Category Archives: Bahamas

USS Mitscher (USN file image)

By The Maritime Executive 07-19-2020 02:24:38

[Brief]On Saturday, the Arleigh Burke-classdestroyer USS Mitscher assisted a sailing yacht which had gone adriftabout 150 nautical miles east of the Bahamas.

The distressed vessel radioed for help on the morning of July 17, and U.S. Coast Guard District 7 received the message. The Coast Guard coordinated with Mitscher, which was the closest ship able to render assistance. Mitscher rendezvoused with the vessel later that evening and towed it to San Salvador, Bahamas overnight.

The 51-foot sailing vessel had a damaged steering shaft and was unable to maneuver. There were three adults onboard and all arein good condition.

I am thankful that we were in a position to render assistance to mariners in distress, said Mitscher's CO, Cmdr. Matthew Cox. The crews ability to quickly prepare and safely tow the vessel to safe harbor shows the versatility, professionalism, and teamwork of our sailors.Im very proud of how the team worked together during this event.

Mitscher, which is part of Destroyer Squadron 22 and Carrier Strike Group 2, is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting unit-level training.

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US Navy Destroyer Rescues Yacht Off the Coast of the Bahamas - The Maritime Executive

There may be no better way to find escape from the pandemic than the glorious seclusion of a Caribbean private island resort.

Social distancing is a given when youre sharing an exclusive dot of land in the middle of the ocean with a relative handful of other guests and resort staff.

At some, like the legendary Petit St. Vincent (opening Nov. 1), you can literally limit your human contact to a few minutes at check-in and check-out, simply raising a flag at your private villa when you need food, drink, or other essentials discreetly dropped at your door.

At others, its possible to rent out the entire island especially useful if you want to limit your vacation interactions to a group of responsible, mask-wearing friends and family.

Not every Caribbean private island resort has reopened in the wake of COVID-19; the British Virgin Islands, home to several of the top resorts in the Caribbean, remains closed to international visitors, for example. But here are some great private islands where you can relax in luxury and safety this summer: (Note: due to recent changes, you can fly to The Bahamas only through private airlines or charter flights and airlines like Tropic Ocean Airways.)

Ambergris Cay, Turks & Caicos

Just a short hop by air from Providenciales, Ambergris Cay has a collection of beautiful whitewashed villas lined up before a shimmering swath of white sand, customized dining, attentive staff, and a wide range of activities from exploring the island on electric golf carts to romantic dining on a middle-of-nowhere sandbar. Daily spa treatments are included in room costs. It reopens with the Turks and Caicos Islands relaunch July 22.

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From The Bahamas to Turks and Caicos, 7 Private Islands You Can Visit - Caribbean Journal

She is famous for being one of the five bridesmaids at Charles and Dianas wedding but nowadays India Hicks is living a quiet life in the Bahamas.

Getty

Prince Charles has always had a soft spot for his goddaughter, reveals Phil. Although India has lived in the Bahamas for many years she keeps in constant touch with Charles and speaks to him often. They share the same sense of humour and he loves her free spirit. Charles will always be close to India.

Two years ago, India revealed the strength of that bond in an interview.

Charles was, and still is, a remarkable godfather caring, considerate, and involved. I adored him then and still do now, she told Town and Country magazine.

In 2018, when Charles turned 70, India paid tribute to him posting on Instagram, Every birthday, every Christmas, a card and present would arrive from my godfather. To begin with they were signed from your loving Godfather Charles then they became your old Godfather Charles then your ancient Godfather Charles.

In 2018, when Charles turned 70, India paid tribute to him posting on Instagram.

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He might be celebrating a 70th birthday this year but, goodness, he is far from ancient.

She added: I am lucky to have such a godfather, but we are all lucky to have such a prince amongst us.

Now 52, India was born into an aristocratic family and was once 678th in line to the throne. Through her maternal grandfather, the Earl of Mountbatten, she is also a second cousin to Prince Charles. As a result of her royal connections, at 13 years she was asked to be a bridesmaid at the 1981 royal wedding.

She has said that as a teenage tomboy she was initially horrified to be asked but then glowed with pride when the big day came, Phil explains.

India would later recall the momentous day and seeing the Princess of Wales first appear in her wedding dress.

I clearly remember the moment Diana appeared at the top of the staircase. Everyone fell silent. The bride was radiant and ready to become the most famous of princesses, says India, whose mother, Lady Pamela Hicks, was one of the Queens bridesmaids.

As a result of her royal connections, at 13 years India was asked to be a bridesmaid at the 1981 royal wedding.

Getty

India has worked as a model, photographer and interior designer and ran a luxury lifestyle brand until last year. Prince Charles was one of the first family friends to offer his support when she decided to step away from her business.

Charles commiserated with her and told her she should be proud of what she had achieved, explains the royal expert. But he also told her to look forward and get involved with something else.

Since then India has concentrated on charity work, Shes also launched a podcast and has included interviews with her mother.

Charles has loved listening and of course they bring back memories of Lady Pamelas father, Lord Mountbatten.

For more, pick up the latest issue of New Idea. Out now!

New Idea

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Secret royal living in the Bahamas EXPOSED - New Idea

Renovating a house is a big undertaking. Renovating an entire resort? Thats a project on a whole other level. But its a challenge the Baeumler family felt they were up to. Home renovation experts Bryan and Sarah Baeumler packed up their four kids and relocated to the Bahamas, where they planned to renovate an entire resort. Their odyssey is chronicled in the HGTV series Renovation Island.

RELATED: HGTV Hawaii Life: Kahea Zietz Talks to Us about Changes in Vacation Home Rentals

When the Baeumlers bought an abandoned 10-acre resort on the island of South Andros, they had big dreams. They wanted to turn the rundown vacation spot into an island oasis, with 18 luxury hotel rooms, 22 ocean-front villas, and plenty of resort amenities. And they wanted to do it all in six months.

Bryan and Sarah along with a small staff dove right in, tackling a long list of must-do projects that had to be completed before they could welcome any guests. That included renovating the propertys full-service restaurant, clubhouse, spa, pool, and bar.

This is the biggest change our family has faced and the largest project weve ever taken on, Bryan said, adding that the family was risking absolutely everything on the venture.

Everyone said we were crazy, said Sarah. But our hearts said yes this is the right thing to do.

The renovation of the Baeumlers resort is still playing out on HGTV. But its not a huge spoiler to say that they did eventually complete the project (though we dont know if they got it done in their six-month time frame.) Caerula Mar Club which Conde Nast Traveler named one of the best new hotels of 2020 was the first new hotel on South Andros Island in nearly two decades, and its currently taking reservations.

Per night prices at Caerula Mar Club start at $385, according to the resorts website. Private beach villas are $865 a night and up. The resort is currently closed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic but is accepting bookings from October 24, 2020.

All rooms and villas feature luxurious details like premium linens and full or partial ocean views. There are also several dining options on-site, a spa, free bikes you can use to explore the surrounding area, and (of course) a gorgeous beach.

Caerula Mar Club has only been open for a few months (the pandemic hit just six weeks after the grand opening, Bryan shared on Instagram), so it doesnt have a ton of online reviews yet. But those who have visited the resort have raved about it.

One family that stayed for a week this spring called the hotel wonderful and worth every dollar spent in a TripAdvisor review. Another said the resort was very remote, but so relaxing. Many praised both the delicious food and the attentive service.

Bryan and Sarah Baeumlur are the owners of this specialized resort and they have done an amazing job of renovating and updating this once forgotten place in paradise, one guest shared. The atmosphere is quiet and tranquil and the beauty of the island and beaches surpassed our expectations.

Renovation Island airs Sundays at 8/7c on HGTV.

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'Renovation Island': Here's How Much It Costs to Stay at the Baeumler Family's Luxury Bahamas Beach Resort - Showbiz Cheat Sheet

The Bahamas officially reopened to the public with a handful of new coronavirus guidelines.

When you pack your sunscreen and bathing suit, make sure you have your mask ready as well.

Phase 2 allows for international travel. Earlier this month, the country allowed international boaters, yachters and private aviation as part of Phase 1.

Bring your COVID-19 test: If you plan on visiting the Bahamas, you must present a negative COVID-19 swab test upon arrival. The results must be no more than seven days old.

Youll need a health visa: Travelers will be required to complete an electronic health visa prior to departure and present proof of confirmation at their destination.

Temperature checks: At airports and seaports, all visitors will undergo temperature checks conducted by health care personnel. Any travelers who show COVID-19 symptoms will be transferred to a separate area for further testing and evaluation.

Masks are required: Visitors will be required to wear face masks in any situation where it is necessary to enforce physical distancing guidelines. In addition to airports and sea terminals, travelers must wear masks in taxis, while checking in at hotels, standing in line at attractions and before being seated at restaurants. Failure to comply with the countrys mask guidelines could result in a $200 fine or one month imprisonment.

Flights resume: JetBlue has resumed daily service between Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Nassau, while American Airlines has resumed flights twice a day between Miami and Nassau.

Curfew in effect: The Bahamas will continue its mandatory curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., so travelers must return to their housing accommodations during that time. Visitors will be allowed to move freely throughout their hotel and resort properties during curfew.

What about Atlantis: One of the most popular hotels, Atlantis has resumed operations. While the casino slot machines will be open 24/7, table games and sports betting will have revised hours.

Later phases: Beginning Monday, the Bahamas will enter Phase 3 of its reopening, which allows for attractions, excursions and tours to resume. Phase 4, which begins July 27, will allow vendors and jet ski operators to reopen.

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What to know before heading to the Bahamas - Boston Herald

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Minister of National Security Marvin Dames said yesterday the government remains concerned about the threat of undocumented migrants infected with COVID-19 entering The Bahamas illegally.

Dames, who was responding to questions from Eyewitness News, said the defense force has increased its presence in the southern Bahamas and other key entry points.

Last Wednesday, two new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed on Grand Bahama a 20-year-old undocumented migrant and a Grand Bahamian woman.

Eyewitness Newsunderstands the undocumented migrant is a Haitian national, who had been living in Eight Mile Rock since March.

Its something that we are aware of, Dames said.

Every week as a Cabinet we discuss the COVID problem at length.

I think you can see the result of that to date so far. We have been one of those countries throughout the world that have actually been leading in our preventive measures to fight against this pandemic.

He continued: We understand ours is a very porous border. Were an archipelago stretched over some 100,000 square miles of sea and so were on heightened alert.

I just visited with the commodore not too long ago and then had a very good briefing. We have our presence out in the southern Bahamas and those key entry points into our borders. Were not only concerned about [Haiti], were concerned about every country. Were concerned about every citizen, every foreign person coming into this country. We have to ensure and we have put measures in place.

Haiti, which the Pan American Health Organization labeled a humanitarian crisis in relation to the pandemic, has become a COVID-19 hotspot in the Caribbean.

The Bahamas southern neighbor has experienced a large scale outbreak of cases and had more than 13 deaths over a two-day period.

The total death toll was last reported at 139 and there have been nearly 7,000 cases since March 19.

Pressed on the threat of imported cases from undocumented migrants, Dames said: I am certain as I said before, we will look at that as we have been looking at every incident prior to it.

We keep updated charts on trends and whats happening, and how things are happening and what we can do to mitigate and to address, and focus on the issues because at the end of the day we want a nation thats safe from this very, very devastating virus.

We cant afford it to overrun our communities. We cant afford it to inundate our hospitals.

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Defense Force increases presence in southern Bahamas - EyeWitness News

Update #88

NASSAU, Bahamas, July 9, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ministry of Health wishes to advise the public that travelers must complete a Bahamas Health Visa application and present a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test with a sample taken within ten (10) days of arrival.

Effective immediately, all travelers will be required to complete an electronic Bahamas Health Visa application before departure from the place of embarkation. This can be found at travel.gov.bs. Travelers are required to upload a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test and provide contact information.

The Government of The Bahamas will accept the negative COVID-19 RT-PCR (swab) test if the sample was taken within (10) ten days of arrival. Tests over ten (10) days old will not be accepted.

An automated response will be provided once the application is completed. The only persons approved to travel are those who have received a green color-coded response, as proof of approval. This confirmation must be presented upon arrival in The Bahamas. The Health Visa application process will take twenty-four to forty-eight (24-48) hours and should be completed with adequate lead time.

Failure to comply with the stated requirements will result in denied entry. It is recommended that all travelers interested in visiting The Bahamas review requirements applicable to each member of their traveling party at http://www.bahamas.com/travelupdates before booking a trip.

For more information, or to view the Tourism Readiness and Recovery Plan, please visit http://www.bahamas.com/travelupdates. You may also contact the Ministry of Tourism COVID-19 travel hotline at (242) 502-0829 Monday to Friday, 8 AM 6 PM, or email at [emailprotected].

PRESS INQUIRIESAnita Johnson-PattyBahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation[emailprotected]

SOURCE The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation

http://www.bahamas.com

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Government of The Bahamas - Ministry of Health Testing Protocol for Incoming Visitors - PRNewswire

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Top 10 Islands in the Caribbean and the Bahamas - KCTV Kansas City

By YOURI KEMP

Tribune Business Reporter

ykemp@tribunemedia.net

A Bahamas-based contractor yesterday argued that this nation should re-examine introducing an investor citizenship initiative to help counter COVID-19s negative impact.

Costa Berdanis, Tarcon Constructions president, told Tribune Business that such a scheme would expand the benefits of foreign direct investment (FDI) beyond the real estate sector that is the direct focus of the permanent residency programme.

I think citizenship by investment is one of the things we can do to get some revenue coming in here, he explained. The thing is it is not like we cant put a limit to the number of how many we can invite to do so, and we can screen who we want.

We have an attractive system here. We have a good banking system that a lot of Caribbean countries dont have, which is first world banking, and a lot of people are more attracted to come here.

Mr Berdanis continued: Right now we have a residency programme for $750,000 that is solely linked to real estate, so the benefit doesnt really trickle down to everybody.

If you had a citizenship programme to rebuild the country, a person would come in and make a donation. Out of that $750,000, lets say $300,000 went to rebuild schools and roads, and the other $450,000 went to helping combat the coronavirus, help the National Insurance Board and some of the national issues - all of the things that would benefit the majority of the people rather than the minority.

I think this is a viable thing, but I know the United States doesnt like us selling our citizenship. But, at the end of the day, we have to take care of ourselves here and it is a thing that people want and we can limit it.

So-called Investor Citizenship initiatives have been mulled and floated in the past, most recently by Sean McWeeney QC, a former attorney general and key advisor to ex-premier Perry Christie. The idea was ruled out, though, by both that administration and the current government, with ex-financial services minister, Brent Symonette, placing the focus on speeding up permanent residency applications.

Investor Citizenship would grant citizenship to a limited group of individuals, once they met certain criteria, including a high multi-million dollar investment threshold. Those qualifying would have to invest in Bahamas-based developments and companies that created local jobs, with the initiative targeted at a small group of billionaires and multi-millionaires with the resources to move the economy.

The programme would essentially be targeted at the worlds wealthiest individuals, meaning the likes of Joe Lewis and the Izmirlian families. The billionaires, both of whom reside at Lyford Cay, have ultimately invested billions in the domestic economy, and created thousands of local jobs, via Albany and Baha Mar respectively (notwithstanding subsequent events at the latter).

Investor citizenship programmes have been adopted by countries such as Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, Malta, the Netherlands, the UK and Spain, either allowing direct citizenship by investment or offering routes to citizenship for wealthy investors.

Concerns have been raised, however, over the transparency and accountability surrounding such programmes, which have also drawn the attention of regulators and law enforcement agencies in nations such as the US on the grounds that citizenship is being bought.

However, Mr Berdanis added: I have a lawyer friend right now in Canada who has millions of dollars from persons bundled up that just want to get residency, and they dont want residency for criminal reasons.

Lets say that these people are right now in Hong Kong, and they may be worth up to $3m or more. They want to have a back-up plan if China further puts a clamp down on them. I know there are a few groups that are pushing the Government on this citizenship by investment initiative, as there are a few Canadian firms that are inquiring and I think a couple of law firms are.

Mr Berdanis added: From the immigration aspect, we can benefit from it greatly. Portugal is benefiting, and a friend of mine has built 16 high-rise hotels for people that are making investments. Once they get a group like Hyatt or the Marriott, they would have the management to give these hotel brands a return, and those folks dont even occupy those places as they just get their residency. If they need a place they can go to have an escape, they have it.

Mr Beranis ultimately said he doesnt see a downside to it here, adding that the Government can always experiment with the initiative. He added that The Bahamas dont have to go huge, but if you give out 1,000 citizenship by investment certificates you can spread it out among all of the lawyers so they can equally have the business.

We have so many undeveloped islands that we can do private residency on if you are concerned about these people living amongst us on New Providence. Diversification has always been a good thing. We have so many empty islands that we can experiment with but they just dont touch them.

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Bahamas urged to re-examine 'citizen investors' - Bahamas Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune

SO God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them. Genesis 1 v27 NIV translation.

The season of Independence gives us many reasons to think about the meaning of citizenship. I join others, in standing proud, when I think of the historic and progressive strides made by Bahamians. These progressive strides do not extend to the provisions of the Bahamas Constitution, that in the grant of citizenship, still discriminate against women. In so doing, The Bahamas is a bird flying with one wing one that cannot achieve full flight, nor its full potential.

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of Bahamian married women who do not live and work in The Bahamas, because their husbands cannot get a job or cannot become citizens of The Bahamas. Marriages have broken up because of the stress that this discrimination places on families. We all know of families where one child in a family is a Bahamian, because he was born in The Bahamas (lets call him Sam) and another child (lets call him John), in the same family, of the same parents, is not Bahamian, because he was born in the United States. Maybe John was born there when his married Bahamian mother (lets call her Sue) was studying or while Sue was receiving medical attention.

If Sues married Bahamian brother (lets call him Mike) has children abroad, Mikes children are entitled to be registered as Bahamian citizens. Why should Mikes children be treated differently from Sues children? Why should Sam and not John be Bahamian? Both have the same parents. This discrimination causes stress and hardship in families. These unjust discriminatory provisions destroy family life. If we support family life, how can we allow this injustice to continue?

The Bahamas has held two referenda to remove this discrimination from our Constitution. Both referenda were defeated by citizens. Bahamians voted to uphold these discriminatory provisions of our Constitution. Books can be written about why this happened.

So what can we do? Our national response to COVID-19 has demonstrated that, when necessary, we can act immediately and cause beneficial transformation.

I endorse the suggestions of others who have stated that the government should table in Parliament, the legislation, now in circulation, that would, by law, allow for the following persons to obtain Bahamian citizenship: a husband of a Bahamian woman; a child, born abroad, to a married Bahamian woman; and, a child of a single Bahamian man. Even though the law would not remove the discriminatory provisions of the Constitution, it would remove the hardships that too many families now suffer. To those who say that a new government might bring forth laws to revoke these provisions, I say that, in my view, withdrawing these empowering laws would be highly unlikely. Lets see all members of Parliament united in promoting strong family life by removing this injustice and discrimination.

If, as in 1973, we want the world to mark the manner of our 21st century bearing, justice dictates that Bahamian women and men should have equal entitlement to citizenship for their children and spouses. We need Bahamian women and men, both created in Gods image, at the table, as equals. All Bahamians have an interest in nation building and good governance as we march forward, upward and onward together.

Standing on the shoulders of the noble and courageous suffragettes, like my grandmother, Georgiana K Symonette, Eugenia Lockhart, Mary Ingraham, Dame Bertha Isaacs, Dame Doris Johnson and others of their generation, let us urge the government to table in Parliament the legislation mentioned above. It is time to stop institutionalised destruction of family life. The time is now, for the government to take the just, progressive and bold step of tabling and passing that legislation. I commit my support. Do you?

ALLYSON MAYNARD-GIBSON

Nassau,

July 14, 2020.

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Time to stop this unjust destruction of Bahamas family life - Bahamas Tribune