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

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Cruise ship passenger missing off the Bahamas - Sun Sentinel

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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Bahamas Deficit - Bahamas Tribune

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

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

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

By RICARDO WELLS

Tribune Staff Reporter

rwells@tribunemedia.net

EFFORTS are underway by officials at the University of The Bahamas (UB) to secure representatives from every political party with a view to hosting a series of town hall meetings centred on national debate, political polling and scientific research.

Dr Christopher Curry, Chair of the School of Social Science at UB, said the concept is a step in the right direction for the country and its political climate, claiming that the inclusion of public and media at this level of the election process should translate into a more involved electorate.

Dr Curry added that, as a country, the Bahamas has never approached its electoral process from this standpoint, stressing that the move could lead to a systematic shift from a "party-like concept" of electoral discussions to one of "rational discourse".

The proposed series - which will start on Wednesday - is expected to run over the course of several weeks in the lead up to the election; featuring discussions on Small Island Sustainability; Economy and National Development; Local Government and the Family Islands; and Governance: Democracy or Dictatorship.

Organisers said they remain hopeful that the series could climax with a leadership debate featuring Prime Minister Perry Christie, Free National Movement (FNM) Leader Dr Hubert Minnis and Democratic National Alliance (DNA) Leader Branville McCartney among others.

However, Dr Curry said that the final elements of that "finale" is still "a ways off", with several elements still having to "come together".

"This is unprecedented for the Bahamas, but as I say that, I have to note that it is something that moves us in the right direction," Dr Curry said.

He added: "Never before have we had political procedures approached from this standpoint; debate, rational discourse or reasoning on how best to move the country forward. It has often been centred on a party like concept where rallies take on the form of celebrations.

"Now we are talking about scientific processes, data analysis, formatted questions that lend to a resolution in certain cases. We want to generate polling, statistics and community involvement."

According to Dr Curry, Wednesday's town meeting willbe constructed around the topic, "Is the Justice System just?" and feature presentations for crime and justice spokespersons from respective parties.

Senator Keith Bell, Progressive Liberal Party candidate for Carmichael; Marvin Dames, FNM candidate for Mt Moriah; Stephen Greenslade, DNA candidate for Carmichael; Gregory Moss, leader of the United Democratic Party and MP for Marco City; Andrew Stewart, leader of the Bahamas National Coalition Party: Sharell Alli McIntosh, founder of the Bahamas Constitution Party; and Alex Morley, leader of the African Peoples Socialist Party are expected to participate.

Last year, in response to calls by some in the media for him to resign, Mr Christie challenged Dr Minnis and Mr McCartney to debate, stating: "Bring Minnis here, bring Branville here, Christie here and say tell us what you believe in, and make your judgment. Ask questions, see who has a command of the country, who understands where the country ought to be going and who could speak to those issues.

Subsequently, only Mr McCartney formally accepted the Prime Minister's invitation. The DNA leader went as far as to offer to cover all of the expenses associated with the event.

Dr Minnis for his part, brushed off the issue for several days, ultimately declining the opportunity on the grounds that he was more interested in unseating Mr Christie than in debating with him.

My answer to that challenge remains the same; we have an ineffective CEO running our country. I am by far more interested in removing him than a debate, said Dr Minnis.

Wednesday's forum will be hosted at 6pm at the university's Harry C Moore library.

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University Of The Bahamas Aims For Political Town Hall Meetings - Bahamas Tribune

By NEIL HARTNELL

Tribune Business Editor

nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A former Bahamian Contractors Association (BCA) president yesterday said it was totally unfair, unjust and untrue for Baha Mars foreign bathroom manufacturer to criticise this nations skills construction labour shortages.

Stephen Wrinkle told Tribune Business that the assertion by Oldcastle SurePods, which made 1,800 prefabricated bathrooms for Baha Mars casino and Grand Hyatt hotels, again showed how the Government had failed to protect Bahamian contractors and employees.

The criticism arousing Mr Wrinkles ire came in a press release issued yesterday by Oldcastle to tout its bathrooms, which were pre-assembled and then shipped by container to Baha Mars property in Nassau prior to the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing,

In addition to the speed, simplicity, superior quality and safety benefits of modular bathrooms, two things stand out with this project, said Bill Seery, Oldcastle SurePods director of business development.

Installing 1,800 bathrooms in one project site is our biggest job to date. Second, was our ability to ship to an island that faces skilled construction labour shortages.

Mr Wrinkle took issue with the latter remark, describing himself as saddened and disappointed by Oldcastles dismissive comment about the quality of the Bahamian construction workforce.

He questioned how many Bahamian contractors the company had talked to, or knew, and added: Thats totally unfair to Bahamian contractors and workers; totally unfair, unjust and untrue, and, once again, the Bahamas is not looking out for the interests of the Bahamian people.

How can Oldcastle presume to know what our construction capabilities are? They didnt contact the BCA for any relationship, and have not talked to any of the main contractors, yet they come in duty-free, get free board and house, do the work and take the profits home, while we have thousands of construction workers out of work.

Mr Wrinkle added: That doesnt compute. Thats why the economy is in the shape its in.

This will continue to be the modus operandi until we have a Government that respects the interests of industry and the private sector.

Oldcastle said its product had been selected by China Construction America (CCA), Baha Mars main contractor, to eliminate thousands of man hours from the project site, while ensuring five-star bathroom quality.

Oldcastle added that the prefabricated bathrooms were easy to lift, place and install, helping developers save time and money.

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Foreign Contractor Blasted On Bahamas Labour Criticisms - Bahamas Tribune

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Royal Caribbean, the worlds largest cruise line, has announced that they have reached an agreement withthe Bahamas to not only grow tourism to the country, but also to greatly enhance CocoCay that includes building a pier on the island. Royal Caribbean has committed to a multi-year agreement with the island nation of The Bahamas that will help grow tourism to the destination, rapidly increase the cruise lines employment of Bahamian nationals and invest in hospitality training to develop talent in the country.

At a signing ceremony attended by Perry Christie, Prime Minister of The Bahamas and Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International, the cruise line confirmed plans for a significant investment in major enhancements to CocoCay its private island destination in The Bahamas which will include the construction of a pier, additional guest features and amenities, and new opportunities for vendors and craftsmen to promote the culture of The Bahamas to visitors.

Cruise Fever reported back in June how Royal Caribbean was in talks to build a pier on CocoCay for a cost of approximately $47 million that would allow Oasis class ships to visit the island for the first time.

As part of the agreement, Royal Caribbean plans to work with The Bahamas government to develop a training program to provide those who aspire to a career in hospitality with a unique opportunity to participate in innovative training and development. The cruise line will create a curriculum that will prepare many thousands of students for careers at sea on board one of Royal Caribbeans ships.

The classes will be facilitated by dedicated instructors who will provide students with theoretical and practical knowledge to help them develop valuable and marketable hospitality skills. In addition to the classroom experience, students will receive on-site guidance and training from shipboard professionals.

Royal Caribbean has committed to rapidly growing the number of Bahamian nationals employed by the cruise line in the next five years. In addition, they have joint ownership of the Grand Bahamas shipyard in Freeport at which major revitalizations and drydock maintenance of its ships take place.

Operators of the worlds largest ships with an additional two mega ships under construction and four on order, Royal Caribbean currently brings 1.7 million visitors a year to The Bahamas, with plans to significantly expand that number in the next decade as they add capacity in the region. With its strategic location and proximity to the United States, Bahamian destinations are already marquee ports of call for 13 of Royal Caribbeans ships and are consistently highly rated by guests.

Photo Credit: By UpstateNYer Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0

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Royal Caribbean Building Pier on Private Island in the Bahamas - Cruise Fever

LOS ANGELES A spokeswoman for Peter Nygard says the Canadian clothing manufacturer plans to appeal a ruling in the Bahamas that found he violated a 2013 court order to stopdredging near his beachfront home.

In a statement Wednesday, Sallie Hofmeister says Nygard and his associates"respectfully disagree" with the ruling, but they have paid the $50,000 fine handed down by the Bahamas Supreme Court.

A lawyer for the environmental group Save the Bays, which brought the case against Nygard,released a statement Tuesday calling the court ruling "an extraordinary triumph for environmental justice in the Bahamas."

Fred Smithsays Nygard has nearly doubled the size of his property over the years by digging up sand and placing it along his beachfront.

However, Hofmeister says Nygard Holdings Ltd. was issued a permit authorizing the "lawful removal of obstructions" from a marina on the property.

Shesays the permit was issued after the original court order, and the firm had no reason to believe it was invalid or issued without property authority.

"It remains our contention that the removal and stockpiling of sand from the Nygard Cay marina was carried out in good faith in full accordance with the conditions of a government-issued permit," Hofmeister says.

She also says the company will challenge part of the judge's ruling that requires the company to move the stockpiled sand to a nearby beach.

"There was no evidence presented in court showing that any sand removed from Nygard Cays marina since the injunction had migrated from Jaws Beach," Hofmeister says.

"Therefore we believe there is no justification for requiring the sand to be moved to Jaws Beach."

The Canadian Press

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Canadian fashion mogul Nygard pays $50K fine in Bahamas, but will appeal ruling - rdnewsnow.com

MIAMI, March 8, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The world's largest cruise line, Royal Caribbean International, has committed to a multi-year agreement with the island nation of The Bahamas that will help grow tourism to the destination, rapidly increase the cruise line's employment of Bahamian nationals and invest in hospitality training to develop talent in the country.

At a signing ceremony attended by Perry Christie, Prime Minister of The Bahamas and Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International, the cruise line confirmed plans for a significant investment in major enhancements to CocoCay its private island destination in The Bahamas which will include the construction of a pier, additional guest features and amenities, and new opportunities for vendors and craftsmen to promote the culture of The Bahamas to visitors.

"Royal Caribbean has been a long-standing partner of the islands of The Bahamas and their plans to significantly increase tourism to our country as well as to develop the talent of our youth and expand employment opportunities for Bahamians is commendable," said Prime Minister Christie.

As part of the agreement, Royal Caribbean plans to work with The Bahamas government to develop a training program to provide those who aspire to a career in hospitality with a unique opportunity to participate in innovative training and development. The cruise line will create a curriculum that will prepare many thousands of students for careers at sea on board one of Royal Caribbean's ships. The classes will be facilitated by dedicated instructors who will provide students with theoretical and practical knowledge to help them develop valuable and marketable hospitality skills. In addition to the classroom experience, students will receive on-site guidance and training from shipboard professionals.

Royal Caribbean has committed to rapidly growing the number of Bahamian nationals employed by the cruise line in the next five years. In addition, they have joint ownership of the Grand Bahamas shipyard in Freeport at which major revitalizations and drydock maintenance of its ships take place.

"Tourism is an important engine of growth for the economy of destinations in the Caribbean and The Bahamas, and we are excited to bring more visitors on our newest and most innovative ships to this popular vacation spot," said Bayley. "Our commitment to The Bahamas is multifold. It is our responsibility to contribute to the country's economic diversity, to its employment base and the training of Bahamian youth as well as the protection of the environment. We are excited about the continued growth of tourism in The Bahamas, and look forward to doing our part to keep that growth and progress moving along in the years to come."

Operators of the world's largest ships with an additional two mega ships under construction and four on order, Royal Caribbean currently brings 1.7 million visitors a year to The Bahamas, with plans to significantly expand that number in the next decade as they add capacity in the region. With its strategic location and proximity to the United States, Bahamian destinations are already marquee ports of call for 13 of Royal Caribbean's ships and are consistently highly rated by guests.

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Royal Caribbean International is an award-winning global cruise brand with a 48-year legacy of innovation and introducing industry "firsts" never before seen at sea.The cruise line features an expansive and unmatched array of features and amenities only found on Royal Caribbean, including jaw-dropping, Broadway-style entertainment and industry-acclaimed programming that appeals to families and adventurous vacationers alike. On board, guests are catered to with the cruise line's world-renowned friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service by every staff and crew member. Royal Caribbean has been voted "Best Cruise Line Overall" for 14 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards.

The cruise line sails 25 of the world's most innovative cruise ships to the most popular destinations in Bermuda and the Caribbean, Europe, Canada and New England, Alaska, South America, Asia, and Australia and New Zealand. Media can stay up-to-date by following @RoyalCaribPR on Twitter, and visiting RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers should call their travel agent; visitRoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/royal-caribbean-finalizes-agreement-with-the-bahamas-to-grow-tourism-to-the-destination-300420341.html

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Royal Caribbean Finalizes Agreement With The Bahamas To Grow Tourism To The Destination - Yahoo Finance

LOS ANGELES A spokeswoman for Peter Nygard says the Canadian clothing manufacturer plans to appeal a ruling in the Bahamas that found he violated a 2013 court order to stop dredging near his beachfront home.

In a statement Wednesday, Sallie Hofmeister says Nygard and his associates "respectfully disagree" with the ruling, but they have paid the $50,000 fine handed down by the Bahamas Supreme Court.

A lawyer for the environmental group Save the Bays, which brought the case against Nygard, released a statement Tuesday calling the court ruling "an extraordinary triumph for environmental justice in the Bahamas."

Fred Smith says Nygard has nearly doubled the size of his property over the years by digging up sand and placing it along his beachfront.

However, Hofmeister says Nygard Holdings Ltd. was issued a permit authorizing the "lawful removal of obstructions" from a marina on the property.

She says the permit was issued after the original court order, and the firm had no reason to believe it was invalid or issued without property authority.

"It remains our contention that the removal and stockpiling of sand from the Nygard Cay marina was carried out in good faith in full accordance with the conditions of a government-issued permit," Hofmeister says.

She also says the company will challenge part of the judge's ruling that requires the company to move the stockpiled sand to a nearby beach.

"There was no evidence presented in court showing that any sand removed from Nygard Cays marina since the injunction had migrated from Jaws Beach," Hofmeister says.

"Therefore we believe there is no justification for requiring the sand to be moved to Jaws Beach."

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Canadian fashion mogul Nygard pays $50K fine in Bahamas, but will appeal ruling - Times Colonist

U.S. Army vet Kermit Johnson explains after his career change, LIMS gave him the amazing career opportunity which followed with an offer to film in the Bahamas. Dont miss a thing. Get breakingKHTS Santa Clarita News Alertsdelivered right to your inbox.

After the tour, I was pretty much stoked, Johnson says. This was my opportunity to actually change careers.

Johnson was involved in many other film positions, such as background or stand-in work, but he was never involved in sound until experiencing the production lots, which peaked his interest.

I always enjoyed the environments there, Johnson says.

The part that really initiated Johnson to become a part of LIMS is the support they provide for veterans.

Johnson joined the sound editing post-production department, and now as a graduate, he explains that, The skills they teach you there are skills that actually work in the real world.

LIMS provides real work experience, and that helped Johnson with an unplanned opportunity.

Fortunate for me, I had a job fall right into my lap, Johnson said: the opportunity to shoot a feature film in the Bahamas as a sound operator.

It was a fortunate moment where Johnson says he was at LIMS, at the right place, at the right time. Before I (knew) it, three days later, he said, I was on a plane to the Bahamas.

The Lifton Institute of Media Arts and Sciences, or LIMS, not only offers full-service movie studios Los Angeles filmmakers can use, but also doubles as a film production school. While LIMS students usually have never worked in the industry before, President Jimmy Lifton says that most people have skills that can be easily translated into the production trade. LIMS offers 10-week film production training and veterans job training programs designed to prepare students to go out and get a paid job on a movie or TV set.

Vet 200 Program

Lifton Institute of Media Arts & Sciences (LIMS)

27567 Fantastic Lane

Castaic, CA 91384

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Army Veteran Gets Opportunity To Work In The Bahamas While On ... - KHTS Radio

SmartNews Keeping you current ( Christopher Dorobek /Flickr)

smithsonian.com March 7, 2017 1:42PM

There are many reasons to visit the Bahamasbeautiful beaches, conch fritters, killer snorkeling. But in recent years one of the biggest attractions has been the island nations pigs. The swimming pigs of Exuma to be exact, a group of porkerson a small island called Big Major Cay, who over the years have taken up the hobby of paddling around in the areas crystal blue waters. Recently,however, at least seven members of the now-famous pig colony mysteriously died, their bodies found floating in the sea, reports Ben Guarino at The Washington Post.

Wayde Nixon, one of the farmers that originally brought pigs to the island about 30 years ago, told Sloan Smith at the Nassau Guardianin late February that he initially believed tourists, who interact with the pigs and feed them, may have caused the deaths by giving the pigs alcohol and junk food. Kim Aranha, president of the Bahamas Humane Society, also speculated on the cause. It could just be a horrible accident where they ate something poisonous, she told local news source Tribune 242in late February. "It could be malicious but I dont really see why someone would go out of their way to hurt those lovely animals.

Now, Delaney Chambers at National Geographic reports on March 4 that a preliminary examination shows that the pigs likely died from ingesting too much sand.

The pigs have been on the island so long, they are used to foraging for natural food, Ventoi Bethune, an inspector with the Bahamas Humane Society, tells Chambers. The pigs would occasional prance down onto the beach for a snack from visitors. But increased popularity and big influx of tourists have changed the pigs' habits. In recent years, the pigs have even been featured on the reality show The Bachelor. Now [the pigs] stay on the beach and arent living in the forest.

Instead, the porkers eat small bits of food thrown by tourists, which means they probably get a snoutful of sand each time they take a nibble. An ongoing drought on the island which has dried up the pigs water supply may have also contributed to the deaths.

Despite the die-off, tourists will still be able to visit the remaining pigs, though they may not be able to swim or pet the porkers as they did in the past. Bethune tells Chambersthat a warden will now be stationed at Pig Beach. V. Alfred Gray, the Bahamas'Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources tells Smith that the agency will soon establish rules for interacting with the pigs, including a boundary around the pigs and restricted feeding by the public.

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Jason Daley is a Madison, Wisconsin-based writer specializing in natural history, science, travel, and the environment. His work has appeared in Discover, Popular Science, Outside, Mens Journal, and other magazines.

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What Killed More Than Half a Dozen of the Bahamas' Swimming Pigs? - Smithsonian

President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, His Excellency Brigadier David Granger speaks at a luncheon held in his honor at Churchills restaurant in the Grand Lucayan on Friday afternoon. (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama Sitting Chairman of the Caribbean Community regional body (CARICOM) and President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, His Excellency Brigadier David Granger said that he and members of his Cabinet were in The Bahamas to learn, and during his visit to Grand Bahama he admitted that in two days they had learned a lot.

Addressing a special luncheon in his honour, hosted by Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie and Minister for Grand Bahama the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville at the Grand Lucayan, Brigadier Granger said that The Bahamas has been a good example to the rest of the Caribbean community in terms of outstanding development.

We have been deeply impressed by the development of The Bahamas, particularly in the financial and tourism sectors under Prime Minister Christie, said the Guyanese President. But there can be no doubt about the pre-eminence of the Bahamian economy and I have come with my Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Agriculture, and Minister of Business and Minister of Tourism to look and to learn from The Bahamas.

From what we have seen here in Grand Bahama, there is no doubt a model for industrial development and format from which we can learn a lot.

President Granger said that regional tourism and collaboration between member states must become an emerging trend, especially if Caribbean islands that depend heavily on tourism intend to survive in the face of the opening of the borders of a destination like Cuba.

I am convinced that if we can combine our talents and our resources we can offer a world-class product. The Bahamas is already a world-class destination and we would like to learn how you have been able to accomplish that position.

Grand Bahama has set the stage as a major player in the industrial sector and from the visits we have made to places like the Container Port and the Grand Bahama Shipyard, we can take away so much information to study. We are very happy with what we have seen during our visit here.

He said that The Bahamas is well on the path to prosperity and security, and well on the path to sealing its position with solidarity with the rest of the Caribbean community. Brigadier Granger said be assured that his ministers for Tourism, Business and Finance would be back in The Bahamas at a later date, for a longer period of time, to learn more about how The Bahamas has been able to accomplish what it has in terms of gaining a foothold in tourism, economics and industrial success.

The Caribbean is a unique zone situated in between two giants the North American Continent and the South American Continent. In between we have scores of small and micro-states.

These states and countries are threatened because of economic hardships. But we have to transform our economies. So we have been able to come to Grand Bahama and see how this transformation is taking place.

But Grand Bahama is just one part of the entire Caribbean and during my semester as head of CARICOM, I will take the message of what I have learned here to my colleagues around the Caribbean.

During the luncheon, Sarah St. George, Vice-Chairman of the Grand Bahama Port Authority, presented Brigadier Granger with a special gold coin, which represented the 50th anniversary of the Port Authority.

By Andrew Coakley Bahamas Information Services

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Guyana's President Said He Learned a Lot During Visit to The Bahamas - The Eleutheran