Category Archives: Bahamas

Last updated12:00, February 27 2017

WIKICOMMONS

Seven of The Bahamas' famous swimming pigs have been found dead.

Celebrities love to take selfies with The Bahamas' famous swimming pigs but it might just be the death of them.

Seven pigs have mysteriously died on Big Major Cay, which has been dubbed "Pig Beach" for the number of stray animals found there.

Wayde Nixon, who claims he created the colony 30 years ago, says tourists feeding the animals are to blame for the deaths.

WIKICOMMONS

There are reportedly up to 15 pigs still alive on the uninhabited island.

"Right now it's blowing out of proportion with people, anybody bringing food there, anybody doing what they [want to] do," he told The Nassau Guardian.

Read more: *Rangers reveal the stupidest things tourists do in national parks *Australian man who stood on turtle says he loves animals *Yellowstone tourists kidnap a bison calf because they thought it was 'cold'

"We have people coming there giving the pigs beer, rum, riding on top of them, all kind of stuff.That never happened, but lately [it has] because it's so big, and we are never really there all the time."

There are still 15 pigs left on the beach,an uninhabited island about 80 nautical miles from Nassau.

The Bahamas Humane Society said investigations are underwayafter the pigs carcasses were reportedly found floating in the sea.

"It could just be a horrible accident where they ate something poisonous,"society president Kim Aranha toldTribune 242.

"It could be malicious, but I don't really see why someone would go out of their way to hurt those lovely animals."

The island has become a major tourist attraction for people visiting The Bahamas after celebrities started sharing photos from the beach.

Donald Trump Jr visitedwith his family in 2016and comedian Amy Schumerposted a photo from the island just three days ago.

But how did the pigs get to the island in the first place? Nixon says he brought four sows and boar there in the late 1990s in preparation for Y2K, according to The Today Show.

-Stuff

Continue reading here:

The Bahamas' famous swimming pigs found dead on Big Major Cay ... - Stuff.co.nz

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

DESPITE being outsized and eventually outmanned on the pitch on Saturday, the Bahamas men's team held off Trinidad & Tobago 5-2, highlighted by two impressive goals from captain Gavin Christie and one each from tournament leading scorer Lesly St Fleur and Gary Joseph, in the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship.

With the win in the playoff round at the Malcolm Park Beach Soccer Facility at the foot of the Sir Sidney Poitier Bridge, the Bahamas clinched a match against the United States at 6.45pm on Sunday in their final game of the week-long tournament for fifth and sixth places in the standings in the field of 16 nations.

The US - who won the title in Nassau in 2013 - enjoyed a 6-1 rout of Jamaica, who will play Trinidad & Tobago in the seventh place playoff game.

Bahamas Coach Alexandre Soares, assisted by Stephen Bellot, said the team is coming into its own and performing at the level that he expects them to, going into the FIFA World Cup in Nassau in April as the host of the 16 nations coming in.

"Every day, every game is important for the ranking," Soares said. "Every game we win, it's important for us as we prepare for the World Cup."

Soares said they face a very competitive team on Sunday in the US, who they defeated during a trip to Europe when they prepared for this tournament, but he admitted that they will have to perform at their best if they intend to come out on top again.

The game with Trinidad & Tobago started as a defensive battle as neither team was able to capitalise on numerous attempts to score in the scoreless first period. Just before the break, the Bahamas received a scare when Dwayne Forbes was clipped on his head by Trinidad & Tobago's Lemuel Lyons and he needed medical attention after he came off the field by team physician Eugenia Patton.

Three and a half minutes into the second period, Joseph's shot hit the outside of the right post. With the goalkeeper pulled out of position midway through the period, Joseph tried to get a quick pass into Christie, but the keeper managed to get back in time to prevent the Bahamas from scoring.

However, with 5min 45sec remaining in the period, Joseph broke away from his defender and fired in the first goal and the celebrations began. Shortly after, the crowd went wild as St Fleur broke away from his defender, got a pass into Forbes and with Christie anxiously waiting in front of the post, he slipped a shot into the corner of the net to make it 2-0.

Forbes came back to start the final period and just over four minutes in, Christie powered past a defender and after drawing the goalkeeper out, was able to boot in his second goal to push the Bahamas lead to 3-0. However, in the build up, Forbes got another head injury and had to leave the game.

The game got physical halfway through the third period when goalkeeper Torin Ferguson attempted to snatch the ball from Trinidad & Tobago's pesky David McDougall. He got a little roughed up and Nesly Jean came to his rescue, but both received a yellow card from the referee.

A minute later, Ferguson sent a long pass to St Fleur, who found the back of the net on a reverse kick to make it 4-0. It was St Fleur's tenth goal of the tournament, the most by any player.

Trinidad & Tobago eventually got on the scoreboard thanks to Jesse Bailey's shot up the middle against Bahamas' number two keeper Ferguson, who was given the start over Ivan Rolle.

With 1min 38sec left, Lyons fired a free kick up the middle to make it 4-2 as Ferguson was unable to stop the shot.

As the game started to wind down, one of Trinidad & Tobago's coaches was ejected for arguing the calls.

Then with 50 seconds left, Williams was ejected after Trinidad & Tobago's Lyons was awarded a free kick. Williams had attempted to defend what he felt was an aggressive foul on Jean. The Bahamas ended up with just three players on the field of play. With 33 seconds left, Forbes was fouled and had to leave the game as Joseph came in and from the free throw, he drilled the ball past Trinidad & Tobago's goalkeeper, completing a 5-2 win.

Mexico and Panama will contest the final on Sunday night. Defending champions Mexico saw off Guadeloupe, who had beaten the Bahamas in the quarter-final on Friday night, 3-0 while Panama turned the tables on El Salvador, winning on penalties after a 2-2 draw. In the group stage, El Salvador had beaten Panama on penalties after a 4-4 tie.

Saturday's results

Turks & Caicos Islands 4 US Virgin Islands 1

Belize 6 Barbados 2

Canada 6 Antigua & Barbuda 1

Costa Rica 5 Guyana 2

United States 6 Jamaica 2

Bahamas 5 Trinidad & Tobago 2

Panama 2 El Salvador 2 (Panama win 2-1 on penalties)

Mexico 3 Guadeloupe 0

Sunday's programme

11.15am: Barbados v US Virgin Islands (15th-place playoff)

12.30pm: Belize v Turks & Caicos Islands (13th-place playoff)

1.45pm: Antigua & Barbuda v Guyana (11th-place playoff)

3pm: Canada vs Costa Rica (9th-place playoff)

4.15pm: Jamaica v Trinidad & Tobago (7th-place playoff)

5.30pm: El Salvador v Guadeloupe (3rd-place playoff)

6.45pm: Bahamas v United States (5th-place playoff)

8pm: Mexico v Panama (Championship match)

Read more from the original source:

Bahamas face US in fifth place playoff after beating Trinidad | The ... - Bahamas Tribune

Two of Caymans junior golfers, Andrew Jarvis and James Bould, demonstrated their skill in the inaugural Albany, Bahamas Junior Classic Tournament, hosted by The Hurricane Junior Golf Tour on Feb. 11 and 12.

The event drew competitors from across the U.S. and the Caribbean.

Andrew played in the Boys 16-18 Division, shooting 80-82 on the 6,700-yard course over the two days. He placed fourth in a very competitive field, after Florida golfers Ben Pirro (first) and Callum Brown (second), and Georgia-based Tripp Murphy (third).

James Bould, 11, earned a third-place finish behind Will McGriff of Florida and Colt Ingram of South Carolina. James shot 95-92 on the 5,300-yard course, nailing five pars in a row in round two to land himself a spot in the top three. His top-three finish at this tournament secured James an exemption into a mid-season invitational tournament at Sea Island in Georgia in June.

Up next

The local circuit continues with rounds five and six of the Digicel Junior Golf Series in March and May, and a team will also be preparing for the Junior Caribbean Championships in Trinidad in July.

For full tournament results and more details about CIGA junior and senior events, go to http://www.ciga.ky.

Read more here:

Junior golfers fare well at Bahamas tournament - Cayman Compass

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

BEFORE a packed crowd at the newly built facility at Malcolm Park at the foot of the Sir Sidney Poitier Bridge on Friday night, the Bahamas suffered a heartbreaking 5-3 loss to Guadeloupe in the quarter-finals of the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship.

Even with more Bahamians lining the bridge and hundreds locked out in their effort to get into the stadium, the host team found themselves trailing on three occasions but battled back to even the score at 3-3 after two periods. However, Theo Gelas struck a pair of goals late in the third period to complete his hat-trick and secure the win for Guadeloupe which advanced them to a semi-final against Mexico on Saturday night.

The Bahamas, coming off three straight impressive victories to win group A in the round robin segment, will be back in action on Saturday at 5.30pm when they take on Trinidad & Tobago to determine which of the spots between fifth and eighth they will end up playing for on Sunday when the week-long tournament come to a close.

"We started off a little shaky in the first period, but I felt as if we regained our composure in the second and third periods, but some good playing by Guadeloupe held off our strong attack," said Bahamas' goalkeeper Ivan Rolle. "Anytime you are playing in sand, it's difficult, but we trained hard and we tried to stick to our game plan as much as possible."

Rolle, who had his most difficult match so far in the tournament, said the Bahamas would have preferred to be playing in the semi-finals, but they hope to come back and finish the tournament on a strong note just as they started on Monday.

"We were expecting to finish as least top four in this tournament, so it's very heartbreaking," Rolle, who was distraught at the final whistle, pointed out. "We want to use this tournament as a stepping stone to really show the world that we are ready to play at this level."

Rolle was referring to the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup that will take place at the same facility in April. By virtue of being the host, the Bahamas have already qualified. Two more teams will join the Bahamas at the end of the tournament on Sunday.

As they use this tournament as a stepping stone to the more prestigious tournament ahead, Rolle said he was encouraged when he looked up and saw the tremendous support they received from the Bahamian public as the stadium was packed to its 3,000 capacity and people lined the Sir Sidney Poitier bridge to watch from outside as they couldn't get in.

Each time Guadeloupe scored in the first two periods, the Bahamas answered until Gelas put the game away for good in the third.

Damien Granchi-Constant, the Guadeloupe captain, took advantage of a loose ball to volley in from long range over Rolle after four minutes but Gary Joseph levelled 30 seconds later after some neat footwork. But within two minutes Gelas nodded in his first at the far post from a throw-in to put Guadeloupe in front and then Lesly St Fleur saw his penalty brilliantly saved by the goalkeeper, who had an excellent match. Sebastien Hell, joint top scorer in the tournament with St Fleur going into the game, gave notice of his threat by hitting the post just before the end of the period.

Joseph struck again early in the second to even the score at 2-2 but three minutes later, the imposingly physical Hell rose above the Bahamas defence to head Guadeloupe in front 3-2. St Fleur, having a sensational tournament, finally got through to tie the score at 3-3 just before the end of the period - his ninth goal of the event.

In the third period, the deadlock was broken when Gelas escaped onto a long ball forward and then punished confusion in the Bahamas defence at a corner to slide in at the far post with four minutes to go. Joseph fired in a free kick as the clock ran down on the Bahamas but the goalkeeper made another fine diving save.

Mexico, the defending champions, await Guadeloupe in the semi-finals on Saturday while El Salvador tackle the surprise package Panama. El Salvador cruised past Jamaica 5-0, Panama upset the United States 6-4 and Mexico saw off Trinidad and Tobago 5-1 in the other quarter-finals.

In the lower placement games played on Friday, Barbados defeated Turks and Caicos Islands 5-2; Belize stunned US Virgin Islands 6-4 after extra time; Costa Rica outlasted Canada 3-2 on penalties after they were tied 2-2; and Guyana held off Antigua and Barbuda 6-4.

RESULTS

Friday

Placement matches

13th place first round: Barbados 5 Turks & Caicos Islands 2

13th place first round: Belize 6 US Virgin Islands 4 (after extra time)

9th place first round: Canada 2 Costa Rica 2 (Costa Rica win 3-2 on penalties)

9th place first round: Guyana 6 Antigua & Barbuda 4

Quarter-finals

El Salvador 5 Jamaica 0

United States 4 Panama 6

Mexico 5 Trinidad & Tobago 1

Bahamas 3 Guadeloupe 5

PROGRAMME

Saturday

11.15am: 13th place second round: Turks & Caicos Islands v US Virgin Islands

12.30pm: 13th place second round: Barbados v Belize

1.45pm: 9th place second round: Canada v Antigua & Barbuda

3pm: 9th place second round: Costa Rica v Guyana

4.15pm: 5th place semi-finals: Jamaica v United States

5.30pm: 5th place semi-finals: Trinidad & Tobago v Bahamas

6.45pm: Semi-finals: El Salvador v Panama

8pm: Semi-finals: Mexico v Guadeloupe

Sunday

11.15am: 15th place match

12.30pm: 13th place match

1.45pm: 11th place match

3pm: 9th place match

4.15pm: 7th place match

5.30pm: 5th place match

6.45pm: 3rd place match

8pm: final

The two finalists will qualify for the World Cup in Nassau from April 27 to May 7. If non-FIFA members Guadeloupe reach the final the third place winners will take the qualification spot.

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Guadeloupe End Bahamas Hopes Of Progress In Beach Soccer Championship - Bahamas Tribune

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It's hard to improve on an island vacation, but if your time off calls for more than an overcrowded stretch of sand and a half-melted pia coladasay, pristine, private beaches, full-service kids' clubs, and personalized snorkeling excursionslook no further than these 20 resorts, voted the best in the Bahamas, Bermuda, and Turks & Caicos in Cond Nast Traveler's 2016 Readers' Choice Awards. Click here to view as a list. Counting down...

It's hard to improve on an island vacation, but if your time off calls for more than an overcrowded stretch of sand and a half-melted pia coladasay, pristine, private beaches, full-service kids' clubs, and personalized snorkeling excursionslook no further than these 20 resorts, voted the best in the Bahamas, Bermuda, and Turks & Caicos in Cond Nast Traveler's 2016 Readers' Choice Awards. Click here to view as a list. Counting down...

Why you love it: Built around Aquaventure, a 141-acre waterpark with over a dozen rides and slides, the ocean-themed Atlantis, Paradise Island (located just off the northern coast of New Providence) is pretty much an aquaphile's dream. Knitted out with 20 swimming areas, it includes 11 pools, 31 private cabanas, and access to three beaches. The over-the-top mega-resort is a destination for marine-life enthusiasts, too: It's home to one of the world's largest open-air marine habitats, as well as Dolphin Cay, a state-of-the-art education center where guests can play with dolphins. And for those who prefer to stay firmly on dry land, there's also an 18-hole golf course, as well as a whopping 40 restaurants, bars, and lounges, and a casino.

Why you love it: Everything about Valentines Residences, Resort & Marina, on the Bahamas' Harbour Island makes it easy to unwind. Start with a laid-back lunch facing the docks at the breezy Boathouse Restaurant, and order the fried seafood platter with all your favorite fixings (think freshly caught grouper and jumbo shrimp, served with crispy plantains, tartar sauce, and a squeeze of lime), and you'll officially find yourself on vacation. The resort's world-class yacht marina is the largest on the islandit can accommodate vessels up to 160-feet longand offers fuel service, cable hook-up, and wireless Internet access at every slip. Speaking of marine pastimes: The waters around the resort swell with tuna, marlin, and wahoo, drawing both novice anglers and pro-fisherman alike.

Why you love it: Fresh off a two-year, $100 million renovation that saw the sprucing up of its rooms, suites, and public spaces, the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club is again the shiny new penny of Bermuda's resorts. It doesnt take long to reach this pink paradise: Flights from major U.S. hubs, like Boston, Miami, Chicago, and Atlanta, are under two hours, and the resort is just another 30 minutes from Bermuda International Airport. If accessibility isnt enough of a draw, then how about celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson's eponymously-named on-site restaurant? Like Samuelsson's other restaurants, dishes are at once highbrow and flavorful, but without the fuss (we recommend securing a seat on the 1,500 square foot wrap-around veranda and snacking on the crispy fish chowder croquettes). The resort is also home to the first and only full-service marina in Bermuda, and as such, it'll play host to the 35th America's Cupthe World Series of sailingbeginning in June 2017. More reason to book your summer getaway sooner rather than later.

Why you love it: Rosewood Tucker's Point has all the hallmarks of a five-star stay. The resort, golf club, and residential community sits on 240 acres of waterfront land in Bermuda, with immaculately maintained lawns and airy, colonial-style cottages furnished with four-poster beds. But it's not all about appearances: An attentive staff will remember not just your name, but how you take your morning coffee. Dinner at The Point is an upscale affair, and the formal dining room is decorated with eight 80-foot murals (which once hung in the SkyClub in New Yorks MetLife building) depicting seaports from around the world. The food isn't nearly as highfalutin' though, with seafood staples like grilled local swordfish and little neck clams. Head to the Dive & Watersports Center for a turn on the Tidal Pull, a 31-foot dive boat that'll guide you through some 240 square miles of pristine coral reef, and over to nearby caves and dive sites.

Why you love it: Connected via walkways to Atlantis Paradise Island, The Cove Atlantis is a refuge of calm within a complex resort thats all about activity. The 600-room tower (technically part of Atlantis Paradise Island, though it has a separate check-in, pool, and beach club) comes with its own slice of beach. Oversized rooms (ranging from 600 to over 4,000 square feet) are minimal in design and feature spacious bathrooms, sunken sitting areas between the bed and balcony, and two TVs. Sidle on over to the adults-only pool area to scope out the scene: The 9,000 square foot main pool is purposely shallow to encourage socializing with your fellow vacationers, but you can always opt to observe the action from afar on a poolside day bed.

Why you love it: Guests can expect a little of everything at the 404-room and suite Sandals Royal Bahamian: There's access to the pristine Cable Beach, of course, plus ten excellent dining options, and personal butler service. A whopping 30 room categories means you can pick your price point (and perks); we suggest the Windsor swim-up suites, where you can roll out of a four-poster bed and into the lagoon pool in a matter of seconds. The one standout feature remains the resort's private, offshore island, which you can reach on your own via a kayak or sailboat, or a resort-operated boat. With two quiet beaches, a spa, and an open-air seafood restaurantplus all the low-slung hammocks and cabanas you can dream ofit's truly an escape within an escape.

Why you love it: Sandals are known for their sheer scalethe all-inclusive, adults-only resorts hum along like small citiesbut that doesn't mean they're short on detail. Not only does the 249-room and suite Sandals Emerald Bay sit on a mile-long stretch of powdery white beachfront, it's also home to an 18-hole, Greg Norman-designed golf course, three pools (including one with a swim-up bar and a central fire pit), and a rotating list of parties and events to suit every tasteincluding a late-night chocolate buffet on Wednesdays. We wouldn't blame you for sampling each of the resort's seven restaurants, but put down the fork now and then to take a dance, tennis, or windsurfing lesson to really round out your trip.

Why you love it: The family-friendly West Bay Club resort sits on the widest stretch of Grace Bay Beach, at a safe removefive miles west, roughlyfrom the swarms of vacationers in the resort district. It has a Kids' Club for the little ones, a spa for you, plus one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom suites equipped with kitchens, washers, and dryers. Nurse a cold one at the resort's beach bar before you depart on an excursion, arranged by one of the resort's handy concierges: Whether you want some of the best beginners' snorkeling in Turks & Caicos (less than ten minutes away, over at Coral Gardens Reef), a day on the green, or a horseback ride on the sand at sunset, they'll sort it out for you. On Thursdays, take a short walk over to Lower Bright Park for a taste of the year-round Fish Fry, where more than a dozen local restaurants serve up perfectly crispy plates of seafood, and a local band provides the soundtrack.

Why you love it: This 758-room, all-inclusive hideaway has something for everyone in your family, whether it's the 45,000-square-foot waterpark; a 12-mile beach lapped by clear turquoise waters; ten different pools; or an Xbox play lounge, stocked with the latest games. The resort, with four unique villages separately recreating the architecture of Italy, France, the Caribbean, and Key West, is as global with its food as it is with its accommodations: There are 22 dining options on-site, offering everything from sushi to spaghetti and meatballs.

Why you love it: On the scrubby tip of the Northwest Point Marine National Park on Providenciales, Amanyara is a veritable vision: Airy, Indonesian-wood gazebos appear to float on the resort's central reflecting pool; inside, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass walls lead to sunken dining areas and bedrooms inlaid with teak. Opt for one of the Ocean Villasthe most private accommodation of them alland enjoy an infinity-edge pool, garden, and dockside day bed, perfect for taking that much-needed cat nap. At the indoor/outdoor The Restaurant, simplicity is best. Sample the spiny Caribbean lobster, grilled on a hot flame, and enjoy the fresh air on the open patiothough if you'd rather dine in air conditioning, that works, too.

Why you love it: Ample living space isn't the only selling point of the nearly 100-acre, 593-room Fairmont Southampton, which claims some of the largest guest rooms in Bermuda. The resort's stretch of private pink beach (which one guest described as "cotton-soft"), plus its proximity to the quiet, crescent-shaped Horseshoe Bay Beach, are large draws, too. Make a reservation for dinner at the historic, AAA Four Diamond-rated Waterlot Inn, which deals in some of the island's best sunsets and steaks. Burn it off the next day by playing 18 holes at the resort's 2,684-yard Turtle Hill Golf Club.

Why you love it: Grace Bay Club offers not one, but three distinct accommodations to its discerning guests: adults-only The Hotel building, family-friendly Villas Suites, and the Estate, a resort within a resort, with personal concierge service and exclusive access to dedicated Estate amenities, such as a separate pool, cabanas, and more. Despite catering to different crowds, they do have a few common features, including spectacular oceanfront views and notable service. Looking to stake your umbrella in the sand a little while longer? Rent one of the homes in the Private Villa Collection, a cluster of five freestanding private beachfront residences that come with all the amenities and services of a superior hotel stay, including roundtrip airport transfers, daily housekeeping, and complimentary breakfast.

Why you love it: It's hard to imagine anything more reinvigorating than a few days at this health-centric resort, on its own private island in the Caribbean. Guests should take full advantage of the brand's wellness program, COMO Shambhala, which promotes good health through offerings like enzyme-rich cuisine (hello, zucchini carpaccio and pineapple sundaes); complimentary yoga and Pilates classes; and holistic therapies, including reflexology and Ayurveda. For those who are a little more adventurous, the resort will also coordinate fishing and diving trips, biking excursions on nearby islands, and windsurfing lessons, and more. Or give yourself a full break and stay closer to the spa's infinity pool, overlooking the ocean.

Why you love it: You needn't leave your room at Harbour Island's Pink Sands Resort, just 50 miles east of Nassau, to sense that you're on vacation: Twenty-three British Colonial beach cottages, each with ocean- or garden views and decked out in wicker, white linens, and shiplap, should give you all the context clues you need. Stay holed up, however, and you'll miss the biggest draw of the resortthe pearly pink beaches from which it draws its name. Stop over at Blue Bar & Restaurant for crispy conch fritters served with bird chillies and sweet peppers; later, work off the carbs by kayaking or paddle-boarding with one of the resort's free boats.

Why you love it: On the eastern hook of Providenciales Seven Stars Resort, has plenty of bragging rights. For starters, the 115 all-suite resort is home to the island's only heated saltwater pool, plus a private shopping service, complimentary access to kayaks and paddle boards, and sailing and windsurfing lessons. Other freebies at the resort run the gamut, from a glass of rum punch and a chilled towel on arrival to a daily breakfast buffet and a Kids' Club (lizard hunting and sand castle building included). When you're not busy scuba diving, snorkeling the third largest coral reef in the world, or learning how to parasail, head over to the spa for a jet-lag massagefirm pressure focused on all those plane ride-driven problem areas, like the neck and lower back.

Why you love it: A stay at The Cove, Eleutherawhether in one of their rooms, suites, villas, or cottagesis bound to change the way you vacation. Located on a crescent of white sand beach backed by palm trees, you won't need to be reminded to relax. Take a dip in the hilltop infinity pool, which hangs over the ocean, or head to one of the resort's two beaches, where activities like kayaking and paddle-boarding abound. Looking to get off the island? Set sail for a half-day conch diving experience in nearby waters, after which the captain will take you to a private beach for a lunch prepared with the haul. However you fill your day, make time in the evening for an al fresco dinner at the indoor/outdoor Freedom Restaurant & Sushi Barwe recommend sitting outside on the wooden deck to guarantee some of the resort's best views.

Why you love it: Traveler readers are crazy about The Reefs, in Southampton Parish, Bermudaand it's easy to see why. This salmon-hued limestone resort, with a private pink sand beach to match, was built on the ruins of a 1680s farmhouse and offers a sunset view from every room. Guests extol the superb staff, and though it might not be best suited for families (this is honeymoon and anniversary territory, really), don't count it out: There are seven nearby golf courses, a swimming pool, two tennis courts, and three restaurants and bars. Ocean Echo, where semi-circular windows wrap the room in sea views, is known for its breakfast and brunch spreads. But for dinner, order the pan-roasted scallops and six-hour short ribs at Aqua Terra.

Why you love it: Located on Grace Bay in Providenciales, The Palms Turks & Caicos, is perfect for both a adults-only getaway or a trip with the kids. Rooms with white linens overlook the pool or the ocean, and the three-bedroom Penthouse Suite has a private outdoor shower to wash off the wear and tear of a day by the water. Bike ride into town, just ten minutes away, or take advantage of a seemingly-endless list of onsite activities that includes horseback riding, parasailing, tennis, whale watching, and jet-skiing. Stop to take in views of the crystalline surf at the beach, and cue the R & R at the award-winning, 25,000-square-foot The Palms Spa for a Mother of Pearl body exfoliation, delivered with a blend of hand-crushed conch shells.

Why you love it: Not only will you feel like a celebrity at the 107-room and suite One&Only Ocean Club, but you might just brush by a few at this beachfront resort with a twelfth-century Augustinian cloister and gardens modeled after those at Versailles. If you're feeling especially like a rockstar, opt for one of the 4,400-square-foot villas, each with its own infinity lap pool and louvered hardwood doors that open onto a private patio or balcony. Both the food and service across the resort's three restaurants are excellentespecially at Jean-Georges Vongerichten's Dune, which was recently spruced up. Good to know: The Hartford Wing, refurbished in 2015, includes completely renovated and expanded guest rooms and suites, plus a new beachfront infinity-edge pool, complete with a new bar and grill.

Why you love it: Spared damage by Hurricane Matthew in 2016, the 10-suite Kamalame Cay, right off of Andros Great Barrier Reef, still feels undiscovered. Choose from a selection of rooms, suites, bungalows, or 1,400-square-foot villas that sit right on the beach; then, when you're ready to pry yourself from the white sand, take advantage of the nearby hiking, diving, snorkeling, bird watching, and kayaking. Just don't forget to book an appointment at the resort's overwater spawe're especially fond of the 70-minute coconut body polish treatment, which involves a scrub of freshly shredded young coconut and brown sugar, followed by an application of Madagascan vanilla-scented moisturizer. This gentle exfoliation treatment will leave you smelling as divine as you feel.

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20 Best Resorts in the Bahamas, Bermuda, and Turks & Caicos - Cond Nast Traveler

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

Moodys forecast that the Government will incur another $300 million-plus fiscal deficit this year emphasises why the Bahamas needs to create a contingency fund to cope with natural disasters, the Chamber of Commerces chairman said yesterday.

Gowon Bowe told Tribune Business that this nation needed to set aside reserves or insurance premiums as a safeguard against the financial impact from Hurricane Matthew-type events.

When we look at things like hurricanes and the unexpected occurring, what that highlights is not only the need to plan for the normal environment, but also to plan for the rainy day environment. That adds a dimension that we now have to factor in, said Mr Bowe.

Moodys on Wednesday forecast that the Bahamas fiscal deficit will remain above $300 million for the current Budget period, with Hurricane Matthew blowing it slightly higher than the prior year.

The international credit rating agency, in its latest quarterly assessment of the Bahamas sovereign creditworthiness, gave an insight into the extent of Matthews impact on the Governments finances by projecting a deficit equivalent to 3.6 per cent of GDP for 2016-2017.

We estimate that the fiscal balance in fiscal year 2017 will deteriorate to -3.6 per cent of GDP from -2.8 per cent the previous year, due to the negative impact from the damages caused by Hurricane Matthew last October, Moodys said.

As the Government will incur additional borrowing to cover reconstruction spending for public infrastructure, we now expect the central government debt-to-GDP ratio to reach 70 per cent by end of fiscal year 2017, Moodys said.

When we look at the economy, the deficits and the debt, there are going to be unexpected increases due to unexpected events, Mr Bowe said.

However, we have to get to the point where just like any business we are managing not only for expected occurrences but contingencies, meaning we are setting aside reserves, or insurance premiums and the like, to cover the unexpected events. It allows you to buffer against the impact of major events. As a country we have to be thinking along those lines.

The Christie administration, in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, revealed that the Bahamas would not have received any relief from the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF) because the storm was not strong enough to trigger a payout.

As a result, the Government had ceased making financial contributions because the Bahamas would only have received compensation in the event of a Category 5 hurricane.

While Moodys estimates were not surprising, its projections for the 2016-2017 fiscal deficit are more than triple what the Government forecast last May, prior to the unanticipated $600-$700 million in damage inflicted by Matthews Category Three-Four storm surge and winds.

The Christie administration had projected a $100 million GFS fiscal deficit for 2016-2017, equivalent to around 1.1 per cent of GDP.

However, Moodys estimate is slightly higher than the 3.5 per cent GFS deficit that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates the Bahamas incurred in the fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2016.

Taking $8 billion as the size of Bahamian GDP, the rating agencys estimate suggests that the Governments GFS deficit for the current fiscal year will come in around $290-$300 million.

Moodys, though, given that it pegged the $2.25 billion in outstanding consumer credit as equivalent to 25.5 per cent of Bahamian economic output in 2016, is suggesting that this nation has a $9 billion GDP.

Applying the 3.6 percentage to this figure would place the estimated 2016-2017 fiscal deficit at around $324 million, highlighting just how badly natural disasters can blow a nations finances off course.

The Government sought to borrow $150 million in emergency credit immediately following Matthew, a target it largely met. However, this increased both the GFS deficit and national debt beyond projection, with Moodys revised estimate for the latter now placing it at the ratio considered by the IMF as a danger threshold.

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Bahamas Must 'Buffer' Against Deficit Blow-Out - Bahamas Tribune

Several of the famous swimming pigs that draw tourists to the Bahamas Big Major Cay were found dead over the weekend from an undetermined cause.

Wayde Nixon, one of the pigs owners, told the Nassau Guardianthat seven of the pigs had died, and about 15 were still alive.

EyesWideOpen via Getty Images

The pigs were given the wrong food, Nixon told the news outlet. He didnt specify who gave the passel of pigs the food, or what it was. But he did say there have been problems with tourists acting inappropriately.

Right now, its blowing out of proportion with people, anybody bringing food there, anybody doing what they [want to] do, Nixon said. We have people coming there giving the pigs beer, rum, riding on top of them all kind of stuff.

Kim Aranha, president of the Bahamas Humane Society, told Tribune 242 its not clear if the pigs deaths were accidental or intentional.

It could just be a horrible accident, where they ate something poisonous, Aranha said. It could be malicious, but I dont really see why someone would go out of their way to hurt those lovely animals.

The results of a humane society investigation into the deaths will be available by next week, according to Tribune 242.

As a result of the deaths, tourists will no longer be permitted to feed the pigs, though they will still be able to visit them, V. Alfred Gray, minister of agriculture and marine resources, told the Nassau Guardian.

Popular legend attributes the pigs presence on the island to sailors who abandoned them, or to pigs swimming to the island after a shipwreck.

But Nixon and his business partner, Don Rolle, have told multiple media outlets that they brought a few pigs to the island in the 1990s in a scheme to start a farm. That failed, but the charm of free-roaming, swimming pigs ended up being a major tourist attraction.

Barcroft via Getty Images

The world-famous pigs have been repeatedly celebrated inthe media, and even made an appearance on the reality dating show The Bachelor last year. However, some animal advocates have expressed concern for the pigswell-being.

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Beloved Swimming Pigs Of The Bahamas Found Dead - Huffington Post

HAT TRICK: Lesly St Fleur in action as the Bahamas clinched a 3-2 victory over Jamaica in the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship. Photo: Terrel W Carey/Tribune Staff

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas will put their perfect 3-0 winning record on the line on Friday night against Guadeloupe as the knockout stage of the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship gets underway at the new Bahamas Beach Soccer facility at the foot of the Sir Sidney Poitier bridge.

The Bahamas, coached by Alexandre Soares and Stephen Bellot, were drawn to play in the feature quarter-final at 9.15pm following the completion of the group stage on Thursday night.

The draw was made following the final game of day four when the United States beat Trinidad & Tobago 5-1 to remain one of four undefeated teams and winners of group C.

Its a quarter-final and Guadeloupe is a strong team, so you cant take anything for granted, said Bahamas team captain Gavin Christie. We just have to come out and play our best and hopefully we can get the victory.

Christie said the team, only been assembled a year ago, is still a work in progress and they have to work on their finishing to put away their chances because in a tight tournament like this, they have to score.

One mistake could be one goal, so we have to narrow down our chances, he proclaimed. But each game were getting better and better and were going into the quarter-final confident and ready to play.

The Bahamas topped group A, scoring 10 goals and only conceding three. Lesly St Jean scored eight of the Bahamas goals, and is the leading scorer in the tournament.

The other group winners have piled up the goals. In Group B, Mexico scored 27 goals in their three wins and given up five. Guadeloupe, who the Bahamas play on Friday night, was in second scoring 11 and conceding 16 in winning two of their three matches. United States notched 20 goals and let in only four while in Group D, El Salvador hit 21 goals.

The Bahamas opened with a 4-1 victory over Guyana on Monday night as St Jean scored a hat trick . Kyle Williams added the other. On Tuesday they whitewashed Guyana 3-0 with another pair of goals from St Fleur, Gary Joseph booting in the other.

On Wednesday, the Bahamas closed out pool play with a 3-2 victory over Jamaica as St Jean again came through with a hat trick.

Friday's action will begin at 12.15pm with placement matches involving the eight teams which did not finish in the top two in their groups. The quarter-finals will begin at 5.30pm with El Salvador facing Jamaica. At 6.45pm, the United States will take on Panama and that will be followed by Mexico and Trinidad & Tobago at 8pm. The Bahamas closes the programme at 9.15pm against Guadeloupe.

Should the Bahamas win, they will play the winners of Mexico and Trinidad & Tobago in the semi-finals on Saturday. The championships will conclude on Sunday.

FIXTURES

Friday

Placement matches

13th place first round: Barbados 5 Turks & Caicos Islands 2

13th place first round: Belize 6 US Virgin Islands 4 (after extra time)

9th place first round: Canada 2 Costa Rica 2 (Costa Rica win 3-2 on penalties)

9th place first round: Guyana 6 Antigua & Barbuda 4

Quarter-finals

5.30pm: El Salvador v Jamaica

6.45pm: United States v Panama

8pm: Mexico v Trinidad & Tobago

9.15pm: Bahamas v Guadeloupe

Saturday (timings to be confirmed)

11.15am: 13th place second round: Turks & Caicos Islands v US Virgin Islands

12.30pm: 13th place second round: Barbados v Belize

1.45pm: 9th place second round: Canada v Antigua & Barbuda

3pm: 9th place second round: Costa Rica v Guyana

4.15pm: 5th place semi-finals

5.30pm: 5th place semi-finals

6.45pm: Semi-finals

8pm: Semi-finals

Sunday (timings to be confirmed)

11.15am: 15th place match

12.30pm: 13th place match

1.45pm: 11th place match

3pm: 9th place match

4.15pm: 7th place match

5.30pm: 5th place match

6.45pm: 3rd place match

8pm: final

The two finalists will qualify for the World Cup in Nassau from April 27 to May 7. The Bahamas have qualified for the World Cup as hosts so if they or unranked Guadeloupe reach the final the third ranked team will take the qualification spot.

Originally posted here:

Bahamas Face Guadeloupe In Beach Soccer Quarter-Finals On Friday Night - Bahamas Tribune

The Bahamas Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) says it has conducted survey to gauge public opinion and perception on the services provided by local clearing banks, and the level of fees associated with provision of those services.

We want banks in The Bahamas to take a serious look at the way they deliver customer service to their clients and make every effort to make that experience less frustrating and more pleasurable for their clients, said Jerome Gomez, chairman of the CPC..

We want the central bank, its board and management to take a look at the issue and see if bank fees should be regulated, and whether all increases and decreases should be approved or declined by the central bank, he added.

Gomez said 598 persons have responded to the survey, 402 short of the goal of 1000, with 177 persons or 30 per cent of respondents completing the survey online.

We are going to make this survey results available to the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Labour who has responsibility for the CPC, the Central Bank of The Bahamas and each of the commercial banks in The Bahamas, the chairman said.

We would like to get a public discussion going to clarify if the banking service determining process is broken and needs to be repaired, he added.

Gomez said that the CPC wants to know whether the banking fee structure is running amok because banking fees are unregulated and banks are trying to improve their balance sheet through fee increases as opposed to creating new and innovative banking products for their customers in an effort to improve profits.

Gomez said the Commission also wants to determine whether commercial banks are concerned about customer service, as most Bahamians feel trapped and locked in with their current banks. Most find it a hassle to change banks.

He said the next step is for the CPC is to examine what fees are charged in the foreign banks home countries and see how they match up to fees in the Bahamas. We will also look at fees in the Caribbean region and see how they match up to those charged here in the Bahamas, he said. - CMC

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Bank fees also under the radar in The Bahamas - Jamaica Gleaner

There is currently an epidemic happening on a small island in the Bahamas and we need to talk about it. It's mystery. It's dreadful. And it's killing our adorable swimming pigs that we all became obsessed with after watching JoJo Fletcher be nearly physically assaulted by one while on a group date on Ben Higgins season of The Bachelor.

The pigs appeared to live a charmed life , living on their personal island and being fed chick hot dogs (as they did on The Bachelor) and being cuddled by tanned vacationers. That is until now.

Yes it is true. The furry, feral piggies are dying! As of now, there are only about 6 or 7 left on the island, according to local reports. The site Tribune 42 writes that an investigation is under way to figure out the cause of death for these beautiful creatures, who also happened to attract many, many visitors and tourist.

After finding about half a dozen deceased pigs on the Big Major Cay, law officials disposed of the bodies by throwing them into the sea, which gives one an awful visual as some of them even grew to be as large as a small Shetland pony, according to one visitor of the island.

More than just saddening, the deaths of the pigs could also have a more sinister twist. The President of the Bahamas Humane Society, Kim Aranha told Tribune 42 that part of the investigation is determining if someone has been intentionally poisoning the farm animals turned beach babes. "It could just be a horrible accident where they ate something poisonous," she said. "It could be malicious but I dont really see why someone would go out of their way to hurt those lovely animals. I know there are a lot of silly sailors that go and feed them alcohol to try and get them drunk but thats not to mistake them with the tour operators based out of Nassau who have treated them with excellent care."

We hope the dedicated investigators are able to get to the bottom of this tragedy and make sure justice in served. In the meantime, we will remember the too short lives of our four-hooved friends below.

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The Famous Pigs From The Bachelor Island Date Are Dying - Refinery29