Category Archives: Bahamas

The Bahamas tourism product will be strengthened through an Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) tie-up with European and regional experts to develop certification systems that bolster sustainable practices.

The technical co-operation between the IDB, Tourism Development Corporation (TDC) and the Ministry of Tourism has hired a group of specialists from Europe and the Caribbean to analyse, recommend and develop an implementation plan for sustainable tourism certification schemes in the Bahamas.

For decades, tourists have flocked to The Bahamas for the islands beautiful natural attractions and rich cultural heritage, said project lead, Rachel McCaffery, of Green Case Consulting. This plan will aim to cultivate local expertise to preserve that beauty for generations to come.

The project, which is expected to last until January 2022, will research and analyse certification systems relevant to the tourism sector in The Bahamas before recommending the most suitable certification scheme or schemes. A strategic and operational implementation plan will then be developed and validated with Bahamian stakeholders.

This technical co-operation represents a strong commitment to achieving measurable impact in the tourism industry of The Bahamas, said the IDBs Bahamas country representative, Daniela Carrera-Marquis. Tourism is the driving force of the Bahamian economy, and has registered unprecedented challenges in the last several years following Hurricane Dorian and the global pandemic.

The long-term consequences of these experiences are still unfolding, but through our Vision 2025 strategy, the IDB is committed to supporting our member countries during the recovery process. This project will build capacity in the countrys tourism industry, and foster a sustainable and inclusive recovery that maximises the efforts of the Government in The Bahamas and around the region.

Managed by the IDBs Juliana Bettini, with TDC chief executive/executive director, Janet Johnson, acting as co-ordinator, the team of sustainable tourism specialists includes Sea Going Green, a Dutch sustainable marine tourism consultancy; Green Case Consulting; a UK-based sustainable tourism specialist; Oceanic Global, a US-based non-profit and sustainability verification programme, and climate change experts JF Clarke Consulting from Barbados. Involved in project delivery are three highly experienced Bahamian sustainable tourism practitioners, Rashema Ingraham, Kendria Ferguson and Dr Jennifer Edwards.

The project aims to produce a certification programme that:

Increases the resiliency and sustainability of The Bahamas as a tourism destination.

Enhances the state of the natural environment.

Improves destination competitiveness.

Ensures that revenue from tourism reaches a greater proportion of Bahamian communities.

Positions The Bahamas as a climate-resilient destination by implementing climate risk management policies and implementation frameworks.

Certifications indicate that the business is registered with the TDC and has met the quality assurance standards necessary for the hospitality business, said Ms Johnson. Obtaining certifications for your business puts you on the cutting edge and encourages larger conglomerates to engage your services, such as cruise ships and hotels.

It is the mandate of the TDC to raise the standards of all tourism-related businesses in the islands of The Bahamas. And so, this collaboration with the IDB and all of the other experts involved will act as a springboard for the development of sustainable tourism businesses with implementation of global best practices.

Amid increasing worldwide climate change impacts, sustainable tourism has become crucial in preserving profitable coastlines and ecosystems. Certifications are considered an vital way to get an industry or destination on the same page. Certification schemes have the potential to level the playing field, ensuring that every operator is adhering to the same standards and requirements.

Once finalised, the plan will be presented via webinars to interested parties around The Bahamas.

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Sustainability initiative to boost Bahamian tourism - Bahamas Tribune

NASSAU, BAHAMAS As Larry remains a powerful hurricane in the Atlantic and meteorologists continue to track tropical developments elsewhere, The Bahamas is expected to receive strong sea swells as early as Thursday along the eastern coast of the southern Bahamas.

As the Category 3 storm moves northwest, those dangerous swells could be experienced across the archipelago by the weekend, according to meteorologists, who warned that coastal and waterfront residents should be on high alert.

Larrys movement is in a pretty good state, Department of Meteorology Senior Deputy Director Jeffrey Simmons told Eyewitness News around noon.

However, anytime we have systems passing out there like that, we could expect some serious swells coming in, and the thing about it is as Larry is just to the east of us, its really a major hurricane.

So, whats that going to mean now is were going to have a lot of swells coming out of that in the next few days.

Its definitely going to be a maritime issue. It could be an issue too for coastal residents, people who live on the waterfront. That could become a problem for them.

Its going to happen all along the archipelago, from all the way down south in Turks and Caicos and Mayaguana, all the way up into Abaco we could see some swells.

I would say probably as early as Thursday we could see some start in the south propagating up by the weekend.

As of 11am, the center of Larry was 715 miles east-northeast of the northern Leeward Islands and around 1,015 miles southeast of Bermuda.

The storm was had maximum sustained winds of 120 miles per hour.

It was traveling northwest at 10 miles per hour.

There were no coastal watches or warnings in effect on land.

The storm is expected to cause dangerous surf and rip currents along the western Atlantic shores later this week.

Swells generated by Larry are affecting the Lesser Antilles and are expected to spread westward to portions of the Greater Antilles, The Bahamas and Bermuda today through Tuesday, the National Hurricane Center said.

Significant swells should reach the east coast of the United States and Atlantic Canada by midweek and continue affecting these shores through the end of the week.

These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 70 miles from the center, and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 175 miles, according to the center.

Larry is the fifth hurricane in the 2021 Hurricane Atlantic season.

Meanwhile, a disturbance over the northern portion of the Yucatan Peninsula and the south-central Gulf of Mexico is expected to move slowly northward or northeastward over the central and then northeastern Gulf of Mexico in a few days.

It has a 30 percent chance of further development in the next five days.

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WEATHER WATCH: Dangerous swells expected as Hurricane Larry continues to barrel across the Atlantic - EyeWitness News

If you're planning to travel to the islands of the Caribbean, here's what you'll need to know and expect if you want to visit during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first thing to keep in mind is the Caribbean Sea region consists of 13 independent island nations. There are even more overseas territories. Each of them has its own rules, subject to frequent change.

Some of the islands opened back up to travel in the summer and fall of 2020. Others reopened more recently. Restrictions can vary. Some islands require quarantines, even for vaccinated travelers, while others don't even request a COVID-19 test. Rules vary depending on your country of origin.

With the spread of the Delta variant, the US Centers of Disease Control and Prevention has added more destinations to its highest risk category -- Level 4. That includes places in the Caribbean.

Also remember that hurricane season continues through November 30. Typically, the worst part of the season is mid-August through September. Islands in the southern part of the Caribbean are usually less affected by hurricanes than their more northerly neighbors. Get updates at CNN Weather.

Here's a roundup of key highlights on 10 popular Caribbean destinations, with the latest information in bold. Follow the links provided so you can find out all the crucial details and check for updates before you book a trip. Rules might change between updates to this article:

Aruba

What's on offer: Days are usually dry and sunny. Arikok National Park features caves, desert landscapes and giant lizards. Wide beaches bordering clear jade water are the big draw.

Who can go? Citizens of all countries can enter with the exception of Venezuela.

Entry requirements: All visitors 12 and older must have a negative result from a molecular COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival if coming from a high-risk country, regardless of vaccination status. This list is on Aruba's tourism website and is subject to change.

Aruba visitors health insurance is mandatory. No quarantine is in place. Travelers who test positive for COVID-19 are required to stay in mandatory isolation, however.

US CDC travel advisory: Level 4: Very high. Avoid travel to Aruba.

The Bahamas

What's on offer: The chain has 700 islands -- from the hustle and funky beats of the capital city, Nassau, on New Providence, to the peaceful beaches on many less-visited islands. You can swim with pigs or dive with sharks.

Who can go? The Bahamas is open to all international travelers.

Entry requirements: All travelers must present a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than five days before arrival, even if you're fully vaccinated. Children younger than 2 are exempt. You must fill out a health visa application and opt in to the Bahamas' COVID-19 health insurance. Unvaccinated travelers staying longer than four nights and five days must also take a rapid antigen test on day five and fill out a daily health questionnaire. You must also test for travel between various island within the Bahamas chain.

US CDC travel advisory: Level 4: Very high. Avoid travel to the Bahamas.

Barbados

What's on offer: Golf, history and architecture get visitors beyond the beach on the most easterly island in the Caribbean. Rum distilleries offer tours and the local cuisine -- a blend of African, Indian, Irish, British and Creole flavors -- will soak up the spirit.

Who can go? The island is welcoming visitors from around the world. Barbados has discontinued its Caribbean travel bubble.

Entry requirements: Both fully vaccinated travelers and the unvaccinated must present a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than three days before travel. You must upload results to the BIMSafe app.

Vaccinated travelers also take a rapid test upon arrival and quarantine for one or two days awaiting results. Unvaccinated travelers must quarantine for five days, take another PCR test and remain in quarantine until receiving results. You must book your room ahead of time at a government-approved accommodation (scroll down for list).

US CDC travel advisory: Level 3: High. Unvaccinated travelers should avoid nonessential travel to the Bahamas.

Cuba

What's on offer: The largest island in the Caribbean, Cuba has a plethora of beaches. The romantic charm and mystique of Old Havana and the lush Viales Valley, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, set this destination apart.

Who can go? Cuba is allowing visitors from around the world to enter. The US government doesn't allow its citizens to visit Cuba for general tourism purposes. However, there are a variety of permitted reasons to visit.

Entry requirements: Visitors are required to show proof of a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken within three days of arrival. They must take another PCR COVID-19 test upon arrival in Cuba and quarantine at a government-approved hotel. On day five, they take another COVID-19 test. No exemptions for the fully vaccinated. Cuba remains on lockdown as it has for much of the pandemic.

US CDC travel advisory: Level 4: Very high. Avoid travel to Cuba.

Curaao

Who can go? Curaao divides countries and territories -- and the travelers arriving from them -- into four categories: very low risk, low risk, high risk and very high risk. You need to check which category you're in as they may have varying requirements.

Entry requirements: All visitors except those coming from "very low risk" destinations must have negative results from a COVID-19 PCR test that's no more than 48 hours old before your flight to the island. There are no exemptions for the fully vaccinated. All travelers must fill out the passenger locator card 48 hours before arrival. No quarantines are in place unless you test positive for COVID-19 during your stay.

US CDC travel advisory: Level 4: Very high. Avoid travel to Curaao.

Dominican Republic

Who can go? Travelers around the world may enter, but depending on where you're coming from, entry requirements will differ.

Entry requirements: Travelers from many nations -- including the United States, Canada, Mexico and France, among others -- do not need a COVID-19 test to enter. But as of June 28, the DR has set up a list of nations from which you do need a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. Nations on that list include Brazil, Ireland and the United Kingdom, among others. No quarantines are in place.

US CDC travel advisory: Level 3: High. Make sure you are fully vaccinated before traveling to the Dominican Republic.

Jamaica

Who can go? Until September 17, anyone who has been in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, India, Paraguay, Peru or Trinidad and Tobago within 14 days of their intended date of entry will not be approved OK'd for travel.

Entry requirements: Travelers 12 and older must have a negative result from a COVID-19 molecular (PCR, NAA, RNA) or antigen test performed taken within three days of the travel date. You must fill out a travel authorization form.

Visitors are allowed to go only to "Resilient Corridors" designed specifically for tourists along with other licensed accommodations that meet COVID-19 safety standards. If you require a Covid test upon arrival, you must quarantine in your hotel or resort until you get a negative result.

US CDC travel advisory: Level 4: High. Avoid travel to Jamaica. (Added on September 7).

Puerto Rico

Who can go? Puerto Rico is a US territory. According to US State Department and CDC guidelines on international travel, people who have been in Brazil, China, the European Schengen Area, Iran, India, Ireland, South Africa and the United Kingdom in the past 14 days will be denied entry for leisure travel. Others who meet entry requirements may enter.

Entry requirements: Fully vaccinated travelers on domestic flights must upload their vaccination card to the island's online portal, which will generate a QR code. Nonvaccinated travelers on domestic flights must have a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours of arrival.

International visitors, regardless of vaccination status, must have a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours of arrival.

People who arrive without a test must take a COVID-19 test within 48 hours of arrival and go into quarantine awaiting results. Failure to comply could result in a $300 fine.

US CDC travel advisory: Level 4: Very high. Get fully vaccinated before traveling to Puerto Rico.

Turks and Caicos

What's on offer: This British overseas territory -- northeast of Cuba and southeast of the Bahamas -- is known for it coral reefs, ripsaw music and a low-key vibe. Whale watching, snorkeling and a range of other outdoor activities pair well with the islands' natural aquatic beauty.

Who can go? Visitors from around the world are welcomed to vacation here.

Entry requirements: You must be fully vaccinated if you're 16 or older to visit. All travelers 10 and older need a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than three days before arrival to enter. There's no quarantine on arrival. You must fill out a travel authorization form, and COVID-19 travel insurance is required as well.

US CDC travel advisory: Level 3: Moderate. Unvaccinated travelers should avoid nonessential travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands.. (Update September 7).

US Virgin Islands

What's on offer: From fine dining, scuba diving and golfing on St. Croix to the pristine shores of unspoiled and undeveloped St. John, these islands have a lot to offer. In lively St. Thomas, boating and duty-free shopping are big draws.

Who can go? The USVI is a US territory. According to US State Department and CDC guidelines on international travel, people who have been in Brazil, China, the European Schengen Area, Iran, India, Ireland, South Africa and the United Kingdom in the past 14 days will be denied entry for leisure travel. Others who meet entry requirements may enter.

Entry requirements: Travelers 5 or older who enter by air or sea are required to use the USVI Travel Screening Portal and submit a COVID-19 test result before travel. You must have one of the three following to enter:

-- A negative result from a COVID-19 molecular test taken and received within five days of the start of your trip.

-- A negative result from a COVID-19 antigen test taken and received within five days of the start of your trip.

Results from COVID-19 antibody tests are no longer being accepted for entry.

No COVID-19 test is required for travel to and from the US Mainland.

US CDC travel advisory: Level 4: Very high. Get fully vaccinated before traveling to the US Virgin Islands.

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Travel to the Caribbean during COVID-19: What you need to know before you go - The Philadelphia Tribune

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Free National Movement (FNM) founding father Maurice Moore yesterday expressed his support for Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, suggesting that he has done more for The Bahamas than any other prime minister.

Moores comments came after former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham endorsed Elizabeth incumbent Dr Duane Sands in his run for the seat at a constituency event on Saturday and expressed his hopes to see Sands as prime minister one day.

On Saturday, Ingraham said he was motivated to publicly support Sands campaign because hes a good man and I think he deserves to be elected.

In an interview with Eyewitness News, Moore said he does not agree with Ingrahams public support of Sands as prime minister, which he labeled as a personal feeling.

I support the present leader of our country. He is the chosen leader of our party and it doesnt make any sense, as far as Im concerned, assenting anything that could be misunderstood, he said.

Our leader of the FNM is Dr Minnis and all of the support that ought to be given at this time ought to be given to our leader

But to suggest [Dr Sands] to the public as possible leadership, [its] controversial, as far as Im concerned. Thats Mr Ingrahams personal opinion and he has one vote thats all.

Moore expressed confidence in Minnis ability to continue to lead the country out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said the country needs a leader like Minnis at this time, particularly since the virus has overtaken the world.

We need a man of knowledge and ability in the medical field and his recommendation and his decisions on what the country must take under the circumstances, Moore added.

So, Im very happy that he is our prime minister and I hope and pray that he will be again because he has done more for The Bahamas than any other prime minister, including the former FNM prime ministers

I fully support him. I hope and pray that he is returned as the leader and winning sufficient seats that he is able to form the next government of The Bahamas.

Moore also offered well wishes to all FNM candidates in the upcoming election, noting that he hopes at least 80 percent of them win and are successful in their constituency.

I dont wish to put any special congratulations or make any special recognition for any member other than the member who is running in my constituency in Central Grand Bahama (Iram Lewis), he said.

I would like him to win as much as I would like the other four members on Grand Bahama running.

The former prime minister, hes his own man; he can do what he feels and speak out how he feels about any person whos been nominated and running, so I dont question him in doing so I wish Dr Sands would win as well.

See more here:

THAT'S ONLY ONE VOTE: FNM founding father disagrees with Ingraham's endorsement of Sands for PM - EyeWitness News

The BIG3 "Brawl in the Bahamas" will go down in league history as one of the most thrilling and remarkable games as both teams showcased their undeniable dedication to win. The 3 Headed Monsters' got off to a hot start, with Kevin Murphy ending the first half with two three-pointers to send his team to the locker room with a 26-13 lead. As the second half began, Stephen Jackson slowly wore down the 3 Headed Monsters with tactical coaching as Gary Payton ran low on substitutions.

Down by as many as 16 early in the second half, Jarrett Jack's 22 second half points and Amir Johnson's 10 points and 11 rebounds accompanied by his tough defense kept the team in the game. With the score tied at 43, Jack came up clutch again during his Taco Bell "Bring the Fire" one-on-one challenge,scoring over Kevin Murphy to take the lead. Trilogy took command when James White hit a jump shot to bring the team one step closer to victory. Jack closed it out, hitting the game-winning three-point shot, adding to his game-high 29 points and securing the title.

Trilogy showcased their immaculate ball control throughout, giving up only one turnover in comparison to 3 Headed Monsters' 13, outscoring their opponent by 18 points in the second half en route to the title win.

With a roaring crowd and a confetti covered celebration, Trilogy made BIG3 history as the first team to take home two championship titles. With a final score of 50-45, Jarrett Jack gave a tearful speech during the trophy presentation while holding his son and called upon NBA teams to give opponent Kevin Murphy a well-deserved shot.

The BIG3 had to overcome odds to make this season a success through the pandemic, doing so spectacularly. Through their in-depth testing system and strict COVID-19 protocols, the league went the final four weeks of the season without a single positive test, setting up a Championship Game for the ages.

"We've been saying all year this was the best BIG3 season yet and the Championship Game only proved our point. Trilogy and 3 Headed Monsters put on an incredible display for our fans, congratulations to both teams on special seasons. Now let's see if Trilogy can be our first repeat champ in 2022," said BIG3 co-founder Ice Cube.

"Not only was this the best BIG3 season and title game, but it was also the most challenging season to get through," said BIG3 co-founder Jeff Kwatinetz. "We were able to succeed through the pandemic and create a competitive environment, gaining millions of new fans across the globe. It has been an honor to be able to help create an exciting new sport where we get to work with legends on and off the court."

"This was my first season as part of the BIG3 family and it's easy to see why it's such a special league when you see first-hand the dedication, creativity, and tireless work ethic from everyone behind the scenes. Thanks so much to our staff, players, and coaches for putting together a season we will all remember. We couldn't have done it without our amazing collection of partners, CBS Sports, Microsoft, Verizon, Monster Energy, Taco Bell, SuperDraft, Toyota, Binger Labs, Dherbs, and ZipRecruiter thank you for your support and collaboration all year," said BIG3 CEO Chris Hannan.

In the first game of the action-packed Saturday, Tri-State took home the third-place title during the consolation game, led by an explosive performance by former University of Washington star Justin Dentmon, finishing with a game-high 24 points and five assists.

ABOUT BIG3BIG3 (BIG3.com) is who we are, FIREBALL3 is what we play. It's not your grandfather's 3-on-3. The premier global BIG3 league features many of the greatest, most popular, and skilled professional athletes of all time. Founded by producer, actor, and music legend Ice Cube and entertainment executiveJeff Kwatinetz, BIG3 combines highly competitive, physical, fast game experiences and incredible fan experiences.

MEDIA CONTACTSJeremy Watkins(Hiltzik Strategies for BIG3)[emailprotected]

SOURCE BIG3

https://big3.com

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Coach Stephen Jackson's Trilogy Takes Home Championship Title After The "Brawl in the Bahamas," Winning 50-45 - PRNewswire

The second MSC cruise ship has been approved by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to restart operations. After completing its test cruise, MSC Divina now has the green light to be the first in the fleet to sail from Port Canaveral in Florida.

After completing its simulated sailing to stress tests protocols, MSC Divina has been approved to restart cruise operations from the U.S. The test voyage was completed last week, which means the cruise line can focus on the ships revenue restart.

MSC Divina will become the second ship in the fleet to resume from the U.S. this month and the 11th in the fleet. Cruises will begin from Port Canaveral, Flordia, on September 16, the first time the cruise line will operate from the port.

Also Read: Things to Do on the MSC Divina Cruise Ship

After officially resuming cruises from the U.S. with MSC Meraviglia in early August, we are thrilled to cross another significant milestone toward bringing our entire fleet back to sea around the world for safe, relaxing and enjoyable cruises, said Rubn Rodrguez, President of MSC Cruises USA. In the U.S. in particular, MSC Divinas restart will bring us into an entirely new, easily accessible embarkation destination, providing our guests with more choice when cruising with us to popular destinations in The Bahamas and Caribbean, including our stunning new private island destination, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

The vessel will offer three-, four- and seven-night itineraries that will include Port Canaveral as an embarkation port and the cruise capital of the world, PortMiami. The cruises will sail the Caribbean and the Bahamas, including the cruise lines private island of Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

MSC Meraviglia has already resumed sailings out of Florida, with the first return cruise setting sail in August 2021. The ship is now offering three- and four-night cruises to the Bahamas but will begin sailing week-long cruises from September 18, 2021.

The cruise line is sailings under its Health and Safety protocols and following guidelines from authorities in Florida and beyond. From September 3, all guests 12 years and older must be fully vaccinated, which will remain in effect until November 1, 2021. The protocols remain fluid as cruise lines adapt to the spreading variants along with requirements from the CDC and ports.

In November, MSC Seashore, currently the newest ship in the fleet, will also begin cruises out of Miami, Florida, following an inaugural season in the Mediterranean. The ship will sail Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries.

Continued here:

MSC Cruise Ship Approved by CDC to Restart Operations From Florida - Cruise Hive

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Leader Philip Brave Davis yesterday accused the Free National Movement (FNM) of suppressing votes as the country heads into a general election, asserting that a lot of Bahamians who want to vote arent going to be able to.

Everywhere I go, and it doesnt matter where if Im over-the-hill or in San Sal or Crooked Island of South Eleuthera everywhere I go, young Bahamians are telling me: I want to vote, but I didnt have time to register.

A lot of people were caught off guard.

They didnt think Minnis would call a snap election in the middle of our countrys worst month during this pandemic.

In fact, he kept telling us that elections were not due until May 2022.

And you know what?

They think this government deliberately wanted to exclude young Bahamians.

They believe the government didnt give them enough time because they know young people are hungry for change, and this government can only offer them more of the same.

He added: Vote, because this year, a lot of Bahamians who want to vote arent going to be able to.

Davis said it is shameful.

He said no matter the political disagreements, weve never seen voter suppression tricks like this in our country before.

In a democracy, voters are supposed to choose their government, but in The Bahamas today, the government wants to choose its voters, the PLP leader said.

Its wrong on so many levels, especially when you think about how much is at stake for young Bahamians.

According to Davis, the future of The Bahamas depends on opportunities, a level playing field and land and homeownership.

He said the PLPs Blueprint for Change and Economic Plan provides a way forward toward those goals and a bigger, more diverse and inclusive economy.

The plan focuses on creating new industries, expanding tourism and building wealth in the sector, creating incentives for entrepreneurs in renewable energy and strategically developing the countrys natural resources.

Davis pledged, if elected, to create a first-job apprenticeship program so young Bahamians can get a one-year subsidized job placement; establishing a new school of the visual, performing and recording arts; and revolutionize education with training in coding, digital marketing, e-commerce and design.

Friends, I believe in the dignity and the potential of our people and youre going to see that every day in the way we govern and in the policies we put forward, Davis said.

The truth is, moments of great crisis are also moments of great opportunity.

The current prime minister seems paralyzed, though, by how hard the problems are.

I noticed the other day that Hubert Ingraham endorsed one of Minnis colleagues, but declined to endorse the prime minister. That tells you something, ey?

Dont feel too bad for him. Dont worry. Im going to rescue him from a job he doesnt really want and cant really do.

Davis said the country cannot afford another term under a Minnis administration, and encouraged the electorate to vote for an administration that is ready.

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THEY ARE THE CRISIS: Davis accuses FNM of employing voter suppression tricks - EyeWitness News

OPINION

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas 2021 General Election on Thursday, September 16 will have candidates running for the various constituencies from all walks of life.

There are many former and current athletes, officials and executives that have put their names in the political fray, but the question for once the votes are in and counted, is will sports get its just due from those elected to power?

Over the years, there have been persons with sporting backgrounds who have been placed in the role of Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, but it appears that very little is done on a consistent basis to advance the growth and development of athletes.

As we continue to linger through the COVID-19 era, it will be vital for the government elected to appoint a minister who can thrust the sports agenda forward in Cabinet to get sporting programmes off the ground and running again.

Sporting leaders have been crying out for a national forum where they can come together and voice their sentiments on sports and the way forward.

So while its too early to speculate who could and should be the new Minister of Sports with the elections still a week away, lets take a look at the list of some of the more prominent sporting personalities whose names are on the dotted lines for their constituencies.

Free National Movement

Noted incumbents

Deputy Prime Minister Desmond Bannister, the current Member of Parliament for Carmichael, is a former middle distance runner, who moved into the top of the sport of track and field where he served previously as the president of the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations and the legal advisor for the Bahamas Football Association.

Current Minister of Sports, Iram Lewis, is seeking another term as the Member of Parliament for Central Grand Bahama. The Grand Bahamian native is a two-time Olympic track and field sprinter, who also served as a vice president for both the BAAA and the Bahamas Olympic Committee.

Minister of Health Renward Lewis, seeking to be re-elected in Bamboo Town, is also an Olympic sprinter, who competed along with Lewis on the local and international scene. He also held the Bahamas national records in the 60m and 100m.

Shanendon Cartwright, the MP for St Barnabas, had a promising career as one of the top junior basketball players. But after returning from college, he never excelled to the senior level as one of the potential national team players.

Newcomers

Drumeco Archer, the candidate for Fort Charlotte, is also a former sprinter who represented The Bahamas at both the Carifta Games and the Junior Central American and Caribbean Championships and is the current president of the BAAA.

Felicia Knowles, running for the constituency of Cat Island, Rum Cay and Salvador, hails from the field of basketball and netball. She was a former national team player and an executive of the New Providence Womens Basketball Association.

Jennifer Isaacs-Dotson, running for Exuma and Ragged Island, was one of the countrys most versatile athletes, having played volleyball, softball, netball, field hockey and a little bit of basketball. She also represented the country as a national team player in a number of those disciplines.

John Pinder, like Isaacs-Dotson who come from the Labour Movement, he is running for Fox Hill where he was standout basketball player in both the park league and for the Saints in the New Providence Basketball Association. He also ventured into football where he played in the Commonwealth American Football League.

Progressive Liberal Party

Notable Returnees

Obie Wilchcombe, back in his bid to regain the seat of West Grand Bahama & Bimini, is a former quarterback in the CAFL, of which he also served as a president. He is also a former president of the Grand Bahama Basketball Association.

Coming over from the FNM as the MP for Golden Isles, Eleuthera native Vaugh Miller will be seeking to be re-elected as a PLP candidate. He is a former outstanding basketball player for the Becks Cougars in the NPBA.

An array of newcomers

Mario Bowleg, the candidate for Garden Hills, is also a former basketball player, who emerged as a championship coach with the CC Sweeting Cobras in the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association and the NPWBA. He is the current president of the Bahamas Basketball Federation and a head and assistant coach on the mens national basketball team.

Grand Bahamian native Wayde Watson is seeking the seat of Bains Town & Grants Town. He is a former basketball player, who has established himself as one of the top coaches, winning championship titles in the Bahamas Government Departmental Basketball Association; the NPBA and the NPWBA. He was also an assistant coach for the BBFs national team.

As the candidate for South Beach, Bacchus Rolle is a versatile basketball/baseball/softball player, who now holds the position as the head coach of the University of the Bahamas Mingoes mens basketball team.

Ronald Duncombe, the candidate for Killarney, has enjoyed a successful run as a former volleyball player in the New Providence Volleyball Association with the champions, Becks Condors, and the Intruders in his prime.

Grand Bahamian native Curt Hollingsworth is running for Marco City. Before he ventured into politics, he played basketball and participated in track and field. But hes known for his role as a high school coach in Grand Bahama and New Providence as well as serving as an interim president of the BAAA.

Jamahl Strachan, running for Nassau Village, competed in track and field as a hurdler and pole vaulter, and represented the Bahamas as a member of the Carifta team.

Coming in as the candidate for North Andros and the Berry Islands, Leonardo Lightbournes claim to fame was in basketball where he excelled as a member of the mens national basketball team and professional player, who took his talents throughout the Caribbean, Latin America and Europe.

Christopher Saunders, the candidate for St Annes, is a noted journalist from both the print and electronic media. He was a former swimmer, who emerged as one of the countrys certified basketball referees and an internationally certified statistician and table official.

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What lies ahead for sports after the general election? - Bahamas Tribune

Update: 45596 Bahamas will haul the tour from Crewe to London with 61306 Mayflower

Steam locomotive 45596 Bahamas will be back in steam on the mainline and will visit Hereford this Wednesday, 8th September 2021.

The Jubilee class locomotive is on a rail tour from Holyhead to London Paddington.

The train will depart Holyhead behind a diesel locomotive at 10:00 and will then pass through Llanfair PG (10:21), Bangor (10:25), Llandudno Junction (10:41), Rhyl (11:00), Chester (11:28) and Crewe at 11:52 where Bahamas is attached to the train.

Departing Crewe at 12:26, the Jubilee locomotive will pass through Wrenbury (12:41), Shrewsbury (13:11), Church Stretton (13:27), Craven Arms (13:36), Ludlow (13:57), Leominster (14:08), Hereford (arrives 14:27, departs 17:14), Abergavenny (17:44), Severn Tunnel Junction (18:49), Lydney (19:08), Gloucester (19:31), Swindon (20:45), Didcot Parkway (21:44), Reading (22:06), Maidenhead (22:33), Southall (22:46) and London Paddington at 23:06.

These above timings in brackets are approximate; please click the links below, which track the train throughout the day to keep you up to date on when it will pass through your local station.

For timings on these movements, please click the links below:

If you do go out and see 45596 Bahamas on the tour, why not share your pictures to LocoStop, our railway community. Click here for more details.

As always, please respect the dangers of the railway. Please do not trespass on the railway to see this iconic locomotive stay to public access spots!

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Bahamas steam locomotive to pass through Hereford this Wednesday - RailAdvent - Railway News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS The desire to possess job-ready technical skills may have hit a new high with nearly one third of this years Lyford Cay Foundation scholarship winners opting to earn a technical degree.

The Foundations awarded 26 new scholarships this term to students pursuing a diverse range of studies in Canada and the United States. This year, eight recipients are pursuing technical degrees, with more than half taking up studies to prepare them for careers in health-related fields.

Lyford Cay Foundations Executive Director Dr Nicola Virgill-Rolle said: Based on the applications we received, there was particularly strong interest in technical training and we are grateful to our donors who have consistently funded these scholarships.

She added: We have an independent panel of technical experts who assess our applicants, evaluate their selected schools, career paths and the likelihood of the applicant securing employment or entrepreneurial opportunities in The Bahamas when finished with their education.

Virgill-Rolle noted: The Lyford Cay Foundations have been strong supporters of technical and vocational skills upgrading in The Bahamas and seek to do more in this area in response to the growing need for skilled persons in technical professions, she noted.

We were delighted to award Grand Bahamian Dwayne Auguste, who had previously attended St Georges High School and BTVI (the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute), is seeking a diploma in an industrial trade welding fabrication a field he says is in dire need of locals, especially as the Grand Bahama Shipyard is set for a $300 million expansion that will make it a world leader in hauling and repair.

Auguste will be heading to Holland College in Canada.

The five students studying health-related disciplines include:

The final two technical award recipients are Apryl Miller, who attended St Johns College and is going on to study for a Bachelors degree in theatre at the University of the Ozarks in Arkansas, USA and who has a special interest in the technical aspects of stagecraft; and Niara Black, who attended St Annes School and will be working toward a Bachelors degree in aerospace management/aeronautics at Averett University in Virginia with a concentration in flight operations. Black wants to be a jet pilot for Bahamasair.

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Nearly 1/3 of all Lyford Cay Foundations 2021 scholarships go to technical training - EyeWitness News