Category Archives: Bahamas

The 2021 NCAA Football FBS Bowl Season is here!

Schools that have battled hard during the regular season are reawrded with an extra game at may locations across the country, including some fun and entertaining vacation spots.

The action begins on Friday with a couple of intriguing matchups, including the reigning MAC Champions.

Northern Illinois Huskies vs. Coastal Carolina Chanticleers

The Huskies come into the 14th bowl game in program history, and first under third-year head coach Thomas Hammock. The Huskies are coming off of their first MAC Championship since 2018 after a solid 8-4 regular season, and a win over the Kent State Golden Flashes in the conference title game. In 2021, NIU went 3-2 in non-conference action, including a win over ACC-opponent Georgia Tech.

After grabbing national attention during the 2020 season, the Chanticleers are coming into their second consecutive FBS bowl game. Last year, they fell in the Cure Bowl to the surging Liberty Flames. Coastal had another solid regular season, going 10-2 overall, but a a pair of conference losses kept them from repeating as Sun Belt champions.

This will be the first time the two schools have ever met on the gridiron.

Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders vs. Toledo Rockets

The Toledo Rockets are coming into their 19th bowl game in program history, and first since their initial trip to the Bahamas Bowl in 2018. That game saw Toledo fall to Floridal International, and was part of three-year losing streak in bowl games for Toledo. In 2021, the Rockets went 7-5 during the regular season, falling just a game short of a MAC Championship berth.

Mid Tenn State is also coming to their first bowl game since 2018, and ninth under head coach Rick Stockstill. Dating back to the Motor City Bowl in 2006, the Blue Raiders are 2-6 in bowl games, including a 45-31 loss to the Western Michigan Broncos in the 2015 Bahamas Bowl. This season, the Raiders went 6-6 overall, and 4-4 in Conference USA action.

This will also be the two schools first game against each other in football.

For the full 2021 NCAA Bowl Schedule, check out ESPN.com

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2021 College Football Bowl Games on December 17 - Bahamas and Cure Bowl | Kickoffs, How to Watch - MLive.com

The Bahamas is one of the top destinations for American travelers over the holiday season, who are lured to the Atlantic archipelagomade up of more than 700 islands and 2,400 caysby crystal clear waters and stunning natural beauty.

Like the rest of the world, the Bahamas has been affected by the COVID pandemic and the U.S. State Department has issued a Level 3 Travel Advisory for the country, indicting that Americans should reconsider travel there due to COVID.The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also issued a Level 3 notice, indicting a "high level" of COVID in the Bahamas. The agency recommends getting fully vaccinated before traveling to the country and urges Americans to avoid non-essential travel there.

If you decide you would still like to visit the Bahamas this holiday season, it is important to know that the Bahamian government has implemented certain travel restrictions to minimize the spread of COVID.

Currently, U.S. citizens are permitted to enter the Bahamas, but must adhere to testing protocols that differ depending on an individual's vaccination status.

Fully vaccinated travelers are required to obtain a negative COVID test (either a rapid antigen test or a PCR) taken no more than five days prior to the date of arrival to the Bahamas.

Fully vaccinated individuals who want to move between islands in the Bahamas will also need a negative rapid antigen test result taken no more than five days before the date of travel.

All children aged between 2 and 11 years old are required to obtain a negative COVID test (either a rapid antigen or PCR) taken no more than five days prior to the date of arrival to the Bahamas.

Children under the age of 2 years are exempt from testing requirements.

Unvaccinated travelers who are aged 12 and older will need a negative PCR test result obtained no more than five days prior to the date of arrival in The Bahamas.

Unvaccinated people traveling inter-island within the Bahamas from the capital Nassau, Paradise Island and Grand Bahama Island are required to obtain a negative PCR test taken no more than five days prior to the date of travel and present it to the operator of the airline or vessel on which they are traveling.

Unvaccinated people traveling inter-island from any other location in the country aside from those listed above will only require a negative result from a rapid antigen test.

Aside from these testing requirements, all travelers to the Bahamas will need to apply for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa at travel.gov.bs. People aged over 18 are required to complete an individual application, while those aged 17 and under can be added to the application of their parent or guardian.

All travelers will also be required to opt in to COVID health insurance that will cover them for the duration of their stay in the Bahamas. The cost of this insurance is included in the application fee for the Bahamas Travel Health Visa.

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The Bahamas COVID Travel Restrictions Explained Ahead of the Holiday Season - Newsweek

Video Promoting the Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park Honoured as Best in The Americas

NASSAU, Bahamas, Dec. 13, 2021 /CNW/ -- The Islands of The Bahamas have been recognized by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as a best-in-class example of destinations harnessing the power of tourism for sustainable development. The country received the top honour for The Americas region in the 'Tourism and the Decade of Action" category of the 2021 UNWTO Tourism Video Competition, with a winning entry that put a spotlight on the Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park.

(PRNewsfoto/Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & A)

"It is with great pride that I celebrate this exceptional recognition from the United Nations World Tourism Organization," said Deputy Prime Minster The Honourable I. Chester Cooper, Bahamas Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation. "I can say with much certainty that The Exumas is one of the most beautiful places on earth and a top destination for visitors coming to The Bahamas. The preservation efforts undertaken at the Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park are critically important in ensuring future generations can enjoy the natural magnificence of this area and all of The Bahamas."

The 'Tourism and the Decade of Action' category sought out remarkable examples of countries using film and promotional videos to directly or indirectly highlight one or more of the 17 Global Goals outlined in UNWTO's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The video about the Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park is one of the signature experiences highlighted in a collection of enriching stories on Bahamas.com. Shot on location, it is a visually breathtaking two and half minute boat tour that introduces viewers to the park's extraordinary geography and biodiversity and encapsulates The Bahamas' longtime commitment to preserving and protecting its natural resources, while promoting responsible and sustainable tourism.

"This competition was designed to recognize the top visual storytellers from every global region, and so it is a great honor for our work to be named among the very best," said Joy Jibrilu, Director General, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation. "There are so many aspects of tourism that are important to promote, but to be lauded for our sustainability efforts among such a distinctive global community is particularly rewarding."

Story continues

ABOUT THE BAHAMAS With over 700 islands and cays and 16 unique island destinations, The Bahamas lies just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, offering an easy fly away escape that transports travellers away from their everyday. The Islands of The Bahamas offer world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of the earth's most spectacular water and beaches waiting for families, couples and adventurers. Explore all the islands have to offer at http://www.bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram.

PRESS INQUIRIESAnita Johnson-PattyGeneral Manager, Global CommunicationsBahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviationajohnson@bahamas.com

Weber ShandwickPublic RelationsBahamas@webershandwick.com

Cision

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SOURCE Bahamas Ministry of Tourism

Cision

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THE BAHAMAS NAMED A WINNER IN THE 2021 UNWTO TOURISM VIDEO COMPETITION - Yahoo Finance

NASSAU, BAHAMAS When we think of climate change, the resilience of our health system and its facilities may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, it is one of the most critical aspects of ensuring that The Bahamas is able to adapt to the inevitable changes that climate change will bring.

The health sector has an opportunity to be a leader in the push for adaptation to climate change, according to Brittney Jones, Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) Bahamas, Turks and Caicos health and climate change and health focal point consultant.

The PAHO/WHO Country Office is working towards ensuring that The Bahamas has the tools and technical guidance it needs to support adaptations to its health system, and services for the benefit of its residents.

Climate change is one of the biggest global health threats of the 21st Century, according to PAHO/WHO. Healthcare facilities need to be safe and remain operational during and immediately after disasters. Current lessons from Hurricane Dorian are poignant reminders of the dire need for health facilities that are prepared for climate change.

The health sector has an opportunity to be a leader in the charge of climate action by strengthening plans and implementing prevention and adaptation strategies, Jones said.

Climate change intensifies some existing health threats and is therefore an urgent public health concern.

PAHO/WHOs Climate Change and Health Program notes that the health sector will continue to be affected by the changing climate through direct impacts, including heatwaves, droughts, heavy storms and sea level rise. The Bahamas is one of the most vulnerable countries to sea level rise.

Analyst T Oneil Johnson Jr warned that The Bahamas is at risk of losing 80 percent of its landmass in the next eight decades with the current pace of global warming. There are also indirect impacts to the health sector, including vector-borne and respiratory diseases, food and water insecurity, undernutrition and forced displacements.

PAHO/WHOs Climate Change and Health Program is supporting the health sector and other sectors to prepare health systems through early warning systems, better planning and the implementation of prevention and adaptation measures, and also by reducing the emissions of gases that cause climate change.

Although small island developing states like The Bahamas contribute minimally to the global issue of climate change, we are not exempt from our responsibilities to evaluate our carbon emissions and take adaptive and mitigative action, she said.

PAHO/WHO has established the Agenda for the Americas on Health, Environment and Climate Change 20212030. The agenda is a call to action to the health sector to lead the charge to address environmental determinants of health in the Americas.

PAHO/WHO will work with member states like The Bahamas to achieve its goal and objective to ensure healthy lives. It also seeks to promote well-being for all at all ages using a sustainable and equitable approach that places a priority on reducing health inequity.

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Climate change and health in The Bahamas Eye Witness News - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, Bahamas, Dec. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- IICA recently sponsored a television appearance featuring the Minister of AgricultureMarine Resources and Family Island Affairs, Hon. Clay Sweeting on the international TV Show "Agro America." Sweeting discussed the importance of mitigating climate change, modernizing the farming industry, partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and the positive impact it will have on the economy. The Bahamas is the first Caribbean country to join the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate Change.

"COP 26 was monumental from the various events hosted on the side as well as the Prime Minister's speech calling for the grave concern for action regarding safeguarding small island developing states such as The Bahamas," said Sweeting.

He also explained that The Bahamas is ranked in the top 10 most vulnerable countries to climate change. Yet on a positive note, the air quality has been tested as the purest in the World. The Bahamas can do its part in assisting with climate change and hold larger countries accountable for contributions to the changes and to ensure that humane actions are taken to protect more vulnerable countries. The minister recently conducted an Island Tour of the various farms throughout The Bahamas. The ministry is finding a more modernized and commercial way of showcasing the importance of farming especially with the younger generation in supporting themselves. In doing this the Minister has promoted a public campaign to engage Bahamians from all walks of life to conduct their own backyard farming and advance self-sustainability in The Bahamas.

Sweeting introduced the "Agrix" app that is intended to enhance the exchange information between farmers, extension officers and other stakeholders throughout the agricultural sector. The IICA partnered with the ministry of Agriculture for a pilot project to develop ICT application to support the work of extension and advisory services in The Bahamas.

In sponsoring the AgroMas program, The Bahamas IICA Representative Mari Dunleavy stated, "IICA strongly supports the Minister's efforts to increase agribusiness opportunities, self-sustainability, and a heightened awareness of climate issues in The Bahamas.I was pleased we were able to highlight The Bahamas priorities in these areas internationally and applaud Minister Sweeting's initiatives. Minister Sweeting's interview on Brazil's national TV show was so well received that I believe the segment will be replayed again this week."

Contact:Travis Edgecombe242-813-8397[emailprotected]

SOURCE Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA)

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The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) Continues To Support The Bahamas in its Efforts to Advance and Enhance the...

The 2021 Bahamas Bowl is featuring the Middle Tennessee Blue Raider and the Toledo Rockets. Middle Tennessee finished the regular season at 6-6, just making it to bowl eligibility. Whereas the Rockets of Toledo ended the regular season 7-5. The Blue Raiders went 4-4 in Conference USA, with a back and forth season, barely able to get any momentum going. It was a similar story in Toledo with the Rockets going 5-3 in the MAC. This will be both teams second trip to the Bahamas but the first shot at playing each other.

The game is being played in Nassau, the Bahamas on Friday, December 16th at noon eastern time. Toledo enters the game as a 10-point favorite. The Blue Raiders appeared in the Bahamas Bowl in 2015, losing to Western Michigan 45-31. Middle Tennessee then went on to lose two of the next three bowl appearances and havent appeared in a bowl game since the 2018 loss in the New Orleans Bowl. 2018 was also the Blue Raiders last winning season. Finishing 2019 and 2020 below .500. They are looking to get back on track this year against a tough C-USA opponent. Toledo also had its last bowl appearance in 2018. The Rockets lost a close game to Florida International in the Bahamas Bowl. However, unlike Middle Tennessee, Toledo hasnt had a losing season since 2009.

Something that both teams have in common? Both are gracious for the opportunity to play in the Bahamas. Both coaches shared these sentiments on Wednesday. Toledo head coach Jason Candle stated, Many of our players will never have the opportunity to leave the country and what a great way to do it at such a very influential time in their lifeThis is unlike any bowl game or any experience you can have playing a college football game. This is very unique Middle Tennessee head coach, Rick Stockstill echoed Candle, stating, Not everybody gets to do this. Like CJ and Reed said, most of our team had never been out of their hometowns. Now, to be able to come out of the country, its a very humbling experience. In the ever-changing landscape of college football, it is refreshing to see this take on a bowl game experience.

The defenses for both teams have been the shining spot in an up and down season. While both offenses have had their moments, it is the defenses that have held steady (for the most part). Even though Toledos offense leads the nation in the fewest turnovers, the quarterback play has been spotty. For Middle Tennessee, its quarterback, Chase Cunningham, went down with a season-ending leg injury against Southern Miss. Young quarterbacks Nicholas Vattatio and Mike DiLiello will lead the Blue Raiders in the Bahamas.

Jamal Hines (Linebacker) First Team All-MAC; team leader in tackles for loss (14.5) and sacks (9.5)

Tycen Anderson (Defensive Back) First Team All-MAC; one forced fumble

Samuel Womack (Defensive Back) First Team All-MAC; MAC leader with 14 passes defended

DeQuan Finn (Quarterback) 1,862 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, one interception

Bryant Koback (Running Back) leads MAC with 15 rushing touchdowns and 18 total touchdowns

Reed Blankenship (Safety) First Team All-C-USA; leads C-USA in total tackles with 106

Quincy Riley (Defensive Back) First Team All-C-USA; leads NCAA in interceptions (five) and interception return yards (153)

This is an interesting matchup, Toledo leads the nation in the fewest turnovers, but Middle Tennessee has the nations leader in interceptions. The Blue Raiders are looking to get to a winning season again, but Toledo wants to keep its three-game win streak alive. Both defenses will likely come out tough and it will come down to which offense can consistently move the ball downfield. In the end, Toledo has the edge with all-around consistency on both sides of the ball.

Courtesy of the Bahamas Bowl.

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2021 Bahamas Bowl: What to Know - Last Word on Baseball

After signing a multi-year agreement to become the online sports betting partner of Island luck, B2B provider of sports betting services, Kambi Group, has announced its launch into the Bahamas.

The declaration was made in a recent social media post, with the hashtag #weknowwhatittakes.Island Luck will utilise Kambis sports betting and technology services to revamp its own sportsbook in aims to offer an upgraded online betting experience.

"As a local market leader in The Bahamas, Island Luck is a perfect fit for Kambi and we look forward to working closely with their team to deliver an industry-leading sports betting experience to its players."Sebas Bastian, Island Luck CEO, said: "Our sports product is a significant, strategic and important vertical for our group and after considerable research, it was evident that a strategic partnership with Kambi, a global leader in the sportsbook space, was the right decision for us."

This month has been busy for Kambi, as it has expanded its reach recently with Sportradar for a five-year extension of its partnership.

The deal aims to support Sportradar's position as Kambis exclusive supplier of NBA, NHL, MBA and college sports data in the US market.

Last month, Kambi additionally signed a multi-year partnership agreement with Desert Diamond Casinos, a tribal operator in Arizona.

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With a little bit of Island Luck, Kambi expands into the Bahamas - Gambling Insider

NASSAU, BAHAMAS The Bahamas was successfully re-elected to the IMO Council for the period 2022-2023, securing the fifth-highest number of votes (out of 27 contestants) for Category C, which currently has a membership of 20 IMO member states.

This achievement demonstrates the confidence the IMO member states have in the collaborative approach, positive contribution and proactive engagement of The Bahamas in the international regulatory process.

The achievement comes as a result of the competence and experience of the personnel of the Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA) and other Bahamas governmental agencies.

The IMO Council, which currently comprises a total of 40 member states in all categories, is the executive organ of the IMO and is responsible for supervising the work of the IMO between sessions of the IMO Assembly.

A reform is ongoing with a resolution adopted to:

The Bahamas role on this strategic body reaffirms its commitment to the organizations objective of safe, secure and efficient shipping on cleaner oceans.

Of equal importance is that it enables Bahamian ship owners to have an active voice in, and access to, the process for effective and practical regulations.

Captain Dwain Hutchinson, managing director and CEO of the Bahamas Maritime Authority, said: We are honored by the trust of the IMO member states, who we thank for their support of The Bahamas re-election to the IMO Council.

Our membership is recognition of the dedication and commitment of the Bahamas government through the Ministry of Transport, Bahamas High Commission, Attorney Generals Office, other national departments/agencies and, of course, the entire team at the BMA who represent The Bahamas shipping industry.

The BMA looks forward to continuing to effectively represent The Bahamas and be an active voice for our ship owners and other strategic partners.

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Bahamas re-elected to IMO Council Eye Witness News - EyeWitness News

San Juan, Puerto Rico, to remain as pageant host once contestants reconvene for competitionOnly when contestants and staff are cleared by health officials and advisors will contestants and related staff return to their home countries

NASSAU, BAHAMAS The Miss Bahamas Organization (MBO) yesterday regrettably advised of the postponement of the 2021 Miss World pageant, as announced by the Miss World Organization (MWO) earlier in the day.

MWO announced in a statement that the finale has been postponed due to health and safety interest of contestants, staff, crew and the general public, and that the pageant finale will be held within the next 90 days at the Puerto Rico Coliseum Jose Miguel Agrelot, the venue where it was originally to be held on the evening of December 16.

In its statement, MWO advised that after meeting with the virologists and medical experts hired to oversee the Miss World 2021 event and discussing with the Puerto Rico Health Department, the decision has been made by the organizers of the event to postpone the globally broadcast finale at the Puerto Rico Coliseum Jose Miguel Agrelot to be held within the next 90 days.

It is unfortunate that we have to postpone the final, however, we are optimistic that whoever and however the new queen is crowned will be for the absolute best.

Miss World Bahamas 2021 Sienna Evans

As of yesterday, additional safety measures were implemented in the best interest of the contestants, production team and spectators, understanding the event increased risks on the stage and in the dressing room. However, after additional positive cases were confirmed yesterday morning after consulting with health officials and experts, the postponement decision was made.

The next step, according to the medical experts, is immediate quarantine, pending observation and further testing according to best practices in situations like this.

Once and only when contestants and staff are cleared by health officials and advisors will contestants and related staff return to their home countries.

CEO of Miss World Ltd Julia Morley said: We are very much looking forward to the return of our contestants, whom we have grown to know and love, to compete for the Miss World crown.

Puerto Rico offers a safe environment and a spectacular backdrop for filming the Miss World Festival.

The Bahamas bid for the crown is Sienna Evans, who performed exceptionally well in the four weeks leading up to the finale date and is considered a fan favorite to win the overall title.

While disappointed in the turn of events, she expressed optimism of the way forward.

As I have dealt with the coronavirus from the frontlines over the past two years, I understand unpredictability of events as they have unfolded here this weekend, Evans said.

It is unfortunate that we have to postpone the final, however, we are optimistic that whoever and however the new queen is crowned will be for the absolute best.

An integral part of being a leader during this pandemic is being able to adapt quickly and smile in the face of adversity. This is what this organization has done, and I commend their efforts.

As this is a fluid situation, MBO will advise once updates are provided as to when the new date is set.

In a statement yesterday, the organization thanked the people of The Bahamas, its sponsors and pageant fans the world over for their support of Evans, asking them to continue to rally behind her during this period of delay.

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Miss World pageant postponed; new pageant date to be set within 90 days - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Scotiabank (Bahamas) has been named Bank of the Year 2021 by globally renowned UK Financial Times publication The Banker.

The Banker via the annual Bank of the Year awards, assesses banks on their ability to deliver results, improve strategic positioning and enhance service to customers.

As with the 2020 awards, this year, banks were also judged on their response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Scotiabank Bahamas Managing Director Roger Archer said: It is truly an honor for us to be named Bank of the Year 2021.

Despite challenges brought on this past year by COVID-19, we have remained committed to delivering best-in-class banking services for our customers and in doing this, we have significantly accelerated our digital strategy in order to meet the evolving preferences.

During this, our 65th anniversary, we are very proud of our current advancements and the opportunities that we are creating to offer more personalized services for our customers in the future.

Scotiabank was awarded Bank of the Year Barbados 2021, Bank of the Year Cayman Islands 2021 and Bank of the Year Turks and Caicos 2021.

The Banker selects one winning bank for each of the 120 countries judged. Over 1,000 applications are collected each year and judges select winners based on which bank they believe has made the most progress over the past 12 months.

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UK publication The Banker names Scotiabank Bahamas Bank of the Year 2021 - EyeWitness News