Monthly Archives: June 2022

Tom O'Neill didn't know what to think when he got an unexpected email last fall.

The email was from a man who claimed to have found aplane, the oneO'Neill'suncle was in when it crashed during the Second World War. The plane was located off the coast ofNassau, Bahamas.

O'Neill's uncle, Maurice (pronounced Morris) O'Neill was from Halifax. He was one of two people to die after a mechanical failureon a B-26 Marauder on Oct. 17, 1944, during a training exercise.

"It was interesting to hear what happened," said Tom O'Neill, who lives in Villa Nova, Ont. "They didn't talk a lot about it in the family, just that he'd gone down, [they] didn't know the circumstances or why they had not been able to find them."

The discovery of the plane also providedanswers to Joanne Green of Guelph, Ont. Her uncle, Jack Wood, was the other person on the plane.

"My mom didn't like to talk about it," said Green."She was always very upset. So when this started, this has gone from a little bit of family lore to, like, this is real."

The discovery was thanks to Eric Wiberg, a determinedAmerican who lives in Boston. He frequently visits the Bahamas and spent time there growing up.

Last year was a tragic one for him. A nephew who lives in the Bahamas died in a car accident and hismom died after an eight-year battle with cancer.

He found solace in diving and became fixated on finding something he spotted decades ago as a teen.

While out on a friend's powerboat In 1985, he and his best friend came across the wheel from a plane.

"I was mesmerized," he said."Basically, what the hell is a wheel doing on a reef, you know? It really caught my imagination and that question stuck with me."

Wiberg is an author and historian who has published more than a dozen books. One of those books isBahamas in World War II: A Military Chronology 1939-1945.

The Bahamas was an important training ground for pilots during the war, as well as a critical stopping point for aircraft constructed in North America making the journey overseas, saidJeff Noakes,a Second World War historian at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa.

While it was possible to disassemble aircraft and transport themby ship, that came with problems.

"That takes time and it takes up room on ships that can be used for other things and if the ships get sunk, you lose the aircraft," he said.

As a result, the Bahamas was a popular transit point for Allied aircraft.

Wiberg's book, in part,looks at the more than 100 Royal Air Force crashes that happened on the Caribbean island during the war.

One of those crashes caused the deaths of O'Neill and Wood. The location listed on official military records led Wiberg to believe theplane wheel he spotted in 1985 was from that crash.

"I was just deathly afraid that somebody else would find it and desecrate it and steal," he said.

Engulfed in personal turmoil, he set out to find the plane.

He thought he found it, but his hopes were dashed when aviation experts rebuked him. They told him he'd found the remnants of a Beechcraft plane, not the B-26 Marauder flown by O'Neill and Wood.

It wasn't even the plane he had spotted in 1985.

"My colleagues in Australia and other places rejected me and said, 'You've wasted our time. This is obviously not a B-26. You obviously don't know what you're doing,'" said Wiberg.

He was dejected, but became more determined than ever to find the plane flown by O'Neill and Wood.

While the crash report offered up latitude and longitude, Wiberg's dive in the area turned up unsuccessful.

Eyewitnesses had been consistent that the plane crashed 400 yards (366 metres)from shore. Aided by a reference to where a building was located, Wiberg'sfocus narrowed.

"So if you ... drew a line and you swam that line, eventually you'd find something, right?" said Wiberg.

Over a span of three weeks last November and December, Wibergspent about five hours a day diving around a 1.6-kilometregrid. An accomplished swimmer in his youth, Wibergdove without a breathing apparatus.

Fittingly, he made his breakthrough on Remembrance Day, finding a first piece from the plane, about three kilometresfrom where the official records said the plane would be. In the weeks that followed, he found around 45 pieces belonging to O'Neill and Wood's B-26 Marauder.

"I had done my job," Wibergsaid, fighting back tears.

The diving, done in depths averaging six to seven metres, was physically demanding. The twisting and turning caused by trying to lift wreckage from the sea floorcaused acase of stenosis.

In some cases,Wibergfound the wreckage within three metres from the shore.

The area where he dove is located on the north coast of Nassau, which housesthe Marley Resort and Spa,formerly a vacation home for famed musician Bob Marley.

O'Neill then contacted Green. They had first met several years ago through the research he did for Bahamas in World War II: A Military Chronology 1939-1945. She helped Wiberg connect with Tom O'Neill.

Green is an only child and her mother's only sibling was Jack Wood. Her father did not have any siblings.

Interested in genealogy, she's long tried to find answers about her family's history.

Wiberg's discovery has brought her one step closer to the uncle she never met.

Woodmarried a year or so before he enlisted in the war in 1942 and worked as an assistant manager in the mail order department for Simpsons in Toronto. He had a son, John Jr., who was only 10 months old when Wood died.

"I think it's all about closure, you know, coming full circle," said Green."Someone I didn't know at all, and now I feel like I know him. He was a good guy and that's just great with me."

For Tom O'Neill, the discovery gives him a better understanding of his Uncle Maurice, who lived in south-end Halifax.

Before the war, O'Neillworked in a stationery shop in downtown Halifax with his father. Tom O'Neill believes his uncle planned to return to work there after the war.

Green said her mother was always bothered by the fact no funeral was held for Uncle Jack. She was told it wasn't allowed. The reason why is unclear.

But that will change.

Green plans to go to the Bahamas this fall to have a memorial service in the area where the plane crashed. Wiberg has even lined up a bugler for the occasion.

"Here we are, like, the next generation, us meeting up," said Green."And I hope that we maintain our friendships."

For Wiberg, finding the B-26 Marauder wasn't an action just fuelled by grief. It was an act of family history.

His father was a longtime Swedish consulin the Bahamas. He instilled in his childrenthe value of service to others, especially when they were far from home.

Locating the B-26 Marauder wasn't the rewardit was letting O'Neill and Green know what happened to their uncles.

"I brought them back to life in a small way," said Wiberg.

For Noakes, the Canadian War Museum historian, stories like that of O'Neill and Woodare important to remember.

"These are loved ones who never came home or someone who's always been a picture in a family photo album, so there's obviously that connection," he said.

"It bears tremendous importance for people who have these direct personal connections to these events. It's also important because it is a reminder that the Second World War has this global impact and takes Canadians to locations around the world that people here in Canada right now might not necessarily think of."

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How a persistent diver in the Bahamas solved a WW II mystery involving a Halifax pilot - CBC.ca

9:54 PM4 hours ago90'

The match Trinidad and Tobago 1-0 Bahamas is over.

Last minutes of the match, Trinidad and Tobago is taking the 3 points at home.

A very clean game with only 3 yellow cards.

Time is running out and the locals are dominating the game at will.

Trinidad and Tobago missed many opportunities to increase its score.

Changes are made in the Bahamas' squad to make them more offensive.

Trinidad and Tobago in turn wants the goal that will increase its lead.

The Bahamas started the second half with the intention of going for the equalizer.

The second half begins.

End of the first half Trinidad and Tobago 1-0 Bahamas.

the last minutes of the first half, Trinidad and Tobago will go into the break with the lead.

The game remains level with a one-goal advantage for the home team.

Trinidad and Tobago has more shots on goal but fails to be effective.

Bahamas also insists and looks for the equalizer in a very close game.

The match drops a little in intensity as Trinidad and Tobago looks to increase its lead.

Little by little, the Bahamas took possession and tried to generate dangerous plays.

Trinidad and Tobago dominated the first few minutes after the goal.

Gooool for Trinidad and Tobago, the scoreboard opens quickly.

Trinidad and Tobago and Bahamas match kicks off

Everything is ready for the start of the match, the two teams are preparing to take the field.

The stadium has a great entrance for the match of the second day of the CONCACAF Nations League, a great game is coming.

The two teams are warming up and preparing for the start of the match.

Both teams are already at the stadium and are getting ready to warm up.

The fans are slowly arriving at the stadium for the start of this CONCACAF Nations League match.

Only Trinidad and Tobago will be without center forward Kevin Molino, one of their top scorers with 48 games played and 16 goals, due to injury, while the Bahamas will be able to count on a full squad for tomorrow's game.

In a few moments we will share with you the Trinidad and Tobago vs Bahamas live scores, as well as the latest information from Hasely Crawford Stadium. Stay tuned to VAVEL Mexico's live minute-by-minute coverage of the match.

4. Bateau, 2. Aubrey David, 11. Garcia, 14. Shannon Gomez, 18. Triston Hodge, 19. Keston Julien, 6. Moses, 23. Paul, 1. Marvin Phillip, 5. Phillips, 15. Rochford. DT: Angus Eve.This is the latest lineup for Trinidad and Tobago.

After defeating St. Vincent and the Grenadines 1-0, the Bahamas will be looking for one more win, but they will not have an easy task, as they will have to visit Trinidad and Tobago in a match that is sure to spark many sparks in the CONCACAF Nations League.

After losing their first match against Honduras 2-1, Trinidad and Tobago will be looking to get out of their slump against the Bahamas in a match that will be vital for their aspirations in the tournament, as they will then have to visit St. Vincent and the Grenadines in another match of great importance for the Central Americans.

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Goals and Summary of Trinidad and Tobago 1-0 Bahamas in CONCACAF Nations League. - VAVEL.com

NEWSLong Island Regatta Sets Sail Salt Pond Harbour welcomes sloop sailors and spectators to the Long Island Regattafrom 1 to 4 June 2022. Participants will compete for cash prizes and bragging rights while visitors shop artisan vendors and enjoy authentic food and drinks.

Competition Heats Up on Grand Bahama Island Join members of the Battle Ground Bahamas Yellowfin Tuna Fishing Tournamentfor a second year, from 2 to 4 June 2022, for championship fishing on Grand Bahama Island.

The Annual Pineapple Fest Returns to Eleuthera The sweet taste of summer and homegrown flavours return to Gregory Town, Eleuthera for the annual Pineapple Festfrom 3 to 4 June 2022. In honour of the island's agricultural heritage, festivities include musical entertainment, interactive games, and culinary competitions.

Cat Island Rake 'N Scrape Festival Celebrates Local Music Residents and visitors are invited to the annual Cat Island Rake 'N Scrape Festivalfrom 2 to 4 June 2022. Enjoy live performances by local and national artists, "down home" cuisine, and authentic craft goods.

The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort Marks its 60th Anniversary In celebration of 60 years in The Bahamas, The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort,ushers in a new era of glamour with ultra-exclusive culinary experiences and programming.

PROMOTIONS AND OFFERSFor a complete list of promotions, deals and packages available now for a vacation in The Bahamas, visitwww.bahamas.com/deals-packages.

Atlantis Paradise Island Launches Summer Sale Guests who book four or more consecutive nights at either The Royal or The Coral at Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamasbefore 8 June 2022 earn the fourth night free. The travel window is now through 31 October 2022.

Family Fun Awaits at Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau This summer, book a five-night stay at Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau with the "Fam"tastic Stay & Playoffer to receive a $350 food and beverage credit and unlimited access to the Fins Up Water Park and Parakeets Summer Camp. Travel window is now through 19 November 2022.

Caerula Mar Club and EvoJets debut the Ultimate Wedding Package Caerula Mar Club, a luxury resort on Andros, partners with private jet charter company EvoJetsto offer the Beachfront Bliss in The Bahamaswedding package. Included is VIP roundtrip transportation, three-night accommodations for the couple and bridal party, and ceremony essentials like the wedding cake and bridal bouquet. The booking window is now through 31 December 2022.

ABOUT THE BAHAMASSee why It's Better in The Bahamas at http://www.bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram.

PRESS INQUIRIESAnita Johnson-PattyBahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation[emailprotected]

Weber ShandwickPublic Relations[emailprotected]

SOURCE The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation

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WHAT'S NEW IN THE BAHAMAS IN JUNE - PR Newswire

If you happen to find yourself at a luxury resort in the Bahamas this Thanksgiving (as one does), you can also take in some OSU hoops.

According to a report by college hoops insider Jon Rothstein, Oklahoma State will take part in a multi-team event this coming Thanksgiving weekend at the Baha Mar resort in the Bahaman Islands. Joining the Cowboys in the event are DePaul, UCF and Santa Clara.

Oklahoma State is 7-3 all-time against DePaul with the last matchup ending in a 60-56 OSU win in 2010, but theres a more current Cowboy connection. Former OSU big man Yor Anei played for the Blue Demons last season and is on the current roster.

Oklahoma State and UCF have yet to meet and the Pokes history against Santa Clara is neither lengthy or current. OSU defeated Santa Clara 67-56 in the two schools only meeting back in 1953.

This just adds to an enticing noncon slate for the Pokes. OSU will also take part in the Hall of Fame Invitational in Brooklyn in December, according to a different report, and will face UConn in the Big East-Big 12 Battle. It will also take on Oakland on Nov. 13.

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OSU to Reportedly Take Part in Thanksgiving Hoops Tourney in Bahamas - Pistols Firing

The Customs Landing Requirement is only delayed. What is needed now are specific, workable recommendations and regular follow-ups by all parties.

1. Create a separate App for Private Pilots Click2Clear was designed for agents of import/export and has too many moving parts.

2. Use Fill-able C7A and ICAO General Declaration forms; pilots are already familiar with these paper documents. Customs can easily extract all the details they need from the online forms.

3. Drop passport data requirement. These are already collected by Immigration

4. Use an easy online payment app for $50 inbound processing fee and $29 departure taxes

5. Drop the threatening $5,000 fine for non-compliance

6. Retain the option of manual submission upon arrival for the few pilots who are not able to use online app; This costs nothing and saves tourism revenues that would otherwise be lost.

May 18: Everyone is blindsided by the unannounced mandate of the onerous Bahamas Customs Click2Clear landing requirement except for the AOPA Bahamas representative who noted he was aware of the intention and had been reaching out to the Bahamas government. He is stonewalled like so many others.

May 21: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism arranges a meeting with Bahamas Customs and the Bahamas Aviation Ambassadors. The outcome was not good. A meaningless nine-day delay and no firm commitment to change anything except perhaps the requirement to upload passport images.

May 22: Caribbean Flying Adventures (CFA) writes to Mark Baker encouraging his direct intervention and also contacts major Bahamas newspapers and key FBO managers around the Bahamas. AOPA receives a ton of emails and calls from Caribbean Flying Adventures member pilots urging action.

MAY 24: Mark Baker responds to CFA with a copy of the AOPA letter to the Bahamas government saying he only recently learned from third partiesof the May 30 implementation. By now, the Bahamas press and the local aviation sector are all over the story and have involved numerous members of parliament to actively challenge the Customs initiative. The AOPA letter was a welcome component of a pressure campaign from all sides.

May 31: Bahamas customs notifies Bahamas Tourism of the decision to indefinitely suspend the application. Bahamas Customs did not copy AOPA nor any of the Bahamas FBOs. Thanks to Bahamas Tourisms Greg Rolle for sharing the good news.

June 1: AOPA issues a press release stating that Mark Baker learned of the problem from his AOPA Bahamas rep, which for whatever reason, is not consistent with his letter to the Bahamas on May 24 that it has come to my attention from third parties. An AOPA spokesman told the Bahamas Tribune Business newspaper that the organization had received many inquiries from private pilots voicing concern about The Bahamas new Click2Clear clearance system. I am not sure of the exact number, but what I can confidently say is that theres been many inquiries.

June 1: CFA sends letter to Mark Baker urging AOPA to present to the Bahamas specific suggestions to simplify the application. On May 22, CFA had also provided AOPA with a detailed recommendation that would radically simplify the process. The CFA recommendations have been picked up by the Bahamas Press but need immediate backing from AOPA and others. Together, we need to insure that Click2Clear, if and when it is reintroduced, provides the Bahamas with the same information it currently receives from paper documents without dragging private pilots through an a tortuous hour of online gymnastics.

For details go to: http://www.CaribbeanFlyingAdventures.com or contact Jim Parker 305-667-6282 or Jim@CaribbeanFlyingAdventures.com.

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Caribbean Flying Adventures Urges AOPA to Keep an Eye on the Bahamas Ball - AVweb