Bahamas Bound! Women’s Basketball Set for Thanksgiving Caribbean Tournament – Penn Athletics

Tournament Website

PHILADELPHIA Get out your sunblock, and book your flights the University of Pennsylvania womens basketball team is heading to the Bahamas! The 2016 and 2017 Ivy League Champions will play two games and celebrate Thanksgiving in the Caribbean during the 2017-18 season.

Penn will take on Georgia Tech and either Baylor or Missouri State as part of the 2017 Junkanoo Jam annual tournament. Penn will take on the Yellow Jackets in the opening round and will play one additional game as part of the event. Game dates and times are to be determined.

Under head coach Mike McLaughlin, the Quakers have made these destination trips a habit. Last season, the Quakers spent New Years Eve in Southern California where they posted two wins over UC Riverside and CSU Northridge to ring in the New Year. The Red and Blue have also competed in Italy, Hawaii, Miami, San Diego and Chicago in recent seasons.

"Our players hear me say it a lot, but it is true," McLaughlin said. "Their time as a student-athlete at Penn is all about the experience. We play to win no matter where we go, but it's not always just about basketball. These are trips, moments and games that they will remember their entire lives, and that's what these four years are truly about - strengthening friendships and making memories that will last a lifetime."

This will be the program's first trip to the Bahamas and more details on this trip will be available in the coming months. A complete 2017-18 schedule will be announced late this summer.

#FightOnPenn

View post:

Bahamas Bound! Women's Basketball Set for Thanksgiving Caribbean Tournament - Penn Athletics

Rugby Cup: Bahamas Routs Dominican Republic 42-5 – Bahamas Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

TEAM Bahamas returned to the win column in regional play and closed out the current stage of the Rugby Americas North Cup Series in dominant fashion.

The team scored a 42-5 win over the Dominican Republic at the Centro Olmpico Juan Pablo Duarte in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic, on June 3.

The win secured the second spot in the Rugby Americas North North Cup for the Bahamas. Both teams lost previous games to the Turks and Caicos Islands, who finished atop the group.

The Bahamas fell 26-16 to the visiting Turks and Caicos Islands at the Winton Rugby Centre on May 20, an historic win for the visiting side as they secured their first-ever victory against a full member of International World Rugby on the international 15 a-side stage.

TCI successfully defended home turf on May 4 with a 24-15 win over the Dominicans in the first game of the series.

The Dominican Republic, first-time participants in the tournament, aimed to repeat TCIs feat of winning their first match against an IRB side, but fell short.

During the DR/TCI matchup, the game produced an historic feat for the country, as Jamaal Curry became the first Bahamian ever to referee an officially sanctioned international rugby match.

In their last appearance at the Rugby Americas North Championship in June 2016, the Bahamas suffered consecutive losses to Mexico, Cayman Islands and Bermuda.

This years event marks the 10th edition of the RAN Championship, traditionally geared toward Tier 3 North American and Caribbean teams.

Pool play began on April 22 and will continue through July 1. Unlike last years tournament, 2017 will not serve as an iRB World Cup qualifying event and non World Rugby full member teams return to take part.

The North Zone returns to the 2015 format with a higher Championship level and a lower Cup level, however the South Zone has been reduced to one level of three teams.

The tournament has been divided into two competitions and three divisions, accompanied with a relegation and promotion system playoff. The two competitions are the Championship League (North Zone, South Zone) and the Cup League.

The Bahamas is a member of the Cup League, which features the aforementioned Dominican Republic and Turks and Caicos Islands. Championship League includes Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Mexico and USA South in the North Zone. The South Zone includes Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados. The winners in the Cup League will earn an opportunity to play their way into the Championship League by facing off against the third place side among the Champions. Each division plays a single round robin. After pool play is complete, the winners play in the final on July 1.

Turks and Caicos Islands,

Read more from the original source:

Rugby Cup: Bahamas Routs Dominican Republic 42-5 - Bahamas Tribune

Bahamas Alarm At Us Withdrawal From Paris Climate Change Deal – Bahamas Tribune

President Donald Trump speaks about the US role in the Paris climate change accord on Thursday, June 1, in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington. Photo: Andrew Harnik/AP

THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed The Bahamas concern regarding the announced withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Agreement on climate change.

The ministry noted that The Bahamas remains committed to the climate accord.

While each nation must determine its own course on international matters, the prospect of the effects of climate change are particularly significant for low-lying, coastal, small island developing states (SIDS) such as The Bahamas, the very existence of which stands to be adversely impacted by climate change and global warming, a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted.

The Bahamas remains committed to the Paris Agreement which was signed by 195 parties and ratified by 146 countries plus the European Union, and its aspiration to reduce risk to economies and lives everywhere, and to build a secure and sustainable world.

The Bahamas will continue to work with its partners in the context of the Paris Agreement, as well as its neighbours in the United States in ongoing efforts to mitigate the long-term effects of global weather on states in the region, the statement also noted.

Last Thursday, US President Donald Trump announced he was withdrawing America from the Paris Agreement, which some critics see as a blow to the worldwide effort to counter global warming.

Were getting out, Mr Trump said Thursday at the White House. And we will start to renegotiate and well see if theres a better deal. If we can, great. If we cant, thats fine.

The decision was widely denounced by American politicians, pundits and leaders from around the world.

Former US President Barack Obama also criticised the move.

The nations that remain in the Paris Agreement will be the nations that reap the benefits in jobs and industries created, Mr Obama noted in a statement. I believe the United States of America should be at the front of the pack. But even in the absence of American leadership; even as this administration joins a small handful of nations that reject the future; Im confident that our states, cities, and businesses will step up.

In May 2015, then Prime Minister Perry Christie told Parliament that with 80 per cent of The Bahamas land mass within one metre of sea level, climate change was a growing threat.

Our situation is rendered especially urgent in the face of information that ocean acidification, sea surface temperatures and sea levels are already rising, he said.

These processes, particularly sea-level rise, will therefore irreversibly change the geography and ecology of many coastal states and territories. It has been projected that responding to these factors can have particularly disastrous consequences, causing a perpetual recession in each of the Caricom member states for a significant period as our infrastructure, built environment, settlements and economic well-being are concentrated in coastal areas prone to flooding and inundation.

The regions challenge associated with the ongoing climate change negotiations is that even if the goal to limit global warming to 1.5 or 2(degrees Celsius) is achieved, the Caribbean will experience severe adverse impacts for which stronger programmes of adaptation would have to be implemented, Mr Christie said at the time.

America joined Nicaragua and Syria as the only nations that did not sign the Paris Agreement.

Read the original here:

Bahamas Alarm At Us Withdrawal From Paris Climate Change Deal - Bahamas Tribune

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s Bahamas Vacation Comes With a $440000 Price Tag – E! Online

kimkardashianwest.com

Keeping Up with the Kardashians isn't cheap!

On the heels of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's most recent family getaway to the Bahamas, we got to wonderingwhat does it cost to vacay like Kim and 'Ye? In short: A lot.

The duo spent four days at theexclusive, celebrity favoriteBaker's Bay Golf and Ocean Club nearGreat Guana Cay. For the extended weekend, the famous family and their guests got to call a luxurious villa home, complete with separate floors for each family. While you have to be a member of Baker's Bay or be invited by a guest to stay, comparable mansions on a private island go for $44,000 a night. For four nights, that comes out to approximately $176,000.

Splash News

However, that's just the roof over your head. To get to the island like Mr. and Mrs. West, that involves four private planes for their posse to travel in. From Los Angeles toMarsh Harbour in the Abaco Islands, four roundtrip flights come with a total price tag of around $264,000. For a charter boat to Baker's Bay, tack on an extra $190 for up to four passengers.

With the logistical costs out of the way, you can have some fun in the water on a jet ski for around $120 a person an hour. However, if lounging by the pool while sipping on Casamigos tequila is more your speed, a case of six bottles costs around $350.

So, if you're looking to vacation like this A-list pair, get ready to cough up at least $440,000. They don't call it the good life for nothing!

E! Online - Your source for entertainment news, celebrities, celeb news, and celebrity gossip. Check out the hottest fashion, photos, movies and TV shows!

Read more:

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's Bahamas Vacation Comes With a $440000 Price Tag - E! Online

Bahamas Facing Multi-Billion Debt Rise Every Five Years – Bahamas Tribune

ByNEIL HARTNELL

Tribune Business Editor

nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

SUCCESSIVE governments will continue adding $1 billion-plus to the national debt every five years without structural reforms and greater GDP growth, an ex-finance minister saying: I saw this coming 13 years ago.

James Smith, also a former Central Bank governor, told Tribune Business he was struck by the similarities in tone between the 2017-2018 Budget presentation and the first one produced by the former Christie administration in 2012-2013.

Both blamed the former government for leaving the Bahamas in a fiscal crisis, and with unpaid bills totalling nine-figure sums, which Mr Smith argued was evidence of structural deficiencies and the absence of economic growth - not mismanagement.

The speech was almost of the tone you would have heard in 2012, Mr Smith said of last weeks 2017-2018 Budget presentation. The incoming government in 2012, I think, said something to the effect of: Look at what they left us with; all these unpaid bills.

The Christie administration, upon taking office, alleged that its FNM predecessor had left it with $97 million in spending commitments that had to be met, including some $63.14 million in unpaid cheques and wire transfers.

And in unveiling the 2012-2013 Budget, Perry Christie said: Our room for manoeuvre is, at least in the short-term, severely constrained by the dire fiscal situation that has been handed to us by the previous administration.

The Governments deficit and debt levels at this time are much worse than we had anticipated. We have been left with sizeable, ongoing capital expenditurecommitments and a legacy of contracts entered into in the final days of the former administration.

And: We also face the carry-over into 2012-2013 of certain recurrent expenditure commitments of the previous administration in respect of the promotions exercise, back pay, salary increases and the payment of insurance benefits.

Fast forward five years, and the similarity in rhetoric and content with the 2017-2018 Budget is striking. K P Turnquest, minister of finance, last week told the House of Assembly that the fiscal situation was far bleaker than we could ever have imagined. Our predecessors have literally left us with a cupboard that is bare.

He blamed the previous administration for burdening the new government with $300 million-plus in accounts payables as result of a backlog in spending and payments commitments, which required the Minnis administration to borrow some $400 million to cover the hole.

The similarities between the two Budget presentations were not confined to the rhetoric either, as both blamed the previous administration for saddling them with deficits of around $500 million when they left office.

Mr Smith told Tribune Business this was evidence of a multi-billion dollar debt pattern that the Bahamas was doomed to repeat every five years without fundamental Budgetary and economic reform, disclosing that fears of huge annual deficits had prompted him to initiate studies on VAT 13 years ago.

It tells me, if you look at the historical data, that the Government borrows about 20 per cent of its revenue for capital or otherwise, he explained to Tribune Business, and the deficit on the recurrent is around $100 million to $200 million.

So youre dealing with around $300-$400 million a year [in deficits]. Youre going to borrow more than $1 billion every single [political cycle]. Its got nothing to do with mismanagement; its the nature of the economy, and the important issue is unless we have economic growth, the ratio of debt-to-GDP - where GDP remains constant and the debt is going up more - starts climbing into a dangerous area.

It should be clear to everyone that our problem is an anemic economy, Mr Smith added. We have stagnant GDP levels, and a lot of stuff is baked into the Budget, like salaries, rents, goods and emoluments.

Thats not going to change much. The discretionary room for manoeuvre is too small to make a difference in the Budget. Unless we have substantial economic growth, everyone will be saying the same thing every five years.

Mr Smith said the Minnis administrations first Budget failed to properly lay out a strategy for reviving economic growth, instead concentrating on the $500 million deficit it had inherited from 2016-2017 and the need to borrow more than $722 million to cover two years worth of fiscal red ink.

Weve got to look at the macro economy and the growth rate, he told Tribune Business. Look at the last government and this government; you dont see much about how Im going to stimulate growth, and whether Im going to get local and foreign investment, or a combination of both.

The Bahamas enjoyed four consecutive years of zero or negative economic growth between 2013-2016, and the direct link between GDP expansion and revenues likely helps to explain why the Governments income failed to meet expectations.

Mr Smith, acknowledging that $756 million in net VAT revenues over the past two years had helped to slow the national debts growth rate, called on the Government to focus on increasing tourist spending given that the sector accounted for two-thirds of the Bahamian economy.

You make more things available for them to spend money on, he argued. Entertainment, goods and services. You cant change how many come in overnight, but you can increase spending by finding more for them to do.

Redirect efforts to stimulate your main industry in the short-term. I think weve just got to find ways to get a little bit more out of the tourism sector. Weve seen growth in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and others. The question is why are people flying over us to other destinations when we are just 40 minutes from Florida.

Mr Smith said economic diversification was a long-term goal, and disclosed that concerns over the Bahamas fiscal outlook prompted him to initiate VAT assessments when at the Ministry of Finance in 2004

I saw this coming, he told Tribune Business of the Bahamas debt and deficit crisis. You may recall I tried to introduce VAT in 2004. We knew that unless we expanded our revenue base from 17 per cent to 20 per cent we would be in trouble.

Mr Smith said he was given Cabinet approval to initiate VAT studies by the IMF and Crown Agents, but never received permission to implement it.

Once we took a look at it, we needed to have the revenues increase to 20 per cent or down the road we would really have an increase in the debt and deficit. We knew that 13 years ago, he revealed.

VAT was eventually introduced some 11 years and two administrations later, and Mr Smith agreed that the Bahamas fiscal rebalancing depended on combining tax reform with similar adjustments on the spending side and faster economic growth.

He added, though, that government spending was a larger ship to turn around, as civil service lay-offs would only switch costs from salaries to the social security budget. The threat posed by natural disasters, and the role government expenditure played in the wider Bahamian economy, also meant any reductions needed to be approached cautiously.

Read more here:

Bahamas Facing Multi-Billion Debt Rise Every Five Years - Bahamas Tribune

Inside Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s Private Family Getaway to … – E! Online

For Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, it was time for some R&R in private.

Ahead of the Grammy winner's 40th birthday, the megastar couple and their two children jetted off to the Bahamas for a four-day beachfront stay at Baker's Bay Golf and Ocean Club. As E! News previously reported, the family arrived in the Caribbeanbefore the weekend to kick off their relaxing getaway.

While they're no strangers to mansion life, they got to call a luxurious villa their home for the long weekend, equipped with a separate floor for their guests, West's childhood friend Don Crowley, his wife and their son, as well as a play area for the children and a private pool.

A source tells E! News that, "Kim rented out an island and had all of Kanye'sfriends come and their families. They rented 4 planes and everyone left in secrecy and there was a no social media rule so no one would find them."

Twitter

"It was a fun weekend for the family," a separate insider told us. "Everyone hung out by the pool and the kids played on the beach making sand castles." While 3-year-old North Westspent a lot of time floating around on a pink flamingo raft in her favorite bathing suit, her little brother, 1-year-old Saint West, was busy crawling all over the place. Meanwhile, they had cases of Casamigos tequila flown in for the adults to sip on.

When they weren't by the pool, they were visiting the beach club via golf cart or enjoying a family lunch outside. However, per the insider, they were always flanked by security. "It was very important for them that it was a private weekend and they went out of their way to make that happen."

In the lap of luxury and privacy, the reality star was able to spend quality time with her children and husband. As for unwinding, a source said West got the chance to nap and Kim considered it one of the most relaxing vacations they've had in a while.

According to another insider, the trip doubled as bonding time for North, Saint and their family friend's son.

Family, friends and free time? What more could anyone ask for in a vacation!

E! Online - Your source for entertainment news, celebrities, celeb news, and celebrity gossip. Check out the hottest fashion, photos, movies and TV shows!

Link:

Inside Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's Private Family Getaway to ... - E! Online

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill Don’t Just Have a Bahamas Home They Have an Entire Island – POPSUGAR

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill didn't want just any beach house they wanted a whole damn island, and it only took a modest nine years to build their picture-perfect getaway from the ground up.

Back in 2003, the couple arrived at the future site of their home on an island in the Bahamas, which was then only inhabited by a mere shack. When the duo bought the 20-acre property, they didn't exactly realize how much effort their home-building project would entail. "We set out to build a house. We had no idea we had to build everything else," Hill told Architectural Digest in a recent feature. "We basically had to build a little town."

To craft their dreamy slice of paradise, Hill and McGraw teamed up with architects Bobby McAlpine and Greg Tankersley of McAlpine, the same design firm that helped with their homes in Tennessee. They wanted to "feel connected to the outside," Hill explained to Architectural Digest, especially when it comes to the ocean breeze. After laying down the property's infrastructure, construction workers got down to business to fulfill the designers' vision: something encapsulating the idea that "in paradise, you live in ways you can't live in civilization."

This vision came to fruition in the form of a sprawling compound with eight "pavilions," which are all connected by open-air passageways. As if the outside of the home wasn't enough of a sight to see, the inside may be even better. Interior designer Ray Booth crafted the perfect naturalistic decor that speaks for itself. "I think the beach has always represented, to the McGraws, a simplicity that their everyday life lacks," Booth said. "So this house needed to offer a real clarity and cleanliness in its aesthetic. It's essentially a bleached-out white [throughout]; where there is color, it's pulled directly out of those beautiful Bahamian waters."

Simply put, their Bahamian getaway is straight out of a dream. Read on for a peek at their tropical digs, and then head on over to ArchitecturalDigest.com for the full story.

Continued here:

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill Don't Just Have a Bahamas Home They Have an Entire Island - POPSUGAR

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West Head to the Bahamas for His 40th Birthday Celebration – PEOPLE.com


PEOPLE.com
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West Head to the Bahamas for His 40th Birthday Celebration
PEOPLE.com
The Bahamas birthday celebration follows a trying few months for Kim and Kanye. Earlier this year, sources told PEOPLE the couple hit a rough patch in their marriage following fallout from Kim's harrowing Paris robbery and Kanye's grueling tour schedule.
Kim Kardashian & Kanye West Once Again Give Us Vacation EnvyRefinery29
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West Arrive in the Caribbean for Early Birthday CelebrationE! Online
Kim Kardashian & Kanye West Touch Down In The Bahamas To Celebrate The Rapper's 40th Birthday Early!PerezHilton.com
HarpersBAZAAR.com -Hollywood Life -HipHollywood.com
all 75 news articles »

See more here:

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West Head to the Bahamas for His 40th Birthday Celebration - PEOPLE.com

The Bahamas’ Ultimate Ocean Road Trip – GlobeNewswire – GlobeNewswire (press release)

June 01, 2017 17:40 ET | Source: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism

photo-release

Plantation, Florida, June 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Once again, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism is offering boating enthusiasts the adventure of a lifetime. A convoy of boats, under the leadership of seasoned mariners, will depart Fort Lauderdale, Florida on June 8, 2017 to kick off the highly anticipated Bahamas Boating Flings.

These Boating Flings will begin in June and occur each weekend concurrently throughout the month of July and climax on July 27-30, 2017. Boaters will journey across the Gulf Stream and passage through translucent blue waters to behold the beauty that is The Islands of The Bahamas.

Certainly these adventures do not ensue unaccompanied by some education of how boating has helped to shape the identity of these islands. Each trip is lead by an au courant captain who gleefully shares such information.

Senior Manager, sales and marketing-Bahamas Tourist Office and host captain, Richard Treco has been leading the passage for more than 30 years. I like to give these folks a glimpse of the islands through my eyes. Im their captain and their guide. We have to make sure they have the most authentic experience we can provide, says Treco.

Bahamian Boating Flings have been successful for over 20 years and this year will be no exception. The Islands of The Bahamas have boasted an average of about 10-20 boats per fling, maxing out at times with more than 30 boats.

This summers schedule includes the following dates:

June 8 -11, Grand Bahama Island (Grand Lucayan)

June 15-18, Bimini (Bimini Big Game Club)

June 22-25, Bimini (Bimini Big Game Club)

July 6-16, Extended Fling (Eleuthera)

July 20-23, Bimini (Bimini Big Game Club)

July 27-30, Bimini (Bimini Big Game Club)

Registration has already begun and participants are encouraged to register now as spots are reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more details on registration fees, and other information, please visit http://www.Bahamas.com.

It is recommended that interested persons attend a Captains Meeting at the Bahia Mar Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Meetings are held on the Wednesday prior to each Fling and begin promptly at 6:30 pm.

What could be more captivating than this kind of opportunity to explore the islands in such an exceptional way? The open ocean, some experienced captains coupled with more curious novices, a few boats of course mixed in with some Bahamian sun, sand and sea make for the ultimate ocean road trip.

About The Bahamas

The Islands Of The Bahamas have a place in the sun for everyone. Each island has its own personality and attractions for a variety of vacation styles with some of the worlds best golfing, scuba diving, fishing, sailing, boating, as well as, shopping and dining. The destination offers an easily accessible tropical getaway and provides convenience for travelers with preclearance through U.S. customs and immigration, and the Bahamian dollar is on par with the U.S. dollar. Do everything or do nothing, just remember Its Better in The Bahamas. For travel packages, activities and accommodations information, call 1-800-Bahamas or visit http://www.Bahamas.com. Look for The Bahamas on the web on Facebook Twitter and YouTube

Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/38bee98e-4e40-4891-9b64-fdfc34473479

Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/52c65410-7e5c-4c93-8136-9351ee50c66b

Related Articles

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism

Plantation, Florida, UNITED STATES

http://www.bahamas.com

455919.jpg

(JPEG - 374 x 800)

IMAGE URL | Copy the link below

Formats available:

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Logo

LOGO URL | Copy the link below

Formats available:

Link:

The Bahamas' Ultimate Ocean Road Trip - GlobeNewswire - GlobeNewswire (press release)

Cruise ship passenger missing off the Bahamas – Sun Sentinel

A 32-year-old man was seen jumping from a cabin balcony off the cruise ship Carnival Liberty early Friday when the vessel was about 10 miles northwest of the Berry Islands, in The Bahamas, officials said.

Reco Scott of Decatur, Ga., went overboard about 4:53 a.m., the cruise line said.

The Carnival Liberty turned around, began its own search and notified the U.S. Coast Guard, which sent a helicopter and the cutter Charles David Jr. to look for Scott, the cruise line and Coast Guard said.

Early Friday afternoon, the Coast Guard released the Liberty to resume course for Nassau, a Carnival Cruise Lines spokeswoman said.

Well continue to search as long as we think we can find him alive, said Petty Officer Eric Woodall.

Liberty departed Port Canaveral on Thursday and has one scheduled port of call, to Nassau. It will stay there overnight Friday and before sailing back to Port Canaveral.

LJTrischitta@sunsentinel.com, 954-356-4233 or Twitter @LindaTrischitta

Go here to see the original:

Cruise ship passenger missing off the Bahamas - Sun Sentinel

Heidi Klum reveals washboard abs in red bikini during holiday in the … – The Sun

The 43-year-old supermodel has spent the past few days soaking up the sun on a luxurious break with her family

HEIDI Klum showed off her washboard abs as she strolled through the surf in Turks and Caicos.

The mum-of-four is enjoying a break with her family including her mum Erna in the Bahamas and has spent the past few days lounging on the white, sandy beaches.

Xposure

Heidis incredible figure was accentuated by her form fitting two piece, with her low slung briefs highlighting her taut abs.

As well as mucking around on the sand, Heidi spent some time in the water and pulled along an inflatable ring for her daughter Lou.

The holiday is a welcome break for Heidi, whos been working on heist movie reboot Oceans Eight.

Xposure

Xposure

Xposure

She appears in the film alongside an all-female cast, including Rihanna, Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett and Anne Hathaway.

Heidi rose to fame as an international supermodel but has since made a name for herself as a TV judge, starting out on Project Runway in 2004 which is due to begin its sixteenth season later this summer.

Getty Images

Getty Images

The former Victorias Secret Angel then began judging duties on Americas Got Talent in 2013 alongside Simon Cowell and Mel B.

Heidi was no doubt making the most of her relaxing beach break before live recordings begin for the hit talent show.

Splash News

Splash News

Heidis divorce from singer Seal was finalised in October 2015 but the pair are still on good terms.

Since their break up, Heidi has found a new love with 30-year-old art curator, Vito Schnabel.

Got a story? email digishowbiz@the-sun.co.uk or call us direct on 02077824220

More here:

Heidi Klum reveals washboard abs in red bikini during holiday in the ... - The Sun

Bahamas Looks To Claim Gold In Judo At Carifta – Bahamas Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

WHEN the Bahamas Judo Federation breaks ground today with the hosting of CARIFTA Judo for the first time, Team Bahamas is confident that they will keep the title here at home.

The two-day competition will get started 9:30am today at the Kendal GL Isaacs Gymnasium with the preliminary rounds, followed by the opening ceremonies at 1pm and the finals at 6pm.

On Saturday, the mixed team competition is scheduled for 10am.

The Bahamas Open will feature over 200 athletes from nine nations, including Aruba, Trinidad and Tobago, Curacao, Guyana, Suriname, Barbados, Martinique and the Bahamas.

The USA and otherCaribbeanteams will participate in the Bahamas Open and the teamstournament. Haiti will be participating in the training camp with all of the aforementioned countries 2-4pm on Saturday.

The following athletes will represent the Bahamas:

Carrying the banner for Team Bahamas, which will be coached by DArcy Rahming and Regina Parotti, are the following:

Under 15 Males - Under 42kg - Brandon Cox, Xavion Johnson; Under 50Kg - Takeel Murphey, Luca Chiacchaari, Gerald Georges and Tyron Scavella; Under 60kg - Matthew Gittens, Adam Charles, Cameron Forbes and Over 60kg - Trevor Cumberbatch.

Under 15 Female - Under 40kg - Sarah Thompson and Arrianna Mitchell; Under 48kg - Naja Rolle and Alexia Smith; Under 57kg - Trenice Cumberbatch, Asia Bullard and RyaniqueJoey and Over 57kg - Kaylee Roberts.

Under 21 Male - Under 60kg - Davante Sweeting and Desmond Bootle; Under 73kg - Taliano Ferguson and AndrewMunnings; Under 90kg - Keyon Cumberbatch and Desmondo Bootle and Over 90kg - Daleon Sweeting, Larry Marshall and Staveros McIntosh.

Under 21 Female - Under 48kg - Jasmine Russell and Alisha Smith; Under 57kg - Taryn Butler, Mya Beneby and Tara Bain; Under 70kg - Raven Pennerman, Breanna Major and Rachel Rolle and Over 70kg - Faith Rae and Karra Hanna.

Parotti, the second vice president of the BJF and head coach of the Abaco Judo Club, said the team is looking good and will definitely put their best foot forward.

I think the team is looking poised to bring a big shake up to the world of judo and to reveal to the Bahamian a new and exciting Olympic sport because judo is an Olympic sport, she stressed.

With Carifta staged here, Parotti said it would be a bonus for the federation because they have the luxury of fielding a very large team at less expense as opposed to traveling.

Keeping them focused is easy because these athletes who have been chosen are very dedicated, she reflected. They have the spirit, the heart and the big commitment to the sport.

From the team selected, Parotti said theres no reason why the team should not live up to their expectations.

I think the international exposure being around other competitors from other countries will only be a plus for them, she stated. They will get a chance to interact and so I think its going to be very exciting for the team.

Team Bahamas will feature four competitors, including Kaylee Roberts, a 13-year-old from the Forrest High Academy, who will be making her international debut in just six months competing in the sport.

It will also showcase veteran Rachel Rolle, the great, great great grandniece of legendary sailor Sir Durward Sea Wolf Knowles.

Rolle, who turns 15 in August, has been competing in the sport for the past seven years, having attained multiple gold, silver and bronze medals from participating in events such as the US Open, Cherry Blossom Tournament and in Barbados.

I expect to do well, hopefully get a gold medal, Rolle said. But Im just going to do my best, hopefully it will be good enough.

I think the competition will be hard because all of these competitors earned their spots just like me so I know they will be good.

Unfortunately, Rolle has been moved up to the under-70 kilos as they advanced from the cadet to junior division where she will get the chance to perform arm bars as a part of her fighting technique.

Ive never fought these people in this division before and every division have a different fighting style, she pointed out.

As for Team Bahamas, Rolle said she likes the make up because there are some very good competitors representing the Bahamas, especially with it being at home.

Its just great to be a part of this team, insisted Rolle, who doesnt anticipate seeing Sir Durward Knowles on the sideline cheering for her as hes not up to it physically.

Dion Pugh will be one of the competitors competing in the Bahamas Open. The 18-year-old student from Doris Johnson High is excited to be making his international debut after competing in the sport for the past year and a half.

I feel great having the event in the Bahamas because I will get to meet new people and experience their level of competition, Pugh said.

Two of my friends showed me a trick or two when I was in high school in Abaco and after I went to watch them, I decided to do it. Im very pleased with my progress and Im hoping that I can win the gold medal for the Bahamas.

Like him, Pugh, who only did a lot of swimming in the past, said all of his teammates have the mentality that they can win, so they are all looking forward to the competition getting underway.

And Karra Hanna, a 17-year-old, said its only been five months since one of her uncles encouraged her to get involved because of her size.

The former basketball player at both RM Bailey and Doris Jo9hnson High Schools said two previous international events shes participated in will help to propel her to become a champion this weekend.

The training and the time that I put into it and the help from my fellow teammates and coaches, Im pretty sure that I can win, she projected.

I just have to stay focused, keep my mindset on the goal and I know I can do it.

Looking at Team Bahamas, Hanna said they are all in a position to do something big.

They cant get any better than this, she quipped. Weve been training six days a week and there was no slacking off. We put in the work. So everyone is selected deserves to be there.

With the games being held at home, Hanna said she just hope that the Bahamian public will come out and throw their support behind them and get to see the hard work that they put in.

I know Im just excited and I hope that I can get the gold and the Bahamas can be victorious, Hanna summed up.

Read more:

Bahamas Looks To Claim Gold In Judo At Carifta - Bahamas Tribune

How much MTSU spent on Bahamas, Hawaii bowl trips – The Daily News Journal

Aldo Giovanni Amato , USA TODAY NETWORK Tennessee Published 12:27 p.m. CT April 6, 2017 | Updated 4:31 p.m. CT April 6, 2017

How much MTSU spent on two offshore bowl trips Aldo Amato/DNJ

The MTSU football team gets ready to depart on their charter flight at Nashville International Airport to Hawaii for the Hawaii Bowl, Monday, Dec. 19, 2016.(Photo: Andy Heidt/MTSU Creative and Visual Services)

MTSU lost justnearly $2,000after spending more than $1.5 million in back-to-back offshore bowl trips, according to an open records request.

The only loss in money came from expenses from the Bahamas Bowl where the Blue Raiders lost a total of $1,951, according to a financial recap.

MTSU spent$592,003 on the Bahamas Bowl trip and were reimbursed $573,167 by Conference USA and gained $16,885 in ticket sales.

Ticket sales actually helped MTSU avoid a net loss when it came to Hawaii Bowl expenses, according to the recap. Documents show ticket sales were reported at $21,915.

The university spent $1,083,824 on the Hawaii Bowl trip and will get an estimated $1,066,126 back from C-USA.

Although the only loss of money came during the Bahamas Bowl, the reimbursement for the Hawaii Bowl is just an estimate at this time and could change at a later date.

MTSU became the first NCAA school to play in back-to-back offshore bowl games in different locations this past season.

Athletic director Chris Massaro said while expenses are expected to go down next year, so will the C-USA reimbursement.

"I would assume so our reimbursement would go down," Massaro said."What C-USA is designed to do, they structure reimbursements so (school) do not losemoney on the bowl game."

When asked whether he'd prefer his football team playing in a mainland bowl next year, Massaro just said he's looking forward to being back in a position to be in a bowl game.

"If we do (make it back to a bowl game), we'd love to go to a place where our fans, bands and community can go and celebrate with us," Massaro said.

MTSU lost both the Bahamas and Hawaii bowls, and both were played on the past two Christmas Eves. The Blue Raiders have gone1-5 in bowl games over the past decade and have not won a bowl game since the 2009 New Orleans Bowl.

(Photo: HELEN COMER/DNJ)

C-USA reimbursement: $573,167 Ticket sales: $16,885

Total: $590,052 Air charter and ground transportation: $356,959 Meals and lodging: $119,488 Equipment shipping: $41,779 Embroidery and apparel: $45,197 Insurance: $3,514 Laundry: $7,600 Meeting room set up fees: $4,954 Equipment, rentals and supplies: $12,512

Total: $592,003 Net loss: $1,951

Note: The Atlantis provided 119 complimentary rooms as part of the bowl agreement.

MTSU played Hawaii Saturday, Dec. 24, 2016 in the Hawaii Bowl. The Blue Raiders fell 52-35.(Photo: MTSU)

C-USA reimbursement (estimated):$1,066,126 Ticket sales: $21,915

Total:$1,088,041 Air charter and ground transportation:$628,698 Meals and lodging:$350,994 Equipment shipping:$71,165 Embroidery and apparel:$18,741 Equipment, rentals and supplies:$14,226

Total expenses:$1,083,824 Net gain:$4,217

More here:

How much MTSU spent on Bahamas, Hawaii bowl trips - The Daily News Journal

Bahamas loses opening matches in Davis Cup tie | The Tribune – Bahamas Tribune

Bahamas team members from left Justin Lunn, Philip Major Jr, Spencer Newman and team captain Marvin Rolle. Photo: Perry Newton

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

TEAM Bahamas finds itself in another uphill battle after Spencer Newman and Philip Major Jr lost their opening round singles matches as the American Zone II Davis Cup tie playoff got underway Friday.

In the first day of the playoffs at the Club de Tenis Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, Bolivia, Newman, the top seed, suffered a 6-2, 6-0, 6-2 loss to Bolivias No.2 seed Hugo Dellien, while No.2 seed Major Jr fell 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 to Bolivias top seed Federicio Zeballos.

Both players indicated that it wasnt what they expected, but they gave it their best shot under the circumstances.

It was a tough day for The Bahamas, Spencer said. We took a little too long to settle into our matches. We had a little problem getting used to the softer court and heavy balls, but were down 2-0 and looking forward to tomorrow.

Going into the tie, Major admitted that he was doing more training and playing less matches and it showed in his performance.

At the end, I was preparing for myself in the long run, but also give my countrymen my best, he quipped. Im in the workshop, but today it didnt go too well, but I fought until the end.

Like Newman, Major is also looking for a brighter day on Saturday. Thats when the doubles will be played. Team captain Marvin Rolle and Justin Lunn are listed as the Bahamian duo, but that could change just before the match is played.

The Bahamas will have to win to push the tie to the final day on Sunday when the reverse singles are played. However, if Bolivia wins the doubles, they would clinch the tie.

A loss in the tie would relegate the Bahamas to Zone III for 2018. A win would keep them in Zone II.

Last year, the team of brothers Baker and Spencer Newman, Kevin Major Jr and captained by Marvin Rolle pulled the Bahamas out of Zone III. But both Baker Newman and Kevin Major Jr were not available to travel because of school commitments.

The quartet of captain Rolle, Spencer Newman, Philip Major Jr and Lunn played the first round tie in February at the Doral Country Club in Doral, Florida where the team lost 5-0 to Venezuela.

The match was played on a neutral ground after hosts Venezuela were unable to play at home because of the civil unrest in the country.

Here is the original post:

Bahamas loses opening matches in Davis Cup tie | The Tribune - Bahamas Tribune

France names team for IAAF/BTC World Relays Bahamas 2017| News – International Association of Athletics Federations

07 APR 2017 General News

The French athletics federation (FFA) has selected 26 athletes to compete at the IAAF/BTC World Relays Bahamas 2017 on 22-23 April.

The team includes Olympic 200m bronze medallist Christophe Lemaitre, who helped set a European record of 1:20.66 when placing third at the 2014 IAAF World Relays and then finished one place higher at the 2015 edition.

France earned European silver medals in the womens 4x400m and mens 4x100m last year and both teams are expected to feature highly in Nassau. At the 2015 IAAF World Relays, the French womens 4x400m team placed fourth while the mens 4x100m team finished fifth.

Men 4x100m/4x200m: Gautier Dautremer, Stuart Dutamby, Jeffrey John, Christophe Lemaitre, Marvin Rene, Ken Romain, Jimmy Vicaut, Meba-Mickael Zeze 4x400m: Teddy Atine-Venel, Yoann Decimus, Mamadou Kasse Hann, Mamoudou-Elimane Hanne, Thomas Jordier

Women 4x100m/4x200m: Stella Akakpo, Jennifer Galais, Floriane Ganfoua, Charlotte Jeanne, Maroussia Pare, Fanny Peltier, Estelle Raffai, Carolle Zahi 4x400m: Floria Guei, Brigitte Ntiamoah, Estelle Perrossier, Agnes Raharolahy, Dborah Sananes

Read more from the original source:

France names team for IAAF/BTC World Relays Bahamas 2017| News - International Association of Athletics Federations

Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez vacation together in the Bahamas – New York Daily News

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Sunday, March 12, 2017, 11:35 AM

Alex Rodriguez's relationship with pop star Jennifer Lopez appears to be proceeding harmoniously.

The former Yankees slugger and the "Let's Get Loud" singer vacationed together in the Bahamas over the weekend, People magazine reported.

The star-powered couple dubbed J-Rod after news of their romance broke last week reportedly arrived in the island paradise southeast of Miami on Friday.

A-Rod, 41, and JLo, 47, stayed at the high-end Baker's Bay Golf & Ocean Club, a private resort on the Great Guana Cay, a source told the magazine.

Alex Rodriguez, Jennifer Lopez have been dating for four months

Rodriguez, who retired from the MLB in 2016, and Lopez were each in Miami on Friday before meeting up for their trip to the nearby Bahamas.

The longtime third baseman who is currently serving as a special instructor for the Yankees at their Spring Training facility in Tampa spoke at a Wharton School of Business event in Miami before his vacation with Lopez.

Rodriguez and Lopez's relationship was first reported last week, with a source telling the Daily News that they've been seeing each other for about four months.

Lopez was previously linked to hip-hop star Drake after the duo appeared in several photos and attended multiple events together late last year.

Jennifer Lopez dodges question about Drake amid A-Rod dating news

A-Rod, meanwhile, recently attended one Lopez's shows at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, where he was seen backstage. JLo is currently hosting a residency in Sin City.

17 photos view gallery

The three-time American League MVP broke up with his last girlfriend, Silicon Valley tycoon Anne Wojcicki, several months ago.

In addition to his gig with the Yankees, Rodriguez recently joined Fox Sports full-time as an MLB analyst.

See the original post here:

Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez vacation together in the Bahamas - New York Daily News

Jennifer Lopez and A-Rod take romance to the Bahamas – Page Six

Theyre on J-Cation.

New couple Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez are enjoying a romantic getaway at Bakers Bay Golf & Ocean Club, an exclusive, owners-only destination in the Bahamas, The Post has learned.

The couple flew by private jet from Miami to Marsh Harbour on Friday night. At 9:30 p.m., they arrived at Harbour View Marina, where they were caught getting cozy on a power boat en route to their sequestered love nest.

J-Rod are spending the weekend alone at a friends home, according to a source familiar with their tropical canoodling.

Its early days, but Jennifer and Alex are really into each other, the source said.

The luxurious club, which sits on a seven-mile stretch of Great Guana Cay in the Abaco islands 150 miles off the Florida coast, is a favorite destination of the rich and famous. Celebrities known to vacation there include Reese Witherspoon, Michael Jordan, Tom Brady and wife Gisele Bndchen.

Jeff Soffer and Elle Macpherson own a home on Bakers Bay, which features luxe amenities like a Tom Fazio-designed golf course and views of the Sea of Abaco. The hot-spot where posh homes easily fetch seven figures is also where Jennifer Garner, and former J-Lo flame Ben Affleck jetted off to with their three children as they were in the process of getting divorced. They were famously photographed sitting on a bench looking distressed.

Lopez, 47, and Rodriguez, 41, have been quietly dating for months, Page Six recently confirmed.

Original post:

Jennifer Lopez and A-Rod take romance to the Bahamas - Page Six

Bahamas Deficit – Bahamas Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

MANY Bahamians need a job, the PLP Government has been unsuccessful in providing sufficient jobs for a diversified Bahamian workforce in the Bahamas. Everybody is not a hotel worker in our Bahamas, Baha Mar cannot employ all of the Young Bahamians who are out of High School and College.

The Government needs to pay back part of their deficit you can use part of the VAT now the Bahamas Parliament will soon be dissolved and the PLP is now saying the electorate is late in registering to vote.

The PLP did not say that during the last referendum. But the PLP had turned the principles around, now the PLP needs to bow to the Bahamian electorate again at the upcoming general election.

The world is watching The Bahamas.

Thursday, January 26th, I personally visited the Princess Margaret Hospital and their computers were down for approximately five hours. Mr Minister of Health, you need to investigate this issue, before the house dissolves.

The first among equals will soon ring the election bell, ring your bell, sir, ring it when you are ready.

Baha Mar is not a Bahamas Government owned corporation. It is a private entity.

So the Government needs to stop announcing incorrect opening dates for a Private Company, Baha Mar.

The Bahamas Government has facilitated Baha Mar now you need to do your homework for the upcoming general election. You lost in the referendum.

The Bahamian electorate needs a change of Government and a change of Government is very much essential for the Bahamian people at this time.

The PLP do not have much time to investigate the corruption at the Road Traffic Department, VAT and the public landfill.

Many Bahamians all over The Bahamas are saying Hell No, Hell No investigate the issue before you go.

The Bahamian electorate is set to make their historic move on election day.

This is my comment as a British-trained political analyst. Based on the political temperature in our Bahamas at this time the people are indeed ready and willing to rock with Doc and the Free National Movement whenever the Bahamas House of Parliament is dissolved.

The Government should have adequate funds in the consolidated funds that at certain times to finance projects and not to delay all projects and tell the Bahamian people that you are waiting on the corporate entities to pay their company VAT or NI are you running a petty shop? Corruptibility cannot prevail in The Bahamas.

Do you need to borrow more money again to pay back for what were missing at the Road Traffic Department?

I would be much obliged for an opportunity to ask the leader of the official opposition ten questions over any of the public media the ten questions would be centred on government and politics.

I would like for the Bahamian electorate to determine if you are a real political leader. The Bahamian people need a visionary leaders who can govern the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

Long live the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

BB MOSS Sr

Nassau,

March 8, 2017.

Here is the original post:

Bahamas Deficit - Bahamas Tribune

New Orleans Pelicans fans to get a taste of The Bahamas on March 14 – Pelicans.com

NASSAU, Bahamas: The Islands of The Bahamas, which boasts of having the clearest waters in the world, is now the preferred destination partner of the New Orleans Pelicans, and fans will get a chance to win a free trip for two during Tuesday nights game.

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism will host its signature Bahamas Theme Night during the anticipated matchup between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Portland Trail Blazers at the Smoothie King Center on March 14. The first 8,000 fans attendance will receive a Pelicans t-shirt and sunglasses courtesy of Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and also one lucky fan will have a chance to shoot a half-court shot to win a trip to the Bahamas.

The event will see Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival dancers in brightly colored costumes take center court with New Orleans Pelicans dancers during a special half-time performance. Digital ads and videos depicting the beauty of The Bahamas will be shown to thousands of fans in the arena.

During the game, Pelicans fans can visit the Bahamas Tourism Table at the Concourse 121 Grill to take advantage of affordable travel packages, and enter to win a trip for two to the beautiful Hilton at Resorts World Bimini in The Bahamas.

There are great deals for Pelicans fans year round, including affordable vacation packages to The Islands of The Bahamas as low as $439 per person. These one-stop packages from New Orleans include airfare andhotel.

We are so pleased that The Bahamas signed a multi-year partnership with this great NBA team. This increases our reach and positions The Bahamas as the premiere vacation destination throughoutLouisiana, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas and Texas. We welcome all Pelicans fans to our beautiful islands, said Bahamas Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe.

We are excited to be hosting a Bahamas theme night at the Pelicans game against the Portland Trail Blazers, said New Orleans Pelicans President Dennis Lauscha. This will provide our fans an opportunity to learn more about the beauty of The Bahamas and how easy and convenient it is for people to get to there and enjoy all of the amazing things there are to do. It will be a fun and entertaining evening.

About The Islands Of The Bahamas The Islands Of The Bahamas have a place in the sun for everyone from Nassau and Paradise Island to Grand Bahama to The Abaco Islands, The Exuma Islands, Harbour Island, Long Island and others. Each island has its own personality and attractions for a variety of vacation styles with some of the worlds best scuba diving, fishing, sailing, boating, as well as, shopping and dining. The destination offers an easily accessible tropical getaway and provides convenience for travelers with preclearance through U.S. customs and immigration, and the Bahamian dollar is on par with the U.S. dollar. Do everything or do nothing, just remember Its Better in The Bahamas. For more information on travel packages, activities and accommodations, call 1-800-Bahamas or visit http://www.Bahamas.com. Look for The Bahamas on the web on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

CLICK HERE TO SEE TICKETS

Continue reading here:

New Orleans Pelicans fans to get a taste of The Bahamas on March 14 - Pelicans.com

Rbc Withdrawal May Send Bahamas ‘Rogue’ – Bahamas Tribune

By NEIL HARTNELL

Tribune Business Editor

nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

The Bahamas could be perceived as having gone rogue if Royal Bank of Canadas (RBC) pull-out drives Bimini and Spanish Wells residents to use web shops for mainstream financial services transactions, a local provider warned yesterday.

Paul Moss, Dominion Management Services president, told Tribune Business that the Bahamas financial services reputation and integrity could be undermined if web shops became de facto banks in Family Island communities.

While the web shop industrys legalisation via the Gaming Act 2014 was intended to bring it and its finances into the formal economy, Mr Moss pointed out that all commercial banks - with the exception of Bank of the Bahamas - were accepting the sectors funds and deposits.

As a result, he warned that the Bahamas anti-money laundering regime, and international regulatory standing, could be compromised if Family Island residents increasingly turned to web shops and the underground economy to conduct their daily banking business.

That is what is going to happen; its happening even now, Mr Moss told Tribune Business of fears that web shops will fill the vacuum created by the withdrawal of RBC and other commercial banks from the Family Islands.

Web shops are going to see more financial banking business, and this is something the former Central Bank governor [Wendy Craigg] had concerns about.

John Rolle, her successor, has publicly sought to bridge the gap between the web shop industry and Bahamas-based commercial banks through education, exposing the latters compliance departments to the stringent regulatory regime imposed by the Gaming Act 2014.

Mr Moss, though, reiterated that this has yet to result in commercial banks outside Bank of the Bahamas accepting web shop deposits, thus potentially leaving hundreds of millions of dollars outside the regulated, formal banking system.

What were making now is a statement that the Bahamas might be a rogue in terms of its anti-money laundering regime, he warned.

What Im saying is that, if left unchecked - if theres no bank in Bimini or Spanish Wells, and the web shops are there - they will become de facto banks.

We know commercial banks, apart from Bank of the Bahamas, are not accepting web shop funds because of the perceived high risk attached, Mr Moss explained.

If that goes unchecked, almost implicit in that is we have allowed Bahamians to participate in unsupervised and unregulated financial transactions, and that creates a problem for the whole jurisdiction. Thats something weve got to guard against.

Web shops are already effectively used as money transmission providers, with Bahamians placing funds in their gaming accounts for pick-up on other islands.

However, concerns that they may be increasingly used for regular banking transactions have escalated since RBCs announcement that it will shortly close four branch locations, including three in the Family Islands.

The Bimini and Spanish Wells pull-outs will leave both islands without a physical commercial banking location, and force residents to travel to Freeport and Harbour Island, respectively, if they need to access a branch.

RBCs move has caused uproar among the residents and private sector on both islands, forcing Nathaniel Beneby, the banks Bahamas managing director, to meet with local government officials and some businesses on Bimini yesterday. Some complained, though, that they were unable to access the meeting.

RBCs pull-out follows Scotiabanks withdrawal from North Eleuthera and Long Island in 2015, as commercial banks seek to cut costs in a low-growth economy that has saddled them with a $1 billion-plus pile of non-performing loans.

The commercial banking industry is also trying to drive Bahamians to increasingly turn to electronic banking channels, such as the Internet and mobile apps, to conduct their financial services business rather than visit branches.

However, many observers feel the banks are trying to make Bahamians run before they can walk. This nation is still a cash-intensive economy, with many employees paid by cheque and requiring a branch to deposit and cash them, while many older Bahamians are not familiar with electronic banking technology.

Mr Moss said RBCs pull-out would cause tremendous hardship for Bimini and Spanish Wells residents, and expressed surprise the bank would choose to exit the former island given its strong economy.

Bimini, particularly over the last five years, has grown exponentially, with a number of Bahamians employed at the resort down there, he said. They have to use that bank because its the only facility there; they have to use it.

Its going to mean that people are going to have to use more cash, and its not good in any society where people cant have the banking services they desire. Its going to be tremendously hard.

With many Biminites likely to have to travel to Freeport just to cash and deposit their pay cheques, Mr Moss added: Its crazy. It doesnt make sense. Bimini is taking off.

I think RBC is making a strategic move, but the move is backwards. Bimini is poised for more development. There are more people looking at Bimini.

Mr Moss said the difficulty the Bahamas faced, especially with the Canadian-owned banks, was that branch closure decisions were taken either at Caribbean head offices or Toronto by persons who have no appreciation for the situation on the ground.

Arguing that banks played a vital role in sustaining Family Island communities, Mr Moss criticised what he described as a short-sighted hands-off approach towards ensuring financial services were available throughout the Bahamas.

He called for a proactive policy of promoting Bahamian bank/credit union development and ownership, and agreed that this nation look at legislative tools similar to the US Community Reinvestment Act.

This mandates that US-based banks not discriminate in the provision of financial services, and that these are provided to low income and remote communities on the same terms as received by more affluent persons.

It has also been used to require financial institutions to assist in the creation of credit unions, and savings and loan organisations, in neighbourhoods they have exited.

This is what the regulators should already be doing. We are at the mercy of the banks, Mr Moss told Tribune Business.

Weve had this hands-off approach to financial services. We stick our heads in the sand until we are forced to act. Were going to get these results, quite frankly with this hands-off approach to empowering Bahamians to own banks.

We should do that. Put the policies in place to make sure these banks dont get away from their obligations. Its an opportunity for the Government to look at policies so Bahamians can become owners of savings and loan institutions, or even fully-fledged banks.

Originally posted here:

Rbc Withdrawal May Send Bahamas 'Rogue' - Bahamas Tribune