Some 52 young Bahamians will participate in the first ever Urban Renewal Maritime Programme.

The 50 males and two females will undergo the Boat Captain’s License A and B course, which will be taught by Daniel Murray, a pioneer in the boating industry.

Delivering the keynote address at the official launch at the Pelican Bay Resort, Prime Minister Perry Christie urged the participants to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Drawing from the reflections of one of the trainees, Howard Symonette, who overcame the perils of drug abuse and imprisonment, Mr. Christie encouraged the community to support the participants during their future journey.

“Howard may think that with his new commitment to Urban Renewal – to the Valentine’s gift to his mother (his release from prison); his personal reflections on the difference between right and wrong – make him very happy – as he should be, but the greatest challenges are still ahead,” he said.

Mr. Christie said the community plays an important role in ensuring the success of Urban Renewal.

“The very essence of Urban Renewal is creating an awareness in a community to the point that that community understands that it is only as strong as its weakest member; that ‘yes’ you are your brother’s keeper,” he said.

“When I saw his mother’s tender love and realised that not even that love could shield him against temptations.”
Also on hand for the launch was Deputy Prime Minister Philip Davis.

“I am very proud to see so many students participating in the course,” he said. “I urge each one of you here to take advantage of this opportunity and I encourage members of the community to support their efforts,” he said.

Also delivering brief remarks were wife of the prime minister Bernadette Christie; member of the committee establishing the programme and Mrs. Michelle Reckley, deputy director of Urban Renewal, Grand Bahama.

The Maritime course is the brainchild of Mrs. Reckley.

The trainees were presented with study materials provided by the deputy prime minister.

The Grand Bahama Port Authority, the overseas Marine Group, The Pelican Bay Resort and the Freeport Bible Church are also sponsoring the Urban Renewal Maritime Programme.