MADISON, Wis., April 12, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sonic Foundry, Inc. (NASDAQ: SOFO), the trusted leader in video capture, management and streaming solutions as well as virtual and hybrid events, today announced critical first steps in the launch of Global Learning Exchange, an innovative solution to provide students worldwide with access to higher education in flexible, cost effective, locally supported environments.

Earlier this month, Sonic Foundry began construction of its first-of-its-kind Global Learning Exchange hub in the Bahamas. Conveniently located in central Nassau and scheduled for completion in July 2022, the facility will provide students with an unprecedented level of support relative to other online learning solutions including in-person admissions and enrollment assistance, a positive study environment, tutoring, and other academic resources while also serving as a hub for social and collaborative learning activities. No remote learning program in todays higher-education market currently offers students the combination of online classes and locally supported resources.

To support the Bahamas initiative, Sonic Foundry also announced a partnership agreement with the Bahamas Institute of Business and Technology (BIBT), which will partner with Sonic Foundry to begin enrolling students this summer.

Having dedicated my career to preparing Bahamians for success in the global marketplace, I am excited about the opportunity to partner with Global Learning Exchange, said BIBT President, Dr. Deswell Forbes.Together we can make a significant impact on the future of our youth and our country by providing world-class, affordable online educational opportunities in a local environment with all of the necessary study support and resources. This is a significant step toward enabling Bahamians to succeed personally and professionally at every conceivable level nationally and internationally. I have great confidence that this innovative educational model can disrupt barriers to achieving a fulfilling higher education experience for students.

Additionally, Sonic Foundry is in the process of securing agreements to provide students with a wide variety of public and private university choices from around the world. As of today, the company has MOUs in place with five universities in the US, UK, and Australia, which it intends to move to contract this spring. In the months ahead, Global Learning Exchange will focus on partner-led hub development projects in a number of emerging global markets. This disruptive model will provide unprecedented levels of access, choice, and support as well as relevant local pricing - to students in many countries where demand for higher education is rapidly growing amid constrained enrollment opportunities.

Millions of students do not have access to higher education, despite the tremendous amount of online educational content, said Joe Mozden, Jr., CEO of Sonic Foundry. Global Learning Exchange allows us to democratize education by providing students with access to world-class education in a locally supported, affordable, community-centric environment. This is the future of global education.

You can obtain more information on Global Learning Exchange here. For the latest on Sonic Foundry's new growth initiatives, listen to the most recent shareholders meeting here.

About Sonic Foundry

Sonic Foundry (NASDAQ: SOFO) is the global leader for video capture, management and streaming solutions as well as virtual and hybrid events. Trusted by thousands of educational institutions, corporations, health organizations and government entities in over 65 countries, Sonic Foundrys solutions include Mediasite, Mediasite Connect, Vidable and Global Learning Exchange. Learn more at http://www.sonicfoundry.com.

2022 Sonic Foundry, Inc. Product and service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of Sonic Foundry, Inc. or their respective owners.

Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements about the products and services of Sonic Foundry within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.Forward-looking statements include statements about our products and services, our customer base, strategic investments, new partnerships, our future operating results, and any statements we make about the companys future.These types of statements address matters that are subject to many risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from the forward-looking guidance we provide.Any forward-looking statements should be considered in context of the risk factors disclosed in our periodic forms 10Q, 10K and other filings with the SEC.These filings can be accessed on-line at http://www.sec.gov and other websites or can be obtained from the companys investor relations department.All of the information and disclosures we make in this news release regarding our business, including any forward-looking guidance, are as of the date given and we assume no obligation to update or change this information, regardless of subsequent events.

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Sonic Foundry Begins Construction on First Global Learning Exchange Hub in the Bahamas - GlobeNewswire

NASSAU, BAHAMAS The United States Government has announced plans to provide $1.5 million in urgent COVID-19 assistance through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for countries in the Caribbean, including The Bahamas, Barbados, Guyana, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.

This assistance will help countries conduct vaccination campaigns, overcome vaccine hesitancy, and increase vaccination rates. It will also help governments launch engagement activities, train healthcare workers, and combat misinformation.

While the rate of new cases in The Bahamas has declined significantly, the global COVID-19 pandemic is not over, and fewer than half of all Bahamians are vaccinated.

USAID will direct funding through organizations such as local Ministries of Health, NGOs, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), UNICEF, andUSAIDs Country Health Information Systems and Data Use (CHISU) project.

Charg dAffaires Usha Pitts of the U.S. Embassy in The Bahamas said: Now that new cases are declining, our challenge lays with ensuring the country is prepared to battle the next wave of COVID, whenever or however it appears. The ongoing problem of vaccine hesitancy is a major obstacle to these preparations, so the timing of this assistance is key. I hope to see as many people get vaccinated against COVID-19 as possible, so we can prevent future strains of the virus from sweeping the country.

USAID Regional Representative for the Eastern and Southern Caribbean, Clinton D. White, added: The funding will fill key gaps to accelerate COVID-19 vaccine uptake, and strengthen countries preparedness for future pandemic threats. The United States Government remains firmly committed to assisting the government and people of The Bahamas in the fight against COVID-19.

This additional assistance builds on thenearly $63 million in COVID-19 funding already provided by USAID to the Caribbean to address the health, humanitarian, and economic impacts of COVID-19.Thisincludes $750,000 in funding to The Bahamas alone.

USAIDs previous COVID-19 assistance toThe Bahamas led to the installation of 300 sanitizer units in classrooms and senior citizen care facilities, and 18 handheld radios for emergency medical services.In addition, USAID funding was used to procure state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment andindustrial-grade laundry equipment for Princess Margaret Hospital.

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U.S. will provide further $1.5M in COVID-19 vaccine assistance to Caribbean countries - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS The future of money is digital, according to a new global CBDC index from PwC.

In a press release, PwC said it is estimated that more than 80 percent of central banks are considering launching a central bank digital currency (CBDC) or have already done so.

Caribbean Central Banks are among the top 10 with legal digital-tender already in use in The Bahamas, while Jamaica and the Eastern Caribbean are expected to follow soon.

Prince Rahming, Territory Leader, PwC Bahamas said: When we look at the evolution of CBDC and the issuance of digital currencies worldwide, the fact that The Bahamas sits as the front runner in this very important race is truly an accomplishment. With the introduction of the Sand Dollar and the passage of the DARE (Digital Assets and Registered Exchange) Act 2020, which is designed to regulate digital assets and the activities of digital assets service providers, The Bahamas has once again set itself apart as a global leader in this space and we are already seeing the benefits.

Rahming continued: Today, across the length and breadth of The Bahamas, consumers and businesses alike are afforded the added convenience and safety of engaging in banking transactions from their digital wallets in a similar manner as they would with traditional banking services. Banking security and protection remain tantamount to adding value to the overall customer experience.

We commend the vision and leadership of Governor John Rolle of the Central Bank of The Bahamas as well as Christina Rolle of the Securities Commission for placing The Bahamas on the map in the digital currency and digital assets space and for introducing regulations that fully comply with international standards. Their efforts are bearing fruit and bodes well for the continued success of the financial services sector in The Bahamas he added.

The 2022 PwC CBDC Global Index analyses and ranks the leading retail and wholesale CBDC projects. The Index evaluates the current stage of CBDC project development also taking into account central bank opinion and public interest.

Overall, retail CBDC projects (digital currencies designed for public use) have reached greater maturity levels than wholesale projects (digital currencies used by financial institutions that have accounts with central banks), but the past year has seen progress on a number of successful wholesale pilots.

Retail projects in the Index are led by the Central Bank of Nigerias (CBN) eNaira, the first CBDC in Africa, and the Sand Dollar, issued by the Central Bank of the Bahamas as legal tender in October 2020, making The Bahamas the first country to launch a CBDC. China became the first major economy to pilot a CBDC in 2020 with the digital yuan, and as of March 2022 pilot programs are running in 12 cities, including Beijing and Shanghai.

On the wholesale side, the leading project in the Index is the combined effort of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Bank of Thailand (BoT) to launch the mBridge project, focused on developing a proof-of-concept prototype to enable real-time, cross-border foreign exchange payments on distributed ledger technology. Also ranked highly is the work of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), with two new CBDC projects, as it continues the development of a wholesale CBDC for cross-currency payments.

The PwC report also provides an overview of stablecoins, digital currencies collateralised by, for example, a fiat currency, which can allow a bridge to be created between the traditional financial ecosystem and digital technologies.

See the article here:

PwC's 2022 CBDC Global Index places The Bahamas, Eastern Caribbean, and Jamaica among the top ten central banks for retail payments - EyeWitness News

MIAMI Udonis Haslem started the Miami Heat postseason with an apology.

It wasn't a real apology.

Haslem, like many other Heat players, is amused by the notion that the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs isn't considered a favorite to win the Eastern Conference title. Miami doesn't have an MVP candidate, didn't have anyone qualify for the top 20 in the league's scoring race, and according to FanDuel Sportsbook only has the third-best odds of winning the East behind Milwaukee and Boston.

"It might not be the sexiest," Haslem, the longtime Heat captain and 19-year veteran, said of Miami's 53-29 regular season mark. "We ain't got nobody out here scoring 85 points in one game. Ain't got none of that. But we are winning basketball games collectively as a unit and as a team. I'm sorry to everybody in the basketball world that that's not sexy enough for you guys, but we're thankful for the guys that we have and the opportunity that we have to be the No. 1 seed."

Miami opens the playoffs at home on Sunday afternoon; the Heat will find out their opponent on Friday night. By then, the Heat expect to have center Bam Adebayo out because of a stint in the league's health and safety protocols back and ready for Game 1. He was the only Heat player missing Wednesday when the team resumed practice after a two-day, players-only, bonding trip to the Bahamas.

"In terms of whether there's motivation because people are counting us out or not giving us a due respect, each person can translate that on their own," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. "I think the more powerful motivation is what we're trying to play for and compete for, which is the hardest thing you attempt to do in a team sport, to compete for a title."

It might seem surprising to some that a team that made headlines a few weeks ago for an in-game argument All-Star forward Jimmy Butler exchanging words with Spoelstra during a time out, then Haslem getting involved in a rather demonstrative way went on vacation together. Whatever caused that argument was forgotten by the next day anyway, since some players arrived for work the following morning and found Butler and Haslem already in the locker room and carrying on with their usual brand of conversation and nonsense.

The Heat insist they're united. They bicker, and that argument wasn't the worst dustup the team has experienced this season, but Haslem said that's all part this team's DNA.

"Typical day in Miami, man," Haslem said of the time-out mess last month. "That's how we get stuff done around here. We believe in eye-to-eye communication. ... You say what you've got to say, I'll say what I've got to say, I love you, you love me, let's get back on the basketball court, let's play."

That dustup came during a four-game Miami losing streak. When that slide ended, the Heat won six straight to lock up the No. 1 seed in the East before losing a meaningless regular-season finale in Orlando. Most Heat regulars didn't play in that game, and the Bahamas trip then got underway.

Being the No. 1 seed guarantees nothing; no top seed has won the East title since Cleveland in 2016, and a top seed has only made one East final in the last four years that being Milwaukee, when it lost to Toronto in 2019.

But the Heat, just as they were in the bubble two years ago when they went to the NBA Finals as the East's No. 5 seed, insist that they believe they have enough to contend for a title.

"I feel good. I do," Butler said. "I don't put a ceiling or basement on anything, man, because we can't control everything. I just know that if we focus in on us, and what we can control, and what we're capable of, we're going to be OK."

___

More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

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Sorry, not sorry: Heat aren't fazed by the lack of believers - Star Tribune

CHURCHES and places of religious worship across the country are now allowed to have services at maximum capacity, the Ministry of Health and Wellness said on Friday.

However, churches and places of worship are still required to strictly adhere to COVID-19 protocols, such as enforcing mask wearing, sanitisation, physical distancing and encouraging those attending to become vaccinated, the ministry said.

This comes days before the Easter holidays and associated church services.

Recently, Bahamas Christian Council President Bishop Delton Fernander told reporters that church leaders had hoped to have services at 100 percent capacity during Easter once COVID-19 cases remain low.

The government has been consistent in what they have promised us, he said recently. We went to 75 percent because if everything held safe we would shift to that and Easter is the period when we are to go to 100 percent if the number remains safe. I see there was a fluctuation. This might have been the first week or second week we were over ten the rate of infection is still low and so I believe wearing the mask in the environment with the sanitation protocols, we can (guarantee) safe worship.

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Churches approved for 100% occupancy at services across The Bahamas - Bahamas Tribune

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Cabinet is expected to review several updated reports on the shantytown situation in The Bahamas to develop a strategy to deal with those unregulated communities and the human element of displacement of those residents, Minister of Works and Utilities Alfred Sears said yesterday.

No one has an unfettered right to establish unregulated communities on public land ALFRED SEARS

Sears said the government is reviewing the issue of squatters on Crown Land.

He said he expects Town Planning and the Building Control Unit in the Ministry of Works to provide a full report with recommendations and options.

The minister said he will present a strategy to Cabinet upon receipt of those reports.

According to Sears, there has been ongoing construction of illegal structures on Abaco and Grand Bahama post-Dorian, as pointed out under the former administration.

He said while he had not received reports to that effect, my eyes are open.

I was in Abaco three weeks ago for the commissioning of the Little Abaco Bridge and as I driving from the airport, I was told that there are certain communities, which subsequent to Hurricane Dorian, have been established, Sears said.

Upon returning to Nassau, asked Town Planning and also Building Control to investigate reports that I had received. I expect those reports would be forthcoming, with recommendations. And in the context of that report, it would have to address the history that is what the previous government would have done. We will review that and see how we can address [that].

The challenge really is, as I have observed, we have a human situation in Abaco, he continued.

We have thousands of people, who were displaced and Bahamian citizens and long-term residents, some of whom are housed in domes and other temporary facilities which were not intended for any long-term habitation. The minister of housing has already broken ground for a new subdivision on Abaco to address this human situation of displacement.

Many persons have been made refugees. Those who had relatives in the US and Nassau and son on have temporarily relocated and are coming back now to Abaco.

Sears pointed out that a similar situation exists in Grand Bahama.

He said housing has to be addressed in a comprehensive way to provide stability as well as habitable places where people can put their lives back together.

Asked if the government will seek to continue to demolish unregulated communities, Sears said upon receipt of the report and recommendations, Cabinet will form a comprehensive position, and then act.

The minister made clear that no one has an unfettered right to establish unregulated communities on public land.

It remains unclear when that report will be prepared.

As the Minnis administration began demolishing structures in certain parts of Abaco, theSupreme Court extended its injunction to the entirety of Abaco,preventing the government from destroying shantytown communities without bringing evidence of a breach of the law to the court first.

The substantive judicial review of the shantytown matter is still under review by the court.

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MEASURE TWICE, CUT ONCE: Sears says no one has unfettered right to build illegally on public land - EyeWitness News

NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT A Bahamian student at the University of New Haven has died and another Bahamian national, who graduated from the college, was seriously injured after their vehicle crashed into a tree and burst into flames in New Haven early yesterday morning.

Emergency crews responded to the crash and vehicle fire at the intersection of Congress Avenue and College Street in New Haven around 3.30am.

Authorities found a black Chevrolet Cruz had hit a tree and was on fire.

Firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze and remove the driver from the vehicle using the Jaws of Life, according to investigators.

The driver, identified as Kenu Adderley, 26, was taken to Bridgeport Hospital to be treated for life-threatening injuries.

According to reports, he was listed in stable condition.

His passenger, identified as Raymond Rolle, 21, was transported to Yale New Haven Hospital, where he died on his injuries.

I just prefer a good word for those two because they were good boys: not on drugs, not on alcohol and very focused determined, dream-chasing young men RELATIVE OF SURVIVOR

A relative of Adderley, who did not wish to be named, said he was unresponsive at the moment, but pushing through Gods grace.

He needs major prayers, the relative said, adding that Adderley and Rolle were best friends.

Hes strong and he is definitely a fighter.

Adderley graduated from the university in 2021 with a masters in civil engineering.

Rolle, a computer engineering student, would have graduated this year.

He was an active member of the universitys TEDx club. He was quiet, driven, loving and set on his goals since he was 21.

Of Adderley, the relative said: He is smart, intelligent, caring and always willing to push and help others, especially with their studies. [They] just spoke with a young up and coming engineer last week to uplift them and give them scholarships to pursue their dreams.

He was focused on how his life was supposed to be set.

I just prefer a good word for those two because they were good boys: not on drugs, not on alcohol and very focused determined, dream-chasing young men.

Im not only saying that because its my [relative].

Trust me, anyone that knows him knows hes very serious and he doesnt play about his future goals.

In a statement on Saturday, University of New Haven Dean of Students Ophelie Rowe-Allen shared the heartbreaking news with the university community.

Rollesadviser Christopher Martinez, associate professor of computer engineering, said he was kindhearted, and he got along with everyone.

Martinez said: This semester, he was taking his junior design experience course. He worked so well with his classmates, and he was regularly in the lab on weekends working on his project.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had been in touch with the families of both victims.

Ministry officials via the Bahamas Consulate General in New York have been and will remain in contact with the families of both victims and stand ready to assist wherever possible, read the statement.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs [Fred Mitchell] sends his condolences to the family of Raymond Rolle on their loss as he continues to receive updates on Adderleys condition.

The ministry requests that the public keep the family and loved ones of the deceased and hospitalized in their prayers during this difficult and tragic time.

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DEADLY CRASH: Bahamian UNH student killed, another injured in New Haven car accident - EyeWitness News

AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) If history is any indication, perhaps the Internet sleuths who track flight patterns should circle May 10 on the calendar and look for a private jet going from South Florida to Tulsa, Oklahoma. That would be the next chance for Tiger Woods to play.

And he didnt sound all that promising when he left the Masters.

Woods has been consistent since he first spoke publicly in the Bahamas last December that he is done playing a full schedule because of his damaged right leg from his car crash 14 months ago, to go along with five surgeries on his lower back.

I wont be playing a full schedule ever again, he told Sky Sports on Sunday after closing with a 78 for his highest score ever at the Masters. It will be just the big events. I dont know if Ill play Southern Hills or not.

Southern Hills is the site of the PGA Championship on May 19-22. Woods has played it three times. He tied for 21st in a 30-man field at the Tour Championship in 1996 (8-over 288), and his streak of four consecutive major wins ended at Southern Hills in the 2001 U.S. Open when he tied for 12th (3-over 283).

Most recently would be his fourth PGA Championship title in 2007. This will be the first major since then at Southern Hills.

May 10 is a date to observe because its the Tuesday before PGA Championship week. It was Tuesday before the Masters that Woods ignited hopes with a scouting trip to Augusta National, not so much to see the course but to test his right leg. He played, made the cut for the 22nd straight time, and made it through four days of the toughest walk in golf.

I will try, theres no doubt. Like this week, I will try to get ready for Southern Hills, and well see what this body is able to do, he said.

Curiously missing from the prospects was the U.S. Open on June 16-19 at The Country Club outside Boston, perhaps because hes only looking at the next possibility. He made it clear he would be at St. Andrews, where he won in 2000 and 2005, and described it as my favorite golf course in the world.

I will be there for that one, he said.

Otherwise, stay tuned. He is a five-time winner at the Memorial, but it would seem unlikely to play another big course (uphill walks from every green to tee) that falls two weeks after the PGA Championship and two weeks before the U.S. Open.

I GOT IT ALL WRONG

Before the television shot of Rory McIlroy holing out from the bunker on the 18th at the Masters, every viewer knew how it would turn out unless the audio was on mute.

CBS analyst and three-time Masters champion Nick Faldo ruined it for them.

I dont want to spoil it, but something incredible has just happened, Faldo said from the booth as the cameras were still showing Scottie Scheffler and Cameron Smith on the 12th.

Faldo went on The Dan Patrick Show on Tuesday and tried to own it.

I got caught up on that for a split second and I reacted. And so youre right, I got it all wrong for a split second, Faldo said. I seriously was shaking because I thought, Rory is going to win. He pulls off an impossible shot, and his reaction, and Im sitting right in the middle of it.

So, Im sorry. I blurted I didnt actually say what happened. Yeah, spoiler alert.

EAGLES NOT LANDING

Going into this years Masters, the par-4 10th hole historically has ranked as the toughest at Augusta National. The par-5 15th has ranked as the second easiest.

Care to guess which hole yielded more eagles?

Gary Woodland in the second round and Charl Schwartzel in the third round each holed out from the fairway to make eagle on No. 10, which had never had more than one eagle in the same tournament.

And for the first time since 1965, no one made eagle on the 15th.

The 15th tee was moved back 20 yards and lowered, leaving a slightly uphill tee shot. Compounding matters at this Masters, the wind was west and northwest, into the players faces, adding to the length and to the decisions.

Dustin Johnson had a 7-wood into the green on Friday and instead chose to lay up. Players who did get favorable conditions mainly the wind dying never got it close enough for a good look at eagle. With less wind on Sunday, Scottie Scheffler went just over the back with a 5-iron.

Mostly it was about the wind, especially when it was in and off the left.

Its so hard to hit it up that right side and commit. So its made it a tougher tee shot, Rory McIlroy said. Youre more likely to be blocked out by those trees on the left just because of the camber of the fairway. Then theres no decision to be made there. You cant go for the green.

PGA TOUR BOUND

There has been far more feast than famine for Carl Yuan, and now the 25-year-old from China is assured of a PGA Tour card next season.

Yuan became the first player to cross 900 points on the Korn Ferry Tour, which officials have deemed safe for players to be among the top 25 on the points list to graduate to the big leagues. It only took Yuan seven starts to get there, and he missed the cut in three of them.

But he tied for third the opening week in the Bahamas (and then missed the cut), was a runner-up in Panama (and then missed the cut), won in a playoff at the Chitimacha Louisiana Open (and then missed the cut), and clinched his tour-bound status with a tie for seventh two weeks ago in Georgia.

And now he waits. Unless he were to win two more times, Yuan has 15 tournaments remaining in the regular season.

CURTIS CUP

The U.S. team for the Curtis Cup is half set.

Rose Zhang earned a spot as the No. 1 player in the womens amateur ranking at the end of 2021. Jensen Castle earned her place on the eight-member team as the U.S. Womens Amateur champion. Rachel Heck (No. 3) and Rachel Kuehn (No. 8) got onto the team last week as being among the top 10 in the world at the April 6 deadline.

The USGA International Team Selection group will pick the other four players. The Curtis Cup is June 10-12 at Merion.

DIVOTS

CBS said the final round of the Masters averaged 10.17 million viewers, up 7% from a year ago and the most of any network for a golf telecast since Tiger Woods won 2019 Masters. ... The U.S. Womens Open received a record 1,874 entries for Pine Needles. That breaks by one entry the previous mark in 2015 when the Womens Open was at Lancaster Country Club in Pennsylvania. The purse for the June 2-5 championship is $10 million. ... The Australian PGA is at Royal Queensland in late November will be co-sanctioned with the European tour for the first time since 2019. ... Chevron donated more than $2 million last week to its chosen charities focusing on supporting and championing women in sports, the workplace and society. Chevron is the new title sponsor of the LPGA Tours first major of the year. ... Scottie Scheffler has four wins this year. The last player to have four PGA Tour victories through the Masters was David Duval (Kapalua, Bob Hope Classic, Players Championship and Atlanta).

STAT OF THE WEEK

The last three Masters champions have led by at least three shots going into the final round.

FINAL WORD

Maybe Ill be better off if I come back being a caddie here rather than trying to hit golf shots. Tyrrell Hatton, after a 79-80 weekend at the Masters to finish last. He has shot in the 60s one time in his 20 rounds at Augusta National.

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Tracking Tiger: No word on PGA Championship or US Open, only St. Andrews - WXYZ 7 Action News Detroit

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Former Pineridge MP Frederick McAlpine yesterday insisted that a focus must be placed on protecting young boys as well as young girls as officials record an uptick in child abuse cases in Grand Bahama.

His comments come amidst growing conversations regarding the protection of women and children after a 40-year-old man was recently sentenced to four years for impregnating a 14-year-old girl.

We are at a level now where we need to give consideration to our laws as to how we can improve them and better them and we need to look at stiffer penalties, McAlpine told Eyewitness News.

We really need to look at our society on the whole, because I think part of our social makeup has been in disarray for some time and we need to find a way to somehow combat and deal with the many social ills within our society, which has contributed to domestic violence and also child abuse.

He insisted that parents must be held accountable to keep their children safe as well as educate them on what to look out for and avoid being abused by older men and women.

Often when we talk about this we only tend to put the emphasis on the little girls and the women who have been violated by sexual abuse and violence, but there are also young boys and young men who are also experiencing this and they seem to get very little attention in that regard.

McAlpine noted that while the advocate groups do highlight gender-based violence against women, There are men who are being abused in this society and there are boys who are being abused in this society, and what is good for the goose is good for the gander.

He continued Just how we put emphasis on equality this is a part of the equality. That there are young boys who are being molested by men and women and they dont seem to be played up in the media as much as if its a girl or young woman or woman in that matter.

Child abuse cases in Grand Bahama are on par or have already superseded last years annual figures recorded by the Department of Social Services.

The data was reportedly shared at a church service to mark Child Protection Month at Calvary Bible Church yesterday, and included in a press release by Bahamas Information Services.

In 2020, the number of cases reported was: 22 physical abuse, 11 sexual abuse, and 26 cases of neglect.

In 2021, there were 34 cases of physical abuse, 16 sexual abuse, and 39 cases of child neglect.

In the first four months of this year, the reported cases include one abandonment, 32 physical abuse, 14 sexual abuse, and 41 cases of neglect.

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Former GB MP says focus must be placed on protecting young boys too - EyeWitness News

By FELICITY DARVILLE

She has graced the stage of the Miss World Beauty Pageant representing the Bahamas... and she very well could have lit stages afire around the world as a dancer. But something drew Bridgette Cooper back home the desire to educate those who likely needed her help the most. She poured into children and those with special needs, helping to mold generations of Bahamians. After more than 3 decades as a noted educator, shes still at it; but this time, shes lending a helping hand to adults who have discovered that learning is indeed a lifelong journey.

The young, beautiful Bridgette won the Miss Commonwealth title in 1986, during a time when the pageant was in its heyday. Competition was hot and the fans were many. But the athletic dancer took home the crown and the title.

Born a Strachan, Bridgette grew up between her fathers familys stomping ground, Strachans corner, Kemp Road, and her mothers home on Bar 20 corner and Carmichael Rd. She was born to Althea Young-Wood and Arvon Strachan, and was the youngest of her mothers four children. She attended Palmdale Primary during her formative years, and later graduated from Carmichael Primary then went on to SC McPherson Jr High. Between her fathers homestead and school, Bridgettes childhood was filled with the fun and laughter of friends and family.

She was always athletically inclined, so naturally she joined the SC McPherson Sharks and AF Adderley Tigers and added to their prowess as she played softball, netball, volleyball, high jump, hurdle and shot put. In the summertime, Bridgette entered beauty pageants, and participated in dance lessons with renown instructor Robert Bain. In this way, she developed both strength and grace and blossomed into a talented young lady.

Because I was athletic and a trained dancer, my goal was to be a dancer, she said.

All of the business studies and other high school options presented to me looked boring. I always loved movement, and so I knew having a desk job was not for me.

Her finesse on the dance stage did not go unnoticed. Bridgette aspired to be a choreographer and was well on her way to attend the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. But her mother would not have it. Althea had no faith in dancing as a formidable career an outlook that many parents had on the arts at that time. She warned her daughter if she broke her leg, her career was over.

While hopes of dance stardom may have been dashed, Bridgette entered Miss Commonwealth and claimed the crown. She represented The Bahamas at Miss World in Hong Kong and London, which was a wonderful experience. Among her many prizes, Bridgette won a scholarship to attend college, and with that, her journey in tertiary education began.

Bridgette attended Clearwater Christian College with the goal of becoming a physical education teacher. While at college, Bridgette discovered that she had some learning challenges. She had to get assistance in order to keep up with her course work.

I realise that there are many students who face similar kinds of challenges and need help, she said.

A true teacher is one who can meet a child where they are and take them where they need to be. So, I wanted to help students like myself, who may have learning challenges and lack needed skills.

Therefore, she decided that she wanted to study special education, to help those in need of educational support. Bridgette graduated from Clearwater with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Special Education.

Bridgette came back to New Providence ready to make a difference in the next generation. She worked at Trinity Christian School and then Kingsway Academy, where she taught primary school for six years before moving to Garvin Tynes Primary School.

Experiences at Garvin Tynes Primary School resulted in Bridgette further her education at the University of Miami where she earned a Master of Science degree in Education with concentration in Special Education/Reading. This helped her to be more effective in educating the youngsters of the Bahamas.

I wanted to enhance my effectiveness in the classroom, she said.

While I knew a lot about special education, I wanted to be able to diagnose my students, uncovering the reason why they were not learning. I wanted to test, evaluate, and prescribe treatment for students identified as having problems learning.

It was always exciting for me when I was able to help a child learn how to read, she confessed, When they could blend vowels and consonants to form words.

They then understood that these words mean something. They would then begin using inflections and intonations when reading. They would then begin to ask questions as they read stories. Thats when I knew I was making a difference.

Today, many of these students became standout students as they continued on in their studies. Many of her students have successful careers and some are even teachers themselves.

Bridgettes continued employment at the Ministry of Education resulted in assignments to a Special Education Commission tasked with investigating the status of special education in the country. She served as Technical Officer for the National Commission of Special Education; Secondary Consultant to the Ministry of Education of St Kitts and Nevis; Technical Officer in the Special Education Unit in the Ministry of Education; and Quality Assurance Coordinator in the Preschool and Special Education Units for the Ministry of Education and the Inter-American Development Bank project: Support Programme for Transforming Education and Training.

Bridgette went on to serve as an Assistant Professor at the University of The Bahamas School of Education for ten years: I enjoyed the interaction with UB students. I taught a wide range of students some, right out of high school and others were professionals seeking to enhance their careers or change their careers altogether. While I enjoyed teaching all the students, teaching the mature students, was very satisfying to me.

She has been described as a self-directed enthusiastic educator who is passionately committed to national development through education. Skilled in developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating educational programmes, Bridgette has dedicated her professional life to the enlightenment and empowerment of others.

Her journey continues as today, she serves as the Country Head of the University of the West Indies Open Campus Bahamas (UWIOCB). She began in this capacity in August 2020 and since then, she has been working to promote UWIOCBs cause to open doors to life-changing learning. The University of the West Indies, through its Open Campus, offers higher, distance, and continuing educational programmes, research and innovation, and outreach programmes from all of its locations across the Caribbean region. Students can earn a degree or professional certificate from the myriad of options available.

UWIOCB can design a professional certificate program to meet any need in the professional world, and all programmes are offered online. She has been proud to introduce a successful high school initiative that gives students an opportunity to have achieved something they can be proud of.

Many vocational programs offered in high schools, such as cosmetology, agricultural science, and motor mechanics do not offer national certificates to reflect knowledge and skill learned in the content area, said Bridgette.

As a result, many students in these subject areas graduate from high school without evidence to confirm their academic achievements and participation career option. UWIOCB wishes to assist these students in earning certificates of achievement in the areas of entrepreneurship and small business management, designed for students interested in becoming a business owner/entrepreneur; and the health management program is designed for aspirant clinical professionals in need of formal introductory training in the discipline. These two program options will assist in preparing students for their chosen careers in either area upon graduating from high school, thus giving them a head start in their chosen careers.

UWIOCB has officially launched its most recent fundraiser the first annual fun, run/walk/push and souse-out event. Proceeds will be used to award partial scholarships to high school students to attend this years high school summer program, which will run five to seven weeks. Participants will cover five kilometers as they exercise for a worthy cause. The event will be held on Saturday, April 30. Online registration is now open. For more information, visit http://www.open.uwi.edu, or call 323-6593/456-6687; on Facebook: UWIOCCSB and Instagram: uwi.oc.bahamas.

In addition to her goal to augment continuing education options in The Bahamas, Bridgette continues to present at numerous workshops and training sessions. She has often served as guest speaker on topics addressing inclusive education policies and practices, effective student assessment, educational leadership and school reform and youth development and mentorship.

While building her formidable teaching career, Bridgette passion for young people is evident as she is devoted to her church where she serves as the youth director. She has had the love and support of her high school sweetheart, Tracy Cooper, Managing Director of Bahamasair. They are the proud parents of Delon, their son who is about to graduate as a civil engineer; and Brittany, who graduated from university last semester with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders. She will pursue her Masters Degree in the fall in Speech and Language Pathology.

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FACE TO FACE: Beauty queen who heard her calling - Bahamas Tribune

Nassaus Baha Mar continues to offer guests diversions that surprise and feed the island soul.

The Rosewood Lagoon Pool at Baha Mar.

There comes a time in every vacationers life when taking a plunge becomes not only a necessity, but also part of understanding the mosaic of a place. I consider this notion as I stand on a platform clinging to an inner tube the size of a tiny European car. Im atop the so-called Cyclone Rush, one of 24 slides at the new 15-acre beachfront luxury water park known as Baha Bay, located at Nassaus Baha Mar, which features the first-ever gaming pavilion inside a water park. The aptly named Cyclone Rush is akin to sliding down Class IV rapidsthat is, if a river were tilted on its side, partially encased in a tube and occasionally defying the laws of gravity.

Caf Boulud is located in the Rosewood at Baha Mar.

I needed this. And Im guessing many others feel the same after two years of following protocols and forgetting what abandon actually entails. The park also includes two uphill water coasters, a FlowCurl surf simulator and a 500,000-gallon wave pool. Its a theme of unbridled fun, coupled with surprises and countless luxuries, which make the resortencompassing Rosewood Baha Mar, SLS Baha Mar and Grand Hyatt Baha Mara Bahamas favorite for everything from its buzzy casinos and pool parties to the Caribbeans only flagship ESPA (with 24 private rooms for an impressive lineup of spa treatments) and splendid beaches.

Marcus at Baha Mar Fish + Chop House offers a mix of traditional and contemporary Bahamian fare.

When mapping out a stay here, consider the extremes. Embark on a mind-blowing flume, followed by afternoon tea in the Rosewoods library, a room so gilded in splendor it feels like a Downton Abbey set; I advise to sink into the gold and blue velvet couches for an hour. From Thursday through Saturday afternoons, the room hosts a Folklore Teastories abound regarding the mythical Lusca, Chickcharnie and Anansiwith local bush teas, tea-based cocktails, scones, finger sandwiches and desserts like delicately forged macarons. The tea service is part of the resorts choreographed aesthetic, which combines tradition and a new way to see the world.

Part of this vision falls into the lap of Nassau native John Cox, a Rhode Island School of Design grad and the creative arts director for the resort. I meet Cox at Baha Mars art gallery, known as The Current Gallery and Art Center, a space filled with contemporary work by local artists shattering the notion of what constitutes Bahamian art.

Chef Marcus Samuelsson

My job is to effect a paradigm shift, says Cox, whose work has shown at Art Basel. We have 7 million tourists coming to Nassau each year. We can create a metaphoric highway that intersects with that vast number of people to show them a new vision of what our art really is. He walks me around The Current and the resort itself, pointing out work from breakthrough artists like Sue Katz, whose mixed-media genius is part of 2,500 pieces of Bahamian art from established and rising creators. Its an ambitious effort that further establishes the resorts singularity.

John Cox, the creative arts director at Baha Mar, also oversees The Current.

This progressive tone continues with two signature restaurants (among 45 dining spots and lounges at the resort): Caf Boulud and Marcus at Baha Mar Fish + Chop House. Chef Daniel Bouluds namesake restaurant goes glam with both its indoor and outdoor spaces; the chefs steady hand is mirrored in the kitchen, with dishes like yellow tuna carpaccio, sablefish, roasted duck (dressed in clementine, parsnip, beets and red wine jus) and bold Berkshire pork chop (lined in bacon crust and braised with endive apple puree).

The Library at the Rosewood at Baha Mar is the perfect spot for high tea.

The decibel level at chef Marcus Samuelssons on-property restaurant, with its white decor scheme, is decidedly higher; make no mistake, this is a culinary party, with a menu that shows the chefs keen interest in exploring traditional island flavors and using the kitchen as a lab to create new ones. The for-the-table cornbread is a revelation; its crispy shell holds a delicate centerbe sure to anoint the bread with the accompanying hot-buttered rum for instant bliss. From there, standout entrees include black crab Bolognese with sour-orange gremolata, and grilled pork chop elevated with sizzled pineapple, corn and jerk rub. Samuelssons hangout symbolizes Baha Mars overall vibe: daring patrons to explore and treasure new facets of an island that continues to evolve. The rest comes easily, as guests take the plunge toward everything good under the Bahamian sun.

Gorgeous beaches grace Baha Mar

Photography by: John Cox photo by Michael McCarthy; all other photos courtesy of Baha Mar

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Nassau's Baha Mar Nourishes The Island Soul - Gotham | Modern Luxury

PICTURED, from left, are Jason Taylor; Patrick Robinson II; Jamaal Rolle; and Takia Rolle.

THE annual Tribune Easter colouring contest came to an end on Friday.

Hundreds of entries were submitted from children all across The Bahamas.

We would like to thank Kellys and McDonalds for partnering with us, as we look forward to an even more successful colouring contest in 2023.

The judges came from various backgrounds, including Patrick Robinson, IT administrator at Kellys; Takia Rolle, Social Media Specialist, DanBrad Limited; Jason Taylor, The Art of Grafix Inc; and Jamaal Rolle, Ambassador for Culture and Celebrity Artist.

There were three categories, ages 4-5, 6-8, and 9-10.

The winners in each category are as follows:

4-5 Category

1st Place - Shirniah Stubs

2nd Place - Dylan Gardiner

3rd Place - AKeilah Munroe

6-8 Category

1st Place - Aleisha Flower

2nd Place - Kylie Dean

3rd Place - Kamaji Smith

9-10 Category

1st Place - Harshini Jagroo

2nd Place - Julius Williams

3rd Place - Trinity McDonald

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And the winners are . . . - Bahamas Tribune

NASSAU, BAHAMAS A well-known retailer said yesterday that a bird flu outbreak in the United States has resulted in egg prices rising 60 percent in the past week, telling Eyewitness News that egg prices could remain high for as many as six weeks.

Super Values owner Rupert Roberts said a carton of eggs which was on special last week for $2.75 is being sold in store this week for $4.40 cents, a 60 percent increase.

We are only allowed to make 10 percent on eggs and the government makes 30 percent through import duty. Consumers buying eggs this week are really paying import duty. Eggs this week are at $4.84 with the 10 percent VAT, said Roberts.

He added: I understand that there were some 20 million birds in the US that were lost due to bird flu. This kind of thing usually lasts six weeks, so I expect that after six weeks prices will go back down. We source our eggs from the southern United States. We bring in just under 1,000 cases a week.

The deadly and avian flu has forced US farmers to kill millions of egg-laying hens which has reduced the countrys egg supply and caused prices to soar. Due to the fact that the flu is so contagious and deadly to birds, the USDA protocol is to kill infected flocks to limit the spread of the disease.

The current outbreak is being described as the worst US outbreak of the bird flu since 2015. Although it is deadly for poultry, the US Centre for Disease Controlhas noted that the current H5N1 bird flu poses a low risk to the health of the general public.

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ON THE RISE: Egg prices jump 60 percent due to US bird flu outbreak - EyeWitness News

Butler basketball: Thad Matta holds first press conference as coach

Thad Matta, who last coached at Butler 21 years ago, is returning to take over the men's basketball program which has been down in recent years.

Indianapolis Star

INDIANAPOLIS One of the first things Thad Matta looked into when he was hired last spring as Indiana's associate athletic director for men's basketball was whether he could get newly-hired head coach and basically NBA-lifer Mike Woodson a head start.

After 17 years as a head coach at Ohio State, Xavier and Butler and 11 more as a college assistant coach, Matta knows the NCAA rulebook, including the rule that allows Division I programs the opportunity to take an international tripin the summer once every four years. It's supposed to be an educational opportunity, but teams are allowed to practice 10 times on campus before they go on tour and can play up to 10 games against non-NCAA teamson tour long before the official start of practice.It can be particularly valuable for a new coach trying to get to know his team and for players trying to get to know their new coach.

Matta learned IU hadn't been on a foreign tour since Tom Crean took the Hoosiers to Montreal in 2014, so he started looking into options and presented them to Woodson.

"I remember telling him, 'Hey, we're up for a foreign trip,'" Matta said Wednesday in a news conference after the introduction for his return to coaching at Butler. "I said, 'I'lltry to get something in The Bahamas. We'll fly in a pro team and we'll play them.'"

'This feels right': Thad Matta returns to Butler as its head coach

More: IU recruit Kaleb Banks a modern-day forward driven to restore Hoosiers tradition

Woodson, who spent most of the previous 25 years coaching in the NBA and hadn't been part of college basketball since he graduated from IU in 1980, didn't even know a foreign tour was an option.

"He said, 'Wait a minute, I can coach my team this summer?'" Matta said. "He just got as excited as he could be."

The Hoosiers ended up playing two games at The Atlantis resort in the Bahamas, winning two exhibition games against the Serbian professional club BC Mega, giving Woodson a head start going into the fall. It helped IU get started on the road to its first trip to the NCAA tournament since 2016.

That was effectively Matta's job at IU for the past year. He was paid $400,000 to help guide Woodson along as he learned about the college part of coaching college basketball. Matta purposefully stayed out of the public eye during the past year while he was in the position, but said taking the job and being part of a college program again inspired him to get back into coaching after five years away.

"This year, being around it but not in it, was really good for me," Matta said. "Sitting in meetings and watching practice and learning an inordinate amount of basketball from Woody, that kind of got me going again."

The job was the creation of IU athletic director Scott Dolson, who said he came up with it after his discussion with Woodson in New York when he approached Woodson about the job. Woodson called himself a collaborator and indicated he wanted to have a relationship with Dolson similar to the one he had with Glenn Grunwald who was his teammate at IU and then the general manager when Woodson was head coach of the New York Knicks. Dolson realized he couldn't work with Woodson on that constant of a basis because of his responsibilities to the rest of the department, but decided Matta would be the perfect fit for the role.

Matta said he sat in on staff meetings and attended practice every day. In the meetings, the staff frequently watched film together sometimes for scouting purposes but other times because Woodson was looking for innovative plays and concepts and would debate with the staff whether concepts he saw other teams try would work for IU. Matta was part of those debates. He was an obvious presence at the scorer's table at every game. However, he said he mostlyleft the on-court part of the job to Woodson and his assistants.

"I didn't have a ton of input to what was going on, only the nights they won," the typically-wry Matta said, pausing to see if anyone picked up on what he just said. "That was a joke. I know how Indiana fans are. I wasn't trying to get credit there."

Matta's contribution was to help Woodson learn the parts of the job he couldn't have learned from all of those years in the NBA. Woodson might have had to game plan to stop LeBron James, but he'd never before had to thumb through the NCAA rulebook to learn about the arcane rules about what he was allowed to do in recruiting. His NBA connections were endless, but he didn't have the same number of contacts for coaches who were looking to stay in the college game and he hadn't been to the summer travel events where he could see those coaches work.

But Matta had done all of those things for decades, so he provided those insights.

"Woody was gonna do what Woody was gonna do, but just in terms of (teaching him) the college game," Matta said. "Helping him put together a staff. Helping him with job responsibilities, those kinds of things... He didn't know a lot of the recruiting, the rules, the regulations."

Woodson has admitted to being a novice in that regard. He said in a news conference before IU's First Four NCAA tournament game against Wyoming in March that he found the NCAA compliance test "tricky," and he frequently had to be told things he was suggesting like picking up recruits for visits with a private jet were not legal under NCAA rules.

"A lot of it was just the recruiting, what he could do and what he couldn't do," Matta said. "Just like, on an unofficial visit we can't leave campus. He'd say, 'Let's take him to eat.' We'd have to say, 'No, no, we can't leave campus.'"

But annoyed as Woodson might have been by the rules, Matta said he was receptive to having them explained so he didn't run afoul of them.

"He was great because he wanted to learn," Matta said. "Some of those guys don't want to learn. Mike wants to know everything that's going on in the program."

While Matta was in the job, he decided to minimize his public profile. The announcement of his hire in conjunction with Woodson's added to the buzz around the program and drew dozens of interview requests, including from the IndyStar, but those were never fulfilled and Matta gave no interviews while in Indiana's employ.That was Matta's decision.

"I don't ever like being in the spotlight," Matta said. "But I know in the position I'm in, it comes with the territory. When I went to Bloomington, I didn't want that. I just wanted to be behind the scenes and doing whatever Indiana needed me to do. I didn't want the notoriety of any of that. That's kind of who I am. That is Mike's program and I hopefully did something to help him be successful this year, and most importantly because I fell in love with Indiana, did something to help the future of the program."

Matta said he believes IU remains in good hands. He said Dolson has become one of his best friends, and that he developed an immense respect for Woodson as a coach, a man and a leader.

"Mike is such a special guy," Matta said. "He's got one of the biggest hearts I've ever seen in terms of just his compassion. What I walked away with is his commitment to the game of basketball. Mike Woodsonlovesbasketball. Loves ball. I'd sit in those meetings and we'd be watching, God knows who we were watching play, just because he wanted to learn. He wanted new ideas and wanted to be innovative. That's what I took away was that burning passion for the game of basketball."

Follow Indiana insider Dustin Dopirak on Twitter @DustinDopirak or e-mail him at ddopirak@gannett.com.

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How Thad Matta helped Mike Woodson behind the scenes adjust to college basketball - IndyStar

THE National Lottery results are in and it's time to find out who has won a life-changing amount of money tonight (April 13, 2022).

Could tonight's jackpot of 5.3million see you handing in your notice, jetting off to the Bahamas or driving a new Porsche off a garage forecourt?

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You can find out by checking your ticket against tonight's numbers below. Good luck!

Tonight'sNational Lottery Lottowinning numbers are: 01, 07, 10, 30, 40, 53 and the Bonus Ball is 02.

TonightsNational Lottery Thunderballwinning numbers are: 02, 06, 16, 31, 35 and the Thunderball is 01.

The first National Lottery draw was held on November 191994 when seven winners shared a jackpot of 5,874,778.

The largest amount ever to be won by a single ticket holder was 42million, won in 1996.

Gareth Bull, a 49-year-old builder, won 41million in November, 2020 and ended up knocking down his bungalow to make way for a luxury manor house with a pool.

TOP 5 BIGGEST LOTTERY WINS ACROSS THE WORLD

Sue Davies, 64, bought a lottery ticket to celebrate ending five months of shielding during the pandemic and won 500,000.

Sandra Devine, 36, accidentally won 300k - she intended to buy her usual 100 National Lottery Scratchcard, but came home with a much bigger prize.

The biggestjackpot ever to be up for grabs was 66million in January last year, which was won by two lucky ticket holders.

Another winner, Karl managed to bag 11million aged just 23 in 1996.

The odds of winning the lottery are estimated to be about one in 14million BUTyou've got to be in it to win it.

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LOTTERY RESULTS AND NUMBERS: LOTTO AND THUNDERBALL DRAW TONIGHT, APRIL 13, 2022... - The Scottish Sun

Jason Macrander, Gabriel Langford, and Baylie Fadool.

You may recall a recent story about Baylie Fadool, who received her undergraduate degree in biological sciences in December of last year. She currently volunteers at the Bimini Biological Field Station as the media assistant.

She reached out to share that the station just had a course visit from Florida Southern College on October 20-26 where she had the opportunity to connect with two professors who are also Nebraska alumni.

Gabriel Langford received his Ph.D. in parasitology in 2010. He is currently an associate professor of biology at Florida Southern College where he runs the Langford Lab, which focuses on amphibians, reptiles, and fishes as model systems for studying parasite life histories.

Jason Macrander received his Bachelor's degree in biological sciences and fisheries and wildlife in 2007 and his Master's degree in ecology, evolution, and behaviorin 2010. He is currently an assistant professor of marine biology studying venom evolution and molecular diversity with sea anemones as a model organism. Macrander shared some of his research with us this past week on venom evolution.

Crazy how Huskers can find each other, even in South Bimini, Bahamas.We love that they are all repping the HuskersGo Big Red!

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Alumni connecting in the Bahamas | School of Biological Sciences - Nebraska Today

Coral Vita Earned Recognition for Its Environmental Sustainability Efforts Coral Vita earns a top 15 finalists spot in the inaugural Earthshot Prize in the Revive Our Oceans category for their continued efforts to preserve the worlds coastal ecosystem.

Reimagined Sandals Royal Bahamian Prepares for Reopening Sandals Royal Bahamian is on track to reopen January 27, 2022, and guests can expect to enjoy 200 fully renovated rooms and suites, five new restaurants, private island hideaways and a new Island Village.

Ros Paradis Garden Opens at The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, partnered with Chteau dEsclans to present Ros Paradis Garden, an enchanting pop-up experience that transports guests from the storied Versailles Gardens of Paradise Island to the South of France. The experience is open Wednesday to Saturday, November 11, 2021, through February 11, 2022.

The Moorings Reopens in The Abacos Next Month The Moorings makes its triumphant return to The Abacos after two years following the devastation of Hurricane Dorian and will resume offering charter vacations beginning December 2021.

Bahamas Charter Yacht Show Returns Its official, the 2022 Bahamas Charter Yacht Show will be held at Nassau Yacht Haven February 24 27, 2022 featuring more than 10 charter yachts and over 40 charter brokers.

The Bahamas Shines Bright with World-Renowned Recognition TheIslandsof The Bahamas took home several wins across various categories inCond Nast Travelers 2021 Readers Choice Awards and was named Caribbeans Leading Luxury Island Destination 2021 in the 28th annual World Travel Awards.

For a complete listing of deals and packages for The Bahamas, visit here.

Atlantis Paradise Island Offers Special Singles Day Package Atlantis Paradise Island celebrates National Singles Day on November 11, 2021 with a special 24-hour bookable offer. The Singles Day Package includes up to 4-day accommodations at The Cove, The Royal and The Coral, respectively, along with $111 daily resort credit. Travel window: November 11 October 31, 2022.

$500 Air Credit for Black Friday and Cyber Monday Holiday travelers receive a $500 air credit when pre-booking an air-inclusive 7-night package at a participating Bahama Out Islands Promotion Board member hotel. Bookable between November 26 December 2, 2021, and valid for trips between November 28 January 31, 2022. Blackout dates apply.

ABOUT THE BAHAMAS

With over 700 islands and cays and 16 unique island destinations, The Bahamas lies just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, offering an easy flyaway escape that transports travelers away from their everyday. The Islands of The Bahamas have world-class fishing, diving, boating, birding, and nature-based activities, thousands of miles of the Earths most spectacular water and pristine beaches waiting for families, couples and adventurers. Explore all the islands have to offer at bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram to see why Its Better in The Bahamas.

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What's New in The Bahamas in November - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News

The Director General of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (BMOTIA), Joy Jibrilu, will lead the Bahamas delegation. Bahamas partners and stakeholders will also attend and will be joining the Tourism representatives on stand no. CA 240.

Over the last 18 months, The Bahamas has continued to show its resilience in the face of challenges and is now well positioned for tourism recovery as travel restrictions ease and pent-up demand for long-haul holidays soars.

The main focus for BMOTIA at this years event is to engage with the travel trade to update them on the 16-Island brand proposition, showcase visitor experiences on island and to encourage them to promote the significant increase in airlift from the UK. British Airways is set to fly to The Bahamas six times a week starting November 2, 2021. Additionally, Virgin Atlantic launches a new, twice-weekly direct flight from London Heathrow starting November 20, 2021, making the islands more accessible.

The Honorable I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation for The Bahamas commented: Tourism is a crucial component for the growth and development of The Bahamas, and we are already seeing positive signs that a strong recovery is taking place within the destination. Our attendance at WTM will give us the opportunity to strengthen our relationships with our valued industry partners and showcase our array of new experiences and developments.

Joy Jibrilu, Director General, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, added: We are delighted to be attending this years WTM in person once again and look forward to reuniting with our travel trade partners to discuss ways in which we can collaborate and to share our latest news and updates. As The Bahamas tourism sector continues its recovery, the increase in airlift from BA and Virgin Atlantic presents us with a fantastic opportunity to welcome back British visitors and share all the wonderful experiences the destination has to offer.

As it prepares to welcome British travelers in growing numbers, The Bahamas looks forward to delighting visitors with an array of new and exciting activities as well as a number of high-profile hotel and restaurant reopenings and new developments. From Hurricane Hole Superyacht Marina to Atlantis Paradise Island, Baha Mar to Margaritaville Beach Resort, guests will be treated to the very best restaurants, private beaches and water parks The Islands of The Bahamas have to offer.

ABOUT THE BAHAMAS

With over 700 islands and cays and 16 unique island destinations, The Bahamas lies just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, offering an easy flyaway escape that transports travelers away from their everyday. The Islands of The Bahamas have world-class fishing, diving, boating, birding, and nature-based activities, thousands of miles of the earths most spectacular water and pristine beaches waiting for families, couples and adventurers. Explore all the islands have to offer at http://www.bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram to see why Its Better in The Bahamas.

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The Bahamas Announces Its Participation at WTM London 2021 - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News

On any given night Shima is the backdrop to a date, an important business meeting, a wedding proposal, a party for the newly divorced, and the like. (Shimas been my spot for a few of these reasons!) The food here celebrates the delicate, savory flavors of Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam and uses local ingredients, which makes it feel very Bahamian. The brunch is popular, but I go for dinner and order all the small plates, which change often. If you see the grilled rotiflaky and charred to perfectionget it.

Parents never openly admit to having a favorite child, although they surely have a stronger connection with one. Thats how I feel about this old-school Italian spot, where the food and service are consistently on point. Try the homemade ravioli with osso buco and roast gravy, or ask about the daily specials. Either way itll be unforgettable.

This is the premier craft cocktail bar of The Bahamas. The bartenders are not just adept but entertaining, and their drinks dont disappoint. I love the Big Major Smash, a Bahamian tiki-style rum concoction, and the Zephyr, a citrus-forward gin and tonic. A lot of restaurant folks come here after dinner or a shift to unwind. Just make sure your phone is chargednot only are the drinks stunning but so is the decor. Its Instagram overload

This decades-old mainstay is an earshot away from the crashing waves of the northern shoreline in the Delaporte community. Locals gather to talk about island politics, international news, and gossip, but they linger for the seafood. For breakfast there is an amazing stew fish, the catch of the day simmered in a velvety brown-roux gravy. For dinner there is lightly-floured-and-fried grouper seasoned with bird pepper.

Grand BahamaGo to the Dolphin Cove resort for gorgeous views, then drive to West End for pickled conch.

Great Exuma IslandVisit the world-famous swimming pigs in Big Major Cay and enjoy fried fish or roasted veg on the beach.

Harbour IslandFor a luxurious excursion stay at The Landing hotel and try the acclaimed restaurants spicy crab capellini.

North AbacoAfter Hurricane Dorian, Richies Restaurant has returned better than ever. Its still the spot for smothered pork chops.

BiminiErnest Hemingways hideaway is also renowned for its baked goods. Head to Charlies Bread and order a dozen dinner rolls.

Continued here:

New Providence in The Bahamas Is the Small Island With Big Flavors - Bon Appetit

Sandals Resorts International (SRI) is to reopen the Sandals Royal Bahamian on January 27, 2022, after a multimillion-dollar revamp.

The all-inclusive resort in Nassau, in the Bahamas, will feature more than 200 fully renovated rooms and suites, plus new river suites.

New additions include the Island Village with butler-style villas, each named after an island in the Bahamas, and with their own private pool and a secluded private island, Sandals Barefoot Cay.

The new Coconut Grove lounge area offers live music and entertainment, and three food trucks.

Adam Stewart, SRI executive chairman, said: From an entirely new village of pastel-coloured private villas and Coconut Grove, our innovative new outdoor lounge and entertainment area, to our offshore island that has been transformed to a romantic hideaway, every moment, every point of guest touch and experience embodies this beautiful destination.

Plans for the revamped resort began almost three years ago and are part of a larger strategy across the organisation, to authentically reflect the unique Caribbean destinations where Sandals Resorts operates.

Sandals Royal Bahamian will offer five new restaurants when it opens in January: La Plume for French cuisine; traditional British pub The Queens Pearl; Kanoo for Caribbean cuisine; Butchs Island Chop House for steaks, fish fillets and seafood; and fresh sushi spot, Soy.

In total, the resort will offer 13 dining options.

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Sandals to open renovated Bahamas resort in January - Travel Weekly