Cleopatra Murphy

Freeport News Reporter

cleopatra@nasguard.com

The Ministry of Tourism will capitalize on The Bahamas' 4x400 metre relay heroes at the 2012 London Olympics as a selling point for the country in new advertisements slated for release early next year.

Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe announced yesterday that the gold medal winners, who have since been dubbed the 'Golden Knights,' would be hired by the Ministry of Tourism as spokesmen and ambassadors for the Ministry of Tourism for the next four years.

"When you hear our ad campaign, when you hear us talk about our Commonwealth, beginning in January you will hear the voices and see the faces of our 'Golden Knights' as we tell the world how proud we are," he said.

Wilchcombe made the announcement during a luncheon held for the 'Golden Knights' – Chris Brown, Demetrius Pinder, Michael Mathieu and Ramon Miller – at the Grand Lucayan Resort yesterday.

The Minister also noted that the win for the men's 4x400 metre relay team could not have come at a better time, as it has served as a force to unite the country.

"Look at how God planned it – after a general election when the country generally is divided and just as we are beginning to celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Bahamas he allowed these four young men to bring our country back together country back together again," Wilchcombe said.

He noted that the win came at a time when there is global turmoil and when the nation is faced with many challenges.

"We had a wonderful moment in history, a moment when frowns were turned into smiles, sadness became happiness and we all as a people remembered one thing, that no matter where we're from we are all one Bahamas," Wilchcombe said.

He said the Golden Knights' victory was the most spectacular moment he had ever witnessed.

"I thought to myself that these men are fulfilling a vision – a vision of Pindling, a vision of Ingraham and a vision of Christie, and then they were fulfilling a vision and a mission – a mission of men who served as ministers responsible for sports," Wilchcombe said.

He noted that former Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Charles Maynard shared the vision and would want the nation to celebrate the country's win.

Wilchcombe said when the nation saw the Golden Knights win, the country saw what Bahamians should be doing collectively.

"We saw men who had trained and who went to execute. We saw men who understood the importance of working together. When they passed the baton and the way they did it, it was in such an orderly way. That is the way that we as Bahamians ought to be operating our country," he said.

Wilchcombe noted that two of the athletes were from Grand Bahama, one from New Providence and another one came from Eleuthera, which showed that where you come from does not matter, but there is one Bahamas.

"Chris Brown has been on a mission, he knew a long time ago that this day would come and he stayed focused so that on that day Chris Brown knew that this was my opportunity. The story of Demetrius, what a story. He lost his sister and he was representing his country. Could you imagine the eternal pain, the hurt, the loss. He had a mission and I'm sure she stood in front of him and he dedicated his race to his sister," Wilchcombe said.

He noted that Michael Mathieu who had been disqualified from the final men's 200 metre heat and Ramon Miller who went up against a much bigger competitor in final leg of the race were all on a mission.

"It tells us as Bahamians that when we want to nobody can beat the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. It tells us that if we work hard we can become that best little nation. It tells us when we understand to put aside your differences there are times when we come together," Wilchcombe said.

The minister of tourism also noted that the men's Olympic team would be treated to several prizes including a stay at the Bimini Bay Resort and a cruise vacation.

President of the Grand Bahama Port Authority Ian Rolle also presented each of the Golden Knights, including André Williams who made up the team, with a property in the Chesapeake Subdivision.