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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, is seen shooting a basket following the official opening ceremony of the Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Academy 39th annual Crusaders Christmas Invitational Basketball Tournament. (BIS Photo/Vandyke Hepburn)
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FREEPORT, Grand Bahama - Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, when officially opening the 39th annual Christmas Invitational Basketball Tournament on Thursday, told students "the ball is in your court" at St. George's High School Auditorium.
The Minister was referring to their educational opportunities, "I remind you all of the importance of academics, as your grades will also help to determine the possibilities for scholarships, and your future."
Hosted by Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Academy, Minister Darville acknowledged the history of the tournament and said, "this event, I am to understand is the granddaddy of basketball tournaments, and for decades provided a platform for hundreds of students to showcase their God-given gifts and talents."
He said, "In an era where our young men are often portrayed negatively, I am always excited to be given the opportunity to share in events such as this, in which the positive aspects of the lives of the future leaders of our country are highlighted."
During the official opening ceremony of the Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Academy 39th Annual Crusaders Christmas Invitational Basketball Tournament, Minister for Grand Bahama the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, during tip off with Ridley College and Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Academy.
(BIS Photo/Vandyke Hepburn)
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Event organizer, Gladstone "Moon" McPhee, was congratulated for his contribution to the youth of Grand Bahama through academics and sports. "For years, Moon has unselfishly coached and worked with our young people and as a result of his efforts, he has developed a track record of facilitating the successful transition of dozens of them to high schools and colleges abroad. I wish to express my gratitude to him and that of the entire community for your charitable work with the youth of Grand Bahama, and for establishing this, the oldest running boy's basketball tournament in The Bahamas. Your labour of love has not gone unrecognized, and I wish you continued success.
"Ladies and gentlemen, despite the negativity and the fact that a growing number of our youth are involved in criminal and immoral activity, I am still optimistic and filled with hope; because I know that all is not lost. My message today is simple: we cannot, and we will not allow some bad apples to spoil the entire bunch."
Students and teams attending the official opening of the Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Academy 39th Annual Crusaders Christmas Invitational Basketball Tournament were encouraged by Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, to do their best academically as this will determine the possibilities for scholarships and their future. (BIS Photo/Vandyke Hepburn)
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The Minister then quoted the late Sir Lynden O. Pindling, Father of the Nation, from a speech entitled 'The Price of Freedom’: "Today's generation of young Bahamians are facing new challenges and seeking still greater goals. 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 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."
He explained to the students that it doesn't matter how young or old they are, everyone has a role to play in building this nation because young people are the bridge to a brighter future.
Minister Darville acknowledged the presence of the visiting teams, and said that with Queen's College absent, he will work hard to ensure that next year there will not only be the basketball team, but some students from that school as well.
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