Pirates of the Caribbean’s Blackbeard Secretly Debuted In The First Movie – Screen Rant

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Pirates of the Caribbean may have been inconsistent with its mythos, but the series revealed Blackbeard three movies earlier than viewers thought.

Pirates of the Caribbean may have been inconsistent with its mythos, but the franchise revealed the major villain Blackbeard three movies earlier than most viewers thought. Released in 2003, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl was a huge success for Disney and massively outperformed expectations at the box office. The swashbuckling adventure movie was a hit with critics too, with Johnny Depps iconic performance as Jack Sparrow earning particular praise.

The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise soon spawned two sequels from director Gore Verbinski, both of which disappointed critics but performed well at the box office. The series pivoted its focus to Jack alone by the fourth film, 2011s critically maligned Pirates of the Caribbean:On Stranger Tides. But few viewers realized that On Stranger Tides formidable villain Blackbeard actually made an early, uncredited appearance way back in the first Pirates of the Caribbean film.

Related:Pirates of the Caribbean: All 5 Ships Captained By Jack Sparrow

Played with memorably nasty zeal by Deadwood star Ian McShane, On Stranger Tides Blackbeard was a more bloodthirsty brand of baddie than the earlier villain Captain Barbossa. But The Curse of the Black Pearls creepy crew member Jacoby (the skinny skeletal pirate who was best-known for having a grenade shoved in his ribcage) was originally given a larger role in the first film, and details of his character were later transferred to McShanes On Stranger Tides villain. Jacobys role in the finished edit of The Curse of the Black Pearl may be smaller, but the minor villain nonetheless provided many elements of Blackbeard later in the series.

The characters oversized beard, as well as his gimmick of lighting fuses in it, went on to be used by Blackbeard (having been inspired by actual nautical legends surrounding the legendary pirate in the first place). Not only that but in the commentary of the first movie, Kiera Knightley refers to Jacoby as Blackbeard years before the character appeared in the series, meaning that its possible the characters original name in the movie's script may have been the same as McShanes later villain.

McShanes character has a larger role in the fourth Pirates of the Caribbean installmentthan Jacoby does in the first film, but his eventual (spoilers) demise in the movie is nowhere near as memorable as the Black Pearl crew members unfortunate exit. Not only that, but On Stranger Tides received worse critical write-ups than the first film of the series broadly speaking (although some reviewers did single out McShanes performance as a high point). The fourth film in the franchise marked the moment that thePirates of the Caribbeanmovie seriesbegan focusing its action entirely around Jack Sparrow, a decision that may have given fans more of Depps superb surreal turn in the role, but cost the series dearly in the long term and resulted in even worse reviews for the fifth film in the franchise, Dead Men Tell No Tales.

More:Every Pirates of the Caribbean Movie Ranked Worst To Best

Why The Batman's Secret Villains Are Perfect For Pattinson's Trilogy

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Pirates of the Caribbean's Blackbeard Secretly Debuted In The First Movie - Screen Rant

Caribbean Economic Survival Tied To Balancing Health Safety and Responsible Tourism – South Florida Caribbean News

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[MIAMI] Despite having one of the worlds lowest rates of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections, hospitalizations and deaths, the Caribbeans economic survival is in serious jeopardy as tourism-dependent economies struggle with the consequences of the pandemic and travel restrictions being imposed and considered by its most popular countries of origin for travel.

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) welcomed the new United States administrations balanced international travel measures. All returning travelers and those entering the United States must show proof of receiving a negative antigen or PCR test. While not mandating quarantines but recommending self-isolation upon returning.

The organization, whose membership includes 33 of the regions national hotel and tourism associations, expressed its appreciation and concerns. These concerns were addressed in a letter to President Joseph Biden and U.S. government officials. Input was given on international travel protocols as part of an Executive Order .

In throwing its support behind requiring travelers entering the U.S. to show proof of a negative antigen test within 72 hours of travel, CHTA cautioned against the imposition of mandatory PCR tests for travelers returning to or entering the U.S. from the Caribbean highlighting the stringent virus containment measures already in place within the region and the regions challenges in administering a much larger number of PCR tests.The organization stated that should this become a new requirement, it would severely strain the current testing capacity of many Caribbean jurisdictions citing the availability, costs, and processing time as essentially rendering much of the region unable to meet local and U.S. traveler testing demand.

In recent weeks, the region has moved aggressively to increase its capacity to administer PCR and antigen tests. It aims to meet local demand and adhere to new testing requirements for travelers and returning residents to its key source markets. This stepped-up effort followed earlier announcements last month by Canada, the United Kingdom and the European Union. These imposed worldwide measures essentially stopped all international travel to and from those areas.

The U.S. testing requirement does not apply to the United States Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. These areas are within the U.S. containment area.

In its communication to the United States, CHTA added its concerns to those of the World Travel and Tourism Council, the U.S. Travel Association, and the International Air Transport Association, about the possible imposition of a mandatory quarantine period for travelers to the United States. A mandatory quarantine would be devastating to the regions economic health. It will also have further ramifications on the U.S. economy.

The organization cited the inextricable link between the economies of the Caribbean and the United States. Florida in particular provides many of the goods and services supportive of travel to the Caribbean. The imposition of a mandatory quarantine period would bring business and leisure travel to a near standstill. This would be devastating, ensuing results to the regions already vulnerable economies. This will further erode tax revenue, employment levels and forcing additional business closures.

CHTA urged Caribbean residents and businesses to bolster their already strong health safety protocols. This is no time to let our guard down. Echoing calls for all residents to wear face coverings, practice physical distancing, wash their hands frequently. And to adhere to sound hygienic practices advanced by the Caribbean Public Health Agency and local health authorities.

The tourism industry has incorporated major changes in its operational practices. Theyve improved training, and monitoring and reporting procedures to help ensure the health safety of its guests and employees. These efforts need to continue and stepped up. By doing so, we can ensure the necessary balance between health safety and slowly reopening tourism.

The Caribbean Public Health Agency, the Caribbean Tourism Organization, and other stakeholders at the regional and local levels have been collaborating since February 2020. They put in place protocols, training and operational changes necessary to protect the health of our visitors and the more than two million citizens and residents who are employed in the region through tourism.

The coming months will be critical. It will determine our ability to manage our economies out of the pandemic and mitigating its impact. Strong health safety protocols and the restoration of travel and tourism, the regions bread and butter sector, can and must coexist, CHTA stated.

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Caribbean Economic Survival Tied To Balancing Health Safety and Responsible Tourism - South Florida Caribbean News

Remarks to the Ministerial Meeting of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States – ICC – International Chamber of Commerce

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Remarks by ICC Secretary General John W. H. Denton AO

Latin America and the Caribbean is a very important part of the ICC network. We have a very powerful network of national committees, chambers and businesses in the region, as well as a Regional Action Group focused on Latin American and Caribbean affairs. And the number one issue for the hundreds of businesses involved in this grouping is combatting COVID-19 and access to vaccines.

ICC is very glad for this joint meeting of health, foreign affairs and finance ministers of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC). This is precisely what is needed because a siloed approach to combatting the pandemic is a recipe for disaster.

We have already heard extremely compelling public health reasons for why the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator (ACT-A) is so important. Let me not repeat those and instead put three additional points out there.

First, the economic case for funding ACT-A is unequivocal. Ministers, you might have seen a study ICC commissioned and released last week that showed precisely how much is at stake. There were three key takeaways.

A major takeaway was that no economy will fully recover until every economy recovers. The reality is that even if advanced economies vaccinate their entire populations, if developing economies cannot do the same, the cost to the world could be up to 9.2 TR.

To put that in context: Thats greater than the economies of Japan and Germany combined. That is an extraordinary hit to the global economy. Strikingly, the study showed that almost half of that economic hit will actually be borne by advanced economies Up to $4.5 Trillion. That is because advanced economies are so intertwined with the global economy. And so it will actually be major trading powers the US, China, the EU who would be the ones to pay the most economically if the disease does not get under control in developing countries.

I made that point last week to finance ministers and it might bear repeating through your channels as well: capitalising ACT-A is an economic issue.

Another core finding was that making sure the world defeats Covid would be the best domestic economic stimulus of all time. The costs of funding a truly global and equitable distribution of Covid vaccines, treatments and tests sometimes seem high.

The global financing gap for the ACT Accelerator currently stands at around $26 billion. But this is a pittance compared to the potential $4.5 trillion cost they would occur a mere rounding error.

When you do the math, that means that fully funding global efforts would give an extraordinary return on investment up to 166X.

So purchasing vaccines for the developing world is not an act of generosity its an essential investment for governments if they want to revive their domestic economies.

While this economic logic might apply most to wealthy countries, it applies to every single country in the world. We are presently facing a classic collective action problem. It clearly makes sense for all countries to fund ACTA, but each individual country has reservations because others are not opening their check books. Thats why groupings like this are so important.

We really need collectives of governments like this one today to see the truth that we will not control the pandemic, restore confidence and reboot the economy until we all chip in.

If this group could collectively stand up, commit to finance a reasonable share and convince others to do the same, we would move a lot more quickly towards ending the pandemic.

That is partly why ICC is leading a campaign seeking greater contributions from the corporate world to help create momentum for this important initiative.

Second, after last weeks brush with vaccine nationalism, we need a great rethink of how governments approach vaccine distribution.

While we understand some of the temptations to impose restrictions on vaccine supply chains, this is the worst policy response possible.

Such moves are wrongheaded on multiple fronts. They send dangerous signals to trading partners and run the risk of retaliatory measures. They risk wreaking havoc on already precarious supply chains just as the pandemic rages across the globe. And they risk creating artificial bottlenecks, spoiling vaccines and undermining production plans.

But instead of falling into the trap of vengeance or retaliation, we should view last weeks row as a wake-up call. We cannot just wring our hands about vaccine nationalism. We now need to make vaccine multilateralism a reality.

Practically, that means:

Latin American and Caribbean states would be major beneficiaries of such an approach and ICC would be happy to work with you to make this a reality.

Third, we can and must scale-up public/private sector cooperation.

Earlier this week, Dr Tedros and I convened over 100 senior business leaders to educate them about the importance of ACTA, which really is in many ways the most remarkable instance of public-private cooperation the world has seen.

During that meeting it became clear that there are so many ways the private sector can contribute more to the pandemic response.

Not just in terms of financing, where the private sector has already contributed around $800 million of the $1.5 billion it might be reasonably expected to contribute.

But perhaps more importantly through partnership, especially on the complex logistical challenges of vaccine delivery, data collection, building effective surveillance systems and creating the innovative tools we need to fight Covid.

Crucially unleashing that innovation requires a willingness on the part of governments to engage the private sector.

So I would implore you to think about how you can better use the private sector to combat Covid, including through business associations like ICC national committees.

To conclude: For ICC, fully funding ACTA is the best investment governments could possibly make right now to ensure the world can return to normal as quickly as possible. But we need even more than that. We also need governments to stand up against vaccine nationalism and to fully engage the private sector in their domestic responses. ICC stands ready, willing and able to help you do that in whatever way we can. Fighting COVID-19 is the number one issue for business in Latin America and the Caribbean and they want to work with you.

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Remarks to the Ministerial Meeting of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States - ICC - International Chamber of Commerce

The Cove at Atlantis Is Reopening in The Bahamas – Caribbean Journal

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One of the leading luxury resorts in The Bahamas is set to reopen this week, Caribbean Journal has learned.

The Cove at Atlantis, the 600-unit, all-suite resort at the Atlantis Paradise Island resort is reopening its doors on Feb. 11, according to the property.

The Cove has long been the most luxurious enclave at Atlantis, highlighted by its popular adults-only pool with 20 private cabanas.

The property, set on its own stretch of beach on Paradise Island, is the latest Atlantis property to reopen amid a phased relaunch that began in mid-December and now includes The Reef, the Royal, The Coral and the Harborside resorts.

Most of Atlantis popular amenities are open for travelers, including its signature casino, its marina, its spa, the Dolphin Cay marine habitat and the Ocean Club Golf Course, among others.

The Bahamas is currently open for tourism; you can find more on the countrys travel protocols here.

The Cove joins a broad number of hotels and resorts now open in The Bahamas, from megaresorts like Atlantis and the Baha Mar to small properties across the Out Islands.

To help travelers comply with the new CDC testing requirements for returning travelers, The Cove is providing two free rapid antigen tests for per room for guests at The Cove and other Atlantis resorts.

For more, visit The Cove at Atlantis.

CJ

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The Cove at Atlantis Is Reopening in The Bahamas - Caribbean Journal

What’s New In The Islands Of The Bahamas In February – PRNewswire

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The Bahamas appeals to travelers looking for warm winter getaways and romantic Valentine's Day escapes.

Bahamian Hotels Provide On-Site COVID Testing Hotels across Nassau Paradise Island, Grand Bahama Island and the Out Islands are providing on-site COVID testing for guests in accordance with new U.S. international travel requirements. Baha Mar, Atlantis and The Ocean Club are just a few of the hotels and resorts with on-site testing on Nassau Paradise Island along with Out Island hotels, including Caerula Mar Resort and Abaco Beach Resort. For a full list of COVID testing sites and the latest travel and entry protocols, visit Bahamas.com/TravelUpdates.

SLS and Rosewood Baha Mar to Reopen March 2021 Baha Mar will enter into its final phase of reopening on March 4 with the reopening of Rosewood and SLS. The Nassau resort first welcomed back guests at Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in December 2020.

Harbour Island's Rock House Hotel Launches Villa Rock House Hotel on Harbour Island has launched its Rock House Rental Villa, a private vacation home with all the amenities of a hotel. While the hotel and restaurant remain closed, up to 20 guests can enjoy the fully staffed private villa that comes with a private chef and concierge to take care of guests' every need. Booking is available on Vrbo.

Sandals Emerald Bay Golf Course Reopens With the Sandals Emerald Bay Resort's reopening on February 24, golfers can once again enjoy the award-winning Greg Norman course. Sandals Emerald Bay Golf Course is frequently recognized as one of the most scenic courses in the Caribbean, with 18 holes set against The Exumas' famous turquoise waters and white-sand beaches.

Breezes Bahamas Welcomes Back Guests with Be Smart + Safe Initiative Upon its reopening in December 2020, Breezes Bahamas has safely welcomed guests with its Be Smart + Safe initiative. The initiative provides guests and team members with protocols on social distancing, face coverings and more.

PROMOTIONS AND OFFERS

For a complete, up-to-date listing of deals and packages for The Bahamas, visit http://www.bahamas.com/deals-packages.

Atlantis Couples Getaway Package Couples can plan a romantic Bahamian getaway at Atlantis this Valentine's Day. Celebrate with your partner while receiving daily complimentary breakfast, a quiet dinner for two, and late checkout.

Cape Santa Maria Beach Lovers Vacation Escape to Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort on Long Island for a romantic retreat. Relax with a complimentary massage, welcome cocktails and more when staying three nights or more.

Breezes Bahamas Winter Sale Breezes Bahamas is offering guests savings up to 53% for travel booked by February 28, 2021 as part of its Winter Sale.

ABOUT THE BAHAMASWith over 700 islands and cays and 16 unique island destinations, The Bahamas lies just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, offering an easy fly away escape that transportstravelersaway from their everyday. The Islands of The Bahamas have world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of the earth's most spectacular water and beaches waiting for families, couples and adventurers. Explore all the islands have to offer atwww.bahamas.comor on Facebook, YouTubeorInstagramto see why It's Better in The Bahamas.

PRESS INQUIRIES

Anita Johnson-PattyBahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation[emailprotected]

Weber ShandwickPublic Relations[emailprotected]

SOURCE Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation

http://www.bahamas.com

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What's New In The Islands Of The Bahamas In February - PRNewswire

Planning On Traveling to The Bahamas In February 2021, What’s New – South Florida Caribbean News

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[NASSAU, Bahamas]The Bahamas appeals to travelers looking for a warm winter getaway in the winter month of February. As hotels and activities continue to reopen across the islands, resorts are offering romantic Valentines Day escapes. On Harbour Island they have new extended-stay accommodations.

A number of hotels are providing on-site COVID testing. The Bahamas continues to adapt to safety regulations to provide visitors with a stress-free Bahamian vacation.

Hotels across Nassau Paradise Island, Grand Bahama Island and the Out Islands are providing on-site COVID testing for guests in accordance with new U.S. international travel requirements. Baha Mar, Atlantis and The Ocean Club are just a few of the hotels and resorts with on-site testing on Nassau Paradise Island. And, on the Out Island hotels such as Caerula Mar Resort and Abaco Beach Resort are testing. For a full list of COVID testing sites and the latest travel and entry protocols, visit Bahamas.com/TravelUpdates.

Baha Mar will enter into its final phase of reopening on March 4 with the reopening of Rosewood and SLS. The Nassau resort first welcomed back guests at Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in December 2020.

Rock House Hotel on Harbour Island has launched its Rock House Rental Villa, a private vacation home with all the amenities of a hotel. While the hotel and restaurant remain closed, up to 20 guests can enjoy the fully staffed private villa that comes with a private chef and concierge to take care of guests every need. Booking is available on Vrbo.

With the Sandals Emerald Bay Resorts reopening on February 24, golfers can once again enjoy the award-winning Greg Norman course. Sandals Emerald Bay Golf Course is frequently recognized as one of the most scenic courses in the Caribbean, with 18 holes set against The Exumas famous turquoise waters and white-sand beaches.

Upon its reopening in December 2020, Breezes Bahamas has safely welcomed guests with its Be Smart + Safe initiative. The initiative provides guests and team members with protocols on social distancing, face coverings and more.

For a complete, up-to-date listing of deals and packages for The Bahamas, visitwww.bahamas.com/deals-packages.

Couples can plan a romantic Bahamian getaway at Atlantis this Valentines Day. Celebrate with your partner while receiving daily complimentary breakfast, a quiet dinner for two, and late checkout.

Escape to Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort on Long Island for a romantic retreat. Relax with a complimentary massage, welcome cocktails and more when staying three nights or more.

Breezes Bahamas is offering guests savings up to 53% for travel booked by February 28, 2021 as part of its Winter Sale.

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Planning On Traveling to The Bahamas In February 2021, What's New - South Florida Caribbean News

Reeds reputation from Bahamas the ultimate penalty The Manila Times – The Manila Times

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The violation was so egregious that Rickie Fowler, glancing at the replay on television, quickly raised his eyebrows and said: Whoa! What was THAT?

Patrick Reed (right) signals for an official in front of Carlos Ortiz of Mexico on the 16th hole on the South Course during the final round of the Farmers Insurance Open golf tournament at Torrey Pines on Jan. 31, 2021 (February 1 in Manila), in San Diego. AP PHOTO

It was Patrick Reed.

This was just over a year ago in the Bahamas, the day Reed infamously used the back of his wedge to scoop away sand twice from behind his golf ball in a waste bunker, improving his line of play. Only when he was shown video evidence did Reed accept the two-shot penalty, but not before suggesting the camera angle made it look worse than it was.

The penalty, as it turns out, was worth more than two shots.

There is no greater punishment in golf than being stuck with a reputation for cheating.

Reed was always going to have a hard time living down that incident.

It followed him to Australia, where the fans were so abusive his caddie got into it with a spectator and was replaced for the final day of the Presidents Cup. It stayed with him in the chill environment of Kapalua, where a spectator yelled CHEATER! after Reed hit a putt in a playoff. A few weeks later in San Diego, Reed asked police to remove hecklers.

The verbal abuse was silenced by golf not having fans because of the pandemic.

And then more outrage involving Reed, fueled mightily by social media, arrived during an otherwise idyllic Saturday afternoon at Torrey Pines.

Moving past this one will be almost impossible.

As far as the PGA Tour is concerned, Reed did nothing wrong on the 10th hole of the third round at the Farmers Insurance Open. And according to the Rules of Golf, which relies on facts over reputation, the tour was right.

He operated the way the rules permit him to operate, said John Mutch, the tours senior tournament director.

This was about optics. Mostly, it was about Reed.

He pulled his approach from a fairway bunker into thick grass left of the 10th green. Approaching where a volunteer had marked the spot with a tiny flag, Reed asked if the ball bounced. No, I didnt see it bounce, the volunteer replied.

He turned to his playing partners, PGA Tour rookie Will Gordon and second-year player Robby Shelton, and told them, They said it didnt bounce, and that he would check for an embedded lie. Crouching over, he marked the spot with a tee, put the ball in the palm of his hand and kept probing the turf for about 5 seconds when he called for an official. And then he poked around for another five seconds.

I believe it broke ground, but Im going to let you make that call, Reed told Brad Fabel, the rules official.

Fabel didnt immediately know what he was talking about because Reed had placed the ball about 8 feet away. Reed showed him where the ball was, Fabel poked around and agreed there was a lip, meaning the ball had broken the plane of the soil.

Free drop.

The procedure Reed followed wasnt illegal. It wasnt even necessary for him to call for an official. Rory McIlroy didnt ask for a ruling when the same thing happened on the 18th hole that day. And according to McIlroy, Rory Sabbatini also took relief from an embedded ball on the 15th hole Saturday.

The rule (16-3) allows players to proceed as if the ball is embedded provided it is reasonable to conclude based on the information at hand.

Reed wasnt careful, either. The lie was suspect enough to call for a ruling. Even the rules official working the broadcast, Ken Tackett, suggested the best practice would be to leave the ball where it was until the official arrived. That would eliminate anything questionable.

And with Reed, there are bound to be questions.

Adding to the firestorm was video that clearly showed the ball bounced forward. That doesnt change anything. Players can act on only what they know at the time.

But with Reed, it changes everything, and his response after the round only raised another question.

If we saw the ball bounce or if someone said the ball bounced, then I never would have marked the golf ball, he said. You know when the ball bounces, its almost impossible for it to break the plane.

So, if it bounced no more than a few feet roughly the height from which players take a drop how did it become embedded?

McIlroy unwittingly came to his rescue by having the same thing happen, which wasnt discovered by CBS until after the third round. It appears his ball on the 18th hole went slightly forward, though the video wasnt quite as clear as it was for Reed.

On my life, that ball of mine was plugged, it was in its own pitch mark, so I took relief, McIlroy said.

By the book.

Except the names of the characters are different.

We know who they are, Tom Watson said long ago, without offering names, when asked about cheating on the PGA Tour. The list probably is longer than the people who run golf and preach its honor system would like to admit.

Winning doesnt take care of everything. Otherwise, the talk out of Torrey Pines would be Reeds phenomenal short game and his overall toughness that carried him to a five-shot victory.

AP

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Reeds reputation from Bahamas the ultimate penalty The Manila Times - The Manila Times

Column: Reed’s reputation from Bahamas the ultimate penalty – Associated Press

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The violation was so egregious that Rickie Fowler, glancing at the replay on television, quickly raised his eyebrows and said: Whoa! What was THAT?

It was Patrick Reed.

This was just over a year ago in the Bahamas, the day Reed infamously used the back of his wedge to scoop away sand twice from behind his golf ball in a waste bunker, improving his line of play. Only when he was shown video evidence did Reed accept the two-shot penalty, but not before suggesting the camera angle made it look worse than it was.

The penalty, as it turns out, was worth more than two shots.

There is no greater punishment in golf than being stuck with a reputation for cheating.

Reed was always going to have a hard time living down that incident.

It followed him to Australia, where the fans were so abusive his caddie got into it with a spectator and was replaced for the final day of the Presidents Cup. It stayed with him in the chill environment of Kapalua, where a spectator yelled CHEATER! after Reed hit a putt in a playoff. A few weeks later in San Diego, Reed asked police to remove hecklers.

The verbal abuse was silenced by golf not having fans because of the pandemic.

And then more outrage involving Reed, fueled mightily by social media, arrived during an otherwise idyllic Saturday afternoon at Torrey Pines.

Moving past this one will be almost impossible.

As far as the PGA Tour is concerned, Reed did nothing wrong on the 10th hole of the third round at the Farmers Insurance Open. And according to the Rules of Golf, which relies on facts over reputation, the tour was right.

He operated the way the rules permit him to operate, said John Mutch, the tours senior tournament director.

This was about optics. Mostly, it was about Reed.

He pulled his approach from a fairway bunker into thick grass left of the 10th green. Approaching where a volunteer had marked the spot with a tiny flag, Reed asked if the ball bounced. No, I didnt see it bounce, the volunteered replied.

He turned to his playing partners, PGA Tour rookie Will Gordon and second-year player Robby Shelton, and told them, They said it didnt bounce, and that he would check for an embedded lie. Crouching over, he marked the spot with a tee, put the ball in the palm of his hand and kept probing the turf for about 5 seconds when he called for an official. And then he poked around for another five seconds.

I believe it broke ground, but Im going to let you make that call, Reed told Brad Fabel, the rules official.

Fabel didnt immediately know what he was talking about because Reed had placed the ball about 8 feet away. Reed showed him where the ball was, Fabel poked around and agreed there was a lip, meaning the ball had broken the plane of the soil.

Free drop.

The procedure Reed followed wasnt illegal. It wasnt even necessary for him to call for an official. Rory McIlroy didnt ask for a ruling when the same thing happened on the 18th hole that day. And according to McIlroy, Rory Sabbatini also took relief from an embedded ball on the 15th hole Saturday.

The rule (16-3) allows players to proceed as if the ball is embedded provided it is reasonable to conclude based on the information at hand.

Reed wasnt careful, either. The lie was suspect enough to call for a ruling. Even the rules official working the broadcast, Ken Tackett, suggested the best practice would be to leave the ball where it was until the official arrived. That would eliminate anything questionable.

And with Reed, there are bound to be questions.

Adding to the firestorm was video that clearly showed the ball bounced forward. That doesnt change anything. Players can act on only what they know at the time.

But with Reed, it changes everything, and his response after the round only raised another question.

If we saw the ball bounce or if someone said the ball bounced, then I never would have marked the golf ball, he said. You know when the ball bounces, its almost impossible for it to break the plane.

So if it bounced no more than a few feet roughly the height from which players take a drop how did it become embedded?

McIlroy unwittingly came to his rescue by having the same thing happen, which wasnt discovered by CBS until after the third round. It appears his ball on the 18th hole went slightly forward, though video wasnt quite as clear as it was for Reed.

On my life, that ball of mine was plugged, it was in its own pitch mark, so I took relief, McIlroy said.

By the book.

Except the names of the characters are different.

We know who they are, Tom Watson said long ago, without offering names, when asked about cheating on the PGA Tour. The list probably is longer than the people who run golf and preach its honor system would like to admit.

Winning doesnt take care of everything. Otherwise, the talk out of Torrey Pines would be Reeds phenomenal short game and his overall toughness that carried him to a five-shot victory.

Instead, he left with suspicion as his shadow.

Blame that on the Bahamas.

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Column: Reed's reputation from Bahamas the ultimate penalty - Associated Press

Corporate sponsors continue donation of tablets to students in The Bahamas – EyeWitness News

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS The Ministry of Education (MOE) is nearing its goal of acquiring sufficient devices for the 48,000 students enrolled in the public school system, thanks to continued donations from corporate sponsors.

The latest donor was a public-private partnership (PPP) organized by Leno Trust, the Myers Group and the Antique Auto Club of The Bahamas that donated tablets and approximately $16,000 to the MOE during a ceremony yesterday at the ministrys headquarters.

Permanent Secretary Lorraine Armbrister expressed the ministrys appreciation to the corporate sponsors.

We are always appreciative of efforts that are made from various philanthropic organizations to assist us with our goals, she said.

Armbrister explained that with an initial donation of $60,000, Leno Trust was the forerunner among many other donations from private organizations.

Here we are today thanking corporate partners for coming forward and assisting the MOE with its goal of trying to provide 48,000 devices for our children, she said.

The gifts come in both actual devices and in the form of monetary donations. We are well on our way; were only short of about 8,000 devices for our children.

Thank you to all those persons who have come forward and made known their commitment to the children of The Bahamas.

She urged parents and their children to grasp the opportunities that are available to them.

Minister of Education Jeffrey Lloyd said: Today, youve helped us along the way. We are so much closer to our goal. Leno is pushing with us to make sure that in every circumstance where a child needs a device, that child has the opportunity for a device.

And were working along with our other partners, Aliv and BTC Working with them enables us to help our children have access to quality education, which is our commitment to them, our commitment to the world.

We have said to the United Nations, the World Bank, IMF (International Monetary Fund), to IDB (Inter-American Development Bank) that we are committed to ensuring quality education for all of our children.

Dianne Bingham, managing director, Leno Foundation; Freeman Deveaux, Antique Auto Club of The Bahamas; and Ash Henderson, the Myers Group, also participated in the ceremony.

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Corporate sponsors continue donation of tablets to students in The Bahamas - EyeWitness News

Taneka Mackey, only Black woman to caddie full time in LPGA, on not being the last – ESPN

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Taneka Mackey (ne Sandiford), 26, is the first Bahamian woman caddie on the LPGA Tour. Since 2017, Mackey has caddied for LPGA Tour player Amy Olson. After suffering a seizure in November 2018, Mackey was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Despite her diagnosis, Mackey returned to Olson's bag in 2019 and remains the only Black woman caddie on the tour full time. In her own words, Mackey details her journey to the LPGA Tour and explains why she might be the first but certainly won't be the last.

Growing up in Nassau, Bahamas, I heard other kids, and even adults joke about how I was playing a white person's sport or a rich person's sport. That wasn't my reality. My parents provided me what I needed to play a sport that I was good at. I shrugged it off and kept playing.

It didn't even occur to me that maybe I wasn't supposed to be playing this sport because of my skin color or my family's economic status. All I knew was that I had a special power behind my swing. That was apparent whether or not I had the trendiest golf clothes on or advanced equipment in my bag.

When I started playing golf at the age of 10, I liked the idea of playing a new sport and trying something different. I rented a set of golf clubs for $25. The man that rented me the set told me, "You can keep them as long as you want, and whenever you return it, we will give you back $15."

Until the age of 16, I played with those rental clubs. My parents, Juan and Kristine, paid approximately $100 each year to allow me access to a local course. The only thing that I bought for the first few years were some golf shorts, shoes and gloves. The first time I bought golf clubs, I was a senior in high school. The local driving range pro said I needed better clubs and offered me a set for $150.

I never took golf lessons. I didn't even realize that I could take golf lessons, though golf pros taught lessons at the local course. The first few years of playing, my "instructor" was actually a soccer coach who had a passion and heart for the game. And beyond that, I got help from other junior golfers and volunteers with the Bahamas Golf Federation. I thought this was normal. I didn't know any different.

When it came to sports, my parents gave my brothers, Terrell and Garrett, and me everything we needed to succeed. We didn't have fancy clothes. We didn't have new electronics. We didn't have cool gadgets. But when it came to our athletics and education, we had everything we needed.

Throughout my childhood, my family struggled financially. My parents opened an early education school in Nassau and poured everything into making it successful. For the first six years of my life, we lived in a one-bedroom apartment. Then, we moved to the school, where we had two bedrooms that we lived in, two rooms for the five of us. It wasn't until I became an adult that I realized that no matter how much we might have been struggling, my parents did everything they could to allow my brothers and me the opportunity to play sports. And not just play the sports but succeed in them.

When I was little, I loved swimming. But then, I started playing basketball. And it became my everything. I followed in my oldest brother Terrell's footsteps. When he picked up a basketball, I picked up a basketball. I didn't just try to keep up with him. I tried to be better than him. He's two years older than me, but that didn't stop me. I would dedicate countless hours every day after school to my game. I dreamed of maybe one day becoming a professional basketball player.

For years, basketball remained my everything. I never thought that another sport would trump basketball. Even when I first started playing golf, I still felt that basketball was my No. 1.

Initially, Terrell and I played golf because my mom read in the local Nassau newspaper that the Bahamas Golf Federation was trying to get more kids into the sport. We thought, "Sure, whatever. Why not?" It was mostly the boys and me, but I was OK with that. I liked trying something new and keeping up with my brother. After six months of learning how to play the game, when I was 11, I made the Bahamas national team. It didn't take long before my attitude towards the sport started to change. I realized that this sport might provide me the opportunity to do more than I could have ever imagined.

Within the first few years of playing as a junior on the national team, I traveled to Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Antigua, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago. Though I was still playing basketball, I started to take golf more seriously. By my senior year of high school, I needed to decide if I was going to pursue a career in basketball or golf.

It wasn't easy. While on the Pensacola Christian College women's basketball team in Florida, I continued to play golf and compete in local tournaments. It didn't take long before the question was raised, "Why isn't Taneka playing golf?" I was good at basketball, but I was even better at golf. After receiving a scholarship, I transferred to Redlands Community College. I competed on the golf team for two years before joining the Chicago State University's women's golf team on an athletic scholarship in 2014.

Even as my time as a collegiate golfer was coming to an end, I knew that my career in golf wasn't over. I just wasn't sure what it was going to look like. I wasn't sure if I wanted to pursue a professional golf career, but I knew that I wanted to allow myself to play in one LPGA event. I wanted to represent my country, the Bahamas, on a big stage. I wanted to show the other little Black girls and boys in the Bahamas that they could make it, too. That was my dream, my goal.

In 2013, while I was still playing at Redlands, the Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic debuted at the Ocean Club Golf Course on Paradise Island near my hometown of Nassau.

I thought, "This is my chance. This is my shot." I wanted it to be my opportunity. They were offering a spot to a local Bahamian player, and I wanted to play. But then I found out that it would mean giving up my amateur status and college scholarship to compete in one tournament. I don't know if I was selling myself short, but as much as I wanted to believe in myself, I knew that I didn't have the resources at my disposal to even make a cut in an LPGA event. This was probably the first time that I fully realized just how different my golf upbringing had been compared to others.

But I didn't let any of this deter me. I still wanted to represent my country. I would represent it differently. So, I signed up to volunteer at the tournament. The tournament officials asked if I would be interested in caddying at the tournament. I remember asking myself, "Why would they want a community college golfer's advice? What could I offer?"

In the debut tournament, I caddied for Jill McGill. All I could think about was how I would tell my future kids about how I caddied in an LPGA Tour event for a professional golfer and how no one would ever be able to take that experience from me. I might not have been playing, but I was there on that stage. And I wanted to represent my country to the fullest. I wore the Bahamas flag on my hat and shirt. When I walked past the crowd holding McGill's bag, I wanted the spectators to know that I'm a Bahamian. I wanted the kids in the stands to see that I'm representing their country. I'm there for them. For us.

Four years later, in 2017, one year after I graduated from college, while assistant coaching at Redlands on my former golf team, I returned home to volunteer at the tournament. And that's when everything changed. LPGA Tour player Amy Olson (ne Anderson) needed a local caddie. And I got the call that I would be on her bag.

The connection was instant. It felt like a friendship that you've fostered for years. But it also felt like a turning point for me. I finally felt like this is what I was meant to do. I wasn't sure if I would compete in an LPGA Tour event as a player, but I felt confident in my abilities to be a caddie on tour.

A few months after caddying for Olson in the Bahamas, she called me and asked if I could meet her in Texas for another tournament. Then she asked if I was available to caddie a few more events. Without hesitation, I said, "Absolutely! Let's do it."

By the 2018 season, I was caddying for Olson almost full time. I knew that every chance I got on Olson's bag was an opportunity to represent my country and be a role model for Black girls and Black people from the Caribbean.

After almost one year of caddying on tour, I felt an empowerment that I had never experienced before. At the age of 24, I could call myself a professional caddie. And that meant everything to me.

Then, on Nov. 1, 2018, everything paused.

While out jogging in my neighborhood in the Bahamas, I started to feel extremely fatigued after running about a mile and a half. I couldn't believe that I was already tired after not even making it two miles. I told myself, "You can't stop. You have to keep going. You're almost there." The next thing I remembered, I was lying on the street. I experienced my first seizure.

Shortly after, I was rushed to a Nassau hospital, where they found 20-plus lesions on my brain. I spent six days in the hospital, and the doctors still couldn't conclude why I had a seizure while jogging.

For almost three months, I didn't have a diagnosis. During those three months, I never cried. I never thought, "why me?" or "poor me." Instead, I thought about how much I had accomplished in my 24 years. I thought about how I got to travel around the world, swim with sharks in Australia, a dream of mine since I was a little girl, and caddie on the LPGA Tour.

There were so many things that I had accomplished that I never even imagined I would have the opportunity to do in my life. I was completely satisfied with my life at that time. And I couldn't credit myself for that. I could only credit God. Between the moment I picked up a golf club to the moment I started carrying a bag on the LPGA Tour, there were so many doors that had been opened up for me. And as I worried about why the doctors couldn't figure out what was wrong with me, I believed that God had more in store for me. It wasn't my time to go.

During this period of waiting, I wanted to continue to caddie for Olson. I wasn't sure what that would look like or how it would happen, but I didn't want to stop caddying. And Olson supported me. We prayed together. We talked about the different scenarios. We were a team.

On Feb. 7, 2019, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Olson's first tournament of the season was in Australia the next week. I didn't want to miss it. The first thing I asked my doctor, "Can I still travel? Can I still caddie?" When I got clearance from my doctor, and after I consulted with my parents, I was ready to go.

When I told Olson, she said that I had to stay with her for the first tournament in Australia. Normally, we don't stay together. But this time, it was different. She wanted to be by my side. At that point, we had a great friendship and professional relationship, but my diagnosis deepened our bond.

I remember repeating the bible verse, Luke 1:37, over and over in my head: "For with God nothing shall be impossible." Although there were many uncertainties at that time with my new diagnosis -- my family, Olson and God helped me. And I knew that caddying on the tour at the start of the season was something I needed to do. I wanted to show people that you can be down but you're not out. And that's exactly how I felt.

1 Related

As much as I had no regrets until that point, I also knew that I had so much left to offer in all aspects of my life. I was dating my now-husband, Thomas, who had been my best friend and one of my biggest supporters for seven years. I knew that I wanted to marry him and start a life with him, which we did in December 2019.

My diagnosis just solidified that I wanted to leave a legacy. A legacy for the people of the Bahamas, for Black girls and boys, to look at me and realize that they can too if I could do it. No matter what obstacle you might be facing, you can accomplish your dreams and more.

My diagnosis also remains a reminder that you don't know what will happen tomorrow, so you have to push yourself today. You have to seize every opportunity -- even if it wasn't part of your original plan.

When Olson asked me to regularly caddie for her three years ago, I knew that I would stand out on tour. At that time, there weren't any Black women caddies and were very few women caddies on tour. There were only two Black players on tour, Cheyenne Woods and Mariah Stackhouse. But, I believed that I was there for a reason. Today, I'm the only Black woman caddie on the LPGA Tour.

I'd be lying if I said I didn't have thoughts about if I deserved to be there throughout my time on tour as a caddie. The sentiments from my childhood of the other kids and adults telling me that golf was a white and rich sport can sometimes creep into my mind, but I don't want to entertain that chatter for half a second.

I may not be white, and I may not be rich, but I am here.

God put me here for a reason. And sometimes, I am the only Black woman on the course. And that's OK because I know that I'm not going to be the last. I might not be playing on tour. But that doesn't mean I'm not making a difference.

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D’Aguilar: Bahamas very close to monetizing airspace – EyeWitness News

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS The Bahamas is close to finally monetizing its airspace, according to Tourism and Aviation Minister Dionisio DAguilar, who noted that legislation debated in Parliament yesterday seeks to make that possible.

DAguilar led debate on a compendium of bills, namely the Civil Aviation Bill, 2021, the Civil Aviation Authority Bahamas Bill, 2021 and the Bahamas Air Navigation Services Authority Bill, 2021.

The Free Town MP noted that introduction of the Air Navigation Services Authority Bill with the insertion of the new terminology of Bahamas Administered Airspace, Bahamas Aircraft and Bahamas Territory provides The Bahamas with more economic control over its sovereign airspace and expands its aircraft registry capabilities. Section 5 of the bill allows the new civil aviation authority to enter into arrangements or partnerships with respect to the air navigation service.

DAguilar noted that Section 20 of the bill gives the new authority, with the approval of the minister, the power to develop, recommend and impose fees and service charges for the provision of air navigation services in The Bahamas, such as overflight fees for aircraft that transit Bahamian administered airspace, but neither land in nor depart from The Bahamas; air navigation service fees for services rendered within airspace of The Bahamas, including air traffic management, communications, navigation, radar surveillance, separation services, flight information services, procedural control and training; air navigation services training; and any other service related to air navigation services in The Bahamas.

The passage of this bill seeks to set up the infrastructure so that we can finally begin to monetize one of our greatest natural resources the airspace above us, said DAguilar.

We dont have to dig, drill, mine, extract, dredge anything to start making money from our airspace. We just have to figure out how to bill and how to collect a fee every time a plane flies into, or out of, or through, our airspace.

For the 48 years that have elapsed since independence, The Bahamas has never been able to realize one red cent from the airspace above our country. We are so close to changing that.

DAguilar also noted that the bill also gives the authority the ability to impose penalties for late payments and apply statutory liens on aircraft operators who do not pay their fees and/or service charges.

He noted the 2017 International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Safety Oversight Audit had revealed that The Bahamas aviation legislation and the Bahamas Civil Aviation structure were largely outdated, non-compliant and unable to keep up with the ever-evolving standards and recommended practices outlined in the UN Convention on International Civil Aviation and its annexes.

As a result of this audit, the Bahamas Effective ImplementationScore fell from an average of 56.98 percent to an average of 31.98 percent in late 2017, said DAguilar, noting that this score put The Bahamas at the bottomof the list of Caribbean countries.

DAguilar noted that the ICAO auditors will return this November, 2021, to follow up on this nations corrective action plans and to determine whether previously identified safety deficiencies have been satisfactorily resolved.

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RBDF marines assist with teaching classes in southern Bahamas – EyeWitness News

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) marines deployed to the southern Bahamas are providing technical classes to students on the island of Inagua, in keeping with Commodore Dr Raymond Kings strategic objective of strengthening relationships with stakeholders and the community at large.

Led by Sub Lieutenant Renaldo Wilkinson, base first lieutenant for the RBDF Southern Command, the team of marines have been stepping up to the plate to teach classes at Inagua All-Age School.

With students having to return to the classrooms for a face-to-face environment in the southern Bahamas, there arose a need for assistance in specialized subjects.

Leading Mechanic Alonzo Russell, a competent engineer, used the opportunity to teach electrical installation and drywall to students at the senior level. Likewise, Leading Mechanic Abrian Rankine also teaches electronics and maritime studies to the students. Musician in the RBDF Band Marine Seaman Cleon Lewis was called upon to assist in the music department.

The principal of the school, Nishgo Bain-Collie, expressed appreciation of the RBDFs ongoing efforts, as the organization supports the commands vision of partnering with the Matthew Town Community.

The officers are doing an amazing job with the students, said Bain-Collie. We appreciate their assistance because after the electrical teacher passed away last year, they stepped up and are helping to prepare the students for their Electrical Installations BGCSE examinations this year. The students havent had music lessons in over a year, and they are excited with the lessons.

The students also recently had the opportunity to tour HMBS BAHAMAS, a 60-meter patrol craft under the command of Commander William Sturrup, as part of a field trip. They were shown various components of the ship as it relates to the maritime aspect of their course.

Commanding officer of the RBDFs Southern Command, Captain Glenn McPhee, extended his gratitude on behalf of Commander Defence Force Commodore Raymond King to the dedicated men and women who perform community services while at the same time serving and protecting The Bahamas territorial waters from illicit maritime activities.

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Brennen: Bahamas likely to access more than one COVID-19 vaccine – EyeWitness News

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Delon Brennen said as The Bahamas continues preparations for a COVID-19 vaccine to be made available in-country, it is likely that The Bahamas will distribute more than one approved vaccine.

During a BAAWMAR panel discussion on the vaccine moderated by Dr Khandra Sears, a board member of the NGO Brennen suggested The Bahamas preference is to access vaccines more suited for its climate and geographic makeup, including those that do not require ultra-low temperatures, which could present transportation challenges.

However, he said the country will remain flexible instead of restrictive.

We are trying not to be restrictive, but we do know that some of the issues being an island nation, being in a tropical setting, being spread out and not being one singular landmass, present particular challenges for us, he said.

And so, we are designing our vaccine deployment strategy around that to be able to make sure that what we bring in-country can be used as efficiently as possible and the vaccines that fit in that criteria are the ones that are more likely to be used in-country.

But it is not going to be one vaccine for the entire country.

We are preparing such that if we receive allocates of one that cant fulfill the entire requirement, well be able to use that one first, and then as we get another one, well still be able to deliver that other one as well and using the advantages of an advanced digital age to be able to track who gets what vaccine, so that if they need two doses, they get two of the same and we pay attention to some of those details.

Asked which vaccine will be made available in The Bahamas and the discussions surrounding that decision, Brennen said as a member state of the World Health Organization (WHO) and Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), The Bahamas will use the mechanism that goes with approval under WHO in order to decide which vaccines we are going use.

Usually they have a very stringent, regulatory mechanism that is set up for approval in order to make sure that vaccines have been tested and we know the kind of issues that are related to them the cold chain from manufacturing to delivery, he said.

Vaccine in-country all happens in a very systematic way. And so, we use the mechanism to reassure the Bahamian people that what we are doing meets an international standard.

And so, while we are now moving in many of these areas to emergency usage you know WHO uses it as an emergency use listing, places with other stringent regulatory authorities like the [FDA] may use terminology like emergency use authorization but either way, what you are saying is it hasnt gone through what would otherwise be seen as the usual process, but because of the issues of a pandemic, theyve been approved for emergency use.

We are going with a policy decision in-country to use the approval through WHO emergency use listing or another stringent regulatory authority that says we have done the research; we have gotten the information on the vaccine, looked at that data and said it can be approved for emergency use.

And so, there are a number of those that we trust to be able to do so.

And then with some of our Caribbean colleagues, we use the Caribbean Public Health Agency and the regional authority when it comes to reviewing vaccines to be able to ensure that emergency use listing or authorization can now be translated to the jurisdiction based on what is proposed by a manufacture to be sent to us; that it still meets that same level of stringent review that has been done so what has been approved is being sent and in that approach, the thought is we would have built in some levels of safeguards to ensure what we are going to get in-country meets at least that level of scrutiny, so we can assure the people.

The WHO granted emergency use validation to BioNTech-Pfizer last December.

Other country-specific emergency use vaccines such as Moderna and AstraZeneca, among others, continue to be examined by the WHO.

The Bahamas is expected to get access to a COVID-19 vaccinethrough the Pan American Health Organizations COVAX Facilitywithin the first quarter of this year, though that date has yet to be narrowed down.

Last week, Minister of Health Renward Wells said the government plans to order nine vaccine coolers in preparation for the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines in The Bahamas, and will have a vaccine facility that can hold up to 300,000 doses on New Providence and 50,000 doses on Grand Bahama.

The government hasmade a down paymentto secure 80,000 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, which is expected to vaccinate 20 percent of the population when the vaccine becomes available in-country.

Yesterday, Brennen said while The Bahamas continues to prepare to receive a vaccine in-country, including procuring coolers and a facility to store doses, the need to keep doses at low temperatures does present a little bit of a challenge for us with transporting doses across the archipelago.

While we are putting in place the mechanisms to be able to use those types of vaccines when they become available to the country, like a Pfizer or a Moderna, we also know what would be better in our situation is if we have vaccines that take advantage of the same mechanisms that we have [been] using to keep our vaccination coverage in-country in the 90 to 95 percent range for so many of our antigens that are out there already, he said.

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KFC: COVID restrictions has forced termination of 35 employees – EyeWitness News

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS Restaurants Bahamas Limited, operators of KFC Nassau, has terminated 35 employees across its nine locations due to what the company called the unprecedented economic slowdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the restrictions the government imposed to mitigate against the virus, including the ongoing nightly curfew.

For almost a year now, the curfews imposed on New Providence have severely impacted sales and revenue, Restaurants Bahamas Limited Human Resources Director Nina Maynard said.

We have made adjustments throughout this pandemic in order [to] keep everyone employed, but unfortunately we now find ourselves in the position where this very difficult move is simply unavoidable.

According to the company, the ongoing 10pm curfew on New Providence has resulted in the fast-food chain losing an entire segment of business.

The company is unable to continue to provide its over 360 team members with their contractual days and hours that were based on pre-pandemic operating schedule, read a statement.

The company has lobbied government in hopes of having the curfew until later in the evening now that new COVID-19 cases in New Providence have declined, however, those efforts have not been successful.

The layoffs will take place across the companys nine locations.

There have been varying restrictive measures, including complete lockdowns and weekend lockdowns since mid-March 2020.

Those restrictions were largely relaxed in July, prompting a massive resurgence of the virus and an ultimate resumption of restrictive measures to stem the surge.

As cases slowed into the low double digits, the government reopened many sectors of the economy and reopened the countrys tourism last November.

KFC has attempted several marketing campaigns in recent months.

As the holidays approached and the cancellation of traditional Junkanoo was confirmed, the restaurant franchise announced its own campaign for Junkanoo enthusiasts, challenging the Junkanoo community to create their most elaborate headpiece, which must use a KFC chicken bucket in some way in its construction, for a chance to win big.

Last December, KFC said despite its revenue taking a major hit due to the lockdowns and restrictions, associates and managers will receive their full Christmas bonus.

The company said in a statement that it saw no revenue in August, while noting that its affiliate Lucianos did not survive. The company said it has asked the Bahamas Managerial Association (BHMA) and the Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union (BHCAWU) that represents its managers and employees for understanding as they seek to split the bonus payment into two parts.

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IC Bahamas Junior Series hosts its first tennis tournament of the year – Bahamas Tribune

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OVER the weekend, the IC Bahamas Junior Series hosted its first tournament of 2021 for players in the under-10 and under-12 categories at the National Tennis Centre (NTC).

The tournament sponsor was Winterbotham Trust.

Finalists in the various categories are:

Boys 10 - Winner: Lucas Zoebelein. Runner-up: Cameron Ferguson.

Girls U10 - Winner: Marlee Martin. Runner-up: Srae Rodgers.

Boys U12 - Winner: Patrick Mactaggart.

Runner-up - Chase Newbold.

Girls U12 - Winner: Sarai Clarke. Runner-up: Claudia Drgon.

The tournament was the first BLTA sanctioned junior tournament since the pandemic. Juniors were excited to get on the courts with the safety and health protocols in place.

We are very pleased to host the first tennis tournament, said IC Bahamas president Kit Spencer. This is the third year for the IC Tennis Junior Series in the Bahamas. This initial tournament should open the way for tennis tournaments to be staged with the proper safety protocols and procedures.

Spencer extended thanks to Mickey Williams, the tournament supervisor and Tara Mactaggart, the tournament organiser. In addition, Spencer thanked the NTC, BLTA and the officials at the tournament, who recently received training at the BLTAs officiating course.

The BLTA congratulated IC Bahamas for organising this tournament and ensuring a safe, smooth and seamless process. The successful tournament has paved the way for more competitive tennis tournaments in the future in a safe environment and in adherence to strict protocols.

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Davis appalled by Nygard allegations Eye Witness News – EyeWitness News

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS Distancing himself from former Lyford Cay resident Peter Nygard, who stands to face federal sex trafficking charges, Opposition Leader Philip Brave Davis said yesterday that had any complaint been made to authorities while he was deputy prime minister, a police investigation would have been immediately launched.

During a press conference at the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) headquarters, Davis said as a father and as a Bahamian he was appalled by the allegations, which he called the most horrific crimes against women.

I want to be clear, as a father of daughters, as a Bahamian, I am appalled by these very serious charges, the PLP leader said.

Peter Nygard contributed to both political parties, to many charitable causes here and to regattas across the country.

Those contributions do not in any way excuse his behavior, but nor are the many recipients of his contributions responsible for his behavior.

At no time during my tenure as deputy prime minister was there ever a criminal complaint made to the Bahamian police about the matters he is now charged with.

Had there been, an investigation would [have] been launched immediately.

In fact, to my knowledge, the first time any complaint of this nature was brought to the police was in July of 2019 under the watch of the FNM (Free National Movement).

The FNM themselves got mixed up in a feud between two billionaires who hated each other

Last December, Commissioner of Police Paul Rolle confirmed Nygard was never interviewed by local police regarding sexual allegations against him.

In court filings, Davis was named as someone who was close with Nygard when he served as deputy prime minister.

The affidavit alleges that Nygard regularly met with him and paid bribes to him and his political aides.

It further claims: Davis allegedly introduced Nygard to known Bahamian gangsters and convicted criminals, Livingston Toogie Bullard and Wisler Bobo Davilma. Nygard paid Toogie and Bobo with funds from the Nygard Companies to intimidate anyone who spoke out against him or his initiatives by, among other means, directing them to firebomb his detractors vehicles and/or businesses, instructing them to threaten to kill those who oppose him and commit other acts of violence and intimidation.

Nygard was arrestedin Winnipeg, Canada, in December, 2020, after federal prosecutors accused him of a more than two-decades-long string of criminal conduct involving racketeering, sex trafficking and other crimes against women and minors.

A nine-count unsealed indictment outlined alleged crimes stemming from The Bahamas, Canada, New York and elsewhere.

Nygard was charged with using fraud, force and coercion to cause at least dozens of adult and minor-aged girls to engage in commercial sex acts for his gratification, and on occasion those of his personal friends and business associates.

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Commonwealth Brewery Limited and Bahama Barrels join forces for new wine brand – EyeWitness News

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS Commonwealth Brewery Limited (CBL) has announced a new partnership with local winery Bahama Barrels by Graycliff as it introduces Chillin Red and Chillin White wines.

Commonwealth Brewerys retail division, 700 Wines and Spirits, will be the sole trade distributor.

Densil Deveaux, senior manager for wines at CBL, said: We are thrilled about this wonderful partnership, as CBL has long believed in supporting Bahamian entrepreneurs.

Bahama Barrels, being the only Bahamian winery, is a natural fit to complement our current portfolio of Bahamian brands offered in retail chain.

Bahama Barrels is the brainchild of Paolo Garzaroli, whose family has been associated with excellence in wine since purchasing Graycliff in 1973. The winery is located on West Hill street in a quaint, refurbished convent originally built by the Sisters of Charity.

The Chillin wines are handcrafted by Bahamian winemaker Sylena Cartwright who trained in Italy and is the first ever Bahamian winemaker creating an end-to-end Bahamian collaboration.

Garzaroli said: We are excited to have forged this relationship with Commonwealth Brewery, which allows us to introduce ourselves and our products to the local market. Although The Bahamas is not a wine producer, its influence is evident in the ingredients, branding and overall concept of the Chillin wines.

The Chilln wines were created to fill a void for the newly graduated wine novice. The wines are to be experienced, not exploited, and [are] sure to enhance each celebratory moment.

According to CBL, the slightly sweeter palate of the Chillin wines pairs perfectly with the spice and robust flavor of popular Bahamian cuisines, and both the Sweet Red and Sweet White wines consist of familiar fruity tones.

The Sweet Red offers dense, ripe and powerful flavors of plums, berries and cocoa notes. The Sweet White is described as cheerfully sweet having intense aromas of ripe banana and hints of lime and honeydew melon.

The Chillin wine brand, in addition to Bahama Barrels prosecco, primativo and 14 Degrees Red Blend, are now available at select 700 Wines and Spirits stores across New Providence.

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PROMISES, PROMISES: PM tells nurses they will get paid even if he doesn’t – EyeWitness News

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS The Bahamas Nurses Union (BNU) has reportedly received another assurance from Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis that he will deliver on his promise to pay nurses for overtime worked last year.

BNU President Amancha Williams told Eyewitness News that she spoke with the prime minister yesterday evening following weeks-long agitation from the bargaining agent over a number of outstanding issues, namely the outstanding payments and alleged unfair treatment.

The prime minister stated that he will ensure that we get paid even if that means that he does not get paid at the end of the month, and he said that he granted permission to the treasury to go ahead and carry out whatever was promised to us from July.

The union gathered at the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday morning in a bid to meet with Minnis over their issues.

During Wednesdays demonstration, Williams said several nurses in the Department of Public Health have still not been paid for overtime worked during Hurricane Dorian in 2019 and throughout the coronavirus pandemic last year.

In an update yesterday, Williams assured members that the union executives will not stop until payments are made.

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PROMISES, PROMISES: PM tells nurses they will get paid even if he doesn't - EyeWitness News

NHI: We’ll protect 90% of Bahamians by 2025 – Bahamas Tribune

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But only 61% of public directly enrolled

Relies on private insurers to cover rest

Sectors early fears sufficiently satisfied

By NEIL HARTNELL

Tribune Business Editor

nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

The National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme is targeting a rapid expansion that aims to provide more than 90 percent of Bahamians with its basic primary care coverage by 2025.

The plans governing authority, in a just-released report on the publics response to its primary care goals, said widely increased coverage relies on significant buy-in by both private health insurers and physicians to help achieve this objective.

While the NHI Authority is forecasting that 61 percent of Bahamians will be directly enrolled with the scheme within the next four years, its standard health benefit (SHB) - the base level of primary coverage - will reach over 90 percent of the population via private health insurers.

The report reveals that the likes of Colina Insurance Company, Family Guardian and CG Atlantic Medical & Life will be mandated to offer NHIs SHB as part of existing and new policies, meaning their clients will not have to register as NHI beneficiaries despite being able to access the same coverage.

It was not disclosed how this requirement will be mandated and/or enforced, although presumably it will have to be given legislative effect via and Act of Parliament. And expanding the number of private doctors and physicians providing treatment to NHI beneficiaries was cited as key to improving patient outcomes and experiences, as well as expanding services throughout The Bahamas.

The primary care transformation initiative (PCTI) is on track to increase primary care coverage in The Bahamas. By 2025, 61 percent of Bahamians are projected to be enrolled in NHI with more than 90 percent having access to SHB coverage, the NHI Authority report asserted.

No data or analytical models were provided to support these projections, and one healthcare industry source - speaking to Tribune Business on condition of anonymity - said the absence of empirical evidence to support forecasts had been a consistent gap with the NHI scheme.

Everything they have in that document is what they project will happen, the source said. There is no statistical evidence for the hypothesis: This is what we want to happen, this is how we do it, how much it will cost.

This is the theory behind it. From inception NHI has been very theoretical from book knowledge and predictions, but very little is hard facts as to what theyre doing so they can continue to provide cost effective, sustainable healthcare for The Bahamas. Theres no one knocking down the doors to join.

They added that, to achieve its 2025 breadth of coverage objectives, the NHI Authority was hedging its bets on the insurance industry coming on board to provide NHI benefits to beneficiaries, and to be their representatives through an NHI partnership. They are also depending on private physicians to align with NHI to expand then provider platform.

It appears that the Bahamian health insurance industry may have little choice but to comply with the quest for what is billed as universal access to affordable healthcare for Bahamians. The NHI Authoritys latest report acknowledges that its plans mean changes for private insurers and both their individual and group (employer) clients.

Individuals who have coverage through private insurance will no longer be eligible to access primary care coverage from NHI. Instead, they will be able to access SHB coverage through their private policy, the NHI Authority affirmed.

Private insurers will be required to mirror SHB as the minimum standard of coverage for primary care. This means that existing private insurance plans will be strengthened, while requiring no co-payments or deductibles for SHB services and offering an improved patient experience through the electronic health record. Individuals who are privately insured will not need to enroll in the NHI programme.

In addition to the SHB, policyholders will continue to enjoy any existing coverage that they have previously negotiated with their private insurers and/or employers. The reforms under the PCTI will also provide greater cost certainty for insurers and should provide for more predictable and affordable policies.

Sandy Morley, the Bahamas Insurance Associations (BIA) vice-chairman, yesterday told Tribune Business that the health insurance industrys initial concerns over the SHB proposal and NHIs wider implications for the sector have been satisfied following discussions with the Authority.

Weve had extensive dialogue, he said. There have been discussions, and theres a working group that NHI has put in place which includes the Bahamas Insurance Association. There were some initial concerns but we were able to work through them sufficiently and the industry is satisfied with how its going to work.

The only aspect that impacts us is the aspect of primary care. Its not going to impact the additional health benefits for any of our customers. Weve always had the standard benefit. What this does is carve out who should be registered with NHI and who shouldnt be.

The NHI Authoritys latest report reiterated its belief that the public healthcare system, and Bahamian taxpayers, could enjoy a total $55m in savings spread over the next five fiscal years by better integrating the existing primary care facilities (clinics) with treatments provided by NHI.

We envision part of these savings to be reinvested into the system to update and upgrade some public healthcare facilities. Engaging the private sector through public-private partnership (PPP) models will also bring in much-needed investment to enable us to deliver improvements without the burden of financing capital on the public sector, the report added.

Recognising we are in the midst of difficult financial times for Bahamians, the NHI Authority is committed to the journey towards affordable healthcare and universal health coverage. We are seeking to remove financial barriers like co-pays and deductibles in accessing healthcare.

The NHI Authority had previously estimated that it could trim the Governments annual primary healthcare system by $16m per annum come the 2024-2025 fiscal year, lowering the total from $130m under the present structure to around $113m. This would involve NHI accounting for the bulk of such spending, some $91m, while virtually eliminating the Public Hospitals Authoritys (PHA) contribution in this area.

However, the economic devastation inflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic has imposed some limits on what the NHI Authority can ask taxpayers to fund. For the foreseeable future it is focusing in primary care only, having been forced to pause a planned expansion to include catastrophic care benefits.

The NHI 2.0 proposal included expanded benefits to deliver more comprehensive coverage for high-cost care, a mandate for employers to provide insurance and a national risk pool to enable affordability and access, the NHI Authority said.

In a post-COVID-19 landscape where our economy has recovered, and when the time is right, we will strive to expand coverage and implement other reforms initially envisioned as part of NHI 2.0. For now, we recognise the need to balance our healthcare priorities while considering the challenges our businesses and economy face.

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NHI: We'll protect 90% of Bahamians by 2025 - Bahamas Tribune

Columbus Primary School receives tablets from Rotary Club of Southeast Nassau and donor – EyeWitness News

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS The Rotary Club of Southeast Nassau (RCSEN) recently partnered with a private sponsor to supply electronic tablets to Columbus Primary School, allowing more students to get online.

RCSEN President Lionel Haven shared the challenges of learning caused by COVID-19.

Education has taken a big hit and both teachers and students are required to interact virtually, he said. For a great many students and families, this has been a difficult hurdle to overcome. A generous gift by Barbara van der Velde has allowed our club to facilitate the presentation of 50 devices for students for their use in furthering their education.

According to Columbus Primary Principal Jacqueline Sands, there were more than 100 students affected.

We presently have 134 students who are not online as yet. So, this donation will go a long way to putting 50 more students online, she said.

The donation meets 37 percent of the schools goal and there are now 84 students awaiting assistance.

Sheralyn Anderson, district education officer at the Ministry of Education, also thanked RCSEN and their sponsor. She further mentioned that there were still many students in the public school system needing access to online learning.

Haven mentioned that his Rotary club has cherished its good relationship with Columbus Primary School through the Early Act Club program that started over five years ago. He also recognized the good work by RCSEN Youth Director Ruthnell Bethell, who is at this years helm and who is assisted by Brittany Turnquest and Shendryka Miller at Columbus Primary.

Brenda Hart-Stack, a friend of the sponsor, said: Barbara van der Velde had heard that Rotary could facilitate the donation, therefore she was happy to make the donation that contributes to education because it is one of the most important parts of a childs life to further themselves in the future.

Aliv, a company that has partnered with Rotary Bahamas to raise funds to close the digital divide, donated T-shirts, pens and key rings for the presentation event.

Inquiries or donations can be made to the Rotary Club of Southeast Nassau by emailing donate@rcsen.net.

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Columbus Primary School receives tablets from Rotary Club of Southeast Nassau and donor - EyeWitness News