Category Archives: Bahamas

Hailey Baldwinis keeping it casual with her latest bikini look.

The 24-year-old model took to Instagram on Friday to share several black-and-whitepictures of herself posing in a tiny two-piece.

She paired her look with Chanel loafers and sunglasses, while her hair was wrapped in a towel.

"Everythings better in the Bahamas @490tx," she captioned the snapshots, which appear to be from a past shoot.

HAILEY BALDWIN POSES IN TINY BIKINI AS SHE ENJOYS A 'COZY WEEKEND'

Hailey Baldwin took to Instagram on Friday to share several black-and-whitepictures of herself posing in a tiny two-piece.
(Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)

In a separate post, Bieber is seen rocking a white top along with a matching oversized button-down, a black bucket hatand the same designer loafers. However thistime she added a pair of white socks featuring a heart-printed design.

Baldwin captioned the smiling photo with a simple red heart emoji.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

Earlier this month, Baldwin and her husband Justin Bieber took a trip to Hawaii, sharing pictures of their getaway to social media.

"Heart = full," Baldwin captioned the photos at the time, which featured a picture of the couple in nature, a selfie of Baldwin as well a snapshot of her in the ocean.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Bieber, 26, and Baldwin briefly began dating in 2015 before splitting shortly after. They reconciledin 2018 andhave since married.

See the original post here:

Hailey Baldwin says everythings better in the Bahamas as she poses in tiny bikini - Fox News

Hall of Fame swim coachAlbert Bert Bell has died. He was 75 years old.

Bell, the head coach of the Freeport Aquatics Club Sharks, was a central figure in swimming in the Bahamas. Among the Olympians that he coached includeAllan Murray,Alana Dillette,Joanna Evans, Elvis Burrows, andGarvin Ferguson.

Ferguson briefly held the Olympic Record in the mens 50 meter freestyle. His 24.25 from heat 1, lane 1 at the 1988 Olympic Games, which was the first Olympics where the 50 was held, stood for 3 heats, when Canadas Mark Andrews broke it with a 23.64.

Bell represented the country at the 1992, 1996, and 2000 Olympic Games. In 1996, he became the first-ever Bahamian swimmer to reach an Olympic final. He placed 12th overall, tied with Gustavo Borges, in teh B final at that meet.

The more contemporary names on that list, Dillette, Evans, and Burrows, combine to hold 15 Bahamian National Records in long course alone, including relay records.

Evans was the highest finisher among that group, placing 13th in the womens 400 free at the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Burrows, who swam collegiate at the University of Kentucky, trained under Bell from the age of 5 through high school, and when he was home during the summer thereafter.

Pretty much 100% of Grand Bahamas Olympians all swam for Mr. Bell at one point, Burrows said of Bells impact. He has a very high percentage of world-class swimmers that have come through the program, and that kind of discipline he instilled in us allowed us to reach these heights.

Shortly before his death, Bell announced his retirement from swimming coaching, and the local swimming community began a campaign to start a fund for Bell into his retirement and to name something bigger than sports after him. The director of the YMCA where Bell coached proposed naming a highway after him.

Dillette, as part of that presentation, talked about what Bell did for her not just as an athlete, but as a person.

He caught me commitment, discipline, he taught me grit. He taught me all of the things as an athlete, obviously, they do make you a well-rounded athletes, but a well-rounded person. Ive managed to use those qualities now, even today in my life in my life in the role that I have as a professor.

I know that Mr. Bell had that impact on so many people, beyond me. Its not just about me or the other Olympians or other swimmers that he coached. He was an educator, he was a leader, he was a friend, a coach within our community.

Bell is a member of the Grand Bahama Sports Hall of Fame, recognized not just for his work in swimming, but also as a coach and administrator in cycling, triathlon, rugby, and even rugby. Besides the FAC, he worked as a teacher and coach at Eight Mile Rock High School for over 25 years, beginning in the 1970s when he relocated there from London.

Bell died in his home on January 16 after complications with his prostate and kidney caused by an illness. A motorcade and homegoing service will be held next weekend in Grand Bahama in celebration of the life and legacy of Bell. Local businesses have been asked to put royal blue or aqua colored ribbons on their doors to pay tribute to Bell.

See original here:

Bert Bell, a Legend and Pillar of Bahamas Swimming, Has Died - SwimSwam

THERE is no shortage of benefits when it comes to participating in races.

It is a great way to stay active throughout the year while working on your personal best.

2020 was an unusual year for road racing. Marathon Bahamas wanted to keep its constituents engaged with a 12th edition of Marathon Bahamas events - marathon, half marathon and four-person relay - Marathon Bahamas Virtual.

Although participants were unable to compete next to hundreds of competitors, they were able to achieve the Marathon Bahamas race distances, possible personal records and their running/walking goals.

Additionally, as the race was virtual, it did still foster a sense of community for fellow runners who participated in teams - generating tons of camaraderie and fellowship.

Participants ran at their preferred location, at their own pace, outdoors or on a treadmill, alone or with group of friends (during a nine-day period) - continuing the annual participation tradition with this wonderful new racing option.

Marathon Bahamas Virtual 2021 had participants from 25 countries, 15 United States, 4 Canadian Provinces and far-reaching tentacles throughout The Bahamas.

Four charities benefit from the proceeds: Cancer Society of The Bahamas, Cancer Association of Grand Bahama, Sister Sister Cancer Support Group and the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation. Sunshine Insurance is lead organiser for Marathon Bahamas.

View post:

Sunshine Insurance Marathon Bahamas celebrates its 12th anniversary virtually - Bahamas Tribune

NASSAU, BAHAMAS The Organization for Responsible Governance (ORG) is seeking feedback from 500 entrepreneurs on Grand Bahama and Abaco on the challenges being faced by the dual crisis of Hurricane Dorians impact and the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Last November, ORG launched a survey on the two islands, specifically, as part of a wider collaborative effort with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

It has since received up to 350 survey submissions, but program organizers said they are still looking for more.

ORG Education and Program Consultant Tiffany Bain- Saunders said: We have called local businesses, emailed and texted some as well. Grand Bahama response has been very strong, but we are still in need of more Abaco feedback.

We encourage all business owners to speak to our representatives or to visit our website your voice is so important in this.

She added: It goes without saying that micro, small and midsize enterprises (MSMEs) are responsible for driving economic activity throughout the country. Being aware of their challenges is critical data that can be used to set policy and discover growth trends as well.

In The Bahamas, 90 percent of all business owners fall into the category of small or medium-sized enterprises, with a significant number of them impacted negatively by the current economic conditions, according to ORG.

Saunders continued: The dual crisis has forced many businesses to lay off staff, reduce their hours of operation, or worse. While we are all anecdotally aware of the challenges our economy has faced, we need MSME data recorded to make sure future decisions any Government makes on how to help them is directed properly.

The survey, which can be accessed by clicking this link, engages business owners on a wide range of issues like the impact of COVID-related restrictions, challenges with access to supplies after the hurricane and how the government has supported or hindered their capacity to remain open.

The survey is estimated to take 15 minutes, with anonymity for all companies.

Once compiled, the report of results will be presented to the Ministry of State for Finance and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to aid in future policies and legislation. The compiled information will also be shared utilizing ORGs relationships with the SBDC, local Chambers of Commerce and NGOs.

Go here to read the rest:

ORG looking to reach 500 MSMEs in northern Bahamas - EyeWitness News

Click here to download and save as a PDF.

As the board wobbles gently beneath me, I manage to clamber to my feet and paddle off across Ocean Cays calm lagoon. My stand-up paddleboarding skills are functional rather than stylish I can get around, and love doing it, but its hardly graceful. You can see the effort. Im the opposite of the proverbial swan that glides along elegantly without showing that its paddling furiously beneath.

Unlike me, Ocean Cay itself is very much the swan of cruise lines private islands. On the surface, its all about low effort, maximum reward. Expansive white beaches are lined with loungers; bars right on the sand dispense giant cocktails; and theres a secluded spa, where you can have a massage in a shady cabana as the sea breezes ruffle your hair.

If youre trying to tempt cruisers back onto the water, this is the way to do it.

Operation clean-up

Theres a lot more to Ocean Cay than meets the eye, however. This swan has had to paddle like hell to get where it is today after starting off as rather an ugly duckling.

Large areas of coral have been replanted, replacing and creating reefs to enrich the marine ecosystem.

When MSC Cruises leased the site from the Bahamian government, it wasnt a particularly pretty prospect. Formerly a sand-mining facility, the island resembled a rubbish dump. I snorkelled here before we cleaned it up, and you couldnt see the seabed for tyres and cables, says Michelle McGregor, Ocean Cays manager.

The clean-up operation was massive. Chemical spills were remediated, and more than 1,500 tons of scrap metal was removed. Then 5,000 trees and 75,000 plants and shrubs were introduced. Perhaps most significantly, a 64-square-mile marine reserve was created around the island. Large areas of coral have been replanted, replacing and creating reefs to enrich the marine ecosystem.

Sustainable sailing

All trace of Ocean Cays industrial past is gone. Now, visitors will find a pristine island with two miles of platinum beaches lapped by clear, Bahamas-blue water the only clue that it hasnt always been this way is the somewhat diminutive height of the palm trees, and these wont take long to grow.

The chance to reverse Ocean Cays ecological fortunes was all part of the appeal for the cruise line. It would have been simpler and cheaper to lease an untouched island where nature thrived intact, but this was a chance to make good on the lines commitment to sustainability, which has seen it make marine operations carbon neutral, develop LNG-powered ships and set a target to eliminate single-use plastics.

With cruise operations suspended for the best part of a year, the ecosystem around Ocean Cay has had even more time to rebound, ready for visitors to see it at its best.

Ocean Cays radical recovery programme has turned a site that had almost no value either to tourists or wildlife and resurrected it, to the benefit of both. And with cruise operations suspended for the best part of a year, the ecosystem around Ocean Cay has had even more time to rebound, ready for visitors to see it at its best.

Environmentally, the process isnt over. An onisland research centre is being developed that will give scientists and students a permanent base from which to work, monitoring local marine populations and undertaking a study into supercorals tougher strains that can survive the effects of climate change.

Lifes a beach

While Ocean Cays environmental credentials are key for MSC Cruises, guests can choose how much attention they wish to pay to the green agenda. On the island, drinks are served in reusable glasses, straws are biodegradable, and reef-friendly sunscreen is encouraged, but beyond that, visitors wont find sustainability shoved in their faces.

Food trucks and bars on almost every beach mean sustenance is always just a few steps away, though theres a lively main bar and a central buffet for more choice.

The main focus is relaxation. There are eight beaches, including one dedicated to families, a secluded stretch of sand near the spa, and a private beach with butler service for Yacht Club guests, alongside their own stylish clubhouse. Food trucks and bars on almost every beach mean sustenance is always just a few steps away, though theres a lively main bar and a central buffet for more choice and a buzzier atmosphere.

Active guests will love the watersports on offer, from kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding to snorkelling and scuba diving. As the sun sets, a traditional Bahamian Junkanoo Parade with costumed dancers stretches around from the main bar to Ocean Cays striking red and white lighthouse. When its fully dark, theres a spectacular light show the tower itself flaring up, illuminated by 23,000 bulbs. Theyre energy-efficient LEDs, of course

Island activities

Chill

Spice up your sunbathing by hiring a cabana, a floating beach mat or an inflatable raft.

Cruise around with minimum effort on an electric pedalo, or take a boozy boat trip on a rum-soaked catamaran excursion.

In the evening, book a sunset beach picnic or champagne cruise, then finish up with a beachside stargazing session.

Thrill

See how the environment has bounced back with a snorkelling trip in the marine reserve, where you glide over a sunken shipwreck populated by tropical fish, endangered corals, stingrays and a resident pod of dolphins.

Take a guided trip by kayak or stand-up paddleboard, or rent equipment and go it alone.

Scale the 165 steps to the top of the candy-striped lighthouse for the ultimate sea view.

The action doesnt have to stop when the sun goes down rent a special stand-up paddleboard fitted with LED lights and you can glide around the lagoon under the stars.

Book it

All MSC Cruises ships sailing from Miami and Port Canaveral will call at Ocean Cay as part of their Caribbean itineraries. In winter 2021-22, this includes MSC vessels Armonia, Divina, Meraviglia and Seashore, and for summer 2022, Divina and Seashore. Prices start from 369 for a seven-night sailing (cruise-only).msccruises.co.uk

Read more

The most hotly anticipated expedition ships launching in 2021How to restore your clients confidence in cruise for 2021What to expect from cruise lines in 2021

This is a community-moderated forum.All post are the individual views of the respective commenter and are not the expressed views of Travel Weekly.By posting your comments you agree to accept our Terms & Conditions.

Continued here:

Discover MSC Cruises' private island in the Bahamas, Ocean Cay - Travel Weekly UK

Hailey Bieber and her man Justin Bieber look like had a beautiful vacation in the Bahamas. The hot couple has been sharing photos of their trip on Instagram and they look happily in love. Its unclear when exactly the couple was there but the photos seem to be from a trip they went on earlier this year with friends. Check out the fun photos theyve shared including bikini pics and one of the cutest outfits Hailey has ever worn.

Justin shared the first photo on Thursday with blue skies and blurred green palm trees in the back and captioned the pic, The best part of my day .

On Friday, Hailey began sharing photos on her Instagram. The first post was a black and white set of two photos showing off her toned bikini body with sunglasses and small hoop earring. She wrapped her hair up in a white towel and struck a fierce pose. The model captioned the pic, Everythings better in the Bahamas. The second photo is a head to toe pic that shows off her shoes. Instead of pairing her bikini look with heels or sandals she finished off the look with Chanel loafers. The quirky outfit was something only a hard 10 could get away with wearing.

Read this article:

Check it out! Hailey and Justin Bieber have some fun in sun in the Bahamas - HOLA USA

Island Vacations - The Official Website of The Bahamas '+ '

'+ 'Children'+ ''+ '0'+ '1'+ '2'+ '3'+ ''+ '

n' + ' Children agen' + ' n' + ' Children Age' + ' n' + ' 0n' + ' n' + ' 1n' + ' n' + ' 2n' + ' n' + ' 3n' + ' n' + ' 4n' + ' n' + ' 5n' + ' n' + ' 6n' + ' n' + ' 7n' + ' n' + ' 8n' + ' n' + ' 9n' + ' n' + ' 10n' + ' n' + ' 11n' + ' n' + ' 12n' + ' n' + ' 13n' + ' n' + ' 14n' + ' n' + ' 15n' + ' n' + ' 16n' + ' n' + ' 17n' + ' n' + ' n' + '

n' + ' Children agen' + ' n' + ' Children Age' + ' n' + ' 0n' + ' n' + ' 1n' + ' n' + ' 2n' + ' n' + ' 3n' + ' n' + ' 4n' + ' n' + ' 5n' + ' n' + ' 6n' + ' n' + ' 7n' + ' n' + ' 8n' + ' n' + ' 9n' + ' n' + ' 10n' + ' n' + ' 11n' + ' n' + ' 12n' + ' n' + ' 13n' + ' n' + ' 14n' + ' n' + ' 15n' + ' n' + ' 16n' + ' n' + ' 17n' + ' n' + ' n' + '

n' + ' Children agen' + ' n' + ' Children Age' + ' n' + ' 0n' + ' n' + ' 1n' + ' n' + ' 2n' + ' n' + ' 3n' + ' n' + ' 4n' + ' n' + ' 5n' + ' n' + ' 6n' + ' n' + ' 7n' + ' n' + ' 8n' + ' n' + ' 9n' + ' n' + ' 10n' + ' n' + ' 11n' + ' n' + ' 12n' + ' n' + ' 13n' + ' n' + ' 14n' + ' n' + ' 15n' + ' n' + ' 16n' + ' n' + ' 17n' + ' n' + ' n' + '

'; $(this).find("option").each(function() { template += '' + $(this).html() + ''; }); template += '

The best kept secret of The Bahamas is the countrys sheer size and diversity. With 16 major islands, The Bahamas is an unmatched destination, a heart-pounding adventure across 100,000 square miles of the worlds clearest ocean.

Secret sandbars and secluded pink-sand beaches. Thousands of miles of irresistibly blue waters. In short, this is the world's most idyllic setting for getting away.

No one knows the wonders of the sea like scuba divers, and there's no better place to discover them than in The Bahamas. From sunken wrecks to blue holes, and steep drop-offs, The Bahamas is one endless adrenaline rush for divers of all levels.

Things to doTake time for two

"I dos" on sandbars, sunset ceremonies on windswept beaches, honeymoons at five-star resorts and intimate fishing lodges. Here, romance writes its own rules.

When it comes to fishing and boating, theres no place better than The Bahamas. Fish the Gulf Stream or the sandy flats, chart a course through the cays, and revel in seas of blue.

Embrace Bahamian Culture

The Whole country dancing

Junkanoo is Bahamian joy embodied, it is living history at its very best. Months of work and preparation result in an irresistible burst of colour, music and dance.

The main events take place on Boxing Day and New Year's Day.

TrueBahamianSpirit

Nothing reflects Bahamian culture quite like our people--warm, hospitable, and always ready with a smile, a story, a moment to share our love for our islands.

The best way to immerse yourself in the Bahamian way of life? Our People-to-People Experience

FreshFlavours

From fresh lobster and conch fritters to Eleuthera-grown sugarloaf pineapples to island-made rum, fresh flavours fuel every experience in The Bahamas.

ArtImitateslife

Local artists create a vibrant contemporary art scene, displayed on museum walls and on streeside murals.

Visit galleries, artist studios, and craft markets.

Getting here

Experience the boating capital of The Bahamas in the one-of-a-kind island chain known as The Abacos. Sailing, fishing, award-winning golf, and quaint colonial island towns are all waiting to be discovered in this sun-drenched destination in the northern Bahamas.

TCB | Treasure Cay International Airport

MHH | Leonard M. Thompson Airport

YAS | Sandy Point Airport

Acklins and Crooked Island offer a stunningly secluded getaway by a shimmering lagoon. From bonefishing and birdwatching to exploring the serene island town of Long Cay, this destination is a hallmark of undisturbed Out Islands charm.

AXP | Spring Point Airport

PWN | Pitts Town Point Airport

CRI | Crooked Hill Airpor

Journey to the largest island in the Bahamas and explore natural wonders like no other. Left virtually untouched, Andros is home to breathtaking blue holes, coral reefs, underwater wrecks, national forests, and more.

ASD | Andros Town International Airport

SAQ | San Andros Airport

TZN | South Andros

Bordered by the Tongue of the Ocean, The Berry Islands are home to some of the most diverse and abundant sea life in The Bahamas. This unique marine destination comprises nearly 30 idyllic cays, most of which are uninhabited.

GHC | Great Harbour Cay Airport

CCZ | Chub Cay International Airport

World-class fishing, thrilling dives, and island adventure await on the storied island of Bimini. From diving with sharks and visiting shipwrecks to pursuing the prized blue marlin at sea, Bimini offers memorable experiences for intrepid travellers.

BIM | South Bimini Airport

NSB | North Bimini Airport

Surfing, kiteboarding, hikes through tropical landscapes to the highest point in The Bahamasyou might be surprised at what you find in quiet Cat Island. From historical sites to watersports and beachside bars, theres no shortage of things to do and see along the pink sands.

Discover colourful New England-style architecture, astounding natural beauty, and pristine clusters of sandbars and cays on these two picturesque Bahamas hideawayseach is unique and not to be missed.

GHB | Governors Harbour Airport

ELH | North Eleuthera Airport

From untouched beaches and breathtaking resorts to the famous swimming pigs, The Exumas is where the beauty of the Bahamas meets unforgettable adventure. Make memories like no other among crystal clear waters and four-legged friends.

GGT | Exuma International Airport

TYM|Staniel Cay Airport

Freeport Grand Bahama Island is a bustling paradise of island activities and fun in the sun. Experience the thrill of kayaking through mangroves, exploring underwater caves, off-roading through pine forests, and much more.

FPO | Grand Bahama International Airport

Those with a passion for birdwatching look no further than the island of Inagua. Situated in the southernmost part of The Bahamas, Inagua is home to three national parks serving as habitats for over 80,000 flamingos and 140 other species of birds.

IGA | Inagua International Airport

The shores of Long Island boast world-class bonefishing, thrilling encounters with marine life and thriving reefs, and the worlds second deepest blue hole. While adventure fills the waters, on land, life is tranquil and serene.

SML | Stella Maris Airport

LGI | Deadmans Cay Airport

An isolated and secluded escape, Mayaguana is an outdoor-lovers destination. Whether its a footprint-free beach or a far-off fishing spot, the island is the perfect blend of solitude and charm.

No other capital city boasts paradise as its neighbor. While Nassau promises big city thrills, nearby Paradise Island offers miles of natural wonder. Immerse yourself in an island experience that delivers the best of both worlds.

NAS | Lynden Pindling International Airport

Beyond the shorelines of Ragged Island, anglers will find remarkable deep-sea fishing. Bonefish, barracuda, tuna, and kingfish are just a few of the more common catches around the island, while the quaint settlement of Duncan Town is a quintessential island escape.

DCT | Duncan Town Airport

This hidden treasure of a destination boasts ancient Lucayan art, sprawling white sand beaches, thrilling dive siteseven a secret surf spot. A short boat ride away, Conception Island is perhaps one of the most well-preserved areas in The Bahamas.

RCY | Port Nelson Airport

San Salvador may be one of the smallest islands in The Bahamas, but it stands out amongst the larger destinations. Historic monuments, scenic lakes, tranquil beaches, and natural parks abound.

ZSA | San Salvador Airport

Featured

Andros, BahamasThe fabricof the Bahamas

Read the original here:

Island Vacations - The Official Website of The Bahamas

Bahamas Vacations - Hotels, Mega Resorts, and Fishing Lodges '+ '

'+ 'Children'+ ''+ '0'+ '1'+ '2'+ '3'+ ''+ '

n' + ' Children agen' + ' n' + ' Children Age' + ' n' + ' 0n' + ' n' + ' 1n' + ' n' + ' 2n' + ' n' + ' 3n' + ' n' + ' 4n' + ' n' + ' 5n' + ' n' + ' 6n' + ' n' + ' 7n' + ' n' + ' 8n' + ' n' + ' 9n' + ' n' + ' 10n' + ' n' + ' 11n' + ' n' + ' 12n' + ' n' + ' 13n' + ' n' + ' 14n' + ' n' + ' 15n' + ' n' + ' 16n' + ' n' + ' 17n' + ' n' + ' n' + '

n' + ' Children agen' + ' n' + ' Children Age' + ' n' + ' 0n' + ' n' + ' 1n' + ' n' + ' 2n' + ' n' + ' 3n' + ' n' + ' 4n' + ' n' + ' 5n' + ' n' + ' 6n' + ' n' + ' 7n' + ' n' + ' 8n' + ' n' + ' 9n' + ' n' + ' 10n' + ' n' + ' 11n' + ' n' + ' 12n' + ' n' + ' 13n' + ' n' + ' 14n' + ' n' + ' 15n' + ' n' + ' 16n' + ' n' + ' 17n' + ' n' + ' n' + '

n' + ' Children agen' + ' n' + ' Children Age' + ' n' + ' 0n' + ' n' + ' 1n' + ' n' + ' 2n' + ' n' + ' 3n' + ' n' + ' 4n' + ' n' + ' 5n' + ' n' + ' 6n' + ' n' + ' 7n' + ' n' + ' 8n' + ' n' + ' 9n' + ' n' + ' 10n' + ' n' + ' 11n' + ' n' + ' 12n' + ' n' + ' 13n' + ' n' + ' 14n' + ' n' + ' 15n' + ' n' + ' 16n' + ' n' + ' 17n' + ' n' + ' n' + '

'; $(this).find("option").each(function() { template += '' + $(this).html() + ''; }); template += '

All AndrosNassau & Paradise Island

Andros

Nassau & Paradise Island

Nassau & Paradise Island

More here:

Bahamas Vacations - Hotels, Mega Resorts, and Fishing Lodges

By NEIL HARTNELL

Tribune Business Editor

nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A top hotelier believes The Bahamas proactive approach to COVID-19 testing and health protocols will enable its tourism industry to rebound faster than its competitors.

Robert Sands, the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Associations (BHTA) newly-elected president, told Tribune Business that he was confident that the nations largest industry will repeat its trend of coming back stronger and stronger from adversity as COVID-19 vaccines roll-out across its major source travel markets.

Responding to the latest travel restrictions facing The Bahamas, namely the US requirement that all returning travellers produce a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of their trip from January 26, Mr Sands echoed the Ministry of Tourism by asserting that its five-day rapid antigen testing infrastructure would enable visitors to meet this obligation.

The Bahamas is well-positioned for dealing with a number of these new considerations for tourists re-entering the US, he told this newspaper. A large number of our properties already offer the antigen test when guests stay more than five days, or for entering the property when they arrive.

We have to put these issues into perspective. This is not the first time a destination like The Bahamas as been faced with some conditions that may seem like they will stifle tourism. Tourism is extremely resilient, and the Bahamian product has improved over the years. Notwithstanding these issues we are faced with, with are focused on a proactive approach to dealing with them and rebounding.

Mr Sands said The Bahamas and its tourism industry had overcome the September 11 terror attacks, two Gulf wars and numerous recessions before, although nothing like a global pandemic. We have had some setbacks, but have come back and continued to grow, he added.

Weve had impacts from hurricanes, but have come back stronger and stronger. We are proactive in addressing these issues. They are beyond our control, but The Bahamas approach in being proactive in addressing things like this positions us as beneficiaries of growth in a shorter period of time than our competitors.

Dionisio DAguilar, minister of tourism and aviation, recently told Tribune Business that The Bahamas is pushing to be at the front of the queue should the US introduce exemptions from its new COVID-19 testing policy, acknowledging that it threatens to be a significant deterrent to tourism.

He said this country and the rest of the English-speaking Caribbean were moving rapidly to make the case to US authorities that any exemption from tightened pandemic enforcement should be offered to us first as a region.

Pointing to its present low infection and hospitalisation numbers, together with The Bahamas relatively small population and dependence on the US for 82 percent of its visitors, the minister argued that this nation posed a low risk to the US when it came to returning travellers contributing to COVID-19s community spread.

And, should The Bahamas and Caribbeans arguments fail to persuade the US authorities, Mr DAguilar said this nation would simply revert to plan B and fall back on the five-day rapid antigen testing infrastructure it has built throughout The Bahamas to test its tourists staying more than four nights.

The minister added: If plan A doesnt work, plan B will at least. There are over 60, and possibly 70, testing facilities where you can get a rapid antigen test. Thank God we rolled out this infrastructure. It should be relatively easy throughout the length and breadth of The Bahamas to obtain this test.

US visitors staying in The Bahamas for more than four nights have to take the test demanded by the CDC for re-entry in any event, meaning that those in the country for up to a week or eight days will in effect not be impacted.

Mr DAguilar acknowledged that The Bahamas will have to tweak the business model for its COVID-19 testing protocols slightly to ensure there are sufficient rapid antigen testing kits to meet the likely increase in demand from US travellers, and conceded that the CDCs enhanced restrictions could have a chilling effect on tourisms revival.

Its yet another impediment to travel, and all impediments to travel are not good for the tourism sector, he told Tribune Business. Until the word gets out about how easy it is to get a test done in The Bahamas, Im sure it will be a significant deterrent. People stress about this sort of thing.

Read more from the original source:

Bahamas to rebound 'faster' than its rivals - Bahamas Tribune

Afie Jurvanen, who performs and records as Bahamas, kicked off his Live To Tape livestream series on Saturday backed by Jason Isbells band, The 400 Unit. Bahamas and The 400 Unit, along with guitarist/musical director Dan Knobler played five Bahamas originals to start the series.

Each pre-recorded installment of Live To Tape will see Jurvanen perform from his hometown of Halifax, Nova Scotia remotely with some of his favorite artists from such locales as Nashville, Los Angeles, Melbourne, Perth and Toronto. The lineup for the series includes a mix of legendary musicians who played on iconic albums and contemporary artists.

Future episodes will include Bahamas teaming with Wylie Gelber and Griffin Goldsmith of Dawes, Australias Teskey Brothers, Gus Seyffert (Beck, Adele) and Joey Waronker (REM, Atoms for Peace) featuring Lucius plus Bob Glaub (Jackson Browne, Rod Stewart) and Russ Kunkle (Jackson Browne, Lyle Lovett). Jurvanen also recorded a session with The Secret Sisters and famed Nashville studio musicians guitarist Russ Pahl, bassist Dave Roe and drummer Gene Chrisman. Next up for Live To Tape is an episode featuring Bahamas and The Teskey Brothers on Saturday, January 30.

Bahamas and Knobler paired up remotely with The 400 Unit guitarist Sadler Vaden, bassist Jimbo Hart, keyboardist Derry DeBorja and drummer Chad Gamble in Nashville. The set began with I Got You Babe from 2012s Barchords and continued with Little Record Girl off 2014s Bahamas Is Afie.

The musicians then collaborated on Trick To Happy, a song from the latest Bahamas LP, Sad Hunk that Jurvanen discussed on a recent episode of The JamBase Podcast. Bahamas and The 400 Unit stuck with Sad Hunk for Up With The Jones before concluding the inaugural Live To Tape by performing Bahamas Is Afie track All The Time.

Watch Bahamas and The 400 Units Live To Tape set below via the JamBase Live Video Archive (JBLVA):

Go here to read the rest:

Bahamas Launches 'Live To Tape' Series Backed By The 400 Unit - JamBase