Category Archives: Bahamas

Billy McFarland was arrested in New York City last Friday and faces up to 20 years behind bars if convicted.

NEW YORK, United States, Monday July 3, 2017 The promoter of the shambolic Fyre Festival in the Bahamas has been arrested on a federal fraud charge for allegedly bilking business investors.

Billy McFarland was arrested in New York City last Friday and faces up to 20 years behind bars if convicted.

The 25-year-old is alleged to have cheated his media company, as well as investors who backed the aborted music festival, out of more than US$1 million.

The collapse of the Fyre Festival, which had been billed as an ultra-luxurious event with headliners including rockers Blink-182 and the hip-hop act Migos, alerted the Federal Bureau of Investigations.

Slated to take place on the Bahamian island of Exuma over two weekends in April and May, the festival was cancelled after performers bowed out. Furious would-be festival goers vented their anger on social media, posting pictures on Facebook and YouTube showing blue porta potties, half-constructed plywood structures, rows of white tents, and bland cheese sandwiches in Styrofoam containers.

According to acting Manhattan US Attorney Joon Kim: William McFarland promised a life-changing music festival but in actuality delivered a disaster.

McFarland allegedly presented fake documents to induce investors to put over a million dollars into his company and the fiasco called the Fyre Festival, Kim said. Thanks to the investigative efforts of the FBI, McFarland will now have to answer for his crimes.

Together with his partner, rapper Ja Rule, McFarland already faces more than a dozen lawsuits filed by ticket buyers and investors in the festival.

Ja Rule (real name Jeffrey Atkins) has not been arrested.

A lawsuit filed in May in Los Angeles said the festival was nothing more than a get-rich-quick scam akin to a Ponzi scheme.

McFarland was freed on US$300,000 bail on Saturday.

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Promoter of Bahamas Music Festival Fiasco Arrested on Fraud Charge - Caribbean360.com (subscription)

EDITOR, The Tribune.

I have read the 58-page report on Bahamas Cultural Development by the talented young Ian Poitier that is being attacked from many quarters including the present Minister of Tourism, on grounds of excessive cost either $400,000, or over $1m , depending on what you read.

It contains a great many good ideas, some previously stated, and others brand-new. Some are for specific projects, others for organisational structures, both private and public. Its implementation is bound to be expensive, time consuming, and demanding of good-will and ingenuity. It may well be considered too all-inclusive and too superficial to be an effective programme.

Whether it represents value for money cannot be answered in the abstract but only in reference to realistic plans and intentions. The problem is that it was contracted by the previous Government, apparently at the direct urging of Prime Minister Christie, who was well known for making grandiose announcements of public projects and then doing nothing to follow up or refine the details.

It is not even clear whether Mr Poitier was to be paid a one-off sum to write a report, or whether he was being hired at a salary of $400,000 per annum to lead a cultural department, or being given a departmental budget, or something in-between, or whether there was any assurance that other Government agencies would cooperate with his recommendations. Mr Poitier was nave in being surprised that the dollar amounts raised startled eyebrows.

It is now up to the new Ministry of Tourism and Cabinet to clarify these matters. If they simply plan to read his Report and then file it away, with no retention of his services, and no Government-wide cooperation then, yes, it is so much waste-paper that must simply be written off as an unwise, pointless expense, and Mr Poitier would be well advised to plan his return to England.

I hope that Minister DAguilar, and the new Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, (and the Cabinet as a whole) will take a wider view. They will have to meet whatever contractual terms the previous Government signed, but I hope they will then negotiate a sensible long-term arrangement to enable Mr Poitiers undoubted talents and experience to be used for the benefit of this country. Rational decisions can be made about implementing the plan in stages, perhaps putting as first priority the thorough up-grading of Ft Charlotte, Ft Fincastle, the Queens Staircase and the Water Tower, so that they can be prominent icons of both our history and our culture.

Criticism should not be directed at Mr Poitier, but at our previous Governments feckless way of contracting for services.

RICHARD COULSON

Nassau,

July 3, 2017

Link:

Cultural Development And The Bahamas - Bahamas Tribune

Royal Caribbean Blog (blog)

Harmony of the Seas Live Blog - Day 2 - Nassau, Bahamas Royal Caribbean Blog (blog) Our first full day on Harmony of the Seas is also our first port day. It is a bit unusual to have your second day be a port day on a 7-night sailing, but we were looking forward to getting into the swing of the cruise experience. Harmony of the Seas ...

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Harmony of the Seas Live Blog - Day 2 - Nassau, Bahamas - Royal Caribbean Blog (blog)

Barracuda Club swimmer Taichi Vakasama seems to be chasing down every splash and clocking the fastest time in the 200 meters open event at the Damodar Aquatic Center on June 2nd, 2017. Photo:Jone Luvenitoga

National rep Taichi Vakasama is using the Fiji Swimming Age Group National Championship as a preparation platform for the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games (CYG) in the Bahamas on July 19-23.

Coming fourth in the 2015 CYG in Apia, Samoa, Vakasama is aiming for a medal on July 19-23.

The national champs has been a challenge for me because the water is really cold and muscles get numb easily, Vakasama said.

But I think that has really pushed me to give my best and also I always remember how much my family is doing for me bringing me here, so I want to live up to their expectations.

With the CYG, I am thankful for this nationals because it has tested me and helped me in my preparations.

I am using this as a training ground for me and getting more experience and having other countries like Tonga and Samoa really lifts the standard as well.

In the last CYG I came fourth and I know as a swimmer that I can do better than that which is why I have been working extra hard.

This time I want to get a medal, whether it is bronze or silver or gold, I just want a medal at least.

I am confident that I can do it and I just need to keep training and doing my best and I am thankful that competitions like the Age Group Nationals provide a platform for me to improve as a swimmer.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback: justine.mannan@fijisun.com.fj

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Vakasama Eyes Medal In Bahamas - Fiji Sun Online

NEW YORK (AP)

The promoter behind a failed music festival that was in the Bahamas was arrested Friday in New York on a wire fraud charge.

Billy McFarland was charged with scheming to defraud investors in his company, Fyre Media, and Fyre Festival that was supposed to take place on the island of Exuma over two weekends in April and May.

The Fyre Festival was billed as an ultra-luxurious event with headliners including rockers Blink-182 and the hip-hop act Migos. But performers bowed out and organizers were forced to cancel the show.

Acting U.S. Attorney Joon Kim said McFarland presented fake documents to induce investors to put more than $1 million into his company and the failed festival.

Kim said McFarland "promised a 'life changing' music festival but in actuality delivered a disaster."

An attorney who has represented McFarland did not immediately respond to an email requesting comment.

McFarland and his partner, the rapper Ja Rule, already face more than a dozen lawsuits filed by ticket buyers and investors in the festival.

A lawsuit filed in May in Los Angeles said the festival was "nothing more than a get-rich-quick scam" akin to a Ponzi scheme.

Ja Rule, whose real name is Jeffrey Atkins, has not been arrested.

McFarland, 25, is expected to appear before a federal magistrate judge on Saturday.

He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison if convicted.

More here:

Promoter in failed Bahamas Fyre Festival arrested in NYC - WJAC Johnstown

The man who was the main organizer of the failed Fyre Festival in the Bahamas earlier this year has been arrested by authorities and charged with wire fraud for allegedly bilking investors in his company, Fyre Media, which promoted the event.

Billy McFarland was arrested by federal agents at his Manhattan home on Friday.

The New York Times writes:

"A criminal complaint unsealed on Friday detailed the case, which relies heavily on misrepresentations of financial information to people who invested in Fyre Media whose main business was a website that let people book celebrities for special events and a subsidiary, Fyre Festival LLC.

"According to the complaint, sworn to by Brandon Racz, a special agent with the F.B.I., at least two people invested about $1.2 million in the two companies, and in communications with these investors in 2016 and 2017, Mr. McFarland repeatedly overstated Fyre Media's revenue from bookings and his own wealth."

In a statement released by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, Acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Joon Kim said: "As alleged, William McFarland promised a 'life changing' music festival but in actuality delivered a disaster. McFarland allegedly presented fake documents to induce investors to put over a million dollars into his company and the fiasco called the Fyre Festival. Thanks to the investigative efforts of the FBI, McFarland will now have to answer for his crimes."

NPR's Laurel Wamsley wrote in April: "In a promo video posted in January full of frolicking models, the Fyre Festival promised (in seemingly random order) 'the best in food, art, music and adventure / once owned by Pablo Escobar / on the boundaries of the impossible / Fyre is an experience and festival / A quest / to push beyond those boundaries.'"

Soon after, the festival co-organizers, McFarland and rapper Ja Rule, were hit with a $100 million suit filed by a disgruntled festival-goer.

Original post:

Organizer Of Failed Bahamas Musical Festival Arrested, Charged With Fraud - NPR

Dancehall artiste Baby Tash, is gearing up to make her debut performance in Abaco Islands, Bahamas, where she is booked for a live concert today.

The artiste who has been working with several top Jamaican producers, told THE STAR that her fans can expect her usual energetic performance.

"I'm always excited to touch the stage in a new region. This will not be my first time performing in Bahamas but it's my first time in Abaco. I will definitely be bringing what I am known and loved for, my crazy energy, style, and sexiness. Abaco can expect a wild, fun-filled night with me" she said.

The Big Man Me Want singer also revealed that the successful Loodi rhythm compilation produced by So Unique Records has exposed her brand to new markets.

Baby Tash released a song on the rhythm titled 'Party Time'.

The entire rhythm has been creating an impact and I am riding high on its success. 'Party Time' was released unexpectedly, since I had recorded it a while back. However it is always a feeling of gratitude when as an artiste your music is working for you. The fans dem say party time suh promoters a say Baby Tash and I'm about to bring the heat like Miami," she said.

The entertainer is also working with Kirkledove Records and Hitmaker Muzik Production. She has so far released songs like Love You Mama and 'Gimi' for the respective labels.

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Baby Tash rides Loodi rhythm to Bahamas - Jamaica Star Online

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Bahamas, June 30,2017 Nassau On Tuesday, June 27, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson released the 2017 Trafficking In Persons (TIP) Report. The Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report is the U.S. Governments principal diplomatic tool to engage foreign governments on human trafficking and The Bahamas has managed to maintain the highest possible ranking for work done to discourage and stop human trafficking.

The TIP Report is described as the worlds most comprehensive resource of governmental anti-human trafficking efforts and reflects the U.S. Governments commitment to global leadership on this key human rights and law enforcement issue. It represents an updated, global look at the nature and scope of trafficking in persons and the broad range of government actions to confront and eliminate it.

In response to the release of the 2017 TIP Report, U.S. Charg dAffaires Lisa Johnson offers congratulations to the Government of The Bahamas on receiving a Tier 1 ranking for its efforts to combat Trafficking in Persons for the third consecutive year.

The ranking reflects the Governments serious and sustained efforts through strong collaboration across multiple government agencies, facilitating the prosecution of traffickers and protection of victims. The U.S. Embassy looks forward to continuing to work with the TIP Committee and Task Force in the year ahead.

The U.S. Government also uses the TIP Report to engage foreign governments in dialogues to advance anti-trafficking reforms and to combat trafficking and to target resources on prevention, protection and prosecution programs.

#magnetcmedianews

Link:

Bahamas Maintains a Tier 1 Ranking in the 2017 Trafficking In Persons Report - Magnetic Media (press release)

A squad of 72 athletes, aged between 14 and 18, have been selected to represent England at this years Commonwealth Youth Games in The Bahamas.

Due to take place between July 18 and 23, the squad chosen by Commonwealth Games England will compete in athletics, swimming, rugby sevens, beach volleyball, judo, boxing and tennis.

Notable inclusions are two-time national junior boxing champion Ivan Price, 2016 European Youth Championships long jump gold medallist Holly Mills and beach volleyball under-20 national champions Joaquin and Javier Bello.

Swimmer Layla Black, who claimed two gold medals at Samoa 2015, will be competing at her second Youth Games.

Im delighted that we will be taking such a talented group of young athletes to the Commonwealth Youth Games," said Sarah Winckless, Chef de Mission for Commonwealth Games England.

"For many this will be their first experience of a multi-sport Games environment and a key milestone on their pathway.

These young athletes represent the pride of England and I know everyone back home will be wishing them all the best for the competition.

This is the largest team weve sent overseas to a Commonwealth Youth Games and, for the team behind the team, the Games represents an important staging post on the road to the Gold Coast next year.

Previous English representatives at the Commonwealth Youth Games include London 2012 heptathlon Olympic champion Jessica Ennis-Hill, London 2012 gymnastics bronze medallist Beth Tweddle, Beijing 2008 gold medal winning boxer James de Gale and rugby player Danny Care.

The first Commonwealth Youth Games was held in Edinburgh in 2000 and England has taken part in every edition since.

At Samoa 2015, England finished third in the medal table behind South Africa and Australia after winning 12 golds, 16 silvers and 16 bronzes.

This year's Games will be the largest international sporting event ever staged in The Bahamas with up to 1,300 athletes set to participate.

The Queen Elizabeth Sports Complex in Nassau will be the main venue hub, which includes the world-class 15,000-capacity Thomas A Robinson stadium.

England's full squad can be found here.

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Commonwealth Games England unveil team for Bahamas 2017 - Insidethegames.biz

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Bahamas, June 29, 2017 Nassau THIS IS A PUBLIC FORECAST FOR THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT THURSDAY 29THJUNE 2017 ISSUED BY THE BAHAMAS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY AT 12PM

GENERAL SITUATION:A SURFACE TROUGH ACROSS THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS WILL WEAKEN AND MOVE WEST OF THE AREA THIS EVENING AS FRONTAL BOUNDARY DISSIPATES NEAR CENTRAL FLORIDA. MEANWHILE LARGE HIGH PRESSURE RIDGE ACROSS THE ATLANTIC OCEAN WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT BRISK WINDS OVER THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.

SPECIAL WARNINGS: MARINERS AND BEACHGOERS ACROSS THE CENTRAL AND SE BAHAMAS SHOULD BE ALERT FOR THE MODERATE RISK OF RIP CURRENTS AND DANGEROUS SURF ALONG EASTERN SHORELINES.

NORTHWEST BAHAMAS

WEATHER:VARIABLE CLOUDS, HOT AND HUMID WITH WIDELY SCATTERED SHOWERS OR ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS TODAY, SOME LOCALLY HEAVY AT TIMES. PARTLY CLOUDY AND WARM TONIGHT WITH THE CHANCE OF A PASSING SHOWER OR TWO.

ADVISORY: BOATERS SHOULD BE ALERT FOR GUSTY WINDS AND HIGHER SEAS IN OR NEAR HEAVY SHOWERS OR THUNDERSTORMS.

WINDS:EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS OVER OPEN WATERS, FALLING LIGHT AND VARIABLE AT TIMES.

SEAS:2 TO 4 FEET OVER THE OCEAN.

CENTRAL ANDSOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.

WEATHER:PARTLY SUNNY, HOT AND BREEZY WITH PASSING SHOWERS OR A POSSIBLE THUNDERSTORM LIKELY TODAY. FEW CLOUDS AND BREEZY TONIGHT WITH THE CHANCE OF ONE OR TWO PASSING SHOWERS.

ADVISORY: SMALL CRAFT CAUTION CONTINUES FOR THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.

WINDS:EASTERLY AT 15 TO 20 KNOTS OVER OPEN WATERS.

SEAS:4 TO 7 FEET OVER THE OCEAN.

DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE91 F33 C

OVERNITE LOW TEMPERATURE77 F25 C

SUNSET: 8:03 PMTHUSUNRISE: 8:04 AMFRI

MOONRISE: 12:03 PM THU MOONSET: 1:18 AM FRI

HIGH TIDE: 1:10 PM THU 1:27 AMFRI

LOW TIDE: 7:19 PMTHU7:56 AMFRI

WEATHER OUTLOOK FOR FRIDAY: PARTLY TO MOSTLY SUNNY, HOT AND HUMID WITH FEW PASSING SHOWERS OR POSSIBLE ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS.

TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK: TROPICAL CYCLONE FORMATION IS NOT EXPECTED DURING THE NEXT 5 DAYS.

FORECASTER: G. GREENE /C.G

Excerpt from:

Bahamas Public Forecast - Magnetic Media (press release)