Category Archives: Bahamas

This mansion in the Bahamas is about to hit the market. BRETT DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY, COURTESY CORCORAN CA CHRISTIE BAHAMAS

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A lavish Venetian-style mansion nestled alongside the glistening waters of the Bahamas is headed to the market for $15.8 millionand offers are being accepted in cash and cryptocurrency alike.

The home, part of a prestigious gated community and with views of Nassau Harbor, will be listed later on Monday with Gavin Christie of Corcoran CA Christie Bahamas.

More:Could Luxury Homes One Day Fill Americas Languishing Office Buildings?

Its a magnificent property, Mr. Christie told Mansion Global. It has this very grand feel, even before you hit the front door. Youre met by this very long driveway, it almost feels like youre going to a palace.

Then you have these very large, double mahogany doors, and when you open the double doors, its just a jaw dropping, breathtaking view. Youre looking straight out into the harbor, he added.

Along with those 15-feet-high statement double doors, the four-bedroom home boasts cathedral ceilings, huge Palladian-style windows, custom chandeliers, an oversized pool and spa, and two private guest cottages.

Mansion Global couldnt identify the seller of the home.

The ocean vistas from the home are one of the propertys foremost selling points. As is its enviable position alongside the ocean and private marina, according to Mr. Christie.

Were a boating destination, he said. We have boaters and yachters come from all over the world to spend time in our water. To have a home that sits on it, its next to none.

With those amenities on offer, Mr. Christie is anticipating demand from potential buyers within the yachting world.

As it stands, [the marina] can accommodate up to about a 120-foot yacht, thats kind of the average size of boats that are coming to the Bahamas. Were anticipating a lot of interest out of that community, he said.

And with the option to transact using cryptocurrency, Mr. Christie suspects further interest may stem from individuals within the crypto space, he said.

The residence is within the islands exclusive Ocean Club Estates, which is home to an 18-hole championship golf course, tennis courts and a private beach club. There are roughly 122 single-family homes and 88 condos in the enclave, according to Mr. Christie.

They are all very, very high end and price points in the neighborhood would normally start at $6 million or $7 million, and go up to about $40 million, give or take, he said. With Covid, its the first time in 40-plus years that our market has been this strong. Were seeing numbers weve not seen in the history of the Bahamas.

This article first appeared on Mansion Global.

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A Lavish $15.8 Million Oceanfront Mansion in the Bahamas is Headed to the Market - Barron's

The St. Lucia Tourism Authority appointed Lorine Charles-St. Jules to the post of CEO.

Charles-St. Jules replaces Beverly Nicholson-Doty, who recently vacated the post. Nicholson-Doty served as the commissioner of tourism in the U.S. Virgin Islands prior to her St. Lucia position.

The CEO appointment for Charles-St. Jules brings her back to her roots in St. Lucia, where she held executive positions with the tourist board for nine years and the ministry of tourism for two years.

She most recently was the U.S. account manager for the Anguilla Tourist Board.

In the Bahamas, meanwhile, the ministry of tourism, investments and aviation named Latia Duncombe as acting director general, replacing former director Joy Jibilru in that post.

Duncombe formerly served as deputy director general for the Bahamas. Prior to that, she held executive positions in the Cayman Islands and the Turks and Caicos.

Kenneth Romer was named deputy director general. He served as executive director in the ministry of tourism since 2019, overseeing airlift, cruise, yachting, visitor safety, guest services and special projects.

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New tourism appointments in St. Lucia and Bahamas - Travel Weekly

NASSAU, BAHAMAS As part of Disneys commitment to building the workforce of tomorrow and inspiring and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs, Disney Cruise Line is providing funding to support Junior Achievement Bahamas on Eleuthera.

This years programme is expected to provide financial literacy, entrepreneurship, college preparedness and work readiness curriculums to nearly 1,000 students on Eleuthera ranging in age from kindergarten to 12th grade.

Kim Prunty, vice president of public affairs for Disney Cruise Line, said: Educational programmes like Junior Achievement help create important opportunities for todays youth, giving them a fundamental understanding of the business world while enabling them to hone their skills and ultimately achieve their dreams.

Were happy to partner with Junior Achievement and support their mission to prepare and inspire the future leaders of The Bahamas.

Disney Cruise Line is the corporate sponsor for all Junior Achievement programmes on the island of Eleuthera this year.

Tammy Lecky, executive director of Junior Achievement Bahamas, said: Disneys generous donation has allowed us to maintain the level of programme offerings for students on Eleuthera.

Disneys partnership with Junior Achievement Bahamas is a testament to the value of our programmes for students, many of whom use the skills and opportunities we provide to further their education, advance in their careers and open their own businesses.

Clara Young, Junior Achievement programme coordinator for Eleuthera, added: Disneys sponsorship means our team can focus on what we do best providing youngsters from kindergarten to 12th grade a solid background in financial literacy, career readiness and entrepreneurship.

Our achievers are thankful, their parents are thankful and we as an organization are most grateful.

Adapted for each age group, the Junior Achievement curriculum is designed to help students understand the economic world and business fundamentals, while also exploring career interests and opportunities and developing work-readiness skills.

The non-profit youth development organization recently celebrated 42 years in The Bahamas and currently services students on the islands of Andros, Eleuthera, Grand Bahama and New Providence.

Each year, Junior Achievement Bahamas rewards scholarships to its achievers through private and corporate donations.

Virtual programming for students K5 through 12th grade is now open to students throughout The Bahamas.

To learn more about Junior Achievement, student enrollment and ways to support the organization, please contact info@jabahamas.org.

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Disney Cruise Line partners with Junior Achievement Bahamas to build work readiness skills on Eleuthera - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Information Commissioner Keith Thompson yesterday announced 10 government ministries and agencies that will be first to facilitate the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) as part of its phased implementation.

However, he made clear that the road to the public requesting and accessing records remains a mammoth task.

The 10 agencies to be among the first include the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health and Wellness, Ministry of the Environment, Ministry of the Public Service, Ministry of Public Works, the Department of Public Prosecutions, the Bahamas Investment Authority, the Treasury Department, Bahamas Power and Light and the Department of Immigration.

Information, as we all know basically right now, with the exception of some digitization that is going on now, is still very paper-based.

Deputy Information Commissioner Shane Miller

Deputy Information Commissioner Shane Miller said:We have decided to start with these 10 agencies and as the process for training all of these agenciesthere is a lot of reform that has to take place in the civil service as a whole.

Information, as we all know basically right now, with the exception of some digitization that is going on now, is still very paper-based.

So, we are going through an assessment process.

We have sent out forms for each of these agencies to fill out as to where they are with their records management so we can assist the entire public service as to advising and finding out where we are so we can get the records up-to-date to be able to bring FOIA to a point where [it] can be properly implemented.

Miller acknowledged that other jurisdictions have taken five years after the act has passed, in some instances, to implement freedom of information.

Miller said he would like to think The Bahamas clock on FOIA began ticking when the commissioners were appointed in May 2021.

He said an aggressive campaign has been launched with the Attorney Generals Office and other government agencies to bring it to fruition as soon as possible, with government readiness being a major factor.

Meanwhile, Thompson underscored that access to information is not intended to cause scandal for political leaders and does not represent the public against the government or the government against the public.

As to how the government will ensure access, Thompson said the government is working hand in hand with the Office of the Commissioner.

He said to this end, information managers, who will be trained, will be designated to each government ministry and agency.

Requests for information, upon acknowledgment of the request from the information manager, should be complied with and granted or denied within 30 days, though the act builds in processes and conditions for an extension of time.

There will be a fee for the provision of records, which will be posted in the FOIA regulations.

There is also a process of appeal, in cases of denial, to the information commissioner and ultimately the Supreme Court.

A tracking system is also being designed to allow individuals to request information from a central website, according to the deputy commissioner.

Originally posted here:

FOIA ADVANCING: 10 agencies and ministries first up in phased freedom of information implementation - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS A Bahamian world-class educator, Dr Patrice J Pinder, is bringing back excellence in education through the launch of the 242 Bringing Back Excellence in Education Campaign to be held the week of March 1418, 2022.

The event will be primarily virtual and will have a dual focus: Excellence in Education and I Love Learning Bahamas initiatives/drives.

It will be free to the public and Pinder is urging all pre K12 schools to partner with her to make the event a successful one. Thus, all preschools, primary and secondary schools, both public and private, throughout the archipelago of The Bahamas are encouraged to take part in what is being called a very positive educational event for this new year 2022.

To be a part of this event, participating schools are asked to post approved written stories or videos to the media platform(s) of their choice, highlighting the success stories of either the entire school; a teacher or teachers; a student or students, which will document or show to the general Bahamian public what some schools are doing well or excelling in.

Pinder stated: I am of the opinion that the solutions to our problems can be found among us. It is right here among us.

Thus, the overarching goal or objective of this important event is for us to learn from each others successes.

We will learn what is working and what can work best in our Bahamian education system while at the same time we will celebrate and cheer on the success stories [and] the excellent works of those others of our peers.

Additionally, as part of the week of activities, Pinder will be available to answer questions from the public.

She will be available on Thursday, March 17, to answer questions and to provide some solutions to the issues and concerns expressed by the public.

Those wishing to chat with her can feel free to do so by telephone at 242-468-9009 or by email at dr.patricepinder@gmail.com.

I am inviting all stakeholders public and private schools teachers, administrators, parents, students, ministers of education, other governmental officials and the general public to be a part of this event, Pinder said.

The bottom line is we must put aside our differences personal, religious and political differences and truly work together or partner together to move our country, our students, our babies forward in education.

Let us bring back excellence in education in the 242 in 2022.

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Educator bringing back excellence in education Eye Witness News - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS The concept of herd immunity once represented the endgame of the coronavirus pandemic, but according to a local health expert, that threshold is less attainable or relevant given the nature of the virus and persistent vaccine hesitancy.

In an interview with Eyewitness News, Director of the National HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Programme Dr Nikkiah Forbes said experts have found that COVID behaves similarly to other respiratory viruses such as the flu, which has countless strains that can re-infect individuals.

Like the flu, Forbes said COVID is here to stay.

The concept that there would be no COVID because of herd immunity is not likely to happen.

Dr Nikkiah Forbes

Asked if the concept of herd immunity was less relevant given what is now known about the virus, Forbes said: Yes and no. Yes, the concept that there would be no COVID because of herd immunity is not likely to happen.

In the beginning, when we first heard about this virus, we knew there were other viruses like this that no longer became a problem for humanity. SARS and MERS-CoV, they disappeared.

The idea that you could do something and we could get it to go away was an early concept and that is not veering out.

That is no longer realistic. COVID is here to stay.

Now, this is what we have achieved. We are in a much different place than when COVID first came to the world.

With vaccines and additional therapies, COVID if you are vaccinated and optimize your vaccination through boosters, for example, that COVID could have the severity or it could be somewhere in the severity between a cold and a flu, and you wont die from it.

So, were in a much better position.

When there were no vaccines and therapeutic modalities, people were dying from COVID more than five million, nearly six million from COVID alone, not to mention those people who died with COVID.

That was a challenge. We had no immunity, either natural or through vaccines, and so COVID was a serious health problem and still can be

Forbes said immunity is better with all the scientific advancements that have been made.

When COVID-19 vaccines became available on the international market within the first year of the pandemic, there was a widely held view that once 70 to 80 percent of the population received the jab, there would be herd immunity protection against spread of the virus.

With vaccines and additional therapiesCOVID could have the severity or it could be somewhere in the severity between a cold and a flu, and you wont die from it.

Dr Nikkiah Forbes

But international health agencies, including the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have noted that without global uptake of the vaccine, variants will continue to emerge.

More than 40 percent of The Bahamas population has been fully vaccinated.

Nearly two years since the onset of the pandemic, existing vaccines have held up, with strong protection against severe illness and death, though health experts have recommended a booster shot for additional protection and up to a fourth COVID jab for the immunocompromised for better immune response against the virus.

Data on COVID patients at Princess Margaret Hospital have evidenced this, with 95 percent of those hospitalized being unvaccinated individuals, according to the latest report.

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'COVID IS HERE TO STAY': Herd immunity less attainable now, says Forbes; vaccination still encouraged - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS One month into a smooth rollout of its free testing and mask distribution campaign, the government has tested over 17,000 people and successfully isolated 769 positive cases on the islands of New Providence and Grand Bahama, two of the islands most affected by COVID-19.

Additionally, following a robust public education campaign, the government, in partnership with private firms like FTX Digital Markets, has facilitated the distribution of over 165,000 KN95 face masks to protect its citizenry against the virus.

A press release from the Office of the Prime Minister maintained that since taking office, managing the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic fallout have been top priorities of the Davis administration.

Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis commented: A persons ability to know whether or not they have COVID-19 should not depend on their income or wealth, but should be accessible to all.

We are very pleased with how free testing and mask distribution has rolled out so far and congratulate the Ministry of Health and Wellness for their effective and efficient handling of these important pillars of our COVID response.

We are also very grateful to NEMA (the National Emergency Management Agency), Great Commission Ministries and Counselling Centre, Bahamas Red Cross, International Deliverance Praying Ministry, the Salvation Army and Hands For Hunger.

They have been invaluable partners in the mask distribution process.

Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis (right) greets a resident visiting one of the centers offering free COVID-19 testing as part of the Davis administrations plan to mitigate spread of the virus. (OPM COMMUNICATIONS)

Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis (right) speaks with a healthcare worker at one of the centers offering free COVID-19 testing as part of the Davis administrations plan to mitigate spread of the virus. (OPM COMMUNICATIONS)

The Davis administration officially launched its free testing and mask distribution program on New Providence at the Kendal GL Isaacs Gym, Melia Resort and South Beach Clinic following trial runs on some Family Islands.

The program then rolled out on Grand Bahama just two weeks later at Foster B Pestaina Centre, Christ The King.

The government is expected to receive another shipment of masks in the coming weeks, with pediatric masks being included in the second phase of the rollout.

Ongoing public education will continue in an effort to mitigate spread of the virus while balancing the necessary reopening of the economy.

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Over 17K tests and 165K face masks in first month of Davis admin free COVID initiatives - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS While health officials have observed a sustained downward trend of coronavirus cases and hospitalizations over the last three weeks, Director of the National HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Programme Dr Nikkiah Forbes indicated yesterday that the behavior of the public will determine whether the trend continues.

For the last several weeks, at least three weeks, weve seen a persistent downward trend, she said.

Cases are reducing significantly, week upon week over the last three weeks, and so, this is significant.

We can absolutely say that cases are trending down.

Hospitalizations are also trending down at this point, and overall, in this wave, we have experienced less deaths than, for example, in the third wave.

Forbes said the trend is not cause for complacency asthe behavior of the public could still impact which direction it heads in.

The trend in cases is very dependent on what we all do individually and collectively and overall in terms of the health system and support for mitigating COVID, the director said.

Asked whether the fourth wave has been shorter than previous waves due to the nature of the omicron variant, Forbes said a combination of the behavior of the public during the holidays and the high transmissibility of omicron played a role.

She pointed out that the spike in infections in early January correlated with the increased social activities and travel over the holiday season two weeks following the season.

Forbes said with the holidays now over and fewer gatherings among fewer people, thats what [will] account for this decline in the numbers.

Additionally, due to the contagious nature of omicron, a lot of people contracted the virus, resulting in infections happening faster and earlier.

When you consider the susceptibility of persons for example, if more persons would have gotten sick earlier, so that could have an impact on the number of cases later on, that the waves could be a bit shorter in terms of omicron, she said.

If we could get a handle on [vaccination], there would be less COVID in the world and less of a chance that these variants would develop.

Dr Nikkiah Forbes

So, a combination of those two factors.

Health experts have said new variants will continue to emerge until the global population is fully vaccinated.

The Bahamas, not dissimilar to several other Caribbean countries in the region, has yet to reach a 50 percent vaccination rate among its population.

As of Saturday, 159,839 people had been fully vaccinated in The Bahamas around 49 percent of those eligible to be vaccinated.

The Bahamas has yet to acquire pediatric vaccines to inoculate children under the age of 12.

If we could get a handle on this, there would be less COVID in the world and less of a chance that these variants would develop, Forbes said, adding that it was critical for everyone to put all efforts into keeping infections low.

The country recorded 29 infections on Sunday, including 26 on New Providence, two on Eleuthera and one on Grand Bahama.

Hospitalizations stood at 65, down from 97 the week before and 137 two weeks ago.

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SUSTAINED TREND: Fourth COVID wave winding down but expert cautions public not to become complacent - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS The Free National Movements (FNM) three-day convention at the end of the month is estimated to cost just over $200,000, according to Convention Co-Chair Ethan Adderley.

The much-anticipated convention will be held from February 23 to 25 and will seek to usher in a whole new set of leaders, along with a newly ratified constitution.

All party positions will be contested except for the leadership, which was voted on during the FNMs one-day convention in November.

MARCO City MP Michael Pintard defeated Central Grand Bahama MP Iram Lewis and East Grand Bahama MP Kwasi Thompson in the race for the position by a significantly large margin.

That day was pegged at a cost of around $100,000.

In an interview with Eyewitness News, Adderley said he believes the convention is what is needed to bring everybody together.

The highlights will be the election of officers, as well as the selection of new meritorious council members those who are 60 years and older who have toiled for the party as well as freedom fighters from perspective constituencies who have given service to the party as well, he said.

We are doing some constitutional amendments, but its a good time for everybody getting together [and] charting the way forward.

The partys official period for the nomination of candidates, recommendations for meritorious council members and freedom fighters has ended.

Adderley said the convention will help to reinvigorate the party and its base after their defeat at the September 2021 polls.

Its evident by the number of persons who are running for office, we are seeing a lot of new faces Its a lot of new blood coming into the party, he said.

We are seeing folks come back out, folks who did not vote, FNMs [who] did not vote in large numbers in the last election. They are coming out. They love the new vision the leader has and his energy. They are excited.

While the party was expected to hold a fully virtual event due to the surge in COVID-19 cases at the beginning of the year, they have decided to have a few events in-person.

We are seeing folks come back out, folks who did not vote, FNMs [who] did not vote in large numbers in the last election. They are coming out.

Ethan Adderely

Adderley noted that the party will hold virtual sessions on Wednesday and Thursday morning, which will be closed to delegates only, and the evening sessions will be streamed live for public viewing.

He indicated that the party is still waiting to receive confirmation from the Ministry of Health on where they will be allowed to house supporters for the evening session.

The party also decided to bring in delegates from Grand Bahama and the Family Islands to vote in-person at Holy Trinity Activities Centre.

As a result of this change, elected officers will now be installed during a ceremony on Saturday.

The party is expecting some 500 delegates to fly in to vote.

St Barnabas MP Shanendon Cartwright and St Annes MP Adrian White were both nominated for deputy leader.

Meanwhile, Former Minister of Immigration Elsworth Johnson, former Minister of Health Dr Duane Sands and former Golden Isles MP Michael Foulkes will face off head-to-head for the coveted chairman position.

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CONVENTION TIME SOON: FNM'S 3-day event pegged at $200K; Family Island delegates to be flown in to vote - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS The University of The Bahamas (UB) womens softball team practiced ahead of the teams first set of international games set for this week.

The UB Mingoes softball team is expected to play two games Thursday in Miami Gardens against the St Thomas University Bobcats and then one game Friday at Flamingo Park in Pembroke Pines against the Florida Memorial University Lions.

This tour will be the first for the UB Mingoes softball team.

Head coach Shane Albury said: Im looking forward to some good competition in Florida. This is the first time internationally and the first time in two season that the team has played. I think we have a good stock of players on the team right now.

Albury said his team is going into the tour full steam and hoping to come back with three wins.

The FMU Bobcats have just started the womens softball program and this will be one of the first games the team will play.

Im not taking any of the games lightly, he said.

I had a conversation with the team and told them we are going to win and this is not vacation. We will compete and we are going to win.

Albury added that the path to a win starts with pitching.

I wish we were stronger in that aspect of the game as we recently lost two players, he said.

Defense will also be important. We have some speed and we have some sluggers. If our pitching holds up our defense and we can put the bat on the ball, we can be quite competitive.

Infield specialist and senior Cyntese Cooper said shes excited to get the experience and to represent UB.

Im excited to see our team come together as a cohesive unit and play these games, she said.

We have worked hard to get here and we are going to put it all on the field.

Utility player Kenisha Kelly said the team has been working on communication heading into the games this week.

I feel we have a good chance to pick up the wins, she said.

We just have to hit the ball, field the ball and reduce the errors out there.

The team plays St Thomas University in a double-header 4pm and 6pm Thursday in Miami Gardens and then plays Florida Memorial University noon Friday at Flamingo Park in Pembroke Pines.

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BIG SWING: UB women's softball team readies for first international tour this week - EyeWitness News