Category Archives: Bahamas

One of Barbados most outstanding sportspersons is spreading her wings across the Caribbean.

Senior national footballer Soraya Toppin-Herbert is the new Director of Womens Football Development in The Bahamas.

Toppin-Herbert has been a household name in the Barbados football arena since her early days at the West Terrace Primary School, where she mesmerized many with her ability and attitude; qualities which would earn her a football scholarship to Purdue University, where she enjoyed four years of Division 1 collegiate competition while earning a bachelors degree in Sports Science.

It is probably the grace of God, really working behind the scenes..."

The former Queens College student pursued and obtained two masters degrees immediately after her undergraduate studies: one in Business Administration and the other in Sport Business Management, both from the University of Central Florida.

Her qualifications and rich passion, saw her create Raya 34 Sports Inc, an organization that utilizes football to teach, mentor and empower young people.

Toppin-Herberts work-ethic and ingenuity was monitored and admired by many professionals, local and international, and according to her, those qualities, and the right connection at an ideal time, presented her with the opportunity to work in The Bahamas.

It is probably the grace of God, really working behind the scenes.

"The opportunity came about from a connection that was made when I attended the FIFA CIES programme in Trinidad. The General Secretary from The Bahamas Football Association wouldve been a part of that programme and there was a vacancy for the position, and he wouldve followed what I was doing in Barbados with my More than Boots programme and I came to mind.

Toppin-Herbert with members of her More than Boots programme

From there we started talking about what their plans were and it seemed like a really good fit in terms of my passion, which is football development, as well as youth development and thats how it started, said Toppin-Herbert.

Toppin-Herbert is no stranger to the operations of a football association, as she is the former Players and Competition Logistics Manager of the Barbados Football Association (BFA), a post which she held for 18 months.

She said her experience with the BFA gave her an opportunity to be a part of and understand the operations of a football association, both technically and administratively, but it was her work with the More than Boots programme, that really prepared her for her current role in The Bahamas.

As Director of Womens Football Development, Toppin-Herbert explained that she is responsible for anything and everything relating to the development of the female game in The Bahamas.

When we conversed for the interview, Toppin-Herbert had just finished her day by observing a female beach football session at the countrys National Beach Soccer Arena.

She passionately expressed her intention to develop beach football amongst females on the island, along with some other key areas of the female game, by maximizing the use of the national beach football facility.

There are also plans to have more activity amongst the senior women national teams, in an effort to improve their portfolio in the global game, but COVID-19 has delayed them for now.

The womens national team has been able to train and the Under 20s, so we really been focusing there, and then we recently started our womens beach programme, so thats been the focus and all weve been able to do because of COVID.

We are looking to get more active going into 2022. We are looking to get more programmes going and making sure we are tapping into all of the areas we can develop for players, coaches, referees, as well as administrators, Toppin-Herbert said.

Toppin-Herbert identified some similarities between her last position in the BFA and her current one but explained that there are some distinct differences; one such being the technical development responsibility and its marriage to the administrative operations of her role.

Its (the job is)a good mix. Its administrative in terms of programme planning and organizing and things like that, but then I also have tasks on the technical side like observing our coaching programmes and giving feedback.

"Recently we put in place a curriculum for our Centre of Excellence.

Toppin-Herberts initial contract expires in 2023 and she has highlighted some key objectives to achieve before her stint is over.

It would be a combination of things.

"I think one of the goals is to get our womens senior team ranked, because currently we arent ranked. We havent played enough games to be on the FIFA ranking.

"Another thing will be to see an increase in the number of participants from grassroots, all the way to seniors, and finally get the (womens) league going, because there hasnt been a womens league prior to COVID, so getting that up and running would be one of the goals.

The national midfielder said her location has not changed any of her playing aspirations or professional ones as it relates to her More than Boots programme.

She stated that she is remaining active, as she is still very interested in representing Barbados in the 2022 World Cup Qualifiers and the More than Boots Programme is functioning efficiently due to a very strong support system.

Luckily, Im blessed with a very good support team in Barbados and one of my goals for my programme in Barbados is to grow it, so this helps me to push it.

"I have a really good administrative support team in my mother and some other persons back home who have taken up that role and then Ive also been able to bring in some other coaches to assist with the coaching.

"Through one of the partnerships with Coaches Across Continents, we collaborate with them a lot in terms of our curriculum. So, a lot of stuff is already structured, its just a matter of plugging and playing with it, Toppin-Herbert said.

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Barbadian, new head of women's football in The Bahamas | Loop Cayman Islands - Loop News Cayman

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Cotton Bay Holdings yesterday announced that it has reached an agreement with Marriott International Inc to bring the Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand to The Bahamas.

The resort and residential development on Eleuthera is planned as an open-air luxury resort and is expected to feature 90 guest rooms and 60 Ritz-Carlton Reserve branded residences, designed to include a mixture of two to five-bedroom villas.

Our partnership with Marriott and its Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand will elevate the tourism product and hospitality experience on the island of Eleuthera while creating opportunities for Bahamians and local businesses.

Daniel Zuleta, Cotton Bay Holdings spokesperson

The project is expected to stimulate 300 jobs during its construction phase, which is planned to be undertaken in three stages. It is projected that the resort will open in four years and once operational, will employ 200 Bahamians.

Daniel Zuleta, spokesperson for Cotton Bay Holdings, said: We have been a part of the Bahamian landscape for over 25 years, working alongside the government of The Bahamas and the community of South Eleuthera to create opportunities for growth and development.

We are very excited to now partner with Marriott International to combine world-class hospitality with island magnificence and the stunning natural beauty of The Bahamas.

We believe that this project will transform the economy of Eleuthera.

From left, Chester Cooper, deputy prime minister and minister of tourism, investments and aviation; Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis; spokesperson for Cotton Bay Holdings Daniel Zuleta; Alejandro Acevedo, regional VP development, Caribbean & Latin America, Marriott International; Lynn Holowesko, partner, Holowesko Pyfrom Fletcher; and Christopher Larson, associate, Holowesko Pyfrom Fletcher. (DISHA FRASER)

From right, Nicole Campbell, secretary to the Cabinet, signs a heads of agreement between the Bahamas government and Cotton Bay Holdings Ltd for the addition of The Ritz-Carlton to that South Eleuthera property as Phylicia Woods-Hanna, director of investments, Bahamas Investment Authority, and Leon Lundy, parliamentary secretary, Office of the Prime Minister, look on during a ceremony at the Office of the Prime Minister on Monday, December 6, 2021. (BIS/KEMUEL STUBBS)

From right, Daniel Zuleta Martinez, local manager, Cotton Bay Holdings Ltd, Eleuthera, signs a heads of agreement between the Bahamas government and Cotton Bay Holdings Ltd for the addition of The Ritz-Carlton to that South Eleuthera property as Phylicia Woods-Hanna (standing), director of investments, Bahamas Investment Authority; Lynn Holowesko, attorney; Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis; and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation Chester Cooper look on during a ceremony at the Office of the Prime Minister on Monday, December 6, 2021. (BIS/KEMUEL STUBBS)

The government of The Bahamas entered into a heads of agreement with Cotton Bay Holdings Ltd for the addition of The Ritz-Carlton to that South Eleuthera property during a signing ceremony at the Office of the Prime Minister on Monday, December 6, 2021. (BIS/KEMUEL STUBBS)

The development will be located at the site of the historic Cotton Bay Club, originally built in 1959.

The resort will bring one of only five other Ritz-Carlton Reserves globally to The Bahamas. In addition to first-class amenities and services, a signature 18-hole golf course, deluxe spa, swimming pools and restaurants are planned for the island retreat.

We choose Marriott because we wanted to work with the best brand in the world to develop this island sanctuary in Eleuthera, and Marriott, but specifically The Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is the perfect brand to harness the magic and seclusion of Eleuthera, Zuleta said.

Our partnership with Marriott and its Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand will elevate the tourism product and hospitality experience on the island of Eleuthera while creating opportunities for Bahamians and local businesses.

It is our hope that our long-standing partnership with this island will continue and lead to significant growth and economic opportunities for future generations of Eleutherans.

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ROLL OUT THE RED CARPET: Cotton Bay Holdings bringing Ritz-Carlton brand to The Bahamas - EyeWitness News

Tony Finau of The United States and Ryan Smith on the Swilken Bridge during Day three of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at The Old Course on September 28, 2019 in St Andrews, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

(Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

SALT LAKE CITY Utahs Tony Finau will have a billionaire on the bag this week as he contends at the World Hero Championship in the Bahamas.

Finaus regular caddie, Mark Urbanek, is unable to make the trip as he and his wife are expecting the birth of their first child. Therefore, Finau was forced to make a phone call to a friend, a friend that happens to own an NBA team.

Ryan Smith has transformed Finaus fandom since taking control of the Utah Jazz. Growing up Finau has a fanatic Los Angeles Lakers fan due to his affection for the late Kobe Bryant. Despite growing up in Rose Park, Utah, Finau stuck true to his love for the Lakers.

However, when Smith bought the Utah Jazz late last year, Finau opted to return to his roots and start supporting his friend and his local franchise.

It remains unknown if Finau will pay Smith the going caddie rate, or if the Qualtrics sponsorship that Smith provides Finau is enough to call this week even.

The Hero World Challenge only invited 20 of the worlds best golfers. The prize for coming in last place is $100,000.

This is the first time in Finaus professional career that Smith has caddied for him. Smith has been seen playing PGA Tour charity events and does frequently participates in the Utah Open.

It has long been rumored that Smiths ability with a golf stick is nothing short of impressive. He is expected to have a very low handicap.

Finau will play alongside Harris English for the first round. Their tee time is scheduled for 9:38 a.m. Thursday.

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Utah Jazz Owner Ryan Smith To Caddie For Tony Finau In Bahamas This Week - KSL Sports

Virginia Commonwealth University is preparing to face not one but three Boeheims on Wednesday, Nov. 24, in the Bahamas.

The Rams will take on Syracuse University at 5 p.m. in the Battle 4 Atlantis. Syracuse is coached by 77-year-old Jim Boeheim (career record 982-409).

Two of Coach Boeheims best players are his sons, 6-foot-6 senior Buddy (20 points per game) and 6-foot-8 graduate student Jimmy (about 14.3 points per game).

There is some history between the schools.

On March 18, 1984, a Syracuse squad led by Pearl Washington defeated the VCU Rams 78-63 in the second round of the NCAA playoffs at The Meadowlands in New Jersey.

By contrast, Wednesdays game is a very early season test. Still, it will draw national ESPN coverage and will weigh heavily on NCAA Tournament rsums.

The VCU-Syracuse winner/loser will play Thursday, Nov. 25, against the winner/loser of the game between defending NCAA champion Baylor University and Arizona State University. The Rams second game will be at either 5 or 7:30 p.m. Thanksgiving Day.

The Battle 4 Atlantis concludes Friday, Nov. 26, with games for first, third, fifth and seventh place.

VCU, which is 2-2 following a 56-54 home loss to the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga on Nov. 20, has wins over Saint Peters University and Vanderbilt University and a loss to Wagner College on Nov. 13.

Syracuse is 2-1 and coming off a humbling 100-85 Carrier Dome loss on Nov. 20 to Colgate University as the visiting Red Raiders hit 18 three-pointers. Colgate had lost the previous 54 matchups against Syracuse.

Despite a national reputation and winning the 2003 NCAAchampionship, Syracuse has been fairly ordinary since joining the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Orange is 79-62 in ACC play under Coach Boeheim. The New Yorkers did catch a spark at the end of last season, advancing to the NCAA Sweet 16. The Rams made last seasons NCAA field but bowed out due to positive COVID-19 tests.

In the Bahamas, VCU will have something of a Island Advantage with 6-foot-9 junior Hason Ward from Barbados. Ward hasnt scored much but has blocked 14 shots.

Syracuses counterpart is 6-foot-11 junior Jesse Edwards (10 blocks in three games) from Amsterdam.

While VCU is struggling on offense just 53 points per game it would appear Syracuse, famous for Coach Boeheims trademark 2-3 zone, has major defensive issues.

Following action in the Bahamas, the Rams will return home to entertain the Campbell University Fighting Camels on Saturday, Dec. 4.

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VCU Rams ready to take on Syracuse in the Bahamas - Richmond Free Press

When most everyone will be between bites of turkey and stuffing on Thursday, the No. 4-ranked Indiana women's basketball team will be playing some serious basketball in the Bahamas for the inaugural Pink Flamingo Championship.

Indiana (4-0) tips off against the reigning NCAA champions and No. 7-ranked Stanford Cardinal, starting at 1:30 p.m. ET on Thanksgiving Day.

The Hoosiers are coming off a fabulous NCAA tournament run themselves, making it all the way to the Elite Eight and knocking off No. 1 seed N.C. State in the process. But now, Indiana coach Teri Moren's intentional tough schedule will be tested against a 3-1 Stanford team that returns all five of its starters.

"I'm a coach that loves to watch and play I call it pretty basketball and they are so good at running their offense,'' Moren said. "They play the game in such a pretty way with all their cutting, their spacing and their back cutting.''

Sophomore guard Haley Jones and senior guard Lexie Hull, a pair of All-Americans for Stanford, are both averaging double-digit points per game this season along with 6-foot-4 sophomore Cameron Brink.

The Cardinal are shooting 42.8% from the floor and averaging 36.3 rebounds per game.

"They run their offense really well," Indiana guard Ali Patberg said. "There's a lot of different looks they have. They play well together. We are looking at all the players and studying them and understanding what they like, what they don't like."

Not only is the Cardinal roster stacked, but the winningest coach in collegiate women's basketball, Tara VanDerveer, is behind all the success Stanford has seen since her start in 1985.

VanDerveer, a 1975 basketball graduate from Indiana, has won three NCAA championships at Stanford in 1990, 1992 and of course, in 2021 where the Cardinal defeated Arizona 54-53 to claim another title. Arizona knocked off the Hoosiers in the Elite Eight.

"They bring a lot of talent off their bench in terms of playing nine or 10 guys, which is a little different than we do," Moren said.

Moren is in her eighth season as Indiana's head coach and also returns all five of her starters. Junior guard Mackenzie Holmes leads the team with 18 points per game, and is one of five players averaging double figures.

Moren said that depth was an issue with her team last year, and now she hopes some of the younger players like Chloe Moore-McNeil and Kiandra Browne can come into the games and make plays.

"We need those kids to come off the bench and have an impact," Moren said. "It does not have to be in the way of scoring, but it has to be in the way of being sound defensively and give the Grace Bergers, the Ali Patbergs and the Nickys a much-needed break."

The face of Indiana women's basketball, Patberg was just named to the Big Ten Player of the Week honor roll for her two-game performance against Norfolk State and Quinnipiac.

Patberg scored a total of 29 points in those last two games and continues to show her veteran leadership on the court and in practices. Moren once said she's like another coach.

This Thanksgiving, Patberg is thankful for this:

"That I'm playing," Patberg said. "That I'm here."

The Hoosiers come to the Bahamas well-equipped as one of the nations leaders in field goal and free throw percentage. They have shot 50.8% from the floor, which ranks sixth nationally, and their success at the line (87.9 percent) ranks third in the country overall.

Yes, it is a business trip, but the players do have a chance to catch some rays and enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner with their basketball family.

"I would imagine if Coach Moren wandered out by the pool, I would probably see a lot of our guys out by the pool enjoying some sun," Moren said. "Don't worry. We're having fun."

The Hoosiers' other game in Nassau will be against Miami on Saturday night at 8:30 p.m. ET.

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Indiana Women's Basketball Ballin' in the Bahamas on Turkey Day - CalBearsMaven

NASSAU, BAHAMAS The United States government has donated a total of $255,000 worth of health equipment to The Bahamas at the Public Hospitals Authority.

Minister of Health Dr Michael Darville received the donation on behalf of The Bahamas from USAID Eastern and Southern Caribbean Regional Representative Clinton D. White on November 22.

The donation included twelve specialized ambulance radios and industrial-grade high-capacity laundry equipment. The radios will facilitate ambulance response to emergencies, and the laundry equipment will help increase the capacity of Princess Margaret Hospital to clean and sanitize bed linens and uniformsan essential part of safely and effectively responding to ongoing COVID-19 cases.

White emphasized that the United States is a resolute partner to The Bahamas in the effort to defeat the pandemic and commended The Bahamas response to the pandemic. He said: I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge and salute the tremendous work that all the healthcare workers have been doing during this pandemic, including medical doctors, nurses, nurse aids, pharmacists, drivers, and clinic and healthcare assistants thank you!

The donation is part of an ongoing $750,000 dollar grant from USAID through the International Federation of the Red Cross and the Bahamas Red Cross Society. It is a grant that also included the $95,000 dollar BioFire Array Respiratory Diagnostic Machine the U.S. Embassy delivered in March. Since the start of the pandemic, the U.S. Government has provided $1.5 million to support The Bahamas response to COVID-19.

This support adds to the nearly 400,000 vaccine doses pledged by the Biden administration. On November 3, the U.S. Government delivered 134,550 Pfizer vaccine doses, supplementing the 128,700 doses delivered to The Bahamas on August 12.

If you have not yet received your COVID-19 vaccine, make your appointment today at https://vax.gov.bs.

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U.S. delivers $255000 in health equipment to The Bahamas - EyeWitness News

GOOD EFFORT: Shown at far right are Team Bahamas members Kaylah Fox and Briana Houlgrave at the ITF/COTECC 12U Team Finals competition in Santo Domingo, The Dominican Republic, yesterday.

TEAM Bahamas got back into the win column at the ITF/COTECC 12U Team Finals competition.

The team edged out El Salvador 2-1 yesterday in the 5-8 place reclassification round in Santo Domingo, The Dominican Republic.

For the second consecutive day, Kaylah Fox got the team off to a promising start in singles play. She won 6-3, 6-1 over El Salvadors Isabella Martinez.

El Salvador evened the tie when Tatyana Madu lost a tough, three-set match to Paola Esperanza 6-4, 6-7 (7), 3-6.

In doubles play, Fox and Briana Houlgrave gave The Bahamas the 2-1 advantage in the tie with a 6-3, 6-2 win in doubles play over Esperanza and Sofia Ugarte.

With the win, The Bahamas will face Dominican Republic Team Two in the 5th place match today.

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Team Bahamas back in the win column - Bahamas Tribune

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Mississippi State men's basketball focused on boosting resume at Baha Mar Hoops Bahamas Championship - Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal

Taylor Robertson continued her hot shooting with 19 points including four 3-pointers in the second half as Oklahoma routed Minnesota 88-69 in The Bahamas on Monday.

The Sooners improved to 5-1 and finished fifth in the Battle 4 Atlantis.

I think its been a really good tournament, said first-year coach Jennie Baranczyk. I think we learned a lot about ourselves.

Just being able to be here and play three games in three days, weve just grown was a team from day one to now, Robertson said. Its been fun to get even closer with everybody on an off the court, and you can tell on the court when we play.

Robertson led the Sooners in scoring all three games of the tournament and on Monday joined OU's 1,500-career-point club. She reached the milestone on her final bucket of the night (her 23rd 3 of the event) and became the 12th Sooner to score 1,500 points.

Robertson got plenty of help from her teammates as Skylar Vann came off the bench to score 15, and senior Madi Williams posted a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Freshman Kelbie Washington had six points and led the Sooners with eight assists and three steals.

Theyre starting to strategize together, and thats really what you want to have happen, especially in a new system, Baranczyk said.

Baranczyks team outrebounded the Golden Gophers 51-31 (18-4 on the offensive glass) and forced the tempo all day, as Minnesota finished with 20 turnovers.

I would say were playing a lot more free, Llanusa said. Kind of going out there and running our team by ourselves is pretty cool.

Were fun to watch, Baranczyk said. Its a fun style because theyre really good.

Llanusa, whos lost all or part of every season to injury since shes been a member of the OU roster, is back from back surgery and playing better than ever.

I havent played three games in a row since high school, she said, and I honestly didnt know if I could do it. But the energy from my teammates and everybody else helped out a lot.

OU takes the Thanksgiving holiday off and will return to the floor next Tuesday at SMU.

Were a pretty good bball team when we play together and have that fun, Baranczyk said. I know it sounds simple, and it is, but when we do that, were pretty darn good.

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Oklahoma Takes Down Minnesota in The Bahamas - Sooner Maven

Wanting to spend some time away? Whether you are looking for family fun, a romantic escape or a getaway with friends, The Travel Mom, Emily Kaufman, and lifestyle expert Tommy DiDario always know the best places. Theyre taking the opportunity to escape to paradise at Atlantis Bahamas!

There are some awesome, family-friendly options at Atlantis, but Tommy says The Cove is one of his personal favorite spots. Settled between two private beaches, The Cove is an elegant retreat thats great for couples who are seeking a romantic getaway, including an adults-only pool. Expect exclusive perks and white-glove service in a relaxing oasis.

Atlantis Bahamas in total boasts white sand beaches, dolphin swimming, exhilarating high-speed water slides, pools and more.

Emily loves the idea of gifting travel for the holiday season! She says that Atlantis gift cards are redeemable on-site at Atlantis Paradise Island, or when making a reservation over the phone at 1-800-ATLANTIS.

Emily is also giving away at trip to Atlantis Bahamas you dont want to miss this! Find out more travel tips and destinations at TheTravelMom.com, and follow Emily on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter at @TheTravelMom.

This segment is paid for by The Travel Mom and is intended as an advertisement. Opinions expressed by the guest(s) on this program are solely those of the guest(s) and are not endorsed by this television station.

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Escape To Atlantis Paradise Island In The Bahamas With Help From The Travel Mom - KXAN.com