Minister Dames Applauds Jubilee Gardens Neighbourhood Watch International Award Recognition

Sat, May 30th 2020, 10:00 AM

Minister of National Security the Hon. Marvin Dames announced, on May 28, 2020, that, in recognition of its distinguished commitment to community development, the Jubilee Gardens Neighbourhood Watch, a member of the Ministry of National Security’s National Neighbourhood Watch Council’s South Western Division, N.P., was awarded 2nd place by Neighborhoods, USA (NUSA) for the category of “Neighbourhood of the Year, 2020.”

“A virtual awards ceremony was held on Thursday, 21st May, 2020,” Minister Dames said, at a press conference held at the Churchill Building, Bay Street. “The Jubilee Gardens Neighbourhood Watch Group is also a finalist for the ‘Best Neighbourhood Newsletter,’ which will be announced at a later date.”

Among those present included Permanent Secretary Marco Rolle; Police Coordinator for Neighbourhood Watch, Superintendent, Wilton Johnson; Advisor of Neighbourhood Watch, Dr. Chaswell Hanna, Superintendent of Police; Co-Chair of the National Neighbourhood Watch Council (NNWC) Keno Wong; President of the Jubilee Gardens Neighbourhood Watch Group Debbie Lightbourne; Jubilee Gardens’ Watch Members and police and NNWC stakeholders.

Minister Dames noted that the “Neighbourhood of the Year Award” recognizes outstanding accomplishments by neighbourhood organizations. He said that awards are given based on physical or social revitalization, beautification in a neighbourhood and multi-neighbourhood project partnerships.

“Judging for the ‘Neighbourhood of the Year Award’ is based on the extent of innovation, grassroots’ participation and capacity building exhibited by the nominated organization,” he said. “Similarly, ‘Best Neighbourhood Newsletter Award’ acknowledges excellence in neighbourhood newsletters, which is a vital communication tool for community building.”

Minister Dames said that, during “this unprecedented time,” the accomplishment of the Jubilee Gardens Association highlighted the deep engagement of people helping, sharing and caring for one another. The issues that face communities in The Bahamas can only be addressed by commitment to betterment of the same, volunteering, service learning and civic engagement, he pointed out.

Minister Dames said that it should be noted that the Jubilee Gardens Watch Group falls under the umbrella of the National Neighbourhood Watch Council (NNWC) of The Bahamas. The Council is also an international affiliate member of NUSA since May 2019 and this made it possible for the watch group to enter the respective categories.

“The Neighborhoods, USA or NUSA is a non-profit organization committed to building and strengthening neighbourhood organizations, he said. “Created in 1975 to share information and proficiencies used to build stronger communities, NUSA encourages networking and collaboration to facilitate partnerships among neighbourhood organizations, government, and the private sector with the goal of strengthening neighbourhoods.”

“The Ministry of National Security recognizes, values and congratulates President, Debbie Lightbourne, the Jubilee Gardens’ Watch team, community partners and funding partners, all of whom have demonstrated outstanding initiatives including impactful work that inspires others,” Minister Dames added. “Theirs is a significant accomplishment as the award applauds Jubilee Gardens’ commitment, and provides visibility and recognition for dedicated leadership and vision of Neighbourhood Watch Bahamas.

“Jubliee Gardens Neighbourhood Watch team and its community are change-makers.”

Ministry Dames said that his Ministry encourages and supports the other 132 community watch groups, as represented by the Council’s Co-Chairs, Mr. Wong and Ms. Alesha Hart.

He said that the Council provides training and resources that “nurture community assets, passion, and mutually-beneficial partnerships which develop and implement solutions to achieve positive social outcomes which are vital to the socio-economic advancement of our nation”.

“Once, again, I recognize the accomplishments of the Jubilee Gardens Neighbourhood Watch Group, and all other watch groups, as you are powerful voices who enhance our local security impact and social embeddedness,” Minister Dames added. “With the assistance of the Council, I wish you well in cultivating and accelerating people and projects that are transdisciplinary in scope, transformational in potential, and can produce maximum societal impact.”

Minister of National Security the Hon. Marvin Dames announces, during a press conference at the Churchill Building, on May 28, 2020, that, in recognition of its distinguished commitment to community development, the Jubilee Gardens Neighbourhood Watch, was awarded 2nd place by Neighbourhoods, USA (NUSA) for the category of “Neighbourhood of the Year, 2020”. Also speaking at the press conference were Permanent Secretary Marco Rolle; Co-Chair of the National Neighbourhood Watch Council (NNWC) Keno Wong; and President of the Jubilee Gardens Neighbourhood Watch Group Debbie Lightbourne. (BIS Photo/ Eric Rose)

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