NASSAU, BAHAMAS A well-known retailer said yesterday that a bird flu outbreak in the United States has resulted in egg prices rising 60 percent in the past week, telling Eyewitness News that egg prices could remain high for as many as six weeks.

Super Values owner Rupert Roberts said a carton of eggs which was on special last week for $2.75 is being sold in store this week for $4.40 cents, a 60 percent increase.

We are only allowed to make 10 percent on eggs and the government makes 30 percent through import duty. Consumers buying eggs this week are really paying import duty. Eggs this week are at $4.84 with the 10 percent VAT, said Roberts.

He added: I understand that there were some 20 million birds in the US that were lost due to bird flu. This kind of thing usually lasts six weeks, so I expect that after six weeks prices will go back down. We source our eggs from the southern United States. We bring in just under 1,000 cases a week.

The deadly and avian flu has forced US farmers to kill millions of egg-laying hens which has reduced the countrys egg supply and caused prices to soar. Due to the fact that the flu is so contagious and deadly to birds, the USDA protocol is to kill infected flocks to limit the spread of the disease.

The current outbreak is being described as the worst US outbreak of the bird flu since 2015. Although it is deadly for poultry, the US Centre for Disease Controlhas noted that the current H5N1 bird flu poses a low risk to the health of the general public.

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ON THE RISE: Egg prices jump 60 percent due to US bird flu outbreak - EyeWitness News

Butler basketball: Thad Matta holds first press conference as coach

Thad Matta, who last coached at Butler 21 years ago, is returning to take over the men's basketball program which has been down in recent years.

Indianapolis Star

INDIANAPOLIS One of the first things Thad Matta looked into when he was hired last spring as Indiana's associate athletic director for men's basketball was whether he could get newly-hired head coach and basically NBA-lifer Mike Woodson a head start.

After 17 years as a head coach at Ohio State, Xavier and Butler and 11 more as a college assistant coach, Matta knows the NCAA rulebook, including the rule that allows Division I programs the opportunity to take an international tripin the summer once every four years. It's supposed to be an educational opportunity, but teams are allowed to practice 10 times on campus before they go on tour and can play up to 10 games against non-NCAA teamson tour long before the official start of practice.It can be particularly valuable for a new coach trying to get to know his team and for players trying to get to know their new coach.

Matta learned IU hadn't been on a foreign tour since Tom Crean took the Hoosiers to Montreal in 2014, so he started looking into options and presented them to Woodson.

"I remember telling him, 'Hey, we're up for a foreign trip,'" Matta said Wednesday in a news conference after the introduction for his return to coaching at Butler. "I said, 'I'lltry to get something in The Bahamas. We'll fly in a pro team and we'll play them.'"

'This feels right': Thad Matta returns to Butler as its head coach

More: IU recruit Kaleb Banks a modern-day forward driven to restore Hoosiers tradition

Woodson, who spent most of the previous 25 years coaching in the NBA and hadn't been part of college basketball since he graduated from IU in 1980, didn't even know a foreign tour was an option.

"He said, 'Wait a minute, I can coach my team this summer?'" Matta said. "He just got as excited as he could be."

The Hoosiers ended up playing two games at The Atlantis resort in the Bahamas, winning two exhibition games against the Serbian professional club BC Mega, giving Woodson a head start going into the fall. It helped IU get started on the road to its first trip to the NCAA tournament since 2016.

That was effectively Matta's job at IU for the past year. He was paid $400,000 to help guide Woodson along as he learned about the college part of coaching college basketball. Matta purposefully stayed out of the public eye during the past year while he was in the position, but said taking the job and being part of a college program again inspired him to get back into coaching after five years away.

"This year, being around it but not in it, was really good for me," Matta said. "Sitting in meetings and watching practice and learning an inordinate amount of basketball from Woody, that kind of got me going again."

The job was the creation of IU athletic director Scott Dolson, who said he came up with it after his discussion with Woodson in New York when he approached Woodson about the job. Woodson called himself a collaborator and indicated he wanted to have a relationship with Dolson similar to the one he had with Glenn Grunwald who was his teammate at IU and then the general manager when Woodson was head coach of the New York Knicks. Dolson realized he couldn't work with Woodson on that constant of a basis because of his responsibilities to the rest of the department, but decided Matta would be the perfect fit for the role.

Matta said he sat in on staff meetings and attended practice every day. In the meetings, the staff frequently watched film together sometimes for scouting purposes but other times because Woodson was looking for innovative plays and concepts and would debate with the staff whether concepts he saw other teams try would work for IU. Matta was part of those debates. He was an obvious presence at the scorer's table at every game. However, he said he mostlyleft the on-court part of the job to Woodson and his assistants.

"I didn't have a ton of input to what was going on, only the nights they won," the typically-wry Matta said, pausing to see if anyone picked up on what he just said. "That was a joke. I know how Indiana fans are. I wasn't trying to get credit there."

Matta's contribution was to help Woodson learn the parts of the job he couldn't have learned from all of those years in the NBA. Woodson might have had to game plan to stop LeBron James, but he'd never before had to thumb through the NCAA rulebook to learn about the arcane rules about what he was allowed to do in recruiting. His NBA connections were endless, but he didn't have the same number of contacts for coaches who were looking to stay in the college game and he hadn't been to the summer travel events where he could see those coaches work.

But Matta had done all of those things for decades, so he provided those insights.

"Woody was gonna do what Woody was gonna do, but just in terms of (teaching him) the college game," Matta said. "Helping him put together a staff. Helping him with job responsibilities, those kinds of things... He didn't know a lot of the recruiting, the rules, the regulations."

Woodson has admitted to being a novice in that regard. He said in a news conference before IU's First Four NCAA tournament game against Wyoming in March that he found the NCAA compliance test "tricky," and he frequently had to be told things he was suggesting like picking up recruits for visits with a private jet were not legal under NCAA rules.

"A lot of it was just the recruiting, what he could do and what he couldn't do," Matta said. "Just like, on an unofficial visit we can't leave campus. He'd say, 'Let's take him to eat.' We'd have to say, 'No, no, we can't leave campus.'"

But annoyed as Woodson might have been by the rules, Matta said he was receptive to having them explained so he didn't run afoul of them.

"He was great because he wanted to learn," Matta said. "Some of those guys don't want to learn. Mike wants to know everything that's going on in the program."

While Matta was in the job, he decided to minimize his public profile. The announcement of his hire in conjunction with Woodson's added to the buzz around the program and drew dozens of interview requests, including from the IndyStar, but those were never fulfilled and Matta gave no interviews while in Indiana's employ.That was Matta's decision.

"I don't ever like being in the spotlight," Matta said. "But I know in the position I'm in, it comes with the territory. When I went to Bloomington, I didn't want that. I just wanted to be behind the scenes and doing whatever Indiana needed me to do. I didn't want the notoriety of any of that. That's kind of who I am. That is Mike's program and I hopefully did something to help him be successful this year, and most importantly because I fell in love with Indiana, did something to help the future of the program."

Matta said he believes IU remains in good hands. He said Dolson has become one of his best friends, and that he developed an immense respect for Woodson as a coach, a man and a leader.

"Mike is such a special guy," Matta said. "He's got one of the biggest hearts I've ever seen in terms of just his compassion. What I walked away with is his commitment to the game of basketball. Mike Woodsonlovesbasketball. Loves ball. I'd sit in those meetings and we'd be watching, God knows who we were watching play, just because he wanted to learn. He wanted new ideas and wanted to be innovative. That's what I took away was that burning passion for the game of basketball."

Follow Indiana insider Dustin Dopirak on Twitter @DustinDopirak or e-mail him at ddopirak@gannett.com.

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How Thad Matta helped Mike Woodson behind the scenes adjust to college basketball - IndyStar

Nassaus Baha Mar continues to offer guests diversions that surprise and feed the island soul.

The Rosewood Lagoon Pool at Baha Mar.

There comes a time in every vacationers life when taking a plunge becomes not only a necessity, but also part of understanding the mosaic of a place. I consider this notion as I stand on a platform clinging to an inner tube the size of a tiny European car. Im atop the so-called Cyclone Rush, one of 24 slides at the new 15-acre beachfront luxury water park known as Baha Bay, located at Nassaus Baha Mar, which features the first-ever gaming pavilion inside a water park. The aptly named Cyclone Rush is akin to sliding down Class IV rapidsthat is, if a river were tilted on its side, partially encased in a tube and occasionally defying the laws of gravity.

Caf Boulud is located in the Rosewood at Baha Mar.

I needed this. And Im guessing many others feel the same after two years of following protocols and forgetting what abandon actually entails. The park also includes two uphill water coasters, a FlowCurl surf simulator and a 500,000-gallon wave pool. Its a theme of unbridled fun, coupled with surprises and countless luxuries, which make the resortencompassing Rosewood Baha Mar, SLS Baha Mar and Grand Hyatt Baha Mara Bahamas favorite for everything from its buzzy casinos and pool parties to the Caribbeans only flagship ESPA (with 24 private rooms for an impressive lineup of spa treatments) and splendid beaches.

Marcus at Baha Mar Fish + Chop House offers a mix of traditional and contemporary Bahamian fare.

When mapping out a stay here, consider the extremes. Embark on a mind-blowing flume, followed by afternoon tea in the Rosewoods library, a room so gilded in splendor it feels like a Downton Abbey set; I advise to sink into the gold and blue velvet couches for an hour. From Thursday through Saturday afternoons, the room hosts a Folklore Teastories abound regarding the mythical Lusca, Chickcharnie and Anansiwith local bush teas, tea-based cocktails, scones, finger sandwiches and desserts like delicately forged macarons. The tea service is part of the resorts choreographed aesthetic, which combines tradition and a new way to see the world.

Part of this vision falls into the lap of Nassau native John Cox, a Rhode Island School of Design grad and the creative arts director for the resort. I meet Cox at Baha Mars art gallery, known as The Current Gallery and Art Center, a space filled with contemporary work by local artists shattering the notion of what constitutes Bahamian art.

Chef Marcus Samuelsson

My job is to effect a paradigm shift, says Cox, whose work has shown at Art Basel. We have 7 million tourists coming to Nassau each year. We can create a metaphoric highway that intersects with that vast number of people to show them a new vision of what our art really is. He walks me around The Current and the resort itself, pointing out work from breakthrough artists like Sue Katz, whose mixed-media genius is part of 2,500 pieces of Bahamian art from established and rising creators. Its an ambitious effort that further establishes the resorts singularity.

John Cox, the creative arts director at Baha Mar, also oversees The Current.

This progressive tone continues with two signature restaurants (among 45 dining spots and lounges at the resort): Caf Boulud and Marcus at Baha Mar Fish + Chop House. Chef Daniel Bouluds namesake restaurant goes glam with both its indoor and outdoor spaces; the chefs steady hand is mirrored in the kitchen, with dishes like yellow tuna carpaccio, sablefish, roasted duck (dressed in clementine, parsnip, beets and red wine jus) and bold Berkshire pork chop (lined in bacon crust and braised with endive apple puree).

The Library at the Rosewood at Baha Mar is the perfect spot for high tea.

The decibel level at chef Marcus Samuelssons on-property restaurant, with its white decor scheme, is decidedly higher; make no mistake, this is a culinary party, with a menu that shows the chefs keen interest in exploring traditional island flavors and using the kitchen as a lab to create new ones. The for-the-table cornbread is a revelation; its crispy shell holds a delicate centerbe sure to anoint the bread with the accompanying hot-buttered rum for instant bliss. From there, standout entrees include black crab Bolognese with sour-orange gremolata, and grilled pork chop elevated with sizzled pineapple, corn and jerk rub. Samuelssons hangout symbolizes Baha Mars overall vibe: daring patrons to explore and treasure new facets of an island that continues to evolve. The rest comes easily, as guests take the plunge toward everything good under the Bahamian sun.

Gorgeous beaches grace Baha Mar

Photography by: John Cox photo by Michael McCarthy; all other photos courtesy of Baha Mar

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Nassau's Baha Mar Nourishes The Island Soul - Gotham | Modern Luxury

THE National Lottery results are in and it's time to find out who has won a life-changing amount of money tonight (April 13, 2022).

Could tonight's jackpot of 5.3million see you handing in your notice, jetting off to the Bahamas or driving a new Porsche off a garage forecourt?

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You can find out by checking your ticket against tonight's numbers below. Good luck!

Tonight'sNational Lottery Lottowinning numbers are: 01, 07, 10, 30, 40, 53 and the Bonus Ball is 02.

TonightsNational Lottery Thunderballwinning numbers are: 02, 06, 16, 31, 35 and the Thunderball is 01.

The first National Lottery draw was held on November 191994 when seven winners shared a jackpot of 5,874,778.

The largest amount ever to be won by a single ticket holder was 42million, won in 1996.

Gareth Bull, a 49-year-old builder, won 41million in November, 2020 and ended up knocking down his bungalow to make way for a luxury manor house with a pool.

TOP 5 BIGGEST LOTTERY WINS ACROSS THE WORLD

Sue Davies, 64, bought a lottery ticket to celebrate ending five months of shielding during the pandemic and won 500,000.

Sandra Devine, 36, accidentally won 300k - she intended to buy her usual 100 National Lottery Scratchcard, but came home with a much bigger prize.

The biggestjackpot ever to be up for grabs was 66million in January last year, which was won by two lucky ticket holders.

Another winner, Karl managed to bag 11million aged just 23 in 1996.

The odds of winning the lottery are estimated to be about one in 14million BUTyou've got to be in it to win it.

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LOTTERY RESULTS AND NUMBERS: LOTTO AND THUNDERBALL DRAW TONIGHT, APRIL 13, 2022... - The Scottish Sun

Coral Vita Earned Recognition for Its Environmental Sustainability Efforts Coral Vita earns a top 15 finalists spot in the inaugural Earthshot Prize in the Revive Our Oceans category for their continued efforts to preserve the worlds coastal ecosystem.

Reimagined Sandals Royal Bahamian Prepares for Reopening Sandals Royal Bahamian is on track to reopen January 27, 2022, and guests can expect to enjoy 200 fully renovated rooms and suites, five new restaurants, private island hideaways and a new Island Village.

Ros Paradis Garden Opens at The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, partnered with Chteau dEsclans to present Ros Paradis Garden, an enchanting pop-up experience that transports guests from the storied Versailles Gardens of Paradise Island to the South of France. The experience is open Wednesday to Saturday, November 11, 2021, through February 11, 2022.

The Moorings Reopens in The Abacos Next Month The Moorings makes its triumphant return to The Abacos after two years following the devastation of Hurricane Dorian and will resume offering charter vacations beginning December 2021.

Bahamas Charter Yacht Show Returns Its official, the 2022 Bahamas Charter Yacht Show will be held at Nassau Yacht Haven February 24 27, 2022 featuring more than 10 charter yachts and over 40 charter brokers.

The Bahamas Shines Bright with World-Renowned Recognition TheIslandsof The Bahamas took home several wins across various categories inCond Nast Travelers 2021 Readers Choice Awards and was named Caribbeans Leading Luxury Island Destination 2021 in the 28th annual World Travel Awards.

For a complete listing of deals and packages for The Bahamas, visit here.

Atlantis Paradise Island Offers Special Singles Day Package Atlantis Paradise Island celebrates National Singles Day on November 11, 2021 with a special 24-hour bookable offer. The Singles Day Package includes up to 4-day accommodations at The Cove, The Royal and The Coral, respectively, along with $111 daily resort credit. Travel window: November 11 October 31, 2022.

$500 Air Credit for Black Friday and Cyber Monday Holiday travelers receive a $500 air credit when pre-booking an air-inclusive 7-night package at a participating Bahama Out Islands Promotion Board member hotel. Bookable between November 26 December 2, 2021, and valid for trips between November 28 January 31, 2022. Blackout dates apply.

ABOUT THE BAHAMAS

With over 700 islands and cays and 16 unique island destinations, The Bahamas lies just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, offering an easy flyaway escape that transports travelers away from their everyday. The Islands of The Bahamas have world-class fishing, diving, boating, birding, and nature-based activities, thousands of miles of the Earths most spectacular water and pristine beaches waiting for families, couples and adventurers. Explore all the islands have to offer at bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram to see why Its Better in The Bahamas.

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What's New in The Bahamas in November - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News

Jason Macrander, Gabriel Langford, and Baylie Fadool.

You may recall a recent story about Baylie Fadool, who received her undergraduate degree in biological sciences in December of last year. She currently volunteers at the Bimini Biological Field Station as the media assistant.

She reached out to share that the station just had a course visit from Florida Southern College on October 20-26 where she had the opportunity to connect with two professors who are also Nebraska alumni.

Gabriel Langford received his Ph.D. in parasitology in 2010. He is currently an associate professor of biology at Florida Southern College where he runs the Langford Lab, which focuses on amphibians, reptiles, and fishes as model systems for studying parasite life histories.

Jason Macrander received his Bachelor's degree in biological sciences and fisheries and wildlife in 2007 and his Master's degree in ecology, evolution, and behaviorin 2010. He is currently an assistant professor of marine biology studying venom evolution and molecular diversity with sea anemones as a model organism. Macrander shared some of his research with us this past week on venom evolution.

Crazy how Huskers can find each other, even in South Bimini, Bahamas.We love that they are all repping the HuskersGo Big Red!

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Alumni connecting in the Bahamas | School of Biological Sciences - Nebraska Today

The Director General of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (BMOTIA), Joy Jibrilu, will lead the Bahamas delegation. Bahamas partners and stakeholders will also attend and will be joining the Tourism representatives on stand no. CA 240.

Over the last 18 months, The Bahamas has continued to show its resilience in the face of challenges and is now well positioned for tourism recovery as travel restrictions ease and pent-up demand for long-haul holidays soars.

The main focus for BMOTIA at this years event is to engage with the travel trade to update them on the 16-Island brand proposition, showcase visitor experiences on island and to encourage them to promote the significant increase in airlift from the UK. British Airways is set to fly to The Bahamas six times a week starting November 2, 2021. Additionally, Virgin Atlantic launches a new, twice-weekly direct flight from London Heathrow starting November 20, 2021, making the islands more accessible.

The Honorable I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation for The Bahamas commented: Tourism is a crucial component for the growth and development of The Bahamas, and we are already seeing positive signs that a strong recovery is taking place within the destination. Our attendance at WTM will give us the opportunity to strengthen our relationships with our valued industry partners and showcase our array of new experiences and developments.

Joy Jibrilu, Director General, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, added: We are delighted to be attending this years WTM in person once again and look forward to reuniting with our travel trade partners to discuss ways in which we can collaborate and to share our latest news and updates. As The Bahamas tourism sector continues its recovery, the increase in airlift from BA and Virgin Atlantic presents us with a fantastic opportunity to welcome back British visitors and share all the wonderful experiences the destination has to offer.

As it prepares to welcome British travelers in growing numbers, The Bahamas looks forward to delighting visitors with an array of new and exciting activities as well as a number of high-profile hotel and restaurant reopenings and new developments. From Hurricane Hole Superyacht Marina to Atlantis Paradise Island, Baha Mar to Margaritaville Beach Resort, guests will be treated to the very best restaurants, private beaches and water parks The Islands of The Bahamas have to offer.

ABOUT THE BAHAMAS

With over 700 islands and cays and 16 unique island destinations, The Bahamas lies just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, offering an easy flyaway escape that transports travelers away from their everyday. The Islands of The Bahamas have world-class fishing, diving, boating, birding, and nature-based activities, thousands of miles of the earths most spectacular water and pristine beaches waiting for families, couples and adventurers. Explore all the islands have to offer at http://www.bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram to see why Its Better in The Bahamas.

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The Bahamas Announces Its Participation at WTM London 2021 - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News

On any given night Shima is the backdrop to a date, an important business meeting, a wedding proposal, a party for the newly divorced, and the like. (Shimas been my spot for a few of these reasons!) The food here celebrates the delicate, savory flavors of Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam and uses local ingredients, which makes it feel very Bahamian. The brunch is popular, but I go for dinner and order all the small plates, which change often. If you see the grilled rotiflaky and charred to perfectionget it.

Parents never openly admit to having a favorite child, although they surely have a stronger connection with one. Thats how I feel about this old-school Italian spot, where the food and service are consistently on point. Try the homemade ravioli with osso buco and roast gravy, or ask about the daily specials. Either way itll be unforgettable.

This is the premier craft cocktail bar of The Bahamas. The bartenders are not just adept but entertaining, and their drinks dont disappoint. I love the Big Major Smash, a Bahamian tiki-style rum concoction, and the Zephyr, a citrus-forward gin and tonic. A lot of restaurant folks come here after dinner or a shift to unwind. Just make sure your phone is chargednot only are the drinks stunning but so is the decor. Its Instagram overload

This decades-old mainstay is an earshot away from the crashing waves of the northern shoreline in the Delaporte community. Locals gather to talk about island politics, international news, and gossip, but they linger for the seafood. For breakfast there is an amazing stew fish, the catch of the day simmered in a velvety brown-roux gravy. For dinner there is lightly-floured-and-fried grouper seasoned with bird pepper.

Grand BahamaGo to the Dolphin Cove resort for gorgeous views, then drive to West End for pickled conch.

Great Exuma IslandVisit the world-famous swimming pigs in Big Major Cay and enjoy fried fish or roasted veg on the beach.

Harbour IslandFor a luxurious excursion stay at The Landing hotel and try the acclaimed restaurants spicy crab capellini.

North AbacoAfter Hurricane Dorian, Richies Restaurant has returned better than ever. Its still the spot for smothered pork chops.

BiminiErnest Hemingways hideaway is also renowned for its baked goods. Head to Charlies Bread and order a dozen dinner rolls.

Continued here:

New Providence in The Bahamas Is the Small Island With Big Flavors - Bon Appetit

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Please, a little space, in your powerful media, in a concise way.

The Bahamas, has a day in honour of Christopher Columbus October 12th, who landed in The Bahamas during that time.

Christopher Columbus, was born in Italy, the former Roman Empire, ruled by the Caesars, whom they accepted as their gods. Jesus was put on the cross, also St Peter. St Paul was beheaded and a christian. Christians were persecuted for 300 years, by the Roman Empire.

The son of a christian mother and a non-christian father, saw a cross in the sky, and led by him, the christians defeated the powerful Roman Empire, and Rome became a christian nation, over 1700 years ago. This is the christian nation that Columbus came from.

His support came from the Spanish Queen. He sailed and landed in The Bahamas, hence, the first christian prayer was said.

Columbus' trip was not in vain, it became a New World, with millions and millions of christians saying prayers and replacing the false gods.

Two important statues, were given to the New World the Statue of Liberty in the United States of America, given by the people of France and a Columbus statue, given by the black people of Portugal. In the world present or past, there always will be good and bad. Jesus the Son of God will separate.

During World War II, from the New World they went to Europe to help. Many, many ships were lost. With Columbus it was only one, a president, from his wheel chair, waiting for the outcome and for freedom of the world, soldiers, had to die.

The inventions from the New World, Columbus, did not enjoy. A man landed on the moon, telephones, cars, trains, medical technology, cruising from Miami to Nassau, or a jet plane, taking him to the Spanish Queen.

From outer space, it is said that The Bahamas is a beautiful place, and in 1492 Christopher Columbus landed in This Place.

Thanking you, Editor, for your valuable space.

PATRICK BETHELL,

Nassau,

October 28, 2021.

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Landed in The Bahamas - Bahamas Tribune

Sandals Resorts International (SRI) is to reopen the Sandals Royal Bahamian on January 27, 2022, after a multimillion-dollar revamp.

The all-inclusive resort in Nassau, in the Bahamas, will feature more than 200 fully renovated rooms and suites, plus new river suites.

New additions include the Island Village with butler-style villas, each named after an island in the Bahamas, and with their own private pool and a secluded private island, Sandals Barefoot Cay.

The new Coconut Grove lounge area offers live music and entertainment, and three food trucks.

Adam Stewart, SRI executive chairman, said: From an entirely new village of pastel-coloured private villas and Coconut Grove, our innovative new outdoor lounge and entertainment area, to our offshore island that has been transformed to a romantic hideaway, every moment, every point of guest touch and experience embodies this beautiful destination.

Plans for the revamped resort began almost three years ago and are part of a larger strategy across the organisation, to authentically reflect the unique Caribbean destinations where Sandals Resorts operates.

Sandals Royal Bahamian will offer five new restaurants when it opens in January: La Plume for French cuisine; traditional British pub The Queens Pearl; Kanoo for Caribbean cuisine; Butchs Island Chop House for steaks, fish fillets and seafood; and fresh sushi spot, Soy.

In total, the resort will offer 13 dining options.

Continued here:

Sandals to open renovated Bahamas resort in January - Travel Weekly

The Bahamas will extend its order requiring cruise ship passengers be fully vaccinated if they are above the age of 12 until next year.

Since September 1, 2021, The Bahamas enacted emergency powers requiring only cruise ships be allowed into The Bahamas if everyone over the age of 12 is fully vaccinated, including private islands.

The order is set to expire on November 1, but it now appears it will be extended.

Tourism,Investments and Aviation Minister Chester Cooper told The Tribune that the Bahamian government will look to extend the policy until next year.

"We are taking action to extend that until 2022," Mr. Cooper said before going to a Cabinet meeting.

"We will be looking at it closely moving forward. We are actively in conversations with our various cruise partners.

"We believe vaccination is the right approach in order to be able to attract tourists to our shores in a balanced and responsible way."

Under the order, cruise ships visiting The Bahamas must ensure everyone who is atleast 12 years old or older be fully vaccinated.

The order was first added by Bahamian Prime MinisterDr. Hubert Minnis, but the new Prime Minister of The Bahamas,Philip Davis, supports extending it.

As a result of the order, cruise lines changed their protocols to require everyone above the age of 12 to be fully vaccinated on sailings from Florida. Prior to the Bahamian law, Royal Caribbean cruises from Florida had made exceptions for unvaccinated adults to sail.

Royal Caribbean was already requiring proof of vaccinationfrom passengers 12 and older sailing from other U.S. ports.

Travelers unable to show proof of vaccination are unable to sail.

Royal Caribbean not only visits Nassau, but operates a private island that is visited by so many of its ships operating in the region, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

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Bahamas will extend requirement for cruise ship passengers to be vaccinated - Royal Caribbean Blog

New luxury expedition vessel Crystal Endeavor rendevoused with Crystal Serenity in a historic meet-up of Crystal ships off the coast of The Bahamas.

The new yacht encircled Crystal Serenity with guests of both vessels waving enthusiastically during the meet-up as the captains saluted each other via blasts of the ships horns, while the companys signature song What a Wonderful World serenaded guests.

Crystal Endeavor was on its inaugural two-day preview sailing from Miami for travel partners and members of the press, while Crystal Serenity was on the last leg of a week-long Luxury Bahamas Escape cruise that departed Miami on October 18.

Crystal Endeavor departed Miami on Monday (October 25) on a nine-day cruise to San Juan and will then spend the winter season in Antarctica where it will offer a series of 11- to 19-night Remote Expedition voyages. Crystal Serenity continued its seven-night cruises in The Bahamas until November 8.

With a staff to guest ratio of one-to-one, the 200-guest Crystal Endeavor is the only expedition yacht to feature a Japanese restaurant, a casino and a two-storey glass-enclosed solarium for nature viewing. It also claims to have the largest lead-in suites in the industry.

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Crystal Endeavor and Crystal Serenity meet in The Bahamas - Cruise Adviser

by: MyValleyTributes Staff

STRUTHERS, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) John David Toker of Great Exuma, The Bahamas, died on Tuesday, October 12, 2021.

John was born in Struthers, Ohio on December 20, 1973, to John and Alberta Lee (Swansiger) Toker.

John David graduated from Struthers High School in 1992 and then worked on an Angus cattle ranch. He then graduated from Penn State with an agricultural business degree.

An avid fisherman since childhood and while at Penn State, he began working as a fly fishing guide. After graduation, he worked at Washington State University in the Agricultural Department continuing to work as a fly fishing guide. While in Washington, he developed a love for mountain climbing and scaled many peaks in Washington and Oregon. After answering an internet ad he moved to Andros Island in the Bahamas and managed a fishing lodge. He also worked the summers at lodges in British Columbia and Alaska.

He married Endalyn Lyn Ferguson of Andros Island on January 17, 2009. They settled on Great Exuma Island and along with a partner, opened a real estate office and property management company The Good Life Bahamas.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Lyn; his parents, John and Alberta Lee; his brother, Matthew (Jennifer) and his niece and nephew, Katelyn and Joshua. He also leaves his mother and father-in-law, Prisilda and Elijah Ferguson; numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A special thank you to his longtime friends, Eric, Craig, Murph, Mike, Kevin and Stef for their caring and support. A very special thank you also to all the friends he has made during his time in the Bahamas.

John David was a man who truly loved life and lived it to the fullest.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, St. Matthias Church,915 Cornell Street, Youngstown on Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. John Jerek officiating.

Masks or facial coverings are requested by the Diocese of Youngstown.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the Bahamas in December.

Arrangements are being handled by Davidson-Becker Funeral Home, 11 Spring Street, Struthers. Condolences may be sent to Johns family at http://www.beckerorbits.com.

To send flowers to Johns family, please visit ourfloral store.

A television tribute will air Monday, November 1 at the following approximate times: 7:10 a.m. on FOX, 12:22 p.m. on WKBN, 5:08 p.m. on MyYTV and 7:27 p.m. on WYTV.

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John David Toker, Struthers, Ohio - WKBN.com

By MALCOLM STRACHAN

WHILE the pandemic along with the election and its aftermath have been front and centre in public discussion for a long time now, make no mistake the spectre of crime has not gone away.

The news of four deaths from shootings over the weekend in two different incidents is a stark reminder of that.

In the first shooting on Friday, a group was doing nothing more than sitting on a porch when two gunmen approached and opened fire. Two men were killed at the scene and another died later from his wounds.

Then, just two hours later, a man was sitting in his car outside a business on Carmichael Road when a gunman approached and shot him. He died the next day.

You wouldnt think from the election campaign that crime was much of a problem these days. The focus instead was on COVID recovery, both from the virus itself and the economic effects it brought with it.

The PLP manifesto had just one short section on crime in which it pledged to ensure that the necessary reforms are executed for a safe Bahamas. The party said it would strengthen the nations border protection with increased funding to RBDF and Immigration Department, increase investment in the Community Policing Unit for community policing throughout The Bahamas, introduce research-based analysis and policies on countering anti-social behaviour, violence and crime, and establish partnerships between the Department of Corrections, BTVI, UB and the National Training Agency.

Since coming into office and it is early days, let us not forget we have heard little of any of that. The National Security Minister seems to have been more focused on staffing issues, whether it is moving prison staff around, or criticising police over leaving a woman in a cell where she was subjected to an indecent assault from a male cellmate or for the secrecy over tribunal outcomes. Some of those are important subjects to tackle but theres no sign of the new governments plan for a safe Bahamas yet.

Earlier this month, Police Commissioner Paul Rolle revealed a 26 percent rise in crimes against the person. That includes murder, robberies, rape and more.

Murder alone is up by 61 percent.

Despite that, Commissioner Rolle was keen to focus on crime being down overall by two percent. However, when asked if curfews and emergency orders had played any part in that crime reduction, his hackles rose.

Which curfew are you referring to? Are you telling me that the work that these officers did day-in and day-out, that it didnt have anything to do with that? I dont accept that, the police chief said.

Why dont we look at the officers and the work that the officers have done? I have said that the officers have done a tremendous amount of work. I gave you the facts of what we did. I dont have anything (about) what curfew did because curfew did not give me a report, but I gave you a report about the officers. Lets just focus on that. I can speak to that.

Well, lets focus on that. After all, back in January Commissioner Rolle was saluting the reducing in murder figures then down by 23 percent. He proudly said: This is the least amount of persons killed in a year in 15 years.

Again, he dismissed the suggestion that COVID restrictions which kept people off the street for hours each day might have played a part in the reduction as nonsense and credited the hard work of police officers instead.

He said: Yall have to give us the credit because we have done a whole lot and when crime goes up, we take responsibility.

Fine then, murders have now gone up, take the responsibility. What are police doing differently since it hit that low number, if COVID restrictions really had no effect, Commissioner Rolle? Or did they really play a part?

More importantly, as we face this new rise in cases, what is this research-based analysis and policies on countering anti-social behaviour, violence and crime which the PLP feels will make a difference now that it is in government?

All this current focus on promotions and staffing looks a lot like rearranging the deckchairs but were still on the Titanic when it comes to our murder rates.

These killings shatter homes, destroy families, leave children without parents. Worse, they can lead to reprisal shootings as gangs take on gangs. Our crime rates are a frequent feature of warnings from the US, something we can well do without as we try to rebuild our economy.

Four killings in one weekend have reminded us there is a long way to go to solve this problem and that it is time for this new government to show us how it plans to do so.

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INSIGHT: A bloody reminder that we need more than promises in a manifesto - Bahamas Tribune

NASSAU, BAHAMAS A Bahamian software development company said its new human resources and payroll platform will increase efficiency and provide significant cost savings for businesses through the automation of key functions.

Duran Humes, chief executive officer of Plato Alpha, said the companys recently launched TriBlock HR software improves a businesss operational efficiency by drastically reducing the time its Human Resources and Payroll department spends managing payroll.

Plato Alpha is a Bahamian custom software development company that launched at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. The company builds business systems, automates business processes and provides consultation on how to improve business efficiency and profitability using software and hardware solutions.

We launched TriBlock HR with business efficiency in mind, Humes stated.

We saw a lot of inefficiencies in the way human resources and payroll functions are managed. We decided that it would be good to take that challenge on, especially here in The Bahamas where a lot of the HR work is done manually.

We designed a system specifically for The Bahamas with our employment law in mind, a system that is also well integrated and at a price point that small businesses can afford.

Humes further explained: The main benefit of the system is that it automates a lot of mundane tasks you have in your Human Resources Department, meaning that your human resources professionals dont have to put in so many hours around pay day in terms of getting things put together.

With a few clicks, your payroll work will be made easier and your human resources professionals can have more time for actual employee engagement and not just pushing paper.

According to Humes, Triblock HR has robust payroll, time and attendance, performance management, reward/recognition and learning management features, as well as a mobile app.

The system also features an employee onboarding process to reduce the time and hassle incurred when hiring a new employee or rehiring an old employee.

It also allows for employee access delegation, where a manager can grant access to another employee to approve timesheets or other tasks in their absence.

Link:

AUTOMATED SOLUTIONS: Bahamian software firm introduces HR and payroll platform - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Minister of Labour and Immigration Keith Bell said yesterday that an investigation has been launched into the most recent interdiction of dozens of undocumented migrants from Haiti, Jamaica, Cuba, Ecuador, Romania and Turkey on one boat.

Bells comments follow weeks of apprehensions and the detention of more than 1,000 undocumented Haitian migrants in Bahamian waters as Haiti continues to face challenges ranging from the ongoing pandemic, consecutive natural disasters including a recent earthquake and political unrest.

Speaking to Eyewitness News on the matter outside Cabinet, Bell advised that there were two recent interdictions: one vessel with 28 Cuban migrants on board and one yacht with 44 people on board, not including minors.

Bell noted that the latter apprehension was particularly of note given that there were multiple nationalities on board, along with one Bahamian man who is believed to be the suspected smuggler.

Among those migrants detained were 10 Colombian men, two Colombian women, three Ecuadorian men and a minor, five Ecuadorian women, five Jamaican men, six Romanian men, one Romanian woman, one Turkish man, five Haitian men, and six Haitian women two with minor children and one currently pregnant.

We are pursuing an investigation to determine where these migrants came from, where they were housed, Bell said.

Its obviously a major concern, so all of our law enforcement agencies are working together to investigate the matter thoroughly and to also ensure there is an effective and quick prosecution.

The immigration minister noted that the apprehension has raised concerns of illegal harboring in the country that warrants a deeper investigation.

He advised that the Bahamian man found aboard the yacht is in police custody and the group is expected to be charged this week.

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MIGRANTS CAUGHT ON YACHT: Police investigate smuggling of mixed bag of nationals into The Bahamas - EyeWitness News

I should never have said that I would not seek a contract renewalSearch for Smiths replacement already down to 3 finalists

NASSAU, BAHAMAS University of The Bahamas (UB) President Dr Rodney Smith has requested that his contract of employment with the university be extended beyond 2022.

In an email sent to faculty and staff yesterday, and obtained by Eyewitness News, Smith admitted that since 2017, several mistakes were made in regard to the governance of UB, pointing to several missteps with the appointment of the board of trustees under the Minnis administration.

He said that over that period, he acted in accordance with what he thought was the right thing to do.

Smith explained that among those mistakes was the finalization of his presidential contract, which should have implemented a way for him to retire gracefully and with dignity.

The current UB present noted that about three years ago, he made a proposal to the boards chairman for the universitys outgoing president to be allowed to a have a faculty position upon leaving office, which is a standard practice in the United States.

He said after no action was ever taken on the matter, he began feeling hopeless and rudderless with an incomplete contract, and out of desperation applied for a job at another institution in June 2020.

Applying at the eleventh hour of this search for this position was a mistake I deeply regret, Smith wrote.

He noted that the process happened quickly, with him moving from semi-finalist to finalist in seven days.

He said on the day that the university was to announce its new president, he withdrew his name in an effort to remain committed to UB.

However, the damage had already been done and in an effort to do damage control, he was forced to state his position in a statement that was edited by the board.

In June 2020, the university confirmed that Smith will not renew his contract at the university in August 2022 and had begun actively seeking employment.

The move came as a surprise to UBs faculty, staff and even then Education Minister Jeffrey Lloyd.

At the time, Union of Tertiary Educators of The Bahamas (UTEB) President Daniel Thompson called Smiths actions an abandonment of duty during a pandemic.

Smith said yesterday:I should never have panicked and sent my CV for consideration for another presidency.

I should never have said that I would not seek a contract renewal. I should have continued fighting for what I know is the right thing to do.

Smith added that he shared his feelings with the boards executive on June 7, 2021, and they agreed to propose a post-tenure position for the president to remaining board members, however, up to today, he remains in limbo with an incomplete contract.

Colleagues, you will agree that now is not the ideal time to bring in a new president, Smith said in the email.

UB needs stability in leadership as we move to complete the rebuild of UB North; especially as we continue our struggle through the pandemic. I repeat, now is not the time to begin new leadership.

I asked the board, in June 2021, to consider allowing the work to continue by considering the continuation of my contract of employment beyond 2022. This is my sincere and heartfelt request.

Smith noted, however, that the request was denied by Dr Jonathan Rodgers, board chairman and chairman of the Presidential Search Committee, which has been working on finding a new president since last year.

He contended that there remains much work to be done including completion of the residential complex, the acquisition of SACS accreditation, the completion of UB North and maximization of the fundraising unit.

I am aware that Mr Daniel Thompson is using his position as president of UTEB to lobby for the sole Bahamian candidate from the search committee, Smith added.

I only ask that those who have the best interest of the university and the country at heart to please speak out.

Smith, whose tenure at UB has been controversial, was granted a new five-year contract in 2017.

He previously served as president of the tertiary education in 2004, but soon after his start, he was embroiled in a plagiarism scandal and resigned in 2005.

In July, the Presidential Search Committee announced that it had narrowed its search to three finalists: Dr Erik Rolland, Sir Anthony Seldon and Dr Ian Strachan.

Excerpt from:

BUYER'S REMORSE: Outgoing UB pres deeply regrets decision to leave; asks for contract to be extended - EyeWitness News

Barbados: The Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc (BTMI) has appointed Jens Thraenhart as the next chief executive of the tourist board. He will assume charge from November 1.

Thraenhart has worked in the tourism industry for more than 26 years.

Chairman Roseanne Myers cited that, We undertook the challenge to find the best candidate for the chief executive position to assist in shaping the way forward, & we are exceptionally glad to have done so, after a thorough & a transparent process.

He worked for the Canadian Tourism Commission, which is now known as Destination Canada, and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, which is part of Accor. Currently, he serves on industry boards, including the Pacific Asia Travel Association (Pata) and the International Federation of IT and Travel & Tourism (IFITT).

While on appointing the new chief executive, BTMI cited that, This appointment will usher in a new era for the organisation as it becomes a more commercial marketing enterprise and reshapes operations to better compete in the new covid-19 pandemic era of global tourism.

On the other hand, Chairman Myers noted that the team of BTMI has done a great job of reopening markets by utilising their knowledge, experience and establishing trade relationships.

The Chairman further asserted, We have a firm belief that coupled with Jens international tourism experience, proven track record in strategy execution and entrepreneurial perspectives, the BTMI will emerge from this period of the COVID-19 pandemic, a much stronger, high-performing destination marketing company that brings increased benefit to our industry and the wider economy.

The functions of BTMI

BTMI functions include to promote, assist and facilitating the efficient development of tourism; to designing as well as implementing suitable marketing strategies for the productive promotion of the tourism industry.

BTMI make provision for adequate and suitable air and sea passenger transport services to and from Barbados, encourages the establishment of amenities & the facilities essential for the proper enjoyment of Barbados as a tourist destination, to carry out market intelligence in order to inform the requirements of the tourism industry.

Related

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Jens Thraenhart will assume charge as new chief executive of the Bahamas tourist board - writeups24

There's nothing frightening in our Treasure Coast Halloween forecast

Weather is projected to be great for trick or treaters of all ages Oct. 31, 2018. CHERYL MCCLOUD/TCPALM

Wochit

(EDITOR'S NOTE: An earlier version of this column included the incorrect name for the Sebastian Bridge.)

I love a good ghost story.

So much so that, as a young reporter, I spent a night in the Bell Witch Cave in search of a talethat would be fitting for the holiday we're celebrating this weekend.

The Bell Witch is kind of like Tennessee's version of the Loch Ness Monster. If you Google her, you'll find plenty of interesting reading.

Now that I'm back in Florida, I wanted to find a local equivalent.

Our intrepid entertainment reporter Laurie Blandford produced a pieceearlierthis month about the most haunted places on the Treasure Coast. I want to check some of those places out.

However, it's going to be hard for a few unexplained creaks and groans in some old buildings to top the story involving the demise of the notorious Ashley Gang.

The gang's exploits are well documented. Its members were accused of a variety of crimes in South Florida and the Bahamas during the late 1910s and early 1920s, ranging from bank robbery to moonshine running to generalized murder and mayhem.

Treasure Coast terrors: Ashley Gang struck fear into the hearts of Stuart residents

A gruesome trophy: Guess who took outlaw John Ashley's glass eye as a key fob memento? | Historical Vignettes

Silver screen adaptation: Ashley Gang movie filmed in Stuart

Some of the historical accounts of those crimes are quite colorful, such as the time gang member Handford Mobley allegedly robbed a Stuart bank while disguised as a woman. Or the time the gang left a suitcase on the side of Dixie Highway near Miami as bait to attract robbery victims.

Some accounts describe the gang as havingRobin Hood-like qualities that endeared them to the local populace, although I've also heard those parts of the story may have been based more on romantic revisionism than fact.

All of which is interesting, but there are paranormal elements to the gang's legend as well.

For example, "Ghosts of the Treasure Coast," an excellent book by Patrick S. Mesmer and Patricia A. Mesmer, describes how gang leader John Ashley once had a dream while he was in jail about two of his brothers being lost at sea during a liquor smuggling run to the Bahamas.

In his dream, Ashley reportedly saw three rival smugglers approaching his brothers' boat during a storm.

When he awoke, Ashley learned his brothers had, in fact, gone missing at sea and were never seen or heard from again.

A few months later, a similarfate befell the three rival smugglers from Ashley's dream, which could have been coincidence ... or payback if Ashley believed his dream was prophetic.

Ashley's life, along with the lives of three of his lieutenants, ended the night of Nov. 1, 1924, in theatrical fashion.

According to an account published in The (Fort Pierce) Tribune in 1997, Ashley and the other three gang members were headed north toward Jacksonville, possibly with plans to relocate out of state, when law enforcement agents got wind of where they were going.

Police and sheriffs'deputies from several jurisdictions set up a roadblock at the SebastianBridgelocated on the border of Indian River and Brevard counties, and took the outlaws into custody.

Eyewitnesses said the gang members were captured and handcuffed at the scene, but later their bullet-riddled corpses were taken to a funeral home in Fort Pierce.

Were the gang members, who had been feuding with law enforcement officers for years, executed in cold blood? Or were they shot while attempting to escape?

The Tribune took excerpts from Ada Coats Williams' book, "Florida's Ashley Gang," which included an interview with Ed Merritt, a descendant of one of the law officerspresent that night.

Merritt said the gunplay might have been triggered by a sudden moment by one of the captured men.

"My grandfather said John Ashley had dropped his arms," Merritt recounted. "He'd been known to carry a sleeve gun. That's when the shooting started."

Merritt said the gang members were well-knownescape artists, which may have also played a factor in the violence that night.

"There was no way they were going to put those guys in jail," Merritt said. "It just wasn't going to happen."

The Nov. 6, 1924 edition of The Stuart Messenger described the shooting's aftermath in a relatively short front-page story with a Fort Pierce dateline:

"Sunday, from early morning until the bodies had been removed, there was a crowd congregated in front of the undertaking parlors. People from every section of the county and many from Palm Beach county (sic) came here hoping to get a glimpse of the dead men."

The Messenger story went on to say about 300 people attended the dead men's funeral later in the week in Fruita, a small hamlet in what is now Martin County.

The "Ghosts of the Treasure Coast" version of the story had a chilling footnote, from the years following the men's death:

"In the early morning hours of the first day of November, people would find four puddles of blood in the very spots where the outlaws were shot. No one saw anything during the night, but the puddles would always be there. According to locals, this continued for many years after the shootings. Was this a paranormal occurrence or a ritual perpetrated by someone to remember the bloody truth of what happened that night?"

The younger version of me would be on that bridge Halloween night, keeping vigil to see if the grisly ritual would be repeated this year.

The oldbridge where the shootings happened is long gone, though.So I guess I'll get to stay home and eat all our leftover Halloween candy instead.

Like I said, I love a good ghost story.I love Reese's Peanut Butter Cups even more.

This column reflects the opinion of Blake Fontenay.Contact him via email at blake.fontenay@tcpalm.comor at 772-232-5424.

Link:

Who needs the Headless Horseman Bridge? We've got the Ashley Gang's final stop | Opinion - TCPalm

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced a new Order for all air passengers traveling to the United Statesplease read the full details on the new requirements attravel.state.govandCDC.gov.

Starting on November 8, foreign national air travelers (i.e. who are not U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents) to the United States will be requiredwith only very limited exceptionsto be fully vaccinated, and to provide proof of vaccination status prior to boarding an airplane to fly to the United States.

What Else Travelers Need to Know:

What Else U.S. Citizens and LPRs Need to Know:

For full details about the updated requirements for air travelers, frequently asked questions, and other details from the Department of State and the CDC, please refer to the following websites:

By U.S. Embassy Nassau | 27 October, 2021 | Topics: Press Releases

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Updated Requirements for Air Travelers to the United States - US Embassy in The Bahamas