Category Archives: Bahamas

NASSAU, BAHAMAS The Davis-led administrations engagement of the media has unearthed scrutiny of the seemingly incestuous relationship that exists between public and private institutions within a small developing state. What does it mean when there appears to be a porous barrier between the roles of state and watchdog and is there a path to effective self-regulation that cements a realistic ethical standard?

As an institution, and in a healthy democracy, the media can often take on the role of stewards of public trust. How effective the media is at reflecting public attitudes is often considered by political agents to be a direct indication of the medias power to influence public attitudes, and as such media workers are valued as the architects of consent. Whether emerging commentary over the level of media hires by the incoming administration belies genuine concern over its impact on newsroom staffing and public confidence, or simply an attempt to demonize political agenda, remains to be seen. However, it is important to unpack the narrative that suggests journalists are immune to social and environmental factors, inclusive of shifting ideologies or convictions towards public service as a national contribution.

They either go into the private market or work for the government in some fields, said a former journalist with more than 10 years of experience.

Its a healthy thing for the industry, it makes the various (media) entities stay on their toes. It lets them know that to keep quality staff, they have to pay them well but also treat them well. It points to a changing of the guard, there is any number of persons now working at Bahamas Information Services that were at one point a cub reporter or a senior reporter in the private sector.

People are being hired to go into different aspects of life, thats natural. I think what the industry needs is a more active and functional press association that allows for better exchange of information, and history, so when someone moves on that knowledge isnt lost with them.

The former journalist argued that media workers are autonomous, and their independence should not be minimized by the imposition of a government plot to gut the press.

Thats nonsense, your career is your career. No one can force you to go and work for anybody. Nobody can force you to do something that is not in your best interest. If you determine tomorrow that I now want to stop doing 9 to 5 news where I have seen murderers, Ive had death threats, sleepless nights, to a more stable career where there are more structured hours, my family doesnt have to suffer, my kids dont have wait for mommy or daddy to come home because theyre out covering assignments. People have families. Its different when youre young with no commitments. These things should be looked at in a healthy, open society people move one.

The journalist continued: They want to be paid better, they want to try something new. A lot of us got into journalism and that was our first job out of college. Are you saying the person flipping burgers at McDonalds as a first job, that they want to do this for the rest of their life? Some people will always be interested in the news, but I think the biggest thing about it is, going into things that have a more balanced environment. Whether its a government job or working in the private sector, those are 9 to 5s, the news is not a 9 to 5 and burnout is a real thing.

The journalist added: When you color peoples career move like that, its not fair to the person. Youre saying they dont have any sense, that they are being manipulated. Were in a pandemic. There are so many other considerations, people make choices in their best interest.

In its latest study TRUST:The Key to Social Cohesion and Growth in Latin America and the Caribbean, the IDB reports that trust both interpersonally and in government is lower in the region than anywhere in the world.

The bank furthers that restoring trust is the key to unlocking both public and private sector growth.

Trust is the belief that others will not act opportunistically, IDB president Mauricio Claver-Carone writes in the books preface.

It is faith in othersin their honesty, dependability, and goodwill. Trustworthy people make promises they can keep and keep them; they respect social norms. Without trust, people live in fear, not freedom; they focus on the opportunities of today rather than innovating to expand the opportunities of tomorrow.

The report underscores that the lack of trust further erodes public will to demand better public policies and services and that restoring trust depends on both information and empowerment.

With faith in ourselves and our institutions, at an all-time low, the decision by the government to directly seek out skilled laborers to meet their communication strategy goals becomes prudent governance, and not a nefarious plot to evade accountability.

But what about impact? Its too early to tell whether this cycle of the media to public relations pipeline will deplete the fourth estate at a time when its role as watchdog is also experiencing existential shifts due to digitization and flagging public confidence. However, it is important to keep an eye on not only the level of engagement but the nature of the contracts offered to media workers. The industry must consider where it will draw the line on the prospect of correspondents engaged by the government while currently employed as media workers. While journalists are free to explore opportunities to earn a livable wage, there must be a firm and clear boundary that protects the industry from reputational damage or outright abuse.

Matt Aubry, the Organization for Responsible Governance (ORG) executive director said: We need to give viable spaces for these people to contribute and live. I think its tough because in The Bahamas there is an existing relationship between the press and the government but there is also a general model when you look at government as the most prevalent employer theyre the most consistent. Theres interesting traction for folks who feel they can make a difference to go into government that there hasnt been in civil society or the private sector.

Ideally in the kind of democratic functioning model, you have equal parts of civil, private, and government to work and balance each other but prevailingly the biggest part of the pie is and has been government and the perception of having an impact is that you have to get into government.

Aubry continued: Theres an environmental issue, how do we make sure and shoe other are available alternatives to grow and expand professionally in a non-governmental space. Currently, our best and brightest feel that the best and brightest opportunity to make an impact will be through the government.

Aubry pointed out there were also the nations human resource challenges to consider due to education challenges and brain drain.

He argued this required greater investment in the media and its workers to sustain a viable free press that is integral to a healthy democracy and establishing public trust.

I think it can (erode trust) but the state of media in this country or any shouldnt rely upon one or two or a few folks, Aubry said.

It is the entity, the vehicle, that there are opportunities for folks to accurately depict whats going on. Were a small population and this happens across the Caribbean. I think its probably an endemic issue. Somebody then takes a position in an incoming government, that theres going to be lots of skepticism whether thats accurate or not kinda depends on the circumstances. But the long issue of it is we need to build a pipeline, we need to build a value-based pipeline that ensures that there are folks who are finding their way into the (media) field, that those folks are trained and prepared, and that investigative journalism is supported, that access to information is not dependent upon having to corner somebody at a Chinese restaurant.

He continued: In the immediacy, we need to build public trust in the short term, but in the long term we want a sustainable and developed nation that achieves progress, holds that progress, and moves forward. If we dont have systems in place that encourage folks, encourage writing in our youth and plugging journalism as a viable career path and then fostering and supporting good journalism and dissent, that were not creating pathways where you get boxed into a corner if you were to come out against this group or that.

All of us have a responsibility in reengaging the public to believe in the system, civil society, the media, academia, the churches, and clearly government. If were intentional about what were doing then a move that goes from one private sector person in the media to the government, it is seen and understood and there are efforts to reinforce that they are the right person in the right place, then that establishes the trust that sticks.

The former journalist added: At the end of the day we cant hold them back. It wouldnt be fair to say they cant go and work anywhere else, you have to have that freedom. I also think these things are case by case, but I dont believe it would be a fair argument to say in one respect if today I am holding the government feet to the fire, and then when a new administration comes in and I am employed by that government and its viewed as a reward.

Realistically I could determine that I see where the deficiencies are and instead of just complaining about it, Im gonna have skin in the game and do something about it. To determine I am going to get into the game, to make things better or give more service, just think about the risks involved. Elections have swung one way or the other for the past 25 years, so you know youre jeopardizing longevity for the opportunity to serve.

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THE READ: ARE JOURNALISTS THE ANSWER TO RESTORING PUBLIC TRUST? - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS The government has formed committees within each individual school with a view to examine its needs and move to full face-to-face learning, according to Minister of Education Glenys Hanna-Martin.

Speaking to reporters outside Cabinet yesterday, the education minister said she met with union leaders several days ago and they agreed on a plan for the way forward.

She explained that the committees formed at each school include teachers, principals and the public service union and education officials, who will make the determination on reopening for full face-to-face.

You will find the rollout may not be even; it may be two schools here, three schools there and it might vary a bit based on certain factors of each school, but the intention is 100 percent rollout, Hanna-Martin said.

This is a very important first step and we are working together to achieve it.

In a statement on the ongoing school challenges, Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT) President Belinda Wilson said that after meeting with union representatives and shop stewards, the union is satisfied that most schools on Grand Bahama and the Family Islands are ready for a return of face-to-face.

She noted, however, that a few schools on Grand Bahama are not ready due to teacher shortages, insufficient classroom space and a lack of furniture including desks and chairs.

She indicated that at least two schools, since opening, have been temporarily interrupted because of positive COVID-19 cases and teachers and students having to quarantine.

Wilson said union representatives on New Providence will examine health and safety protocols, class capacity and teacher shortages in the capital to determine the readiness of those schools.

After discussions with principals and staff, each school will determine their readiness and/or suitability for the reopening of each school face-to-face in a phased approached, she said.

Obviously, large class sizes and teacher shortages are clearly impediments to increasing the number of students for face-to-face or 100 percent return in the midst of this COVID-19 pandemic.

The BUT president further urged the government to hire the new teachers who have allegedly been waiting since May 2021 and identify additional teaching support and other venues for more classroom alternatives.

Utilize retirees and supply teachers and find volunteers, parents, guardians, persons in the community who can supplement for the teacher shortage, Wilson suggested.

This will be a stopgap measure and, for the sake of the success of education, Im urging the Ministry of Education to produce an education plan.

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ONE AT A TIME: Each govt school to be individually examined for face-to-face readiness, says minister - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS The government is on track to bring forth its progressive legislative agenda, including a compendium of bills, before the end of the first quarter, including a new cannabis regime.

Speaking to Eyewitness News, Attorney General Ryan Pinder said: We are working assiduously to put together the most progressive, groundbreaking legislative agenda this country would have ever seen and that is on pace and on schedule.

Pinder noted that with parliamentarians set to debate the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) bill, the policy initiative of the government to fulfill many of its promises, especially with respect to the advancement and promotion of sustainability and agribusiness in the country, will be set.

My goal is to have a compendium [of] legislation to the Bahamian people by the end of the first quarter of this [year] and thats this the goal, he said.

Among the legislation expected to be undertaken by the Davis administration are a sovereign wealth fund legislation; carbon credit regulation; legislation to regulate BAMSI and other agriculture developments; financial management amendments; cannabis legislation; and anti-corruption reform.

The governments Speech from the Throne outlined several key aspects of the Davis administrations mandate and a commitment to executing good governance, established on the principles of transparency, integrity and accountability.

Since coming to office, the Davis administration has already fulfilled several campaign promises, including the removal of the curfew and state of emergency; the end of travel health visa for Bahamians domestically and internationally; a reduction in value-added tax (VAT) to 10 percent; and the Merchant Shipping Bill.

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LEGISLATION ON PACE: Compendium of progressive bills by first quarter, says AG - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS The Eugene Dupuch Law School (EDLS) will be the exclusive Council of Legal Education law school to offer the six-month course leading to the Legal Education Certificate in the 2022/2023 academic year.

The Legal Education Certificate six-month programme is a transitional course for common law professionally trained individuals seeking to practice law in any of the relevant jurisdictions covered by the agreement establishing the Council of Legal Education.

The programme runs from September to March each year.

Late applications are accepted until February 28, 2022.

EDLS Principal Tonya Bastian Galanis explained: This programme provides a thorough grounding in the legal skills and knowledge required in todays globalized legal practice environment.

It is designed to accommodate both legal practice and Commonwealth Caribbean jurisprudence.

Successful completion of the programme gives participants the opportunity to practice in the Commonwealth Caribbean region once they comply with local legislation regarding admittance to practice in the jurisdiction.

This course is delivered virtually through Canvas, EDLS Learning Management System, which includes built-in video conference meeting facilities.

All students are given access to online learning resources and material, and also have the ability to host meetings and conduct legal research and access EDLS Library Management System.

The course also encompasses a law office placement component that students are also required to complete during the six-month period.

The Legal Education Certificate opens a world of opportunity to engage professional law practice, new networking opportunities and opportunities for continuous education and learning in the region, Galanis said.

For further information about the programme, please contact the Registrar at Eugene Dupuch Law School at admissions@edls.edu.bs or call 242-326-8507.

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Legal Education Certificate offered exclusively through EDLS Eye Witness News - EyeWitness News

July 13, 2020

Bahamas Ministry Of Tourism & Aviation Enters Phase 2 Reopening As Of July 1

All Islands Of The Bahamas Reopen to International Travel; Visitors Must Present Negative COVID-19 Test and Complete an Electronic Health Visa to be Granted Entry

NASSAU, Bahamas, July 10, 2020 The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation has entered into Phase 2 of theTourism Readiness and Recovery Plan, which began on Wednesday, July 1 and allows for the resumption of international travel to The Bahamas.

It is recommended that all travellers interested in visiting The Bahamas review requirements applicable to each member of their party at Bahamas.com/travelupdates before booking a trip, to determine what steps need to be taken to be granted entry.

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June 15, 2020 COVID-19 update

The Islands Of The Bahamas is preparing to re-open our borders and welcome international travelers back to our beautiful island nation. The health & wellbeing of our residents and visitors is our number one priority, and we are putting even greater emphasis on making sure The Bahamas is safe and clean for all to enjoy.

As of June 9, 2020, In accordance with the governments phased reopening plan, inter-island domestic travel has resumed across The Islands Of The Bahamas. Travel by commercial flight, as well as mailboat, passenger ferry, domestic pleasure craft and yachts, are permitted across all islands.

All persons intending to travel domestically within The Bahamas are required to complete a Travel Health Card application prior to departure. Travellers can visittravel.gov.bsto complete the form online. This is an important step for contact tracing purposes.

In the coming weeks, The Bahamas will continue preparing to reopen the countrys borders for international travel, which is expected on July 1.

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April 7, 2020

On April 6, the Prime Minister of The Bahamas announced full lockdown orders for all of The Bahamas as follows:

During these lockdown periods, virtually all businesses and service providers will be closed, including grocery stores.Hospitals, hotels with guests, law enforcement and essential utility personnel are exempted from these around the clock shutdown restrictions.

Please note that, as a result, the office will be closed from Thursday April 9th through Monday April 13, 2020.

_______________________

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Taino Beach Resort & Clubs

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A ship called Serenity sent passengers into chaos.

A pair of cruise liners seized by federal authorities unloaded vacationers before sailing for safety in international waters, according to a New York Post report.

The Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony had crew members on board when authorities caught up to them with a warrant approved by a U.S. federal district court judge, according to multiple reports and Cruise Law News. It remained uncertain Sunday how federal officials had authority to carry out the warrant in the Bahamas, wrote the Post.

Fuel supplier Peninsula Petroleum Far East filed a complaint in Florida last month seeking an arrest warrant against the cruise ships under U.S. admiralty law, The Daily Mail reported.

The seizures came amid allegations the Miami-based owner, Crystal Cruises, failed to pay $4.6 million in fuel bills, by the countrys maritime authority over some type of unpaid bill, Seatrade Cruise News reported.

The scores of passengers aboard both the Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony were left in the Bimini district of the Bahamas, about 50 miles from Miami, said numerous reports, before being ferried to Fort Lauderdale and then left to fend for themselves, wrote the Post.

One passenger, via a Facebook post dated Jan. 31, said Five hours in, we get off the ferry only to find all the luggage dumped everywhere, colors and numbers NOT together, luggage falling down, no porters and NO CRYSTAL REPS. NONE. No one giving instructions. No one helping the older folks. It was a shameful sight.

Following the incident, commenters railed against Crystal Cruises on their own social media accounts: Cool pictures but what good are they if you just drop off passengers wherever you want instead of where you agreed? read one Instagram response.

Stay the [$%^&] outta the Bahamas, another read.

A third boat, the Crystal Endeavor, had to remove passengers after the ship was held in Ushuaia, Argentina, by the countrys maritime authority over some type of unpaid bill, Seatrade Cruise News reported.

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Cruise company dumps passengers before feds seize luxury vessels in Bahamas: Report - silive.com

The Bahamas doesnt have an overwhelming number of all-inclusive hotel options, but what the archipelago nation lacks in quantity it more than makes up in variety. Basic to high-end, intimate to extravagant, the Bahamas has an all-inclusive to match almost any budget and interest, including resorts on private islands and others smack in the middle of the liveliest beaches in Nassau and on Paradise Island.

Sandals Royal Bahamian, Nassau

Recently renovated to up its luxury quotient, this Cable Beach resort has been enhanced with new swim-up suites, new restaurants, the Coconut Grove beach club, and new amenities at the resorts Barefoot Cay private island. A pair of mid-rise hotel buildings frame two pools, swim-up bars, and a food truck oasis; unique dining options include seafood on Gordons Pier and Aralia House on Barefoot Cay. Activities include diving, kayaking, windsurfing, tennis, basketball, a fitness center, and more. The Red Lane spa has a large menu of treatments available at extra cost.

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The Best All-Inclusive Hotels in The Bahamas - Caribbean Journal

Being spoiled for choice even after you have decided upon a destination is a nice position to be in. This is where I found myself in the Bahamas a desirable option for winter sun thanks to new twice-weekly Virgin Atlantic direct flights that have opened up greater access from the UK. With more than 700 islands and cays and 16 island destinations trailing over 760 miles around the same length as Italy the Bahamas is not your average fly-and-flop tropical destination.

Just a few hundred miles south of Florida, the archipelago is as much a quick fix for sun-seeking Americans as it is a refuge for the rich and famous, and it is easy to see why. An abundance of islands means an abundance of choice. Divers can explore the worlds third-largest barrier reef off Andros. Romantics can enjoy blissful seclusion on Eleuthera a pencil-thin island of wild beauty.

Inagua, the raw and untouched southernmost islands, consist largely of protected national parks, home to more than 80,000 flamingos and 140 species of native migratory birds. And on Grand Bahama, the northernmost island, is Coral Vita, the worlds first land-based commercial coral farm. The initiative gives crucial new life to dying ecosystems and was awarded Prince Williams inaugural Earthshot Prize last year.

Nassau the capital and, just offshore from it, Paradise Island are the gateway to the archipelago. Opt for an immediate departure for barefoot luxury on the remote islands, where A-listers such as Johnny Depp and Shakira own hideaways, or establish a base at one of the more affordable, large resorts here.

Resort need not put you off, though, since all requirements are catered for. The pink confection of Atlantis Paradise Island (replicated in Dubai) is one of the most iconic properties in the region. Its six hotels unfurl from the heart-of-the-action Royal Hotel, surrounded by the Aquaventure water park.

Three sweeping beaches allow for peace and tranquillity. Cementing its reputation, musician Pharrell Williams recently announced plans to open a resort at Atlantis next year Somewhere Else will feature tropical modernist design with cascading pools and landscaped gardens.

The Grand Hyatt Baha Mar one of a trio of hotels in the Baha Mar complex manages to marry a Las Vegas-style mega-resort feel with low-key island charm. It becomes easy to forget the sheer size as you enjoy the picture-perfect location and natural beauty. Those looking for entertainment will find it in abundance.

Others will enjoy simply sipping on Bahama Mamas from a private poolside cabana. The food offering, across 20 eateries, is world class.

Venture beyond the resorts and the benefits of a base in Nassau are numerous. Bay Street, downtown, is the oldest thoroughfare in the region. Pastel-coloured buildings line the bustling street, home to the historic Parliament building and artisan Straw Market.

Conch is an ever-present staple on menus across the islands, but there are few places better to enjoy it than Potters Cay, where fishing boats from the Out Islands arrive daily with their bounty. Tourists and Bahamians mingle over ice-cold Kalik beer to enjoy fresh conch cooked in a multitude of ways from the dozens of colourful shacks on the waterfront.

Another social highlight is meeting volunteer Bahamians during a People-to-People Experience. The programme of activities, hosted by residents, includes a hosted tea party at Nassaus historic Government House, a visit to a fish fry on Arawak Cay and a delightful sip-sip session (a good old chat among friends).

In spite of their liberally sprinkled geography, it is easy to explore islands from Nassau and Paradise Island, and one of the most popular day trips is island-hopping around the Exumas.

A speedboat takes you past eye-opening coastal mansions to wide-open seas. After an exhilarating hour, the first of the 365 islands of the Exumas comes into view. They are exquisite, with secluded white beaches, deserted cays and sapphire-blue waters that are so brightly coloured they are said to be visible from space.

Our boat stopped at Iguana Island before heading to private Ship Channel Cay an idyllic spot for snorkelling and the popular swimming-with-pigs experience and a lesson in how to make a fresh conch salad, before whiling away the afternoon taking in the surrounding beauty from the comfort of a sun lounger. The only choice to be made now? Which island to visit next.

The best time to visit is from November to mid-April.

Virgin Atlantic flies direct between Heathrow and Nassau twice a week with return fares from 625,virginatlantic.com

Seven nights at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar with Virgin Atlantic from 1,410pp. Seven nights at the Cove at The Atlantis from 2,014pp,virginholidays.co.uk

Fully vaccinated arrivals and children aged two-11 must present a negative antigen test (three days); unvaccinated arrivals must present a negative PCR test result.

All travellers must apply for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa in advance of travel, which is free for vaccinated arrivals and under-10s and $50 for unvaccinated.bahamas.com

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With new flights available to the Bahamas, its 700 tropical islands and cays are more alluring than ever - iNews

A second ship from the embattled Crystal Cruises line has cut short its trip and offloaded passengers in the Bahamas as the company faces a legal dispute over millions of dollars in fuel bills.

The itinerary changes for the Crystal Serenity followed a judge's order last month to seize the Crystal Symphony if it enters U.S. waters.

The Crystal Serenity was originally scheduled to take about 200 passengers on a three-and-a-half month expedition, but two days after leaving Miami on Jan. 17, the company announced it would suspend operations through April. The ship canceled several port calls since then.

Passengers were told the ship would end the cruise in Aruba, but then local officials did not allow the ship to dock this weekend, so the ship was diverted to Bimini, a company spokesman said. The cruise line then ferried the passengers to Fort Lauderdale, where they were taken to hotels Monday night.

The passengers will be reimbursed for any applicable airline change fees, said Crystal Cruises spokesman Vance Gulliksen.

There are simply no words to express our deep regret and disappointment, the companys statement said.

The ship that had a seizure order, Crystal Symphony, was supposed to return to Miami on Jan. 22, but instead changed its course to Bimini, also offloading and ferrying passengers to Fort Lauderdale.

A federal judge overseeing a lawsuit that accuses the cruise line of failing to pay $4.6 million for fuel issued the warrant for the Crystal Symphony on Jan. 20. The maritime order authorizes U.S. Marshals to board a vessel and take charge once it approaches the U.S. coast.

In the complaint filed in a Miami federal court last month, Peninsula Petroleum Far East lists sales totaling $2.2 million of fuel to Crystal Serenity that were not paid. Gulliksen said there is no warrant against the Crystal Serenity.

Some passengers on the voyage, which would have ended in California in late May, said they were glad to leave.

Im delighted to be off that ship, said Barry Shulman, 75, of Las Vegas.

The company announced it was suspending operations through late April to provide Crystals management team with an opportunity to evaluate the current state of business and examine various options moving forward.

The cruise lines parent company, Genting Hong Kong, has been struggling with the effects of the pandemic on its shipping and cruise businesses. Last month, one of its shipyards filed for bankruptcy protection in Germany.

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Crystal Cruises Diverts 2nd Ship to Bahamas to Avoid Seizure ...

A second cruise ship operated by Crystal Cruises has diverted to the Bahamas in the wake of its parent company's filing for liquidation.

In a statement sent to Insider Tuesday, the company said that the Crystal Serenity was cleared to dock in Aruba Friday, but was denied entry to the port later that day. The ship, which set sail from Port Miami January 17 to cruise the Caribbean, instead transported passengers to Bimini in the Bahamas Monday, before ferrying them to Fort Lauderdale, according to the statement.

The latest diversioncomes as Crystal Cruises grapples with the pending liquidation of its parent company, Genting Hong Kong, announced January 19, just two days after the Crystal Serenity set sail.

Crystal Cruises announced on January 19 that it would suspend all cruises through to April. Currently, only one other cruise ship operated by Crystal Cruises, the Crystal Endeavor, is still at sea, according to cruise tracking website, cruisemapper.com. The company did not confirm to Insider what would happen to the Endeavor cruise.

Another ship, the Crystal Symphony, also diverted to the Bahamas January 23, after an arrest warrant was issued in relation to a $1.2 million unpaid fuel bill owed by Genting Hong Kong, Bloomberg reported. The ship diverted from its destination of Miami, where the warrant would permit it to be seized, according to the report.

One passenger told The Miami Herald that the situation onboard the Crystal Serenity was a "colossal mess."

Nancy Plencner, who told the publication that she and her husband had paid over $75,000 for travel arrangements, added: "Everyone is up in arms. We have spent the majority of this cruise making travel plans, changing plans, losing more money on nonrefundable airline tickets and cruise deposits on other lines."

Plencner told the publication that they were due to be onboard for 116 days.

In the statement to Insider, Crystal Cruises said that there were "no reasonable risks or claims made against the vessel" which prevented it from docking in Aruba.

According to the statement, overnight accommodation Monday was provided by Crystal Cruises. The company also told Insider they would cover the cost of any replacement flights.

The suspension of itineraries and pending liquidation of Genting comes at a turbulent time for the cruise industry in the wake of the pandemic. Insider's Brittany Chang previously reported that a number of cruise lines had canceled sailings or returned home.

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Second Crystal Cruises Ship Diverts to Bahamas As Aruba Entry ...