Category Archives: Bahamas

A virulent and fast-moving coral disease that has swept through the Caribbean could be linked to waste or ballast water from ships, according to research.

The deadly infection, known as stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD), was first identified in Florida in 2014, and has since moved through the region, causing great concern among scientists.

It spreads faster than most coral diseases and has an unusually high mortality rate among the species most susceptible to it, making it potentially the most deadly disease ever to affect corals. More than 30 species of coral are susceptible. It was found in Jamaica in 2018, then in the Mexican Caribbean, Sint Maarten and the Bahamas, and has since been detected in 18 other countries.

In Mexico, more than 40% of reefs in one study had at least 10% of coral infected by SCTLD, and nearly a quarter had more than 30%. In Florida, regional declines in coral density approached 30% and live tissue loss was upward of 60%.

Scientists have not yet been able to determine whether the disease is caused by a virus, a bacterium, a chemical or some other infectious agent, but the peer-reviewed study in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science supports the theory that ballast water from ships may be involved. Conducted in the Bahamas by scientists at the Perry Institute for Marine Science, it found that SCTLD was more prevalent in reefs that were closer to the Bahamas main commercial ports, in Nassau and Grand Bahama, suggesting a likely link between the disease and ships.

Judith Lang, scientific director at the Atlantic and Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment project, which has been tracking the disease, said: The prevailing currents in the Caribbean push seawater to Florida and not in the reverse direction, and the predominant wind direction is westward. So human dispersal [to those three territories] in 2018 seems necessary.

In 2017, the spread of deadly pathogens by ships when they discharge ballast water prompted the International Maritime Organization to implement the Ballast Water Management Convention, which requires that ships discharge their ballast water used to maintain the ships stability 200 nautical miles from shore in water at least 200 metres deep before entering port, to ensure they do not bring in harmful foreign pathogens.

In the Bahamas, SCTLD has spread rapidly since first being identified in December 2019.

Krista Sherman, senior scientist at the Perry Institute and a co-author of the recently published paper, said: The disease is spread along about 75km of reef tract, about 46 miles so for Grand Bahama that is a large structure of reef. Were talking about mostly covering the entire southern coastline of the island.

The disease is also widespread in the coral reefs of New Providence, where the Bahamas capital, Nassau, and main port are located. The study notes the presence of international container ships, cruise ships and pleasure boats at that location, as well as a fuel shipping station.

Infection rates among the most susceptible species were 23% and 45% across New Providence and Grand Bahama respectively, and recent mortality rates have reached almost 43%.

With the exception of two species, the researchers found there was a significant relationship between the disease and proximity of reefs to the major shipping ports. They noted an increasing proportion of healthy colonies as distance from the port increased on both islands, and a greater proportion of recently dead colonies closer to the port than farther away.

The locations where SCTLD is prevalent in the Bahamas are all popular with tourists, recreational fishers and divers, Sherman said.

There are concerns that the coral disease could affect the countrys main fishery export, spiny lobster, said Adrian LaRoda, president of the Bahamas Commercial Fishers Alliance. Although the lobster fishers work further out to sea, the industry would be affected if the reefs die. The spiny lobster fishery brings in $90m (66m) a year and employs 9,000 people.

Any negative impact on our reefs would definitely drastically affect our spiny lobsters because the mature animals migrate [from the reefs] to the fish aggregating devices [a technique for catching fish], LaRoda said. He added that the lobsters reproduction rate and the food supply for juvenile lobsters in the reef would also be affected.

The Bahamian government has set up a national taskforce to tackle the problem. Currently, the most effective treatment for the disease is the application of the antibiotic amoxicillin directly to the corals, which has seen some success in reducing mortality, but no realistic permanent solution is available.

According to Lang, rather than treating the symptoms, there is a need to tackle the possible human-made causes. Given a chance, nature can heal naturally, she said.

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Deadly coral disease sweeping Caribbean linked to wastewater from ships - The Guardian

DAVIS, WEST VIRGINIA The National Youth Science (NYS) Foundation has extended congratulations to the 2021 National Youth Science Camp delegates from The Bahamas who were selected to represent the country at the 2021 National Youth Science Camp, held virtually from June 28 to July 21, 2021.

Rowelinda Alcius is a student at CR Senior High School who is pursuing a career as a medical technologist.

Cobe Minnis is a student at CV Bethel who is planning to attend a Florida university, pursuing a career as a marine biologist.

The delegates joined around 140 other top science students from across the nation and around the world for this acclaimed honors science leadership program.

Over the last month, the delegates have been immersed in science lectures and directed studies led by some of the top scientists and professors from around the world.

NYSCamp Director Dr Brian Kinghorn noted: NYSCamp delegates are some of the best and brightest STEM students from across the world and deserved to be recognized for their protentional for leadership and achievements.

The virtual camp will provide them with opportunities to interact with STEM experts, build lasting friendships and get a jump-start on changing the world for good.

Delegates had opportunities to interact and connect with each other and to join in interactive sessions with presenters. Even though delegates were unable to gather in the beautiful mountains of West Virginia, the 2021 National Youth Science Camp proved to be an engaging, exciting and unforgettable experience for them.

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Two delegates selected to represent The Bahamas at 2021 National Youth Science Camp - EyeWitness News

Arriving in Margate Photo Frank Leppard

Railway enthusiast have been out with their cameras as The Kentish Belle hauled by steam loco Bahamas travels through Minster, Ramsgate, Dumpton Park, Broadstairs, Margate, Westgate, and Birchington en route to Faversham from London Victoria.

Loco Bahamas, number 45596, a 4-6-0 Jubilee locomotive, is one of 191 which were built between 1934 and 1936, concurrently alongside Black 5s 4-6-0s for the London Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS) both of which were designed by William Stanier.

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BAHAMAS was stored for many years at Stockport Depot before she was moved to Leeds for Repair and onto the Dinting Railway Museuem.

She returned to mainline service in 1972 and did many trips on the mainline, another overhaul began in 2013 and BAHAMAS returned to service in 2019. It is the only preserved Jubilee to sport a double chimney.

The return times today are :

MARGATE (Plat 1) arr 16:52 dep 16:58

BROADSTAIRS arr 17:05 dep 17:07

RAMSGATE (Plat 2) arr 17:12 dep 17:14

MINSTER 17:22

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Photos and video: Kentish Belle hauled by steam loco Bahamas passes through Thanet - The Isle of Thanet News

RALEIGH, N.C. (July 23) Two more alumni from Saint Augustines University (SAU) are at the Summer Olympic Games.

Rupert Gardiner is in Tokyo as an assistant coach of the Bahamas National Track & Field Team. A 1982 SAU graduate, Gardiner ran cross country for the Falcons before establishing himself as a well-respected track & field coach and administrator in his country.

The Bahamas relay squads have earned international acclaim under Gardiner, the countrys national relays coordinator. In the 2000 Olympics, Gardiner guided the Bahamas womens 4100 relay team to a gold medal.

SAU alumna Cora Hepburn is part of the Bahamas National Team as an administrator. She is the first female to be named Chef de Mission by the Bahamas Olympic Committee. The definition of Chef de Mission is a person in charge of a national team at an international sports event.

Hepburn was a volleyball standout at Saint Augustines in the early 1980s. A 1983 SAU graduate, Hepburn won CIAA Player of the Year, All-District and All-State honors and led her alma mater to multiple conference titles and national acclaim.

Gardiner and Hepburn are two of five SAU alums taking part in the Olympics. Tia-Adana Belle and Shawn Rowe will compete in the 400-meter hurdles for Barbados and Jamaica, respectively, and Gabriel Burnett is head coach of the Barbados National Track & Field Team.

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Five St. Aug alumni taking part in Tokyo Olympic Games - HBCU Gameday

NASSAU, BAHAMAS The Tourism Development Corporation (TDC) is collaborating with the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) to provide access to technical and financial assistance for small tourism enterprises (STEs) through a participation programme.

The organizations are seeking to identify and assess the challenges, barriers and needs faced by STEs to direct technical assistance and support post-disaster recovery.

To accomplish this, OAS and CHTA are inviting STEs across The Bahamas to participate in a survey and assist the bodies in targeting their specific needs.

OAS Representative for The Bahamas Phyllis Baron spoke about the benefits of the initiative, which is being carried out in OAS 13 member states.

The OAS will seek to dialogue with the policymakers of our region to create and enhance their policies that will be beneficial to the sector especially as it relates to recovery and business continuity. Hence, it is pertinent that all stakeholders participate in the survey as it is from this data we can analyze the information and provide strategic guidance that will benefit them as a sector, she said.

We should note that in recent times, there are more and more catastrophic events and so we must be prepared. We therefore encourage all small hotels and tourism businesses across The Bahamas to complete the OAS/CHTA 2021 Business Continuity survey to allow us to assist them appropriately.

Special advisor and former CEO of CHTA Frank Comito had similar sentiments.

Small tourism businesses are particularly hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and the same happens with other crisis situations. We believe that the groundwork of the OAS over 20 years ago on Hurricane Readiness and Small Hotel Operations has helped to prepare the tourism industry to manage their way through crisis situations, he said.

However, we need to look at the new situation faced by small hotel and tourism enterprises and direct resources appropriately.

We therefore encourage all small hotel and tourism businesses across The Bahamas to participate in this Business Continuity Survey, which will help the donor funding of the Organization of American States and the resources of CHTA to be directed to better serve their needs.

TDC Executive Director Janet Johnson said this initiative is a timely one.

With the hurricane season upon us, we are thrilled to be participating in this innovative initiative with our international non-governmental organization partners and so many of our STEs are grateful for the help and guidance that this collaboration affords, she said.

Eligible participants include hotel operators with under 100 room accommodations; independent food and beverage operators in tourism areas; transportation and ground tour operators; recreation including adventure, entertainment and attractions; tourism services including destination management and inbound tour operators; travel agents; retail sales and souvenir stores; and other supply chains.

The surveys can be completed at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/oas_chta.

Registration for and participation in the programme are free.

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TDC works with OAS and CHTA to build small tourism enterprise resilience - EyeWitness News

LEX18 A school-record total of 20 current and former University of Kentucky athletes and coaches will represent 10 countries across a range of five sports in the Summer Olympic Games to be held in Tokyo, Japan, from July 21 through August 8 on NBC and LEX18 News.

Nine Wildcats will compete for the United States, two for The Bahamas and Puerto Rico, and one each for Italy, Jamaica, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Trinidad and Tobago, and Zimbabwe.

BBN Tonight has talked with several of the Wildcats participating in the summer Olympics. Those interviews can be seen by clicking HERE.

Here's when and where you can watch the Wildcats compete this summer:

SCHEDULE BY DAYFriday, July 23

Saturday, July 24

Sunday, July 25

Monday, July 26

Tuesday, July 27

Wednesday, July 28

Thursday, July 29

Friday, July 30

Saturday, July 31

Sunday, August 1

Monday, August 2

Tuesday, August 3

Wednesday, August 4

Thursday, August 5

Friday, August 6

Saturday, August 7

Sunday, August 8

See more here:

When and where you can watch the Wildcats in Tokyo - LEX18 Lexington KY News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Bahamian citizens and residents eligible to receive their second vaccine dose but who have yet to book their appointment to become fully vaccinated will be unable to do so until next week.

According to National COVID-19 Vaccine Consultative Committee Co-Chair Ed Fields, there are currently no new vaccination appointments available for the remainder of the week, but he expects new appointments will available for next week for New Providence and Grand Bahama.

He said he expects that those appointments can be scheduled beginning today or Wednesday via vax.gov.bs.

The move has been prompted by available vaccine supplies, though The Bahamas is expected to receive its remaining balance of 33,600 AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine doses from the World Health Organizations (WHO) COVAX Facility before the end of the month.

The slots for this week are booked, Fields said in response to questions from Eyewitness News.

Hopefully, in a couple of days, some slots will be available for next week.

He maintained that the only places slots will become open will remain Loyola Hall on Gladstone Road on New Providence and the Susan J Wallace Centre on Grand Bahama.

He continued: We are working hard on securing supply.

As soon as we know definitively, we will advise the public.

The Bahamas is also expected to receive more than 57,000doses of Pfizerthrough the COVAX Facility.

It had exclusively received AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine doses through COVAX since the vaccine rollout began earlier this year.

The US is alsoslated to donatea tranche of AstraZeneca doses from its surplus, though quantity and dates have yet to be announced.

Last Thursday, the committee advised that vaccines will be limited to second doses by appointment only for those who are eligible, but there were reports yesterday that some of those individuals were unable to schedule their appointments.

As of Saturday, 99,755 vaccines doses had been administered in The Bahamas, with 60,389 people receiving a first dose of the vaccine and 39,366 fully vaccinated.

National COVID-19 Vaccine Consultative Committee Chairperson Dr Merceline Dahl-Regis told Eyewitness News yesterday the committee supports mixing COVID-19 vaccines, but it will only do so if the need arises.

Eyewitness Newsreported last week that The Bahamas could join other countries inmixing dosesof the UKs AstraZeneca and US Pfizer vaccines, which has been shown to provide an even greater immune response to the virus.

Excerpt from:

IT'S A NO GO: New vaccination appointments halted for remainder of the week - EyeWitness News

The cruise lines are planning to expand Grand Bahama's capabilities (Grand Bahama Shipyard)

PublishedJul 15, 2021 6:01 PM by The Maritime Executive

Efforts are underway to expand the capabilities of the Grand Bahama Shipyard located at Freeport in the Bahamas. According to the government of the Bahamas, the new investment will be one of the biggest investments in the islands history. When completed, the yard will be capable of handling and servicing the largest ships in the world.

Developed in response to the cruise industrys desire for a shipyard facility close to its base of operations in Florida and the Caribbean, Grand Bahama Shipyard started in 2000 with one drydock capable of handling ships to up to 27,000 tons displacement. The yard added a second drydock in 2001 capable of handling ships up to 50,000 tons displacement and by 2009 a third drydock was added, giving the yard a lifting capacity of up to approximately 82,500 tons displacement. Ownership of the yard includes 40 percent stakes each from Carnival Corporation and Royal Caribbean Group, with the remaining portion held by the Grand Bahama Port Authority.

I am pleased to announce that Carnival and Royal Caribbean have agreed to a new, combined investment of approximately $350 million in the Grand Bahama Shipyard, Bahamas Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis recently told the House of Assembly. To understand the scale of this investment, the House may recall that the original investment and other investments to date in the shipyard have totaled approximately $250 million.

Carnival Corporation confirmed the plans for the investment, which will be used to expand the yards capabilities. The largest portion of the investment will go into the addition of two large drydocks capable of handling the newer generations of cruise ships. Currently, the largest cruise ships have to head to Europe for their maintenance and overhauls.

Grand Bahamas largest drydock was damaged in an April 2019 accident. They were doing a partial lift of one of the worlds largest cruise ships, Royal Caribbeans Oasis of the Seas, when the dock cracked and one of the cranes toppled over hitting the cruise ship. The yard also suffered damage during Hurricane Dorian in September 2019 but has continued to operate while plans for the future were developed.

Giora Israel, Carnival Corporations senior vice-president for port and destination development, told the Bahamas Tribune Business news outlet that the plan is to build two new drydocks including one that will be the largest floating drydocks in the Americas. They explored building the docks in Europe but determined that they will be built in Asia.

Dr. Minnis speaking about the plans said the expansion of Grand Bahama Shipyard is set to begin as early as this October. The new drydocks are expected at the yard in the second half of 2022.

Grand Bahama is on the move and Grand Bahama is coming back, the Tribune Business quoted Dr. Minnis as telling the House of Assembly. The government and the owners of the shipyard will work on a new partnership agreement that benefits the people of Grand Bahama.

Expanding the facilities of Grand Bahama Shipyard provides the cruise lines with a nearby facility to meet the needs of its ships. The yard was also working to expand its range of services, including supporting more work for the hotel side of the cruise ships hosting the large revitalization projects some cruise lines have been undertaking to modernize older ships.

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$350 Million Expansion Planned for Grand Bahama Shipyard - The Maritime Executive

Looking back on our sitdown in 2018, its difficult to ignore his messaging and his motivation.

I think it was in the pre-draft, when they were doing the lottery for the teams, I was saying Hey, you know, theres times where I just wanna go back and not have people have to leave the Caribbean to exceed their goals, he said back then.

And since then, hes quietly dedicated himself to bringing attention down to the Antilles the same attention that eluded him for far too long.

One of the major turning points for him, he recalled, was attending the Basketball Without Borders camp in Toronto in 2016. There, aside from receiving instruction and inspiration from Yao Ming, he rubbed shoulders with the likes of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Rui Hachimura, Frank Ntilikina, Thon Maker and others. The neophytes all hoped to make it in the NBA. Some have succeeded, many havent.

Nonetheless, the experience opened Aytons eyes, in a number of ways.

I met Yao Ming, that was the exciting part of it, Ayton recalled in 2018. I played with different players, you had kids my age, 14, 15, that were playing pro and you know their IQ and the way how they handle themselves was way more mature, and you wanna be mature too. If a kid is your age and you see his swag on and off the floor, being around players helps you develop, so I just fed off of them.

From then to now in just three short years hes come pretty far.

The road from Nassau, Bahamas to the NBA Finals has been long, but it has been as inspiring for those coming behind Ayton as its been fulfilling for him.

As a foreigner, its not gonna be easy, Ayton said of the journey. Theres a lot of trials and tribulations, you just gotta keep pushing If you really wanna succeed in your craft, you will be successful.

Ayton recalled some of the struggles he encountered along the way, and as he looked forward to becoming a force in the league, he looked back at them with a smile.

Its not easy Especially if youre coming out the Bahamas young," Ayton said. "People mess with your accent, theres all types of trolls around you, and if youre not good starting out, people are gonna doubt you and put you down.

He encountered the doubters. He heard people question his desire to be great and whether he could help anchor a championship contender. Those questions have now been answered. Emphatically.

You just gotta find some type of motivation that can give you an outlet and just have you keep going. Basketball is my outlet, so when Im not in [a good] mood, I just play basketball. Its something to do to get your mind off of [negative] things, he said back then.

For those who have been around Ayton from the beginning, his growth has been appreciable. And with the arrival of Chris Paul, he has the opportunity to play with a point guard who has a long legacy of maximizing and effectively utilizing his big man. Ayton now joins a long list of big men that includes David West, Tyson Chandler, Emeka Okafor, Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan and Clint Capela all of whom enjoyed some of their most productive years playing alongside the Point God.

In a league where guards dominate the ball more than ever, perhaps we all now realize whats been missing for Ayton someone who can effectively and consistently set the table.

In his own right, though, Ayton has developed the skills necessary for a big man who wishes to succeed in today's NBA, which embraces switching on the defensive end and floor-spacing on offense. Hes unusually quick and nimble for a man his size and is a better-than-advertised midrange shooter.

As he enters next season the final year of his rookie contract win or lose in these Finals, the Suns will have an important decision to make with respect to the investment they wish to make in the big man.

Ayton, to his credit, has made it a rather easy decision.

Nonetheless, as he approaches stardom in the NBA as well as the most elusive goal, a championship, through it all, he hasnt forgotten where it all began on an outdoor court in Nassau.

Dreaming of becoming one of the few Caribbean-born NBA champions, Aytons journey is really just beginning.

Already having traveled pretty far in a number of ways thats perhaps whats most inspiring.

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From the Bahamas to the NBA Finals, Deandre Ayton shouldered the load - Yardbarker

6-Banner Sunday is Inside the Halls weekly newsletter in partnership withThe Assembly Call. Nearly 8,000 Indiana fans receive the newsletter each week. In addition to appearing each week on the site, you can also opt to receive 6-Banner Sunday by email. A form to subscribe via email is available at the bottom of this weeks 6-Banner Sunday.

Welcome to another edition of 6-Banner Sunday, a joint production betweenThe Assembly CallandInside the Hallwhere we highlight the five most essential IU basketball stories of the past week, plus take a look at how the other IU sports programs are doing.

One more offseason week is in the books, which means were now one week closer to the Mike Woodson era tipping off in Bloomington.

In the meantime, well keep you up to date on all of the most important stories involving your Hoosiers.

Lets get to this weeks:

Class of 2022 commit CJ Gunn suffers a broken wrist. Chris Reynolds tabbed to head NCAA DI mens basketball committee in 2022-2023 IUs new president Pamela Whitten tours the IU athletic campus Indiana adds UNC Asheville to its non-conference slate for 2021-22 Under a month until Indianas Bahamas trip Hoosier Roundup

Indianas lone commit for 2022, CJ Gunn, suffered a broken left wrist on Thursday while competing at the Peach Jam. The injury is not considered serious, but it may keep Gunn out of action for up to five weeks.

If there is a silver lining, the injury was to the left wrist and not Gunns shooting hand. Not only does that alleviate concern for lingering issues going forward, but it will also allow Gunn to continue to work on several skills during his recovery.

You can read more details on Inside the Hall: CJ Gunn suffers broken left wrist at Peach Jam

The success of former Indiana players continued this week when former Indiana guard, Chris Reynolds, was selected to chair the NCAA DI mens basketball committee.

Reynolds played at Indiana from 1989-1993 during one of the most successful stretches in IU history. He was on two Big Ten Championship teams in 1991 and 1993, and the Final Four squad in 1992.

Reynolds currently serves as the vice president for intercollegiate athletics at Bradley.

Some fun images came out of Bloomington this week when new Indiana University President Pamela Whitten took time to tour the Indiana athletics facility with AD Scott Dolson.

Whitten assumed her new post on July 1 and is no doubt getting a crash course in all things IU. With the recent success of so many of IUs athletic teams, she will have the good fortune of presiding over what many are calling a potential golden age of Indiana athletics.

President Whitten also displayed a pretty tight spiral on Twitter as she threw a little touchdown pass to Indiana Football coach, Tom Allen, during her tour of Memorial Stadium. Welcome to Hoosier Nation, President Whitten! Nice pass!

Another date on the non-conference schedule has been filled. Indiana will host UNC Asheville at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on Dec. 29th.

UNC Asheville is a part of the Big South Conference and finished last season with a 10-10 record. Last season UNC-A was a fast-paced, high-scoring team, who struggled on the defensive end to keep their opponents from scoring. This should be an interesting matchup and a test for Indianas transition defense.

This addition brings the total of non-conference games for the Hoosier to eight.

Indianas much an anticipated trip to the Bahamas is less than a month away. It is scheduled for Aug. 10-16. While there, Indiana will play a pair of exhibition games against BC Mega, a professional team from Serbia. Indiana fans will get their first glimpse at a Mike Woodson-led Indiana team, and all the new additions on the roster for 2021-22.

The games are not slated to be televised, however, there will be no shortage of media coverage from the event with all of the buzz that is surrounding the Indiana Basketball program.

By Aaron (Ari) Shifron

Ali Patberg Named NCAA Woman of the Year Candidate Berger, Bezerra and Capobianco Named IU Athletes of the Year Indiana Ink: The Permanent Art of Indiana Football Tom Allen Named to Dodd Trophy Watch List Six Hoosiers Selected In MLB Draft Locked InJaquez Smith Aims To Be Receiver Ready High Expectations Loom Again for Indiana Mens Soccer Drew Johansens Divers Prepared to Challenge the World Crider Earns Spot on CoSIDA Academic All-America Division 1 Football Team

Thanks for your continued support for The Assembly Call. Well be back next weekend with a new roundup.

Now go enjoy yourself a 6-banner Sunday.

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6-Banner Sunday: CJ Gunn suffers injury and another non-conference opponent is revealed - Inside the Hall