Category Archives: Bahamas

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said yesterday that while health officials were not minded to recommend increased restrictions ahead of the Easter holiday period, despite an increase of cases on certain islands, an assessment will be made the following week to determine if further restrictions will be necessary.

He made the statement as The Bahamas received its first tranche 33,600 doses of COVID-19 vaccines from the World Health Organization (WHO)/Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) COVAX Facility.

Easter weekend is traditionally a time of family gathering and fellowship, including beach picnics, Minnis said at Jet Aviation minutes after the doses of AstraZeneca arrived.

But we are still in the midst of the pandemic.

There are not normal times.

The COVID-19 cases numbers in The Bahamas and around the world make it clear that the pandemic is not over.

Cases of the virus have increased 15 percent week-on-week.

The majority of these cases have been recorded on New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco and Eleuthera.

Nations around the world, including many European Union countries, India and the Americas, continue to battle ongoing surges of the virus, new COVID-19 variants and fatigue with health protocols.

Minnis pointed out that the ongoing emergency orders in The Bahamas mandate groups cannot gather in numbers larger than five on beaches and parks on New Providence and Grand Bahama.

While he said COVID ambassadors will monitor activities over the holiday weekend and enforce the orders when needed, large gatherings could set the country back.

Though notably sluggish, The Bahamas economy is largely open with restrictions such as the ongoing 10pm to 5am curfew, wearing of facial masks, social distancing and sanitization.

Minnis encouraged the public to exercise discipline for a bit longer, noting that with adherence to health protocols and more people taking the COVID-19 vaccine, we will move even quicker toward a broader reopening of the country.

Painful

The prime minister said a third wave of COVID-19 in The Bahamas would be painful.

Director of the National HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Programme DrNikkiah Forbes told Eyewitness News on Sunday that the country could be on the brink of a third wave given the sustained increase in cases in the last few weeks.

However, she said a third wave could be prevented with adherence to health protocols, as seen late last year when daily infections were in the single-digits to low double-digits.

Minnis said: We cannot afford a painful third wave. We all have to do our part.

We dont want another surge in cases, more hospitalizations and more deaths.

Hospitalizations in The Bahamas increased from 11 on March 17 to 31 on March 29.

There have been challenges with vaccine manufacturers meeting global supply, a point PAHO underscored yesterday.

The Bahamas is expected to receive the balance of its 100,800 allocations before the end of May.

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BEST BEHAVIOR: PM cautions Easter activities and cases will guide future restrictions - EyeWitness News

Antonio Conte has seen evidence of "massive progress" in Lautaro Martinez's game both with and without the ball during his time as Inter coach.

Conte arrived at San Siro in 2019, a year after striker Martinez was signed from Racing Club.

The Argentina international's debut campaign had brought just nine goals and two assists in 35 games in all competitions, but those figures quickly improved under Conte.

Martinez tallied 21 goals and five assists in 49 outings last season and has scored 16 times and created six more for team-mates in 38 appearances in the 2020-21 campaign.

His minutes-per-goal rate has improved across his three seasons in Italy, this season finding the back of the net every 162.2 minutes.

Martinez is also creating more chances, 1.4 per 90 minutes, resulting in the increase in assists, but his work in defending from the front has been similarly impressive.

The 23-year-old has won possession in the final third 32 times this term (1.1 per 90) and posted 31 interceptions (also 1.1 per 90), comfortably more than in his previous two seasons combined.

Among Serie A forwards to score 15 or more goals in all competitions this season, Martinez leads the way in both categories as well as in recoveries per 90 (3.1).

Conte was asked about his number 10 ahead of Inter's game with Sassuolo on Wednesday,and said: "He has improved in all areas, on the ball and off the ball.

"He has improved when it comes to holding up possession and attacking the space.

"Like the other players, he has made massive progress. He needs to stay on this track. Taking his age into account, he has a very bright future ahead. It's in his hands."

Of those with 15 goals or more, Martinez's strike partner Romelu Lukaku ranked last for interceptions (0.1) and recoveries (1.6).

But Lukaku trails only Cristiano Ronaldo (31) in the scoring charts with 26 strikes in all competitions, and Conte is confident all of his players are contributing to the cause as Inter - eight points clear with Wednesday's game in hand - close on a first Scudetto since 2009-10.

"I think for every side putting the team first is the most important factor," the coach said. "Alone, you cannot win matches.

"It's the team that gets the best out of the individual. The players have understood the message. They are all pulling in the same direction."

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Guyana recovers from opening round loss to T&T with big 4-0 win over Bahamas - sportsmax.tv

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FULL restoration of the Genesis Academy is now complete, and the Ministry of Education will begin a gradual phase-in of students at that facility.

The Grand Bahama Port Authoritys reconstruction team and G&T Construction have now completed restoration of the facility, which is located in the Childrens Village for at-risk students.

Following severe flood damage during Hurricane Dorian in September 2019, the students were relocated into the mainstream public school system until the schools restoration could be completed.

Ivan Butler, district school superintendent for Grand Bahama, Bimini, and the Cays, commended the GBPA for its assistance in restoring the facility.

On behalf of the Ministry of Education, (Minister of Education) Jeffrey Lloyd, Director Mr Marcellus Taylor, and the many students that will benefit from this initiative, I extend sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Grand Bahama Port Authority for their assistance and partnership in making this day a reality, he said.

We look forward to a continued relationship with them. To this end, the Ministry of Education is pleased to announce that Genesis Academy will begin a gradual phase-in of students. We appreciate the value the Port Authority sees in our programme and thank them for their faith in our ability to deliver the education, support, and care that these students deserve.

Mr Butler said Genesis Academy provides continuing education for at-risk boys and girls who also receive intensive counselling.

The vision of Lady Henrietta St George in establishing this school has proven to be invaluable in providing a second chance for education amongst these students, he said.

The academys programme is tailored to teens who are working to refocus on education and obtain their high school diplomas. The trained, specialised staff help students who are rehabilitating from delinquency, recovering from substance abuse, and from other specialised needs that might not be addressed in a regular classroom.

The classrooms are small, with low teacher-student ratios, providing students with individualised access to academic development, behaviour therapy, social interaction, and experiential training services.

Unfortunately, in September 2019 Hurricane Dorian, the facility sustained major damage to the interior, the roof, and the students' agriculture and aquaponics installation.

School Principal Dr Ricardo Major is looking forward to the return of their students.

The facilitys restoration was a daunting task, he said. But thanks to the Port Authority, the work is done and the Genesis team is eager to welcome our students back. GBPAs support has enabled us to provide specialised education that meets our students unique needs, and to offer after-school programmes and projects that help guide them back into mainstream life.

Mr Butler said the Ministry of Education has enjoyed a partnership that spans more than 20 years with the GBPA.

It has provided the opportunity for continuous education for students regardless of their challenges or circumstances, he said.

Sarah St George, acting chairperson at the GBPA, believes that every child deserves a second chance.

She said the Genesis Academy has provided support and much-needed attention and care to many of Grand Bahamas teens.

Our youth are our future, and we must nurture their development regardless of their challenges or transgressions it will help them to become productive and contributing members of our communities, said Ms St George. Im delighted to resume this very successful partnership that the GBPA had with the Ministry of Education for the past 20 years and Id like to thank the Ministry and Mr Ivan Butler for their continued commitment to the Genesis Academy.

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Restoration work completed at Grand Bahama's Genesis Academy - Bahamas Tribune

Tourist destinations need not wait for tourists to improve their economic fortunes. This month, the European Commission announced its intention to commit 17m in humanitarian aid to address the needs of the most vulnerable in Haiti and the Caribbean, which have been worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 1994, the European Union has provided 183m in humanitarian aid to the Caribbean. This funding includes 50.8m for disaster risk reduction and community resilience.

For nearly every country around the world, the past year has been a tough one. But for economies which rely on international tourism, the year has been particularly challenging. The countries of the Caribbean have always been grateful for external support from our international friends and partners. But how can we repay them? The answer lies in building resilience for the long term, such that all visitors to our islands, including but not limited to Europeans, can enjoy the fruits of societies and economies built on strong foundations.

As the vaccine continues its rollout, and lockdowns start to lift globally, it is important for Caribbean countries to join the global effort to build back better by investing in education and economic diversification. In countries such as ours, in which government resources are scarce and the employment highly dependent on tourism, the philanthropic sector has an outsized opportunity as well as responsibility to build bridges between the public and private sectors and provide innovative solutions to local problems.

A recent study by the Centre for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) revealed that at least $20.2bn in global COVID-19 giving was made by grant-makers and wealthy donors during 2020. Corporate foundations and corporate giving programs accounted for $9.4bn (44 percent) of total COVID-19 funding. And for countries facing existing economic hardship, these foundations have an even bigger role to play.

As the vaccine continues its rollout, and lockdowns start to lift globally, it is important for Caribbean countries to join the global effort to build back better by investing in education and economic diversification

In the Bahamas, the Fox Foundation wants to play a part in this effort. Dedicated to providing support to enrich the lives of Bahamians, collaborating with local organisations across education, youth development, community building and disaster relief, we believe that the future of the nation depends on the efforts of all Bahamians.

In the Caribbean, we are no strangers to natural disasters. Hurricane Dorian, which struck just one year before the COVID-19 pandemic, was the worst natural disaster in the history of the Bahamas. It is estimated that the hurricane cost a total of $5.1bn in damage overall. Even before the pandemic began, the Bahamas has been battling for its economic future. The June 2020 financial assistance package from the IMF has been beneficial, but it is not enough to help the Bahamas get to where it needs to go.

In October of last year, the IMF slashed its growth forecasts for the Bahamas, cutting its projected GDP growth from 6.7 percent to just 4.6 percent. This just goes to show that the Bahamas faces a longer and harder road to recovery from the pandemic than initially predicted. And given that international tourism, the countrys main industry, is unlikely to come back for some time, we may face some wait before our economy rebounds.

But tourism need not be the only thing that matters for economic development. Education matters for economic development. It can raise productivity, promote creativity, and contribute to higher levels of technological progress and entrepreneurship. It is also the cornerstone of our philanthropic activities at the Fox Foundation.

In its six years of operation, the Fox Foundation has brought in over $5m in private donations to assist with its four pillars of education, youth development, community building and medical causes. We have partnered with a network of philanthropists across the world to rebuild and empower the country we love and want to raise awareness globally about the economic situation facing our people. Just because we may not be the first country people think of when they think of countries in crisis, doesnt mean that we dont need their help.

We want to equip the next generation of Bahamians with the skills they need to help themselves, and by doing so, help our country

They say that the children are our future. But the Caribbean is one of the worst regions globally for brain drain, with some 10-40 percent of the labour force emigrating to OECD member countries according to IMF research. Investing in the future of our youth will ensure that future generations are not persuaded to leave their homeland in search of a better life overseas. We want to equip the next generation of Bahamians with the skills they need to help themselves, and by doing so, help our country.

We want to expand the efforts of our Foundation to promote wider and more impactful education initiatives. We hope that by doing so, we can encourage others to do the same around the world, allowing philanthropy to provide the catalyst for countries to propel forward from this difficult period. The coming months will be challenging, but it is up to us to face that challenge. We want to do all that we can to help the Bahamas build back stronger and make a contribution to the tireless efforts of the government in promoting the Bahamas recovery. We hope that others will play a role too, and that philanthropy can help countries bounce back stronger.

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Post-Pandemic, the Caribbean needs to present a new face to the world - The Parliament Magazine

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

CAMERON Riley and his Florida A and M Rattlers continue to solidify their standing as the top HBCU programme in NCAA Division I.

Riley won the individual title, the first of his NCAA career, and his Rattlers team took first place at the Black College Golf Coaches Association (BCGCA) Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Invitational for the second consecutive year.

The Grand Bahama native shot a season low 4-under par 138 (69-69) to claim the individual title and his Rattlers won the tournament by 25 strokes at the Eagle Ridge Golf Club.

Its very significant to black golf in America, its one of the few tournaments where all the best HBCUs in the country come together and we battle it out to see whos on top of their game. Its so significant because it brings a sense of camaraderie that you dont feel at any other tournament, playing with people that look like you and that are actually pretty good.

FAMU was the only team to shoot under par, shooting a 1-under par 567 (282-285) in the two-day tournament. In individual competition, the Rattlers occupied the top four spots with all five golfers finishing in the top 10.

This season, the Rattlers finished sixth out of 13 teams in the Donald Ross Collegiate Classic and a third place finish in the Invitational at Savannah Harbor, hosted by William and Mary. It was the highest FAMU has ever placed in the 16-team tournament.

Ive been at FAMU for five years and I can tell you that the growth weve had and the respect weve developed in that time has been a 180 degree change. Its been crazy. Being a part of this legacy is great, Riley said.

Last year we won five tournaments in a row and we were one of the only HBCUs to do that and that is unheard of in college golf. Knowing that we are minorities and we are always competing with these PWIs (predominantly white institutions) and we are beating them, its special. I appreciate the coaches for helping me get to where I am. I feel honoured to be a part of it. We went from five guys on the team and struggling to compete to a team of 11 guys and winning just about every tournament.

Riley is currently ranked at No.5 on the Advocates Professional Golf Association (APGA) Tour Collegiate Rankings.

The APGA Collegiate Ranking will ease the financial costs associated with playing developmental tours as well as application fees for the Korn Ferry Tour Qualifying Tournament.

With his ranking, Riley has an opportunity to earn APGA Tour membership, entry into all remaining APGA Tour events, travel costs associated with each APGA Tour event, exemption into the Korn Ferry Tour Qualifying Tournament and Pre-Qualifying Stage unless otherwise exempt into another Stage.

Riley, who got his start in the game at 10-years-old, joined the BGF junior programme and represented the country at various events.

Following a CAJGC event, I got lucky enough to earn an opportunity to go to the Gary Gilchrist Academy in Florida and it really opened my eyes to the competition level around the world.

In America, its so much easier to get better at golf. In the Bahamas, its difficult because you are so limited. You have Albany, Ocean Club, and Royal Blue, but all of those are really expensive.

In America, I can go play a round of golf for $30. It showed me that if I could go to America full time I could get pretty good at the game. And around that time when I moved to America at age 14, I took the game seriously.

Once I went to Lake Mary High school and made the team, it took off from there. Without the exposure of moving to America, I wouldnt be where I am today.

Riley said he will continue to be an advocate for junior golf in The Bahamas with issues of accessibility and training key factors in the development of a future generation of golfers.

I feel very strongly about junior golf in The Bahamas because I was there and I experienced so much first hand and saw what happened. I was happy to hear about the inter-school golf tournament, it shows young people there are more sports out there they can pursue and a great step in the right direction.

Georgette Rolles Fourteen Clubs Golf Academy is also a step in the right direction but theres still so much work left to be done, he said. Being in America and seeing what the juniors have here compared to what we have at home is such a huge gap. Accessibility is a major issue we need to work on in The Bahamas. I know some of the courses have tried to fix that, but theres still a long way to go. You have to give junior golfers a place to play every day so they can play nine holes every day. I believe the BGF should really invest in the youth and send them to travel so that they can open their eyes to the competitive gap. When I was a junior I was winning every tournament at home by a couple of shots, but when I came here I was getting lapped by the field and it opens your eyes.

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Cameron Riley wins the first individual title of his NCAA career - Bahamas Tribune

Since mid-January, Bahamas the stage name of singer-songwriter Afie Jurvanen has been reimagining songs off his latest album, the vibrant and chic Sad Hunk, with a rotating cast of guest players for a performance series titled Live to Tape. The latest assembles a group of Nashville stars to perform Bahamas Half Your Love from his latest album.

Drummer Gene Chrisman, bassist Dave Roe, pedal steel legend Russ Pahl, and guitarist Dan Knobler all pitched in to serve as the backing band, while the Americana sibling duo of the Secret Sisters add breathtaking harmonies to Bahamas Half Your Love. The session players and the sisters Zoomd in from Nashville, linking with Jurvanen in a studio in his hometown of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Like so much work done today, the result is a wonderfully organic song created from our isolated spaces.

Recording with those veterans of industry was like playing an exhibition basketball match with Larry Bird, Charles Barkley, and Isiah Thomas. It was only for fun, but the level of play was out of this world. Im flattered they let me in the game, even if only for a few minutes, Jurnaven says in astatement to Rolling Stone.The Secret Sisters sing so effortlessly together you would think they were actually sisters [thats a joke]. They really elevated the whole session.

Past installments have featured the 400 Unit, a critically acclaimed musical foursome primarily made up of musicians from the Muscle Shoals, Alabama area who are known for their Grammy-winning collaborations with Jason Isbell. Other invitees have included The Teskey Brothers, an Australian blues rock band from Melbourne, legendary rhythm players Bob Glaub and Russ Kunkel, members of Dawes, and Lucius. Bahamas released Sad Hunk, his fifth album, in October.

The full episode of Live to Tape premieres Saturday, March 27th on his official Youtube channel.

Sad Hunk can be bought here.

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Bahamas Links With The Secret Sisters For Half Your Love From Live To Tape Series - uDiscover Music

As private island ownership continues to be in high demand in the wake of Covid-19, the largest private island in the Bahamas will be going up for auction this coming Friday, March 26 at 4 p.m.

With 730 acres of hills and beautiful white sandy beaches, Little Ragged Island, also known as St Andrew's, is the largest private island in the Bahamas.

The auction is being handled by Concierge Auctions, who stages real estate auctions, selling to the highest bidder. Concierge Auctions claims as clients some very recognizable names, like Cher and Michael Jordan.

On its website, Concierge describes this auction as the opportunity of a lifetime adding that Little Ragged Island as truly ideal for development and construction, claiming more than enough acreage left to add an entire 18-hole golf course.

Those interest in biding need to put up a $100,000 deposit. There is no reserve price, and the island lists for $19.5 million. There is no minimum bid, but there is a 12% Buyers Premium.

St. Andrew's, Little Ragged Island | Concierge Auctions

For more information on the Little Ragged Island or to register for the auction, click here.

To learn more about Concierge Auctions, click here.

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Private island in the Bahamas goes up for auction Friday - Islander News.com

Usually, when it comes to making matching fashion statements, the Giudice girls get it from their mama, Teresa Giudice. The four sisters have been known to sport similarly stunning ensembles for any occasion, from double designer sunhatsat the beachand travelingin matching Gucci sweatsto head-to-toe white ensembles for an evening out. But during their recent reunion with their dadin the Bahamas, the girls decked themselves out in like-minded denim looks and Joe Giudice got in on the fun.

On March 28, Milania Giudice shared a series of family photos on Instagram from their group getaway during which the sisters wore a slew of swimsuits and summer-ready looks. But, there was one snap in particular that flaunted their family style. In one shot, Gabriella, Gia, Milania, and youngest Audriana smiled alongside their dad in matching outfits that featured light wash jeans and crisp, white crop tops. Each sister stunned in a different version of the classic, summer staple worn with ripped jeans and sandals.

Not one to be left out of the fun, Joe wore his own take on the trend in a breezy, white button-down shirt and distressed denim with a pair of bright, white kicks. Looks like a love of fashion runs in the Giudice genes.

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Joe Giudice Twins With His Daughters During Their Reunion in the Bahamas - Bravo

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM Maria OBrien, ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to the kingdom of Belgium and head of mission of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to the European Union, was recently a high-level speaker on Climate Diplomacy: The role of international cooperation ahead of COP26 at the Transatlantic Conference hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU).

The opening day of the conference started with a keynote address on sustainability and climate that was delivered by Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson.

The address was followed by a panel discussion with OBrien; Marc Vanheukelen, hors class adviser and ambassador at large for climate diplomacy, European External Action Service; and David Livingston, senior advisor on climate, John Kerrys climate envoy, US State Department.

OBrien, the first resident envoy appointed to Belgium from our commonwealth, shared climate change initiatives from The Bahamas at the conference, which brought together 300 policymakers and senior business executives throughout the European Union and the United States.

OBrien discussed the impact of climate change on The Bahamas, the importance of global alliances and the need to take bold steps to mitigate the environmental and economic impact on its residents; and noted that the SAMOA Pathway, which provides small island developing states with assistance to reduce the social and economic impact of the climate crisis, is supported by 115 countries inclusive of the US and EU member states.

Some of the Bahamas governmental initiatives highlighted by OBrien included the Sustainable Development Goals Inter-Agency Technical Committee, an intergovernmental panel on climate changes including government ministries and agencies, private sector, civil society and academia that was formed to assist with sustainable development planning in economic, social and environmental policies; implementing legislation to ban single-use plastics; and recognizing the impact of the climate crisis on women and youth.

Aside from discussions on topical issues such as climate change, the three-day conference included discussions on key issues to enhance the understanding of EU and US positions on business matters and to build transatlantic connections related to trade, investment and competitiveness.

Susan Danger, CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce to the EU, said it was quite sobering to hear OBrien detail the very real consequences of climate change. Danger noted that these human elements should be considered daily as we work towards decarbonization.

OBrien stated: It is vital for The Bahamas to be an active participant in important global conversations that can assist with sustainable economic and social development. The issue of climate change is at the heart of this matter for our country and we should be proud to share our initiatives to that end with the world.

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Bahamas ambassador talks climate initiatives at the American Chamber of Commerce to the EU meeting - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Police recovered 155 packages of suspected cocaine with a street value of $3.1 million in Governors Harbour, Eleuthera, during a joint law enforcement operation yesterday.

According to reports, personnel from Operation Bahamas and Turks and Caicos (OPBAT), the US Coast Guard, US Customs and Border Patrol and the Royal Bahamas Police Force participated in the operation.

Law enforcement officials launched an investigation after receiving intelligence on Sunday that an aircraft was inbound to The Bahamas with suspected cocaine onboard.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Solomon Cash told members of the media that when the aircraft landed on the Governors Harbour airstrip on Sunday, law enforcement officers commenced a surveillance exercise of the aircraft and the airstrip.

Cash said two men were observed leaving the aircraft and were searched but nothing was found in their possession.

They were subsequently allowed to leave the airstrip and the joint operation continued into the night.

Cash advised that sometime after 9am on Monday, officers recovered from the airstrip six multicolored bags containing suspected cocaine.

He said police are now looking for the two men seen departing the aircraft for additional questioning.

What we are saying to those two individuals that disembarked the aircraft is that they should surrender to the police, he said.

I can tell you and I can assure you that we are following very significant leads to who they are and they are being sought at this time.

Cash explained that as the investigation unravels and as the surveillance exercise unraveled additional information, we have reasonable cause to suspect that they are the ones responsible.

He said it is expected that the men are still on the island.

Cash added that the incident is believed to have originated outside of The Bahamas.

I believe its a transnational crime, based on my information; a transshipment outside of the jurisdiction of The Bahamas into The Bahamas, he added.

He, however, did not want to speak further on the matter.

There have been no arrests made in connection to the bust.

Additional officers from the forensic department have also been dispatched to the island and are assisting with the investigation.

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TRANSNATIONAL CRIME: $3.1 million cocaine bust on Eleuthera believed to have overseas connections - EyeWitness News