Category Archives: Bahamas

11 Economies in Region Implemented Reforms

WASHINGTON, October 24, 2019 Economies in the Caribbean carried out a record 19 reforms over the past year to make it easier for domestic small and medium-size enterprises to do business, the World Bank Groups Doing Business 2020 study says.

Eleven of 16 Caribbean economies[1] implemented business-facilitating reforms. Puerto Rico (U.S.) and Jamaica were the regions top-ranked economies, ranking 65th and 71th globally.

It is encouraging to see that economies in the Caribbean have reinforced their reform agendas this year, said Santiago Croci Downes, Program Manager of the Doing Business Unit. However, there is still a long way to go to remove obstacles to entrepreneurship and boost economic growth in the region.

Improvements in the Caribbean were concentrated in starting a business, getting electricity, paying taxes and enforcing contracts.

With four reforms, the Bahamas implemented the most business-facilitating measures. The country made the process of starting a business faster and less expensive by reducing registration times for business licenses and value-added tax and by eliminating business registration fees. Authorities cut the time needed for an entrepreneur to complete all required formalities to start a new business in half to 11.5 days. The Bahamas also strengthened minority investor rights by increasing conflict-of-interest disclosure requirements, clarifying ownership and control structures, and requiring greater corporate transparency.

Barbados introduced three major reforms. Authorities deployed new software to process electrical connection applications, increased their stock of electrical material needed for connection works and started offering training programs for the electrical utilitys engineers. As a result, it takes 10 fewer days to connect a new warehouse to the electrical grid. Barbados also adopted a law regulating all aspects of mediation as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism.

Belize, Dominican Republic and Jamaica implemented two business-climate-improving reforms each. Belize enhanced its risk-based management system, reducing intrusive inspections and streamlining the clearance process for both exports and imports. As a result, compliance with import border requirements was accelerated to 30 hours from 48 hours.

The region performs best in the areas of starting a business and getting electricity. Jamaica is ranked 6th globally in the starting a business indicator. Connecting a new warehouse to the electrical grid costs 423.4% of income per capita on average in the region, half the global average of 1,049.8%.

However, many business regulations in the region remain cumbersome. No economy in the region has appeared among the worlds top 10 improvers in the last four years and no Caribbean economy ranks among the top 50 best places globally to do business. The region underperforms in the areas of registering property and getting credit. Registering a property in the Caribbean takes 90 days, almost twice the global average of 47 days. Only six of 16 of the regions economies have credit registries or credit bureaus.

The full study and its datasets are available atwww.doingbusiness.org

[1] The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominican Republic, The Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Puerto Rico (U.S), Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Surinam, and Trinidad and Tobago.

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Doing Business 2020: Caribbean Economies Continue to ...

100+ women entrepreneurs graduated from an infoDev-sponsored Acceleration Program

108 proud women entrepreneurs have graduated from the first Acceleration Program (AP) of the Women Innovators Network in the Caribbean (WINC). They represent a wide variety of sectors: retail, creative, cosmetology, baking, engineering, sports, and manufacturing.Aine Braithwaite (front center) together with the Grenada graduates. Reynaldo Bernard

When I heard about WINC AP, I thought it was an ideal opportunity for me to get the support I required to project my business in the direction I wanted it to go, said Sarah Lezama of Lezara Consultancy Services in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Acceleration Program, an initiative to support women entrepreneurs in the region who have high growth aspirations and potential, provided them with a wide range of support service to innovate their businesses, improve competitiveness, and boost their growth. It involved peer learning, personal development, focused mentoring and coaching, technical workshops, and motivational sessions powered by successful entrepreneur role models. Participants also walked away with a powerful women's business network that will serve them well beyond the life of the program.

Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it seems to take a village to run a successful business, said Barbados participant Malou Morgan. The relationships you form become your support system, and I'm really grateful to have met such an inspiring group of women who lifted me up and taught me a lot about myself.

Malou Morgan (front right) with Barbados 2016 AP Graduates. Malou Morgan

The initiative was part of the Entrepreneurship Program for Innovation in the Caribbean (EPIC), funded by the government of Canada and implemented by the World Bank Group and its infoDev program for entrepreneurship. It spanned 12 Caribbean countries: Antigua & Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts & Nevis, Suriname, and Trinidad &Tobago.

Thirteen infoDev-trained and -certified facilitators implemented the program, all of whom were also their countries United Nations Womens Entrepreneurship Day ambassadors. They strategized for the graduation ceremonies to take place regionwide on Womens Entrepreneurship Day in November, the ideal time to celebrate and honor the talented, growth-oriented businesswomen who took the plunge, made the sacrifice and committed eight months of intensive learning to advance their businesses.

The ceremonies took different forms and brought together politicians, diplomats, business leaders, and families and well-wishers of participants.

"Celebrating, supporting and empowering women is vital for business and communities to flourish and grow, commented Cecile Watson, facilitator for Jamaica and Womens Entrepreneurship Day regional ambassador. Today we come together as a network to achieve success to help and support female entrepreneurs everywhere.

Graduates had high praises for the program. 94% said their businesses had become more focused, and 48% noted an increase in business total sales during the period and attributed this improvement to their participation and learnings gained from the programme. 43% increased the number of employees, and almost 80% cited plans to add more paid staff in the short to medium term.

For valedictorian of the Trinidadian programme, Lavaughn Marin and owner of Marin Engineering Services Limited, WINC AP was extraordinary. In addition to learning new business practices and processes, she says she has learned the power of trusting her entrepreneurial instinct.

Aine Braithwaite, facilitator for Grenada, said that through the highly interactive peer learning sessions, the participants created their own dynamic ecosystem, benefiting from their shared talents and skills. The program also created a safe and comfortable space for women to share their experiences and ideas to develop themselves. A big problem with female entrepreneurs is confidence and self -esteem issues. It was amazing to see how the women transformed themselves, she said.

Her Excellency Carla Hogan Rufelds, Canadian High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago, celebrating the success of the AP Graduates and Facilitators. Michelle Low Chew Tung

The program also presented other significant opportunities due to networking. Marcella Jeremiah, one of the participants from Grenada, was empowered to enter a Youth Entrepreneurship competition which she won, enabling her to pitch her business at the United Nations in New York.

According to Trinidadian participant -Danielle Small of the Business Boutique, it has been a wonderful experience. The facilitators are excellent. The group of women are extremely supportive and have created a dynamic network. I have begun to implement many of the marketing strategies to help grow my business.

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Women Entrepreneurs from the Caribbean Soar to New Heights

When you think of the Caribbean, you think of white sand beaches, crystal clear calm turquoise waters, and a laid-back lifestyle. While it sounds idyllic, people can be slightly disappointed with their first visit to some Caribbean islands. Many islands can seem very expensive with old-fashioned hotels and often varied service levels compared to what you would get in other places. Infrastructure such as roads can be underdeveloped as well.

However, The Bahamas is very different from many of the Caribean islands. For a start, it's not actually part of the Caribbean in terms of geography as it's actually in the Atlantic. However, politically it is part of the Caribbean, as it is a member of CARICOM, the Caribbean Community.

Pastel coloured waterfront houses in Nassau

Entering the Bahamas is relatively straightforward, although there are some changes to be aware of. From 27 December, fully vaccinated travellers and children between the ages of 2 and 11 will require a negative COVID-19 test (either a Rapid Antigen Test or PCR), taken no more than three days (72 hours) prior to the date of arrival to The Bahamas. Unvaccinated travellers, aged 12 and over, must present a negative COVID 19 PCR test, taken no more than three days (72 hours) prior to the date of arrival to The Bahamas.

From 7 January, all travellers aged 2 and older must present a negative COVID 19 PCR test, taken no more than three days (72 hours) prior to the date of arrival to The Bahamas. You can check the current restrcitions on the Ministry of Tourisms website.

Many hotels in the Caribbean are smaller independent hotels with some larger hotels such as all-inclusive or chain options. The Bahamas has a wide range of sophisticated choices that are modern and well maintained. The latest resorts to be built include Baha Mar and Margaritaville.

Baha Mar Resort

The Baha Mar resort consists of a Grand Hyatt, Rosewood for those seeking the ultimate luxury retreat, and an SLS Hotel, which is more aimed at the luxury party crowd. All the resorts are connected around a casino, golf course and water park, but each hotel has its own pool and beach areas. The hotel is more reminiscent of a Vegas resort than the usual Caribbean hotel. Rooms are very modern and luxurious with friendly and efficient service. Being grouped together gives guests 40 restaurants, bars, and cafes on the resort to choose from, such as the beautiful decor and tasty food of the Shuang Ba Chinese restaurant.

Grand Hyatt Baha Mar pool

Another large resort is the original Atlantis Resort, built before the Atlantis the Palm in Dubai. While many may think of this resort as more suited to families, there is actually a gorgeous adults-only hotel within the resort. The Cove has all-suite accommodation and an adults-only pool for peace and quiet. This gives the best of both worlds as you can retreat to the Cove to relax but have all the Atlantis attractions a few minutes' walk away.

The Cove adults only pool at Atlantis Bahamas

In addition, the resort offers a water park, aquarium, casino, snorkeling in a man-made lagoon, and many high-end restaurants such as Nobu, Todd English's Olives, and Fish by Jose Andres.

The Cove Azure Suite at Atlantis Bahamas

The boutique hotel and restaurant Graycliff in Nassau is at the opposite end of the spectrum. This historic colonial mansion is set in lush tropical gardens with 18 classically decorated guest rooms, two swimming pools, and Graycliff Restaurant the Caribbean's first 5-star restaurant. The building was once an 18th-century pirates headquarters! Even if you don't fancy staying here, you must try one of their wine lunches or dinners if you love fine dining and wine.

One of the gorgeous mosiac pools at the historic Graycliff Nassau

The hotel has the world's fourth-largest wine cellar with over 250,000 bottles from over 5000 vintners in 20 countries. So if you don't fancy a full meal there, you can also do a wine and cheese pairing with a cellar tour. Also onsite is their own winery, a chocolate factory, and a cigar factory. Also in Nassau, the Queens Staircase or 66 Steps are surrounded by lush gardens and take you to Fort Fincastle.

If nature is more your thing, you can visit the Exumas by plane or boat to see the famous swimming pigs and enjoy the deserted white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. The Exumas are made up of 365 islands, and besides the legendary pigs, there is also the Chat & Chill Beach bar only accessible by boat, underwater caves for snorkeling, and nurse sharks to see.

Swimming pigs of the Bahamas in the Out Islands of the Exuma

If you fancy something with less traveling, you can swim with pigs in several locations, including the private island, Rose Island with the Sandy Toes experience. Only around 30 minutes by boat from Nassau, the island provides all modern facilities for a day visit, such as full bathroom facilities and freshwater showers, shaded areas, lunch, and even a hammock garden!

The Bahamas is now easier to visit from the UK as Virgin Atlantic recently introduced flights to the Bahamas from Heathrow, joining British Airways who offer flights from London Gatwick. Virgin Atlantic offers a twice-weekly on the airline's Boeing 787-9 aircraft with their iconic onboard bar in Upper Class. British Airways flies six times a week on their Boeing 777, which features the new Club Suite on certain flights, although currently, this is subject to change, so it's best not to book based on seat or aircraft type.

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Why The Bahamas May Be The Right Caribbean Vacation For You - Forbes

President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Dr Hyginus Gene Leon has pledged to continue supporting priority reforms to advance holistic development in The Bahamas with infrastructure, education and digital transformation among the areas for immediate attention.

Dr Leon recently made his first official trip to The Bahamas, where he discussed several high priority policy issues with Prime Minister, the Honourable Philip Davis and Financial Secretary, Mr. Simon Wilson.

Areas identified for support and collaboration include infrastructure, renewable energy, education, health, water, digitalisation, and transportation. President Leon also utilised the opportunity to discuss ways to boost private sector involvement in key development initiatives in The Bahamian archipelago.

The CDB President noted that, This timely visit of our delegation to The Bahamas provides the opportunity to solidify our longstanding relationship and determine how the CDB can best support the Governments ongoing reform efforts to enhance the economic, social and environmental resilience of The Bahamas. We also got a first-hand account from senior officials of the solid progress and impact that ongoing CDB-financed projects are having in various communities.

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The CDB delegation included Vice-President of Operations, Mr Isaac Solomon and Director of the Projects Department, Mr Daniel Best. The team also held meetings with Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training, the Honourable Glenys Hanna-Martin and with senior officials and technocrats of the Ministry for the Environment and Natural Resources and the Ministry of Public Works, respectively.

The CDB officials also met with the Chairman of the Bahamas Development Bank, Senator the Honourable Quinton Lightbourne, to discuss ways to strengthen collaboration to help advance the Governments reform priorities. A CDB technical team is planning a follow-up mission early in 2022 to update the country engagement strategy and discuss, in further detail, proposals identified as priority projects during the visit.

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CDB Commits to Supporting Priority Areas of Reform in the Bahamas - St. Lucia News From The Voice - The Voice St. Lucia

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Doctors Hospital Bahamas (DHBL) and the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore opportunities for collaboration to their mutual benefit.

The MOU, valid for a period of five years initially, outlines a number of potential collaborations between the two organizations.

DHHS President and CEO Dr Charles Diggiss said:At DHHS (Doctors Hospital Health System), we believe in the concept of upskilling, certification and continuing education.

We look at this opportunity to partner and collaborate with BTVI as a way to both improve and upskill our associates and to provide internship opportunities for BTVI students and attachment and observership opportunities to BTVI instructors.

We see this as a mutually beneficial arrangement with the potential for a lasting impact on both parties.

We see great value in our students and faculty having the ability to intern in a fast-paced and ever-evolving institution such as DHHS.

BTVI President Dr Robert Robertson

BTVI President Dr Robert Robertson said: We are excited to partner with DHHS in this endeavor. Doctors Hospital has a goal of being the best place to work in The Bahamas and we believe we can assist by providing opportunities for upskilling.

Likewise, we see great value in our students and faculty having the ability to intern in a fast-paced and ever-evolving institution such as DHHS.

Some of the collaborations outlined in the MOU include upskilling and training for DHBL associates; development of a Facilities Management program and other allied health certification programs; a rebranded Technical Cadet program for Grand Bahama; internship and job placement opportunities for BTVI students and alumni; and attachments and observerships for BTVI instructors and staff.

Senior VP of Human Resources and IOL Aubynette Rolle said:As DHHS expands its educational offerings through the launch of Doctors Hospital the Institute of Learning, we are looking for every opportunity to bolster the qualifications of our team of associates.

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EDUCATION AND HEALTHCARE COMING TOGETHER: Doctors Hospital and BTVI sign MOU - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Minister of Education Glenys Hanna-Martin said yesterday that she is awaiting the recommendations and advice of the Ministry of Health and its experts on the reopening of schools.

This comes amid a surge of coronavirus cases that are thought to be the result of the more transmissible omicron COVID variant.

The government had hoped to return to face-to-face learning in a hybrid model in the new year, but Eyewitness News understands high-level discussions were ongoing with stakeholders about the surge of cases and the threat to students.

If it (the advice) represents a change, we will have to make an announcement, but we have not been given that advice, Hanna-Martin told Eyewitness News.

The Ministry of Education is in dialogue with the Ministry of Health on the issue of the reopening of school and we expect that advice by tomorrow (today).

If the advice goes in a particular direction, we will make a statement, but we have to see what the advice is.

Right now, we are aiming to open, but there are a lot of cases, so we have to see what their advice is.

When contacted, Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT) President Belinda Wilson said she will await any announcement before commenting.

Schools were expected to open on January 11.

The government has stressed the importance of returning students to the classrooms as an estimated 15,000 students were either not participating or not consistently logging onto the virtual learning platforms.

Right now, we are aiming to open, but there are a lot of cases, so we have to see what their advice is.

Minister of Education Glenys Hanna-Martin

Samples have been sent to Panama to determine whether The Bahamas is being impacted by the omicron variant, however, government officials and health experts believe the spike in cases is indicative of the variant and the beginning of a fourth wave.

Last week, Hanna-Martin said she would hate for anything to interfere with students returning to the classroom as its their future and the hope of humanity going forward at risk.

At the time and before the spike in cases, which peaked at 330 on Christmas Day, Hanna-Martin said: Were moving full speed ahead to open the schools.

Diagnostic testing was planned for each student to assess their standing academically and whether there have been learning gaps.

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WHAT ABOUT HYBRID LEARNING?: MOE and MOH discussing whether to reopen schools amid surge - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) has revealed plans to lead engagements with industry stakeholders as well as national public consultation on the introduction of 5G technology in 2022.

Additionally, the regulator said it plans to assess the feasibility of a third mobile operator.

The regulator, in its 2022 draft annual plan, noted: The promotion of investment and innovation in electronic communications networks and services and the optimal use of radio spectrum are among the main policy objectives of the electronic communications sector (ECS).

Fifth Generation (5G) technology is the next phase of technological revolution, motivated by artificial intelligence, big data, smart technology and the creation of smart cities.

URCA

The global push toward digital transformation is stimulating the current wave of innovation and investment in the telecommunications industry.

Fifth Generation (5G) technology is the next phase of technological revolution, motivated by artificial intelligence, big data, smart technology and the creation of smart cities.

In small island developing states (SIDS), like The Bahamas, this paradigm shift requires a national commitment.

The regulator said that in 2022, it will lead engagements with stakeholders onthe issue.

The national public consultation will be guided by, inter alia, the specific demand for 5G services in The Bahamas and the different roles/types of 5G services in relation to the current 4G/LTE mobile services.

Through this public engagement process, URCA will seek to determine the potential use cases of advanced mobile services, inclusive of 5G for the government, businesses and end users; the geographic locations within The Bahamas where these advanced mobile services are needed; and the investment in the infrastructure required to facilitate 5G services.

The regulator said it will also assess the feasibility of a third mobile operator.

As set out in the electronic communications sector policy, the government of The Bahamas will consider whether further liberalization of the mobile telephone market should be undertaken in the form of a third mobile operator, URCA said.

The policy requires that URCA provide advice and recommendations to the government on this matter, including a feasibility and market analysis to support any recommendations made.

As this assessment is reliant on the information that will come out of the ongoing market review of mobile phone services, the feasibility assessment will begin once the mobile market review is completed.

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TECH UPGRADE ON THE AGENDA: URCA to assess 5G and feasibility of third mobile operator in 2022 - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Several major holiday events have had to be canceled or postponed and refunds issued after the government implemented additional COVID-19 protocols for gatherings amidst an uptick in COVID-19 cases.

On Sunday, the Ministry of Health advised it will not approve any large gatherings and suspended all current approvals.

Organizers of events planned for Boxing Day, such as the popular Lite Vibes and One Blood XXL All-Inclusive Old School Reggae Party, advised patrons of postponement and assured that tickets will be honored.

Meanwhile, upcoming events for New Years Day such as Hides New Years Brunch, the Corporations NYE Event and Alpha Sounds Emerge have also had to make similar statements to their supporters, advising of expeditious refunds.

A local event is canceled due to new health protocols introduced amid spread of the new omicron COVID-19 variant.

A local event is canceled due to new health protocols introduced amid spread of the new omicron COVID-19 variant.

A local event is canceled due to new health protocols introduced amid spread of the new omicron COVID-19 variant.

A local event is canceled due to new health protocols introduced amid spread of the new omicron COVID-19 variant.

According to the latest protocols, gatherings with more than 30 people outdoors and 20 people indoors will not be permitted until further notice.

The restrictions, however, do not apply to gatherings at hotels, confirmed Latrae Rahming, director of communications in the Office of the Prime Minister.

The government is reviewing all activities that can result in the potential spread of omicron COVID-19, he told Eyewitness News.

The COVID-19 task force is looking to identify additional measures to slow down the current spread of COVID-19.

Minister of Health & Wellness Dr Michael Darville

We approached different categories of events differently. All are currently under assessment or review.

The COVID-19 task force is looking to identify additional measures to slow down the current spread of COVID-19 The situation remains extremely fluid.

Atlantis is expected to host a major concert on New Years Day featuring renowned music artist Doja Cat.

The Bahamas recorded a record number of COVID-19 cases in a single day over the weekend, with 330 cases confirmed on Christmas Day, taking the number of cases in the country to 23,960.

Health officials advised that 320 new infections were confirmed on New Providence, three on Grand Bahama, and one each on Abaco, Eleuthera, Exuma, and Andros; while three infections have locations pending.

The number of active cases up to Saturday stood at 1,294, though hospitalizations were relatively low with just 19 cases.

In a statement on Sunday, Minister of Health Dr Michael Darville said the government will announce details for the rollout of free COVID-19 testing on New Providence and also provide details regarding the distribution of free medical-grade masks.

Darville echoed warnings from the prime minister last week that activities that were relatively safe just last week are no longer safe.

He noted that while it was a difficult decision to not allow the Christmas carnival to open, it was the right one.

The health minister further advised that the government is finalizing technical guidance for businesses, churches and others to improve ventilation and air filtration.

The omicron virus is rewriting the rules. It is very, very easy to catch, he said.

But that doesnt mean giving up there are lots of steps you can do to protect yourselves and your families.

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PARTY POOPER: Holiday events canceled as health protocols change amid spike in COVID cases - EyeWitness News

Just six games into the Syracuse Orange womens basketball season, it seemed like an open and shut case. Acting head coach Vonn Read would stay on for the remainder of the season and be replaced by a new, permanent leader.

But now, after Syracuses surprising success over the last month, the acting head coachs future isnt so cut and dry.

Read was appointed acting head coach on August 4, just three months ahead of the 2021-22 season. The program was in turmoil after losing a mind-boggling 11 players to the transfer portal in the weeks after the 2020-21 season came to an end. Then, in late June, a damning story from The Athletic shed light on why those players left: shockingly rude, egocentric, and inappropriate behavior from then-head coach Quentin Hillsman.

On August 2, Hillsman resigned after a 15-year stint running the program. His replacement, Read, had been named the associate head coach in 2013 on the staff since the 2011-12 season. There is little doubt that he had a front-row seat to much of the abuse throughout the nine years where he and Hillsman coached together.

Still, there was nowhere else to go. It was too close to the upcoming season to bring in an entirely new coaching staff. It seemed like Read would serve as a sort of lame-duck coach with a roster cobbled together with transfers and very few expectations. After a winless trip to the Bahamas, which included a loss to Buffalo, coached by former Orange standout Felisha Legette-Jack, the team could have quit on its coach. At 2-4, Syracuse and Read looked destined to take their lumps with the goal of merely finishing the season.

Instead, they havent lost since.

The Orange are in the midst of a six-game winning streak, which includes a win against No. 18 Ohio State and a 40-point shellacking of ACC foe Clemson.

Syracuse currently sits in the First Four Out of ESPNs latest bracketology, in a position where not even its most optimistic fans saw them being after the Bahamas. If the Orange continue to win against ACC competition, they could, against all odds, find themselves in the Field of 68.

But winning also creates a problem for John Wildhack: What do you do with Read? He was brought in to stem the tide, hence the acting head coach title. At first, it seems simple. If he continues to win, make him the permanent head coach.

Yet its not that simple. Winning isnt everything. Hillsman was the winningest coach in womens program history, but he built a toxic culture. Read, simply by association, is a part of that culture. Now, no one except the players and coaches knows what happens in the locker room, but this team had a chance to quit on their coach. Instead, they havent lost in a month.

The scars of the Hillsman era still cut deep. How will Read sell the program and himself to recruits that know he was part of Hillsmans staff for such a long time? If Syracuse does decide to hire him on a full-time, does that mean they are downplaying those events? Appearances-wise, thats sort of what it implies.

Going in a different direction could mean starting from scratch for a second straight season. It has the chance of undoing Reads recruiting work (if and where applicable) and could send the existing roster scrambling toward the transfer portal.

All of this makes for a fascinating next couple of months. The Syracuse athletic department wants its teams to be successful, they want to win. But with every victory the Orange tacks on in ACC play, the waters get murkier. Does Wildhack really want to hang onto Read? Probably not. But if Syracuse defies expectations and keeps winning, what choice does he have here, especially as it pertains to the current roster?

Indeed, its almost a no-win situation. Fair or unfair, Read is a figurehead of the Hillsman years, but hiring someone new will likely lead to more upheaval in the short term. Its a decision that might give Wildhack some sleepless nights, regardless of which way he plays this.

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Syracuse womens basketball: The Vonn Read Dilemma - Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician

To see all of our 2021 Swammy Awards,click here.

Joanna Evans of the Bahamas wins the 2021 Swammy Award for Central American and Caribbean Female Swimmer of the Year. Evans competed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, the 2021 FINA World Championships, and the 2021 International Swimming League regular and playoff seasons.

At the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, Evans placed 13th in the 400 meter freestyle in 4:07.50, just missing the National Record of 4:07.33 that she set in May 2021 at the Longhorn Elite Invite. Evans went on to place 18th in the prelims of the 200 meter freestyle, posting a 1:58.40, just 0.37 off her own 2018 National Record.

Evans was a vital member of the DC Trident during the 2021 ISL regular season and playoffs. As the ISL is a very sprint-oriented competition venue, many teams find themselves lacking in middle-distance specialists. Evans, however, stepped up for the Trident in the 200 and 400 freestyles, lowering the Bahamian National Record in the 200 freestyle first in Match 1 with a 1:56.63. Later, in Match 4, Evans brought the record down to 1:56.37, which she followed up with a 1:55.70 from the ISL death match (Naples Match 11) that saw DC win its first-ever ISL match and earn a spot in the semifinals. Later, in Playoff Match 1, Evans posted a 1:55.43, and a week later a 1:54.98 in Playoff Match 3. In Playoff Match 5, Evans lowered the record once again to a 1:54.36, the record that stands today.

Evans similarly lowered the Bahamian National Record in the 400 SCM freestyle multiple times during the 2021 ISL season, first posting a 4:04.48 in the regular season Match 1 in Naples. It is worth noting that Evans technically also broke the National Record in the 200 freestyle at the halfway mark during this swim, flipping in a 2:00.75. The following day, however, in the individual 200 freestyle, Evans would take this Record down to a 1:56.63. In Match 4, Evans lowered the mark to a 4:03.38, and then took it down to a 4:02.12 in Match 5. In the death match, Match 11 in Naples, Evans won the 400 freestyle in 4:00.14, winning by more than 2 seconds.

At the 2021 FINA World Championships, Evans became just the second Bahamian swimmer ever to advance to a short course world championships finalthe only other being Arianna Vanderpool-Wallace who won bronze in the 50 freestyle at the 2011 version of the meet. Evans advanced to the final in both the 200 and 400 freestyles, ultimately finishing 8th in the 200 freestyle 7th in the 400 freestyle. Evans just missed her own National Records in each final in Abu Dhabi.

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2021 Swammy Awards: Joanna Evans is CAC Female Swimmer of the Year 2021 Swammy Awards: Joanna Evans is CAC Female Swimmer of the Year - SwimSwam