(EDITOR’S NOTE: When I saw this excellent article by Azaleta Ishamael-Newry in The Tribune, I was compelled to share it with readers of BAHAMAS CHRONICLE, given the barrage of nonsense being posted on Facebook about the Bahamian delegation currently in Dubai. Azaleta is the daughter-in-law of Dr. Eugene Newry, former Bahamas Ambassador to Washington, D.C., and I developed a great deal of admiration for her journalistic skills during her frequent “family visits” to D.C. when I was Press, Cultural Affairs and Information Manager at the Embassy for four-plus years before the FNM became the government in May of 2017.)
By AZALETA ISHMAEL-NEWRY
NASSAU, Bahamas — Talented Bahamian students are participating in a design challenge for the Bahamian Pavilion to be showcased at Expo 2020 in Dubai, an event in which 180 countries will participate and which is expected to draw 25 million visitors over six months.
Four groups of architectural students and one group of culinary students from the University of The Bahamas (UB) earlier this month revealed their plans to an impressed audience of dignitaries, UB senior management and three judges.
The process included vision boards, conceptual ideas and 3D architecture models that were designed and constructed by the students, led by Professors Michael Edwards, of the Faculty of Art, and Valera Pintard-Flax, of the Faculty of Architecture. The culinary students, guided by Professor Donna Williams, unveiled their plans for Bahamian cuisine that will be promoted in the Pavilion.
Spearheaded by The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the UB, the results of the first part of the challenge were unveiled on December 7.
“Learning happens across disciplines. Dubai Expo 2020 provides opportunities for students working across those disciplines,” said Linda Davis, Provost of the UB. “It brought artists together with architects into a space where they had to feel their way around and negotiate. In this space, learning took place … and on behalf of the President and the faculty, we are pretty excited.”
Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell said he was impressed with the talent and commitment he saw in the students and reminded them that they are part of the future of their country. “Five years ago, the Bahamas Government started diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates. What fascinated me about that region was the story of ‘The Arabian Nights’ that conjured up fascinating images. When you see the city of Dubai, you get the impression that it’s what happened. Their leaders systematically tackled the planning of the city that started 45 years ago and it is now world-class and well laid out,” he said.
“Dubai saw Atlantis and they duplicated it. We are thinking and hoping that this opportunity (Expo 2020 Dubai), gives you extraordinary opportunity and possibility. My view is that wherever you go in this world, you will take your heart, mind and soul. Your obligation is to always reach back to lift up the next generation. Reach back where your opportunity takes you.”
Tony Joudi, Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates and the State of Qatar and Commissioner General for the Bahamas Pavilion for Expo 2020 Dubai, said the efforts of the students had been appreciated in Dubai. He said the Managing Director of Dubai Expo 2020, Reem Ibrahim Al Hashimi, “expressed her gratitude, appreciation and support for the students of the University of The Bahamas who have gone far and beyond their call of duty to show the world their level of commitment and dedication to the project.”
The UB students had gathered their ideas from classes and a lecture series that included architect Patrick Rahming, who shared ways to create a city from a Bahamian perspective, and how the built environment should influence those ideas. Pam Burnside, Rosemary C Hanna and Patricia Glinton- Meicholas, of Creative Nassau, stressed the importance of actively developing a creative tourism model that would showcase Bahamian culture and engage visitors to travel to the Bahamas to experience the country’s philosophy, art and heritage, rather than only focusing on sand, sea and sun. See complete article in The Tribune at http://www.tribune242.com/news/2016/dec/15/students-have-designs-bahamian-pavilion-dubais-exp/?fbclid=IwAR0fF42skW8hedYaLfe2a4dNSsxSfZCgGykPh259gh8vb-KtVbl0a31VPoQ
