Category Archives: Bahamas

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas women's national team will be returning home from the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Jr. Women's Softball World Championship in Clearwater, Florida, with a 24th ranking after suffering a 14-2 loss to Korea.

In their placement game on Friday, the Bahamian team, managed by Stephen "Bishop" Beneby, watched as the Asian national team scored eight runs in the first inning, followed by three runs in the four and three more in the fifth for an abbreviated affair.

The entire Korean roster was credited with at least one hit as center fielder Seo Young Jeong Sy went 3-for-4 with two runs batted in (RBI) and scored twice, while catcher Hyun Ju Im was also 3-for-4 with two RBI and a run scored.

Elijah Johnson led the Bahamas' attack by going 1-for-2 and scoring the only two runs on RBI from Kendalia Turner (1-for-3) and catcher Dachye Stubbs (1-for-2) on a double in the first and third respectively.

Si Yeon Hong earned the win pitching all five innings, allowing five hits and two runs, while striking out five. Ramona Hanna threw the first four innings, giving up 1.

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Bahamas Returns Home After 24th Ranking In Championships - Bahamas Tribune

The Bahamas in action against Guyana during their 114-63 victory. Photo: 10thYearSeniors

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

The Bahamas delivered a statement to the remainder of the field with a dominant performance in the opening game of the FIBA Centrobasket Under-17 Men's Championship.

Led by the Dominic Bridgewater and Grevaughn Goodman backcourt that accounted for 50 points, the Bahamas scored a 114-63 win over Guyana at the tournament in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Bridgewater finished with a team high 27 points, eight steals and six rebounds while Goodman finished with 25 points and five steals. They led five players in double figures, including Samuel Hunter with 17 points, Davano Whitfield scored 14 and Joshua Dames added 10. Leroy Adderley also finished with eight points and seven rebounds.

Kevon Wiggins led Guyana with a game high 32 points.

The Bahamas opened the game on a 24-2 scoring run. Goodman's second three pointer of the quarter gave the team a 34-10 lead with 1:21 left to play. Bridgewater made a three and a layup on the ensuing possessions and Obrien Pearce split a pair at the line to give the Bahamas a 41-10 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The rout continued in the second quarter when Bridgewater and Raschad Greene scored the first field goals of the quarter to start another run. Dames added another three-pointer to give the Bahamas a 52-10 lead and capped an 11-0 run before Guyana scored their first points of the quarter when Wiggins made a three and added free throws.

The Bahamas responded with 10 unanswered points. Goodman's steal and layup gave them a 68-18 lead as the lead ballooned to 50 for the first time. Adderley's jumper as time expired gave the Bahamas a 73-21 lead headed into the half.

Guyana actually outscored the Bahamas in the third, but they took a 92-48 lead into the fourth quarter.

Whitfield's three-pointer pushed the lead beyond 50 once again for a 109-57 advantage with just over three minutes left in regulation.

The Bahamas shot 65 per cent from the field and held Guyana to just 36 per cent. Defensively they 22 steals and forced 33 turnovers. They scored 26 fastbreak points, 70 points in the paint and 31 points off the bench.

The Bahamas will face Mexico 1pm today (local time) in game two.

The Bahamas is placed in Group A which also includes Guyana alongside regional powerhouses Puerto Rico and Mexico.

Group B will include the Virgin Islands, Panama, Jamaica and Dominican Republic.

The top-three teams from the tournament will qualify to the FIBA Under-18 Americas Championship 2018 that will be played in St Catharines, Canada, June 11-17, 2018.

The competition system of the tournament consists of two phases. In the Group Phase, the eight (8) participating teams will be divided into two (2) groups of four (4) teams. Teams will play in a round-robin format for three days. The best two teams from each group will advance to the next phase, where the first place of Group A will play against the second place in Group B and vice versa.

The winners of the Semi-Finals will advance to the Gold-Medal Match, while the losers will play for the bronze of the continental event.

In their last appearance at the FIBA Centrobasket Under-17 Championship for Men, the Bahamas ended the tournament with a pair of wins in the reclassification round, finished fifth overall and did not advance to the 2016 Tournament of the Americas.

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Bahamas routs Guyana 114-63 | The Tribune - Bahamas Tribune

Guyana ended the Central America and Caribbean Basketball Championships (CentroBasket) U17 tournament winless and in eighth position after going down to Caribbean Champions The Bahamas 91-63 yesterday in the 5-8 positional tourney in Santa Domingo, Dominican Republic.

It was the second loss to The Bahamians in the event for the Guyanese following their 63-114 loss in their opening game of the championships.

Kevon Wiggins continued to be the main threat for the Guyanese with 34 points, three assists and as many rebounds.

The next best scorer with eight points and eight rebounds was Jermaine King while Anthony Yansen, Jether Harris and Nigel Bowen added seven, five and five points respectively.

For The Bahamas, Raschad Greene recorded a double-double of 21 points, 17 rebounds and three assists while Samuel Hunter tallied 19 points and six rebounds.

Detarrio Thompson added 12 points while Grevaughn Goodman chipped in with 11 points and six assists and Dominick Bridgewater supported with eight points, six assists and five rebounds.

Akin to the first meeting, the contest was effectively over at the halftime break, as The Bahamas secured a commanding 45-21 lead. The first period ended 20-13 before The Bahamians outscored the Guyanese 25-8 in the second quarter.

The Bahamas extended their advantage marginally in the third period, netting 23 points while holding Guyana to 17 points to enter the final period ahead at 68-38.

With the contest basically over, Guyana finally got the better of The Bahamas, outscoring the Caribbean champion by a 25-23 score-line.

The top three teams from the tournament will qualify to the FIBA U-18 Americas Championship in St Catharines, Canada from June 11th-17th 2018.

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Guyana lose final CentroBasket game 63-91 to The Bahamas - Stabroek News

Although co-parenting can be difficult once a couple splits, Tiny and T.I. are committed to keeping their family close. One way to do it is by sticking to their family trips!

The musicians decided to spend their vacation this summer at Atlantis Paradise Island, one of the premier family resorts in the Bahamas.

RELATED: T.I. And Tiny Celebrate Her Birthday In St. Lucia

Families and celebrities from around the world visit this luxury resort that features world's largest open-air marine habitat, a 141-acre waterscape and four miles of beaches. We know the Harris kids took full advantage of the vacation's amenities, and both Tiny and T.I. shared some pictures of some of the activities they enjoyed during their stay.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BW_xSZfFheB/?taken-by=majorgirl

My crew#FamilyFirst #FamilyHustle #HarrisFamilyVacation #AtlantisBahamas

A post shared by Majorgirl (@majorgirl) on Jul 25, 2017 at 9:29pm PDT

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https://www.instagram.com/p/BW_Nz47BYws/?taken-by=zonniquejailee

soaking up the good times thanks @iamlovelytouch for the braids @atlantisresort #AtlantisBahamas

A post shared by Zonnique (@zonniquejailee) on Jul 25, 2017 at 4:19pm PDT

https://www.instagram.com/p/BW_wW8BDLFd/?tagged=harrisfamilyvacation

The New Incredibles (Street-Credibles) lol #HarrisFamilyVacation @atlantisresort

A post shared by TIP (@troubleman31) on Jul 25, 2017 at 9:21pm PDT

RELATED: Tiny And T.I. Reunited On Stage When The Ladies Of Xscape Serenaded Their Men During Detroit Concert

https://www.instagram.com/p/BW_UGMNBROW/?tagged=harrisfamilyvacation

2 kings & a baby in the Bahamas. @atlantis.bahamas #HarrisFamilyVacation

A post shared by TIP (@x.troubleman31) on Jul 25, 2017 at 5:14pm PDT

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXASXEDhOQC/?tagged=harrisfamilyvacation

Harris Boys Kicked Back. #HarrisFamilyVacation

A post shared by TIP Musician/Band (@troubleman31i) on Jul 26, 2017 at 2:18am PDT

The family experienced Atlantis' Dolphin Cay along with some water activities in one of the resorts 11 pools. The Harris boys also enjoyed a little time "chillin' out maxin' relaxin' all cool."

Now that's what a family vacation is all about!

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Tiny And TI Take Their Brood On a Family Vacation to the Bahamas - Essence.com

My wife hopes Ill join her on a cruise someday. The odds are not good.

Why in the world would I ever go on a cruise?

Like most men, I go on a trip only if theres a ballgame involved.

Theres no stadium on a cruise ship. Id be bored out of my mind. Id be incarcerated at sea.

My wife loves everything about oceans and beaches. Shes happy sitting on a beach even without a book.

I just like being around water, she says.

When watching an oceanfront TV show, her gaze always shifts toward the water.

On the beach, sitting and looking at the water gives her deep satisfaction. She likes to soak in the rays and forget about everything. She even enjoys the breeze.

I like everything about it. Its therapeutic, she says.

What gives me satisfaction, meanwhile, is watching a 6-4-3 double play.

I know that Im not alone. Even famous singers feel the same way. Josh Groban once said, When Im on tour, I try to visit as many baseball stadiums as possible.

You cant do that when youre stuck on a boat.

Kenna can have the Caribbean, Bermuda and Turks and Caicos. Id be happier at a state American Legion baseball tournament. To me, a vacation is worthless unless you take in a sporting event.

Ive always wondered why my brother-in-law, Larry, goes on cruises with his wife. A Nebraska farmer, Larry doesnt strike me as a cruise guy.

I called him this week to ask how he endures it.

Going on a cruise, he said, is a good way to get away because cellphones dont work and internet service costs $15 a minute.

So you dont have to deal with work, he said. Everybody takes care of your food, your room and your entertainment. You can do as much or as little as you want, he said.

Dollar for dollar, a cruise probably offers the best return on investment as far as quality of food, room and entertainment, he said.

Larry has been on 15 cruises over the years. Im a Diamond Member in Royal Caribbean, he said.

For the money you spend, its still probably one of the better vacations you can take in my book, said the Perkins County farmer.

Cruises are relaxing and usually warm.

But by the seventh day, even Larry is ready for it to be over. Hes actually getting tired of cruises. Hes been to the same ports so many times hes ready for something different.

His wife, though, is happy whenever somebody else is doing the cooking and cleaning.

Kristines sister, my wife, is the same way. The thing Kenna likes best about a hotel is the maid service.

I tell Kenna she should have married a farmer. Seed companies pay for trips to Mexico and Hawaii and cruises.

Or she should have just married someone whos fun.

Other than lying on the beach, Kenna freely admits that shes happiest indoors. Shes not crazy about wildlife. Shed much rather cool off in a swimming pool than a lake.

Last week, Kenna and I celebrated my birthday at an Omaha Storm Chasers game. I enjoyed the game, but I admit it was a hot day.

According to Kenna, she battled the elements to help me celebrate the day. Kenna, who always checks the weather conditions on her phone, had a tough time of it.

Later, she sent this email to our kids:

The main thought I had, while suffering 96-degree heat and 59-percent humidity, no breeze, is but one: Without a beach or pool nearby, being outdoors is greatly overrated.

Jeff Bahr is a reporter for The Independent. He may be reached at (308) 381-9408.

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It's not always better in the Bahamas - Grand Island Independent

Dayum, girl! It looks like Tiny Harris had a great Bahamas vacation with her estranged hubby T.I. But was she tempting him with a dangerously sexy bikini?

Tiny, 42, is looking FINE. The mother of five flaunted her amazing bikini body on July 29 in some insane pics she posted to Instagram to show off her recent family getaway with estranged hubby T.I., 36. Just a lil recap of my vacation in the Bahamas , Tiny captioned the Instagram gallery of photos of her in a skimpy snake print bikini. The singer is enjoying a breathtaking day at the beach in the snaps, and goes from standing sassily above the tide, to crouching in the water, to lounging on the sand beneath the glistening waves.

The singer wore her hair in long blonde and black cornrows and rocked some large silver hoops to add even more personality to the look. She was spectacular while showing off her hourglass curves. Maybe a little toospectacular. Could it be she had been trying to tempt TIP with her smoking hot bod? Possibly, but with the amount of mixed messages these two have been sending since filing for divorce, we have no idea!

Though the couple are in the process of dissolving their marriage (amidrumors of T.I.s infidelity) they have made it very clear they are committed to co-parenting and raising the three children Clifford King, Major, 9, Heiress, 1 they share together, as a team. Thats why the entire family went on vacation together at the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas. They even brought along the children they do not share together. And based on the photos they posted of the whole fam hanging out in the hotel, scuba diving and generally having an amazing time bonding, it looks like they are doing a great job of staying close. Even if they arent getting close likethatanymore. Click here to see pics of T.I. and Tinys children.

HollywoodLifers, what do you think of Tinys hot bikini pic? Let us know below!

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Tiny Shows Off Hourglass Curves In Snake Print Bikini Tempting TI After Bahamas Getaway? - Hollywood Life

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As Baha Mar opening moves forward in the Bahamas, the Atlantis announces plans to upgrade, improve.

Legendary sports bettor Billy Walters gets five years for insider trading offenses.

This week's installment of Inside Gaming reports on plans by a couple of different casinos to work on upgrades one in the Bahamas, the other in Australia and also shares news of a famed sports bettor being sentenced for insider trading.

It was back in 2011 when the groundbreaking on a new casino-resort in Nassau, Bahamas called Baha Mar first took place. After numerous delays the $4.2 billion property located on Cable Beach that includes three hotels, 2,300 rooms, and a 100,000-square-foot casino is in the midst of multi-phase roll out, with the full opening of all its hotels and other features due next spring.

The first of Baha Mar's three hotels, the Grand Hyatt, opened in April, with the SLS Baha Mar due to open later this year and the Rosewood Baha Mar next spring. In addition to the casino, the resort features 42 restaurants, 11 swimming pools, and an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course and Golf Club.

Meanwhile just seven miles to the east the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort is readying for the competition. This week Howard Karawan, president and managing director of the Atlantis, shared with Tribune Business plans to spend "north of $80 million" on property enhancements this year, "with another $50 million likely injected in 2018."

"By the end of next year, every single room in Atlantis [will be] redone," said Karawan, noting also intended improvements also to the physical plant.

In his comments Karawan emphasized the commitment by the Atlantis "to enhance the indigenous experience and provide more economic benefits to Bahamian businesses," including its partnering with "20-30 local companies."

"It's rewarding," said Karawan, "because we are making a difference in the country by supporting these local businesses, and it is also great benefit to our guests, so it's a win-win for everybody."

For many years each January the Atlantis has been the site of the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure now PokerStars Championship Bahamas.

Speaking of upgrades, a $330 million one to the SkyCity Adelaide Casino in south Australia will finally go forward now that the SkyCity Entertainment Group has given its approval, reports The Advertiser.

SkyCity announced to the New Zealand Stock Exchange on Wednesday "that it has reached a development agreement with the State Government for the upgrade," which will include adding restaurants, bars, and hotel rooms, as well as allocating $10 million to remodel the casino's building. Construction will begin early next year and is due to be completed by mid-2020.

The plans will also importantly facilitate the Adelaide Casino's ability to attract a wider range of high-roller, "VIP" customers.

According to the announcement, SkyCity "will be given greater discretion over who can access its high-roller rooms by allowing to invite up to 1,000 prospective customers." Such premium customers "will be given an 'increased number' of guest passes to the VIP room which has no limit on maximum bets."

As The Advertiser explains, "SkyCity was understood to have demanded the Government abandon scrutiny of its VIP rooms, arguing it should be free to decide which high rollers to reward through its loyalty programs."

The Adelaide Casino first opened in 1985, and in 2000 was sold to the SkyCity Entertainment Group who renamed it the SkyCity Adelaide in 2001.

Also from week's gaming headlines, yesterday legendary sports bettor William "Billy" Walters was sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of being involved in an insider trading scheme, reports Bloomberg.

In April, Walters was found guilty of 10 separate counts of conspiracy, securities fraud, and wire fraud after having made more than $43 million on trades based on information he'd obtained from Tom C. Davis, chairman of Dean Foods.

In addition to receiving a five-year prison sentence, Walters was fined $10 million.

Over several decades as a successful sports bettor, Walters earned both a considerable fortune and a reputation for betting and winning big, including once winning $3.5 million betting on the Super Bowl. The 71-year-old built a large business along the way that included real estate, golf courses, and car dealerships.

Professional golfer (and occasional sports bettor) Phil Mickelson was drawn into the case at one point as he, too, netted significant sums from related trades made in 2011 and 2012. Mickelson avoided any charges, though agreed to pay back over $1 million made from those trades.

According to Bloomberg, "U.S. District Judge P. Kevin Castel described Walters as a rich Las Vegas celebrity who sought to exploit his relationship with Davis out of pure greed and to be seen as a winner."

"Billy Walters is a cheater and a criminal, and not a very clever one," added Judge Castel. "The crime was amateurishly simple."

Davis has pleaded guilty and still awaits sentencing. During Walters's trial, Davis explained how he had "passed on information because Walters provided him with loans of almost $1 million that he needed to pay off gambling debts, cover failed investments and finance a bitter divorce."

Among the more than 100 supporters penning letters advocating leniency for Walters were professional golfers Jim Colbert and Peter Jacobson, retired tennis star Andre Agassi, and ex-Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

Have you ever wanted to write your own articles about poker? Maybe you've got some experiences or opinions about poker that you'd like to share. PokerNews is proud to launch The PN Blog where you can have a platform to make your voice heard. Learn more here.

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Inside Gaming: Atlantis Readies for Competition in Bahamas from Baha Mar - PokerNews.com

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

A POSITIVE drug test of the A sample from one of the Bahamas sprinters on the mens 4x100m relay team at the IAAF World Relays in April means there will be a change to the line-up at next weeks IAAF World Championships in London.

Two days ago, the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations named a 21-member team for the championships, but excluded the mens 400m relay team as they waited on the final conformation that they would be allowed to compete from the IAAF.

That confirmation was given yesterday and the Bahamas will have all four relay teams participating in the event that will run from August 3-14.

BAAAs president Rosamunde Carey said they are thrilled that the IAAF has granted the team permission to compete in the championships, despite the allegation of a positive test.

I cant confirm a positive drug testing because there is a procedure that we have to follow, Carey said. There is an Athletes Drug Integrity Unit. All information will flow through them because they have to notify any athlete if there is a positive testing.

If there is a positive testing of an A sample, nothing can be done until they give you the opportunity to have your B sample tested at the athletes expense. Once that process is done, if the B sample is tested positive, then based on what the substance is, they would met out whatever punishment whether or not there is a ban, a suspension or just a warning.

Carey said at this point, she cant make a statement on any athlete testing positive because the athlete has to go through the process.

We have a letter from the Athletes Drug Integrity Unit that oversees drug testing and disciplinary actions against athletes who have tested positive, she said.

We cant say until the process is completed. Any and all athletes have a right to privacy, until such time as the IAAF makes a public statement.

The team of Warren Fraser, Shavez Hart, Cliff Resias and Adrian Griffith finished third in the B final behind winner Trinidad & Tobago and second place finisher Germany at the World Relays at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium on April 22.

The three teams were elevated to the sixth, seventh and eighth spots respectively, thus qualifying for London, after only five teams completed the A final.

The United States won the gold medal with Barbados taking the second and China getting third. Australia and France were fourth and fifth respectively.

Canada, Great Britain and the Netherlands all failed to finish the race after they experienced difficulties on their baton exchanges.

Named to the Bahamas team for individual events in London are Shaunae Miller-Uibo (womens 200/400m); Anthonique Strachan, TyNia Gaither and Jenae Abrose (womens 200m, although only three will be allowed to compete); Devynne Charlton (womens 100m hurdles); Teray Smith (mens 200m); Steven Gardiner (mens 400m), Donald Thomas (mens high jump), Bianca Stuart (womens long jump), Tamara Myers (womens triple jump) and Warren Fraser (mens 100m).

Added for relay duties are Camiesha Cox and Keianna Albury (womens 4 x 100m); Shaquania Dorsett, Lanece Clarke, Christine Amertil and Doneisha Anderson (womens 4 x400m relay); Shavez Hart, Shawn Stuart and Joel Johnson (mens 4 x 100m relay) and Michael Mathieu, Alonzo Russell, Kendrick Thompson, Ramon Miller and Ojay Ferguson (mens 4 x 400m relay).

The IAAF has taken a hard stance against the use of banned substances. They will be awarding a number of athletes and relay teams with medals during the championships after they were elevated following various positive drug tests at the last championships in Beijing, China.

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Bahamas Sprinter 'Fails' Drug Test - Bahamas Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

and NEIL HARTNELL

Tribune Business Editor

Sandals Royal Bahamian's top executive yesterday revealed that the all-inclusive chain shares Atlantis's Baha Mar fears, arguing that the Bahamas "can't afford" a rate discounting war.

Gary Williams, the resort's general manager, told Tribune Business he agreed with the sentiments expressed earlier this week by Atlantis's president and managing director, Howard Karawan.

"We all have the same concerns. Baha Mar is good for the Bahamas, but what the country can't afford is for them to discount rates. That is going to cannibalise the market. I certainly share the gentleman's views. I echo those concerns," said Mr Williams.

Mr Karawan had expressed fears of market 'cannibalisation' as a result of new developments such as the $4.2 billion Baha Mar project, and added that new developers should effectively 'take the lead' in attracting new airlift to this destination and expanding the tourism market.

Mr Williams yesterday said that despite these concerns, the all-inclusive property has been able to hold its own thus far. "We haven't seen any impact thus far," he added. "We are holding our own. It hasn't started to affect us as yet, but discounted rates are no good for the Bahamas."

Mr Williams said slashing room rates to gain market share "makes no sense at all" for a high-end destination such as the Bahamas.

Dionisio D'Aguilar, the minister of tourism, told Tribune Business earlier this year that his priority was to avoid any "devastating cannibalisation" impact from Baha Mar's full opening on other New Providence resorts. He said this was a greater concern than generating the extra 314,000 airline seats per annum that are needed to fill Baha Mar's net 2,300-room increase.

Baha Mar, though, yesterday countered the concerns by arguing that it will "attract an entirely new traveller to the Bahamas" via its various brands and amenities, suggesting it was sufficiently differentiated from rival properties.

"Baha Mar is leading the way in driving the most significant expansion of the Bahamian hospitality market ever," the $4.2 billion project said yesterday. "As a world-class resort development, Baha Mar possesses key differentiators that will attract an entirely new traveller to the Bahamas......

"Collectively we are currently in negotiations with major air carriers to greatly increase frequency, capacity and direct flights from the top US feeder markets, and service from underutilised feeder markets, such as the American Mid-west. We're equally focused on building a presence for the Bahamas in international markets, such as Canada, the UK, South America, Asia and Europe as we complete our phased opening, and fully activate our groundbreaking marketing campaign set to launch in fall 2017.

"Baha Mar is - and will continue to expand - the Bahamas' tourism market and attract new visitors to the destination."

The $4.2 billion project's position is that by targeting new markets it will grow, rather than split, the market for high-end visitors with Atlantis, and ensure there is sufficient demand and business for everyone to prevent a 'race to the bottom' on room rates.

"Our statistics have shown that the opening of Baha Mar has re-ignited interest in the Bahamas, and has contributed to the growth of tourism with new and returning guests who haven't visited the Bahamas in a long time," Baha Mar said.

Focusing on the strategy for its 1,800-room, Hyatt-branded hotels, Baha Mar said it was targeting high-end incentive travel guests and groups, especially those who have yet to visit the Bahamas.

"Once they discover the Baha Mar destination, they are far more inclined to bring their family and friends and share word of mouth. This is our secondary objective - to secure this secondary market to increase affluent leisure business," Baha Mar said.

The resort added that it anticipated Hyatt's loyalty programmes will generate around one-third of its current and future bookings.

"These loyal guests are an addition to the market, as Hyatt has not had a presence in the Bahamas," Baha Mar said. "We are not only a new resort for our loyal guests to experience, but a new destination for many of our guests.

"Our strongest booking resource is Hyatt.com, which represents the majority of all current and future room nights booked. Again, these are Hyatt loyal customers, many new to the marketplace."

Robert Sands, Baha Mar's senior vice-president of government and external affairs, declined to comment beyond what was in the statement.

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Sandals Chief: Bahamas 'Can't Afford' Discount War - Bahamas Tribune

We don't know about you, but vacations seem to be that much more exciting and funknowing you booked a good deal. Meaning also,if you were on the search for a good excuse to book a vacation, this just might be it. Right now Sandals is hosting a Black Friday in July sale. Not only can you save up to 65% off your trip, but the company is also throwing in a $1,000 signing bonus, a free night, a $500 spa credit and free Waterford Celtic Knot Champagne Flutes that are valued at $175. But it's best to act fast because this deal ends today, Friday, July 28. And if you decide to book online, you'll also receive a $25 booking credit. As part of the Black Friday in July sale, there are six different Sandals resort options available in Jamaica, two locations in the Bahamas, three in St. Lucia, a resort in Antigua and in Grenada as well as two resorts in Barbados. The sale prices at these select locations startat $173 per night, per person. However, you don't have to pay for the entire vacation today. Sandals offers customers to pay just $49 down, per person to hold your reservation. You also have the option to add in the cost of airfare to your vacation package, where Sandals will find you the best deal on flights departing from your location. The sale ends on Friday, July 28, so if you've been putting off booking that tropical vacation you've long been dreaming of, then you might want to go ahead and book it now. There's also a handful of last minute deals if you're wanting to take your vacation within the next several weeks. One of the offers includes a free night stay if you check in on a certain selected dates. Obviously the cost of the entire vacation will depend on when you plan to go, the duration of your trip and where you're departing from, but it's definitelyasale worth checking out!

This story originally appeared on Don't Waste Your Money. Checkout Don't Waste Your Money for other great tips and ideas to make the most out of life.

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Go to Jamaica or Barbados or the Bahamas. Tough choices. - KTNV Las Vegas