Category Archives: Bahamas

Crystal Symphony will return to sailing with a series of 15, 10-night Luxury Caribbean Escapes round-trip from St. Johns, becoming the first ship ever to homeport in Antigua.

Beginning Aug. 5 through December, including a holiday sailing on Dec. 23,Crystal Symphony will visit Barbados, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Maarten, and the British Virgin Islands. The itinerary spends overnights in St. Johns, Bridgetown, and Phillipsburg, with sunset-sail-aways in Tobago, Castries, and Tortola.

Crystal said that as more islands in the Caribbean begin to open, it may add additional ports to the itinerary and will inform its guests and travel partners of any changes

The Honorable Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism and Investment for Antigua and Barbuda, said the announcement marks an important milestone in reinvigorating tourism here, as well as deeper support of our island communities economies as Crystal becomes the first cruise line to homeport on a scheduled basis in St. Johns.

Crystal Symphonys return to sailing marks the resumption of service for 97% of Crystals oceangoing fleet in the summer of 2021. Crystal Serenity will operate Bahamas cruises, while the new Crystal Endeavors luxury expedition ship will operate an Iceland season.

Crystal announced in February that guests must be fully inoculated with a COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to boarding any Crystal ship. This new requirement is in addition to existing Crystal Clean+ measures, including negative COVID-19 tests for both guests and crew, reduced capacity, social distancing, mask requirements, and health screening questionnaires.

Crystal Symphonywill return to sailing with reduced capacity.Reservations for the newLuxury Caribbean Escapesopen on April 20, 2021.

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Crystal Symphony Will Be the First Ship to Ever Homeport in Antigua & Barbuda - Travel Market Report

When it comes to pets, humans can be a downright mess. Even those of us who love our Bellas, Fluffys and Fidos and smugly think we are spoiling them, are doing them wrong.

We say pets are family, yet we call ourselves pet owners. We own a refrigerator, but we dont own family, otherwise we would refer to ourselves as children owners.

So why do we refer to ourselves as owners of living, breathing animals that love us unconditionally, that patiently wait for us by the front door, living for the moment when we walk through at the end of a long day and give them a quick pat or, if they are lucky, take them out for a walk?

Fortunately, they have no idea we consider ourselves their owner lumping that adorable scruffy-haired, long-eared, wide-eyed four-legged pal of ours in with a fridge as things we own.

What difference does it make if we think of ourselves as pet owners rather than pet parents? Why make such a fuss about a word so long as we feed and care for those living, breathing parts of our family? Heres why. The pandemic is not just affecting us pet owners. its impacting our pets.

So long as we think of ourselves as pet owners instead of pet parents, we will feel no shame in dropping off a litter we no longer want to own or feed at the Bahamas Humane Society where there are now more than 300 homeless dogs and cats. So long as we think of ourselves as owners instead of parents, we can slough off the responsibility that goes along with parenting when times are tough. So long as we think of ourselves as owners instead of parents, we dont have to take charge of spaying and neutering and making sure the pet population does not get out of control as it is today in New Providence. So long as we think of ourselves as owners instead of parents, we may not heed the words of experts or the Washington, DC-based Pet Food Institute that spends tens of thousands of dollars every year educating people about the importance of proper feeding and avoidance of potential dangers like cooked bones that splinter in an animals insides or foods like chocolate, onions, garlic and grapes that can even kill.

So long as we think of ourselves as owners instead of parents, some of us would let male dogs abuse a poor female in heat whereas we would never allow our sons to gang rape a neighbourhood female.

And even if we dont change to pet parenting instead of pet ownership, there are thousands of hungry pets, each of whom is a reason to get onboard with a responsible parenting spay and neuter regimen. We understand that BAARK is enlisting the support of local vets in such an exercise that will take place at the Bahamas Humane Society across several Sundays, Its a great move and deserves cash and volunteer support.

Across the world, there are some 470 million dogs, 370 million cats and countless birds and fish and other domesticated animals and species. You can own yours if you want. I am going to parent mine.

In another continuing story, the lady who was about to give birth and sleep on the floor with her newborn is sending prayers and thanks to all who came forward to help.

Mama and baby are doing fine and thanks to a man who fixed her car, she has transportation, and another who repaired her stove, she has a way to cook and Social Services got her a new stove after all.

Other donations large and small came in, food and diapers from her Fox Hill constituency office and friends she did not know she had. Her BahaMar family found out about the situation and lent a hand. She is excited about returning to the resort where she worked for seven years before the pandemic shut it down and nearly took away everything she had worked hard to preserve.

She sends a very special thank you to the anonymous angel who paid her rent for March and April, hoping that the call back to work will come in May. Life is good, says the new mama, so good.

July will make three years since I wrote the first column about officially naming sailing the national sport so no one is more surprised thanme that I am still receiving calls, notes and the occasional comment about the subject which has been touched on a few times since.

Not everyone agrees, including Mike Sands, whose opinion anyone in the sports world would be foolish to ignore. Former 400 metre national record holder and BAAA PR officer among other titles, Sands picked up the phone and called personally to share his disagreement. Even when Mike Sands disagrees with you on something, its good to hear from him.

Why, why would you not want sailing, I asked. Because, he said, the national sport should be something that everyone can play or participate in. Sands, who is the recently-elected first Bahamian to head the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) Athletic Federation (IAAF) area representative, has a point, but heres the counterpoint. Theres a lot more water than there is land in these Bahamas and it would take little to make sailing part of every school curriculum at some point.

Sailing is part of Bahamian heritage, its how folks discovered and later settled the islands, how Bahamians of old transported goods and people, and native sloop sailing is something unique to The Bahamas.

There have been a few, including Dallas Knowles from Exuma, a sailor himself, who have argued that competitive sloop racing is disorganized, that races start late (absolutely true), that boats say they are going to participate, then dont show up at all. Yes, Dallas, you are right about that but sailing is far more comprehensive than racing and once something becomes a national sport the attention it gets raises it to new levels. But no one will argue with the faults you point out.

One of the most interesting letters supporting sailing as the national sport came from a junior sailing programme in Abaco. Its a copy of a letter they wrote and presented to then Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Dr Danny Johnson.

Dear Sir: This message is addressed to you, with the hope that you will agree that the Sport of Sailing should be the National Sport of The Bahamas.

A National Sport should be part of the intrinsic history of a nation, as well as a current sport enjoyed by all. Sailing holds a unique spot in the countrys history, since as an Island Nation, it was a skill required for daily life. Not only did everyone originally arrive by sailboat, but sailing was the way people traveled, communicated, and sustained themselves.

As always happens, sailing also became competitive. The most important race originally was getting fish and other cargo to market faster than the other boat. The sloop racing was an outcome of that competition.

Sloop racing has become a tradition which is being handed down to youngsters. In Hope Town, for instance, the Abaco Rage Syndicate regularly hosts the Junior Sailors who want to learn about sloop racing. The Hope Town Junior Sailing Programme is one of many youth programmes across The Bahamas with the goal of giving every child an opportunity to learn to sail, affording a whole generation the chance to take part in the historical tradition. I am glad to volunteer with this programme, and there are many other volunteers who are passionate about sailing.

One of the best things about sailing as a sport is that it can be competitive, or it can be recreational. This makes the sport appropriate for both mediocre sailors and skilled racers. It is a sport that can be enjoyed by all ages and all skills. One can sail solo, or with a group. It promotes love of the environment, cooperation, responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment.

The Bahamas Sloop Sailing Federation will be a great step towards continuing the tradition of sailing into the future. The many youth sailing programmes around The Bahamas will ensure that the skill is passed on to the next generation. It seems that the Sport of Sailing would be a natural and unique National Sport, for a country that was built on sailing. I very much hope that it can become a reality.

Sue Holloway, Hope Town Junior Sailing Secretary-Treasurer

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DIANE PHILLIPS: Man's best friend - then it's time we started treating them properly - Bahamas Tribune

While cruise lines wait for approval from the CDC to resume sailings from the U.S. this year, a number of cruise ships will be offering some pretty incredible voyages in different parts of the world.

If you want to take a cruise this summer, here are some of the best options that you have to choose from.

Vikings Cruises Around Iceland Viking, rated the #1 Ocean Cruise Line in the world for the past several years, is offering week long cruises around Iceland. These roundtrip voyages from Reykjavik visit a port on every day of the cruise allowing you to discover Icelands majestic shoes and coastal towns. From waterfalls to fjords, follow in the footsteps of explorer Leif Erifsson.

Included in all cruise fares are WiFi, drinks during meals, one shore excursion in each port, all restaurants, and spa access.

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Royal Caribbeans Cruises from The Bahamas Royal Caribbean is returning to the Bahamas and Caribbean this June when Adventure of the Seas sails from Nassau, Bahamas. What makes these cruises so special? They will all spend two days at the cruise lines private island in the Bahamas, CocoCay.

The cruise line calls stops at CocoCay The Perfect Day and you will get to spend back to back days enjoying a slice of paradise.

Celebrity Cruises Southern Caribbean Celebrity Cruises will be the first cruise line to return to the Caribbean with sailings out of the popular port of St. Maarten. The cruise line is offering two different itineraries to the Southern Caribbean on Celebrity Millennium.

Celebritys new ship, Celebrity Apex, will also make her debut this summer with cruises out of Athens, Greece that will visit different Greek Isles, Cyprus, and Israel.

Virgins Debut Virgin Voyages will finally have their long awaited debut when their first cruise ship, Scarlet Lady, sails out of the UK. The ship will sail three and four night cruises to nowhere in August and will be the first revenue sailings for the new adults only cruise line.

Norwegians Cruises Out of Jamaica Norwegian Cruise Line will offer cruises from Jamaica for the first time this summer on Norwegian Joy. Each port stop in the Caribbean will range from 10-11 hours in length giving you ample time to visit each destination.

National Geographics to Alaska For those looking for a small ship experience, Lindblad Expeditions is sailing to Alaska on their 100 passenger ships, National Geographic Quest and National Geographic Venture.

You will get to head deep into the wide-open spaces, into the far reaches of straits and waterwaysto where bears, glaciers, eagles and whales will be guests only companions.

Why are these ships allowed to sail to Alaska? Because the CDCs Conditional Sail Order only applies to vessels carrying more than 250 passengers/crew.

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Best Cruises You Can Take This Summer - Cruise Fever

A grandfather who's grown a business from nothing to 100 million has been sharing the secrets of his success - which has landed him a private jet.

And it is all thanks to bees.

Steve Ryan, 63, now jets around the world thanks to a business created on his kitchen table.

He is now a multi-millionaire after selling his business Bee Health, based in Bridlington, to INW in Dallas.

The grandad did not want to tell the Mirror how much he made from the deal but admitted how could afford an island in the Bahamas and a Falcon private jet.

He said: My bank manager said what is the first thing I'm going to buy. But I don't need anything. I've got everything. I've got six race horses.

But I will be on an island in Asia in December until February.

Steve started his bee product company in 1992 with his late wife Bea Ryan after being introduced to bees during his night shift working picking sprouts.

I started work there to lose some weight because I was 18 stone then, he said.

I loved the idea of 100,000 workers working for free. Honey bees are intriguing and phenomenal insects.

I got a council house when I was 25 and that's how we started the job. We got two twin tubs from an auction, one for spinning honey and one for spinning resin.

We opened a honey farm tourist attraction in Scarborough and bought a small factory to start producing products to sell in the shop.

When we first started it was crazy, we'd do the honey farm in the day, then at night I'd go out beekeeping to get more honey for the shelves for the next day. My wife would make scones to sell.

Then the supplement side really took off and sales went through the roof.

From being an uneducated person it's just sheer hard graft and taking a gamble.

The firm he sold supplies products to Holland & Barrett and are major stockists of vitamins.

Bee Health, has been ranked in the top 200 of Britains companies with the fastest-growing international sales.

Mr Ryan said he was able to do the deal because the Government allowed company executives to travel overseas to do business if it was in excess of 100 million.

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Grandad who started business from nothing has 100m 'could buy island in the Bahamas' - Birmingham Live

The Bahamas is ready to continue to bring visitors the unparalleled vacation experience it is known for.

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Launches Romance Magazine On the heels of its incredibly successful trade and consumer virtual romance expo, From The Bahamas With Love, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation launched its digital romance magazine by the same name. The magazine features exclusive wedding planning content including top venue recommendations, bachelorette party planning inspiration and made in The Bahamas decor and styling tips.

Hurricane Hole Superyacht Marina Expansion and Reconstruction Expected by Q4 2021 Famous among yachters, the highly anticipated reopening of Hurricane Hole Superyacht Marina at Paradise Landing is slated for completion Q4 2021.

Lighthouse Pointe Reopens to Guests On March 25, Grand Bahama Island's Lighthouse Pointe reopened to guests as part of the phased reopening of the Grand Lucayan Resort. The property features 200 guest rooms and a number of on-site restaurants.

John Watling's Distillery Reopens The famed Bahamian distillery, John Watling's Distillery, reopened to visitors at the end of March. Free tours are available to visitors seven days a week from 10 a.m.to 6 p.m

The Bahamas Launches Digital Payment Portals for Boaters and Fishermen - The Bahamas Customs & Excise Department and Ministry of Finance have developed electronic portals for boating and fishing permits to be booked online. Click2Clear, SeaZPassand Go Outdoors Bahamasensure the ease of travel for all boaters and fishermen traveling to The Bahamas.

AWARDS AND ACCOLADESThe Bahamas Awarded Bronze in 2021 Adrian Award- The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) will honor the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation with a Bronze Adrian Award in the Integrated Marketing Campaign category for its Still Rockin' campaign. Following Hurricane Dorian, BMOTA's Still Rockin' campaign highlighted the country's 14 major islands unimpacted by the storm, which contributed to the country's record-breaking year of 7.2 million visitors in 2019.

The Bahamas Honored with Nine Nominations in World Travel Awards The Islands of The Bahamas have been selected as a shortlisted nominee in the 28th annual World Travel Awards and are nominated in the lead beach, cruise, dive, honeymoon and overall destination categories. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism is also nominated in the Caribbean's Leading Tourist Board 2021 category. Voting is open now through August 2, 2021.

PROMOTIONS AND OFFERSFor a complete listing of deals and packages for The Bahamas, visitwww.bahamas.com/deals-packages.

PRESS INQUIRIESAnita Johnson-PattyBahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation[emailprotected]

Weber ShandwickPublic Relations[emailprotected]

SOURCE Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation

http://www.bahamas.com

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What's New In The Islands Of The Bahamas In April - PRNewswire

Sapphire waters and sun-soaked sands beckon travelers to The Bahamas year-round. With warm weather that never fades and an abundance of unique islands to explore, this Caribbean nation located just a short flight from the east coast is a magnet for repeat visitors and last-minute bookers alike. But what is the best time of the year to visit the Bahamas? The answer depends on your style.

Editor's note: During COVID-19, please check the latest travel restrictions before planning any trip and always follow government health advice. Events may be subject to change.

Best time for wildlife watching

Weather-wise, winter is the best time to visit the Bahamas, and hotel rates reflect that. Comfortable daytime temperatures in the 70s and 80s make the Bahamas a booming winter destination for North Americans fleeing snow, ice and morose conditions on the mainland.

Winter in the Bahamas also brings in bucket list marine species like hammerhead and tiger sharks that makes the island nation doubly attractive to American and Canadian divers looking for a cure for cabin fever. Book your visit several months in advance during peak season.

If youre looking for a party, shoulder season is the best time to pull up to a beachside bar and mingle. Flocks of spring breakers descend on the Bahamas from stateside colleges each year in early spring. Youll even find a few family vacations sprinkled in amongst the throngs, especially at popular all-inclusive retreats.

Those seeking a more secluded escape can still take advantage of shoulder season deals during May and June, when higher temperatures and a greater chance of rain start to slow the steady stream of tourists that began during the winter months. Hotel discounts can plunge below 20% off during shoulder season.

Best time for budget travelers

Fall is the cheapest time to visit the Bahamas. Flights, hotel and resort rates during low season can stretch your budget farther, and youll likely still find plenty of beach days in between rain showers.

While some might consider an increase in humidity and rain chances during low season to be a determent, there really isnt a worst time to visit the Bahamas. In fact, low season offers budget-conscious travelers some incredible reasons to bring a rain jacket hotel rates can dip below 50% of their peak highs.

Low season is the best time for a last-minute trip to the Bahamas.

Hurricane season in the Bahamas starts in June and runs through November. While hurricanes are certainly a factor to be aware of, they may not as frequent as you think. Generally, The Bahamas receives fewer hurricanes than the U.S. mainland each year and has advanced warning of any impending danger.

Heres a monthly guide of what you can expect throughout the year in the Bahamas. All events are subject to change:

High season is in full swing during January. The month kicks off with round two of the Junkanoo Winter Festival a Bahamian Mardi Gras-style event which begins on Christmas but runs through New Years Day. High temperatures in the low 70s make for comfortable weather to enjoy the festivities.Key Events: Junkanoo Winter Festival, New Years Day Sailing Regatta, Majority Rule Day, Annual Bahamas Wahoo Championships.

February brings an annual migration of great hammerhead sharks to Bimini, drawing divers from around the world to the warm waters midway between Miami, Grand Bahama and Andros. Elsewhere, continuing prime weather keeps the peak season influx of travelers bustling through the countrys airports and resort lobbies.Key Events: Farmers Cay Festival, Rum Cay Day Festival.

Snowbirds transition to spring breakers in March. March visitors will likely need to book accommodations in advance, though they might begin to find open rooms and deals towards the end of the month. Party people, this is your time to shine. If youre not into the party crowd, consider waiting a few weeks.Key Events: Bahamas Music & Heritage Festival, Bacardi Billfish Tournament.

Shoulder season begins in earnest. Grand Bahama sees the largest influx of spring breakers, while more secluded islands like Cat Island, Long Island and Eleuthera offer a break from the largest crowds. Be aware that Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday are national holidays in the Bahamas, and many businesses may be closed.Key Events: Bahamas Family Island Regata, Bahamas Billfish Championship

Occupancy rates begin to drop in May as the final holdovers from spring and winter make their way out. While average high temperatures in May creep towards the mid-80s, this sweet spot after spring break but before hurricane season offers an underrated opportunity for travelers who arent ready for the full heat of summer but are looking for a hotel discount.Key Events: Carnival, Long Island Regatta.

Pick a June day in the Bahamas and theres a fair chance youll see at leastsome rain and at least partial cloud cover. Visitors in June have a 30% chance of rain and a 65% chance of cloudy conditions; however, warm water and warm temperatures combine with lower prices to make June a viable travel option for many.Key Events: Pineapple Festival, Bahamas Summer Boating Flotilla.

July in the Bahamas is properly hot. Daily high temperatures climb into the 90s, coinciding with peak rainfall accumulations for the year. Though hurricanes are rare, the islands are home to regular tropical thunderstorms that you should be prepared for. Typically, storms pass within a few hours leaving plenty of time for activities. Bring a light rain jacket.Key Events: Junkanoo Summer Festival, Independence Week.

August and September are the most active months for hurricanes in the Bahamas. Odds are, youll be OK, but be aware that August is still the rainy season even when no hurricanes are in the Atlantic. The tradeoff for playing roulette with the weather? You could see short lines at the dive shop and fewer fellow travelers at the beach.Key Events: Cat Island Regatta, Emancipation Day.

Historically the most turbulent month for Bahamian weather, September travelers should keep a close eye on the forecast. While you have a good chance of catching a sunny day in the Bahamas almost any time of year, September can be particularly dicey.Key Events: All Abaco Sailing Regatta.

Tiger sharks migrate to Grand Bahamas Tiger Beach in October and stay through December. Though October is typically the rainiest month of the year, breaks in the weather offer excellent opportunities for budget-minded divers who can still take advantage of low season deals.Key Events: International Culture Wine & Food Festival, Discovery Day, North Eleuthera Sailing Regatta, Great Bahamas Seafood and Heritage Festival.

November offers an early jump on peak season as humidity levels and daily chances of rainfall drop. Outfitters will be gearing up for high season, which can play into your hands. Some peak season businesses may still be closed, but others may offer up an early bird discount.Key Events: Guy Fawkes Day, One Bahamas Music & Heritage Festival.

Peak season begins in the Bahamas. Airports, hotels and restaurants all start to swell at the seams in the middle of the month. Visitors who choose to spend the holiday season in The Bahamas are rewarded with the start of the Junkanoo Festival, a world-class celebration of culture.Key Events: Junkanoo Winter Festival, Bahamas International Film Festival.

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When is the best time to go to The Bahamas - Lonely Planet Travel News

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Last weeks report from the US State Department once again outlining the absolutely appalling conditions at the prison did nothing but vindicate and support the chain of letters this month by former inmates. How much more international embarrassment must The Bahamas sustain before our leaders get it right?

How is it that in 2021 both political and prison leaders are still trying to justify, rationalise, distract from and downplay the horrible conditions that some of our citizens are made to endure?

Millions are being spent on drones, CCTV, X-ray machines and plush offices at the prison.

At the same time, leadership has maintained overcrowded conditions with inmates living like sardines in a can, given bags to shit in, still being beaten, etc. How is this correctional?

Did Minister Dames and Commissioner Murphy ever stop and consider that criminals or not, these people are still our family, friends and most have not committed crimes that in anyway justify what they are made to endure.

We feel for our loved ones that are in and have gone through that institution because we can see the mental and emotional scars that have resulted from their stay.

Most countries in the world have realised that they need their men and it is far better to help them than to place them in conditions which will weaken and further destroy them.

There is either a complete disconnect or disregard and I urge my fellow Bahamians to stand up, speak up, let your voices be heard until our people receive better.

WILLIAM

Nassau,

April 5, 2021.

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Embarrassing state report on The Bahamas - Bahamas Tribune

LAKELAND, FLORIDA Florida-based TRYP Air Charter has announced that in addition to On Demand domestic flights, it is now offering international flights to Marsh Harbor, Abaco, and other Bahamian islands from Jacksonville, St Augustine, Daytona Beach, Orlando, Lakeland and the Tampa/St Pete Clearwater area.

Elliot Mintzer, president, commented: This option allows for travelers to reach the Bahamas in less than 90 minutes and direct.

With many US Customs locations available, this makes the travel experience even easier. We fly direct/nonstop to and from US airports without an additional stop to clear US customs.

He added: Leave after work and be in The Bahamas for dinner or the sunset.

The company noted that other benefits include no TSA security checkpoints, free parking, drinks/snacks and AirText on board.

It also serves the business traveler with DayTRYPn executive trips.

TRYP Air Charter will operate its Pilatus PC12 aircraft that can seat up to nine passengers and has executive BMW crafted leather club seating and travels at 300 MPH. It noted, however, that flights are limited so interested parties should check on availability.

For more information, visit the companys website at http://www.flytryp.com or contact them via email at info@flytryp.com or via telephone at 833-359-8797.

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TRYP Air Charter takes flight to the islands of The Bahamas - EyeWitness News

This week, Floridas two U.S. senators wrote U.S. Sec. of State Antony Blinken, calling on him to work with the Bahamas as it continues to explore drilling in its waters.

U.S. Sens. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and Rick Scott, R-Fla., wrote Blinken on the matter on Monday.

In February, the British-based Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC) ceased exploratory drilling operations at its exploratory well, Perseverance, which sat just 150 miles from Florida. Thankfully, the exploration did not result in any notable environmental harm, and there have not been any reports of spilled oil from Perseverance. Although BPC has reportedly determined that this site is not viable for additional drilling, it is our understanding that additional leases in Bahamian waters, some just 50 miles from Floridas shores, are still valid through 2026, the senators wrote.

While there are no indications of imminent drilling at these other locations, Floridians are rightly concerned by the possibility of additional oil exploration so close to Floridas shores, the senators continued. Floridians are reminded of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster, which caused billions of dollars in harm to the economies of the Gulf States, and took an enormous toll on our coastal ecosystems and fisheries. The area of southern Florida closest to Bahamian waters is home to the Florida Reef Tract, the third-largest coral barrier reef in the world. This fragile ecosystem is one of the most biodiverse in the United States and is integral to the culture and economy of the Florida Keys. Further north, from Miami to Jacksonville, millions of Floridians live along pristine beaches and the Biscayne Bay and Indian River Lagoon estuaries, which are irreplaceable economic engines on which their livelihoods depend. All precautions and preparations to protect these critical ecosystems must be taken.

As such, we urge you to engage with the Bahamian government to facilitate discussions between the United States Coast Guard, which is the primary American agency tasked with responding to maritime oil spills, and their Bahamian counterparts to ensure that our nations are prepared to respond jointly to any oil spill threats that may occur during any future exploratory oil drilling in sovereign Bahamian waters, they wrote in conclusion. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

This is not a new issue for the Florida delegation. Back in December, U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings, D-Fla., led a letter to Bahamian Prime Minister Hubert Alexander Minnis and Bahamian Environment and Housing Minister Romauld Sotario Ferreira opposing the Bahamas Petroleum Companys (BPC) Perseverance No. 1 oil well, off the coast of The Bahamas.

The letter urges the government of the Bahamas to reconsider allowing the BPC drilling project to continue, given the immediate and long-term impacts an oil spill and carbon emissions have on natural ecosystems, local economies, and the global climate crisis, Hastings office noted.

Hastings rounded up more than 15 members of Congress to sign the letter including U.S. Reps. Kathy Castor, D-Fla., Charlie Crist, D-Fla., Ted Deutch, D-Fla., Lois Frankel, D-Fla., Al Lawson, D-Fla., Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, D-Fla., Francis Rooney, R-Fla., Donna Shalala, D-Fla., Darren Soto, D-Fla., and Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla. Rooney retired last year while Mucarsel-Powell and Shalala lost reelection bids in November.

We write regarding the Bahamas Petroleum Companys (BPC) offshore drilling project, the Perseverance No. 1 oil well, off the coast of the Bahamas. We believe you should reconsider the agreement established between your government and BPC to protect the beauty and longevity of our fragile and shared ecosystems, the economies that depend on them, and the future of our planet, the House members wrote.

As coastal and near-coastal members of Congress, we have long fought to prevent oil spills, but the success of this work is directly dependent on the cooperation of other states, our federal government, and nearby nations. We and countless Americans remember the devastation and loss of life caused by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon spill, for which Florida continues to require restoration funding. That well, similar to that which BPC plans to bore, claimed 11 lives and spewed more than 200 million gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico, destroying whole ecosystems and halting tourism and fisheries across the region. It has become clear that oil companies such as BPC have every intention to plow ahead despite red flags, which warn of the grave health, natural disaster, and environmental risks of drilling, they continued.

Should BPCs project move forward, we will be justified in fearing that the Atlantic coast is at risk of severe, even catastrophic, impact from any spills that might occur essentially undermining the recent offshore drilling ban extension from President Trump, and future offshore drilling restrictions. It is unclear whether BPC has the capacity to help mitigate a serious disaster, let alone prevent one in the first place. Should a calamitous event occur, the Bahamian government and BPCs clean-up efforts will undoubtedly require financial assistance from neighbors, including the United States, to address any spill that would spread throughout domestic and international waters. For perspective, Deepwater Horizon cost an estimated $65 billion to clean up and the effects have yet to be fully alleviated. Whats worse, the ship arriving on your shores to begin drilling has a track record of safety issues on previous jobs, including incidents in March 2016, September 2016, and October 2017, they continued.

Unfortunately, we believe the agreement reached between BPC and the Bahamian government is directly contrary to the urgent call made at the United Nations just last year. In that speech, Prime Minister, you cited the contribution carbon emissions have made to the climate crisis and the devastating impacts this crisis continues to have on island nations like the Bahamas, including those wrought by Hurricane Dorian, rising sea levels, and natural barrier degradation. These events are felt deeply by Americans and communities around the world, and expanding offshore drilling is fundamentally against their interests, they wrote in conclusion. We stand ready to work with your government to fight the climate crisis, a looming mass-extinction event, and oil and gas interests that seek only to profit off activities that truly put our respective communities at great risk. The health of our constituencies, oceans, and planet hinges on what actions we take here and now.

Last April, members of the Florida congressional delegation sent a letter to then U.S. Sec. of State Mike Pompeo and the charg daffaires at the U.S. Embassy in Nassau urging them to ask the Bahamian government to discontinue efforts to approve offshore drilling in Bahamian waters near the U.S. Atlantic Coast.

Wasserman Schultz helped lead the letter and her office weighed in as to why drilling in Bahamian waters could be a problem to Florida.

During the last few weeks, the Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC) has been working with the Bahamian government to obtain approval to conduct offshore drilling in Bahamian waters. Never before, has offshore drilling taken place in the world-renowned turquoise waters of The Bahamas. The first exploratory drilling site is only 150 miles from Floridas coast, and another licensed area is only 50 miles from the city of Miami. If there is a mistake or a spill, the coasts of states across the Eastern Seaboard could end up covered in oil slicks, Wasserman Schultzs office noted. Even more concerning, Hurricane Dorian ripped apart an oil storage facility and spilled oil across Grand Bahamas southeast coast. Offshore drilling is always risky. But building offshore facilities in a hurricane-prone region should be an alarming prospect for everyone.

The United States cannot afford another Deepwater Horizon disaster. This bipartisan group of members respects the sovereignty of the Bahamas, but a spill in Bahamian waters could bring ruin to both of our countries shorelines. Ten years after the Deepwater Horizon disaster, we call on Secretary Pompeo to urge the Bahamian government to reconsider its efforts to green-light dirty offshore oil drilling in a region so full of magnificent ecosystems and so dependent on international tourism, the congressional members wrote.

Besides Wasserman Schultz, other members of the Florida delegation who signed the letter included Castor, Crist, Deutch, Frankel, U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., Hastings, Lawson, Rooney, Shalala and Soto.

Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.

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Florida's Senators Continue the Fight to Stop Drilling off the Bahamas - Florida Daily

The Giudice girls are growing up and they've got the sophisticated and fun style to prove it. Teresa and Joe Giudice's four daughters struck a pose to capture their recent Easter dinner looks while visiting their dad in the Bahamas, and there wasn't an oversized bow or princess dress in sight. Though the Giudice daughters know a thing or two about coordinating cute looks as a family, each member of The Real Housewives of New Jersey crew rocked a sweet ensemble that flaunted her own, unique sense of style.

"Happy Easter from our family to yours," Teresa lovingly wrote in her Instagram caption on April 4 with a snap of her gorgeous girls. For their family Easter get-together, the young ladies wore festive outfits with their personal flair. The eldest daughter, Gia, donned a breezy day dress in white with bright, pink floral embroidery and island-approved details. Gabriella kept things sleek and polished in a neutral-toned co-ord set that included fitted pants and a matching tank.

Milania looked every bit her mother's mini-me in a bodycon, white, short dress with a floral coverup and long, flowing brunette curls. Then, the youngest sibling, Audriana, finished out the foursome in a playful, white, lace short set with a cropped top.

The girls have been flaunting their fashion taste throughout their vacay in everything from a slew of swimsuits to looks that matched their father.

Want more The Real Housewives of New Jersey? New episodes air every Wednesday at 8/7c or catch up on this season through the Bravo app.

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Teresa Giudice's Daughters Glowed in Gorgeous Easter Outfits in the Bahamas - Yahoo Entertainment