Category Archives: Bahamas

By NEIL HARTNELL

Tribune Business Editor

nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

The Bahamas yesterday regained its status as the least corrupt country in the Caribbean despite governance reform activists arguing that this "does not tell the full picture" on widespread graft.

Matt Aubry, the Organisation for Responsible Governance's (ORG) executive director, joined Lemarque Campbell, a Bahamian anti-corruption activist, in warning that Transparency International's latest global Corruption Perceptions Index did not measure how effectively this nation is using/enforcing the relevant laws.

The duo spoke out after The Bahamas retained its 29th spot out of 180 countries despite its total "score" falling by one notch to 64. This marks the continuation of a gradual decline seen since 2016, when The Bahamas scored 66, but it finished one spot ahead of its nearest Caribbean challenger - Barbados - in the 2019 rankings after that country fell several places.

However, The Bahamas' seemingly improved standing comes just four months after the same Transparency International found The Bahamas leads the Latin American and Caribbean region for paying "bribes of convenience" to public officials so that "things are done more quickly or better".

The same organisation's Global Corruption Barometer study of the region provided a damning indictment of the civil service by disclosing that 41 percent of Bahamians surveyed admitted to making such under-the-table payments to ensure they could access public services, while another 52 percent said the government was "doing badly" in the battle against corruption and graft.

Messrs Aubry and Campbell yesterday argued that the annual Corruption Perceptions Index needed to be read alongside other material to place the rankings in their proper context, explaining that it only drew on 13 public information sources such as the World Bank and did not assess the effectiveness of a country's anti-corruption regime in practice.

"We're considered the least corrupt in the Caribbean, which is an interesting way to present it, but it [the index] doesn't give the full picture," Mr Aubry told this newspaper. "Regardless of our ranking it seems that this review indicates that little has changed from the perspective of an international standard. This is supported with the day to day experience of Bahamians."

He said two regional civil society meetings he attended in late 2019, one organised by the World Bank and the other by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), both acknowledged "the Caribbean continues to struggle with corruption".

"The topic kept coming back that corruption is embedded in the Caribbean," the ORG executive added. "It's embedded in the culture and it's embedded in the governance system.

"A global report referencing where we fall is deceiving in some ways. It uses public data to say we have a Freedom of Information Act and Public Disclosures Act, but doesn't tell the full picture of how they're being used in way to combat and reduce corruption."

Citing the Freedom of Information Act as an example, Mr Aubry said while it had been passed by Parliament it has yet to be enacted. Pointing to the regional barometer's findings on "bribes of convenience", he added: "That means corruption is not being driven by victimisation and threats to people's family and property.

"It's being driven by the belief this is what's needed to make the system work. People are paying bribes before they are asked as the solution to a dysfunctional and slow government system, and how it treats customers.

"That diminishes quality, productivity and efficiency, and adds further cost in terms of the public's contribution for paying for government services. The micro corruptions such as paying 'lunch money' is the citizen's solution as to how to navigate a slow and inefficient system."

Mr Aubry warned that such practices frequently benefited the wealthy, and those with the right family and political connections, at the expense of lower income Bahamians. "If you think about a 'pay to play' environment it disproportionately favours those that have and taxes those that have the least," he told Tribune Business.

"If there's a system where you pay someone to move to the front of the line it works well for those who are paying, but for those that don't they have to wait even longer. The Indisputable down side is that supporting such a system degrades the effectiveness of government, increases the cost and disproportionately impacts those that have the least. A 'pay to play' culture only benefits the 'haves' and ostracizes the 'have nots'."

The ORG executive director added that it also undermined civil service integrity as high-performing civil servants were not rewarded as handsomely as colleagues 'on the take', tempting more officials to engage in such practices.

He said, though, that Transparency International's global index had reinforced the need to "keep money out of politics" through campaign finance laws, "so that those that have do not have undue influence on public policy".

Mr Aubry also said experience had shown that countries which engaged in transparent public consultation were "less inclined to corruption" because there was "less opportunity for people to take advantage of public resources" because more persons were aware of what was happening.

Mr Campbell, meanwhile, said Transparency International's global index only took into account perceptions of public sector corruption based on testimony from business executives and "country experts". It does not account for the public's experience.

While praising the Minnis administration for using technology-based reforms, such as online passport renewals, to reduce the opportunity for corruption, and the Fiscal Responsibility Council's appointment in line with the legislation, he questioned whether the latter will be able to "fulfill its mandate" and have an influence on government policy.

And Mr Campbell said much work remained in other areas despite the Government's successes. Pointing to the Freedom of Information Act's wait for full implementation, he added that its "whistleblower protection" component was "not adequate enough" and failed to detail how such persons will be safeguarded.

Pointing out that MPs were also failing to meet their obligations under the Public Disclosures Act, with their worth not disclosed annually in the Gazette, Mr Campbell added that it has now been 27 months (Mr Aubry said 850 days) since the Integrity Commission and Ombudsman Bills were tabled in Parliament but not debated or enacted.

"We still have a ways to go," Mr Campbell told Tribune Business, as both himself and Mr Aubry urged Bahamians to take a hard look at themselves and do their part to stamp out corruption. "We still have many problem areas.

"A lot of it, it's not just government. We have to look at us as citizens and how we are facilitating corruption. It comes down to us being responsible citizens as well. It's a two-way street. And it's always a matter of enforcement for us in The Bahamas.

"You can't come up with a figure for how much corruption is costing the Public Treasury, but it's affecting the delivery of public services and corruption is a huge factor behind increased taxes."

Mr Aubry added: "It still depends on public sentiment. They have to look at their own actions and how committed to change they are in the long-run. Although it might be micro-corruption: Lunch money, tip money, putting something in the bottom of the bag as they go through Customs, people being hired because of their political connections, it all goes to us paying more."

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Bahamas back as 'least corrupt in the Caribbean' - Bahamas Tribune

From Left: Sanovnik Destang, Executive Director of Bay Gardens Resorts; Bahamas Minister of Tourism and Aviation DionisioDAguilar; and Carlton Russell, President of the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) at the opening of Caribbean Travel Marketplace in The Bahamas.

BAY Gardens Resorts, the St Lucian owned and managed hotel group, delivered the proceeds of its recent fundraising efforts to help the people of The Abacos and Grand Bahama recover from the devastating effects of last years Hurricane Dorian.

Responding to the joint call by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) and Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA), the group not only offered vacation packages for the Caribbean Hotels Unite for The Bahamas auction on Charitybuzz, but also raised US$15,000 in hurricane recovery proceeds for the islands by earmarking a percentage of online direct booking earnings and pledges through the resort groups Guestbook loyalty programme. Many guests enrolled in the programme donated their five percent cash-back rewards to support relief and recovery efforts.

The groups Executive Director, Sanovnik Destang, made the presentation during the opening of this weeks CHTA Caribbean Travel Marketplace at the Baha Mar resort complex.

He thanked Bay Gardens visitors for their generosity, remarking, We were truly surprised and very gratified that our small group of hotels could make such a big contribution to our neighbours. He added: Its a small investment in the recovery efforts, but we know that it will go a long way, not least when pooled with the efforts of our CHTA colleagues across the region.

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Family Hotel in St Lucia Helps Family Islands in Bahamas - St. Lucia News From The Voice St. Lucia - The Voice St. Lucia

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

The Bahamas Lawn Tennis Associations three-member teams bid to finish fifth was thwarted by Costa Rica as they lost to their South American counterparts for the second time to finish sixth at the World Junior Tennis Girls North/Central America and Caribbean QualifyingTournament.

In their final match in the main draw yesterday in the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas fell 3-0 to Costa Rica as Sapphire Ferguson lost 6-0, 6-0 to Allison Blanco in her singles as did Sierra Rodgers against Daniela Rodriquez.

In doubles, cousins Sapphire and BreAnn Ferguson suffered a 6-3, 6-3 decision to Blanco and Lucia Gallegos.

It was the same score from their initial meeting on Sunday in the Group C preliminary round when Sapphire Ferguson was beaten by Blanco and Rodgers fell to Rodriquez.

In doubles, Breann and Sapphire Ferguson lost to Blanco and Gallegos.

Following that loss, the Bahamas blanked Barbados 3-0 on Monday to advance to the Main Draw. Sapphire Ferguson won 6-2, 6-2 over Jolie Philips, Rodgers won 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 over Shonte Sargeant and BreAnn and Sapphire Ferguson won 6-1, 6-0 over Nadia Da Costa and Sergeant.

In the main draw, the Bahamas lost 3-0 to the Dominican Republic on Tuesday but pulled off a 3-0 win over Panama on Wednesday to earn the right to play for the final spot at either fifth or sixth.

Against the Dominican Republic, Sapphire Ferguson lost 6-0, 6-2 to Maria Gell, Rodgers lost 6-3, 6-1 to Rosario Elmudesi and Elmudesi and Alexa Lerebours defeated BreAnn and Sapphire 6-1, 6-3.

And against Panama, BreAnn Ferguson won 6-2, 6-2 over Lia Calderon, Rodgers won 6-2, 6-0 over Liz Arce and BreAnn and Sapphire Ferguson put the icing on the cake with their 6-0, 5-7, 10-8 triumph over Arce and Calderon.

Coach Marion Bain said the team performed very well against Costa Rica, but lacked the experience to get over the hump.

We played with a lot of high-intensity today, but Costa Rica, having beaten us before, went into the match very confident and they played without any fear, Bain said. They were very loose and relaxed.

The performances of our girls didnt match the score. The level of play and the performances were much better than the first time we played them, especially in doubles. They played an unbelievable match today.

Bain said the Fergusons had a chance to go up in the match, butonce again their inexperience made the difference becausethey were unable to capitalise on it. I am very proud of the way the girls played today, she stated.

BreAnn Ferguson, who completed the tournament with a 5-3 win-loss record (2-1 in singles and 3-2 in doubles), said she performed as best as she could against Cosa Rica.

I played like I wanted to win. I tried my hardest, she said. Although I didnt win, I still feel good about my performance. I felt good about the way we played them. I enjoyed playing in the tournament.

Ferguson, 12, said she just has to concentrate on putting more power behind her serve and moving her feet.

Sapphire Ferguson, even at 4-4 (1-3 in singles and 3-1 in doubles),concurred with Bain that their inexperience made the difference.

I felt if we had a little more experience, we would have been able to play much better in the matches, but I think we did very well, she stressed. Were a good team and we played very well.

With a little more consistency and technique, Ferguson said she is confident that she can come back next year and perform much better.

Ferguson, also 12, said she also had a great time teaming up with BreAnn - her cousin - to play doubles.

Liz Arce We had good chemistry, she said. So it was good.

For BreAnn Ferguson, the opportunity was mutual.

I feel really good that we got the opportunity to play together, she said.

We played doubles together, so Im glad that we got to serve a bond together on the court.

Rodgers, who was 2-4 (2-3 in singles and 0-1 in doubles), said the performance was good for her.

It wasnt as good as yesterday, but I was pleased, she said. Today, the girl was more consistent and I couldnt handle the pressure. Yesterday, the girl made more mistakes and I wasmore confident.

Rodgers 13, said she definitely has to work on her serve.

Once the team gets back home today, Bain said she has advised the players to concentrate a little more on their approach to the game, especially in their preparation on and off the court. They have to be more serious in their approach, in their preparation because it all comes down to preparation, she said. We do not have the high intensity play as Costa Rica, but we can create that type of environment for them.

Most of the time, what they do on the court is a result of what they do leading up to their play. So we have to change their preparation, off-court first, the way how they eat and how they prepare for matches and how they prepare for practices. That is the most important thing.

Bain said she would also like to see the BLTA assemble the team together before they leave the country so that they can spend some time bonding together.

The team spent the rest of yesterday enjoying a treat from Bain, who noted that they accomplished their goal, which was to advance to play in the main draw. We have a very young team, but we knew that once we made the main draw, we would perform very well after that, she said.

Even though we knew we didnt have a chance to win it, based on the teams that made the main draw, we knew that we were able to compete with them.

The team would have had to finish first or second in order to advance to the next round of the World Junior Tournament. The Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico clinched the top two spots and were followed by Guatemala and Trinidad & Tobago.

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Team Bahamas 6th overall - Bahamas Tribune

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Members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force along with members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force CDU are in the Ragged Island Chain investigating the discovery of three bodies washed ashore; two on Double Breasted Cay on Friday and another on a nearby cay.

This comes after a group of 31 migrants were discovered between Maycock Cay and Double Breast Cay after their vessel reportedly capsized and were subsequently rescued by HMBS L. L. Smith, arriving in the capital on 21 January. The group had reportedly left from Haiti on 10 January 2020, with varying reports that they had capsized around the 13th January, being able to survive on the cay for some five days. All persons rescued appeared to be in good health and required no further medical attention.

They had told investigators that there were more persons unaccounted for, including another five females, but could not provide a definite total of souls who had left Port au Paix, Haiti. Hence, both the RBDF air assets, along with OPBAT air support combed the area with negative sightings of the reported capsized vessel or debris.

Some three days later, a tourist anchored in the area, reported sighting of a dead body ashore at Double Breast Cay around noon, and another body just over an hour later.

Royal Bahamas Defence Force assets in the area were alerted and sent to investigate and report their findings. Another body was also found in the vicinity on Hog Cay, some two miles south south West of Double Breast Cay by locals who reported this toHMBS Madeira.

Officials will continue to probe into the matter, searching the surrounding areas for further survivors. Members of the Public are advised to call in any sightings to the Defence Force Operations Center at 242 826 3117.

PRESS RELEASE, RBDF JANUARY 26, 2020

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Bahamas Defence Force investigates bodies washed ashore near Ragged Island - Magnetic Media

The Bahamas is perceived as theleast corrupt country in the Caribbean region, while Guyana is listed among 22 countries to make significant improvements, according to the Transparency International 2019Corruption Perception Index(CPI) Report.

The perceived level of public sector corruption in 180 countries/territories was measured and tabulatedon a scale from0 to 100, where zero is highly corrupt and 100 very clean.

Transparency International says with a score of 40/100,Guyanais a significant improver on the CPI since 2012, as its government continues to demonstrate the political will to hold former politicians accountable for the misuse of stateresources.

The Bahamas, which is perceived to be the least corrupt in the region, scored 64/100.

Heres a look athow some countries in the Caribbean region performed out of 180 countries/territories.

The Bahamas - ranked #29 with a score of 64/100

Barbados -ranked#30 with a score of 62/100

St Vincent and the Grenadines - ranked #39 with a score of 59/100

Dominica - ranked#48 with a score of 55/100

St Lucia - ranked#48 with a score of 55/100

Grenada - ranked#51with a score of 53/100

Cuba - ranked#60 with a score of 48/100

Jamaica -ranked#74 with a score of 43/100

Trinidad and Tobago - ranked #85 with a score of 40/100

Guyana - ranked #85 with a score of 40/100

(Above photo: courtesy Transparency International)

Globally, New Zealand and Denmark are both perceived to be the least corrupt countries,placing #1 with a score of 87/100, while Somalia placed last at #180 with a score of 9/100.

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Transparency International: The Bahamas least corrupt in region - Loop News Barbados

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

By NEIL HARTNELL

Tribune Business Editor

nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It will present in an exclusive one-on-one format to Wall Street firms, high net worth private investors and wealth managers

NexTech AR Solutions Corp () (OTCMKTS:NEXCF) CEO Evan Gappelberg will be heading to the Bahamas to pitch the companys augmented reality and virtual reality technology to investors.

Gappleberg will be presenting at AlphaNorth Capital Conference at Baha Mar on Paradise Island in the Bahamas on January 18.

The Toronto-based company is scheduled to present in an exclusive one-on-one format to CIBC Wood Gundy, , Scotia Wealth Management, Mackie Research Capital and other institutions, high net worth private investors as well as wealth managers.

This follows the company's recent presentation at the Wall Street Reporters Next Super Stock livestream conference this past Wednesday.

"As we continue to execute on our business plan we are very gratified to see growing investor interest in NexTech, Gappleberg said in a statement.

We continue to work towards uplisting our stock and building increased investor awareness by booking more investor conferences in the coming weeks and months. 2020 looks to be a breakout year for AR/VR and NexTech, and Im looking forward to getting our story out to more investors as the company pursues four multi-billion-dollar verticals in AR, including the 3D/AR ad network which is about to be launched by the company.

Contact the author: [emailprotected]

Follow him on Twitter @PatrickMGraham

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NexTech AR Solutions CEO Gappelberg to pitch company at investor confab in Bahamas - Proactive Investors USA & Canada

By YOURI KEMP

Tribune Business Reporter

ykemp@tribunemedia.net

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Whileworking your 9-5, you'd be lying if you said that you didn't daydream now and then about escaping to wherever there's sun, sand, and free-flowing alcohol. It's completely understandable. Everyone needs an escape and islands are the perfect destinations.

If you're actively planning your next vacation, onegroup of islands to take into consideration is the Bahamas. Its name is regularly associated with paradise and resorts. And this would all be true. But beyond the resorts, there is so much culture and new discoveries to take in. Below is a mini travel guide to the Bahamas- 15 things that you can't miss should you venture over there!

No, these aren't photoshopped! In a particular area, there lives a colony of wild pigs.No one knowshow the pigs got there. Some suggest that they were left behind by sailors, while others claim that they're the result of pig farms. Either way, they'rean oinking good time!

Shopping is an essential part of a routine,vacation or not. Downtown Nassau has a wide array of stores that sell clothes at unbelievable prices. You canwalk out in a celebrity outfit without breaking the bank! You have your pick of boutiques, as well as more casual shops.

Not only is the Platinum Coast breathtaking, but it's also been a hub for celebrity sightings. The fact that it's known as the richest part of the island further probably elucidatesthis argument. While you're here, enjoy the island's most renowned resorts and the beautiful palm trees that guard the beaches.

If you're a snorkeling aficionado, this is the place for you. This is one of the world's most successful marine parks. You can come to explore the many species of protected fish and other marine life. The water is also known for its clear blue color.

If you're looking for even more shopping opportunities (or general enjoyment), check out the Port Lucaya Marketplace. It'sthe largest open-air facility in the Bahamas with over 40 specialty stores, restaurants, and bars.On top ofthat, it's also used as a space for entertainment.

There's no color correction! The pink sand on Harbour Island is one of the many natural wonders of the world. The sand gets its distinct color from years of being exposed to coral, shells, and calcium carbonate. Telling your friends that you frolicked in pink sand is a pretty cool story!

Blue holes are largesinkholes that are comprised of limestone or coral. Dean's Blue Hole is known as the world's deepest blue hole and the second largest underwater chamber. It's 663 feet deep and has many opportunities for visitors to either swim in it or hike the trails surrounding it.

This museum is a love letter toHope Town in the Bahamas. In 1978, the residents decided that their community's history needed to be showcased and documented. Visitors to Wyannie Malone (named after the town's founder) can see manuscripts, photographs and even china leftover from shipwrecks on the island.

If you're looking fora private water park away from everyone, check out Blue Lagoon Island. It's on a separate island near Nassau and brags many opportunities to dive, play water sports and snorkel. If you're in the mood, you caneven play with dolphins and sea lions!

This 80-year-old sanctuary features the largest collection of Bahamian animals. Themain attraction of the zoo is the island's native bird, the Caribbean Flamingo. In addition to the plethora of pink feathers, the tropical gardens are lush and have many types of exotic fruit, coconut palms, and orchids.

Built in 1793 by Lord Dunmore, Fort Fincastle was built to protect the island from invaders. Set on the top of Society Hill, visitors can get an impressive view of the Bahamas, as well as the water. Learn more about the island's history- and enjoy the canons while you're at it!

Located at the bottom of Fort Fincastle, this staircase is known as the 66 steps. It was built out of limestone over the period of a year by slaves. Once slavery was abolished, they renamed the staircase to honor Queen Victoria and her role in ending slavery.

The Bahamas has no shortage of artwork. If you visit the National Gallery, you'll be exposed to many photographs, portraits, sculptures, and even ceramics. If you want more history about the museum itself, there is plenty of information about the National Collection and the Art Library.

If partying is not your cup of tea, we have the solution! This park boasts many types of exotic flora and fauna, including many species native to the island. If you need to entertain your kids,there's the Arts and Craft Center, playground and even a zoo!

If you want to take a paddle out into nature, then check out Peterson Cay. This protected area houses some of the most beautiful reefs in the Bahamas. You can swim with the Bahamian marine life, as well as bird watch and even have a picnic by the clear water.

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A Travel Guide To The Bahamas: 15 Things Not To Miss Out On - TheTravel