The Tribune

By ALBERT COX

HUNDREDS of people, including youths and community leaders, turned out on Saturday in support of an Urban Renewal event at the Carmichael Road Police Station.

The event, according to Cynthia “Mother” Pratt, co-chair of Urban Renewal, was part of an initiative among the communities to “build up a progressive link for adults and youth to grow supporting each other for a better Bahamas”.

The day featured music from the Urban Renewal Marching Band, festivities for children and a basketball tournament. Watching the players on court, Mrs Pratt said: “This is about opportunities to do well and to transition into something positive. There may be future College players or NBA players among us in the crowd of young men. We never know what is in each one of these children, which is why we must continue to nurture and harness their natural gifts to bring out the best in them.”

Deputy Director of Urban Renewal, Gregory Butler, spoke of the transformational power of Urban Renewal. “We are about transformation, and making good stewards of The Bahamas, from community to community, from each person to the next,” he said. “I want to encourage all our participants, especially our youth, to embark on positivity and community development for a better Bahamas.”

Co-chair Algernon Allen said those present were witnessing a sense of togetherness “that is being developed that we know we can achieve once we commit to positive principle efforts”. He said it was a celebration and participation of the Urban Renewal Sporting League in which hundreds of young men were illustrating unity.

“It involves all of the Urban Renewal Centres,” Mr Allen said. “We are about bringing these young men and young women together from each community for them to interact to showcase that we are all in this together no matter what part of the island you are located. This is one of the harmonising events that are a firm understanding of Urban Renewal influencing the community. Not just Urban Renewal influencing but the community recognising they can do things together in a One Bahamas Spirit.”

Mrs Pratt pledged the programme would continue to impact communities positively. “There is hope and promise that we continue to bridge,” she said. “I am always excited when dealing with the youth of our country because this is where the hope is. We were in Nassau Village before, now we are here in Carmichael and will continue on throughout many other communities linking each with the next showing them we are together in this.”

Michael Halkitis, MP for Golden Isles, told the crowd that playing sports creates discipline and is a tool for a positive alternative. “I fully support this initiative and Urban Renewal for the positive contributions and affects they are having throughout each community,” the Minister of State for Finance said. “I am pleased to see the turn out and the support of the parents, community participants, various community leaders, and especially the youth that are making themselves better in their community by doing what is positive.”

Rev Wesley Thompson began with a prayer, blessing the event with a spirit of harmony and joy, while District Superintendent Barr, of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, spoke in support of the event and its spirit of harmony. The Urban Renewal Marching Band showcased their musical skills and the discipline required to perform at a high level, which drew great praise.