Monthly Archives: August 2022

This designer shack is an off-grid tropical dreamscape.

After becoming infatuated with the Bahamian island of Eleuthera, two Miami architects decided to buy land and build a house there. Due to the remote 176-square-mile islands limited resources, the married couple who together run Brillhart Architecture decided to construct the cottage in their Florida backyard, then ship it 256 miles to Eleuthera.

I had more tools and more capabilities in Miami than I did out there on the island at that time, where we had no power and no water, Jacob Brillhart explained to Insider.

The life and project partners decided to build the huts frame first, ship it, then work with a local to put together the propertys outer shell. The process ended up taking five years of planning and less than five weeks of assembly work, with the foundation and first floor completed in just 10 or so days, and the second floor and roof done in roughly three weeks.

Despite the length of the whole process, the overeager duo still couldnt wait to start living in their approximately 600-square-foot escape.

We moved in way before we should have, Melissa Brillhart told Insider. My daughter Simms was 3 months old when she first stayed there, and it was just plywood. There was just maybe a sink in there, with a bathroom, and that was about it.

By early 2021, the space was finalized and more than livable at least, for those seeking solitude and nature more than state-of-the-art amenities. The stove and hot-water heater run on propane gas that needs to be filled up at a nearby gas station and the waste system involves a septic tank and drain field, the Brillharts told Insider.

The pair are so happy with the finished product, theyve begun using it not as a vacation home, as they initially intended, but as a satellite office while they work on more business in the Bahamas.

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We built a cottage in our backyard and shipped it to the Bahamas - New York Post

POMPANO BEACH, FL / ACCESSWIRE / August 25, 2022 / Basanite Industries, LLC (hereafter referred to as "Basanite") (OTCQB:BASA), a manufacturer of advanced composite products for use in reinforcing concrete in the construction industry, announced that, working with local contacts, it has obtained Government of the Bahamas Approval (Bahamas Ministry of Works and Transport) for basalt fiber reinforced polymer (BFRP) rebar (including Basanite's BasaFlex) to be utilized in place of conventional steel rebar for reinforcement in concrete structures throughout the Bahamas.

In tandem with this approval, Basanite has entered into a Distributor Agreement with ART Heavy Equipment & Development (ART) of Nassau, Bahamas. ART will act as the regional stocking distributor of Basanite's composite products for the construction industry in the Bahamas.

ART's initial order includes more than 100,000 feet of BasaFlex, approximately one (1) mile of BasaMesh (geogrid basalt fiber mesh), and one ton of BasaMix (fine denier chopped basalt fibers).This is the first in an expected series of orders as ART sets out to meet the anticipated strong demand for Basanite products, which comply with the Bahamian Prime Minister's "green" initiatives.

ART is a building materials and supplies distributor, based in Nassau, Bahamas, led by its President Mr. Avery Lightbourne. With the Bahamian Building Code approval and the Distributor Agreement in place, ART is now able to offer its customers Basanite's full line of corrosion-proof products for concrete reinforcement. ART's primary customer base is located in the Bahamas and the Caribbean, where corrosion of steel from saltwater exposure is a major problem, and Basanite's green, corrosion-proof, basalt fiber products offer a compelling solution.

"I would like to thank the Basanite team for helping us achieve this landmark approval, especially Fred Tingberg, Basanite's CTO," said Avery Lightbourne, President of ART. "Fred and I worked together to engage our local media in Nassau in order to raise public awareness of these state-of-the-art products. Furthermore, Fred was relentless in providing the support necessary to satisfy the Bahamian Ministry of Works technical scrutiny and ultimately obtaining this approval."

Story continues

"We are very excited to bring Basanite's products to the Bahamas," said Mr. Tingberg. "Our environmentally friendly, high-performance basalt fiber composite products will help the Government and builders in the Bahamas solve the problems associated with traditional steel construction products (such as infrastructure corrosion) in a manner that helps preserve the environment. We look forward to building a long-lasting relationship with ART in the Bahamas."

About BasaFlex: BasaFlex, a composite reinforcement bar or "rebar," is a state-of-the-art, sustainable alternative to steel in concrete reinforcement. BasaFlex is engineered to add intrinsic value in a concrete structure by eliminating corrosion problems associated with typical steel reinforcement, saving both time and money over the lifecycle worth of a concrete structure. BasaFlex has a 100-year design life, is non-corrosive, weighs just 25 percent of steel, but has a 2.5 times greater tensile strength. It is also transparent to magnetic fields, radar frequencies and other electro-magnetic radiated energy and both electrically and thermally non-conductive. It is easy to use and much safer to handle on the job site. Because of its core advantages and competitive price point, Basanite Inc. is confident BasaFlex will become the construction industry's number one choice for concrete reinforcement.

About BasaMesh: BasaMesh is a line of basalt geogrid mesh rolls, intended to replace welded wire mesh (steel) and other fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) grids or mesh. It is designed for secondary and temperature shrinkage reinforcement. BasaMesh is an excellent choice to work in conjunction with BasaFlex rebar and/or BasaMix chopped fibers for a total reinforcement program.

About BasaMix: BasaMix is pre-packaged fine denier basalt fibers, available in various chopped sizes; designed to help absorb the stresses associated with early aged plastic shrinkage and settlement cracking, as well as providing an increased toughness for enhanced reinforcement in Slab on Grade (SOG) and Precast elements. BasaMix also serves in a "system approach" for optimum performance of a concrete element when used in conjunction with our BasaFlex Rebar.

About Basanite: Basanite, Inc. (OTCQB:BASA), through its wholly owned subsidiary Basanite Industries, LLC, is a manufacturer and developer of a range of environmentally friendly, high-performance basalt fiber composite products used by the construction industry. Superior to traditional steel elements, Basanite's sustainable products are non-corrosive, lighter, stronger and longer lasting. For more information, please visit http://www.BasaniteIndustries.com.

About ART Heavy Equipment & Development: ART is a building materials and supplies distributor, based in Nassau, Bahamas, led by Mr. Avery Lightbourne, President.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This release and statements by the Company's management in connection therewith contains or may contain "forward-looking statements," which are based on Company management's current expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release. Such statements include those regarding the Company's business and performance, its prospects, its products and the market for such products, the economy, and other future conditions and forecasts of future events, circumstances, and results, and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "believe," "goal," "feel," "may," "plan," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "potential" and similar expressions (as well as other words or expressions referencing future events, conditions or circumstances) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this press release involve substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual future results, performance or achievements to differ significantly from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements in this press release and made in connection with the symposium referred to herein reflect Basanite's current analysis of existing trends and information and represent Basanite's judgment only as of the date of this press release. Actual results (including, without limitation, the results and anticipated benefits of the Bahamian Government approval and distributor agreement described herein) may differ materially from current expectations based on a number of factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control. For a further description of the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements (including the risk of market acceptance of the Company's products in the Bahamas and the ability of the Company to satisfy product orders), as well as risks generally relating to the business of the Company (including the risk of the Company continuing as a going concern), please see the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, including but not limited to the discussion under "Risk Factors" therein, which was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on April 15, 2022, as well as the Company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, all of which may be viewed at http://www.sec.gov.

Basanite contact:

Simon R. KayCEOsk@basaniteindustries.com

SOURCE: Basanite Industries

View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/713435/Basanite-Announces-Approval-from-the-Government-of-Bahamas-for-BFRP-to-Replace-Steel-in-Concrete-Reinforcement-and-Engagement-of-Basanites-First-Distributor-for-The-Bahamas

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Basanite Announces Approval from the Government of Bahamas for BFRP to Replace Steel in Concrete Reinforcement and Engagement of Basanite's First...

Wendy Warren, pictured below left, of Caystone Solutions says The Bahamas has shown great resilience against the pressures facing all global financial centers, thanks to its high standards for compliance and innovation

By any standards international financial centres such as The Bahamas have faced unprecedented challenges over the past several years and in even in most recent months. The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, recent economic turbulence and never-ending scrutiny by international bodies have intensified the business and competitive environment confronting global financial centres.

Yet despite these conditions and the associated pressures, The Bahamas continues to be among the world contenders for international financial services. This kind of resilience is a hallmark of the financial services sector in The Bahamas. No matter the state of the economy, no matter what changes are occurring in the financial services and regulatory landscape, The Bahamas has always maintained its status as a global leader by being able to adapt to the new normal.

Three factors contribute to The Bahamas' hardened resilience and ability to compete successfully on the global stage: true to its roots and pedigree; adopting the highest standards for compliance, innovation and client centric responsiveness; and focusing and embracing developments emerging in the New Economy.

This trifold formula has been paramount in The Bahamas' ability to attract and welcome international families, capital and business to its shores. In fact, the demand for residences and talent that The Bahamas offers, which is being embraced by family offices and those seeking wealth management services, underscores why the Bahamas location, regulatory environment and forward-looking legislation are gaining strength and acceptance as core compelling attributes of the jurisdiction.

Remaining true to its roots

The Bahamas is home to over 270 licensed banks and trust companies, including seven of the world's top eight private banks and 35 of the top 100 global banks. These financial institutions deliver a range of services including private banking, trusts, fund administration, accounting, legal e-commerce, insurance, corporate and maritime services. North American banks have been doing business in The Bahamas for more than a century, and European and Swiss banks have deep roots established over more than 70 years. Financial institutions from other regions with growing economies are recognising the advantages of operating in The Bahamas. Additionally, there is an excess of 800 funds that are licensed in The Bahamas and more than 60 fund administrators.

With an 80+ year track record in financial services, few jurisdictions offer the wealth management experience that exists in The Bahamas. This heritage is the basis for the strong legal framework that has been cultivated for financial services, an investment climate that has been nurtured over the decades and a stable and predictable business environment anchored by the thousands of Bahamian professionals who work side by side with expatriate colleagues in the many hundreds of service providers that call the country their home.

There is a sound and proven infrastructure in place that has been built and modernized over the last 20 years. This has facilitated a highly competitive and market responsive financial service offerings and at the same time allowed The Bahamas to move forward in a very confident fashion into the new economy and the various elements of these new economies.

One of the key elements of the Bahamas infrastructure is a very strong public-private partnership where communication is open and frank among all three participants that are involved with this agenda: government, regulator and private sector. This public-private partnership facilitates our engagement in creating and investing in our wealth management pedigree and areas of new economies such as digital assets, carbon credits, and ESG relevant solutions.

Highest standards for innovation, client-centric responsiveness and compliance

The Bahamas, as a financial center post 2000, had to become far more conscious of and proactive in reflecting global norms. As a result, our regulatory foundation has become strong. From a global connectivity perspective, we see this transition paying dividends today in light of what we endured in the past two decades. It has been a dynamic period in that we have had to be fearless in striking the right balance between being compliant and aggressive. If we perceive there is a need to tweak, we will tweak, but we will not stand still, we will always be responsive and reflect the needs of our clients and our partners.

Foundations are a prime example of this fearlessness. When The Bahamas made certain changes to facilitate the introduction of Foundations, we received significant pushback. Some people said, "Wait a minute - Foundations, are these not tools for inappropriate behavior?". But we were very confident that our regime was sufficiently strong to provide a robust, well-regulated environment in which foundations can be utilised in an appropriate manner. So, the perception of Foundations might have been negative elsewhere, but when we look some ten years later, other common law jurisdictions have followed suit.

While 2020 and 2021 have been unprecedented years for many industries, for local financial and corporate service providers in The Bahamas this period brought in a host of new and amended regulations that carry the potential to transform the very landscape of the industry.

The Financial and Corporate Service Providers Act, 2020 enhances the legal and regulatory framework for those providing corporate and administrative services. Meanwhile, the new Banks and Trust Companies Regulations Act, 2020 consolidates and modernises the law regulating local banks and trust companies to enhance governing powers for The Central Bank of The Bahamas. The introduction of the new Investment Funds Act, 2019 which further enhances the regulatory framework of Bahamas investment funds allows for the appointment of international fund administrators, and generally rationalises the responsibilities of all the key parties.

From a level playing field perspective, within the past few years The Bahamas has passed a compendium of legislation to meet international standards regarding economic substance, removal of preferential exemptions, and automatic exchange of tax information to meet the EU and OECD's criteria on tax matters, which resulted in the European Union removing The Bahamas from its list of uncooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes in March 2020. In addition, The Bahamas maintains the highest standards in the fight against money laundering, terrorist financing and other identified risks, and therefore has been making significant strides in the fight against financial crime.

The anti-money laundering, counter financing of terrorism and counterproliferation legislative, regulatory and enforcement landscapes have been thoroughly reviewed and strengthened, with The Bahamas being deemed compliant or largely compliant with 38 out of 40 standards established by the Financial Action Task Force.

The Office of The Bahamas Attorney General will be submitting a re-rating of the final two of the 40 Recommendations to the CFATF - one addressing Not for Profits, and another addressing the effective regulation and supervision/monitoring of virtual asset services providers, working with the Securities Commission of The Bahamas on the latter. The intent of these latest changes is to ensure compliance with all 40 of the FATF Recommendations.

All of these efforts aid in enhancing the risk profile of The Bahamas as an international financial centre, making it an attractive jurisdiction for financial services.

The new economy

Despite the recent turmoil in the crypto market, The Bahamas remains bullish on the mid to long-term prospects for digital assets. It was one of the first countries in the world to introduce a digital currency in the form of the Bahamian Sand Dollar. And the recently introduced Digital Assets and Regulatory Exchange Act (DARE) was developed with the view of how we approach the wider picture. DARE is not a standalone single solution but rather the broad features of the jurisdiction such as private banking and funds coming together to recognise why it and a broader-based Fintech capability is required. It is just the latest example of the strength and flexibility of the jurisdiction - the weaving together of elements to create a financial services fabric that is durable and responsive.

The emergence of The Bahamas as a digital assets hub has resulted in companies such as FTX establishing their global headquarters in Nassau as well as a strong interest in Bahamian corporate vehicles to house the operations of digital asset businesses.

At the same time, emerging developments in this space has meant The Bahamas, in being true to its market responsiveness DNA, is keeping pace with changes that are required to be a world contender as a hub for digital assets. The capital markets regulator - the Securities Commission of The Bahamas - is spearheading a raft of initiatives to advance this transformation, including Amendments to DARE to address key developments since its promulgation.

The new Bahamian economy, however, is much more than digital asset leadership and companies being incorporated into the wide range of financial service providers in the country. The sector's sustainability has implications for the broader economy. The diversity within the financial services sector in terms of product offerings contributes in a meaningful way to the livelihood of the Bahamian people and the country's economy. This contribution will become more pronounced as the country pivots to invest in diversification with a focus on the 'blue and orange' economies, which have been identified as pathways for greater economic expansion, new business opportunities and wealth creation for Bahamians and international investors alike.

The Bahamas is looking to modernise its fishing industry, generating ocean sciences and marine conservation opportunities, while sustainably developing marine biotechnology, aquaculture, and deep-sea exploration initiatives. Renewable energy industries are also on the horizon. Meanwhile, as a vital component of the Bahamian economy, the tourism sector is looking to design a new tourism model that fully integrates culture and the creative industry in The Bahamas.

Both tourism and financial services are actively supporting these initiatives both domestically and internationally. This foreshadows deploying the linkages when the country's traditional economic engines engage the country's New Economy with benefits accruing to both.

Wendy Warren is Managing Director at Caystone Solutions. You can email her at [emailprotected]

This article is also featured in International Investment's latest Special Report on The Bahamas

To view this article in The II Bahamas Special Report ezine, click here to view.

Link:

The Bahamas: A world contender - International Investment

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemdedia.net

Although they have yet to finalise the team, head coach Chris DeMarco said the Bahamas coaching staff will select a solid 12-man roster coming out of this weeks training camp to play against Venezuela at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium on Thursday night.

The Bahamas Basketball Federation held a press conference yesterday in the foyer of the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium for the first game of the fourth window of the FIBA Americas Cup Qualifier.

DeMarco, an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors, along with Grand Bahamian Chavano Buddy Hield of the Indiana Pacers and Mychel Thompson Jr, participated in the meeting that included Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg, Bahamas Olympic Committee president Rommel Knowles and Kenny Mackey, the chief marketing manager of the I-Cares Foundation, the gold sponsors for the team.

Bowleg, the immediate past president of the federation and former mens national team coach, said they had anticipated Deandre Ayton of the Phoenix Suns joining Hield and Kai Jones of the Charlotte Hornets on this team.

But Bowleg noted that while he is aware that Ayton is in town, he hasnt spoken to him, and he couldnt give any reason as to why he chose not to play for the team.

Having started coaching the team in 2019, DeMarco said hes been pleased with the process they are making. And now with Hield and Jones joining the team, he said they are taking the next step to getting to the next level on the global stage.

Its going to be very difficult, said DeMarco of the Bahamas journey through a six-game series that includes Venezuela (August 25 and February 23), Argentina (August 29), Panama (November 10 and February 27).

DeMarco, however, said all of the players are making the sacrifice to prepare themselves to represent the country and he was proud of the efforts of Hield, Jones, Mychel Thompson Jr, Jaraun Keno Burrows and Rashad Mackey, just to name a few.

He noted that they have assembled a training camp in which there are over 20 players vying for the final 12 spots on the team. He noted that the team will be selected in short order and then announced to the public.

Bowleg, congratulating the team on their success so far, said if they can qualify for the World Cup in 2023, it would go well with the countrys celebrations of its 50th anniversary of Independence.

I think this is timely that we have our top players here in Buddy and Kai playing with us, he said. So, were asking all Bahamians to come out and cheer this team on.

He assured the public that the airconditioning is working very well and hes looking forward to them enjoying the amenities that will be offered in the stadium, thanks to the generosity of their corporate sponsors, including the I-Cares Foundation.

Hield, who played in the last window when the Bahamas beat the Virgin Islands 97-80 to advance out of the third window, only to lose 88-80 to the Dominican Republic at the Baha Mar resort, said they are looking for the Bahamian public support again in this last window of games to qualify for the World Cup.

We didnt get the win in the last game we played here, but we still got to advance, so were looking forward to that same type of support for this game, Hield said.

It means a lot to the players.

Hield also expressed his thanks to all of the players who made the commitment to come home from their various professional leagues around the world to be a part of the team. He also said when the team is finally selected, it will be a solid one representing the country.

For Thompson Jr, he was just delighted to carry on the legacy of his father, Mychal Sweet Bells Thompson, the first Bahamian to play in the NBA and who was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers as the first foreign-born player to be drafted no.1 in 1978 before he went on to win back-to-back titles with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1987 and 1988.

Every time I put on this jersey, it means a lot because my father never got to play, so Im very proud to be able to play, he said.

Im just excited for this game on Thursday.

Mackey, presenting a cheque of $15,000 for their sponsorship of the game, said it is an honour to be a part of a major event and to help the countrys basketball team.

In a desire to win, there should be no fear of losing, Mackey said. When I look around the room, I dont see no fear.

Mackey said when they got the call from Bowleg, they jumped at the opportunity to assist the federation.

He said they are hoping that their assistance will go a long way in helping to put on a world-class event on Thursday night.

And Knowles, who surprised the federation in announcing that they will double their financial commitment, said this is a step in the right direction to the Bahamas qualifying its first team sport at the Olympic Games.

Far too often, our team sports are placed in the zone in the Americas, which often times includes the United States, Canada and Mexico, he said, all of whom have far greater population and resources than the Bahamas.

Knowles said those countries also have the luxury of recruiting athletes, who offer them citizenship to compete, whether or not they have lineage to those countries.

Sports is big business and everyone expects the Bahamas to win, he stated. The pressure of team sport is phenomenal.

Not only must we compete with countries with a million times our size, but we must also compete against athletes who have dual citizenship.

With the mounting challenges that exist in team sports, Knowles said hes appreciative of players like Hield who have answered the call to represent the country.

And Minister Bowleg commended the federation for the strides they are making to qualify for the World Cup.

Jurelle Nairn-Mullings, the secretary of the federation, expressed their gratitude on behalf of President Eugene Horton to their many sponsors, including The Oak Tree Medical, I-Cares Foundation, Bahamas Olympic Committee, the National Sports Authority, Breezes Resorts, Baha Mar, Cable Bahamas, AquaPure, Thompson Trading, Sun Oil Limited and the Bamboo Shack.

The federation presented a cheque of $2,000 to Steven Dean, the director of the Urban Renewal Band, for their assistance for the game on Thursday night.

Tickets are still available at BBFbasketball.com and on site on game day on Thursday.

The tickets are priced at $40 for general admission, $80 for VIP and courtside for $150.

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'Buddy' and Bahamas ready to face Venezuela - Bahamas Tribune

BAHAMAS womens relay team of, from left to right, Printassia Johnson, Anthonique Strachan, Tynia Gaither and Devynne Charlton.

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama Drumeco Archer, president of the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA), was extremely pleased with Team Bahamas performance at the NACAC Open Championships in Grand Bahama.

Among those highlighted was Grand Bahamas very own Tynia Gaither, who won the silver medal in the womens 200-metre final, clocking a time of 22.35 seconds.

And, Donald Thomas captured the bronze in the mens high jump. Also, the gold medal win by Olympic champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo, who set a new NACAC record in the womens final of the 400m.

I am happy, I have seen improvements across the entire spectrum of our programme at every international event we have gone to and we have been increasing the medal count, Archer said on the final day of competition at the Grand Bahama Sports Complex on Sunday.

Today, we had Tynia, in addition to Donald Thomas - the ageless wonder - getting a bronze medal in the high jump. Then, we had Devynne Charlton placing second in the 100 metres hurdles and we also had the incredible Shaunae Miller-Uibo winning a gold medal, and then we came back with Tynia Gaither running a personal best of 22.35 and getting the silver medal - you couldnt ask for more than that with Team Bahamas.

I think the championships went pretty well when you look at the quality of performances and the quality of athletes that have participated at these games, he said. I dont know if we could have expected more.

GB is elated. This is really a stimulus for them in terms of track and field, but also an economic boom, Archer added. Archer stated that they are happy about having the event in Grand Bahama. I think by all accounts everybody seems very satisfied, he said.

The event attracted 400 athletes from North America, Central America and the Caribbean. He thanked Mike Sands, president of the NACAC, for bringing the event to the Bahamas, particularly Grand Bahama.

Sands took ill while attending the event and is under observation.

President Sands is convalescing. He is under observance, Archer said.

I have spoken with him. He is in great spirits, and he says he feels great.

Conditions were very hot over the three days of competition.

It was incredibly hot, and I think it took its toll on many athletes, Archer said. But, it cooled down on the final day of competition and you could not complain anymore about the heat.

When organising the schedule, he explained that the technical director would have considered the question of light conditions in time for the event.

And out of an abundance of caution, we decided in the event that lamps were not installed at the time of the event, then at least, we would have full daylight for the event.

Well, we got full light and a wonderful facility for nighttime competition. Unfortunately, it was too late to change the schedule, he stated.

Archer is confident that other events would be held in Grand Bahama.

He noted that whether government or privately funded, they will push and continue to market the Bahamas as a track and field and tourist destination. Our push and mandate is to create more content for track and field in the Bahamas, both in GB and NP, Archer said.

He thanked the entire organising committee for doing such a huge job in executing and pulling off the event and delivering a world-class competition.

I want to say a special thanks to Chevonia McBride and Perez Cooper who were co-chair persons for the event, and Norris Bain, deputy managing director, and others, including Deon Britton (hotel accommodations); Dr Cecil Thompson (transportation); Sophia Higgs (volunteer section); Laura Pratt Charlton, (competition manager) supported by her husband David Charlton (the competition director). General-Secretary Keith Joseph and Mabelene Miller CEO for BAAA (responsibility for accreditation), Archer summed up.

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BAAA president Archer pleased with Team Bahamas - Bahamas Tribune

Four games, four blowout wins for the Kentucky Wildcats in the Bahamas. It started with a 52-point victory over the Dominican Republic Select National Team, followed by back-to-back 62-point wins over Tec de Monterrey and Carleton University, respectively. Then to close things out, a 24-point win over the Bahamas National Select Team, giving UK a 50-point average margin of victory on the week.

One week later, what did we learn about John Caliparis 2022-23 roster? What were the top takeaways from the teams foreign exhibition tour? KSR breaks it all down from top to bottom.

Replacing the likes of TyTy Washington, Kellan Grady and Davion Mintz, Kentucky needed to find immediate scoring production in the transfer portal this offseason. Illinois State transfer Antonio Reeves a 20 point-per-game scorer emerged as a clear option, but how would he adjust from the Missouri Valley to the SEC? Could he be relied on as a go-to scorer on the wing?

The 6-foot-6 guard out of Chicago put all of those worries to rest in his MVP performance in the Bahamas last week, finishing as the teams leading scorer at 17.0 points per game on 52.4% from the field, 51.9% from three and 100% from the line. Reeves was nothing short of sensational, breaking down defenders, knocking down shots and getting to the charity stripe (10-10 FT) with ease. Hes still coming along defensively, but in terms of scoring, you really couldnt ask for more in the Illinois State transfers debut as a Wildcat.

Happy to see Antonio do what we know hes capable of, for you all to finally get a chance to see it, Orlando Antigua said to close out the trip.

Some people are wired to score. Antonio Reeves is one of those people.

Playing behind Keion Brooks Jr. his first two years at Kentucky, Jacob Toppin showed flashes of brilliance, but never consistent stretches of real production. He was a gadget athlete capable of making a defensive stop or throwing down a big dunk, not a go-to contributor.

Thats no longer the case, as Toppin is now the top option at the starting four spot going into his senior season in Lexington. And in his first stint in an expanded role, he clearly looked the part, averaging 16.8 points on 56.5% shooting and 53.3% from three to go with 5.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 2.0 blocks and 1.75 blocks per game. He did so averaging a team-leading 24.5 minutes per contest.

He found himself in a few hot streaks from three, but also knocked down pull-up jumpers inside the arc, scored on turnarounds and fadeaways out of the high post while also finishing strong around the basket. Thats on top of the freakish athletic plays he continues to convert how about that 360 slam in transition?

Im proud of him. He stepped up, made some plays, Antigua said of Toppin. The stuff hes worked on all spring and summer has translated to competitive games. Playing lower, playing through contact, playing through the first initial physical bump against the defense. Being able to make shots in transition when hes open, his post-up game, high post turnaround jump shots, all of the things hes been working on with his game.

To see him do it against other competition in a competitive atmosphere, thats what you want. Now hes got to continue working to get ready for the season.

The skill is finally catching up with the length and athleticism.

Is it possible for a Bob Cousy Award finalist to be underrated going into his senior season? That seems to be the case with Sahvir Wheeler, who quietly put together a terrific week in the Bahamas, averaging 14.5 points per game on 61.1% shooting and 93.3% from the line. He also had a 24-6 assist-to-turnover ratio, good for 6.1 assists and 1.5 turnovers per game, along with securing 1.75 steals per contest.

His 3-point shot didnt fall (0-9 on the week), but Wheeler missed just five shots inside the arc across four games, good for 81.5% from two. The veteran point guard struggled in game one (six points, 2-6 FG, four assists, two turnovers), but was nothing short of sensational in games two through four.

Hes very underrated. He is really a great passer and he is all about winning, KT Turner said of Wheeler. One thing he does as a point guard is he knows who is on and where to get them shots. Hell find you and he gets his teammates a lot of open shots.

He keeps up with the game, notices what happens. He knows whos hot but he also knows who has not had a shot in a while.

The 5-foot-9 point guard is who he is at this point and thats a good thing. At his best, hes an elite playmaker and crafty finisher with the ability to push the pace and be a disruptor defensively. As shooting improves around him the way it did in the Bahamas 38.1% from three on 26.3 attempts per game, including five scholarship players shooting at least 40% from deep the better he looks.

11.5 points, 11.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.5 steals in 23.5 minutes per game for college basketballs reigning National Player of the Year. Oscar Tshiebwe was efficient as a scorer and free-throw shooter (55.6% FG, 75.0% FT), rebounded well and fought defensively. John Calipari praised his improvements with mobility and lateral quickness, working to become a more well-rounded and versatile player.

Even still, Tshiebwes on-court play was hardly discussed, with the spotlight shining brightest on his teammates in paradise. And thats the beauty of Kentuckys deep and talented roster, knowing you have a safety net anchoring the post, one capable of taking over games if necessary.

Everyone knows what Tshiebwe can do. This trip was about figuring out what the rest of the roster is capable of and establishing roles elsewhere. Mission accomplished on those fronts all while the 6-foot-9, 260-pound star is averaging a double-double.

Thats whats going to make us hard to deal with, Sahvir Wheeler told KSR. You watch film and youre thinking, Man, Jacob, Man, Chris (Livingston), Cason (Wallace), others. But youve got the National Player of the Year back. How are you going to guard him? Are you going to double him and let CJ (Fredrick) and everybody shoot? Or are you going to play him one-on-one? Come on, we saw that last year.

Its crazy and hes getting better.

A career 47% 3-point shooter, its no secret CJ Fredrick can let it fly from deep. Its his best trait, the greatest value he brings to the floor at the collegiate level.

But its not the only value he brings.

Fredrick opened his trip to the Bahamas with a zero-point, one-attempt performance, his first game action since his time at Iowa during the 2020-21 season. Just looking at the box score, youd assume it was nothing more than an opportunity to get back to game speed and dip his toes in the water of competitive basketball again. After watching film, though, John Calipari singled out Fredrick as one of the games top performers for everything he did outside of shooting and scoring. The redshirt senior even got his own individual highlight segment breaking down all of the ways he impacted the game.

I may be on your ass, and then next day, I was wrong. I watched the tape and you were right. You were better than I thought,' Calipari told the team in a private meeting. Well, CJ, I watched him I mean, come on.

We showed you guys the star and you could see it on film, Chin Coleman added. 6.7 (points allowed per 40 minutes). Theres a reason why he is what he is, and he guarded their best player.

He did good, Calipari said. His first time out, too. I said, Wow. He was hungry.

The film breakdown highlighted Fredricks emphasis on making the extra pass, taking care of the ball and being a disruptor on defense. Thats on top of being a coin-flip 3-point shooter.

There wasnt a bigger highlight-maker in the Bahamas than Daimion Collins, easily leading the team in posters per game including two non-human throwdowns to open the event.

Daimion Collins, phew. That boy is crazy, Oscar Tshiebwe told KSR. We see it in practice, that boy is working. Hes Superman, he flies. Every time I see him in the air, I just say, Go ahead man, Im not going up there. Youre too high.'

Overall, Collins averaged 10.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, 1.5 assists and 1.0 steals per contest, shooting 60.7% from the field and 85.7% from the line. Take away his five misses from three (0-5), he shot 74% from the field overall (17-23). He was efficient and scored in a variety of ways outside of dunks and easy lay-in opportunities though his presence as a serious lob threat and rim-runner was felt.

Maybe the most positive development? His ability to finish through contact, an area of his game he struggled with as a freshman due to his slight frame. Now listed at 6-foot-9, 210 pounds, hes visibly bulked up, and that translated to production on the floor in Kentuckys four-game exhibition tour. Now hes got two-plus months to add even more muscle before the real games begin.

Chris Livingston? 6-foot-6, 220 pounds. Cason Wallace? 6-foot-4, 193 pounds. Adou Thiero? 6-foot-6, 200 pounds.

This isnt your typical crop of college freshmen. These three are grown men and they may not be done growing.

Theyve got some size with them, Wheeler added. Cason is not a small dude. Hes 6-4, athletic, can jump and hes built. Chris has shoulders like Chin (Coleman). Hes got big shoulders, and for him to be able to move around and shoot like that, its crazy. And Adou, everyone says hes growing to me, he aint getting no taller (from where I stand) [laughs]. But hes stupid athletic, can jump off either leg and competes at a high level. Those dudes are fitting right in.

(The freshmen are) coming in ready to go, Tshiebwe told KSR. Like, they have no fear.

Wallace led the freshmen with 10.5 points per game, good for fifth on the team. He shot 48.6% from the field and 40% from three while adding 4.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 3.0 steals in 22.3 minutes per contest. Livingston was just shy of the double-digit mark, averaging 9.8 points on a terrific 65.2% shooting and 60% from three (6-10) to go with 5.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.0 steals per game. And then the big surprise, Thiero, who averaged 6.3 points on 58.8% shooting and 50% from three along with 3.0 rebounds, 1.75 assists, 1.75 steals and 1.25 blocks in 14.3 minutes per game.

Wallace and Livingston were seen as college-ready pieces when they signed with Kentucky, and they clearly looked the part in their unofficial debuts. Thiero was seen as the long-term, wait-and-see project when he joined the fold late. He, too, produced when his number was called.

Obviously we were excited about the impact that Adou had in the minutes that he played, Antigua said.

66 free throws drawn, 56 makes, good for a conversion rate of 84.8% on the week. Kentuckys primary backcourt pieces of Wheeler (14-15, 93.3%), Wallace (2-2, 100%), Reeves (10-10, 100%), Livingston (3-4, 75%), Fredrick (1-2, 50%) and Thiero (2-3, 67%) combined for 32-36 overall, good for 88.9%. No player missed more than two free throws the entire week, with Toppin (7-9, 77.8%) and Tshiebwe (6-8, 75%) each missing a pair.

It wasnt just a strong shooting week from the line, it was an extraordinary week across the board. The Wildcats not only drew fouls 16.5 free throws per game they knocked them down with efficiency.

Kentucky finished the 2021-22 season shooting 72.6% from the line, an average of 12.8 makes on 17.6 attempts per game. Of the players with at least one attempt from the line per contest, none shot above 78.3% on the year.

Only a four-game sample size, sure, but the Cats got the job done at the line.

John Calipari was blown away by Kentuckys event-opening win against the Dominican Republic National Select Team, singling out the teams ridiculous assist-to-turnover ratio in its first unofficial game as a unit.

That wasnt like a high school JV team, that was a mid-major team, Calipari told his team during film review. 28 assists, five turnovers woo-hoo. Its August 10, are you s****ing me?

The Wildcats ball security held strong the rest of the week, finishing with just 42 turnovers compared to 92 assists, good for a smooth 2.19 AST/TO as a team. Individually, no player averaged over 1.75 turnovers per contest, while five players averaged at least two assists per game. Antonio Reeves was the only scholarship player with a negative AST/TO on the week (six assists, seven turnovers).

Playmaking was strong, ball security was stronger.

29 blocks on the week, good for 7.25 per game. Toppin and Collins averaged two swats per contest, with Thiero adding five blocks overall, as well. Tshiebwe was only credited with one block in four games, but his physical presence inside was a factor, while Wallace and Livingston both made plays at the rim.

Overall, Kentuckys size and length overwhelmed the competition all week long, with teams second-guessing essentially every shot attempt around the rim. In transition, opponents could only pray Toppin wasnt trailing to pin their shot on the backboard. Collins had a few ridiculous swats on perimeter close-outs himself.

Oh yeah, and Ugonna Kingsley Onyenso previously high school basketballs top shot-blocker in 2023 just reclassified and enrolled at UK for the upcoming season. Hes now on campus and available to help if necessary.

Kentucky has the tools to be an elite defensive team this winter.

Excerpt from:

10 things we learned about Kentucky on the court in the Bahamas - KSR

ATHLETES work out at the Grand Bahama Sports Complex a day before the start of the North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) Championships that is expected to feature more than 400 athletes from over 10 countries in the region, including the United States, Jamaica and Cuba.Photos: Vandyke Hepburn/BIS

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunedia.net

Coach Lonnie Greene said although his first priority is on high hurdles national record holder Devynne Charlton, he is just delighted to be able to assist any Bahamian athlete who needs his help.

Greene, the head coach at the University of Kentucky, is in Grand Bahama for the North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) Championships that is featuring more than 400 athletes from over 10 countries in the region, including the United States, Jamaica and Cuba.

Although hes not a part of the Bahamian coaching staff, Greene said wherever there is a need for his service, he is willing to assist Team Bahamas 11 women and 17 men who will compete in the NACAC Championships that will be held in memory of the late former athlete/ coach/executive/administrator Anita Doherty from today through Sunday at the Grand Bahama Sports Complex.

After the devastation of Hurricane Dorian, we have to do everything we can as a nation to try and generate commerce, the interest of sports tourism, to help Grand Bahama get back to normal, Greene said.

I dont think people take into consideration what it takes to bounce back from a hurricane. It could be earthquakes, it could be a tornado, whatever. Bouncing back isnt easy and being able to generate heads in beds and getting dollars into local companies is vital.

So, when it was announced that NACAC would take the championships to Grand Bahama, Greene pegged it on his schedule for him and Charlton to attend. Charlton, a graduate assistant at the University of Kentucky, opened the season by winning the silver medal at the World Indoor Championships, placed seventh at the World Championships in Birmingham, England after her national record of 12.40 in the semifinals before she picked up another silver at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England.

Shes having a phenomenal year, Greene pointed out. At the end of the day, her performances have all been legal. People could question windy performances if they want to, but I always tell people, if the wind is at your back, you run faster, but the wheels still have to turn. A person could run fast and break the world record in windy conditions, but the wheel still has to turn for them to run that fast. Devynne has run 12.40s and I always thought she had that in her and possibly she can run 12.30s by the time we get to the Grand Prix Finals.

Greene, who first recruited Charlton to run for him as the head coach at Purdue University where she had a stellar collegiate career with the Boilermakers, said the goal is to get her to finish off the year strong, get some rest and do it all over again next year. But he said theres nothing like competing at home. The people in the stands will be cheering for her, he pointed out. Ninety percent of the crowd will be pulling for the 242. Its like Team USA. When they came out to the World Championships in Eugene, the crowd went crazy.

In this great nation of us called the Bahamas, were home in Freeport, Grand Bahama. The way they look at it, its the Bahamas versus the rest of the world. Thats how they will compete. Their national pride is going to come forth. Bahamians are proud people. They will be there to cheer on the Bahamians.

While the lineup is expected to be a pretty good one for the womens 100m hurdles, Greene said the goal is to get Charlton back on the podium and hopefully this time it will be on the top as the gold medallist.

Although he only had a short time, Greene said he was also glad to give some pointers to Shakeem Smith, who will be representing the Bahamas in the mens 400m hurdles at the championships.

Smith is a graduate of the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) and is now venturing onto the pro circuit.

Read more from the original source:

Team Bahamas gets set to take on rest of world - Bahamas Tribune

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Owner of the New Duff Kendrick Delaney says that he hopes to make the popular Bahamian treat as well-known globally as the croissant and cinnamon roll, with the company having emerged as the winner of the Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC) National Finals.

Delaney gave a presentation on the company and its vision last Friday and on Tuesday was announced as the winner of the EWC National Finals. The companys pitch was to raise close to $750,000 to begin the process of preparing the New Duff for franchising, and complete two new stores in Nassau, one in Miami, and an overseas manufacturing plant. Delaney said the company is hoping to attract large-scale equity investors to help propel it to becoming a global brand.

Delaney will now move on to the EWC Global Finals where top entrepreneurs from some 200 countries around the world will compete. This year, the global finals are being held in November in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Of course, we sell guava duff but what we are looking to really do is be an international billboard with food from The Bahamas, Delaney told Eyewitness News.

He added: I started out making guava duff really as a love letter to all the grandmothers out there because I had so many warm and nostalgic memories around guava duff.

The company has grown from a bicycle cart to a food trailer and a storefront bakery over the past few years.

Delaney said: Its incredible that we were chosen as the national winner for the EWC. We have grown a lot as a company as there is still so much more growth ahead for us. Our vision is to make guava duff an international dessert and for people to think about The Bahamas every time they indulge in this decadent treat.

Excerpt from:

GOING GLOBAL: The New Duff moves on to Entrepreneurship World Cup global finals - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Creating an innovative and modern agricultural sector and attracting investments to the agri-business sector will top discussions at the second CARICOM Agri-Investment Forum and Expo taking place in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, 18 21 August.

In the margins, there will be a meeting of the Lead Heads of the Caribbean community to discuss Haiti.

We are moving in the direction of forward-looking greenhouse technologies and climate-smart agriculture, with the built-in advantage of being sustainable and carbon negative, said Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation.

Cooper will represent the prime minister and lead a delegation including H.E. Winston Pinnock, Bahamas Ambassador to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), to the two-day conference under the theme, Transforming Agriculture through Innovation and Investment.

Our particular focus is on our islands of Andros, Grand Bahama, Abaco, and Eleuthera where the bulk of arable land is available for agricultural development, said Cooper, who will also serve as acting Minister of Agriculture.

In underscoring the Governments intent to bolster food security, Cooper added that one of the goals is to develop a chemical-free $430 million AGRIHAVEN in Grand Bahama with cutting-edge technology and infrastructure to become a major wholesale food producer for the region.

Currently, The Bahamas imports over 90 percent of its food, which translates into approximately $1 billion in spending.

The CARICOM Agri-Investment Forum and Expo was established as a hub for Caribbean member states to network with stakeholders and investors. The inaugural expo took place in Guyana in May of this year. This second installment is focused on food and nutrition, agriculture, finance and marketing, trade and investment, and innovation and technology. The forum is strategically designed to facilitate CARICOM member states in achieving the 25 percent by 2025 vision of reducing regional food imports by increasing targeted investments in the agricultural sector regionally.

See the article here:

Cooper leads delegation to CARICOM Agri-Investment Forum and Expo II - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS The National Insurance Board (NIB) and Public Managers Union (PMU) signed off on a five-year industrial agreement yesterday which addressed issues such as promotions, salary increases, performance evaluation, and training.

Public Managers Union president F Cassandra Cartwright-Lewis said yesterday that it was a long, tumultuous and at times very daunting task to reach the finalization of the agreement.

We have come a long way, said Cartwright-Lewis.

I do hope that moving forward our industrial agreements will not take as long as it has and I do anticipate that in the future, all parties would recognize that without the employees of the National Insurance Board the Board is unable to provide the necessary services. It is important we ensure that people are properly compensated for the services that they provide, she added.

Cartwright-Lewis said that the union recognizes the challenges that the Board is confronted with. We must be mindful that in order for this to work there has to be a partnership as we look to improve the services of NIB and address other challenges NIB faces. It has to be a partnership with staff members, executives, and the Board.

NIB Chairman Philip McKenzie said: It is safe to say that neither party got all that they asked for but equally safe to say that the interests of the employees of the Board and the delivery of services to the public were paramount considerations to both sides.

Myles Laroda, Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for NIB said that the agreement was a major feat considering that the initial process commenced in June of 2020 amidst challenges and the impact of a global pandemic.

Official negotiations commenced on January 18, 2021. The agreement is for five years commencing January 1st 2020 to December 31st 2024 and addresses some 14 financial articles, including promotions, salary increases, performance evaluations, training as well as health and safety.

Excerpt from:

AT LAST: NIB and Public Managers Union sign off on five year industrial agreement - EyeWitness News