Category Archives: Bahamas

Michael Jordan, often hailed as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, is known not only for his exceptional skills on the court but also for his legendary trash-talking prowess. Recently, a snippet from his time playing pick-up basketball in the Bahamas has resurfaced, showcasing Jordans competitive spirit and sharp wit. The resurfaced footage serves as a reminder of Jordans unparalleled charisma and his ability to command the attention of both opponents and fans alike.

In the realm of basketball, few names evoke as much reverence as Michael Jordans. His impact on the sport is immeasurable, and his legacy extends far beyond his six NBA championships. Recently, a video clip emerged from one of Jordans pick-up basketball sessions in the Bahamas, capturing an intimate yet electrifying moment that perfectly encapsulates his charisma and competitive nature.

Jordans trash-talking abilities have become the stuff of legend. While he often used his skills to dominate on the court, his sharp tongue was equally potent in mentally rattling his opponents. In the Bahamas clip, Jordans off-the-cuff comment, You guys still have YouTube? Man, you better put on Michael Jordan [highlights], for real, perfectly exemplifies his playful yet competitive approach. Even in a casual setting, his desire to remind others of his greatness shines through, providing an insight into the mindset that propelled him to basketball superstardom.

Beyond his unparalleled basketball prowess, Michael Jordans charisma is a trait that sets him apart. His ability to engage, entertain, and connect with both his fellow players and fans has left an indelible mark on the sport. In the Bahamas pick-up game, Jordans offhand remark highlights his self-assuredness and sense of humor. He effortlessly brings a lighthearted yet competitive atmosphere to the court, demonstrating why he remains a beloved figure in basketball lore.

The phrase you better put on Michael Jordan [highlights] in the context of todays digital landscape takes on new significance. The accessibility of platforms like YouTube allows younger generations to experience the greatness of Jordans playing days, enabling them to witness firsthand the skills and charisma that captivated fans around the world. The resurfacing of this clip serves as a testament to the enduring power of Jordans legacy and his ability to capture the imagination of basketball enthusiasts across generations.

Michael Jordans impact extends well beyond his playing days. As the owner and chairman of the Charlotte Hornets, he continues to contribute to the basketball world, shaping the next generation of players and leaders. His basketball IQ, combined with his invaluable experiences, make him a guiding force for those looking to excel both on and off the court.

The resurfacing of the Bahamas pick-up basketball clip, showcasing Michael Jordans trash-talking finesse, provides fans with a nostalgic glimpse into the mind of a true basketball legend. His remark about watching his own highlights on YouTube is a playful yet powerful reminder of his unwavering confidence and competitive spirit. Jordans charisma and impact continue to transcend time, ensuring that his legacy remains an integral part of the basketball narrative for years to come.

Excerpt from:

Reliving the Legend: Michael Jordan's Bahamas Pick-Up Trash-Talk ... - Landon Buford

On any given weekday, there is a statistically significant chance that Eric Adams, the mayor of Americas largest city, will be conducting official New York City business next to the upturned tail of the famed Charging Bull sculpture, engaging in what appears to be one of his favorite activities: raising flags.

He does it with such frequency that it borders on obsession: Since taking office in January 2022, Mr. Adams has raised flags for at least 31 countries representing 16 percent of the United Nations member states. He has honored some places twice: Haiti, Ireland, Ukraine and the Philippines.

His flag-raisings are not limited to countries. He has also raised the flags for one U.S. territory, two transnational organizations and one holiday, Juneteenth.

If he keeps his current pace, Mr. Adams is on track to raise flags for roughly 80 percent of the worlds countries by the end of 2029, should he win a second term in 2025 and serve it to completion.

At these ceremonies, Mr. Adams often extols certain characteristics that he attributes to the nation whose flag he is raising, characteristics that happen to be strikingly similar to each other, and to the mayors politically moderate, law-and-order brand.

To Filipino Americans, the mayor said: You believe in families. You believe in business. You believe in public safety.

To Croatian Americans, he said, You believe in family, you believe in business, and you believe in public safety.

And to Kazakh Americans: You understand the power of education, you believe in public safety.

Several top aides to Mr. Adamss predecessor, Bill de Blasio, could not recall him leading a flag-raising ceremony to honor a foreign country; Stu Loeser, a spokesman for Michael R. Bloomberg, who served three terms as mayor, said the same.

For Mr. Adams, flag-raisings are a proven audience-pleasing tactic, one that he honed over two terms as Brooklyn borough president, a largely ceremonial position. He has embraced the practice as mayor, with an even broader political purpose in mind.

By honoring as many ethnic groups as possible in this city of immigrants with a flag-raising in the citys oldest park by the haunches of the nations most famous bronze bovine Mr. Adams can woo voters in advance of his 2025 re-election bid. In 2021, he won the Democratic primary by just 7,200 votes.

When you do an analysis of how close our election was, the mayor said at a February flag-raising for Saint Lucia, the birthplace of 10,500 New Yorkers, you begin to really benefit and understand how 10,000 people unified together can send a powerful message.

That Mr. Adamss office devotes so much effort to this sort of thing has become the subject of bemusement among New Yorks political class. They acknowledge that the implicit political rationale makes sense, and that it is always fun to attend events where people say nice things about you and honor New York Citys diversity. But they argue that the mayors time is limited, and he is facing no shortage of problems: rampant homelessness, an influx of migrants, an affordable housing crisis, the erosion of the citys tax base.

Indeed, a flag-raising for Belgium was scheduled for an hour after the mayor announced new restrictions on how long asylum seekers could stay in city shelters amid a record-breaking homelessness crisis. A flag-raising for Guyana came the same day the citys first female police commissioner, Keechant Sewell, abruptly resigned because she felt the mayor had undermined her authority.

As someone who represents a very diverse district, I understand the desire to make every New Yorker feel like their heritage is valued, said Jessica Ramos, a state senator who attended a flag-raising for Colombia last year. However, at some point it starts to feel like an empty gesture when taken in the context of other things the city should be doing filling potholes, picking up trash, funding education.

The flag-raisings persist because, the mayor says, symbolism matters. And what are flags, if not rectangular pieces of cloth embroidered with symbolic and emotional meaning for sizable portions of New York Citys electorate.

He micro-targets, said Richard David, a district leader from Queens who attended the mayors Guyana flag-raising. Little things like this for some folks might seem superficial, might feel performative, but if youre a part of this and being seen for the first time, it does mean a lot. And the mayor knows that.

In a statement, Fabien Levy, a spokesman for the mayor, cited the citys multiculturalism and Mr. Adamss career-long dedication to honoring these different immigrant communities that make up this city. Mr. Levy said that participation by members of the mayors staff in the flag-raisings was voluntary, and that Mr. Adams took pains to highlight the communities shared values.

The mayors flag-raising routine has an identifiable rhythm.

His team cordons off the area where the ceremony will take place, just 13 blocks south of City Hall. The events are often underway by the time the mayors motorcade arrives. They have something of a pep rally feel.

Typically, a mayoral staff member or close ally steps forward to praise the mayor to a crowd of onlookers with ties to the country whose flag the mayor will hoist. That staff member or ally often has ties to the same country.

When he hoisted the flag for the Philippines in June, Maria Torres-Springer, his Filipina-American deputy mayor for economic development, vouched for the mayor. He has always been and will always be a true champion of the Filipino community, she said.

When Mr. Adams raised the Bangladeshi flag, his Bangladeshi American chief administrative officer, Mir Bashar, also vouched for the mayor, publicly thanking his boss for his support and tireless efforts and his commitment to improve the lives of all New Yorkers.

Generally, a consul general attends, alongside representatives from the local community. They often give the mayor gifts: a bracelet, a scarf, a framed painting, socks. He sometimes gives them a mayoral proclamation. Then he repairs to a set of two flag poles, and as the national anthem rings out, he raises the so-called Betsy Ross flag, its circle of 13 stars representing the original U.S. colonies. The foreign national anthem follows, followed by the flag-raising for that nation.

The two flags are each identical in size 12 by eight feet. To have flags of different sizes would be a breach of protocol, according to John Hartvigsen, a flag historian and former president of the North American Vexillological Association.

To fly another nations flag next to the American flag signifies an alliance and honors New York Citys diversity, Mr. Hartvigsen said. But putting one on top of the other on the same pole would be bad, he added, signifying one nation conquering the other.

On a blazing hot day in June, Tara Seetaram, a Guyanese American who immigrated to the United States 35 years ago, said the mayors hoisting of the red-green-and-gold Guyanese flag, known as the Golden Arrowhead, gave her goose bumps.

Its beautiful, said Ms. Seetaram, who was wearing a flag-themed dress her daughter had bought her on Amazon. It makes me feel that, you know what, we have representation in New York City.

It was one of the mayors eight flag-raising ceremonies in June and July. (The others were for Belgium, the Bahamas, Kenya, the Philippines and Italy, as well as in honor of Juneteenth and The Caribbean Community, a organization of 20 member states.)

On Friday, Mr. Adams raised the Bolivian flag; three more flag-raisings were scheduled for the following week, according to Arthur Piccolo, the chairman of the Bowling Green Association. In his comments on Friday, the mayor seemed eager to defend his presence. He said the events carried a symbolic message to people who left their countries for New York. I appreciate what you bring to the city, he said.

Mr. Piccolo said he has been raising flags at the two flag poles since the second flagpole was installed in 1996 a gift, he said, from the Greek community.

Since then, Mr. Adams has been the only mayor to participate in a flag-raising ceremony at the Bowling Green site, Mr. Piccolo said, asserting that it was too inconsequential for any previous mayor to care about this.

After The New York Times contacted Mr. Piccolo, he sent an email to the mayor and his chief adviser, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, praising Mr. Adams for establishing a new tradition he believed future mayors will uphold. Then he forwarded the email to The Times.

Your dedication and commitment to this simple yet powerful symbolism have not gone unnoticed, and I believe it exemplifies a very, very good use of your time as the mayor of our great city, Mr. Piccolo wrote.

Read more:

For Mayor Adams, Any Day Has the Makings of Flag Day - The New York Times

By TENAJH SWEETING

tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

The Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) announced an 80-member CARIFTA team for the first time in history yesterday at Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium.

After a highly competitive CARIFTA trials combined with the Bahamas National High School Track and Field championships this past weekend, many were anticipating the announcement of Team Bahamas CARIFTA athletes.

This years CARIFTA team will not only feature 80 members for the first time in Bahamian history but will also include the largest contingent of Family Island representatives.

Drumeco Archer, president of the BAAA, said the selection process is always emotional and tension-filled as athletes always want to represent their country at the CARIFTA Games.

He added that the selection process wrapped up at 3am yesterday after the executive committee spent hours going through the names and stats, not only locally but throughout the region.

Although the selection process was difficult within good reason, officials are confident that this years CARIFTA team will bring home gold at the countrys 50th CARIFTA Games.

Team Bahamas under 17 girls will include Jamiah Nabbie, Shayann Demeritte, Darvinique Dean, Tamia Taylor, Akaree Roberts, Bayli Major, Erin Barr, Madison Moss, Grace Komolafe, Tylah Pratt, Zoe Adderley, Terrell McCoy, Danielle Nixon, Kennise Scavella, Kamera Strachan, and Dior-Rae Scott.

The under 17 boys will feature Andrew Brown, Ishmael Rolle, Cayden Smith, Eagan Neely, Zion Shepherd, Tyrone Conliffe, Zion Hendfield, Ross Martin, Christopher Williams-Martin, Kenny Moxey Jr., Quinton Rolle, Zion Davis, Joshua Williams, Erris Pratt, Demian Brice II, Rubin Bain, Jalen Stuart, and Larouche Morley. The relay pool will include Javano Bridgewater, and Trent Ford.

Notably missing from this years under 17 girls team is Bishop Michael Eldons Keyezra Thomas, who dominated her competitors in the under 14 girls 100m and 200m race.

Despite the 13-year-old being dominant on the track, she is too young to compete at Aprils 50th CARIFTA Games but will look to qualify in 2024.

With a number of officials being impressed with her efforts as a young athlete, Archer said although it can hurt athletes to miss out on the CARIFTA Games, they always come back more aggressively the next time by using it as a motivation to get onto the team the next time around. The 2023 Team Bahamas under 20 girls are Shatalya Dorsett, Amari Pratt, Lacarthea Cooper, Javonya Valcourt, Treasure Burrows, Jasmine Mackey, Akaya Lightbourne, Koi Adderley, Apryl Adderley, Lanaisha Lubin, Annae Mackey, Calea Jackson, Cailyn Johnson, GShan Brown, Vanessa Sawyer, and Essence Sands. The relay pool has Quincy Penn, Nya Wright, and Melvinique Gibson.

The under 20 boys are Carlos Brown, Adam Musgrove, Zachary Evans, Clinton Laguerre, Philip Gray, Raywind Winder, Christopher Saintus, Otto Laing, Tayshaun Robinson, Shimar Bain, Mateo Smith, Johnathan Rodgers, Laquan Ellis, Robert Deal, Nathaniel McCardy, Kaden Cartwright, Brenden Vanderpool, Tyler Cash, Lavardo Deveaux, and Reanno Todd. The under 20 boys relay pool will include Johnathan Fowler, Zion Campbell, Berkley Munnings, Tumani Skinner, and Jeremiah Adderley.

Team Bahamas 2023 CARIFTA team will be under the supervision of eight coaches, three managers, and five chaperons. Team managers are Pharez Cooper, Mildred Adderley, and Sophia Higgs. Head coach of the team will be John Ingraham. He will be assisted by Noel Pratt, Earl Rahming, Rachante Colebrooke, Patricia Rolle, Keno Demeritte, Andrew Tynes, and Alexis Roberts.

Although 80 athletes may seem like a lot to handle, team leader Pharez Cooper talked about the plan to manage athletes for Oaktree Medical Centers 50th CARIFTA games.

We have coaches for jumps, sprints, hurdles [and] whatever discipline that the athletes are apart of, Cooper said.

He added that the coaches will be directly responsible for those athletes during the day of at the track and that chaperons were strategically picked with the mindsets of having to manage a large team due to their experience with other teams.

With the 50th edition of Aprils CARIFTA games now eight days away athletes will prep to stay at the CARIFTA village at Superclub Breezes on April 6.

This years game will feature more than 600 athletes from 28 countries competing on April 7-10.

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MAKING HISTORY: 80-member team named for the CARIFTA Games

What is the terrain and geography like in Bahamas?

The Bahamas stretch over a distance of some 760 miles from northwest to southeast and includes 30 inhabited islands, 661 cays, and about 2,387 exposed reefs. The total land area is approximately 5,380 square miles, about the size of Wales or twothirds the size of Massachusetts. The largest island is Andros, with an area of 2,300 square miles and the smallest inhabited island is Spanish Wells, with an area of one-half mile. The highest point is 206-foot-high Como Hill on Cat Island. Some of the most beautiful beaches and lagoons in the world are located in the Bahamas.

Over 50 varieties of trees can be found here, including such exotic species as the African tulip, the casuarina, the cork tree, several varieties of palm trees, and about 40 varieties of fruit trees. In addition, large varieties of shrubs, climbers, vines, vegetables, and herbs are found here.

In the winter, temperatures rarely fall below 60F, and usually reach 77F by mid-afternoon. During the summer, temperatures fluctuate between 8590F in the daytime and 75F or less in the evening. Although humidity can reach about 80% (relative humidity for September is 82%), prevailing easterly winds lessen personal discomfort. Temperatures vary from a low of 76.7F in January to a high of 89.1F in August. Humidity causes mildew on leather and textile products, but homes equipped with central airconditioning or dehumidifiers neutralize the harmful effects.

Rainfall often occurs in the form of fairly intense showers, frequently accompanied by strong, gusty winds. These storms are usually short and are followed by clear skies. Weather conditions can change rapidly. Statistically, a hurricane can be expected to occur in some part of the Bahamas every nine years.

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Bahamas geography, maps, climate, environment and terrain from Bahamas ...

What makes Bahamas a unique country to travel to?

The upsurge in criminal activity has also led to incidents that, while not directed at tourists, could place innocent bystanders at risk.

Armed robbery remains a major criminal threat facing U.S. citizens in The Bahamas. The Royal Bahamas Police Force issued a message citing concerns about the increased number of armed robberies in Nassau. AU.S. citizen was fatally shot in Nassau in May 2013 during an armed robbery. Between January 1, 2013, and April 15, 2013, there were 328 armed robberies, 111 robberies, and 660 house break-ins, according to statistics available on the Royal Bahamas Police Force website.

Criminal activity in the outlying family islands does occur, but to a much lesser degree than on New Providence Island. The Embassy has received reports of burglaries and thefts, especially thefts of boats and/or outboard motors on Abaco and Bimini.

The Embassy has received no reports of harassment or hate crimes motivated by race, religion, or citizenship. Visitors have reported harassment of persons based on sexual orientation; some women have reported verbal harassment and unwanted attention. Some organized criminal activity is believed to occur in The Bahamas, primarily related to illegal importation and smuggling of illicit drugs or human trafficking. The Bahamas, due to its numerous uninhabited islands and cays, has historically been favored by smugglers and pirates. As a tourist, you would typically not have noticeable interaction with organized crime elements; however, those operating their own water or air vessels should be alert to the possibility of encountering similar crafts operated by smugglers engaged in illicit activities on the open seas or in air space near The Bahamas.

You are advised to report crime to the Royal Bahamian Police Force as quickly as possible. Early reports frequently improve the likelihood of identifying and apprehending suspected perpetrators. In general, the Royal Bahamian Police Force is responsive to reports of crime and takes the threat of crime against tourists very seriously. However, the police response is sometimes slowed by a lack of resources or by physical constraints imposed by geography and infrastructure.

There is nobody better at protecting you than yourself. Beware of your surroundings at all times. The U.S. Embassy reports that victims of crime are often those who have let their guard down to individuals who appeared overly friendly or became victims after criminals targeted them as easy prey due to the visitor appearing excessively drunk or unaware. Take some time before traveling to improve your personal securitythings are not the same everywhere as they are in the United States.

Mandatory Consular Notification Country: Based on the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, bilateral agreements with certain countries, and customary international law, if you are arrested in The Bahamas, you have the option to request that the police, prison officials, or other authorities alert the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate of your arrest, and to have communications from you forwarded to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

For additional information regarding arrests and the judicial process, please see the U.S. Embassys website on Arrests in The Bahamas. Travelers should also be aware that Bahamas laws do not include a right to a public defender in lower courts. Any legal representation is at the expense of the visitor.

Ambulance service is available on the major islands; however, U.S. citizens have reported major delays in service, both in the length of time to arrive and once at the Emergency room. Ambulance service is even more limited in more remote locations. The endemic traffic congestion on New Providence Island may also impede a quick response. Service is likely to be extremely slow in the event of a major emergency or disaster.

Good information on vaccinations and other health precautions can be found via the CDC website or The Bahamas Ministry of Health page. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization (WHO) website. The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information. The Bahamas had an outbreak of dengue fever in 2011 with 10 reported deaths and 1,000 reported cases of individuals with dengue fever symptoms. For additional information regarding Dengue fever in the Bahamas, please visit The Bahamas Ministry of Health website.

For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution. You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or by calling a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except on U.S. federal holidays).

The water sports and scooter rental industries in The Bahamas are not carefully regulated. Every year people die or suffer injuries due to improper, careless, or reckless operation of scooters, jet-skis, and personal watercraft or scuba/snorkeling equipment. You should rent equipment only from reputable operators, and insist on sufficient training before using the equipment. Travelers have reported that some operators do not actually provide insurance coverage even when the renter opted (and paid) for insurance coverage. You should insist on seeing proof that operators have sufficient medical and liability insurance and are properly licensed to operate in The Bahamas before renting any motorized or other vehicles.

As visitors, you should exercise caution and good judgment at all times. Do not engage in high-risk behavior such as excessive alcohol consumption, as it greatly increases your vulnerability to accidents or opportunistic crime. Do not accept rides from strangers or from unlicensed taxi drivers.

It is the law that all drivers and their passengers wear seat belts while riding in a vehicle in The Bahamas. Wearing helmets while riding on a scooter or motorbike is also compulsory.

Driving in The Bahamas is on the left side of the road (i.e. opposite the United States). Traffic congestion in Nassau is severe, and drivers occasionally display aggressive or careless tendencies. You should always drive defensively and be alert to cars pulling out in front of you from side streets. Local practice is to allow this on an individual basis. Roundabouts are common; unless otherwise designated, you should give way to traffic coming from the right when joining a roundabout. Remember that the slow lane is the far left, not the far right one. Some major streets do not have adequate shoulders or passable sidewalks, compelling pedestrians to walk in the right-of-way. Motorcyclists tend to weave through slow traffic and between lanes of moving vehicles. It is not uncommon to see poorly maintained or excessively loaded vehicles on roadways. Rural roads can be narrow, winding, and in poor condition.

Road flooding occurs frequently in many areas, including Nassau and Freeport, during and after rainstorms. Drivers should be alert for unmarked or poorly marked construction zones. Travel by moped or bicycle can be hazardous, especially in the heavy traffic prevalent in Nassau. You should exercise appropriate caution when renting vehicles in The Bahamas. If you ride a moped or bicycle follow Bahamian helmet law, and drive defensively. Accidents involving U.S. tourists on motorbikes have resulted in severe injuries and fatalities.

Look right then left when crossing the road! Pedestrians should try to remember that vehicular traffic comes from the opposite direction to what they are used to. Many tourists have been struck by cars after failing to check properly for oncoming traffic.

Emergency ambulance service is generally available and can be reached by dialing 911 or 919. Roadside assistance is also widely available through private towing services. Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the website of The Bahamas national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.

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Bahamas | Culture, Facts & Travel | - CountryReports

Executive Branch:Chief of State: King CHARLES Philip Arthur George III (Since 8 September 2022), previous Queen ELIZABETH II (6 February 1952 - 8 September 2022); represented by Governor General Cornelius A. SMITH (since 28 June 2019)

Head of Government: Prime Minister Hubert MINNIS (since 11 May 2017)

Cabinet: Cabinet appointed by governor general on the recommendation of prime minister

Elections/Appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general is appointed by the monarch on the advice of the prime minister; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; the prime minister recommends the deputy prime minister

Note: Prime Minister Hubert MINNIS is only the fourth prime minister in Bahamian history following its independence from the UK; he is also the first prime minister in 25 years besides Perry CHRISTIE and Hubert INGRAHAM, who repeatedly traded the premiership from 1992 to 2017

Citizenship by Descent Only: at least one parent must be a citizen of The Bahamas

Dual Citizenship Recognized: no

Residency Requirement for Naturalization: 6-9 years

Senate (16 seats; members appointed by the governor general upon the advice of the prime minister and the opposition leader to serve 5-year terms)

House of Assembly (39 seats; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by a simple majority vote to serve 5-year terms)

Elections:

Senate - last appointments on 24 May 2017 (next appointments in 2022)

House of Assembly - last held on 10 May 2017 (next to be held by May 2022)

Election Results:

Senate - appointed; composition - men 9, women 7, percent of women 43.8%

House of Assembly - percent of vote by party - FNM 57%, PLP 36.9%, other 6.1%; seats by party - FNM 35, PLP 4; composition - men 34, women 5, percent of women 12.8%; note - total Parliament percent of women 21.8%

Note: the government may dissolve the parliament and call elections at any time

Note: as of 2008, the Bahamas was not a party to the agreement establishing the Caribbean Court of Justice as the highest appellate court for the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM); the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) serves as the final court of appeal for The Bahamas

Judge Selection and Term of Office: Court of Appeal president and Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the governor-general on the advice of the prime minister after consultation with the leader of the opposition party; other Court of Appeal and Supreme Court justices appointed by the governor general upon recommendation of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, a 5-member body headed by the chief justice; Court of Appeal justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement normally at age 68 but can be extended until age 70; Supreme Court justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement normally at age 65 but can be extended until age 67

Subordinate Courts: Industrial Tribunal; Stipendiary and Magistrates' Courts; Family Island Administrators

Free National Movement or FNM [Hubert MINNIS]

Progressive Liberal Party or PLP [Philip "Brave" DAVIS]

Chancery: 2220 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

Telephone: [1] (202) 319-2660

FAX: [1] (202) 319-2668

Consulate(s) General: Atlanta, Miami, New York

Embassy: 42 Queen Street, Nassau, New Providence

Mailing Address: local or express mail address: P. O. Box N-8197, Nassau; US Department of State, 3370 Nassau Place, Washington, DC 20521-3370

Telephone: [1] (242) 322-1181, 328-2206 (after hours)

FAX: [1] (242) 356-7174

Read more:

Bahamas government structure and political parties. - CountryReports

Is Bahamas a wealthy country?

The Bahamas has the second-highest per capita GDP in the English-speaking Caribbean with an economy heavily dependent on tourism and financial services. Tourism accounts for approximately 50% of GDP and directly or indirectly employs half of the archipelago's labor force. Financial services constitute the second-most important sector of the Bahamian economy, accounting for about 15% of GDP. Manufacturing and agriculture combined contribute less than 7% of GDP and show little growth, despite government incentives aimed at those sectors. The new government led by Prime Minister Hubert MINNIS has prioritized addressing fiscal imbalances and rising debt, which stood at 75% of GDP in 2016. Large capital projects like the Baha Mar Casino and Hotel are driving growth. Public debt increased in 2017 in large part due to hurricane reconstruction and relief financing. The primary fiscal balance was a deficit of 0.4% of GDP in 2016. The Bahamas is the only country in the Western Hemisphere that is not a member of the World Trade Organization.

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Is Bahamas a poor country? | - CountryReports

Is Bahamas a safe place to visit?

The upsurge in criminal activity has also led to incidents that, while not directed at tourists, could place innocent bystanders at risk.

Armed robbery remains a major criminal threat facing U.S. citizens in The Bahamas. The Royal Bahamas Police Force issued a message citing concerns about the increased number of armed robberies in Nassau. AU.S. citizen was fatally shot in Nassau in May 2013 during an armed robbery. Between January 1, 2013, and April 15, 2013, there were 328 armed robberies, 111 robberies, and 660 house break-ins, according to statistics available on the Royal Bahamas Police Force website.

Criminal activity in the outlying family islands does occur, but to a much lesser degree than on New Providence Island. The Embassy has received reports of burglaries and thefts, especially thefts of boats and/or outboard motors on Abaco and Bimini.

The Embassy has received no reports of harassment or hate crimes motivated by race, religion, or citizenship. Visitors have reported harassment of persons based on sexual orientation; some women have reported verbal harassment and unwanted attention. Some organized criminal activity is believed to occur in The Bahamas, primarily related to illegal importation and smuggling of illicit drugs or human trafficking. The Bahamas, due to its numerous uninhabited islands and cays, has historically been favored by smugglers and pirates. As a tourist, you would typically not have noticeable interaction with organized crime elements; however, those operating their own water or air vessels should be alert to the possibility of encountering similar crafts operated by smugglers engaged in illicit activities on the open seas or in air space near The Bahamas.

You are advised to report crime to the Royal Bahamian Police Force as quickly as possible. Early reports frequently improve the likelihood of identifying and apprehending suspected perpetrators. In general, the Royal Bahamian Police Force is responsive to reports of crime and takes the threat of crime against tourists very seriously. However, the police response is sometimes slowed by a lack of resources or by physical constraints imposed by geography and infrastructure.

There is nobody better at protecting you than yourself. Beware of your surroundings at all times. The U.S. Embassy reports that victims of crime are often those who have let their guard down to individuals who appeared overly friendly or became victims after criminals targeted them as easy prey due to the visitor appearing excessively drunk or unaware. Take some time before traveling to improve your personal securitythings are not the same everywhere as they are in the United States.

Read more here:

Bahamas Population and Demographics from Bahamas | - CountryReports

Jan 16 (Reuters) - The Bahamas detained an increasing number of sea-borne Cuban migrants in 2022 compared with 2021, according to figures released to Reuters, as an economic crisis triggered an exodus from the Communist-run island.

The Royal Bahamas Defense Force (RBDF) apprehended 623 Cuban migrants in 2022 compared with 17 the year before, according to RBDF figures provided to Reuters, with migrant interceptions picking up pace in recent months.

Cuban vessels typically end up in Bahamian waters after being blown off course or navigating the wrong way while trying to reach Florida.

Vessels are increasingly leaving from Cuba's central Ciego de Avila province, RBDF Commodore Dr. Raymond King told Reuters, an area that is closer to The Bahamas.

"The number of Cuban migrants intercepted thus far has increased significantly during the past two months," King said, noting that 61 Cubans have been intercepted in Bahamian waters so far this year.

Most Cuban migrants in 2022 arrived in the United States by the border with Mexico, though some still made perilous sea voyages.

The frequency of vessel departures from Ciego de Avila has increased from two to six vessels on average per day, King said. There were also more Cubans onboard each improvised vessel, with an average of eight to 20 people.

The expectation that the Biden administration would ease border restrictions known as "Title 42" was likely a factor in the increased migrant of 2022, he said.

But the United States in January expanded Trump-era restrictions to rapidly expel Cuban, Nicaraguan and Haitian migrants caught illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, while allowing up to 30,000 people from those three countries plus Venezuela to enter the country by air each month.

Reporting by Jasper Ward in Washington; Editing by Josie Kao

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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Bahamas interception of sea-borne Cuban migrants jumps in 2022

The Bahamas played their first international matches in the 1970 Central American and Caribbean Games, losing their debut 30 against Puerto Rico, an 81 loss against Netherlands Antilles and 50 to Venezuela. They did manage to get their first draw though, a 22 result against Dominican Republic.[3] The following year, Bahamas participated in the 1971 Pan American Games, achieving their first victory over Dominican Republic 42, but failing to exit the group stages. They returned to play in the 1974 Central American and Caribbean Games, and managed a historic 10 victory against Panama, but lost 30 to Bermuda and 20 to the Dominican Republic and was eliminated again in the first round.

Bahamas finished bottom of their group in the 1982 Central American and Caribbean Games and in the 1986 edition, they were given a bye into the quarterfinals due to a withdrawal, however Bahamas were beaten by Cuba and eliminated. They also participated in the qualifying rounds for the 1984 Olympic Games (eliminated by an amateur Mexico team) and the 1988 Olympics (beaten by Guyana). On 28 April 1987, the Bahamas experienced their worst defeat at the hands of the Mexican team, who crushed them 130 as part of the qualifying tournament for the 1987 Pan American Games.

In the 1990s, the Bahamas withdrew from 1998 World Cup qualifying, leaving Saint Kitts and Nevis to advance to the next round. Bahamas advanced past the preliminary round 1999 Caribbean Cup, but failed to beat Bermuda (06), Cuba (07) and the Cayman Islands (14) and finished last in their group.

The 2000s saw the Baha Boyz enter three consecutive World Cup qualifiers; 2002, 2006 and 2010 being eliminated by Haiti (aggregate score 130), Dominica (aggregate score 42) and Jamaica (aggregate score 130), respectively. In the 2007 Caribbean Cup they got through the first knockout round but finished in last position in the second qualifying round behind Barbados, Saint Vincent and Bermuda.

In the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, the Bahamas thrashed the Turks and Caicos Islands with an aggregate score of 100, advancing to the second phase however, the team withdrew from the competition as the renovations for the Thomas Robinson Stadium were not completed and playing the fixtures at neutral venues would have been financially prohibitive.[4] In the 2018 World Cup qualifying, they faced Bermuda in the first round, losing 80 on aggregate. In the first round of 2022 World Cup qualification, Bahamas failed to score a goal, finishing in last place, having conceded 15.

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Bahamas national football team - Wikipedia