Category Archives: Bahamas

NASSAU, BAHAMAS The Bahamas has already satisfied over 30 of the 40 Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations and continues to take the appropriate measures to ensure that The Bahamas adheres to international best practices, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance K Peter Turnquest said yesterday.

Turnquest spoke at a Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSB) Financial Crime and Tax Enforcement Seminar.

At every level, The Bahamas is doing its part in the global effort to tackle harmful tax practices and dismantle artificial tax practices, he said.

We have worked diligently to demonstrate our commitment at the highest political level. The same applies to our efforts with financial crimes such as tax evasion and money laundering. Just this week, the FATF Plenary is in session in Paris, and the Attorney General is leading a delegation to represent The Bahamas.

The FATF is considered the global standard-setter in combating money laundering and terrorism financing.

Turnquest stated that for better or better or worse, The Bahamas is part of a global multilateral process by which national governments collectively review, investigate and prosecute financial crimes and non-compliance matters.

It is incumbent upon us to be at the forefront of industry developments and proactive in our efforts to secure and strengthen our position as a global financial center, he said.

He noted that this week the European Union announced that The Bahamas was removed from its tax watch list, as itsEconomic and Financial Affairs Council completely removed The Bahamas from its List of Non-Cooperative Jurisdictions for Tax Purposes.

This is confirmation that The Bahamas has implemented the necessary reforms to meet the EU criteria on tax governance and cooperation on tax matters. It is confirmation that The Bahamas financial services industry is stable and governed by a sound regulatory regime.

The Bahamas was placed on the EUs Annex II greylist in March of last year.

While different from the more serious Annex I blacklist, The Bahamas was still subject to ongoing monitoring by the EU with respect to the implementation of economic substance requirements.

With the EUs decision this week, The Bahamas has addressed all of the concerns on economic substance, removal of preferential exemptions and automatic exchange of tax information, Turnquest continued.

The Government welcomes the decision and the positive impact it should have on growth to investor confidence in the industry.

He also noted that taxation of the digital economy is the next frontier for global regulatory reform.

In fact, at the G20 Riyadh Summit later this year, nations with some of the largest economies in the world are expected to vote in support of a new system of taxation rights allocation, Turnquest said.

The new system intends to prevent multinational companies from diverting taxable income to low tax jurisdictions by imposing minimum tax levels on their global income. There is no doubt, the introduction of a global minimum corporate tax rate will have an impact in the medium and long term on all countries, including The Bahamas. It will have future implications for our participation in the global economy.

Now is therefore the time to plan and prepare so that we can exercise influence, and better adapt to the new possible realities, he added.

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DPM: Bahamas has already satisfied over 30 of 40 FATF recommendations - EyeWitness News

By NEIL HARTNELL

Tribune Business Editor

nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

The Bahamas may devastate the economy if it surrenders too easily to demands from high-tax European nations for a corporate income tax, a former finance minister warned yesterday.

James Smith, who held the post during the first Christie administration, told Tribune Business that the continued pressure from the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) and its members was threatening to drive us right into the ground as a sovereign nation.

He argued that The Bahamas compliance with past OECD and European Union (EU) initiatives meant it was likely to resist the formers latest thrust, which is calling for all nations to impose some form of minimum level of taxation on the activities of multinational entities.

The OECD initiative, whose headline objective is to prevent tax evasion by multinationals who shift profits earned in higher-tax jurisdictions to those with lower tax rates, is calling for the introduction of a corporate income tax in all but name. OECD literature says its proposal would reduce the incentive for such profit-shifting by reducing the tax rate differentials between countries.

Mr Smith, though, urged The Bahamas not to capitulate to these demands without a thorough analysis of such a significant change to its taxation regime. He blasted the OECDs European members for seemingly seeking to recast our economy in their own image, adding that this nations economic model had worked well for 50 years without income and other direct forms of taxation.

Also an ex-Central Bank governor, Mr Smith warned that adopting a corporate income tax could have repercussions for both this nations fixed exchange rate regime, and one:one peg with the Bahamian dollar, and its investment incentives framework.

He acknowledged that the OECD may be drawing closer to the ultimate objective it had in mind when it launched its so-called harmful tax competition initiative some 24 years ago, which is to create a uniform, one-size-fits all global taxation system that eliminates the competitive advantage enjoyed by The Bahamas and other international financial centres (IFCs) with zero or low tax regimes.

My own point of view is that The Bahamas elected its own economic model more than 50 years ago, and that did not include income tax, Mr Smith told Tribune Business. It seems the Europeans want to remodel our economy in their own image.

It takes away from any form of sovereignty of any country or group of countries are imposing their system or an approach that threatens to deny you access to financial services. On principle we ought to look at it [income tax] very carefully. If a country can survive on taxation without taking directly from its citizens or corporate entities, so be it.

To pattern our tax system after theirs [the OECD states] needs a lot of thought rather than capitulation. If we thought it was the best alternative, yes, but it should not be imposed on us from outside to satisfy the demand for things such as double taxation treaties. Things are going too far, and they ought to be resisted.

Describing the OECD and EU pressures as a form of neo-colonialism, Mr Smith said The Bahamas shared few economic characteristics with their members. He pointed out that this nation was suffering from high unemployment and low wages for the majority of Bahamians.

Conceptually the take from an income tax may devastate the economy, he told Tribune Business, because we will be unable to capture the taxes we need to run the country through a direct form of taxation. They [the OECD] end up being appeased while we disrupt our own economy. We must change to meet their needs and our economy gets disrupted at what gain?

Another vulnerability we have is we may have to look at the fixed exchange rate regime. If the Government goes ahead without subjecting this to a rigorous analysis we may really end up in more trouble. Weve not recovered from the VAT rate increase yet.

Mr Smiths comments highlight the different views and opinions on how The Bahamas should respond by potentially reforming its tax system amid growing external pressures. There is an increasing call for the country to take a serious look at a low-rate corporate income tax as a means to reposition the financial services industry and shed the tax haven label.

Such pressures will only increase after the Netherlands yesterday revealed that The Bahamas will not escape its national tax blacklist unless it implements a corporate income tax of at least 9 percent. And there are suggestions that switching to an income tax regime will be more fair, equitable and progressive - especially for lower income Bahamians.

Persons would pay tax based on their ability to pay, whereas the existing VAT and import duties-dominated system is a a regressive tax on the cost of living that forces lower income classes to pay disproportionately more of their income in taxes.

However, acknowledging that he initiated the studies that led to VATs introduction while minister of finance, Mr Smith questioned whether income taxes would generate sufficient revenues to meet the Governments needs given the relatively small 400,000 population size.

I called for the studies, analysis that looked at a whole range of taxes, and we decided that income tax wasnt the best fit for a number of reasons, including the historical aversion to paying income tax and the fact the base was not large enough, he recalled.

The second Christie administration also rejected income tax on the basis that it would be difficult to administer and involve high collection costs, while also being tough to enforce when it came to preventing tax evasion.

Mr Smith, though, agreed that the OECD and its members may be nearing their end game all along, the idea of a uniform corporate tax. He added: We seem to be in the mood to capitulate and take everything they say, and only find out later how disruptive a move that will be. These things are driving us right into the ground as a sovereign nation.

Excerpt from:

OECD tax demands may 'devastate the economy' - Bahamas Tribune

21 February 2020

Bahamas Financial Services Board

To print this article, all you need is to be registered or login on Mondaq.com.

'The Bahamas' financial services industry isstable and governed by a sound regulatoryregime'

The European Union's Economic and Financial Affairs Councilcompletely removed The Bahamas from its List of Non-CooperativeJurisdictions for Tax Purposes, at their meeting in Brussels today.In a statement this morning, the EU confirmed that The Bahamas hasimplemented the necessary reforms to meet the EU criteria on taxgovernance and cooperation on tax matters. The Government welcomesthis decision and the positive impact it should have on growth toinvestor confidence in the industry.

In March 2019, The Bahamas was placed on the EU's Annex II"the greylist". While different from the more seriousAnnex I "the blacklist" of the EU List of Non-CooperativeJurisdiction for Tax Purposes, The Bahamas was still subject toongoing monitoring by the EU with respect to the implementation ofeconomic substance requirements. With today's move, The Bahamashas addressed all of the concerns on economic substance, removal ofpreferential exemptions and automatic exchange of taxinformation.

"This news of our removal from the EU list affirms that TheBahamas takes its position as a global financial center veryseriously. Coming off this list was not an easy process. We engagedmany stakeholders and executed a comprehensive strategy to not onlyaddress the EU's concerns but also to defend the jurisdictionagainst recent attacks on the legitimacy of our financial servicesbusiness," said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceK. Peter Turnquest.

Over the past year, the Government's team of technicaladvisors has had several meetings with the EU's Code of ConductGroup to engage in dialogue on the integrity of The Bahamas'tax governance measures. Most of the discussions centered on theintroduction of economic substance requirements for InvestmentFunds.

"The Bahamas has worked diligently to demonstrate itscommitment at the highest political level to internationalstandards on information exchange, tackling harmful tax practicesand dismantling artificial tax structures. On behalf of theGovernment, I thank the staff, agencies and industry stakeholdersthat worked so hard to achieve this result. Your support,encouragement and technical skills have been invaluable in thisprocess and prove once again, we can rise to any challenge,"said Minister Turnquest.

"All of our critics should see that the EU's statementstoday clearly counters the view that The Bahamas is not doing itspart in the global effort to stop financial crimes such as taxevasion and money laundering," he said.

The positive evaluation of The Bahamas by the EU sends a strongsignal to the international community that The Bahamas'financial services industry is stable and governed by a soundregulatory regime. The Government will continue to promoteengagement with all stakeholders on these issues and will take theappropriate measures to ensure that The Bahamas adheres tointernational best practices and remains the preferred jurisdictionof choice for financial services in the region.

Source: Central Communications Unit, Ministry of FinanceDate: February 18, 2020Contact: MOFcomms@bahamas.gov.bs

The content of this article is intended to provide a generalguide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be soughtabout your specific circumstances.

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The Law on Reserved Alternative Investment Funds dated 23 July 2016 ("RAIF Law"), introducing a new type of Luxembourg investment vehicle named "Reserved Alternative ...

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Ministry Of Finance Statement: European Union Removes The Bahamas From Tax Watchlist - Mondaq News Alerts

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FORT LAUDERDALE Linville Johnson, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviations Director of Multi-Cultural and Religious Markets, was recently recognized by the Religious Conference Management Association (RCMA) at their Annual EMERGE Conference, for his dedication to promoting faith-based meetings of excellence.

RCMA, which is a multifaith, international association that is exclusively for religious meeting planners, boasts a membership of hundreds of professionals. Its annual conference held this year in Irving (Dallas) TX, was well attended by planners and suppliers.

Johnson, a veteran Bahamas Tourism executive, has been a member of the faith-based organization for many years, using his attendance at the annual conference to promote The Islands Of The Bahamas and encourage religious organizations and associations to consider The Bahamas for their conferences, meetings and various types of group movements.

Dr. Harry Schmidt, the President/CEO of RCMA, who presented Johnson with the award said, It is with the deepest regard, that the Religious Conference Management Association has selected to honor Linville for his stalwart service in representing the great country of The Bahamas to the RCMA community.

Linvilles passion for linking great hospitality venues in his country with prime conference planners is renown, Dr. Schmidt said. He added, Linville cares! His ability to develop lasting relationships that have generated countless engagements and interest for The Bahamas is to be noted. The entire RCMA family salutes Linville for his many years of being the consummate face, heart and soul of his beloved country among our community of faith. He is simply the best.

The Recognition Award presented to Johnson by RCMA is an addition to the growing list of awards that he has received within recent months.

Other accolades recently bestowed on the veteran tourism executive include an award from the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP) and an Apex Award from Black Meetings and Tourism, during the National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators and Developers (NABHOOD) and the International Multicultural and Heritage Summit and Trade Show.

Johnsons career with the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation spans a number of decades and over the years have included stints across the U.S. in major cities, including Chicago, Los Angeles and New York.

His career highlights include the creation and development of the Religious Market within the organization, which he did with the support of Bahamian religious leaders including Bishop Neil Ellis and the late Rev. Dr. Myles Munroe.

Johnsons leadership role in the Religious Market over the years has resulted in The Islands Of The Bahamas playing host to some of the most influential spiritual leaders in the Christian faith such as T.D. Jakes, Rod Parsley, Benny Hinn, Tony Evans, Paula White and Promise Keepers International.

We are proud of our Director of Multicultural Market, Mr. Linville Johnson, for the role he has played over the years within the Religious Market, said Deputy Director General, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, Mr. Ellison Tommy Thompson. We are also gratified that as our marketing ambassador, Mr. Johnson has been recognized by RCMA for his dedication to promoting and representing The Bahamas as the ideal destination for people of faith, who want to join millions who over the years have experienced our beautiful, sun kissed beaches, our delicious cuisine, our unique music and the warm laid back, friendly people of The Bahamas.

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Senior Bahamas Tourism Executive Receives Recognition Award from Premier Faith-Based Trade Association - South Florida Caribbean News

GO BAHAMAS: Shown (l-r) are mens national basketball team co-manager Rodney Wilson, BBF president Mario Bowleg and co-manager Elvardo Kemp.

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

THE mens national basketball team will only have the service of 10 players for their FIBA AmeriCup 2021 qualifier against Mexico on Thursday night.

But according to Bahamas Basketball Federation president Mario Bowleg, who also serves as the head of delegation, the team should be okay.

He indicated that the two players will be available when the team returns home to play Mexico in their home game on Sunday in the Atlantis resorts ballroom.

Everything is going quite well, Bowleg said. Weve had about three practices since weve been here and we had a scrimmage game against one of the professional teams here and we fared pretty well against them, winning by double figures.

We have a lot of things to iron out before we play on Thursday, but we used that scrimmage to see where we are and what we need to work on before Thursday.

We have 10 players here who will be playing. We dont have Tavario Miller and Shaq (Shaquille Cleare) here due to the late release from their teams in Europe.

Bowleg said the rest of the squad, comprising of Jaron Cornish, Dominic Bridgewater, Michael Ferly Bain Jr, Michael Carey Jr, DShon Showtime Taylor, Michael Thompson Jr, David Nesbitt, Willis Mackey, Jaraun Keno Burrows and Travis Munnings are ready to go.

Grand Bahamian Norris Bain also didnt make the trip, but is expected to coach the team when they return home to play Mexico on Sunday. Instead, Steve Barnes, Perry Thompson Jr and Moses Johnson, along with Bowleg, are handling the chores.

The team will be managed by Rodney Kripy Wilson and Elvardo Kemp. Eugene Patton will be the teams therapist and John Marc Nutt will provide media coverage.

Were not that big, but we will use our quickness, Bowleg said. We have some guys averaging 6-6 and 6-7, so we feel we will be able to defend the ball and play as well as we can against Mexico as we play our style of basketball.

Having had a chance to watch the Mexican team work out as they both practice in the same gym, Bowleg said hes not too concern about whether or not the Bahamas can play against them.

We hope to force the ball up the court with our uptempo play and try to control the boards, Bowleg said. We believe if we can play well against them with players like Keno Burrows and Michael Thompson Jr, Travis Munnings and Willis Mackey, all stand around 6-6, 6-7 and Burrows 6-9, I think if we can control the boards are chances would be great.

We have a lot of shooters, so offensively, I think we will do very well. We just have to limit our turnovers.

Bowleg said everybody is in high spirits, working out together and just waiting on Thursday to play their skills.

It was a good thing or us to come here a few days early to relax and enjoy ourselves after a hard days practice, he lamented. I think this has put our players in a good frame of mind for game time on Thursday.

Hopefully the team will be successful as they prepare to host Mexico on Sunday at 8 pm at Atlantis.

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FIBA qualifier: Bahamas will have 10 players against Mexico - Bahamas Tribune

DISNEY are to begin work on their new private island in the Bahamas for Disney cruise passengers with plans for nature trails, beachfront restaurants and spa centres.

Lighthouse Point will be the second private island for Disney, following the success of Castaway Cay.

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The new island will be exclusively for Disney cruise passengers when it opens in 2023.

It was first announced in 2019, with $400m (309m) of work on the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas to start this year.

The island will be "inspired by the natural environment and celebrate the culture and spirit of The Bahamas" according to their website, with new images showing the plans for the resort.

In the images, restaurants and entertainment venues with curved roofs are surrounded by palm trees and vegetation, with many leading out onto the family beach.

A water play area connected by wooden boardwalks is spotted behind the huts, with plans for spas and conservation facilities on the island as well.

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An art and culture centre as well as public cabanas will be built on island the with two family beaches and nature trails.

Imagineer Joe Rhode explained: "To make this authentic we have to do this together with Bahamian artists and Bahamian thinkers and people from the Bahamian country.

"There are storytelling experiences, they'll be musical experiences, they'll all come together to make this very unique vibrant, colourful art."

Disney's first private island Castaway Cay first opened in 1998, and was the first private island in the cruise industry.

There is even a 5k Disney race on the island, as well as an adults-only beach called Serenity Bay.

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Disney announced plans of their new Disney Wish ship last year with Princess Rapunzel featuring on the stern.

Cinderella's Castle at Disney World is also getting a makeover this year, with pink turrets and gold accents.

You can also stay at a 17-bedroom Disney-themed mansion just 15 minutes from Disney World for 47pp per night.

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First look at Disneys new private island Lighthouse Point in the Bahamas - The Irish Sun

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis renewed his administrations commitment to removing illegal migrants from The Bahamas and said the government and its agencies will aggressively defend the country as it can no longer tolerate illegals.

Moving forward it is essential that we take charge and grab hold of the challenges we face with respect to illegals, said Minnis, after returning from Barbados where he attended CARICOM inter-sessional meetings.

This is no longer talk.

Those Bahamians who engage in hiring illegals, the police, immigration and the relevant ministries have been given the mandate that they are to prosecute such individuals because The Bahamas is for Bahamians first and foremost and will remain.

It is our duty and responsibility to ensure that Bahamians are first.

We welcome individuals to our shores and they are entitled to everything once entering the proper way through our borders, be it airports or seaports they will be respected and entitled to every amenity our Bahamian citizens are entitled to, but we will not tolerate illegals.

So, we pointed out that we have a serious problem and like Turks we will aggressively address that matter, so we are putting all Bahamians on alert.

The prime minister said one of the key matters discussed among CARICOM members states was the social and economic instability in Haiti.

We brought forth to our CARICOM colleagues the challenges that we face with illegals; the challenges both ourselves and Turks and Caicos face, he said.

And in fact, the Turks prime minister had pointed out that things are getting so bad and restless in Turks Islands that the residents are now taking it upon themselves to capture illegal residents; apprehending them themselves and detain them for the police and other officers.

Minnis said The Bahamas is in discussions with the island nation and expects to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) very soon that will allow both countries to protect each other borders because we face the same challenges.

CARICOM leaders have agreed to send a fact finding missing to Haiti in an effort to find solutions to the ongoing social and political unrest for The Bahamas southern neighbor.

Dominicas Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said the mission was important for the region, noting that if the regional body does not address the domestic issues confronting Haiti there will continue to be tremendous negative impacts on countries like the Turks and Caicos and The Bahamas.

CARICOM Chairman Mia Mottley, the prime minister of Barbados, agreed, saying while difficult conversations are not often welcome, but they are necessary to gain progress and move forward.

Asked whether Bahamian officials will join the fact-finding mission to Haiti, Minnis said a delegation was selected at the last CARICOM heads of government meeting, and The Bahamas was on standby to use its embassy in Haiti as a central command center for the mission.

Unfortunately, we were not able to travel because of safety issues and communication with the Haitian government and therefore the existing chairman of CARICOM, the prime minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, was able to communicate with the Haitian president [Mousie- and therefore we are hoping that delegation can move forward, he said.

We have made it clear that we have a problem with illegal migration and The Bahamas will no longer tolerate it. We cannot afford it. Were a population of 400,000. Haiti is a population of 12 million [people].

CARICOM would have also discussed free movement of people. The Bahamas position is firm; The Bahamas will not sign any agreement with free movement of people. If we were to do that, you can imagine 12 million to 400,000. Youd lose your job.

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PM: Govt. will aggressively defend borders against illegal migration - EyeWitness News

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#NASSAU, The Bahamas February 20, 2020 Acting Prime Minister the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest explained that the removal of The Bahamas from the European Unions (EU) tax watch list is confirmation that The Bahamas has implemented the necessary reforms to meet the EU criteria on tax governance and cooperation on tax matters.

It is confirmation that The Bahamas financial services industry is stable and governed by a sound regulatory regime, the Acting Prime Minister added as he brought remarks at the Bahamas Financial Services Board Industry Development Series: Financial Crimes Enforcement, Compliance and Risk Management at the British Colonial Hilton, Wednesday, February 19, 2020.

At their meeting in Brussels this week, the EUs Economic and Financial Affairs Council completely removed The Bahamas from its List of Non-Cooperative Jurisdictions for Tax Purposes.

The Acting Prime Minister noted that in March last year, The Bahamas was placed on the EUs Annex II greylist.

The Acting Prime Minister noted that in March last year, The Bahamas was placed on the EUs Annex II greylist.

While different from the more serious Annex I blacklist, The Bahamas was still subject to ongoing monitoring by the EU with respect to the implementation of economic substance requirements.

With the EUs decision this week, The Bahamas has addressed all of the concerns on economic substance, removal of preferential exemptions and automatic exchange of tax information.

He stated that the Government welcomes the decision and the positive impact it should have on growth of investor confidence in the industry. The Acting Prime Minister also thanked the staff, agencies and industry stakeholders that worked so hard to achieve this result. Your support, encouragement and technical skills have been invaluable in this process and prove once again, we can rise to any challenge.

The Acting Prime Minister said coming off this list was not an easy process. The Government engaged many stakeholders and executed a comprehensive strategy to not only address the EUs concerns but also to defend the jurisdiction against unwarranted recent attacks on the legitimacy of the nations financial services business.

The Acting Prime Minister noted that over the past year, teams of the countrys technical advisors attended several meetings with the EUs Code of Conduct Group to engage in dialogue on the integrity of The Bahamas tax governance measures. Most of the discussions centered on the introduction of economic substance requirements for Investment Funds.

He explained that early signs of our successful efforts came last July when the Forum on Harmful Tax Practices (FHTP) of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) concluded that the domestic legal framework in The Bahamas was is in line with international standards and therefore not harmful.

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Removal from the EU's Tax Watch List Confirms The Bahamas Has Implemented Necessary Reforms - Magnetic Media

THE seventh annual Bahamas Youth Olympic Regatta was held by Nassau Yacht Club and Bahamas National Sailing School February 15-16 in Montagu Bay.

The regatta is one of five major junior events held each year in the Bahamas and attracts sailors from a number of our government schools, Lyford Cay Sailing Club, Royal Nassau Sailing Club, Nassau Yacht Club, Harbour Island Sailing Club and Abaco. Classes sailed were Optimist Dinghies (ages eight to 15) Championship and Green (beginner) fleets, Laser Radials and Sunfish.

With 51 participants in all, results showed just how competitive our young sailors are in the region.

The Bahamas Youth Olympic Regatta is sponsored by the Bahamas Olympic Committee.

This is the first of four regattas which will serve as qualifiers for our Optimist Dinghy sailors to make Team Bahamas and represent the Bahamas at two upcoming international events - Optimist Worlds in Riva, Del Garda, Italy in July and Optimist North American Championships, in Cancun, Mexico in October.

Sailing conditions for the two-day, seven-race series varied with the first day being very light and tricky winds and the second day being near perfect 10 to 12 knot breeze out of the east.

The top three finishers for each fleet were:

Optimist Gold

(Advanced) Fleet

1st Place Patrick Tomlinson Lyford Cay Sailing Club

2nd Place Zane Munro Royal Nassau Sailing Club/Bahamas National Sailing School

3rd Place Joshua Weech Nassau Yacht Club/Bahamas National Sailing School

Optimist Silver

(Intermediate) Fleet

1st Place Petrus Maritz Royal Nassau Sailing Club

2nd Place Philipe Souza Lyford Cay Sailing Club

3rd Place Brosnan Darville Lyford Cay Sailing Club

Optimist Green Fleet

1st Place - Lorenzo Andollina - Lyford Cay Sailing Club

2nd Place - John Alexiou Lyford Cay Sailing Club

3rd Place Erik Jensen Lyford Cay Sailing Club

Laser Radial

1st Place Morgan Grammatico Nassau Yacht Club/Bahamas National Sailing School

2nd Place Enrique Wells Bahamas National Sailing School

3rd Place Delaney Goodfellow Lyford Cay Sailing Club

Sunfish

1st Place Noah Simmons Harbour Island Sailing Club

2nd Place Maryetta Johnson Bahamas National Sailing School

3rd Place Malano Moxey Bahamas National Sailing School

Trophies were presented by Dorian Roach, vice president of the Bahamas Olympic Committee, Lori Lowe, president of The Bahamas Sailing Association and Robert Dunkley, director/coach of the Bahamas National Sailing School.

We spoke with a few of the sailors to get their view on this weekends regatta, the organisers said. Patrick Tomlinson, a nine-year-old sailing with the Lyford Cay Sailing Club, has been sailing for the past year and-a-half.

Patrick said that in preparation for this regatta, he worked on his boat speed and the light winds helped him to be able to beat out his sailing mates. He feels great about winning and loves sailing.

Zane Munro who placed second said that he has been sailing for about a year and-a-half and he gained a lot of experience during the recent Optimist North American Championships, which were held in New Providence September 27 to October 4, 2019. He also feels that the light winds worked in his favour this weekend and is excited about his 2nd place.

Of particular note is that the junior sailing programme in the Bahamas is now made up of approximately 30 per cent girls, who are enjoying the sport and doing very well.

Morgan Grammatico, who presently sails in the Laser Radial fleet, won in her fleet this weekend. Morgan has been sailing for the past five years and says that sailing has given her many opportunities.

She said sailing gives her something to be passionate about and something to be proud of. She credits practicing and planning her races beforehand and looked to the winds and tides so she could use them to her advantage.

Maryetta Johnson presently sails in the Sunfish fleet and is benefitting from the programme through the government school initiative, which affords students from public schools, who can swim, to participate in the junior sailing programme.

Maryetta is also a certified coach, having successfully sailed in all of the fleets, and is doing very well in the sport of sailing.

A special thank you to the Bahamas Olympic Association for sponsoring this annual event and to Nassau Yacht Club with Bahamas National Sailing School for organising it.

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Junior sailors take advantage of the 7th annual Youth Olympic Regatta - Bahamas Tribune

Airbnb is searching for five people to quit whatever they are doing and go on a free two-month trip to the Bahamas, where they will assist with ecological projects in the Caribbean nation.

Those selected to take part in the "sabbatical" will spend April and May traveling to three Bahamian locations to help preserve the country's natural and cultural resources.

Airbnb's latest "sabbatical program" was developed in partnership with the Bahamas National Trust, a local non-profit that protects 32 of the country's national parks.

It follows the company's Italian and Antarctic projects, both of which saw volunteers take part in working vacations to help with rejuvenation and research.

To be in the running for Airbnb's latest project, applicants must demonstrate a "commitment to contribute to island life," the company said.

Successful applicants to the Bahamas Sabbatical will travel to Andros, home of the world's third-largest reef system, to help create a coral reef restoration program and install a new nursery to grown coral reef fragments.

They will also spend time working on the conservation of reef-friendly species in Exuma, and assist with ecological and research projects in Eleuthera.

The two-month trip is designed to help local leaders set up sustainable sources of economic growth, such as new experiences that tourists visiting the Bahamas can book through Airbnb.

Those selected to join the sabbatical will also be given time off to take part in activities such as sailing and exploring marine caverns known as blue holes.

The Bahamas, made up of more than 700 islands, is heavily dependent on tourism, and parts of the country were devastated by Hurricane Dorian last year.

"This is a special place, and anyone who has spent time on any of the islands that make up the nation is moved by the air, the sun, the beaches, the food, the communities and most of all the people," Chris Lehane, senior vice president of global policy and communications at Airbnb, said in a press release Tuesday.

Candidates must be over the age of 18 to take part in the scheme, and must be available throughout April and May 2020. Potential participants should also speak good conversational English and be from one of 34 eligible countries, which include China, India, New Zealand and the United States.

Airbnb will announce who has been selected for the project on March 25.

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Airbnb is offering five people a free 2-month 'sabbatical' in the Bahamas - CNBC