enterprise, which again, may be a Regional enterprise.

5. Give back to your community. Return. Last week when His Holiness Pope Francis addressed the joint session of Congress he said that members are “…called to defend and preserve the dignity of your fellow citizens in the tireless and demanding pursuit of the common good…”. These words apply equally to you.

Sir Hugh Wooding when speaking at the ceremonial opening of the Legal Year in 1963 said, “To my mind, the intent and meaning of the Law is precisely that of disciplined endeavour in the cause of social justice. What do we do about it? Do we merely

practice our profession or do we set about informing ourselves of the law’s inadequacies so that, armed with knowledge, we may give an impetus to social reform? Put another way, I would phrase it in this wise – that our purpose should not be limited administering the laws justly but should extend to seeing that the laws are just.”

Your legacy will be built from the last leg of the tripod – “return” – giving back to your community.

6. Promote efficiency in the administration of justice. Today, for Ministers of Justice, at least 2 things were clear, [1] small States are challenged by efficiency in administration of justice and [2] well developed States are challenged by efficiency in the administration of justice.

For ALL STATES, efficiency in the administration of justice means that the status quo cannot remain the same. The world is connected in real time. Time is money. Efficiency is the watch word. Judicial time is valuable. As an advocate, you can gain admiration and respect for clarity and brevity. 35 years ago, people used to say in jest that “lawyers get paid by the word”. Today, clients and Judges want you to communicate clearly, in words that everyone can understand and, without prejudicing your client, to be as brief as possible.

Efficiency also means that you will complete the “e” movement in the administration of justice – including use of digital files and videoconferencing in courts and offices. Case management by videoconferencing is today’s reality.

I return to matter enunciated by the young lawyers with whom I spoke – “I want to be a well-known and very successful lawyer”. Please read about the life of Sir Hugh Wooding, National Hero. He unceasingly gave to Trinidad and Tobago and the Region. This is the “return” leg of the tripod of success. Please, give as much as you can as often as you can to developing “the Law” and a just society. “Justice” as exhorted by Sir Hugh Wooding and countless others is a spiritual concept. It will be attained as you unceasingly ask the One higher than us all to give you “wisdom”. Your broad shoulders are there for others to stand on.

Madame Chair has every reason to be proud.

Regional leaders know that in the hands of these graduates the future is bright.

I pray that God will richly bless your lives and your careers.

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eam Bahamas finished the games with a total of 25 medals - 11 gold, 10 silver and 4 bronze. Swim coach Jeanine Lee who attended the World Games for the first time said "Wow!!! This was an experience of a lifetime" and Head of delegation for The Bahamas, Gilbert Williams adds "We are all very proud of our athletes. As usual, they gave it their all and left everything they had on the competition field". The team was made up of a good mix of first time athletes and coaches, along with with athletes and coaches with previous World Games experience. Team Bahamas recorded a number of firsts as this was the first time competing in Unified Sports at the World Games and also the first time winning medals in every sport that it competed in.

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hirty (30) years ago Commonwealth world leaders, most of them already passed, gathered in Nassau for their 46th Summit at the Cable Beach Hotel, where the hot button issue was an urgency for a final push to compel the White Racist Government of South Africa to dismantle Apartheid, free Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners and begin talks with Black leaders for the transformation to democracy.

Chairing the historic meeting was Sir Lynden Pindling, Founding Father of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and Prime Minister.

CHOGM in Nassau quickly turned into heated domestic political football issue as a Commission of Inquiry had reported on the extent of Drug Trafficking through The Bahamas as a result of the infamous September 5th 1983 Brian Ross NBC television news report which made serious allegations against public figures.

Pindling’s ruling Progressive Liberal Party was just two years short of a mandated general election and the Official Opposition led by Sir Kendal G. L. Isaacs QC and a former Attorney General organized demonstrations against the PLP which they said was using CHOGM to sanitize their record.

Nassau was a political hornet’s nest. As world leaders such as Brian Mulroney from Canada, Rajiv Gandhi from India, Bob Hawke from Australia and the Iron Lady Margaret Thatcher of the UK

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political tort, Pindling said of the Opposition, “CHOGM will choke ‘em”.

The domestic politics as hot and torrid as it was could and would not obscure the importance of the key issues on the table at CHOGM from the Bahamian people.

Etienne Dupuch taunting the Committee on South Africa as they demonstrated against his propaganda articles praising the White racist Goivernment of Pretoria.

and the distinguished Secretary General Shridath Ramphal arrived; demonstrators lined various routes and appeared at various functions with placards and bull horns to denounce Pindling and his Government.

The calming and hospitable attitude and manner of the Bahamian people when Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11 is in the country just about disap-

peared. The Queen and Prince Philip no doubt got to read their fair share of the anti PLP/Pindling placards and newspaper stories.

As Pindling and Isaacs sparred in the ring of

The historic struggle for freedom in South Africa found a most cooperative and passionate ally amongst the Bahamian people. By 1980 even Bahamian primary school children knew of the tragedy of the Black majority at the hands of a white Dutch Immigrant minority. The painful story of the Soweto Massacre was corner boy’s discussion. Heroes like Steven Biko, Bishop Desmond Tutu, and Winnie Mandela loomed large in our lives. Then there was Nelson Mandela, wasting away in prison as the White Afrikaners establishment of Pik Botha and DeKlerk ruled with iron and unrelenting intolerance. Pretoria and Johannesburg were hated and feared cities of the world to Bahamians. The South African incursion into neighbouring Namibia brought new focus and energy from our people The Committee on South Africa was formed as a focus and fund raising group to bring awareness to the struggle against Apartheid and to fund the African National Congress (ANC) and the Namibian resistance.

Beckford produced a weekly political newspaper, The Herald, which supported the PLP.

Mrs. Thatcher had made it clear from the last CHOGM in New Delhi that she was opposed to imposing economic sanctions on South Africa as an incentive to get the Apartheid Government to mend its ways.

Sanctions, Mrs. Thatcher argued; would only hurt and harm more people and in particular the already embattled and troubled Black majority. The front line African states such as Botswana, Lesotho, Zambia, Swaziland, Zimbabwe and Tanzania were insisting on sanctions.

Sir Lynden grasped the magnitude of the deft skill and decorum he would have to bring to the table as Chairman of CHOGM to reach a conclusion that would satisfy all parties, bring about the end of Apartheid and not hamper or threaten the unity of CHOGM. It was Brian Mulroney, who wrote many years later; of his personal pride and honour in how Pindling conducted those most intense sessions and navigated CHOGM towards an accommodation with Mrs. Thatcher’s position to oppose sanctions and the continued review of the situation; with the appointment of The Eminent Persons Group; to meet in London the following year, and to make further determinations.

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position for the majority to climb to the top of what the minority held as their personal fiefdom. Segregation and racism was overt where it wanted to be. The former owner of the British Colonial Hotel down town just simply refused to let “negroes” work as bellmen, door men or on the front desk of the property. They could not even mop, dust or clean the front lobby areas. The Savoy Theatre down town Bay Street had a simple policy: WHITES ONLY. In subdivisions like Westward Villas and the White Grove, restrictive covenants in conveyances absolutely forbid Black people from owning; leasing or buying property there. These neighbourhoods were exclusively for “people of the Caucasian race,” the recitals in land documents said.

The history of the Bahamian people was closely interwoven with the tragedy of the majority in South Africa.

A ruling white Oligarchy had controlled The Bahamas for more than 300 years and Blacks were subject to a psychological and physical detachment from key spheres of national life. From the protest of Pompey, the African Slave in Exuma who challenged the illegalities of Slave Masters before the Governor in Nassau, to the barbaric report on the terror inflicted on Slave Girl Kate at Crooked Island, to the tell all story on the injustices of the White Minority and their “above the law” status as revealed in Magistrate Powel’s “The Land of the Pink Pearl” ; to the Burma Road Riot 1942, to Black Tuesday on April 25th, 1962 to the final victory of Majority Rule on January 10th 1967, the Bahamian people could identify with what it felt like to be second class citizens in the country of their birth.

Once upon a short time ago; Black Bahamians knew the ladder on which they could climb did not have the same amount of rungs as that given to white people and nor was it ever placed in a

More troubling for the nation was a decision made by controversial Tribune Publisher Sir Etienne Dupuch in the early 1980s to travel to South Africa as a guest of the South African government. Dupuch would pen a series of articles and editorials in which he defended Apartheid and went so far as to opine that the Black South African, contained to the reservations and black townships were in a much better condition politically and economically than the Black People of The Bahamas.

In particular Dupuch wrote that Soweto was far better for living conditions than the Yellow Elder Government sponsored housing community in Nassau.

Dupuch was not new to this sort of controversy. It had been alleged that he plagiarized a Resolution to end racial discrimination in the then Colony of the Bahama Islands in 1953 when he learnt that then leader of the PLP Henry Milton Taylor had to his detriment confided in Dupuch of his intention. Dupuch is said to have warned the ruling White legislative oligarchy about the PLP move and got to his feet in the Assembly and moved the Resolution himself which was passed but amounted to nothing more than words on a piece of paper.

Dupuch would later be exposed in an earlier Commission of Inquiry looking into Casino Gambling in the then Colony as having received in the early 1960s huge amounts of monies from

the international persons connected to casino operations controlled and owned by organized crime to promote, to sell and push for the approval of casino gambling in the columns of his newspaper.

As Dupuch wrote every evening in his newspaper about the glories of the White South African Government, the Committee on Southern Africa staged a peaceful demonstration on a Shirley Street side walk opposite The Tribune. Dupuch, a feisty and combative person walked across the street to taunt the demonstrators.

On that placard line against Dupuch was Mrs. Beryl Hanna, the wife of the then Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Arthur Dion Hanna, Vern Darville, chief reporter at the Nas-

sau Guardian, Mark Beckford a former Tribune Reporter and Fred Mitchell, former News Director at ZNS who along with Beckford produced a weekly political newspaper, The Herald, which supported the PLP. The freedom songs of the Soweto children had become the chorus of the Bahamian people. The Caribbean anthems of “Free Mandela” echoed across our island nation.

Pindling left for London the following year to attend the Eminent Persons meeting for a review of the decision of the Nassau Accords on bringing South Africa to the decency of the free world.

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Pindling and his PLP went on to win the subsequent 1987 general elections by a land slide. Five years later - August 19th, 1992- the Pindling Government was toppled at the polls by the Free National Movement now being led by Mr. Hubert Ingraham, a former Cabinet Minister in the Pindling PLP Government.

The ugliness of South Africa and its stubbornness to heel to international pressure again shot to the front again in 1996 when a South African Investor, Sol Kerzner was given permission by the Ingraham Government to purchase the Resorts International properties at Paradise Island through his South African company Sun International.

Protestors pointed to The Bahamas’s role in CHOGM 1985 and as signatories to the Gleneagles Agreement our country should not entertain South African business as part of the sanctions against the country. Apartheid was still public policy and Mandela remained in jail.

Apartheid collapsed within months. Nelson Mandela was freed. South Africa held democratic general elections and President Mandela was elected as the country’s first Black leader.

Mr. Mandela visited the Bahamas and thanked the Bahamian people for their support. He made a private courtesy call on Sir Lynden at his residence Skyline Drive, Nassau.

Since President Mandela’s historic visit his successor President Mbeke has made a State Visit to The Bahamas under the Prime Minister ship of The Rt. Honourable Perry G. Christie.

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THE COMMONWEALTH ACCORD ON SOUTHERN AFRICA

We consider that South Africa’s continuing refusal to dismantle Apartheid, its illegal occupation of Namibia, and its aggression against its neighbours constitute a serious challenge to the values and principles of the Commonwealth, a challenge which Commonwealth countries cannot ignore. At New Delhi we expressed the view that “only the eradication of Apartheid and the establishment of Majority Rule on the basis of free and fair exercise of universal adult suffrage by all the people in a united and non-fragmented South Africa can lead to a just and lasting solution of the explosive situation prevailing in Southern Africa”.

We are united in the belief that reliance on the range of pressures adopted so far has not resulted in the fundamental changes we have sought over many years. The growing crisis and intensified repression in South Africa means that Apartheid must be dismantled now if a greater tragedy is to be averted and that concerted pressure must be brought to bear to achieve that end. We consider that the situation calls for urgent practical steps.

2. We therefore, call on the authorities in Pretoria for the following steps to be taken in a genuine manner and as a matter of urgency: (a) Declare that the system of Apartheid will be dismantled and specific and meaningful action taken in fulfillment of that intent. (b) Terminate the existing state of emergency (c) Release immediately and unconditionally Nelson Mandela and all others imprisoned and detained for their opposition to Apartheid. (d) Establish political freedom and specifically lift the existing ban on the African National Congress (ANC) and other political parties. (e) Initiate, in the context of a suspension of violence on all sides, a process of dialogue across lines of colour, political and religion, with a view to establishing a non-racial and representative government.

3. We have agreed on a number of measures which have as their rationale impressing on the authorities in Pretoria the compelling urgency of dismantling Apartheid and erecting the structures of democracy in South Africa. The latter, in particular, demands a process of dialogue inviting the true representatives of the majority Black population of South Africa. We believe that we must do all we can to assist that process, while recognizing that the forms of political settlement in South Africa are for the people of that country – all the people – to determine.

4. To this end, we have established a small group of Eminent Commonwealth Persons to encourage through all practicable ways the evolution of that necessary process of political dialogue. We are not unmindful of the difficulties such an effort will encounter, including the possibility of initial rejection by the South African authorities, but, we believe it to be our duty to leave nothing undone that might contribute to peaceful change in South Africa and avoid the dreadful prospect of violent conflict that looms over South Africa, threatening people of all races in the country, and the peace and stability of the entire Southern Africa region.

5. We are asking the President of Zambia and the Prime Ministers of Australia, The Bahamas, Canada, India, the United Kingdom and Zimbabwe to develop with the Secretary General the modalities of this effort to assist the process of political dialogue in South Africa. We would look to the group of Eminent Persons to seek to facilitate the processes of dialogue referred to in paragraph 2 (e) above and by all practicable means to advance the fulfillment of the objectives of this Accord.

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abrielle Conliffe, a recent graduate of The College of The Bahamas, was born in New Providence on March 9, 1994. She completed her high school education at Kingsway Academy High School, where she graduated with honors as Class President, a member of the accelerated program and a prefect. Gabrielle has always been passionate about leadership, service and improving the lives of girls and young women in her country and around the world. During her four years at The College of The Bahamas, Gabrielle furthered her passion and became a charter member of both the Tau Nu Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and the Red Cross Collegiate Chapter. She currently serves her country as an Interning Youth Officer at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture under the direction of Mr. Darron K. Turnquest and is hoping to continue to serve in the public service. She has aspirations of furthering her education up to the doctoral level in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, which would assist her in giving her best to both the public service and the University of The Bahamas in years to come.

Above all else, Gabrielle's passion for young women supersedes her passion for Junkanoo, the arts and even education. She hopes to impact her country in the next five years in many ways, however she currently has plans in the making for a movement/organization that focuses on empowering females

ages 13-25. Gabrielle's life experiences motivated her to form this organization, for she overcame situations that taught her the importance of self-esteem, self-worth and empowering oneself as a young woman. Despite the negativity surrounding the youth of The Bahamas today, Gabrielle is a firm believer that some effort, combined with the right approaches formed in love, will turn the negativity into positivity. #YOUTHMATTER242 #TEAMWEROCK

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ourtney Treco was born on September 17th, 1993 in Nassau, Bahamas. She attended St. Andrew’s School and graduated in 2011. While in high school, Courtney stayed involved through sports; playing softball, soccer and volleyball in school, club soccer with Baha Juniors, and for the U15 and U17 Women’s National Soccer Teams.

After, she went off to university to the College of Charleston in Charleston, SC to pursue her Bachelor’s. In May 2015, Courtney graduated Cum Laude with a B.S. in Economics and a B.A. in Political Science with a minor in Spanish.

During her time at the College, Courtney became a member of three honor societies in her fields of study, Beta Gamma Sigma, Sigma Delta Pi and Pi Sigma Alpha, and remained on the Dean’s list for all four years of

Y R T IS N I M OF

university. She also graduated with honours in Political Science for her distinguished research on the effect of the media on female political leaders in the Caribbean.

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hile in Charleston, Courtney also joined the women’s rugby team, where she was the treasurer for two years and one of the captains her senior year. Not only did she and the team work together to slowly move up the ranks in the US, becoming 5th in the nation at the DII level her senior year, they also gave back to the community, working alongside organizations such as Charleston Habitat for Humanity and Keep Charleston Beautiful.

As a part of the leadership of the team, they also worked together to make the team one of the most excepting and open organisations on campus.

Although Courtney previously had an interest in law and interned at a prominent law firm in the Bahamas for two years, during her senior year she realised that becoming a lawyer wasn’t the path she wanted to take and instead decided to look for a way to give back to her community. After having the opportunity to teach low income families about micro finance and entrepreneurship, she realised the importance of financial

YOUTH

S T R E O R P U S T & CUL THE INTERNS

education and that it can help to improve the high youth unemployment in the Bahamas. For the summer after university she has been an interning Youth Officer at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, working on youth programmes that focus on increasing youth political participation and youth entrepreneurship in the Bahamas. In September 2015, Courtney will be going to the University of Sussex to pursue a Masters in Development Economics.

While she may be in the UK studying for the next two years, she hopes to have an impact on the Bahamas through improving economic development in the country. During her Masters, she plans to research the effects of economic development strategies on youth development so that she can come back to the Bahamas to help create, design and implement programmes that increase youth employment and encourage financial education.

By giving young people financial knowledge and basic skills, and more opportunities for work and self-employment, not only will more people be employed, but it will be a better functioning and self sustaining economy. Young people are the future and they need to know that they can take the risk and find the job of their dreams. #YouthMatter242 #TeamWeRock

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handa M.S. Roberts was born on May 13thst, 1991. She attended Carlton Francis Primary School and later boarded the train at St. Augustine’s College. Due to her genuine care and concern for others, she became a member of the Pilot Club and lend a helping hand wherever she could. She was also a member of the Governor General Youth Award Programme (GGYA). After graduating from St. Augustine’s, Chanda enrolled as a student at The College of The Bahamas during the Fall of 2008. Due to her academic accomplishments at the college, she was invited to become a member of The National Society of Leadership and Success. Chanda has recently graduated from The College of The Bahamas, where she obtained a B.A. in Psychology. Currently, she serves as an Intern Youth Officer at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture- Youth Division. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, spending time with her son and assisting with various organizations; inclusive of various political organizations. Here, she lives her dream of being a voice for the youth of her country, in a time

where they seem to be ignored.

Leaving an impact on and creating a legacy for the youth of her country is a way she believes she can serve her country well, as she believes that your greatness can only be defined and actualized

by YOU and that there is greatness in us all. As a youth advocate, her focal point is the young women of her country and the significance of realizing their worth and endless contributions to society.

She aims to make them understand that they are valuable and that they are representations of the divine adornment of humanity. She believes that the only person that has the authority to count you out is yourself and as a result, her favorite quote is: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill #YOUTHMATTER #TEAMWEROCK

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shley Mortimer currently serves as an Intern Youth Officer at The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture in The Bahamas. She is a recent graduate of The College of The Bahamas where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.

During her tenure at the college she held numerous leadership roles inclusive of Public Relations Director in the College of The Bahamas Union of Students, Vice President of the Student Psychological Student Association and has served as a Campus Life Associate and New Student Orientation Leader from 2012-2015.

Community collaboration has led her to a number of volunteer opportunities. Since 2012, she has served on The Bahamas Primary School Student of The Year Foundation. Later in 2015, she volunteered as the Help Desk Associate during the 19th Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers.

How do I see myself impacting the country in 5 years?

Ashley has always had a passion for uplifting and motivating others. In 5 years, she sees herself creating an interactive and hands-on curriculum infused in the Family Life course for both junior & high-school students across the islands of The Bahamas. This curriculum would focus on self-motivation, self-efficacy and self-worth under the title of “I am...” This program seeks to serve the student populous across gender and socioeconomic status.

She believes that the power that lies within an individual is limitless as long as they are able realize their full potential.

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onovon Collie is currently serving as an Intern Youth Officer at The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, in The Bahamas. He is an alumnus of The College of The Bahamas where he earned both an Associates Degree in Law and Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. A community service project at the Elizabeth Estates Children’s Home made way for a major turning point in his life. Here he came face to face with a portion of Bahamian society that has seemed to been marginalized or swept into a forgotten space. This experience has forever etched itself into his existence. The time spent engaging and working with those young individuals redirected his approach and execution and was a significant contributor and motivator to be an advocate for change and consequently challenge the status quo as everything is not always as it seems. He is now an active member of a charity based community service organization that actively works throughout the community.

As a male who has lived, worked and transitioned into many different stages of life, he has witnessed deterioration in the quality of the social fabric that has created the Bahamian ideal in generations past. Upon realizing this, he’s made it his life’s mission to positively impact the lives of every young individual he comes across as he believes that they are both the present and the future. He identifies as being an author of change and thus has committed himself to identifying and addressing many of the explicit and implicit issues that many of our youth face in this country. In a society where a significant portion of our youth feel devalued and ignored the onus is upon him and others who are a part of the cause to bring a face and a voice to the future guardians of generation.

He pledges to be steadfast and un-waivered in his effort to raise the values and character, as well as to motivate the youth of his country. Consequently, allowing young individuals to not only to be proud to be Bahamian but also to be proud of whom they are, whilst fostering a mindset toward positive growth and community building. #YouthMatter242

Objectives • •

Accomplishments • • • • •

Performed at all major events in the Bahamas.

Champions of the 2013 Battle of the Bands' at Howard University.

Nominated to perform in the 201l-2012 'Florida Classics'in Orlando.

Selected for the 2014 Macy"s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.

Prepare members for scholarship opportunities.

• •

• • •

Improve self-esteem and self confidence.

Promote a more positive outlook towards our youth. Promote academic excellence.

Foster a spirit of co-operation among our youth Generate National awareness of the importance of Performing Arts as it relates to academic performance and social development.

Train and equip our youth with necessary skills needed for higher education and life.

Exposing young people to our cultural heritage.

Creating opportunities through displaying the talents of our youth both locally and internationally.

A REAL BAHAMIAN THING!

As the Bahamas National Youth Choir celebrates 25 years of service to our beloved Bahamaland, it has become one such constant and reliable element in the field of arts and culture.

25 YEARS LATER NATIONAL YOUTH CHOIR AND CLEOPHAS R. E. ADDERLEY, JR PROUDLY HAILED AS AN INSTITUTION

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e country paused to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Bahamas National Youth Choir and the services of its founding conductor and director the distinguished musician Cleophas R. E. Adderley in September.

The Choir performed for the Governor General of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling and invited guests on the occasion of the Official Opening of their 25th Anniversary Exhibition at the Central Bank of The Bahamas.

It was in 1990 when former Prime Minister Sir Lynden Pindling upon returning home from an international event where he observed the cultural exposition of young talent on stage in another country; summoned Mr. Adderley to his office in the Churchill Building, Rawson Square to discuss the formation of a choir that could represent the Bahamas at home and abroad.

Twenty five years later the Bahamas National Youth Choir is regarded as a national institution.

Dame Marguerite said “the Founder and Director of the Bahamas National Youth Choir has drawn from his personal attributes of being musically gifted, educated, culturally exposed and a man of spiritual integrity in the formation of the Choir. Cleophas R.E. Adderley grew up surrounded by musicians and educators in the person of his late grandfather R.M. Bailey and his late father Cleophas E. Adderley.

His inherent drive for excellence is why some refer to him as a “perfectionist” however these traits may, hopefully, translate into conduits which can contribute to the stability and advancement of our sovereign nation.”

Dame Marguerite applauded the consistent excellence of the award-winning choir over its 25 years, under the direction of Mr. Adderley, establishing it as a cornerstone of Bahamian cultural achievement and an inspiration to all.

She said: “In the highly technological age of instant information exchanges, never- ending product upgrades, relentless drives to move swiftly on to the perceived next best “thing”, be it economic, religious, political or cultural, it is reassuring to have constant elements in our society on which one may rely. As the Bahamas National Youth Choir celebrates 25 years of service to our beloved Bahamaland, it has become one such constant and reliable element in the field of arts and culture,” said Dame Marguerite said.

“Twenty-five years in any undertaking is a relatively long period of time, and this is no less so with cultural endeavors. This celebra-

tion therefore is indeed a laudable milestone worthy of recognition and commendation.”

Dame Marguerite said she recalls attending the first concerts of the fledgling choir when she and her late husband and were the choir’s first patrons.

“It pleases me tremendously to observe the maintenance of high standards, decorum, and the consistent presentation of excellence by the choir during the ensuing years,” said Dame Marguerite.

“It is no surprise, therefore, that the Bahamas National Youth Choir is the recipient of numerous local awards, including The Bahamas Government Silver Jubilee Award in 1998 commemorating the 25th Anniversary of Independence and the Ministry of Tourism’s Cacique Award in 2011 for excellence in the creative arts.”

Dame Marguerite also said the choir is the recipient of numerous international awards including two awards at the Seventh China International Chorus Festival in 2004 and two gold medals and a silver medal at the 2012 World Choir Games in the United States of America.

“The Choir has performed for many Heads of State, among them, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the late Dr. Nelson Mandela. Additionally, the singers gained international acclaim having locally performed at The Federation of International Football Associations World Congress in 2009, and the 2015 CARICOM Heads of Government meeting. The accompanying band

performed their joyous mantra “Celebrate” at the 2009 Miss Universe Beauty Pageant held at Atlantis, Paradise Island before an audience which is estimated to have had about one billion viewers,” said Dame Marguerite.

“The Bahamas National Youth Choir is said to be the most recorded choir in The Bahamas with nine releases of commercial compact discs. It has therefore, quite rightfully, become a feeder-source for other choirs, as well as a training ground for choir directors, instrumentalists, solo singers, arrangers and composers.”

Dame Marguerite said the

Bahamas National Youth Choir has been described as a passageway to musical and personal development. She said also that it inspires its entrants to strive consistently for higher standards and excellence, education and global exposure.

Dame Marguerite thanked Mr. Donald Knowles, the chief choir photographer, for being directly responsible for capturing this lovely, historic and pictorial event and former choir photographer, Mr. Peter Ramsay. She also commended the curator of the exhibition, Mr. Antonius Roberts and his assistant Miss Jodi Minnis, Choir Adminis-

trator, Miss Claudette Allens, Choreographer Miss LeKeisha Bostwick, and Assistant Choir Director, Mr. Dexter Fernander.

“My heartiest congratulations are extended to Mr. Adderley, to the musicians, choreographers, staff, volunteers, costume designers, seamstresses, and tailors; and to all who have helped to advance the cause of this important national cultural institution. May you continue to be successful in perpetuity,” said Dame Marguerite.

“I wish also to commend the Central Bank of The Bahamas for its foresight in hosting this

and other similar exhibitions, over the years, to showcase the talents of our youths. It is now my pleasure to declare the 25th Anniversary Exhibition of the Bahamas National Youth Choir officially open.”

Mr. Adderley was named a Cultural Icon and Warrior by the Government on the occasion of the nation’s 41st Independence anniversary in 2014.

In late September the Church of the Most Holy Trinity in Stapledon Gardens, Nassau paid tribute to Mr. Adderley in a concert.

“WHAT CAN I DO FOR MY COUNTRY?”

A CALL TO NATIONAL SERVICE IN FULLFILLMENT OF THE NATIONAL PLEDGE “I Pledge my allegiance to the Flag and to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas for which is stands, one people united in love and service.”National Pledge. Commissioned at the birth of our new nation on 10th July 1973

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oung People are encouraged to make The Bahamas a better place by living up to the National Pledge and providing service.

“Every citizen of the country should rise up, identify and perform a Service that is selfless and honourable to their community, their fellowmen and the country if we are to take seriously the National Pledge of the nation ushered in on Independence Day July 10th 1973, some 42 years ago says Dr. Danny Johnson MP, Minister of Youth Sports and Culture.

Dr. Johnson said the country can learn so much from great Bahamians who have lived lives of Service to their interests and communities. He signaled out Mrs. Elma Garroway and her life time commitment to The Girls Guide which cele-

brates its 100 year history in our country this year; Mr. Cleophas Adderley and his classic and time honoured Service to the National Youth Choir, and Captain Firnley Palmer for his lifelong commitment and Service to the Boys Brigade.

He said there are any number of Junkanoo leaders who continue to offer Service to their communities and their fellowmen as they provide leadership, training and mentoring in their craft and skills to hundreds others.

“I am not talking about a Military conscription or any Armed forces type of participation as a mandatory or selective service. Those who wish to be Police, Immigration or Defence Force Reservists deserve the nation’s congratulations and respect. I am talking about a national be-

havior or modus operandi which makes us feel happy, fulfilled and decent because of a service we can give in the widest possible sphere,” Dr. Johnson said.

“It is the least that we ought to do to show our love for our country and to pay her back for what she continues to do for us,” Dr. Johnson said.

“There is such a form of Community Service now being practiced in the nation’s schools amongst students. These students know that this Community Service will form a part of their passing grade. I look forward to a new conditioning when we don’t have to demand Community Service but rather that people understand and appreciate that this is a national call to duty and honour,” he said.

“This is what the Pledge expects of us ‘One people united in love and service’. They are equal partners. First we appreciate that from this Service will come love and from this love will rest our unity as one people. This is how the writer of The Pledge Dr. Philip R. Rahaming, former President of the Bahamas Christian Council saw it in 1973. We have to now ask ourselves almost into our 50th year as an Independent Nation the question as to where is the Service we are pledged to give,” asks Dr. Johnson.

“There are so many areas in this country where Service is vitally needed. We have become a people who think that our so called Day Off or weekend is selfishly for us to do our own thing.

The country will run on automatic pilot. The other fellow will do the thing or perform the Volunteer Service that others will just find a way to duck out,” Dr. Johnson said.

“We see hundreds of Young People who come to our country every year from foreign countries and they volunteer service. They go to the institutions for orphan children and build and tutor and clean. They come as professionals. They look at the stray dog and cat problem. They do specialized Optometry and help the less fortunate with their vision. They clean up our beaches, our estuaries and our wet lands. These people are giving service. This alone should

encourage us as a people to understand that we can and must provide service to our country and our fellowmen.

“In the hospitals there are so many opportunities to help out. In the Geriatrics Hospital again so many areas where volunteer service can brighten a life. The Children’s Hostel. Ranfurly Home for Children. You play a musical instrument get out there once a week and teach kids in your community how to beat the goat skin drum, how to blow the harmonica, how to play the accordion and scrape the saw. Give that two hours of your time and make it your duty to do so,” Dr. Johnson says.

“

“This is an honourable way to live up to Christian heritage.’ He who is greatest amongst you let him first serve he who is the least’. The Red

Johnson said.

That takes us into the idea of proud to be a Bahamian. How do we generate, how do we build strong Young People. That we are looking for and require and need as we continue to lay the building blocks of our society?

“The Independent Commonwealth of The Bahamas asks each of us in the National Pledge to present ourselves for service. Not service in the sense of an armed forces or a battalion as some have to used to obscure the decency of the call to service. One people UNITED. This thing can bring us together as a people in love and service and my big question to the Youth; who is the heart of matter going forward obviously you got to love the country. They need to know themselves and what brings us together

It is the least that we ought to do to show our love for our country and to pay her back for what she continues to do for us

Cross and the hundreds of elderly and shut INS who need someone to physically feed and bathe them and administer their medicines. To run an errand or shop for shut INS. To get on the phone at the Emergency Hot line for any endeavor and work that line for a few hours. The need for persons to help small children crossing the streets to and from school.

“Hundreds of persons drive past the free Soup Kitchens. We see the poor and indigent gathered. There is an opportunity to provide a service there. To assist in preparing these meals and to assist in getting the meals into the hands of the needy. We take it upon ourselves that someone else will do it but it is an opportunity for you to provide the service that you put your hand over your heart, lift your eyes to the Flag and almost reverentially commit to do service to your country,” Dr.

is Service. Service to country Service to society Service to God,”Dr. Johnson said.

“We must stop the breaking down and be always looking towards building up,” the Minister said. You have to connect yourself to a place, a thing, a person or an organization to which you can give Service,” he said.

#YOUTHRELIEF242 Youth Ambassadors Mobilize for Hurricane Relief

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outh Ambassadors of the nation will spearhead plans for bringing aid to residents of islands affected by Hurricane Joaquin. The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture Director of Youth, K. Darron Turnquest held a press conference at the Ministry on October 7 to announce the initiative.

Taking part is a group of concerned young people of the National Corps of Youth Ambassadors, who have assembled themselves under the brand “#YOUTHRELIEF242” -- with a view to coordinating the collection of relief supplies for young people and their families in the southeastern district of the nation recently impacted by Hurricane Joaquin.

Items may be delivered to them on National Youth Relief Day – Saturday, October 24, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, or may be given to young people

stationed at the entrance of partnering supermarkets, stated Marco Armbrister, acting dean of the National Corps of Youth Ambassadors.

He said, “our plans as a youth movement are hinged on partnerships with key organizations responsible for logistics and relief aid, and at this juncture they are

officially the Bahamas Red Cross Society and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).”

www.operationrecovery242.com

Honourees Planned Activites: November 2015

4th 5th - Sports Conclave 8th - Church - Faith United Missionary Baptist Church 9th - Bahamas @ Sunrise (am) 9th - Media Reception (6.30pm) 10th - Team Photos 11th - Courtesy visit House of Assembly 12th - School Visit(s) 13th - Bahamas @ Sunrise (am) 16th - Bahamas @ Sunrise (am) & Courtesy call on Govenor-General 17th - Island Tour & lunch 18th - Courtesy visit House of Assembly 19th - National Sports Hall of Fame Induction (Government House) 20th - GALA - National Sports Awards

Forster Bethel Softball Kim O‘Kelley Lawn Tennis Sidney Butts Outten Baseball Jim Malone Sports Promotion Judy Lundy Track and Field Oralee Fowler Track and Field Linda Woodside- Major Track and Field Leslie Miller Track and Field Neville Wisdom Sports Administration Hubert Alexander Dean Sports Journalism & Sports Administration

Anthony Bando Bostwick Body Building

Power Lifting & Sports Administration Kenneth Six Francis Golf Mizpah Archer Bowling

www.bahamashalloffame.com

A REAL BAHAMIAN THING!

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effrey Gibson is making a grand entrance into the world of Track and Field. In a year filled with excitement the young Bahamian 400 meters hurdler set the Bahamas National Record in that event multiple times. The last being on the world stage at the 2015 IAAF World Championships in Beijing, China when he won the Bronze medal while setting the Bahamas National Record to a time of 48.17.

Gibson is a 25 year old focused athlete. He knows where he is going and has set a plan. He went to Queens College before going back to Grand Bahama and then going to college at Oral Roberts University, where he excelled in the 400 meters hurdles. Following graduation he decided to go pro.

The road was not easy for Jeffrey.

He failed to qualify for the flat 400 meters back in 2008 and in order to run he asked to be placed in the 400 meters hurdles, although he had never ran that race. He qualified for that event and went to represent

the Bahamas in Poland. There he decided that he was going to stick to the hurdles even though he had no experience. He got some training from former hurdler David Charlton and with each race he got better and better.

When he went to ORU he decided to commit to the hurdles in his final year and there his outlook on track and field was decided upon. In 2014 Jeffrey was ranked as the 13th top 400 hurdler in the world. Now in 2015 after his gold medal in the Pan Am Games and his Bronze medal in the IAAF World Championship, he is now ranked the 5th best 400 hurlder in the world.

Jeffrey has accomplished more than any other Bahamian athlete in international competition in such a short time in his specialty event. Although we are not known for the 400 meters hurdles, we have a reputation for the 400 meters sprint, where we are considered in the top five in the world. However Jeffrey has brought a new arena for the Bahamas in the 400 hurdles and he does not expect to give up his position anytime soon.

As a matter of fact Jeffrey is looking forward to being number one in the world in this signature event. Based on his last race in the Diamond League series where he won beating out some of the best 400 hurdlers in the world, Jeffrey is looking to start his training on the road to Rio early.

The Bahamas is looking forward to being represented in the 2016 Olympics in Rio with Jeffrey in the 400 meters hurdles. From all indications following his breakout season in 2015, the Bahamas may very well be in contention for a medal through Jeffrey.

In a recent tour with Olympic Silver Medalist Shaunae Miller, Jeffrey visited the Family Island of Andros with the President of the Bahamas Olympic Committee, Wellington Miller and was blown away at the love and support of the many school children on the island. Jeffrey was too happy to enlighten the children about his life and his plans. Many of them were overwhelmed with the presence of their own native son who is one of the best in the world.

Jeffrey comes from humble beginnings, he credits his grandmother with helping raise him and the life lessons he was taught at an early age. Although he started in the hurdles just in 2008, he has come a mighty long way to being one of the best in the world. There is no doubt that this talented young man will continue to rise to a new level of track and field in the Bahamas and

inspire countless others to excel in this new area for Bahamians.

The Road to Rio is now on the minds of all Bahamian athletes and the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro will be one of the best ever. The Bahamas is expected to win more medals in this upcoming Olympics than ever before. Based on what we have accomplished with Jeffrey Gibson and others like Shaunae Miller in 2015, there is no question that the Bahamas will shine brighter than ever in international athletics come 2016.

We are proud of Jeffrey and we know that he is proud to be a Bahamian. His many accomplishments in track and field during 2015 has propelled him to superstar status and will be one of the most sought after athletes at meets worldwide.

The Bahamas Government through the Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture with Minister Dr. Daniel Johnson has pledged to support Jeffrey and others in their quest to continue to make the Bahamas proud through their accomplishments.

God Bless Jeffrey Gibson and God bless The Bahamas!

TUREANO

“RENO” JOHNSON

Our New Hope for World Boxing Glory

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oxing for most Bahamians, has been revived and mostly due to Tureano Johnson, also known as “Reno”. The former Olympian, who is also the WBC Silver Middleweight Champion and now the main contender for one of the world’s most sought after boxing title, the IBF World Championship.

Johnson won a major fight in Madison Square Gardens this past October when he won a unanimous 12 round decision over Irishman Eammon O’Kane, to become the main contender to fight for the IBF title against champion Gennady “Triple G” Golovkin.

This is a major accomplishment for a Bahamian and already has given The Bahamas worldwide exposure. Following that fight at MSG, Johnson made his challenge to the IBF Champion in front of the world. He let everyone know that he is from The Bahamas and even though we are only a speck on the map, we are proud people.

“When that opportunity comes, you won’t

be disappointed. I will definitely bring it and give all I can. I ain’t just going to fight Triple G for fighting’s sake. I’m going to beat Triple G. I hope you all enjoy it, said Johnson at the post fight press conference. “We’re going to make that happen. I definitely see a lot of things I can capitalize on when I watched David Lemieux and Triple G tonight. You guys saw what I did tonight. Yes, I have a better Mexican style than Triple G. I’ve got a cast iron chin, and it has been tested. Has Triple G been tested?

“I’m from a country of 300,000 people, The Bahamas”, said Johnson. “We are only a speck on the globe, but now you guys saw what I did Saturday night”.

Newark, NJ, USA; Tureano Johnson (Black trunks) and Roberto Yong (White trunks) trade punches during their 6 round middleweight bout.

Johnson is the most colorful Bahamian Boxer to-date. His 19-1 record is considered impressive and by February 2016, he should get his chance to fight for a major world championship.

The road to victory has not been an easy road for Johnson. He represented The Bahamas in the Olympics in 2008 and then

turned professional despite not winning a medal. Since then he has compiled a winning record of 19 wins against only one loss.

That loss in April 2014, was against, Curtis Stevens. Johnson who was winning that fight against Stevens on all three score cards felt the referee Gary Rosato stopped the fight prematurely in the 10th and final round.

Despite that lone loss Johnson has

rebounded and is on a quest to win the world championship against Golovkin in 2016. Already Johnson has won the hearts of the many Bahamians who are proud of his accomplishments to date.

The 31 year old Bahamian who stands at 5’10� is at the height of his prime. Earlier this year, Johnson had changed his management

It seems that was a good move as he is now in the limelight and headed for greatness.

Prior to the last fight when he was under Jay Z’s management team, Johnson, in the presence of a jam packed Madison Square Garden Theatre, with The Hon. Dr. Daniel Johnson, Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture leading Bahamian supporters, ‘The People’s Champion’ the Bahamas’ boxing middleweight contender out fought contender Alex Theran to win the World Boxing Champions (WBC) Silver Championship and the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) International middleweight belts.

Several local officials, including Greg Rolle, Director of Sports for the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism joined the Minister,

Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Roc Nation Sports

company. He left Gary Shaw Productions, headed by entertainment mogul Jay Z, and joined Golden Boy Promotions, headed by Oscar de la Hoya, the first Hispanic to own a national boxing promotional company.

Tureano’s family and a large contingent of Bahamians in New York as Johnson took to the ring on the debut event from Roc Nation Sport’s “Throne Boxing” that was televised on Fox Sports 1.

Johnson landed and took power shots until referee Gary Rosato waved the fight off and declared Johnson the winner. “Bahamians were all thrilled that our own Tureano Johnson’s was now an international champion.

"Tureano’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary as was his graciousness in victory”, said Minister Johnson following the fight. “Our islands continue to make great strides in Sports Tourism so Tureano’s victory is a true celebration.

We know the fight following this match will be even bigger and we are working closely with Tureano and his management to bring a fight to the Bahamas, with Tureano as the headliner.

”The celebrity packed audience including entertainment mogul Jay-Z, pop star Rihanna, movie actor Jake Gyllenhaal, talk show host, Rosie Perez, producer Spike Lee among others witnessed Johnson’s grand arrival in the ring as he proudly waved the Bahamian flag.

Johnson was ahead on all scorecards, and simply needed to make it to the final bell to get the victory. In the immediate aftermath, he gave several emotional interviews with various media outlets but the real celebration began when he joined his family, Minister Johnson and his loyal fans after the media disbursed.

Tureano Johnson is the real deal and the world will know who this Bahamian boxer is in short order. The Bahamas anxiously awaits a world championship!

Get Involved

TAKE THAT MESS FROM OFF THE WALL. GIVE THAT BABY BACK HIS BALL. LEAVE OTHER PEOPLE THINGS ALONE. THERE‘S OTHER WAYS TO GET INVOLVED, GET INVOLVED, GET INVOLVED. DON‘T BE NO FOOL STAY IN SCHOOL, LET YOUR MIND BECOME A TOOL JAILS WERE MADE FOR FOOLS TO BE. LOCKED AWAY FROM SOCIETY, SOCIETY, SOCIETY GET INVOLVED, GET INVOLVED. (GET INVOLVED, GET INVOLVED) X3 THERE‘S OTHER WAYS TO GET INVOLVED GET INVOLVED, GET INVOLVED BY: TYRONE “DR. OFFFFF“ FITZGERALD

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“Pressing Onwards March Together, To a Common Loftier Goal” ....words from our National Anthem