Category Archives: Bahamas

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

The Bahamas will "continue to be left behind" unless it becomes fully transparent, amid suggestions yesterday that the Government could save $13 million annually through procurement.

K Peter Turnquest, Deputy Prime Minister and minister of finance, said the Government "cannot hide" the country's challenges from the Bahamian people, and pledged to lay out this nation's economic and financial performance "good and bad".

Speaking at the launch of a $33 million Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) project to reform the Government's financial management and procurement systems, Mr Turnquest bemoaned the "frustrating" lack of access to quality statistical data in the Bahamas.

Refuting recent Opposition charges, Mr Turnquest said it was "ridiculous" to suggest that the Government should be less transparent on the state of its finances and the economy. He added that the project would bring "meaningful change" to the Government's management of its fiscal resources, and improve its ability to collect data and provide quality statistics.

As a businessman, the Deputy Prime Minister said it was frustrating to try and put together a business plan without having access to basic statistical data.

"It's not necessarily that it doesn't exist; it just doesn't exist in one place and isn't available to public," he added. "We intend to be a transparent government, and a part of that is laying out the national statistics, good and bad.

"Only in acknowledging our weaknesses are we able to address them and introduce well thought-out strategies to fix them. We cannot hide from the Bahamian people those challenges that we have. We want to be graded as a government and a country on the facts. Unless we are transparent we will continue to be left behind."

Mr Turnquest told Tribune Business: "The suggestion that we somehow be less than transparent, in particular to the Bahamian people and the rating agencies, who are international observers, is a ridiculous suggestion. That has led us to where we are we are today.

"We are not benefiting from the feedback of those who have suggestions that may help us to improve. We are committed to be transparent and above board in all our dealings."

Mr Turnquest added that the Bahamas has gone through a "rough period" economically, and greater efforts must be made to boost the economy. "We believe that we must focus on how we can turn around the economy, and increase employment and private sector wealth creation through business opportunities," he said.

"We want to transition people from government jobs, or even jobs in the private sector per se, to creating wealth and opportunity for themselves."

Mr Turnquest said that the IDB project, combined with the Minnis administration's 'intense' expenditure review and enhanced revenue collection, would help to narrow the deficit. "We believe that there has been far too much wastage over the years," he added.

The $33 million project was approved by the IDB in July 2014, but only received Parliamentary approval in February 2016. The project consists of four components. The first will focus on strengthening the management capacity of the public sector to monitor priority projects and programmes more efficiently and effectively.

The second component will aim to improve the ability of the Government to collect data and produce quality statistics, while the third will deal with public financial management, with the objective of improving efficiency in how public funds are allocated.

The fourth component aims to modernise the public procurement system by promoting efficient market competition and value for money. According to the IDB, the Government will save more than $13 million annually from a centralised, more modern public procurement system.

Mr Turnquest promised that public procurement will become much more transparent and competitive to the benefit of the Bahamian people.

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Bahamas 'Left Behind' Without Transparency - Bahamas Tribune

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Bahamas, July 18, 2017 On Monday 17 July, 2017, H. E. Rhoda M. Jackson, Ambassador to The United Nations Office in Geneva presented her letters of credence to H. E. Mr. Donald Tusk, President of the European Council. The European Council is the institution of the European Union (EU) that defines the overall political direction and priorities of the EU and comprises of the heads of state and government of the member states along with the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission.

During her exchange with the EU Councils President, a number of issues of importance to both The Bahamas and the European Union were raised including that of BREXIT, changes in the global political arena and the impact of climate change. Ambassador Jackson signaled that the increase in intensity and frequency of hurricanes have left a devastating impact on The Bahamas evidenced by Hurricanes Joaquin and Matthew. The Ambassador expressed concern at emerging threats to The Bahamas financial services sector and that of the wider Caribbean with current issues such as correspondent banking and the use of per capita income as a determinant of economic viability which has resulted in graduation and its inherent inability to access concessional loans. Within the wider context of the future relations of the EU and the countries of Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific (ACP), the Ambassador underscored the importance of maintaining a unified approach for the tri-continental region, with a legally-binding agreement of mutual benefit.

President Tusk was pleased to note that The Bahamas was one of those countries which has maintained friendly relations with the EU and added that he looked forward to greater engagement with CARIFORUM members countries, particularly at the Summit of EU and Latin America and Caribbean Heads in El Salvador in October of this year. Ambassador Jackson expressed The Bahamas appreciation for the EUs continued development assistance through the European Development Fund (EDF), citing EU funded projects as the recently launched Trade Information Portal and ongoing effort to strengthen Economic Partnership Agreement Implementation.

As Ambassador to the European Union, Ambassador Jackson will also be responsible for matters pertaining to the ACP. A courtesy call was also made on ACP Secretary General, H. E. Dr. Patrick I. Gomes who congratulated the Ambassador on this formal recognition of her appointment as Ambassador to the EU, noting The Bahamas commitment to the work of the ACP throughout the years. He cited the upcoming Meeting of ACP Ministers responsible for Fisheries and Marine Resources to be hosted in Nassau from 18-21 September, 2017 as a demonstration of The Bahamas solidarity with the ACP. Ambassador Jackson hosted a small reception at Au Vieux Saint Martin, a restaurant owned by The Bahamas Honorary Consul in Brussels, Albert Jean Niels.

Ambassador Jackson, who serves concurrently as The Bahamas Ambassador to Belgium and Switzerland, was accompanied by Ms. Alarice Grant, Second Secretary.

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Bahamas Ambassador Presents Credentials to President of European Council - Magnetic Media (press release)

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Bahamas, July 18, 2017 Nassau The Bahamas will take centre stage this week as the country hosts the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games July 18-23. During a press conference held at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium on Monday, July 17, Minister of Youth, Sports & Culture, the Hon. Michael Pintard welcomed the delegation, which included Secretary-General, Commonwealth Nations, the Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland, QC and President of the Commonwealth Games Federation, Louise Martin.

I would like to take this occasion to welcome the dignitaries and guests of the 64 countries represented during these games, said Minister Pintard. This is an important occasion largely because each time we pour into our young people, we are essentially shaping our future.

Mr. Pintard that that the event is not only a sporting one but also a cultural one, which gives Bahamians the opportunity to display their athletic and cultural talents. In addition, the Minister said that events such as the Commonwealth Youth Games, provide the opportunity for economic growth as they add to the countrys Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He said that currently, the government is in the process of trying to tap into ways to monetize these types of events, which are huge undertakings for small countries like The Bahamas.

Secretary General, Commonwealth Nations, the Rt. Hon.Patricia Scotland, said that it was a huge pleasure and privilege for the event to be staged in the Caribbean. She said that the last time the event was held in the Caribbean was in l966. She encouraged the young athletes to do their best during the six-day event.

Young athletes of today tend to become the leaders of tomorrow, said Baroness Scotland. And so we must do everything possible to help to maximize their potential.

Also delivering brief remarks was President of the Commonwealth Games Federation, Louise Martin, who expressed her pleasure at being in The Bahamas.

We were so impressed with the facilities here when we did our tour earlier, therefore, we believe that this will be a wonderful experience for both the athletes and your beautiful country, The Bahamas.

President of the Bahamas Local Olympics Committee, Wellington Miller also welcomed the dignitaries and guests and encouraged the athletes to do their best.

Chief Executive Officer of the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC), Dexter Cartwright also delivered remarks and said that BTC was proud to be the title sponsor for the event.

Young athletes from 64 nations and territories will participate in the six-day event, which will include: Athletics, Aquatics (Swimming), Beach Soccer, Boxing, Cycling (Road), Judo, Rugby Sevens, Tennis and Beach Volleyball.

The Bahamas 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games will be the largest international sporting event ever to be hosted in The Bahamas, and the largest-ever edition of the Youth Games, with up to 1,300 athletes aged 14-18 set to participate in a mix of personal development, competition and long lasting friendships.

The Bahamas Commonwealth Games Association and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture coordinated the games.

This will be the second edition of the Youth Games to be held on a Small Island Developing State, following the Games in Samoa in September 2016. It is part of the Federations commitment to partner and support peaceful, sustainable and prosperous Commonwealth communities. It will also be the first Commonwealth Games event to be held in the Caribbean for over 50 years, with Commonwealth athletes last participating in the 1966 Commonwealth Games in Kingston, Jamaica.

Story by: Betty Vedrine

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

At Commonwealth Youth Games Press Conference, July 17, 2017 at Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, seated from left: Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland, QC; Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Michael Pintard; President of the Commonwealth Games Federation Louise Martin; President of the Bahamas Olympic Committee Wellington Miller.

(BIS Photos/Derek Smith)

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Bahamas Welcomes Dignitaries and Delegates for Commonwealth Youth Games - Magnetic Media (press release)

TEAM TALK: Team Bahamas closed out FIBA Women's Centrobasket yesterday with a 68-65 victory over Guatemala.

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

AFTER a disappointing showing with four consecutive losses, the Bahamas closed out the FIBA Women's Centrobasket 2017 with a win in their final game.

Leashja Grant delivered another dominant performance with 14 points and 21 rebounds in the Bahamas' 68-65 win over Guatemala yesterday at UVI Arena in St Thomas, United States Virgin Islands.

Valerie Nesbitt finished with 12 points and five assists, Shalonda Neely added 10 points and six rebounds while team captain Phylicia Kelly chipped in with eight points.

The Bahamas had their best shooting game of the tournament at 40 per cent from the field and 40 per cent from three-point range while they also limited Guatemala to just 28 per cent.

Grant led the Bahamas' dominance on the boards, winning the rebounding advantage 60-36. They also scored 36 points in the paint, a 14-point edge over Guatemala while they also outscored them by 45 in bench points.

Neely scored the final four points for the Bahamas as they moved ahead in the game's final minute. Guatemala took the lead from the free throw line (65-64) with 1:56 left in regulation.

Neely grabbed an offensive rebound and scored the putback to give the Bahamas a 66-65 lead at the 1:10 mark and followed with the game's final score, a tip-in with 30 seconds left to play.

The Bahamas took an early lead in the first quarter, something that has been rare for the team throughout the tournament.

Tracey Lewis' runner with less than 30 seconds left to play gave the Bahamas a 17-8 lead headed into the second period. Guatemala opened the second quarter on a 9-0 run to tie the game at 17 on an Alma Lopez layup.

Lashae Rolle's baseline jumper stemmed the tide and stopped the drought for the Bahamas. Guatemala would take their first lead of the game on a Krystha Cano layup, before Rolle tied it again with another jumper and Joette Fernander's jumper regained the lead for the Bahamas. They took a 25-24 lead into the half. Guatemala took control in the third quarter and took a four point lead into the final frame. The Bahamas had its top scoring period of the tournament when they outscored Guatemala 26-19 to close out the game.

Lopez led Guatemala with 20 points, Emily Rosales scored 16 and Sonia Vasquez scored 15.

The Bahamas opened the tournament with a closely contested hard fought loss to Mexico and went on to also drop decisions against Jamaica, the USVI and Puerto Rico.

The tournament featured The Bahamas, Guatemala, Jamaica, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

After the 5-day tournament, the top three teams will qualify to the FIBA Women's AmeriCup 2017, to be played in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from August 6-13.

The previous edition of the Women's Centrobasket Championship was played in Monterrey, Mexico, where Cuba captured the title with a perfect 5-0 record.

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Bahamas Tops Guatemala 68-65 - Bahamas Tribune

Jul 17, 2017

A small contingent of athletes headed today for the Bahamas where the Commonwealth Games are taking place this week. One thousand athletes will be competing overall in nine sporting disciplines. News Five caught up with local athletes at the Philip Goldson International Airport where the hopefuls in track and field, cycling and tennis were all geared up to take on competing athletes from seventy countries. News Fives Duane Moody reports.

Duane Moody, Reporting

Meet the team of five Belizean athletes and two officials that will represent Belize in Bahamas for the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games in the field of Athletics, also referred to as Track and Field, Cycling and Tennis. Today, the team left the country on an American Airlines flight in hopes of performing their best and return with medals. The international games will feature over one thousand athletes from seventy participating nations. A track star herself, Tricia Flores is the Athletics Official that is traveling with the team.

Tricia Flores, Athletics Official

It started with the senior athletes, but because they want the younger athletes to get this exposure as well. Thats how it came about yes.

Tricia Flores

Duane Moody

What is your advice for these young persons going out thereto prepare themselves to do these things?

Tricia Flores

Well I could speak of the track and field athletesthe athletes in general.to go out there and just try their best, do their best. Because I believe that they are more talented than us. I would just say that they could go out there, be their best and let the country look good, let themselves look good as well.just represent us well.

Sixteen-year-old Hilary Gladden and seventeen-year-old Joshire Stanley are runners for the two hundred and one hundred meters athletics games. Both are fairly new to the sport, but are considered powerhouses in the track and field world in Belize.

Hilary Gladden

Hilary Gladden, 200M Athlete

I feel good. Ive been running for one year, from since I was in second form. It is such a privilege to be proud to represent Belize.

Joshire Stanley, 100M Athlete

It took me at least a year and three months to prepare for my event.

Joshire Stanley

Duane Moody

How long have you been running and your anticipations for the games?

Joshire Stanley

Ive been running for at least two years and my anticipation is just to do my best and make Belize proud.

While Adrian Marshalleck is the only athlete to represent Belize in the tennis singles category, Gian Lino and Nashen Ysaguirre are confident that cycling results will see them on top.

Nashen Ysaguirre

Nashen Ysaguirre, Cyclist

This will be my second trip pertaining to cycling. Ive been riding for approximately two years so we have some high expectations.

Duane Moody

Talk to us about thatdo you expect to come back with some medals?

Nashen Ysaguirre

Its possible. Last year, we went to St. Lucia and seeing that it was the first cycling trip for most of the guys, we did great. I expect much better results this year, maybe a top three.

Duane Moody for News Five.

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Youth Athletes Aim for Glory in Bahamas - channel5belize

Photo provided by Shedd Aquarium/Mary Gryzbek

Caption

ELMHURST Even though she lives in the Chicago suburbs, Elmhurst College student Alyssa Arwady is doing everything she can to keep the oceans clean and free of the trash that can harm delicate ecosystems in faraway locales.

Arwady was one of three Elmhurst College students who spent nine days in May in the Bahamas as part of the Shedd Aquariums Marine and Island Ecology course. The other students were Elisabeth Skeens and Amaar Zafar.

It was a life-changing trip, said Arwady, 25, a post-baccalaureate science and health education student. I didnt realize the impact that humans have on places like the Bahamas. We did a trash cleanup on an uninhabited island, and seeing the amount of trash we picked up was eye-opening. It really made me conscious of the things I do on a daily basis that can have negative effects.

The Shedds program is offered to students of 15 small, private liberal arts colleges in the Chicago area through the Associated Colleges of the Chicago Area organization. Twenty students are invited to take the for-credit class, which focuses on marine life and ecosystems of islands like the Bahamas.

In March, students began taking all-day courses every Saturday at the aquarium. There, they learned about the animals and habitats they would encounter in the Bahamas and how those ecosystems interact in that environment. Many of the species the group saw on the trip are endangered.

Rebecca Gericke, Conservation Research Programs manager and course instructor, said students also learn about habitat conservation and species identification.

Once they get to the Bahamas, everything is hands on, so they can see everything we talked about in class, she said. They spend their days snorkeling, hiking and observing the marine and island ecology. The trip allows them to get an experience that they cant get in a classroom, and traveling to the Bahamas is not an experience that many have previously had.

The students stayed in small cabins on a research vessel the Shedd owns and traveled from island to island in the Bahamas during the adventure. In addition to exploring the ecosystems, students participated in data collection for research Shedd scientists are currently working on.

Most of the students are biology majors, so theyre getting to take part in scientific research, which is a valuable skill for anyone who wants to go onto a career in science, Gericke said. They also learn that humans have a big impact on the environment, which is constantly being changed by things humans are doing. People protect what they know and understand. Its important for them to have exposure to these areas so they can understand them and develop a personal connection and want to protect them.

Arwady said the biggest thing shes taken away from the experience is how much of an impact human behavior has on other ecosystems. She said she hopes to educate family, friends and her future students on things they can do to make a positive impact.

Its often out of sight, out of mind, because were so far away, but we have such an impact and dont realize what a problem it will be down the road, she said. I want people to get a better understanding of how they can have a positive effect, like using less plastic, not using plastic straws, and being more mindful of wastefulness. I want people to reuse more items so they dont end up in landfills.

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Elmhurst College students travel to Bahamas with Shedd Aquarium - Suburban Life Publications

Norwegian Cruise Line is shuffling the deck on its 2018 deployments, and there are some exciting developments in store for folks who are planning a cruise to Alaska, the Caribbean and Cuba.

Right now, Norwegian has its 2,004-guest Norwegian Sky operating short, all-inclusive cruises to Havana, Cuba, out of Miami. Norwegian took the unusual step of making all alcoholic beverages aboard Norwegian Sky complimentary back in 2016, and the decision has proven to be popular on the ships quick runs to the Bahamas, as well as its recently inaugurated sailings to Cuba.

Now, Norwegian has announced it will send Norwegian Skys sister ship, Norwegian Sun, on short cruises to Cuba in 2018. Shell make her home in Port Canaveral, Fla., near Orlando, and will operate four-day cruises to Havana and Key West, along with short three-day cruises to the Bahamas.

Rather than sailing to Alaska as originally planned, Norwegian Sun will go into dry dock in Victoria in April 2018 for a two-and-a-half-week-long refit. There, shell receive a stem-to-stern refresh as part of the cruise lines new Norwegian Edge program, which aims to add some of the bells and whistles found aboard Norwegians newest ships to its older, but no less loved, vessels.

Like Norwegian Sky, Norwegian Suns new Cuba and Bahamas sailings out of Port Canaveral will also feature unlimited complimentary beverages included in the cost of the cruise. Shell make her way down to the Caribbean on April 19, 2018, on a unique 17-day Panama Canal transit that starts in Seattle.

Our all-inclusive model aboard Norwegian Sky has been very well-received and as we evaluated the opportunity to expand upon that concept, we felt that Port Canaveral was the ideal location to offer our guests a value-rich on-board experience and exciting action-packed ports of call, including an overnight call in Havana, said Andy Stuart, president and chief executive of Norwegian Cruise Line.

Norwegian Suns new voyages to Cuba will include a port call in Key West, Fla., as well as an overnight stay in Havana. The ship will dock in the centre of Old Havana recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, where guests can go ashore to take part in authentically Cuban experiences. The ships three-day sailings to the Bahamas call on Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Lines private island.

Because Norwegian Sun will be leaving Alaska (and Vancouver) next year, the newer, larger Norwegian Jewel will reposition north to take her place. Launched in 2005, the 2,376-guest Norwegian Jewel is a great ship to experience Alaska on, which plenty of open deck space and public rooms with vast swaths of floor-to-ceiling windows.

Norwegian Jewel will sail two basic itineraries to Alaska: weeklong round trips from Vancouver that call on Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan; or seven-day voyages between Vancouver and Seward, with stops along the way in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Glacier Bay National Park. Southbound cruises (Seward to Vancouver) will substitute Icy Strait Point for Glacier Bay. Both itineraries will include scenic cruising by Hubbard Glacier.

Elsewhere, Norwegian just took the wraps off its 2017-18 Meet the Winemaker cruises. Exclusively available aboard select Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Dawn sailings, guests will have the opportunity to engage with famous winemakers from around the world. Each voyage will feature tasting opportunities, seminars and open-forum Q&A sessions that are held in the ships atrium. The open forums and meet-and-greet opportunities are complimentary and are open to all guests, while tastings will start at US$19.95 per person.

Winemakers featured on board Norwegian Escape include Bill Whiting, director of wine education at Banfi Vintners (Nov. 4); television chef Aarn Snchez (Dec. 2); Gerard Bertrand, renowned vintner of Languedoc-Roussillon (Feb. 17, 2018); and fashion designer and winemaker Salvatore Ferragamo (March 2018). Michael Mondavi, founder of the Michael Mondavi Family Estate, sails aboard Norwegian Dawns Sept. 22 cruise to New England and the Canadian Maritimes, round trip from Boston.

Happy cruising.

Visitportsandbows.com, sponsored by Expedia CruiseShipCenters,1-800-707-7327,www.cruiseshipcenters.com, for daily updates on the latest cruise news, best deals and behind-the-scenes stories from the industry. You can also sign up for an email newsletter on the site for even more cruise information. Aaron Saunders may be contacted directly atportsandbowsaaron@gmail.com

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Norwegian Sun bids adieu to Alaska, hello to Cuba and Bahamas ... - National Post

The newlywed husband of a mother who vanished while the couple was sailing in the Bahamas had asked the Coast Guard for a letter of presumed death a day after the agency called off their search, and within four days of their boat overturning, according to court documents.

Isabella Hellmann's sister has accused her husband Lewis Bennett of killing her, according to a police report issued after her disappearance. Bennett has not been formally named as a suspect in her disappearance.

Authorities have also never said that they suspect the disappearance of the 41-year-old mother was the result of foul play, and the investigation into her disappearance is still being treated as a missing persons case by the Coast Guard and the FBI.

A May 19 letter from the Coast Guard to Lewis Bennett, Hellmann's husband of just three months and father of their 9-month-old daughter, informed him that it isn't authorized to issue a letter of presumed death. The letter is included in documents related to an action Hellmanns sister, Adriana Difeo, filed in the Palm Beach County court in June in an effort to take over Hellmanns finances.

The Delray Beach, Florida couple was celebrating their marriage by sailing the Caribbean. The boat was reported capsized on May 15 near the Bahamas, and the search for Hellmann was called off on May 18.

Bennett told the Coast Guard that Hellmann had agreed to take watch above deck. He awoke to the sensation of something hitting the boat, he told the Coast Guard, and the feeling that the vessel was starting to sink.

Bennett also told the Coast Guard that when he couldnt find Hellmann he jumped onto a life raft and sent out a distress call. He was found on the life raft on May 15, according to the Coast Guard.

Florida law states that a person can't be declared legally dead until he or she has been missing for at least five years.

Areva Martin, a legal analyst, told ABC News that Bennett's request from the Coast Guard doesn't add up, given the details spelled out by Florida's missing person law.

"There's not a clear indication as to why he would want this letter, particularly in light of Florida law, which says a person is not presumed dead that goes missing until after 5 years has elapsed," Martin said.

The letter from the Coast Guard notes that "a combined 137.77 hours spanning 4,980 square nautical miles with four types of aircrafts and three CG cutters" was dedicated to their search for Bennett, but they were unable to find her.

Friends of Hellmann have told ABC News that the couple had gotten into a fight about the possibility of moving to Bennett's native Australia.

"She was set on, 'no, I'm not moving,' and he was upset [about] her not wanting to go with him," Sarah Cortes, a friend of Hellmann's, told ABC News. "The family is destroyed, the family is extremely hurt."

ABC News Ben Stein contributed to this report.

Continued here:

Missing mom's husband sought 'presumed death' letter days after ... - ABC News

Magnetic Media (press release)

Bahamas News Page 70 Magnetic Media Magnetic Media (press release) Nassau, Bahamas May 26, 2016 Bahamas-based Sterling Global Financial, an integrated banking and financial services provider with more than US$9 ... and more »

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Bahamas News Page 70 Magnetic Media - Magnetic Media (press release)

by: Michael Buresh Updated: Jul 16, 2017 - 10:00 AM

July 16, 2017 - A large & strong upper low is over the W. Atlantic several hundred miles east/northeast of the Bahamas - no tropical development expected....

Imagery below courtesy CIMMS shows a well established "blob" of African Saharan dust (orange & red) continues over the Central & especially E. Atlantic - an indication of dry air.

The Gulf of Mexico... Caribbean & SW Atlantic... a tropical wave - '95L' - is 500+ miles east of the Lesser Antilles. There is some potential for long range development & hurricane hunter aircraft are scheduled to investigate this wave Mon. afternoon though the flight may very well be cancelled.

Spaghetti plots for wave '95L':

Water vapor imagery:

Surface analysis centered on the tropical Atlantic:

Surface analysis of the Gulf:

Caribbean:

Wind shear analysis - pretty harsh across the Central Atlantic & much of the Caribbean (typical for July):

Tropical waves are moving off the coast of Africa but are not particularly impressive. The area is largely being held in check by the Saharan dust plume alluded to earlier.... & the "popcorn" type cloud cover from 10 to 30 degrees N (also visible in the 4 image from the top) is indicative of stable air. The overall environment for tropical cyclones over the deep tropics will become more conducive for tropical development the last 10-12 days of July, so the Central Atlantic will remain an area to watch.

In the E. Pacific....powerful hurricane "Fernanda" is over open water & will move steadily northwest then bend more west with a weakening trend for much of the upcoming week well before reaching Hawaii.

2017 Cox Media Group.

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"Talking the Tropics With Mike": Upper low northeast of the Bahamas - July 16th - ActionNewsJax.com