Category Archives: Bahamas

ByNEIL HARTNELL

Tribune Business Editor

nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

Moodys yesterday expressed alarm at the significantly worse fiscal deteriorationunveiled by the Governments 2017-2018 Budget, although its lead analyst indicated no junk downgrade for the Bahamas is imminent.

The credit rating agency, clearly taken aback by the Minnis administrations much-revisedfiscal forecasts, warned the global markets that its planned $722 million borrowing showed this nations fiscal strength was much weaker than it had bargained for.

Forced by surprise to adjust its own fiscal forecasts, Moodys wrote-off its previous projection that the Bahamas direct government debt-to-GDP ratio would stabilise below 70 per cent, instead estimatingthat this will continue to climb through the 2019-2020 fiscal year - in contrast with the Governments forecast that it will peak near 73 per cent in 2017-2018

Warning that the Bahamas debt-to-GDP ratio was the highest for any country it had rated one notch above so-called junk status, Moodys said this nation was seeking to achieve fiscal consolidation from a more negative starting-off point - especially given its vulnerability to major hurricanes in the absence of funding reserves to cover damages.

The Budget indicates that the Bahamas fiscal outlook is significantly worse than what we had incorporated into our current projections, the credit rating agency said. Revised government estimates point to a higher deficit for fiscal 2017, and deficits (rather than surpluses) in the coming years.

Wider, serial deficits will lead to rising debt and delayed debt stabilisation. Whereas we previously had expected that debt would stabilise this year, we now forecast that debt-to-GDP will rise until 2019, peaking above 70per centof GDP. The combination of significantly worse fiscal deterioration and delayed stabilisation of debt metrics puts downward pressure on the Bahamas credit profile.

Moodys said the new governmentsestimate of a $500 million deficit for the 2016-2017 fiscal year included revenue underperformance and expenditure slippage under the former Christie administration, as well as the impact from Hurricane Matthew.

The New York-based rating agency noted that the current fiscal years deficit was equivalent to 5.5 per cent of Bahamian economic output (GDP), and contrasted this with both the $350 million (3.8 per cent of GDP) and $100 million (1.1 per cent of GDP) estimates given by the previous government - the former as recently as March 2017.

Pointing to the obvious contrasts and contradictions between the two governments estimates, Moodys added: Through the first eight months of fiscal 2017, the deficit had reached $290 million, implying a 72per centwidening of the deficit to match the FNMs estimate in the past four months.

Authorities said that borrowing plans for fiscal 2018 will total $722 million (7.8per centof GDP) to cover unfunded spending committed in fiscal 2017, and the expected deficit in fiscal 2018. This indicates that the Bahamas fiscal position is much weaker than we had previously expected, even after accounting for the slippage caused by Hurricane Matthew.

Consequently, we no longer expect the Bahamas debt levels, which had already climbed to 67.3per cebtof GDP from 48 per centof GDP during the past five years, to stabilisebelow 70per centof GDP. Instead, we expect that they will rise at least through fiscal 2019. At these levels, the Bahamas debt-to-GDP ratio will be the highest for an emerging market sovereign rated Baa.

Moodys also described the Governments deficit reduction, and fiscal consolidation targets, as somewhat optimistic given the Bahamas four consecutive years of zero or negative economic growth.

It added: Although fiscal consolidation efforts, including boosting revenues through higher tax compliance and measures to rein in expenditures, have the potential to stabilise the debt trend, the Budget communication clearly points to a more negative starting-off point.

Additionally, there remain downside risks owing to a still-weak, albeit recovering, economy and the Bahamas susceptibility to climate-related events, such as hurricanes, that imply a fiscal cost in the absence of buffers.

The Budget envisions a somewhat optimistic deficit reduction path through fiscal 2020 without material changes to current policy, particularly in a still weak economic environment, Moodys continued.

The new government forecasts a deficit of $322 million (3.4per centof GDP) in fiscal 2018, and deficits of around 2.3per centof GDP in fiscal 2019 and 1.1per centof GDP in fiscal 2020. This compares with previous official estimates of a small deficit of $28 million (0.3per centof GDP) in fiscal 2018 and surpluses beginning in fiscal 2019.

Theonly good news from the Bahamas perspective is that it retained its investment-grade rating with Moodys - at least for the moment.

Renzo Marino, the Moodys assistant vice-president, and lead country analyst for the Bahamas, told Tribune Business that while the 2017-2018 Budgets contents were a credit negative for this nation, it wanted to assess the bigger picture as it related to economic growth and fiscal reforms before taking any rating-related action.

At this stage, the fact the Government sees the fiscal strength is weaker is definitely a credit negative from our perspective, he said in an interview with this newspaper. [But] we still want to assess a few things.

Looking at the Budget document and the projections put there, we want to wait and see how the economy performed last year to give us an idea of what future growth in 2017-2018 might be, especially in the context of Baha Mar and the boost thats expected to provide to the economy, and how this will affect the debt metrics of the Government. Based on that, well review the rating of the Bahamas.

Moodys currently rates the Bahamas sovereign creditworthiness at Baa3with a stable outlook, keeping it at one notch above junk status following a previous downgrade in August 2016.

Unlike Standard & Poors (S&P), which downgraded the Bahamas to junk earlier this year, Moodys has taken more of a glass half-full position on the Bahamas and given it time to get its economic and fiscal house in order.

That approach, though, may have been jeopardised by the suddenness, and magnitude, of the correction to the Governments fiscal estimates, which drag out the fiscal consolidation process amid an ever-increasing national debt which - when the liabilities of the public corporations are factored in - is now around 80 per cent of GDP or four-quarters of the Bahamas total annual economic output.

Mr Merino saidthat following last Augusts downgrade, Moodys had expected both the Bahamian economy to start recovering from years of weak performance and the Governments debt to show signs of medium-term stabilisation.

Even allowing for Matthews impact, the rating agency had still expected the debt-to-GDP ratio to peak this year - then stabilise - until last weeks Budget.

The incoming government presented a worse fiscal situation for the Government, Mr Merino said. One of the take aways from the communication, and this is the key, is that without any measures the debt will continue to rise for the next two to three years.

Moodys acknowledged the fiscal measures outlined in the 2017-2018 Budget, saying: The FNM government has stated that over the coming months it will perform a review of revenues and expenditures to identify opportunities for greater fiscal consolidation than what the Budget presented. Authorities also will seek to introduce fiscal responsibility legislation, strengthen procurement processes and increase overall fiscal transparency.

Mr Merino said Moodys understood that the Government would assess potential measures to reduce spending and enhance revenues within the next 90 days, and wanted to discuss these and other aspects of the Minnis administrations plans when it made its annual summer visit to Nassau.

The Moodys analysts comments underscore how theGovernment needs to restore trust in its fiscal credibility, with thenine-figure gap between the Minnis administrations projections and those of the prior government threatening to undermine business, investor and consumer confidence - as well as that of thecredit rating agencies - unless the differences were properly explained.

The Government, in unveiling the 2017-2018 Budget, revealed that the upcoming years deficit is projected to be $323 million - an almost $300 million increase from the $28 million in red ink that was forecast by the Christie administration just 12 months ago.

Raising further questions about the former governments fiscal forecasting, the deficit for the current 2016-2017 fiscal year isnow estimated to be $500 million - a five-fold increase upon the $100 million that was forecast last May, and $150 million more than the mid-year Budget estimate - given just three months ago in March.

While Hurricane Matthewplayed arole in the deficit growing 400 per cent beyond projections, the former government was accused ofexacerbating the storms impact by entering into unfunded spending commitments that had created a $300 million government payables backlog.

Based on Moodys comments yesterday, K P Turnquest, the minister of finance, was right to be concerned about how the rating agencies would react to the 2017-2018 Budget. Much now hinges on whether the Government can provide a convincing explanation when it visits.

Read this article:

Moody'S Gives Alarm On 'Much Weaker' Bahamas - Bahamas Tribune

Tournament Website

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

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

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

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

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

#FightOnPenn

Read the original post:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Former US President Barack Obama also criticised the move.

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

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

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

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

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

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

See the rest here:

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

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

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

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

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

Twitter

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visit link:

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

A cable company based in the Bahamas has tapped Jamaica for financing through two issues of preference shares that will trade on the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE).

One of the preference stocks listed Friday has set a new record for price on the Kingston exchange $1 million per share.

Cable Bahamas Limited, a publicly listed company in its home market, is raising capital to position itself for more aggressive competition against rival Bahamas Telecommunications Company, the Liberty-owned sister operation to Flow.

Cable Bahamas started diversifying into mobile phone services last November to grow its operations having tapped Scotia Investments Jamaica Limited to help raise funds for the project. Jamaican investors bought up $1.9 billion of preference shares from the telecom and on Friday both securities were listed on the JSE, fulfilling a commitment to the subscribers of the offer.

JSE Managing Director Marlene Street Forrest used the opportunity to lobby the cable company, and others, to cross-list their ordinary stock in Jamaica.

Although the company was hailed as the first Bahamian listing on the JSE, it is more correct to label it as the first Bahamian-owned entity to list on the JSE. Margaritaville Caribbean Limited, for example, whose preference shares were listed on the JSE in 2014, is a Jamaican-owned but Bahamian-registered operation.

Incidentally, Margaritaville Caribbean announced Friday that it would be delisting its prefs from the JSE, hours after Cable Bahamas prefs were added to the listing board.

"I wish to encourage Cable Bahamas and any other and other companies listed on the exchange to continue to provide value for shareholders because I would imagine that this will not be your first or second listing you will be coming back," Street Forrest said. "You will be having a presence in Jamaica and we know that we will always be working with you."

Scotia Investments was approached by Cable Bahamas to arrange a private placement of fixed rate redeemable cumulative preference share with institutional investors. Funds raised through this offer totalled $1.9 billion, broken down into two preference share issues valued at US$4.09 million and $1.35 billion, which will trade respectively on the JSE's USD Market and Main market.

The USD listing under the symbol CA11A comprises 4,090 shares valued at US$1,000 each. The JMD listing, CA11B, comprises 1,349 units valued at $1 million each.

Scotia Investments CEO Lissant Mitchell said the Canadian-owned financial group had a prior relationship with Cable Bahamas, explaining how his company came to structure the financing deal.

"Scotiabank has a relationship with them and it is part of the deeper relationship that we have across the Caribbean, despite being physically based in Jamaica," said Mitchell.

"Our relationships with our Caribbean counterparts are very strong and we use that in most instances as an avenue to ensure that clients across the region that we serve get the best opportunity in achieving their objectives," he said.

As to why Jamaica was chosen over other regional markets for the placement, Mitchell said: "The reality is that the capital market in Jamaica is probably the deepest in the region".

Cable Bahamas was incorporated on September 1994 under the laws of The Bahamas. Its subsidiaries provide cable television and related services, national and international data services, Internet access services, telephony and wireless services, web hosting, and business continuity services.

Chief Operating Officer John Gomez said the funds raised would back the company's push for a piece of The Bahamas' US$300 million mobile telephony market, a move he said was a critical part of the company's growth strategy.

"Growth is expected to come from the expansion in mobile. Since November of last year in terms of moving into that space we've acquired just under 30 per cent of that market," Gomez said, noting the company had invested heavily in the necessary infrastructure, equipment and personnel.

Cable Bahamas' subsidiaries include Cable Freeport Limited, Caribbean Crossings Limited, Maxil Communications Limited, Systems Resource Group Limited and Be Aliv Limited, all of which are incorporated in the Bahamas; and Summit Vista Inc, which is incorporated in Florida.

The company is listed on the Bahamas International Securities Exchange. Gomez said Cable Bahamas went public in 2002 and strengthened further through acquisition.

"We've built a network and a suite of services that is entirely Bahamian. We do bring in some expertise for some specialities that we have, but the entire thing from management to technical team is all Bahamian - and that is something we like to brag about," he said.

neville.graham@gleanerjm.com

Continue reading here:

Bahamas cable company taps Jamaica for capital - Jamaica Gleaner

PEOPLE.com

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

See the rest here:

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

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

photo-release

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

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

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

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

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

This summers schedule includes the following dates:

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

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

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

July 6-16, Extended Fling (Eleuthera)

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

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

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

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

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

About The Bahamas

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

Attachments:

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

Attachments:

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

Related Articles

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism

Plantation, Florida, UNITED STATES

http://www.bahamas.com

455919.jpg

(JPEG - 374 x 800)

IMAGE URL | Copy the link below

Formats available:

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Logo

LOGO URL | Copy the link below

Formats available:

More:

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

by Anirban Nag

India's debt level is "significantly" higher compared with similarly rated countries, Moodys Investor Service said, firing a fresh salvo at Prime Minister Narendra Modis government, which has been trying hard to earn a sovereign upgrade.

Rating agencies have India just above junk status and while Modis government has consistently pushed for a sovereign upgrade in the past few years, Moodys, Standard & Poors and Fitch Ratings have all pushed back, citing high debt levels. On Thursday, Moodys said that while the general government debt level declined to 67.5 percent of gross domestic product in 2016 from 84.7 percent in 2003, it remains a key credit constraint.

Moodys notes that Indias debt burden is higher than most of its Baa peers including the Bahamas and South Africa. Baa is medium-grade credit risk which may have speculative characteristics, according to Moodys. Moodys India rating is at Baa3, the lowest on that rung.

"We view ongoing central government deficit reduction as supportive of Indias credit profile, Moodys said in a note. However, the recent widening of Indian state deficits has more than offset the narrowing of the central government deficit."

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in his February budget speech reiterated New Delhis commitment to fiscal consolidation, pegging the central government fiscal deficit targets at 3.2 percent of GDP for fiscal 2017-18 and 3 percent for 2018-19, down from 3.5 percent in 2016-17.

Moodys said a new medium-term fiscal framework would help guide the fiscal consolidation process, if adhered to. The new framework, which has been recently proposed, aims to bring down the federal government fiscal-deficit target to 2.5 percent by 2023 while reducing the debt-to-GDP ratio to 60 percent by 2023.

Moodys was upbeat about Indias move to adopt a unified tax code for goods and services, scheduled to be implemented on July 1.

"Over the medium term, goods and services tax will contribute to productivity gains and higher GDP growth by improving ease of doing business, unifying markets and will enhance Indias attractiveness as a foreign investment destination. GST will also support higher government revenue generation through improved tax compliance and administration," it said.

Nevertheless, the high levels of bad loans in the banking system were a key risk to growth, Moodys said, adding India would need to resolve it to kickstart the investment cycle.

Original post:

India's debt remains `significantly' high, higher than Bahamas and South Africa, says Moody's - Economic Times

A FEARLESS Instagram star got the shock of her life when she was attacked during a photoshoot.

MISS EVERYWHERE/INSTAGRAM

The life of a travel blogger might seem like the dream, but Mareen aka Miss Everywhere, has proven its not all cocktails and infinity pools.

Her Miss Everywhere account is followed by more than 350,000 people and includes a collection of stunning travel snaps.

From swimming with pigs in the Bahamas to eating pool-side brunches in Sri Lanka, its clear to see life is good for the German beauty.

But her latest photoshoot ended with a bit of a fright for the curvy blonde.

MISS EVERYWHERE/INSTAGRAM

Mareen decided to pose with a frenzy of sharks in the crystal-clear waters of Compass Cay an idilic island in the Bahamas.

The breathtaking photo shows the Instagram star floating in a skimpy pink bikini, surrounded by the predators.

But the shoot ended in horror as one of the sharks bit the model, leaving a scar on her hand.

We all love curvy girls in, so here are our top faves.

1 / 112

On her blog, Mareen said: My highlight on that day besides the pigs was swimming with sharks in compass cay which was very fun until one got a little hungry and decided to bit me 🙂 I can not tell you the second of shock I felt when i saw this shark opening his mouth grabbing my hand.

People always tell you when a shark attacks you you should stay calm. let me tell you in reality when it happens there is nothing like staying calm you completely freak out."

MISS EVERYWHERE/INSTAGRAM

She continued: Some of you will remember my pic floating with them just shortly before one bit my finger as he misplaced my hand with food.

My hand is okay again and has a scar now in shark teeth shape that will forever remind me of that beautiful day in the Exumas.

Its an amazing experience to swim with them and quite an adrenalin boost but consider even though they are usually calm they are still wild animals.

Still feeling the effects of the Christmas bulge? Take a look at the hottest babes on Instagram to motivate you to put down the chocolate bar and pick up your running trainers.

1 / 25

Jen Selter poses for the camera next to a pool whilst on holiday

If this hasnt put you off, here are five other amazing places you can swim with sharks:

1. GREAT WHITES, GANSBAAI, SOUTH AFRICA

Known as the Great White capital of the World, this trip is not for the faint-hearted.

Gansbaii is a premier cage diving location that promises to offer a truly thrilling experience for tourists.

2. HAMMERHEADS, GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

The Galpagos Islands, is a province of Ecuador lying about 1,000km off the coast in the Pacific Ocean.

Its isolated terrain shelters a diversity of plant and animal species many found nowhere else.

It is also one of the best places in the world to see Hammerhead sharks.

3. TIGER SHARKS, TIGER BEACH, BAHAMAS

This beach aptly named Tiger Beach is right off Grand Bahama and is one of the best places in the world to see the razor-toothed fish.

4. WHALE SHARKS, ISLA HOLBOX, MEXICO

The whale shark is the biggest fish in the sea, with the largest one measuring in at a length of 12.65 m and a weight of about 21.5 metric tons.

But unlike their scarier cousins, Whale Sharks dont have teeth meaning you can snorkel with them cage-free.

Isla Holbox is one of the best places in the world to see the sharks.

GETTY

5. NO CAGE DIVING, OSPREY REEF, AUSTRALIA

For experienced divers ready for an upgrade to a cage-free adventure, there is a thrilling seven-day live-aboard dive exploring the islands of the Coral Sea, outer Great Barrier Reef and Osprey Reef.

Read more:

Model's sexy bikini shoot in the Bahamas goes horribly wring after THIS happens - Daily Star

Dan Marino and Miami Dolphins Alumni held their annual trip to Nassau, Bahamas and gives back to the Bahamian community.

NASSAU, Bahamas Pro Football Hall of Fame Quarterback Dan Marino and Dolphins Alumni held their annual trip to Nassau on Memorial Day Weekend for the Dan Marino and Friends Bahamas Weekend 2017.

Throughout the weekend, guests mixed and mingled with notable Dolphins alumni, including Marino, Dick Anderson, Ronnie Brown, Mark Clayton, Mark Duper, Oronde Gadsden, Jim Jensen, OJ McDuffie, Terry Kirby, Sam Madison, Nat Moore, Joe Rose, Pat Surtain, Jason Taylor and Shawn Wooden.

Its always better in the Bahamas, Marino said. I look forward to this weekend each year, getting together with my former teammates and really enjoying the great hospitality of the Bahamian people while giving back.

The weekend kicked off with a welcome reception and golf draw party on Thursday evening. On Friday, the alumni and guests participating in a golf classic at Ocean Club. Each golf foursome included the exclusive opportunity to play with a Miami Dolphins Legend or celebrity. The golf classic on Friday wrapped with an awards luncheon and a Bahamas Bash party.

The weekend concluded on Saturday with a free fan fest at Thomas A. Robinson Stadium. The day was packed with great festivities for families, including Youth Football & Cheer Clinics for kids ages 6-17 teaching boys and girls the fundamentals of the game from Dolphins alumni or learning dance moves and chants.

Sam Madison at youth clinic in The Bahamas Photo Credit: Miami Dolphins

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism is grateful to Dan Marino and the Dolphins Legends for their continued support of the Islands of The Bahamas, and, in particular, their commitment to our youth, The Islands of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Director of Sports Virginia Kelly said. We know that the technical football and cheerleader training and invaluable lifelong lessons the alumni shared with our youth will resonate in their hearts and minds for years to come.

The day culminated with competitive flag football games between Nassau, Freeport Grand Bahama, Abaco, Exuma and a Dolphins Legends vs. Bahamas Legends Flag Football Game.

Dolphins Legends with Bahamian Legends at Dan Marino and Friends Bahamas Weekend 2017. Photo Credit: Miami Dolphins

Proceeds from the Dan Marino and Friends Bahamas Weekend for the first time benefit the Bahamas Resource and Education for Autism and Related Challenges (R.E.A.C.H.), a non-profit organization that aims to provide parents with comprehensive knowledge and tools in all areas of this neurobiological disorder. Proceeds also benefit the Miami Dolphins Alumni Player Assistance Fund, which provides financial support to assist former players in need.

Dolphins Legends, Dan Marino, Jason Taylor and Nat Moore with members of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and REACH Chair Dwayne Gibson.

REACH is really happy to receive this donation. We try and help a lot of kids along the spectrum in the Bahamas. Were hoping that the funds will go a long way, REACH Chair Dwayne Gibson said.

Go here to see the original:

Dan Marino and Friends Host Successful Bahamas Weekend 2017 - South Florida Caribbean News