Category Archives: Bahamas

TOKYO Steven Gardiner of the Bahamas emerged from a crowded pack to win the gold in the mens 400 meters. Gardiner, who finished in 43.85 seconds, was challenged by Anthony Jose Zambrano of Colombia, who finished second, and Kirani James of Grenada in third. It was Jamess third straight Olympic medal in the event: He won the gold in 2012 and the silver in 2016. Grenada has three Olympic medals in the countrys history, and they all belong to James.

Michael Norman, the U.S. champion, finished fifth, one spot behind his American teammate, Michael Cherry.

And sometimes, those records are falling earlier than expected in qualifying heats.

Ask Matthew Centrowitz, who had been attempting to defend his Olympic title in the mens 1,500 meters. He ran his fastest time of the year on Thursday in his semifinal heat and fell short of advancing to Saturdays final. His time of 3:33.69 was good enough for ninth, well behind Abel Kipsang of Kenya, who set an Olympic record (3:31.65) and won the heat.

Cole Hocker, the 20-year-old American who won the event at the U.S. trials and only recently completed his sophomore season at the University of Oregon, was more fortunate. He merely had to run a lifetime best of 3:33.87 to finish second in his heat and secure one of five automatic spots in the final.

Centrowitz, 31, said he was disappointed with his tactics.

We all knew it was going to be a fast race, and I just put too much emphasis on being right off the shoulder of whoever was in the lead, he said. When theyre running the Olympic record in the heats, you cant be out in Lane 2, Lane 3 and wasting energy like that.

Asked about possibly competing through another Olympic cycle, Centrowitz said: Its hard to say. Well have to finish the season up and see how it goes. Obviously, at some point, age catches up to us.

Katie Nageotte of the U.S. made sure her first Olympic experience was a memorable one. She cleared 16 feet three-quarters of an inch to win the gold. Anzhelika Sidorova of Russia finished second, and Holly Bradshaw of Britain was third.

The multi-events crowned their champions. Damian Warner was the Olympic gold medalist in the decathlon, setting Canadian and Olympic records with 9,018 points. Kevin Mayer of France won the silver, and Ashley Moloney won the bronze. Garrett Scantling of the U.S. was fourth.

And Nafissatou Thiam of Belgium became the first woman to repeat as the Olympic heptathlon champion since Jackie Joyner Kersee won consecutive titles for the U.S. in 1988 and 1992. Thiam was joined on the medal podium by a pair of Dutch athletes: Anouk Vetter in second and Emma Oosterwegel in third.

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Steven Gardiner of the Bahamas Won the 400 Meters - The New York Times

Trayce Jackson-Davis can't wait.

Can you blame him?

The Bahamas are calling, a pair of exhibition games against a pro Serbian team are looming and the 6-9 junior forward gets a chance -- finally -- to play in a new Indiana basketball era.

"Going to the Bahamas, being able to get away with my teammates, that's going to be good because we've been going at it the last three months," he says. "It's been a long summer. Playing against a good team in Serbia. They're going to bring a challenge for us. It's really going to test ourselves to see where we are, what we need to work at, what we're good at.

"It's going to be good for us, so... I just can't wait to get out there and play."

Jackson-Davis is coming off an All-America season in which he averaged 19.1 points and 9.0 rebounds. But his shooting percentages dropped from his freshman to sophomore seasons (56.6 to 51.7 from the field, 68.5 to 65.5 from the line), and he has yet to take a college three-pointer.

That will likely change under coach Mike Woodson, whose first recruiting coup after getting the job was convincing Jackson-Davis to stay a Hoosier. Woodson says Jackson-Davis has excelled this summer, which is what you want from your best player.

"He's one player that was always intriguing," Woodson says. "When I took the job, I was desperately trying to get him to stay and we were able to get that done.

"From the time we started to where we are now, he's made some improvement in terms of how he's running and playing. He's playing much more aggressive than he did in some of the tapes that I watched from last season. We're going to need him to be that guy who plays aggressive. If he can average 20 points and double-digit rebounds, that's a major bonus."

It starts, Jackson-Davis says, with getting in better shape.

"The biggest thing I worked on this summer from last summer is my conditioning. Last summer I wasn't in the best shape I could be like my freshman year. I thought my freshman year I was in shape for the most part. But this year I've gotten a lot better."

Improved conditioning is critical to thrive in Woodson's free-flowing offense that will feature four perimeter players and one inside. That does not mean four guards. Expect forward Race Thompson to play with Jackson-Davis along with guards such as Rob Phinisee, Khristian Lander, Xavier Johnson, Tre Galloway, Anthony Leal, Parker Stewart and Tamar Bates.

"It's basically four-out, one-in, but at the same time it's not," Jackson-Davis says. "I can start on the block, set an up screen for Rob, play out on the perimeter. Race can do the same thing. Me and Race are interchangeable at the four and five. It means basically one through five are playing all places on the floor."

Beyond that, Jackson-Davis adds, "There's a lot of different types of cuts, dribble hand-off actions, back-cuts on the backside, the backdoor. It's just really playing free-flowing basketball, just taking what the defense gives you.

"Being able to space the floor out a little bit more because our offense is going to be mostly position-less basketball. Just being able to just make plays for my teammates and be able to hit open shots is really big for me this coming season."

As for Woodson's impact on the Hoosier program, Jackson-Davis says, "From the moment he got here, he brought the family aspect. That's the big thing with him, he's a family guy. He's a player's coach.

"Him coming out the first day and telling us how things are going to be, how it's going to be a family atmosphere, how you can go to him for anything, I think that was the biggest element for all of us.

"Then just being on the court with him for the last two, three months, he gives you confidence. He wants you to be the best player you can be. He has a vision for each and every one of us. He loves all of us. We break it down with family every day.

"I think he truly means that."

Meaning now turns to this weekend's Bahamas trip. IU will play on Friday and Sunday at the Atlantis Paradise Island resort against BC Mega.

This is the fourth such overseas trip the Hoosiers have made, following an 18-game, around-the-world adventure in 1985 under coach Bob Knight, then a three-game swing to the Bahamas in 2007 and a five-game trip to Canada in 2014.

Preparation includes 10 practices, critical when you're building a new program, as Woodson is doing, when you're blending a new staff with six new-to-the-roster players, and eight veterans you've never coached before.

Woodson needs to see what they can do. They need to see what he and his staff have devised.

Going against another team will provide insight practices can't.

If it works, when it works, a return to program glory could be the reward.

That's the future. For now, it's the nuts and bolts of putting a team together, building chemistry, and devising offensive and defensive approaches that will thrive at the highest levels.

For players such as Jackson-Davis, it's all about making the most of it.

"We have to make plays, and everyone is a play-maker on the floor," he says. "That's big for us, just being able to showcase that."

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Trayce Jackson-Davis and the Indiana Hoosiers Ready for Basketball in the Bahamas - BCSNN - Best College Sports News Network

6-Banner Sunday is Inside the Halls weekly newsletter in partnership withThe Assembly Call. More than 8,000 Indiana fans receive the newsletter each week. In addition to appearing each week on the site, you can also opt to receive 6-Banner Sunday by email. A form to subscribe via email is available at the bottom of this weeks 6-Banner Sunday.

Welcome to another edition of 6-Banner Sunday, a joint production betweenThe Assembly CallandInside the Hallwhere we highlight the five most essential IU basketball stories of the past week, plus take a look at how the other IU sports programs are doing.

As IUs time in the Bahamas nears, several stories occurred both related and unrelated. The program had media availability with IU coach Mike Woodson before the trip. Also, some roster, recruiting and COVID info came out this week. Finally, we had former Hoosiers make news and as usual will conclude our sixth banner with other IU sports stories.

Here is this weeks Assembly Call radio discussing IU recruit Kaleb Banks.

Media Availability: Woodson, Phinisee and Kopp Roster Changes: Three Managers and a Walk on Recruiting News: Hood-Schifino and 2024 offers COVID News: Masks at IU, But No Changes to Attendance and NCAA Releases Policy Former Hoosier Contracts: Oladipo and Zeller Hoosier Roundup

As the Bahamas trip approaches, several members of the team spoke out this week. First and foremost, IU coach Mike Woodson had both media availability over zoom and appeared with Andy Katz over the last few days. Inside The Halls Tyler Tachman wrote a feature story about Woodsons first summer on the job following his media appearence.

Outside of Woodson, a couple players were written about or heard from this week.iuhoosiers.comPete DiPrimio had an in-depth look at senior Rob Phinisee and Northwestern transfer Miller Kopp released a second vlog.

Some information on who would be part of this years team came out this week. While the contributions of all of these individuals will no doubt fly under the radar, they will nonetheless be valued members.

First, the addition of three graduate managers came to light this week. Also, while next years roster is basically complete, Shaan Burke, a walk-on from San Diego was given a spot on the squad.

Recruiting was a topic of interest this week, as a top player had IU in his final five schools he will pick from.

Jalen Hood-Schifino who is the no. 26 player in the 2022 class according to the 247Composite rankings, included the Hoosiers along with Florida, Memphis, Tennessee and Texas as the places he will choose between.

Also, while it is a long way off, two 2024 players were given scholarship offers from IU in William Jobe and Cooper Koch.

As COVID cases rise with the new Delta variant, some fans may be wondering if full attendance will still happen as planned. Just this week, Bloomington announced a mask requirement indoors for all people regardless of vaccination status.

While IU intends to follow this new rule, per the Indy Stars Zach Osterman attendance in the stands will not be affected as of now.

Also, the NCAA released COVID protocols for this fall.

The two most decorated IU players of the last decade received new contracts this week.

Victor Oladipo signed for the veterans minimum in Miami as he continues to try to rehab from injury, while Cody Zeller was given a similar deal and is headed west to Portland.

IU revealed an NIL Directory.

Zach Apple helped the US Swimming team win the 400-meter relay in record time. Also, diver Andrew Capobianco finished 10th in the three meter springboard in Tokyo and was named a CoSIDA All-American. Meanwhile, Carson Tyler had two wins at the USA Diver Junior National Championships.

Womens Golfer Valerie Clancy won the 49th Hermitage Ladies Scratch Cup.

Footballs AJ Barner was awarded Scholar Athlete of the Month. Also, a new premium section will be added to Memorial Stadium this year. Meanwhile, star linebacker Micah McFadden was named to the Lombardi Award Watch List and WR Cameron Buckley was named to the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Watch List.

Former softball player Gabbi Jenkins will join the coaching staff as a volunteer assistant.

Water Polo had 14 Hoosiers receive academic awards.

Soccer assistant coach Kevin Robson was elevated to associate head coach.

Baseball will take part in the Round Rock Classic next season featuring several elite teams.

Womens Basketball will host NC State in a Sweet 16 rematch for the Big Ten/ACC Challenge.

Field Hockey had an incoming freshman named to the New Zealand U-18 National Camp.

Track and Field signed 18 athletes for the incoming class.

Thanks for your continued support for The Assembly Call. Well be back next weekend with a new roundup.

Now go enjoy yourself a 6-banner Sunday.

Aaron ShifronAssembly Call Contributor

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6-Banner Sunday: Mike Woodson speaks as IU prepares for trip to the Bahamas - Inside the Hall

As pandemic travel restrictions and lockdowns eased both locally and abroad in early 2021, the Bahamian luxury housing market quickly began making a comeback. Interested buyers were discovering The Bahamas for its convenient proximity to the U.S. mainland and as viable destination for second and vacation homes for a number of desirable reasons including its stable government and economy, safe and friendly communities and famed natural beauty.

Condo VikingsandJolie Luxury Homes have over 20 years of experience in luxury real estate in The Bahamas and have been at the forefront of the real estate boom connecting buyers and sellers through every stage of the sale. Created by Sweden-born, 43 year-old (and 20-year resident of The Bahamas) Gustaf Hernqvist, the two companies have shared a significant part of the market, producing more than $50m in sales in the second quarter of 2021.

The Bahamas is still relatively undiscovered in luxury real estate and has enjoyed an upwardgrowth trajectory making it an ideal emerging market with an increasing amount of investment opportunity, says Hernqvist.

The Bahamas not only offers some of the worlds most gorgeous beaches and stylish communities, but it also offers a number of financial advantages and proactive incentives for investments and a host of other benefits:

Location, Location, Location: The Bahamas enjoys a close proximity to Florida (just 55 miles from the coast) and has direct flights to all major cities including London, New York, Miami, Toronto making Nassau an effortless destination to invest in.

Financial Benefits: The Bahamas are the premier banking and financial center of the Caribbean and is a tax haven with capital gains, corporate earnings, personal income, inheritance and dividends all tax-fee. Also, buyers of residences valued at $750,000 or more are eligible to apply for permanent residency in the Bahamas.

Ease of Lifestyle: English is the official language, U.S. currency is accepted, and real estate laws are similar to the U.S. The predominantly English-speaking workforce is made up of highly trained industry professionals.

Local Infrastructure: The Bahamas is an independent nation with compliant legislation and consultative legislative approach with essential public services, modern infrastructure and health care system. The capital of Nassau is a cosmopolitan city, full of world class amenities and telecommunications.

Below are two exemplary listings represented by Jolie Luxury Homes that are currently on the market showing the caliber of luxury the company represents and level of detail and care that go into each listing.

Charleston House, New Providence: Priced at $4,450,000.Perfectly situated on Charleston Lane in the coveted gated community Old Fort Bay, this turnkey canal front home is a homeowners dream featuring four bedrooms and four and half bathrooms in 5,000 square feet of living space. The lushly landscaped backyard has a large patio with multiple seating areas, pool with water features and 65 foot dock on the properties 75 foot of canal frontage. Located on the northern shores of New Providence, this exceptional community is anchored by the historic Old Fort Bay Club, offering first-class amenities including a pool, fitness center, beach bar and restaurant and the most beautiful beach on New Providence with tennis courts and childrens playgrounds nearby.

Cala Rum Dum, New Providence: Priced at $14,500,000.Surrounded by lush tropical landscapes, this contemporary bungalow style home is situated on the cul-de-sac of Fincastle Island within Old Fort Bay. This one-of-a-kind property includes an adjacent lot creating an opportunity to build an estate home on over 1.5 acres of canal front land. Cala Rum Dum offers 5,600 square feet of living space within a three-bedroom open concept main residence and a two-bedroom guest cottage. The custom designed kitchen features zinc and butcher block countertops, Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances. Distinguished features include a built-in indoor and outdoor audio/visual entertainment system and the outdoor living spaces offer dining and relaxation areas and a notable outdoor kitchen complete with a Wolf BBQ and refrigerator. The combined67,964 square feet lot offers 800 feet of canal frontage, a large IPE deck with a 60 long Bali Sukabumi tiled pool with a saltwater heating system and a petanque court adjacent to the guest cottage.

From development, property managementand sales, the team at Condo Vikings andJolie Luxury Homesengage a modern and sophisticated approach to marketing luxury home sales with an extensive database and a youthful tenacity providing clients with unrivaled service. With enthusiasm and a wealth of knowledge of The Bahamas, the team show clients how to live the island dream in this ever-popular destination.

For more information visit http://www.jolieluxuryhomes.com and http://www.condovikings.com. Follow on Instagram and Facebook @jolieluxuryhomes and @condovikings.

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The Real Estate Boom in The Bahamas from $4M to $14M - Luxury Travel Magazine

NASSAU, BAHAMAS The Bahamas is expected to receive some 40,000 doses of Johnson & Johnson (J&J) COVID-19 vaccines by the end of August, said Health Minister Renward Wells yesterday.

Speaking to reporters outside the House of Assembly, Wells noted that while negotiations are still ongoing to secure a large donation of Pfizer vaccines, the government has made a down payment for its first tranche of J&J doses through the African Union.

The Caribbean and Africa came together to increase our buying power, he explained.

We have collectively pooled our resources and The Bahamas right now is entitled to about 40,000 doses of Johnson & Johnson.

We put down our down payment for it and we are expecting probably by no later than the end of August, that we will be receiving that vaccine.

This follows weeks of limited availability of vaccine appointments due to low supplies.

As of August 7, some 108,506 doses of the vaccines have been administered, of which 62,863 people have received the first dose and47,580 people are fully vaccinated.

That number includes residents who got fully vaccinated abroad and who have registered with the ministry.

The Bahamas received its latest tranche of vaccines from the World Health Organizations COVAX Facility last week, totaling 100,800 doses from the mechanism to date.

The government has also received a donation of3,496vaccine doses from Montserrat and Anguilla and a donation of20,000doses from the government of India.

The 5,000 vaccine doses that were borrowed from Antigua and Barbuda in late June will be returned to the country.

During a national address on Monday night, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis again insisted that vaccination is important to reaching a post-emergency orders regime.

He also announced that the government has concluded negotiations to acquire new vaccines that will allow The Bahamas over the next few months to have the capacity to vaccinate all Bahamians and residents who wish to be inoculated against COVID-19.

The prime minister said even with a large percentage of Bahamians vaccinated, the virus will not disappear, but this will protect the public and mitigate high cases and hospitalizations.

Although the prime minister noted the importance of vaccination, he assured it will remain voluntary and acknowledged the concerns of those who still have questions about the jab.

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ONE-SHOT JABS ON THE WAY: 40K Johnson & Johnson doses to reach Bahamas by month's end - EyeWitness News

Biden administration reportedly considering barring non-vaccinated international travelers from entering the USAThe state department and White House have not yet finalized the policy

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Bahamas Ambassador to the United States Sidney Collie said yesterday Bahamian officials are monitoring and awaiting a change in policy for the US to require proof of vaccination for international travelers.

A Reuters exclusive story on Wednesday revealed that the Biden administration in working on a plan that would require all visitors to be fully vaccinated against the virus in order to eventually lift travel restrictions that bar much of the world from entering the country.

Speaking to Eyewitness News on the matter, Collie confirmed that officials are awaiting the completion of the policy to see the way forward.

They are going to amend their travel advisory for all international passengers coming into the United States to at least have the first shot of the vaccine, he said.

They have not put out publicly yet which vaccines will be acceptable in this new advisory.

As you are aware, you will have global travelers from China, Russia and all of the world who may be vaccinated with other vaccines.

All the policy has said so far, that Im aware of, is that foreign travelers will have to be vaccinated with at least the first dose.

Collie noted that US officials are also looking at testing requirements and how they are going to incorporate it into the vaccination requirement in the new policy.

The state department and White House have not yet finalized the policy. They are still working through it, he said.

The move comes as the world continues to see rising COVID-19 cases due to the highly transmissible COVID-19 delta variant.

There are concerns the delta variant could become the dominant strain across the globe due its rapid spread.

While health officials have not confirmed the presence of the delta variant in country, they have urged Bahamians to err on the side of caution and follow all public health protocols even if vaccinated.

The Bahamas at currently at a Level 3 Travel Health Notice due to COVID-19, indicating a high level of COVID-19 in the country.

It is currently in a surge, on Friday recording 228 COVID-19 cases on Thursday the highest number of cases recorded in a single day since the start of the pandemic.

The cases included 164 on New Providence, 20 on Eleuthera, 15 on Abaco, 12 on Exuma, 11 on Grand Bahama and three each on Andros and Bimini & Cat Cay.

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BATED BREATH: Bahamas officials await pending COVID-related changes to US policy for international travelers - EyeWitness News

The Caribbean islands, especially the northern islands that include The Bahamas, are often hit hard by hurricanes and storms that can knock out power and cut off essential services. As a result, the region slammed by Hurricanes Doria, Maria and Irma is ripe for microgrid development.

By Everett Collection/Shutterstock.com

This is especially true since many of the islands rely on stand-alone diesel generators that can be costly, polluting and subject to fuel delivery disruptions due to storms.

Microgrids act as an alternative, incorporating cleaner fuel sources, such as solar, and cutting the costs of fuel from diesel.

Equally important, new microgrids are being designed to operate through the islands fierce, hurricane winds and heavy rains.

Such is the case with an off-grid microgrid, expected to be complete by mid-September, that is being installed at the Chub Cay Resort and Marina in The Bahamas.

Now powered by stand-alone diesel generation, the resort is subject to outages from hurricanes, said Justin Cunningham, general manager of Compass Group, which is based in The Bahamas and installing the microgrid. Often, when a storm is on its way, the company, which operates numerous fossil-fired generators in the Caribbean, shuts off power to protect equipment.

Funded entirely by the resort owners, the Chub Cay Microgrid was designed to withstand 180-mile-per-hour hurricane winds, includes 4 MW of solar and 10 MWh of battery storage and microgrid controls.

The resort is now served by two Tier 2 diesel generators with a total capacity of 2.7 MW. When the microgrid is operating, diesel will be used 5% to 10% of the time, rather than 100% of the time. The microgrids controls will allow for use of the diesel when there isnt enough solar plus storage available.

The goals of the project are to reduce diesel use, provide resilience and reduce the carbon footprint of the resort, said Cunningham.

Join the editors of Microgrid Knowledge for a live webinar on Remote Microgrid Best Practices on September 14 Register Now

To ensure the microgrid can withstand hurricane force winds, Compass added elements that increased the overall cost of the microgrid by 5% to 7%.

For example, the design addresses the potential for damage from wind by increasing the number of bolt contact points between the panels and their backing, said Cunningham.

The company also installed 2,000 ground screws each 4 inches in diameter and 82 inches long to ensure that the solar system would resist being lifted during a hurricane.

The bifacial solar panels collect solar radiation from direct sunlight on the side facing the sun and from ground reflections on the side facing the ground. Because the region is characterized by a light-colored limestone ground cover, the ground is expected to provide reflection that will boost the solar systems output, said Cunningham.

The microgrid tests that idea, but the cost and calculations related to solar panel operation of the project are based solely on the radiation coming from the sky-facing portion of the panels.

We thought the bifacial panels were good for our client and beneficial to the project as a whole, said Cunningham.

Compass Solar team, courtesy Compass Solar

This isnt the first microgrid that aims to provide resilience in the storm-tossed region. In 2019, before Hurricane Dorian struck, microgrids were already on their way due to a collaboration between the Rocky Mountain Institute, The Bahamas government and Bahamas Power and Light, which services 21 of the islands. Those entities have been working since 2015 to reduce the islandsreliance on diesel.

The first project from that effort is being developed on Ragged Island, a community that had much of its energy infrastructure destroyed by Hurricane Irma. That project was the focus of a60 Minutes piece.

Chub Cay Microgrid, the latest microgrid project in The Bahamas, was developed over a two-year period.

The Compass Group, which launched in 2005, began its efforts with traditional power development, including diesel generators. In 2016, legislative changes created an opening for solar in The Bahamas, and the company moved into renewable energy.

More and more, the Compass Group is trying to add more renewable energy to existing diesel plants in the Caribbean, especially since hurricanes now strike nearly every year.

Were trying to help our clients reduce their carbon footprints and be more resilient with battery energy storage and microgrids, said Cunningham.

Join us on September 14 for a live webinar on Remote Microgrid Best Practices Register Today

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Building a Microgrid that Stands its Ground in the Storm-tossed Caribbean - Microgrid Knowledge

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

BEHIND the dominating performances from quarter-milers Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo, The Bahamas 16-member team rode to a 12th place in athletics and was tied with Kosovo at 41st overall in the medal count with a 66 world ranking in what has been termed a successful Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

And as the curtains came down over the weekend on Team Bahamas appearance at the end of the 17 days of intense and intriguing competition at the games in swimming and track and field, chef de mission Cora Hepburn said it was quite a rewarding experience, despite the challenges they encountered.

The speedy 25-year-old Gardiner captured his first Olympic mens 400 metre title on Thursday and Miller-Uibo, the Bahamian Super woman came through on Friday, repeating as the womens champion at the Tokyo National Stadium. Their crowning feats came within an hour of hearing the Bahamas national anthem played twice during medal presentations.

In keeping up with the Bahamas streak of winning at least one or more medals in track and field in every Olympiad since 1992 in Barcelona, Spain when Frank Rutherford broke the ceiling in securing the bronze in the mens triple jump, the Bahamas finished tied for 41st with Kosovo and a ranking of 66 in the world.

The Bahamas was among a record 83 teams that reached finals in Tokyo with 43 of them featured on the medal podium with 23 nations in total claiming gold, which highlighted the growth and success of the event.

Over the 10 days of athletic competition alone, three world records, 12 Olympic records, 28 area records and 151 national records were set in these history-making games.

World Athletics president Sebastian Coe lauded the organisers and the people of Japan for allowing the dreams of the worlds athletes to come to life a year later in hosting the games, which was affected by the introduction of the deadly coronavirus pandemic, forcing the postponement from the original 2020 date.

To the people of Japan, we know the hardship you have endured and continue to endure in the face of this global pandemic, Coe said.

We owe you a massive debt of gratitude for your gracious hospitality, your professionalism and your friendship. You really have been simply the best and we thank you unreservedly.

Hepburn, who made history as the first Bahamian female chef de mission, said the games were held in a bubble with countless protocols, but it turned out to be better than she had imagined.

Firstly, I would like to thank the Tokyo Organising Committee and the IOC (International Olympic Committee) for their gallant efforts in delivering these games under extremely challenging conditions, she said.

I would also like to thank the Bahamas Olympic Committee, the Bahamas Government, the BAAA (Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations) and the (Bahamas) Aquatic Federation for all that they have provided and done to make Team Bahamas the successful team that delivered two gold medals.

Admitting that there were a number of challenges that they encountered, be it good or difficult, Hepburn said they all made her a better and stronger person in having the awesome responsibility of leading the Bahamian delegation in action.

For a small delegation, everything went perfectly, she stressed. I am so proud of the medical team headed by Dr Ricky Davis. They did a superb job every day testing, keeping Team Bahamas healthy.

Being part of this chapter for Team Bahamas, winning two gold medals in the same individual event, the 400m for men and women is unbelievable, a feeling I cant explain.

She congratulated Gardiner and Miller-Uibo for their stellar performances as well as Devynne Charlton, who emerged as a finalist in the womens 100m hurdles where she was seventh.

With a strong management team, comprising of Dawn Woodside-Johnson, Oria Wood-Knowles, Rudolph Ferguson, David Charlton, Rupert Gardiner, Sidney Cartwright and Rochelle Bastian, Hepburn said they were able to provide the support that was needed for the athletes.

Our team worked hard. We worked hard. I must say, she said. Im sure every official on this team will tell the story of what an awesome experience, although challenging, it was for all of us.

Our executive heads, Dorian Roach and Derron Donaldson have been very active as well, Hepburn added. They spent many hours in the Games Village, so they were quite helpful to the smooth operation that we had set up here in Tokyo.

Despite pulling through, Team Bahamas did have its share of controversies, including a drama between which of the four women qualified for the 200m would occupy the three spots in the competition, which led to the resignation of two team officials from the Bahamas Coaches Association and the accreditation of relay coordinator Rupert Gardiner being stripped, and he was subsequently sent home for insubordination.

While the games came to a close yesterday with a spectacular ceremony, Hepburn and the remainder of Team Bahamas management team will be leaving today and should be back home on Tuesday after stopping overnight in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Team Bahamas had competitors in the mens 100m (Samson Colebrooke), 400m (Alonzo Russell) and high jump (Donald Thomas and Jamal Wilson); womens 100m (Tynia Gaither), 200m (Anthonique Strachan), 100m hurdles (Pedrya Seymour) and 4 x 400m relay (Doneisha Anderson, Megan Moss, Brianne Bethel and Strachan), but none of them advanced to the finals.

Two swimmers Izaak Bastian (mens 100 and 200m breaststroke) and Joanna Evans (womens 200 and 400m freestyle), but neither of them made it to the final.

With the athletes already departed, team officials shared in the festivities of the closing ceremonies as the curtains came down on a fabulous Olympiad.

Athletes and officials from the 206 participating nations paraded inside the stadium one more time for the massive global spectacle.

The BOC and the athletes will now prepare for a three-year, instead of four, journey towards the 2024 edition of the games in Paris, France, July 26 to August 11.

And hopefully without the restrictions imposed by COVID-19, which kept the fans out of the stands but glued to their television sets and social media.

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Bahamas 41st overall in medal count with 66 world ranking - Bahamas Tribune

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Virgin Atlantic has added a twice-weekly service from Londons Heathrow airport to The Bahamas beginning this winter, the airline has announced.

According to the airline, the new services are aimed at responding to the pent-up demand for Caribbean destinations.

The twice-weekly services from Heathrow to Nassau begin on November 20. Flights go on sale August 11.

Juha Jarvinen, chief commercial officer, said:We couldnt be more excited to add The Bahamas to our ever-expanding portfolio of Caribbean destinations. We are seeing a real demand from our customers for luxury holidays in the sun, with Brits keen to escape on their next adventure after a difficult year.

With 16 islands surrounded by the worlds clearest water, The Bahamas offers the perfect escape for those travelers looking to either simply relax or explore a new corner of the world.

Virgin is currently flying to Barbados, Antigua, Jamaica and Grenada and expects to restart its Tobago and Cuba services in the upcoming months. It also plans to introduce the first direct service from Europe to St Vincent and the Grenadines in October.

As we head into winter 2021, we look forward to expanding our Caribbean portfolio from six islands up to eight and we are incredibly excited to welcome customers onboard flying to our destinations both old and new, heading off on holiday or traveling to visit loved ones, said Jarvinen.

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MORE TRAVELERS INCOMING: Virgin Atlantic to introduce twice-weekly flights to Bahamas this winter - EyeWitness News

As travel restrictions around the world begin to relax, the new services aim to respond to the pent-up demand from consumers looking to head off on a relaxing holiday to a sunny Caribbean destination.

Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic, commented, We couldnt be more excited to add the Bahamas to our ever-expanding portfolio of Caribbean destinations. We are seeing a real demand from our customers for luxury holidays in the sun with Brits keen to escape on their next adventure after a difficult year. With 16 islands surrounded by the worlds clearest water, the Bahamas offers the perfect escape for those travellers looking to either simply relax or explore a new corner of the world.

Were currently flying to Barbados, Antigua, Jamaica and Grenada and expect to restart Tobago and Havana, Cuba in the upcoming months. We look forward to launching new services to the Bahamas as well as the first direct service from Europe to St Vincent and the Grenadines in October 2021.

As we head into winter 2021, we look forward to expanding our Caribbean portfolio from six islands up to eight and we are incredibly excited to welcome customers on board flying to our destinations both old and new, heading off on holiday or travelling to visit loved ones.

With 16 major islands surrounded by the worlds clearest waters, the Bahamas is an unrivalled destination boasting beautiful white sand beaches, sailing adventures, fishing and diving as well Exumas world-famous swimming pigs! Virgin Atlantic will launch twice-weekly services from London Heathrow to Nassau commencing on 20 November on the airlines Boeing 787-9 aircraft boasting 31 Upper Class, 35 Premium and 192 Economy Delight, Classic and Light seats. Services will go on sale from 11 August 2021 with return Economy flights starting from 713 per person.

We are incredibly thrilled about Virgin Atlantics new, twice-weekly airlift services from Londons Heathrow Airport, which will allow travellers to opt for a direct flight to the capital of The Bahamas, said the Hon. Dionisio DAguilar, Bahamas Minister of Tourism & Aviation. There is a growing demand amongst UK travellers seeking a tropical, Bahamian escape. We look forward to welcoming them to our beautiful shores to experience what makes our country a unique Caribbean destination unlike any other.

In addition, from 31October, Virgin Atlantic looks forward to increasing its services to the much-loved island of Barbados. Flights from Manchester to Barbados will increase from three times a week to five times and from Heathrow, daily flights will increase to 11 times a week.

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Virgin Atlantic launches new twice-weekly service to the Bahamas and increases frequency to Barbados - Aviation24.be