After a trip to the Carribean, Boston Celtics shooting guard Jaylen Brown is ready to get back to work, but it wasnt all beaches and sightseeing for the fourth-year player.

Spending the All-Star break in Cuba and the Bahamas, the Cal-Berkeley product headed to the a meeting of the NBAs Player Association (NBPA) in the Bahamas an interesting counterpoint to the backdrop of the 2020 All-Star Games in chilly Chicago.

Brown was actually in the Bahamas for business, joining other NBPA executives and members of the players union for NBA basketball players to conduct their yearly business.

The meetings, organized by the NBPA and the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism brought Brown to the tropical location, in the second year of his three-year term serving as the youngest vice-president in the NBPA.

The 6-foot-6 wing was elected one of several new vice presidents of the NBPA in 2019, along with Malcolm Brogdon of the Indiana Pacers and Bismack Biyombo of the Charlotte Hornets.

In an interview with the Boston Heralds Steve Bulpett, the Marietta native downplayed the business side of the trip, stating he, did some traveling.

I went to Cuba, went to the Bahamas for the Players Association and things like that. I just got some rest, some mental rest. I hung out with family and friends. Now Im ready to get back with the team and its all basketball from this point on.

At those meetings, former teammate Kyrie Irving joined the Executive Committee, which also includes Andre Iguodala (First Vice President), Anthony Tolliver (Secretary-Treasurer), Bismack Biyombo, Malcolm Brogdon, Jaylen Brown, CJ McCollum and Garrett Temple (all Vice Presidents).

After the NBPA meetings, Brown headed on to Cuba, where he linked up with Cuban musician Arnaldo Rodrguez to tour the Lucecita Cultural Project, reports ADN Cuba.

The Cultural Projectdescribes itself as an artistic initiative with community character, and features a number of musical productions, murals and other artistic endeavors on the groups Facebook page.

After seeing the Project and several component workshops, Brown and Rodriguez shared an authentic creole dinner at the Talisman Studios Headquarters Restaurant, promising to return.

Done tending to business in paradise (with a little tourism thrown in), the former Golden Bear now turns his attention to the final stretch of the season before the playoffs in the bitter cold of the northern U.S.

Even though the Minnesota Timberwolves will be without star center Karl-Anthony Towns, Brown still sees the game as of high importance.

Its super important Its about us continuing to get better, cleaning up some of our habits and starting to make sacrifices and stuff necessary to get ready for the playoffs.

Its the first game back. Everybodys different in that regard. Some people went places; some people didnt. Some people its like riding a bike and some people its not. I think everybody is a little different, he continued.

For us, weve got to find the right rhythm out there and find ways to win, added Brown, alluding to the importance of not only maintaining the chemistry which has bound such a complex group of individual personalities into the most cohesive unit seen n the franchise since the Banner 17 era.

So Im looking forward to it, noted the 23-year old, wise far beyond his years.

Weve got (28) games until the playoffs. Each and every one means something, so lets get it going, offered Brown.

This coming Friday evening on February 20th, the Celtics will do just that, kicking off a four-game west coast road trip to start their return to action against the Wolves.

Even without point guard Kemba Walker who will rest with knee soreness after perhaps staying in the 2020 All-Star Game a bit longer than he should have the game should be a great opportunity to continue the momentum thats led the team to the NBAs fourth-best record.

The best is yet to come, said Brown.

He very well may be right.

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Recharged by the Caribbean, Jaylen Brown says the best is yet to come - Celtics Wire

Swimming with pigson a beautiful Bahamas beach sounds pretty ideal right about now, which is why we can't hate in the least bit on rapper Machine Gun Kelly who happenedto be doing just that while soaking up some sun atMeeks Patch Island recently.

Joined by the real-life Ace Venturahimself Brother Nature (seen above), MGK took some time away fromgiving his fans sex toys on Valentine's Dayin order to enjoy clear waters for a bit while swimming with little piglets.Meeks Patch is famous for the wild pigs thatinhabit the area, which you can also feed and pet. Kellywas also joined by his drummerR00Kinaddition to fitness modelSommer Ray, andit also appears that reality star Draya Michele was down there as well based off the last photo in his IG post and her own recent pic on the 'Gram that she used to promote Fashion Nova digs. All we can is that it must be really nice to be amongst such good company we'rereferringto the pigs, by the way!

Peep Machine Gun Kelly's epic tripto the Bahamas to swim withBabe and his squeaking friendsbelow:

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Machine Gun Kelly Swims With Pigs While Vacationing In The Bahamas - HotNewHipHop

The governor of the Central Bank of the Bahamas (CBOB) says the digital Sand Dollar pilot project will be expanded to all of the countrys islands beginning in Q2 2020.

According to a report by local publication The Tribune, CBOB governor John Rolle has confirmed that the Bahamian digital dollar will be launched on all islands in Q2 2020. The test pilot, titled Project Sand Dollar, has been limited to the island of Exuma since December, with the central bank planning to address the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation on the initiatives development.

Rolle explained that the CBOB currency was originally planned for launch in the Abaco region before switching to Exuma.

The Tribunes report claims the central bank is still in the process of enrolling all of the 1,200 citizens who signed up for the project in Exuma, with an additional 2,000 expressing interest in the initiative,

Rolle stressed that the new currency is a digital equivalent of the existing Bahamian dollar, rather than a tool for speculation.

Were looking at a digital representation of our currency. Its not a different currency; its the same currency. In law, it will never be different. It cant differ in value in any way or the other so Sand Dollars can never be priced different from Bahamian dollars.

Excerpt from:

Bahamas: Digital Sand Dollar Expands - The St. Kitts-Nevis Observer

(Bloomberg) -- The Bahamas may need to tap international debt markets as it confronts the steep cost of recovering from the most destructive hurricane ever to hit the islands.

The government will probably borrow about $500 million in coming months as it deals with the roughly $3.4 billion in losses and damages from Hurricane Dorian, said K. Peter Turnquest, the Caribbean nations finance and deputy prime minister. The government is weighing options for how it will raise the debt, with some combination of an international bond sale and local borrowing likely, he said.

Dorian sat over the Bahamas in early September, killing dozens, causing widespread flooding and ripping apart thousands of homes and businesses. The storms aftermath has wrecked the governments fiscal plans, as it faces a slowing economy and the costs of reconstructing the islands so they can withstand the types of massive storms that have wrought devastation across the Caribbean in recent years.

In pure dollar terms this is absolutely the worst possible outcome and worst loss that weve ever seen, Turnquest said in a telephone interview. It is presenting a monumental challenge not only in terms of meeting reconstruction needs and costs but also for rebuilding in a way that is resilient and that will meet the anticipated frequency and severity that is being predicted as a result of this climate crisis.

The storm destroyed parts of Grand Bahama and Abaco islands, which sit about 100 miles east of Florida in the Atlantic Ocean and make up slightly less than a fifth of the tourism-dependent $12 billion economy. A revenue shortfall of about $230 million for the fiscal year ending June 30 and roughly $300 million in new spending is derailing its plans to cut debt levels.

Read more: As Climate Change Fuels Storms, Time to Leave Coasts?: QuickTake

The country was on a path to reduce debt to 50% of gross domestic product by 2024 from around 59% in 2018 by a steady tightening of budget deficits. Now, deficits are widening, and debt is expected to hover above 60% of GDP until 2024, according to government projections.

Despite the disastrous storm, Bahamas debt returned 16.4% last year, ahead of the Bloomberg Barclays Emerging Markets USD Sovereign indexs 13% return, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

The government expects significant progress in rebuilding damaged areas this year, but it will take about three years before theyre full restored, Turnquest said. Reconstruction spending and inflows from insurance claims should help boost economic growth.

A handful of major foreign investment projects remain on track, including a Disney Island Development Ltd. facility worth between $250 million and $400 million, and one of Carnival Corporations largest cruise ports, planned for Grand Bahama, according to a government economic plan.

Still, the government needs more investment and technical assistance to help it rebuild in a way that makes the islands less vulnerable to future storms, Turnquest said. Among other things, it wants to construct resilient infrastructure, renewable energy generation, disaster-resistant shelters, and to implement a payment system that will leave residents less reliant on cash, he said.

We are looking to the international community not to turn away from this issue but to commit and invest and help us figure this out, he said.

To contact the reporter on this story: Ezra Fieser in Bogota at efieser@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Nikolaj Gammeltoft at ngammeltoft@bloomberg.net, Brendan Walsh

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

Subscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.

2020 Bloomberg L.P.

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Bahamas Storm Toll: $3.4 Billion Loss and Years of Rebuilding - Yahoo Finance

GREAT EXUMA, The Bahamas A day after a 3-over 75 seemingly dropped Tommy Gainey out of contention, the 44-year-old responded with a bogey-free 67 to ascend the leaderboard and take a one-stroke lead into the final round at The Bahamas Great Exuma Classic at Sandals Emerald Bay. At 8-under, Gainey edged four players by a stroke to take the 54-hole lead.

Gainey began the day eight strokes back of Dylan Wu, but a 3-over front nine by Wu opened the door. Gainey birdied his first two holes and turned at 4-under 32 before tacking on one more birdie at the par-4 13thto reach 8-under.

I think Dylan shot 67-66 the first two days and he was 11-under going in, but I knew I could get this golf course when the wind lets up just a bit, said Gainey, a PGA TOUR winner at the 2012 RSM Classic. Obviously it subsided some today, which I was glad to see, and I played a great round.

Four different players held a share of the lead during the third round as less windy conditions led to better scoring conditions, including Wu, Gainey, George Cunningham and Jose de Jesus Rodriguez. Though the conditions were calmer than the first two days, the sea breeze was still consistently 15-20 miles per hour with gusts up to 25 miles per hour.

Playing in (windy) tournaments throughout my career have me prepared for when it is gusting hard, said Gainey. Everyone has to play in it I try to deal with it like everybody else and so far its going pretty well.

After a par at the par-5 first, Gainey credited his shot on the par-3 second hole with kick-starting his round.

On No. 2, I hit the ball to about 10 or 12 feet, said Gainey. The pin was on the front and it was playing about 210 yards. When you hit it that close with the wind in your face off of the left, Im pretty happy with that. Birdies on the first two holes really started my momentum.

While the second hole was kind to Gainey, the same cant be said for Wu, who began the day with a seven-stroke lead on the field. After a birdie at the first, Wu hit his tee shot on the second in the water and settled for a triple bogey. He added three more bogeys and a double at the par-4 12th(countered by three more birdies) to card a 4-over 76.

Of course its hard when you lose a lead like that, but its my first time playing in this type of situation on this Tour so all you can do is learn from it, said Wu, whose seven-stroke lead after the second round tied a Korn Ferry Tour record. Im still happy that I still have a chance to win the tournament tomorrow.

Zalatoris, a former standout at Wake Forest University, carded the round of the day with a 7-under 65. Entering the day 11 strokes off the lead, Zalatoris enjoyed a torrid stretch from Nos. 13-15 in which he went ace-birdie-eagle. The ace was the third of Zalatoris life and helped him overcome an early double bogey at the par-3 sixth.

On No. 13 I had a pitching wedge and the pin is so far up that I could barely see the bottom of the hole; it ended up going in, which was a shocker, said Zalatoris. After that I was just trying to validate that shotOn 15 was when I knew it was my day. I had a good tee shot but had 295 yards to the hole and its blowing 30 miles per hour downwind. I hit 5-iron and pulled it, it was carrying the edge of the water the whole time and rolled up to about 25 feet from the hole. Erik (Compton) told me I need to go buy a lottery ticket after this round. I agree.

The final round on Wednesday will run from 7:25 a.m. to 11:40 a.m. off of the first tee.

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Gainey takes third-round lead at The Bahamas Great Exuma Classic - pgatour.com

The cold winter months have definitely done a number on us, so there is no better time to book that special vacation to none other than the sunny Bahamas! Whether you are looking for some peace and quiet, fun in the sun, or an all-around adventure, the Bahamas is where it's at.

The stunning Carribean destination offers travellers some of the most luxe resorts and hotels just waiting for you to enjoy. Whether you are travelling alone, with a partner, the family or a whole group of you, there is something for just about everybody.

While the Bahamas is home to some of the most luxe all-inclusive resorts, it is also home to some resorts that are not worth visiting. Luckily, we've got you covered on the 10 best all-inclusive resorts that treat guests like royalty, and 5 that you ought to avoid at all costs.

Fowl Cay Resort is located in none other than Fowl Cay, Bahamas! The upscale and luxurious resort offers travellers an experience on their very own private island, with private cabanas surrounded by crystal clear blue waters. If that doesn't sound enticing enough, you can also swim with the island native pigs, yes, pigs!

The Club Med Columbus Isle Resort is located in the beautiful region of Bonefish Bay, Bahamas, and should be on just about everybody's travel bucket list. The resort offers luxury like you've never seen before, all while being surrounded by some of the most stunning beach waters you will ever feast your eyes on.

Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort without a doubt stays true to their name! The resort offers not only beautiful beach views, but some of the most relaxing spa services in all of the Bahamas. Whether you want a massage, facial, or a simple yoga and meditation session, you can get it all here!

When you have the chance to travel anywhere with the name Paradise Island, take it! The Hotel Riu Palace is definitely a palace alright. The colourful resort offers you some of the best vacation vibes you will ever get out of the Bahamas and will not only brighten up your Instagram feed but your life, too!

The Grand Lucayan Resort is located in the city of Freeport, directly in the center of Grand Bahama and might even offer the best vacation you will find yourself on. The rest offers a mix of just about everything including relaxation, stunning beaches, great food, excitement, and entertainment, all to ensure you get your money's worth!

The Melia Nassau Beach is located in, you guessed it, Nassau! The resort is perfect for that family vacation you've been yearning to go on. The resort offers endless activities and services to keep you and the family entertained! If Mariah Carey opts for Melia Nassau Beach, then you should as well.

Viva Wyndham Resort is located in Freeport beach right on Churchill Beach and offers guests some of the most exciting and entertaining resort-wide activities. Whether you're feeling some beach volleyball, kayaking, a catamaran trip, jet skis, pool aerobics or activities for the little ones too, then you'll find it all at the Viva Wyndham in the Bahamas.

Small Hope Bay Lodge is the ultimate experience if you and that special someone just want to slip away somewhere and escape the chaos of your everyday lives. The resort offers a more quiet approach for its guests, allowing them to relax in a peaceful environment while enjoying the stunning beach views.

While the party scene is always a plus while on vacation, sometimes you just want to kick back and relax. Luckily for you, the Stella Maris Resort offers a great casual and relaxing vibe that ought to wash all your worries away. With crystal clear beaches, spa services, and delicious food, there really isn't any more you could ask for.

The Sandals Resort, located in Emerald Bay, Bahamas is the perfect combination of beauty and luxe all-in-one. Not only will you feel like royalty, but you will enjoy all the perks with beautiful views of white sand beaches, sunsets and gorgeous palm trees that won't make you ever want to leave.

When it comes to booking a trip to the Bahamas, Atlantis is easily one of the most popular places one decides to go to! While it is quite a magical destination, we feel as if it is our duty to let you know that it is sometimes not worth the hype. With crying kids, busy pools, crowded areas, and long waits, Atlantis might not be the place for you.

In addition to Atlantis being crowded at times, travellers might not like how the Island Seas Resort in Freeport can also be just as overcrowded. The beach is full of guests, and sometimes locals, making it quite the busy and chaotic space to be in when all you want to do is relax and soak up the sun.

Breezes Resort & Spa is yet another Bahamian destination that you might want to avoid for quite a while. While the resort was once a great one, recent reviews claim that it is a huge fixer upper. When you are paying loads of money to travel somewhere, you don't want to land in a place that doesn't match the photos!

The Royal Islander Resort is also located in Freeport, Bahamas, and while most resorts will offer you an array of food selections, it appears guests were very disappointed with the food at the Royal Islander. Perhaps this won't bother you, but when it comes to vacation, yummy food is always on the top of our lists.

If you're ready to get your party on, then this is the place for you. However, if a relaxing vacation is what you are looking for, then look away! The Castaways Resort & Suites is known for being quite the party central destination, making it less than favourable for travellers who want to stay away from loud music and intoxicated people.

Originally posted here:

10 All-Inclusive Resorts In The Bahamas That Treat Their Guests Like Royalty (5 With Bad Reviews) - TheTravel

Its still common to think of the Atlantis Paradise Island resort in the Bahamas as a single entity, with its iconic twin towers connected by a soaring arch and surrounded by a sprawling, lost-world themed waterpark, Aquaventure, complete with waterslides emerging from a stepped pyramid and plunging riders through an aquarium tank full of toothy sharks.

That part of the resort, now called the Royal hotel, still stands at the center of the property, but over the years the Paradise Island has expanded to include six distinct resort properties, all occupying hundreds of acres of prime beachfront and complemented by an ever growing array of activities and amenities, including a casino, marina, golf, and animal-encounter programs.

Each resort has its own unique character, with more than 3,800 guest rooms aimed at appealing to nearly every type of Nassau-bound traveler:

The Royal When the Atlantis resort debuted in 1998, this property was where all the action and excitement reigned. In many ways this remains the nexus of Atlantis, housing the resorts huge casino and many of its top eateries (including Todd Englishs Olives and Nobuyuki Matsuhisas Nobu). Its also the closest hotel to the 154-acre Aquaventure waterpark, and The Dig (a fantasy archaeological of the ruins of the list city of Atlantis) begins right in the hotel lobby, making the Royal the logical choice for families with children as well as gamblers. Proximity comes with a price, however, and the Royal remains one of Atlantis deluxe-tier hotels.

The Reef For a family beachfront vacation, consider the Reef. This luxury, residential style high-rise hotel has easy access to Paradise and Cove beaches, spacious suites with well-equipped kitchens, and is close to the Dolphin Cay animal-encounter program, the resort spa, tennis, and fitness center. And of course you still get access to Aquaventure and all of the other Atlantis amenities.

The Cove Located next door to the Reef, the Cove has a totally different vibe, starting with the fact that this high-end resort is for adults only. Considered the most upscale of the Atlantis hotels, the Cove has open floorpan rooms with balconies and oversized bathrooms, all at a peaceful remove from the bustle of the casino floor and the waterpark. If youre seeking a serene corner at a mega resort, this is your place. (Its also home to the outstanding Fish by Jose Andres).

The Harborside Resort With colorful low-rise, village style hotel buildings edging the Atlantis marina, the Harborside is an appealing mid-priced hotel that is conveniently close to the resorts Marina Village shops and restaurants, including the traditional Bahamian performers who frequent the streets of the village. The villas are big enough to accommodate families, who also will appreciate some of the Marina Villages more affordable dining, including pizza and a deli. The Harborside also is a good option for friends or multigenerational families thanks to its choice of one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas.

The Coral The Coral offers a combination of moderately priced rooms and a convention location amid Atlantis fish-filled lagoons, roughly in between the Royal towers and the marina village. The hotel has its own pool and is home to Atlantis CRUSH club for teens and pre-teens, and its also close to the resorts lagoon snorkeling experience and predator tank with its 100-foot glass-walled tunnel even more kid-friendly attractions, in other words (for mom and dad, the casino and Crystal Court shopping mall also are nearby). Three classes of rooms have one king or two queen beds.

The Beach Atlantis most budget-friendly hotel sits directly on Atlantis Beach has rooms with water or terrace views, and in addition to the beach guests will find the resorts zero-entry River Pool, lazy river, kids pool, and game room nearby, as well as a comedy club and a theater showing free movies daily. The Beach was the original hotel on the property, originally the Paradise Island Hotel and Casino; opened in 1968, it has been renovated in the years since but is certainly the most vintage hotel at Atlantis.

Comfort Suites Paradise Island This 223-room hotel with recently renovated junior suites isnt on the Atlantis property its across the street, but thanks to a longstanding arrangement with the resort, Comfort Suites guests get access to all Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas amenities, including Aquaventure. Throw in the complementary hot and cold breakfast included with a stay and this may be the most affordable way to enjoy an Atlantis vacation.

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The Resorts at Atlantis Paradise Island in The Bahamas, Explained - Caribbean Journal

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Instruction

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Larry Birkhead Wishes He Went to Bahamas Before Anna Nicole Smith Died: 'She'd Still Be Here' - FOX10 News

Christopher Columbus got a lot of things wrong about the "New World." He thought that manatees were mermaids, that the Bahamas were a part of Asia and that the indigenous people of the Caribbean were "Indians" eager to submit to their new Christian overlords i.e., himself. (They're not, they aren't, and they definitely weren't.)

One claim in the explorer's diaries that remains particularly contentious even today regards cannibals. According to Columbus, a tribe of invading cannibal warriors aka, the Caniba repeatedly beset his crew and the indigenous communities of the Bahamas when he landed there in 1492. But is there truth to these tales?

While there's no evidence they were cannibals, the Caniba were a real group of South Americans, better known as the Caribs. The group of people from northwest Amazon region are known to have colonized several Caribbean islands beginning around the year A.D. 800, but archaeological evidence suggests they never made it as far north as the Bahamas, where Columbus claims to have encountered them. Either Columbus was wrong again, or historians aren't seeing the full picture of the Carib migration.

Related: Top 5 Misconceptions About Columbus

Now, a new study published Jan. 10 in the journal Scientific Reports suggests Columbus may have been (partially) right after all. By analyzing more than 100 skulls from the Caribbean (plus a few from Florida and Panama) dating between the years 800 and 1542, researchers concluded that the Carib people were indeed present in the Bahamas as early as the year A.D. 1,000 meaning Columbus' descriptions of their raids could have been based in reality.

"I've spent years trying to prove Columbus wrong when he was right: There were Caribs in the northern Caribbean when he arrived," study co-author William Keegan, curator ofCaribbean archaeology at the Florida Museum of Natural History, said in a statement.

In Columbus' accounts, the New World (actually the modern-day Bahamas) was divided between two main populations: the gentle Arawak people, whom Columbus dubbed "the best people in the world," and the fearsome Caniba, who were marauding cannibals. (The English word "cannibal" actually derives from "Caniba," a name Columbus reportedly learned from the Arawaks.)

Archaeological evidence suggests the Carib/Caniba people expanded from the South American mainland as far north as the island of Guadeloupe, about 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) south of the Bahamas. However, this evidence is scant, it's mostly based on pottery and may not be telling the full story, the authors of the new study wrote.

To build a more complete picture of the Carib expansion, the researchers analyzed the morphological features of 103 skulls borrowed from Caribbean museum collections, hoping that the similarities and differences could reveal the cultural origins of those people.

Using their skull structure analysis, the team identified three distinct groups of migrants among their sample. According to the researchers, the Caribbean's earliest settlers came from the Yucatn Peninsula in modern-day Mexico around 5000 B.C., migrating into modern-day Cuba and the northern Antilles. Later, Arawaks from what are now Colombia and Venezuela migrated to Puerto Rico between 800 and 200 B.C. (These migrations are supported by stone tools and pottery discovered in previous archaeological studies, the authors wrote.)

Finally, Carib colonists crossed the sea to arrive at the island of Hispaniola (which now houses the countries of Haiti and the Dominican Republic) around the year A.D. 800, before continuing their expansion into Jamaica and the Bahamas. By the year 1000, violent conflict between Arawaks and Caribs may well have begun.

These findings give credence to Columbus' claims that the Arawaks were often besieged by their aggressive neighbors but what about the cannibalism? According to Keegan, it's possible that the Caribs did occasionally eat the flesh of their enemies to inspire fear, but there's no real evidence of this happening.

Either way, Columbus' reports of cannibalism had a catastrophic impact on Europeans' attitudes toward the Caribbean and its people, Keegan said. While the Spanish monarchy initially planned to treat indigenous groups with respect and pay them for their work, they reversed their position when Columbus claimed the Caribs were flesh-eating heathens who refused to convert to Christianity.

"The crown said, 'Well, if they're going to behave that way, they can be enslaved,'" Keegan said. "All of a sudden, every native person in the entire Caribbean became a Carib as far as the colonists were concerned."

Editor's note: This story has been corrected to note that the Yucatn peninsula is in modern-day Mexico in North America, not in South America.

Originally published on Live Science.

Originally posted here:

Columbus' Claims of Cannibal Raids May Have Been True After All - Livescience.com

NASSAU, The Bahamas, Jan. 14, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - Killi,a consumer-led privacy application wholly owned byFreckle Ltd.(TSXV:FRKL) (the "Company"), today announced that CFO Andrew Elinesky will host investor meetings at theAlphaNorth Capital Conferenceat the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in Nassau, Bahamas from January 17 through 19, 2020.

"With California's CCPA consumer privacy law live as of January 1, 2020, data privacy is at the forefront of businesses operating in the United States," said Mr. Elinesky. "Only 30% of businesses believe they are compliant and almost all U.S. states are in the process of enacting similar privacy laws. This trend along with constant CCPA news flow has created a shift surrounding the collection and selling of personal data from businesses to the consumer, with many consumers choosing Killi to safeguard and monetize their data. Quarter-over-quarter growth in Q3 of our key metrics indicate that Killi is the solution for consumers with 12% more monthly active users; 18% average revenue per user (ARPU) increase; an increase in lifetime value (LTV) of 5%; as well as a 30% reduction in the cost of acquiring (CPA) subscribers. Our balance sheet is solid to implement our business plan, and we continue to execute strategies to widen Killi's audience and further improve our key metrics. We look forward to introducing Killi and our expanding market opportunity to the micro-cap, tech investors that the AlphaNorth Capital Conference attracts from across the globe.

About AlphaNorth Capital Investment Conference

Capital Event Conferences is pleased to host the AlphaNorth Capital Conference at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in the Bahamas from January 17 19, 2020. The conference introduces growth-stage companies (Non-Resource, Technology, Biotech, Special Situations) to active top-level capital finance individuals through a day of scheduled one-on-one meetings. For more information, please visithttps://www.capitalevent.ca/conferences/alpha-north/.

About Freckle Ltd.Freckle's consumer identity mobile application "Killi" (killi.io) allows consumers to take back control of their digital identity from those who have been using it without their consent. With Killi, consumers can opt-in and select specific pieces of personal information that they would like to share with companies, as well as answer specific surveys, and be compensated directly for these answers. Download ithere.

Freckle, via its data andoffline measurementproducts, also allows leading brands and platforms to measure the effectiveness of their advertising by independently matching media spend to in-store visitation while remaining media agnostic. Freckle's technology is used by Fortune 500 brands like McDonald's, Lexus, Walmart, Verizon and AT&T, and is a core component of the top demand-side platforms (DSPs) and data management platforms (DMPs) used around the world.

For more information, please visitfreckleiot.com/killi.io

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

DISCLAIMER FOR FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements and are prospective in nature. Forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts, but rather on current expectations and projections about future events, and are therefore subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from the future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including: the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, capital expenditures and other costs, financing and additional capital requirements, ability to secure additional sales, ability to negotiate partnerships on favorable terms, and user acceptance of the improved UI. These statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "may", "should", "will", "could", "intend", "estimate", "plan", "anticipate", "expect", "believe'' or "continue", or the negative thereof or similar variations. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding: expansion of the Killi application outside of North America; introduction of an additional third-party research engine in the Killi application; increasing ARPU for Killi; addition of incentivized video modules to the Killi application; improvement of the Killi UI; improvement of the engagement and user retention; securing an international data distribution deal; expansion of Freckle's global presence; securing additional partnerships in Q4; quarter over quarter revenue growth in Q4; sustaining current recurring revenue; building Killi into a legal global DTC application for Data Privacy; and, improving key data metrics. Although management of the Corporation has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The Corporation assumed no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that are incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws.

The securities of the Corporation have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirement. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

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Freckle Ltd. to Present at the AlphaNorth Capital Investment Conference in Nassau, The Bahamas - PRNewswire

By NEIL HARTNELL

Tribune Business Editor

nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

The Bahamas is among the top four nations forecast to be hit hardest by rising sea levels, a rating agency warned yesterday, with up to 15 percent of annual GDP and 11 percent of its people in peril.

Moodys, unveiling an assessment about the long-term threat to sovereign creditworthiness posed by climate change, drew on multiple studies to identify The Bahamas - as well as Vietnam, Egypt and Suriname - as the four countries most threatened by rising sea levels resulting from global warming.

Describing the outlook as a material credit risk, Moodys also voiced concern that The Bahamas efforts to combat sea level rise lack co-ordination among government institutions and are made more complicated because much coastal, low-lying land is in the hands of private owners such as major resorts.

Drawing on a World Bank study, the credit rating agency - which currently has The Bahamas barely maintaining investment grade status, one notch above so-called junk - said only Vietnam and Suriname faced more severe economic consequences in a worst-case sea level rise scenario.

The Moodys report, published as the Bahamas Business Outlook conference focused on resiliency in the face of climate change and natural disasters, disclosed projections that a one-metre sea level rise would submerge 11.6 percent of this nations total land mass.

This, in turn, would endanger 4.7 percent of annual economic output (Gross Domestic Product), given the tourism industrys reliance on coastal sites, and 4.6 percent of the Bahamian population. However, the impact is much more extensive should sea levels rise three metres, as this would swallow 31 percent - or almost one-third - of all land in The Bahamas.

And the threat to the economy would also be three times greater, with 14.5 percent of GDP in jeopardy, along with the lives of 10.5 percent of the Bahamian people.

Different studies yield similar results, Moodys warned. Countries including Vietnam, The Bahamas, Egypt, Suriname and some in the Gulf are highlighted, with up to ten percent to 25 percent of the population or GDP exposed.

The greatest inundation by proportion of land area would be in The Bahamas, followed by Vietnam and Qatar.... Taking a broader view of exposure by combining several indicators (GDP, population, land area, agricultural area, degree of urbanisation, wetlands), Vietnam, Egypt, Suriname and the Bahamas feature among the most exposed countries.

In a scenario where sea level rise reaches three metres, Vietnam and Suriname are also the most exposed countries by economic output, followed by Benin and The Bahamas. Other studies researched by Moodys show that 100 percent of The Bahamas would be vulnerable to flooding and/or be submerged should sea levels rise by five metres.

And Climate Centrals 2015 research estimated that two-thirds of the Bahamian population would be affected should a locked-in sea level rise occur under a scenario where global temperatures increased on average by 3 degrees Celsius.

If temperatures were to rise by three degrees Celsius (C), affected rated sovereigns would include Cayman Islands with 83 percent of the population submerged, Suriname (81 percent) and The Bahamas (67 percent), Moodys added.

If warming were limited to two degrees Celsius, the most affected sovereigns would be similar, but the share of population below sea level would reduce by 2-18 percentage points.

The Bahamas has already felt the brunt of climate change through Hurricane Dorian, which inflicted $3.4bn in losses and damage on Abaco and Grand Bahama, while also derailing the Governments fiscal consolidation plan for at least three years by driving this years projected deficit to $677.5m and the national debt to $9.5bn over the medium term.

Moodys reiterated that The Bahamas was especially vulnerable due to its reliance on tourism for at least 40 percent of annual GDP, as most of the plant and infrastructure for its largest industry and economic engine are located on the coast.

Over time, coastal erosion or concerns about natural disasters may make some regions less attractive to tourists, Moodys warned. For a number of small-island sovereigns, such as The Bahamas, Belize, Fiji or Maldives, tourism is a driver of economic activity, and a major source of export revenue and foreign exchange.

Permanently lower growth may weaken a governments fiscal strength. Moreover, government compensation for lost income through higher spending or tax moratoria would widen budget deficits and raise debt. Among the sovereigns exposed to sea level rise, fiscal strength is particularly weak in Egypt, The Bahamas, Belize, Suriname and Tunisia.

While tourist inflows generally recover following natural disasters, the recovery period varies, and can be longer in the aftermath of more extreme events. In The Bahamas, storms or hurricanes have not hit key tourist destinations recently [apart from Abaco], but Hurricane Matthew in 2016 resulted in a slowdown in tourist inflows to Grand Bahama, which are yet to recover to pre-2016 levels.

Moodys also indicated that The Bahamas efforts to counter this threat to-date have been less than impressive, adding: In The Bahamas, a regulatory framework is in place to curb the effects of sea level rise. However, a lack of co-ordination among institutions and a high degree of private ownership of coastal lands hamper these efforts.

Sea level rise and related shocks pose material credit risk to Vietnam, Egypt, Suriname, The Bahamas and other small island sovereigns, including Maldives and Fiji. The pace of increase in the frequency and severity of natural disasters related to sea level rise and the effectiveness of adaptation measures will determine the extent of the credit constraints that these sovereigns face.

Detailing the economic and social consequences of not acting, Moodys added: The economic and social repercussions of lost income, damage to assets, loss of life, health issues and forced migration from the sudden events related to sea level rise are immediate. The main credit channels for sovereigns are economic and fiscal strength.

Vulnerability to extreme events related to sea level rise can also undermine investment, and heighten susceptibility to event risk, by hindering the ability of governments to borrow to rebuild, increasing losses for banks, raising external pressures, and/or amplifying political risk as populations come under stress. While one isolated shock related to sea level rise is unlikely to materially weaken a sovereigns credit profile, repeated shocks could do.

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Sea level rise threat to 15% of Bahamas' GDP - Bahamas Tribune

NASSAU, Bahamas (CMC) More than three months after Hurricane Dorian swept through The Bahamas causing damage estimated at US$3.4 billion, Health Minister Dr. Duane Sands says the time has come for the country to acknowledge that more than 200 people lost their lives as a result of the category five storm.

At the end of November last year, the official death toll was put at 70, with 282 people missing.

But Sands told The Tribune newspaper that the relevant authorities will have to make a decision to confirm that more than 200 people died as a result of the storm that lashed the archipelago on September 1 last year.

At some point, the Government of The Bahamas will have to declare that over 200 people have died in Hurricane Dorian, but I cannot officially say that, as that is a multi-ministerial decision.

We have to do our due diligence and meet to decide. We want to move all of the outstanding matters to an agreed consensus or conclusion; we want to bring some closure. Again, we have not walked this road before, Sands told the newspaper.

The storm caused widespread damage mainly on the islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama, with officials indicating that the death toll in those two areas were 60 and 10, respectively.

A multi-agency meeting with the ministries of health, legal affairs, national security, the Office of the Attorney General, and relevant agencies was scheduled for Thursday but has since been rescheduled for next week.

Sands said the outstanding issues would be to ensure that we have done everything that we could possibly do in terms of identification.

You would have heard me say that we would invite the International Red Cross to provide a safe space for persons who may not be willing to come forward to identify [loved ones]. And so that invitation and that request has already been made; the logistics of how that happens is very important.

Then its the whole issue of how long we are going to keep remains in refrigerated coolers, particularly in Abaco. We need to identify a place for interment. We need to agree on a type of grid that would be set up and how we would reference remains, Sands said.

Under the law here, it takes at least seven years to declare a missing person dead, and the health minister said it may be necessary to amend the legislation.

The Attorney General would have said, I would have said, that we are going to consider an abridged or shortened time, different than the seven years, and there are examples of countries that have shortened the timeline when people are presumed to be dead from a natural disaster, were declared dead.

Youve got to ensure that whatever decision is made, that you have consulted adequately, that you did not ignore important considerations, and so it is very important. There are legal requirements that have to be met. So, at the multi-ministerial meeting we want to bring this thing to some kind of closure on many different levels, he told the newspaper.

Sands said that more than 50 people remain unidentified in Abaco and all the remains in Grand Bahama have been identified and turned over to the families.

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Bahamas Health Minister Wants Country to Declare Over 200 Killed by Dorian - NYCaribNews

By YOURI KEMP

Tribune Business Reporter

ykemp@tribunemedia.net

The Bahamas was top of the heap prior to Hurricane Dorian with its 17 percent hotel occupancy growth leading the Caribbean, a top regional tourism executive said yesterday.

Frank Comito, pictured, the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Associations (CHTA) director general, told the Bahamas Business Outlook conference: The Bahamas was off in a big way before September 1. You were running actually next to Bonaire at the top of the heap in terms of percentage growth, running at 17 percentage growth at that point on tourism year-on-year.

You can see in November the occupancy drop, so it was running year-to-date 65.5 percent, and then in November, year-on-year, it dropped a couple of points. He voiced optimism, though, over The Bahamas prospects for a rapid post-Dorian rebound, saying: It (tourism) is an incredibly resilient industry, despite what many of us think, as it rebounds quickly and it rebounds better.

Mr Comito said natural disasters presented a contagion risk for both The Bahamas and wider Caribbean, with media coverage leading many travellers to believe this whole country was devastated by Dorian rather than just two islands. He recalled how Hurricane Maria had a similar effect on the whole Caribbean in 2017, even though it struck just Dominica, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

Look at Hurricane Maria in 2017, Mr Comito said. Before that the Caribbean was having one of the best years ever. In fact, I think it was on track to exceed stopover arrivals for over 30m visitors. Hurricane hits, and received visitor arrivals all dropped for the entire Caribbean.

In fact, only six destinations - less than 25 percent of the region - were hit by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Seventy-plus percent was not even having a bad hair day. So you see that it has a contagion effect, just like it has in The Bahamas.

Recalling how the Caribbean lost over one million visitors, and some $900m in revenue, due to the 2017 hurricane season, Mr Comito said the region had rebounded by having the right kind of messaging out there.

It was now beating a 40-year trend analysis that the CHTA helped produce in conjunction with the World Tourism Council on how long would it take destinations take to bounce back following disasters, with shuttered hotels now back on line.

Mr Comito, though, warned Bahamians against irresponsibility by posting inaccurate social media information on the impact of future storms given how this could undermine recovery efforts.

You had a lot of Bahamians repeating misinformation on social media that instantaneously gets to the international media, who pick up on it, he warned. Thats a danger. Recovery and restoration is the responsibility of everyone. Doing irresponsible things like that impacts the lives of everyone.

Mr Comito said the Ministry of Tourism needs to maintain diligence and continue to mitigate Dorian-related fall-out, focusing on social media outreach and links with travel agents and travel partners, in addition to having promotional brand campaigns.

He added that a rapid response with accurate information is essential, and said the CHTA will shortly be sharing a regional crisis communications manual for the entire Caribbean to help with combating the negative messages that may hit countries which suffer a disaster.

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Bahamas 'top of the heap' before Dorian - Bahamas Tribune

Participants at the Hurricane Dorian Pledging Conference. (Photo Credit: BIS/Derek Smith)

NASSAU, The Bahamas, WednesdayJanuary 15, 2020 Governments, non-governmentalorganizations (NGOs), multilateral institutions, companies andindividuals pledged US$1.5 billion in recovery funding and in-kind services atthe Hurricane Dorian Private Sector Pledging Conference just under half theestimated losses and damage the Category 5 hurricane caused when it made landfallin the archipelago four months ago.

More than300 local and international delegates attended the conference at Baha Mar on Monday,and pledges included: initiatives in homebuilding and repair; educationalassistance; renewable energy partnerships; relief aid; grants; directassistance to storm victims; parks restoration; loans and financing.

Thesepledges are an important step in the ongoing reconstruction and rebuilding ofareas affected by Hurricane Dorian, so that we may rebuild stronger and withmore resilience, said Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis.

We are grateful to domestic and international partners, including foreign governments. We look forward to other possible contributions to help in our recovery efforts.

As afollow up to the conference, the UnitedNations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government will issue a detailedaccount of the commitments made disaggregated by sectors and stakeholders.

HurricaneDorian hit Abaco and Grand Bahama in September 2019. With maximum sustainedwinds of 185 miles per hour, and gusts of 220 miles per hour, Dorian was thestrongest storm to hit The Bahamas. It was also the second strongest storm bywind speed recorded in the Atlantic.

Therehave been 70 confirmed deaths as a result of Hurricane Dorian.

We thankthe donors who pledged at Mondays conference for their support of therestoration of Abaco and Grand Bahama, said Katherine Forbes-Smith, ManagingDirector of the Bahamas Disaster Reconstruction Authority.

The Authority, as the agency charged with spearheading the reconstruction effort, will work with these local and international partners to ensure that Abaco and Grand Bahama are rebuilt better and stronger. Through these partnerships and assistance we also hope to boost both economies and build back with new, greener technology and resiliency.

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Just Under Half the Value of Hurricane Dorian Losses and Damage in The Bahamas is Pledged for Recovery Efforts - Caribbean360.com

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDALive Science reports that William Keegan of the Florida Museum of Natural History and Ann Ross of North Carolina State University analyzed the structure of 103 skulls unearthed in the Caribbean, Florida, and Panama, and concluded that the Carib people may have traveled to the Bahamas from South America as early as A.D. 800. When Christopher Columbus arrived in the Bahamas in 1492, he recorded conflicts between the indigenous Arawak and Caribs, whom he described as marauding cannibals. But researchers lacked evidence showing that the Caribs had actually migrated so far north, and therefore doubted the accuracy of the explorers account. The new test results and archaeological evidence suggest that Carib settlers from the Yucatn Peninsula reached the Caribbean around 5000 B.C., and they then traveled to Cuba and the northern Antilles, while Arawaks from Colombia and Venezuela arrived in Puerto Rico between 800 and 200 B.C. The study also indicates that Caribs from the northwest Amazon were the first to arrive in the Bahamas and the island of Hispaniola. Keegan said this migration pattern fits with the spread of a unique pottery type as well. He and Ross now think Columbus may have actually encountered the Caribs, but they said that there is still no real evidence that the Caribs practiced cannibalism. To read about the fifteenth-century Martellus map that Columbus is believed to have consulted before sailing to the Caribbean, go to "Reading the Invisible Ink."

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New Thoughts on the Colonization of the Caribbean - Archaeology

With over 2000 islands and cays, the Bahamas are scattered like a string of pearls in the Caribbean Sea in southeastern North America. For anybody who loves beaches and love to watch the skies touching the ocean, the Bahamas should be one topping thelist for their next vacation. The Bahamas have a lot to offer; from delicious Bahamian food to adventurous water sports, it has everything to make ones vacation memorable. Here is a guide to follow if one is visiting the Bahamas.

Atlantis Paradise Island is an ocean-themed resort on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. It is known worldwide for its amazing water adventures, white sand beaches, luxury accommodation,and fine dining. One can do a variety of things over here including swimming with dolphins, shopping, dining, etc.

Read |How Ayushmann Khurrana And Tahira Kashyap Celebrated The New Year At The Bahamas

Arawak Cay offers an authentic atmosphere of the Bahamian Fish Fry. Arawak Cay is also known as Fish Fry, and it is an area in the Bahamas known for its local eateries on the West Bay Street. It is about 15 minutes away from downtown Nassau and 25 minutes away from Atlantis Paradise Island Resort.

Read |Ayushmann Khurrana & Tahira Kashyap Enjoy Their Vacay In Bahamas; See Pictures

Although the temperature in the islands of Bahamas is pleasant throughout the year, it is advisable to visit during mid-December to mid-April. This is the peak season for tourism and therefore the prices is higher in this season. But if one makes bookings in advance, they may get good deals. If one wants to go to the islands during the party season, they must go during the March to mid-April season as it is the spring break season.

Read |Bahamas 'Miracle' Dog Found By Rescuers After 3 Weeks Under Debris

Read |Kartik Aaryan Surprises Sara Ali Khan With THIS Gesture At 'Love Aaj Kal' Trailer Launch

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Bahamas travel guide: All the things to do and not miss out on at these Carribean islands - Republic World - Republic World

By EARYEL BOWLEG

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

Minister of the Environment Romauld Ferreirainsisteditwastherightthing todo for thecountryto tackle thedependencyofplasticuse amid the public push back of the single-useplasticban.

Hegaveremarks on Fridayat the "Tackling Climate Change:WhatItaly& the European Union Are Doing toHelpforumhostedby the University of The Bahamas Climate Change Adaptation & Resilience Research Centre inpartnershipwith the Embassy ofItaly.

Mr Ferreirawarnedof thedeadlyeffects thatplasticshad notonlyon theenvironmentbut onpeopleshealth.

Heexplained:We cannottalkabout renewable energy,reducingourrelianceon fossil fuel without tackling ourdependenceonplasticsbecause itcomesfromthatandthe otherbigissue withplasticsisthattheyall break down to microplastics.Theyall end up in theoceanandwereon atrajectorytohavemoreplasticsin theoceanthan fish.

The Minister described how this affected The Bahamas: Andthisisa localproblemas well because many ofusseemtothinkthattheseproblemsexist somewhere else out thereandtheydont affectus.Thereve beennumerousstudies thathaveshownthatmicroplasticsarein thefishthatweeatandthatweconsume.Seeingthatwehavesome of the highest cancer rates in theworld, thisistherightthing todo.

The 25 cent fee for plastic bags has been controversial, with Super Value Owner Rupert Roberts recently telling The Tribune that customers are disgruntled by the move.

The guest speakerat Fridays event wasthe Italian Ambassador ArmandoVarricchiowho listedinitiatives that have been taken in Italy includingbecomingthe firstcountrytomakelessonsin climate change compulsory inschools.

And it Europe at large, the newEuropeanCommission'sEuropeanGreen Dealaimstoachieveno net emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050.

MrVarricchiospoke about theassistanceItalyhasgivento the Bahamas after Hurricane Dorian.

He said his fellow Italians were "deeplytouched" by the tragic event but also "inspired by theresilienceof the Bahamian people."

Italy and the Bahamasenjoylong-standing diplomatic relations and astrongfriendship, the ambassador said. Soweworked as hard aswecould toactivatethechannelsofsupportboth at the national level and through the European Union toprovidehelp withaid.

Hesaidthat Italy and the Bahamashavea "deep conviction" tokeepclimate changeon the global agenda as no nation "largeor small, rich orpoor" is "immuneto theimpactofclimate change."

And MrVarricchionotedone of his key messages toItalianswastoencouragethem tocometo the Bahamas forbusinessandtourismtohelpwith therestoration.

Through the Italian governmentsgrant,AnatolRodgersHigh Schoolhassolar energy which wasimplementedlastyear.

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Romauld Ferreira: Plastics ban 'right thing to do' - Bahamas Tribune

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Airlift into The Bahamas remains on an upward trajectory, according to Tyrone Sawyer, senior Director of Airlift Development in the Ministry of Tourism.

Sawyer said islands like Eleuthera and Exuma have benefitted from additional flights as a result of Hurricane Dorian.

In an interview with Eyewitness News Online, Sawyer said: With regards to our airlift into Nassau and Paradise Island, our seat capacity is up year over year tracking for the next 60-90 days. That would demonstrate the confidence airlines have placed in the islands of The Bahamas and an indication of load factor performance out of our key markets over the past two years. We have had a strong sustained air seat capacity despite the hit we took from Dorian.

Sawyer noted the country has been able to maintain its seat capacity from key hubs such as Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas Fort Worth, Houston and London.

That would be an indication of the confidence the carriers have in our promotional efforts to generate demand in the marketplace, he said.

We would have seen a hit in our load factor performance in October, a bit in November but we would have started to see a rebound in December. Airlift is on upward trajectory.

Sawyer said 80 percent of this nations total seat capacity comes through Nassau and Paradise Island.

Because we have lost airlift into Abaco and Grand Bahama we have seen carriers put in extra flights to Exuma and North Eleuthera, he said.

Delta would have added a third departure on Saturdays into north Eleuthera and American would have added a third daily departure into George Town Exuma.

Sawyer added: Those destinations have been impacted in a positive way.

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Bahamas airlift on 'upward trajectory' heading into 2020 - EyeWitness News

A Level 3 Travel Alert has been updated by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.

As of January 3, 2020, the CDC recommends that US residents avoid nonessential travel to certain affected parts of the Bahamas, including the Abacos and Grand Bahama Island.

Parts of the Bahamas, including the Abacos and Grand Bahama Island, have been severely affected by Hurricane Dorian.

US residents should avoid nonessential travel to affected parts of the Bahamas.

Affected by Hurricane Dorian on September 12, 2019, visitors to the Bahamas may experience serious health/safety risks and medical care may be limited or unavailable.

And, reduced access to safe water, food, and shelter in some areas may create conditions for outbreaks of infectious diseases.

The CDC says if you must travel to the Bahamas, consider these action items:

Previously, the CDCupdated travel vaccine suggestions for The Bahamas on August 2, 2019.

The CDC suggests various preventive vaccines, such as measles, Hepatitis A, and Typhoid vaccinations prior to traveling abroad.

The Bahamas is also included in the CDCs updated worldwide Measles Alert, issued on January 3, 2020.

And recently, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) includes The Bahamas in a Dengue outbreak notice.

This updated CDC Travel Alert is unfortunate news since The Bahamas has experienced an increase in tourism recently.

According to government statistics, Grand Bahama received 670,000 visitors in 2018, the vast majority arriving on cruise ships.

And, the Nassau and Paradise Island hotel industry reported a spike in average daily room rates, up 34 percent in one year.

To alert international travelers of their security risks when visiting The Bahamas, the US Department of State reissued a Level 2 Travel Advisory on November 26, 2019.

This Exercise Increased Caution advisory by the State Department indicates that visitors to The Bahamas are experiencing various types of crime.

Additionally, the Canadian and UK governments issued similar Travel Advisories during 2019.

Specifically, the UKs Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to Bahamas northwest islands. There have been incidents of violent crime including robbery, which is often armed and sometimes fatal, in residential and tourist areas of New Providence, Grand Bahama, and Freeport.

This FCO advisory suggests visitors to The Bahamas be vigilant at all times and dont walk alone away from the main hotels, tourist areas, beaches, and downtown Nassau, particularly after dark.

Moreover, Take care if traveling on local bus services after dusk on routes away from the main tourist areas.

Previously, the UK's National Travel Health Network and Center reported 'risks of the Zika virusin The Bahamas during 2019. The details of specific affected areas within the Bahamas are not available. The UK suggests pregnant women avoidtraveling to the Bahamasuntil after the pregnancy.

In the event that travel is unavoidable, the pregnant womenmust be informed of the risks which the Zika viruspresents to unborn children, such as Microcephaly.

Separately, the Government of Canada Travel Advice and Advisories for The Bahamas was last updated on October 1, 2019, which says 'Avoid Nassaus over the hill (south of Shirley Street) and Fish Fry (Arawak Cay) areas, especially at night.'

Furthermore, the Canadian government says 'sexual assault occurs frequently in The Bahamas, particularly near hotels, in hotel rooms, in casinos, on cruise ships, and on the beach. Reported incidents are on the rise in Nassau, including on Paradise Island. In some cases, the victim was drugged. And, be wary when embarking on jet-ski rides with licensed or unlicensed operators, as several incidents of sexual assault have been reported.

The Bahamas travel vaccine news published by Vax Before Travel

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Bahamas Travel Alert Updated by the CDC - Vax Before Travel

Elk Grove Village Mayor holds the Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl trophy on the field, decorated with the Makers Wanted logo before the big game in Nassau, Bahamas Friday, Dec. 20. (Photo by 4Front marketing)

Elk Grove Village sponsored the first ESPN college bowl game of the holiday season the Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl Friday, Dec. 20 in Nassau, Bahamas.

The field and stadium were filled with logos and graphics featuring Elk Grove Villages Makers Wanted slogan. This was the second year Elk Grove Village sponsored the game. Ratings and website analytics were not immediately available from ESPN or the villages marketing company, 4Front.

Elk Grove Village Mayor Craig Johnson said sponsorship of the game is about marketing the village to national and even international audiences. Analytics from the December 2018 Bahamas Bowl shows the village received about $12 million worth of media exposure from the game, Johnson said.

With the novelty of the first non-tourist municipality to sponsor a bowl game over, Johnson said he did not expect to see the same level of buzz about the 2019 Bahamas Bowl, but still believes it will be of value.

Elk Grove Village spent $849,000 on sponsorship of the 2018 and 2019 Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl games, including fees to ESPN, television commercial production and other marketing. Those fees include advertising buys for the presidential election on cable news channels and a marketing contract with the firm 4Front.

Loves Travel Stops & Country Store Real Estate Project Manager Chad Bruner (left) with Elk Grove Village Mayor Craig Johnson after an October Elk Grove Village board meeting where a new Loves at 1900 Busse Rd. was approved. Bruner said he learned about the village watching the December 2018 Bahamas Bowl game at home in Oklahoma. (Tom Robb/Journal photo)

Loves Travel Stops & Country Stores is set to open a new location in Elk Grove Village, which Johnson said could be worth $15 to $20 million in tax revenue to the village over 20 years. Officials with Loves say they chose the village after seeing commercials for Elk Grove Village during the 2018 Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl.

Seven Elk Grove Village businesses also donated $50,000 in building materials and supplies to a Nassau-based organization founded to provide a home for children displaced as a result of family problems, who have been abandoned, orphaned or whose primary caregivers are deceased. As part of the Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl Charitable Initiative coordinated by the village, Johnson said building supplies including tile, doors, appliances and other items, would be used as Ranfurly Homes expands to meet new demand caused by Dorian. Officials with Ranfurly told Johnson the building supplies were a huge help.

Elk Grove Village Mayor Craig Johnson (right) with Alexander Roberts, administrator of the Ranfurly Homes for Children (left) in front of U.S. government provided tents at the Ranfurly Homes in the Bahamas. (Photo provided by 4Front Marketing)

When Johnson arrived at Ranfurly Homes for Children in Nassau during his trip to the Bahamas Bowl, he was shocked to see children displaced by Hurricane Dorian still living in tents provided by the United States.

The children at Ranfurly are from Grand Bahama, one of two islands along with the island of Abaco devastated by the slow moving Category 5 hurricane in September.

Although the islands of Grand Bahama and Abaco were devastated by the hurricane, The Bahamas includes 700 islands over a 10,000-square mile area. Grand Bahama and Abaco are located in the northern part of the island chain.

The capital of Nassau missed the storm, only experiencing minor flooding. Nassau is located on two adjacent islands linked by a bridge in the center on the islands of New Providence, where the Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl was played at Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, and the smaller Paradise Island where the event hotel, the Atlantis, is located.

Johnson oversaw a pinball tournament and beach party dance-off between bowl game athletes at the Atlantis. The pinball tournament was hosted by Elk Grove Village-based Stern Pinball. Stern brought Star Wars and Guardians of the Galaxy pinball machines to the tournament, donating each school one machine each.

Tourism is the Bahamas largest industry. Bahamian officials are eager to dispel the notion that Dorian destroyed all the nations tourist sites.

The game was played between the Bulls of the University of New York at Buffalo and the 49ers from the University of North Carolina, Charlotte. The Bulls dominated the 49ers in a 31-9 victory. The offensive player of the game was Bulls running back Jaret Patterson who rushed 32 times for 173 yards and 2 touchdowns.

In attendance with Mayor Johnson at the big game was Mike Brennan, principal at the Brennan Investment Group. Brennan brought along some of his top sales staff as a reward, Johnson said. Commercials aired during the game featuring the new Elk Grove Technology Park along with the villages longtime business park.

A big crowd fills Real Time Sports on Devon Avenue in Elk Grove Village at the official watch party for the village-sponsored ESPN Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl, Friday, Dec. 20. The big screen shows the villages Makers Wanted logo filling the field between the 20 and 30 yard lines. (Tom Robb/Journal photo)

Back in Elk Grove Village, a few hundred people gathered at Real Time Sports Bar for the official watch party, including village staffers, public works crews and others. Village staffers dressed in bright blue Bahamas Bowl T-shirts greeted those attending the event and gave away prizes.

Bigger cheers at Real Time did not go up when major plays were made on the gridiron, but when one of four commercials for the village aired. The broadcast also showed B-Roll from the pinball tournament and beach bash.

Colleen Heniff, a freshman at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte (right), home in Lombard on winter break from school, sits with her father Bill to cheer on UNC Charlotte 49ers at the Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl official watch party at Real Time Sports Friday, Dec. 20. Tom Robb/Journal photo)

One who made the trip to Real Time Sports was Colleen Heniff, a freshman at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte, who was home in Lombard on winter break from school. She came to the viewing party with her father Bill to cheer on her team.

Although the crowd thinned after halftime when the Bulls were up 17-0, Real Time manager Ben Cirrincione said the bar was two-to-three-times busier than normal. He said he expected the Bahamas Bowl to be the busiest of all the ESPN college football bowl games.

Village staffers clad in Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl gear welcome guests at the official watch party for the bowl game at Real Time Sports last Friday, Dec. 20. (From left) Jenn Mahon, Kathy Hahn, Giordan Kaplan, Bolor Bat-Erdem and Brianna Bacigalupo. Tom Robb/Journal photo)

Even the Bahamas Bowl could not escape the reach of Elk Grove Villages retroactive term limits referendum debate. Concerned Citizens of Elk Grove Village chairman Tim Burns confirmed his group paid to run an advertisement through Comcast in the Chicago market. An illuminated truck with messages advocating term limits also circled the parking lot outside the viewing party.

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Second Year Of ESPN, Elk Grove Village Marketing Partnership On The Books - Journal & Topics Newspapers Online