Minister of Education and Technical & Vocational Training, the Hon. Glenys Hanna Martin attended the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) meeting in New York City, September 23-24. At the conference, which engages government, business, civil society leaders in the call to action for climate resilience — Minister Hanna-Martin said, “I am tremendously pleased, proud and excited to announce here today the launch of a commitment to action which is fundamental to our way of life: ‘Every Bahamian Swimming.’”
Minister Hanna-Martin expressed enthusiasm for participating in the conference, and within the session, Creating Stories for a Better Tomorrow, she discussed, ‘Swimming for Bahamian Gender, Climate & Economic Resilience.’
She declared, “The Bahamas is an archipelago of 700 islands, where 95 percent of our territory is ocean. We are not a Small Island State, but rather a Large Ocean Country. Our stunning beaches and vibrant marine life are not only the pride of our nation, but the foundation of our economy.”
The Minister spoke of Prime Minister Davis’ commitment to the cause of climate change due to The Bahamas’ vulnerability.
“The Prime Minister has spoken passionately over the past few years both about our vulnerability to the impact of climate change, and also the exciting potential of a future rooted in the Blue Economy,” she said.
“It is our duty, therefore, to prepare the next generation to fully engage with and thrive in this vision for the future of The Bahamas. ‘Every Bahamian Swimming’ is a crucial part of this mission. Swimming is essential to our national development. Currently most adult Bahamians are not swimmers, yet 97 percent of them believe it is an essential life skill for their children.”
She said that by ensuring that every student learns to swim, the Bahamian people are being prepared to stay safe and healthy, embrace the country’s natural resources, and navigate the challenges posed by the country’s unique geography.
“Whether they grow businesses tied to the ocean, help safeguard our communities during climate events, or rise to international athletic stardom, we must equip them to succeed in a rapidly evolving local and global economy. Like all transformative endeavors, this initiative has only been made possible through the support of many hands.”
She expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Connery Foundation, Fox Foundation, Bahamian Aquatics, and the numerous nonprofit organizations and companies that have stepped forward to support this initiative.
“Their commitment is helping to make a real difference in the lives of our young people, and make it even better in The Bahamas,” she said.
“This spring, for the sixth consecutive year, The Bahamas proudly brought home the highest number of swimming medals at the Carifta Games. “The world should be on notice — those splashes you hear are the sounds of future Olympians!”
The CGI 2024 conference concluded with the launch of 175 new commitments on climate, health, humanitarian response among other objectives.
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