Category Archives: Bahamas

It's time you take a break from your regularly scheduled life and take a sabbaticalinstead. AndAirbnbis here to make that happen.

Airbnb and the Bahamas National Trust, an NGO that protects 32 national parks in the country, just announced their new joint offering, theBahamas Sabbatical. With the sabbatical, the two organizations are offering five lucky participants the life-changing opportunity to take time away from their normal lives tolive in an ecological oasis. In a statement, the two organizations explained that the sabbatical is a way to help restore the islands after several devastating hurricanes, as well as a way to remind travelers thatthe islands are backand open for business.

Airbnb's two-month "sabbatical" promises to be action-packed. Airbnb

"The Bahamas is open for business and while we work to restore parts of the archipelago devastated by Hurricane Dorian, the vast majority is ready for visitors," Eric Carey, executive director of the Bahamas National Trust, said in a statement. "Partnering with Airbnb is an incredible opportunity to help further preserve our culture and resources and share our diverse country and the Bahamian way of life with the world."

During the sabbatical, the participants will work alongside local experts on traditional practices in agriculture, ethical fishing, and coral reef revitalization.

Over the months of April and May, participants will be embedded on three beautiful island destinations: Andros, Exumas, and Eleuthera.

Helping build a tea farm is one of the activities planned for Airbnb's "sabbatical." Airbnb

In Andros, participants will work with experts and underwater travel photographerKatie Storr to create a coral reef restoration program in North Marine Park, home to the third-largest reef system in the world. There, they will construct and install a brand-new nursery to help coral reef fragments grow. Later, those fragments will be transplanted to affected areas across the islands.

In Exuma, sabbatical-goers will work with freediver Andre Musgrove to replicate The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park ecosystem and work to curb invasive species like the red lionfish. They will also participate in conch conservation, traditional boat building, and sailing.

And in Eleuthera, guests will work with Omar McKlewhite, a master gardener, and learn propagation techniques for the native trees and establish a bush tea farm. There, guests will also research native species, practice traditional pineapple farming, and harvest sea salt.

For the sabbatical, prospective participants need to show a commitment to "island life." Airbnb

"As The Bahamas rebuilds, it's a privilege to work together with the Bahamas National Trust to support and shine a spotlight on a nation whose economies are benefited by tourism," Chris Lehane, senior vice president of global policy and communications atAirbnb, said in a statement. "To continue these efforts, we're also pleased to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Tourism to promote tourism to the country through Airbnb even beyond the Bahamas Sabbatical."

To apply for the sabbatical visitairbnb.com/sabbaticaland complete the form. All applicants must be over 18, available to be in The Bahamas for two months from April to May 2020, and demonstrate their commitment to contributing to island life.

Helping preserve coral reefs is another activity sabbatical participants will take part in. Airbnb

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Airbnb is sending 5 people on a 2-month 'sabbatical' to the Bahamas - Business Insider - Business Insider

Courtesy of Airbnb Airbnb Wants to Send You on a Sabbatical to the BahamasAfter sending groups of volunteers on all-expenses-paid sabbaticals in Italy and Antarctica last year, Airbnb is looking for travelers to sign up for its next venture: a two-month sabbatical in the Bahamas this spring.

Together with the Bahamas National Trust, a local NGO that protects 32 national parks in the country, Airbnb is sending five volunteers to the islands of Andros, Exuma, and Eleuthera this coming April and May. While they are there, the volunteers will work alongside Bahamian community leaders to preserve the destinations national parks as well as contribute to sustainability efforts in industries including agriculture, fishing, and coral reef revitalization.

While we work to restore parts of the archipelago devastated by Hurricane Dorian, the vast majority is ready for visitors, Eric Carey, executive director of the Bahamas National Trust, said in a statement. Partnering with Airbnb is an incredible opportunity to help further preserve our culture and resources and share our diverse country and the Bahamian way of life with the world.

During the two-month sabbatical this spring, the winners will participate in conservation projects on three different Bahamian islands throughout the archipelago.

On the island of Andros, the volunteers will help with a coral reef restoration program at the North Marine Park working alongside Katie Storr, an underwater and travel photographer. There they will build and install a nursery where coral reef fragments can be grown and eventually transplanted to other spots in the country.

In Exuma, participants will work with freediver Andre Musgrove to curb the red lionfish population as well as other invasive species in the area. While on the island, they will also take part in traditional boatbuilding, sailing, and conch conservation projects.

The volunteers will get to discover bush medicine traditions on the island of Eleuthera. At the Leon Levy Native Plant Reserve, master gardener Omar Mcklewhite will teach participants native tree propagation techniques. Together the group will establish a bush tea farm on the island, as well as harvest sea salt and learn more about pineapple farming.

When the two-month project is complete, the participants will help create new Airbnb Experiences based on their sabbatical projects so that other travelers can take part in sustainability efforts that benefit the local communities in the Bahamas.

You can apply for Airbnb Bahamas Sabbatical at airbnb.com/sabbatical from now until 11:59 p.m. ET on February 18, 2020. To be eligible, applicants have to be available to travel to the Bahamas for two months between April and May 2020.

Applicants must be at least 18 years or older, speak conversational English, and reside in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, mainland China, Denmark, Dubai, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Kingdom, or the United States.

The five winners will be announced on March 25, 2020.

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Airbnb Wants to Send You on a Sabbatical to the Bahamas - msnNOW

LONDON, Jan. 29, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In the latest issue of World Finance, Elsworth Johnson, Minister of Financial Services, Trade, Industry and Immigration at The Bahamas Financial Services Board highlights the island nation's robust financial sector. For over 80 years The Bahamas has maintained a successful track record of competing for foreign direct investment and offering wealth management services. One of the key reasons for this success is The Bahamas' position as an internationally recognised centre for the provision of financial services.

In the article, Johnson describes how The Bahamas has managed to outperform its larger rivals by delivering more effective products and services. However, this position is being challenged by a global consolidation of technological advancements, regional economic weaknesses, competition from other financial centres and global regulatory pressures that have strained national resources.

"Current trends are pointing towards a more technology-driven financial sector that is increasingly knowledge-focused," Johnson writes. "As such, The Bahamas must be prepared to adapt its product and service offerings to these changes, while also leveraging its existing strengths to seize the opportunities being created by new and emerging developments."

To maintain its success, The Bahamas has set out a new strategic vision for financial services looking ahead to 2025. This strategy includes a clear vision for The Bahamas as a recognised location of choice for specialist international financial services, building on the islands' strengths in terms of local talent, technological advancement, established infrastructure, friendly investment policies and solid, well-established regulations.

Elsewhere in the piece, Johnson outlines the government's commitment to promoting The Bahamas as a responsible, well resourced, compliant international financial centre focused on real international business, transparency and cooperation. Positioning the country as a hub for legitimate financial services aligned with all necessary international standards is essential to ensuring that finance continues to be an essential part of the islands' economy.

For more about The Bahamas and how its financial services sector is developing, check out the latest issue of World Finance, available in print, on tablet and online now.

http://www.worldfinance.com

World News Media, the parent company of World Finance, is a leading publisher of quality financial and business magazines, which enjoys a global distribution network that includes subscriber lists of prominent decision-makers around the world.

Contact Information

World News Media Barclay Ballard Editorial Department +44-(0)-20-7553-4177 barclay.ballard@wnmedia.com

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World News Media Looks at How Financial Services in The Bahamas are Changing in the Latest Issue of World Finance - Yahoo Finance

Five people are being given the chance to escape the everyday grind to live in an ecological oasis with a sabbatical in The Bahamas.

The participants will experience the Caribbean in a new way as they work alongside Bahamians to bolster once vibrant industries and preserve natural resources to help transform a country that depends on visitors spending.

These industries, which face issues impacted by a changing ecosystem and population decline, play a pivotal role in establishing autonomy and self-sufficiency for the country's family islands, a moniker used by locals to describe how the hundreds of islands connect and belong to each other.

The sabbatical is being offered by Airbnb and the Bahamas National Trust, a local NGO that protects 32 national parks in the country.

Participants will live with local Airbnb hosts across three islands Andros, Exumas, and Eleuthera. Travel expenses, food and accommodation will be covered by Airbnb for the duration of the two-month long trip.

In recent years, several Bahamians have stepped up to pave the way toward a more sustainable future for The Bahamas, bringing back traditional practices rooted in agriculture, ethical fishing, and coral reef revitalization.

Through the Bahamas Sabbatical, these ongoing local efforts are complemented by The Bahamas National Trusts mission as they team up with the participants tasked to support these growing industries, protect several national parks, and empower the community leaders shepherding these sustainability efforts.

The Bahamas is open for business and while we work to restore parts of the archipelago devastated by Hurricane Dorian, the vast majority is ready for visitors, said Eric Carey, Executive Director of the Bahamas National Trust.

Partnering with Airbnb is an incredible opportunity to help further preserve our culture and resources and share our diverse country and the Bahamian way of life with the world.

Over April and May, participants will embed themselves into three beautiful island destinations - Andros, Exumas, and Eleuthera, among those that werent impacted by the storm - as they dive into local cultures and complete various projects in important natural areas.

In Andros, where the third largest reef system in the world is located, participants will work alongside underwater and travel photographer Katie Storr to create a coral reef restoration programme in North Marine Park, constructing and installing a brand new nursery where coral reef fragments will be grown and later transplanted to affected areas across the destination.

Participants will also explore blue holes, harvest sponges, and more.

Home to the countrys first-ever national park, Exuma is celebrated for its crystal clear waters teeming with fish and other marine life.

Freediver Andre Musgrove will work closely with participants to replicate The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park ecosystem in other waters around the destination that have been overtaken by invasive species, namely the Red Lionfish.

By carefully curbing the Red Lionfish population, the team paves the way for other reef-friendly species to enter and thrive. Plus participants will participate in conch conservation, traditional boatbuilding, and sailing.

A long thin island with pink sand beaches, Eleuthera has many natural features like the Leon Levy Native Plant Reserve, which doubles as a research centre for traditional bush medicine.

Together with Omar Mcklewhite, a master gardener, participants will learn propagation techniques for the native trees and establish a bush tea farm. While in Eleuthera, they will also research native species, practice traditional pineapple farming, and harvest sea salt.

At the end of the two months, each participant will have collaborated hand-in-hand with community leaders to create lasting programs to help sustain these practices.

The hope is that this will boost the economy for generations to come, as well as creating new experiences for visitors that will directly benefit the local community while supporting efforts toward a sustainable future.

As The Bahamas rebuilds, its a privilege to work together with the Bahamas National Trust to support and shine a spotlight on a nation whose economies are benefited by tourism, said Chris Lehane, Senior Vice President of Global Policy and Communications of Airbnb.

To continue these efforts, were also pleased to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Tourism to promote tourism to the country through Airbnb even beyond the Bahamas Sabbatical.

"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.

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To apply, visit airbnb.com/sabbatical and complete the application form.

Candidates must be over 18, available to be in The Bahamas for two months from April to May 2020 to volunteer for the NGO Bahamas National Trust and be able to speak good conversational English. Applicants will also need to demonstrate their commitment to contribute to island life.

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Live in The Bahamas for two months with this Airbnb sabbatical - Leicestershire Live

Soaking up the sunshine on various islands in the Bahamas is usually reserved for A-listers who have the means to go on the dream holiday.

But no more.

Airbnb has teamed up with the Bahamas National Trust to offer FIVE people a two-month long trip to the Bahamas, with visits to the islands of Andros, Exumas and Eleuthera.

Oh, and Airbnb will cover your travel expenses, food and accommodation for the duration of the trip.

You'll get to explore the islands' incredible features from the pink sand beaches to the vibrant reef systems, as well as meeting locals and discovering the culture.

But you won't just be spending two months lying on those picture-perfect beaches (although there will be plenty of time to do just that).

During the trip, the participants will get to work with locals to help preserve natural resources and create lasting sustainability programmes.

That includes building a new coral nursery in Andros' North Marine Park with underwater and travel photographer Katie Store, heading to Exumas for conch conservation, traditional boatbuilding and sailing, and learning propagation techniques for the native trees in Eleuthera, as well as establishing a bush tea farm.

Other responsibilities will include researching native species, harvesting sea salt and even trying their hand at traditional pineapple farming.

Basically, a dream trip if you're fascinated by ecosystems and sustainability - and want to visit the Bahamas, of course.

You can apply by filling out the Bahamas Sabbatical form here. You'll need to be aged 18 or over, and must be available to travel to the Bahamas from April to May 2020.

Eric Carey, Executive Director of the Bahamas National Trust, said: "The Bahamas is open for business and while we work to restore parts of the archipelago devastated by Hurricane Dorian, the vast majority is ready for visitors.

"Partnering withAirbnbis an incredible opportunity to help further preserve our culture and resources and share our diverse country and the Bahamian way of life with the world."

It's not the first time that Airbnb has offered a sabbatical which includes an eco-friendly focused mission. Last year, the company teamed up with Ocean Conservancy to offer a sabbatical in Antarctica, for a scientific research mission on the effect of microplastics.

The trip included immersion training in Punta Arenas, Chile, with courses on glaciology and field sampling, a visit to the South Pole and stops in iconic sites such as Drake Icefall, Charles Peak Windscoop and Elephant's Head.

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Airbnb is offering a trip to the Bahamas and it's completely free - Mirror Online

NASSAU, Bahamas On January 27, 2020, in Nassau, The Bahamas, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs Manisha Singh and Bahamian Minister of Tourism and Aviation Dionisio DAguilar signed the Air Transport Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, the first bilateral air transport agreement negotiated by the two countries.

The Agreement establishes a modern civil aviation relationship with The Bahamas consistent with U.S. Open Skies international aviation policy.

It includes unrestricted capacity and frequency of services, open route rights, a liberal charter regime, and open code-sharing opportunities. The Agreement entered into force upon signature.

Hon. Dionisio D Aguilar stated Today marks another milestone achievement for Aviation in the Bahamas. The signing of this Air Transport Agreement between the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and the United States of America will mean that the Bahamas has now successfully concluded twenty-three (23) Air Service Agreements.

In support of the U.S.-Caribbean 2020 strategy, this Agreement with The Bahamas will further expand our strong economic and commercial partnership, promote people-to-people ties, and create new opportunities for airlines, travel companies, and customers.

Air carriers can provide more affordable, convenient, and efficient air services totravelers and shippers, promoting tourism and commerce.

The Agreement commits both governments to high standards of aviation safety and security. It also represents a step forward for the liberalization of civil aviation in the Caribbean and The Bahamas connectivity with the world.

Information on U.S. aviation policy and our air transport agreements is available on the Department of States website HERE.

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The United States and The Bahamas Sign Air Transport Agreement - South Florida Caribbean News

Theyll also work with free diver Andre Musgrove to replicate The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park ecosystem in other waters around the area, that have been overtaken by invasive species. They will learn from Omar Mcklewhite, a master gardener, about propagation techniques for the native trees and establish a bush tea farm on Eleuthera. They will also research native species, practice traditional pineapple farming and have a go at harvesting sea salt.

As The Bahamas rebuilds, its a privilege to work together with the Bahamas National Trust to support and shine a spotlight on a nation whose economies are benefited by tourism, said Chris Lehane, Senior Vice President of Global Policy and Communications of Airbnb.

To continue these efforts, were also pleased to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Tourism to promote tourism to the country through Airbnb even beyond the Bahamas Sabbatical. 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.

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Dream jobs: Airbnb is offering a sustainable sabbatical in The Bahamas - Stylist Magazine

The best hotels take you somewhere. They transport you, taking you to another plane, another dimension of comfort, serenity and experience.

The best historic hotels take you to another time by a carefully curated cocktail of history, luxury and authenticity.

The Caribbean has an impressive portfolio of historic properties some that have always been hotels, others that have taken historic buildings and meticulously transformed them into havens of hospitality.

From The Bahamas to Antigua, you can find beautiful historic hotels across the Caribbean, all with that rare ability to take places centuries old and make them, well, timeless.

Graycliff, The Bahamas Centered around a mansion built in 1740 by legendary pirate John Howard Graysmith, Graycliff is the crown jewel of historic downtown Nassau, with one of the Caribbeans most iconic restaurants and a boutique hotel with 20 rooms. Its the sort of place where luxury abounds, from one of the largest wine cellars on earth to an on-site cigar factory and an exquisite chocolate factory. (Churchill even stayed in the propertys popular pool cottage). The rooms are spacious, with grand bathrooms and Bvlgari amenities, and the service is sublime. Its a hotel that should be on the bucket list of every Caribbean aficionado and one of the regions truly special places.

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From The Bahamas to Antigua, the Caribbean's Best Historic Hotels - Caribbean Journal

Legendary golfer and course designer Jack Nicklaus has launched a new residence club, and its first phase will include several locations in The Bahamas.

Nicklaus, who designed Nassaus Royal Blue golf club at the Baha Mar, will have two locations for his residence club program: a property called 36 on Paradise Island, and a property called Ocean Terrace on West Bay Street near Caves Heights.

Ive spent the majority of my life traveling around the world, playing golf, designing golf courses, and experiencing a variety of destinations, Nicklaus said. I appreciate the importance of quality lodging and first-class service as complements to good golf. The industry continues to evolve for those who seek premier residences in ideal destinations, and we believe this is a natural fit as we expand the Nicklaus lifestyle brand.

The program will be what Nicklaus Companies call an innovative, income-generating residence club model, that lets members stay in luxury vacation condos and homes around the world.

The Jack Nicklaus Residence Club will be showcasing Nicklaus-designed golf courses around the globe, providing families and golf groups many beautiful, exciting, and exotic locations to explore, VRP Equities President, Craig Williamson explained. The clubs will feature ultra-luxury homes with stellar amenities, located in the most popular vacation areas around the globe.

For more, visit the new Jack Nicklaus club.

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Jack Nicklaus' New Residence Club Is Coming to The Bahamas - Caribbean Journal

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#NASSAU, The Bahamas January 26, 2020 The Hon. Jeffrey Lloyd, Minister of Education, appealed to participants of a Luncheon Town Hall Meeting to evolve, transform the society, and prepare Bahamians with the requisite education and skills to be productive and to compete globally.

In this country, this must be a society-wide effort to transform our land government, business, parents, civil society, churches, unions all have a responsibility and all must be accountable, said Minister Lloyd.

We must all join in the transformation that is not just desired but urgently required.

We must change and we must keep changing. We dont just learn once. We must keep learning, he said.

Minister Lloyd presented the keynote address at the meeting, which was sponsored by Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) in collaboration with Rotary Club of Nassau Sunrise, January 23, 2020 at SuperClubs Breezes.Stakeholders, including representatives of civil society, educational institutions, corporate Bahamas and various government agencies attended the meeting.The theme was Addressing the Skills Gap.

Minister Lloyd said the country suffers a widening and frightening skills-competencies-capabilities deficit that is alarming yet opportunistic.He emphasized that no society can successfully grow or operate without a dynamic, aggressive, powerfully explosive, and technically capable workforce.

Moreover, he underscored that BTVI is leading the technical/vocational revolution in The Bahamas with several initiatives earmarked including dual education.

Panelists included: Dr. Robert Robertson, President of BTVI; John Pinder, Director, Ministry of Labour; Peter Goudie, Labour and Employment Division of the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation; Chandler Sands, Vice-Chairman, Maritime Sector Skills Council; Don Forbes, Grand Bahama Ship Yard; Michael Pratt, President, Bahamas Contractors Association; and Rhonda McDeigan-Eldridge, CPA, CA, Founder, Harness All Possibilities, Inc.

BIS PRESS RELEASE, KATHRYN CAMPBELL, JANUARY 24, 2020

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Society-Wide Effort Needed to Elevate Skill Levels to Global Norms, says Bahamas Education Minister - Magnetic Media