The producers of the Bounce TV network original series, “Johnson,” A Bird and A Bear Entertainment (Eric C. Rhone and Cedric the Entertainer’s production company) and Midnight Train Productions (Deji LaRay and Thomas Q. Jones’ production company) and the stars of the hit show, arrived in The Bahamas in June for the taping of two episodes for an upcoming season of the popular American drama. “Johnson” is described as an ‘industry rarity’ for its originality and instant audience connection.

Credited as a show highlighting black males in a positive light, fans will see the scenic beauty of land and sea and witness the culture of The Bahamas in both episodes. “Johnson” creator, executive producer, writer, director, and lead actor, Deji LaRay, said The Bahamas ranked first of possible locations and it was important for Bahamians to be involved to secure Bahamian authenticity.

The episodes were filmed in Nassau at the Sandyport Beach Resort, Trip Advisor 2023 Traveler’s Choice award winner, for the sixth time, and the family-themed Atlantis Paradise Island.

Conchboy Films owner, Lavado Stubbs, was hired as the local director and co-producer for the two episodes filmed outside of the United States for the first time. He also headed the pre-shoot search to select the location spots.

Stubbs said that once he got the scripts, he immediately knew the locations had to ensure The Bahamas was a character in the show and not just any island destination backdrop.

“The Bahamian beauty and local feel of Sandyport Beach Resort made it an obvious choice. It has been here for years and is very Bahamian,” said Stubbs.

“It further added to the portrayal of The Bahamas as a character in the show as every aspect of the resort contributed to the cultural element of the series.” The award-winning resort also housed the international actors and film crew during the week-long shoot.

“We knew we wanted to go to a beautiful country and island,” said “Johnson” star LaRay. “The Bahamas’ beaches are the best in the world and the people are incredibly inviting and supportive. Bahamian director Lavado Stubbs brought a unique perspective and ensured that the episodes captured the authenticity of the Bahamian culture.”

“Johnson” Executive Producer Reesha L. Archibald echoed LaRay, noting that the show was looking to elevate the series beyond just location, so the inclusion of Bahamian culture and typical events was key.

“The Bahamian production team members and actors, Chantel O’Brian and young artist, BahaMian Trae and the many extras all contributed to the success of that goal. And we decided that it would be smart and send a big ‘thank you’ to Nassau to include Lavado as a director because of his expertise, local knowledge and his film production company. “It has been phenomenal and definitely worth the months of planning; it was also surprising and wonderful to learn that our show has Bahamian fans.”

Conchboy Films owner, Lavado Stubbs shared that the shoot was enlightening for him. “What was amazing to me was the “Johnson” team wanted these episodes to be authentically Bahamian, meaning The Bahamas wasn’t just the backdrop, as is usually the case, but a major part of the storyline. As a Bahamian director, I’ve learned that’s rare with a visiting film crew. It has made me realize that any other projects that come here could see that local production talent is the right way to go.”

Sandyport Beach Resort’s Reservations Manager, Leeanne Clarke said it had been a great experience working with the “Johnson” production team and is thankful that the Film Commission in the Ministry of Tourism and Conchboy Films reached out to the resort with the opportunity.

Clarence Rolle, the Film Commissioner at Bahamas Film Commission said that overall, the decision to film in The Bahamas and involve Bahamian talent in the “Johnson” series demonstrates a commitment to authenticity, cultural appreciation, and the elevation of the show. It's a positive development for both the Bahamian entertainment industry and the visibility of the country on an international platform.” The Bahamas Film Commission is a national agency with a remit to maximize and support the production of international feature film and television in The Bahamas promoting the region through the development of film, video, and multimedia production.

“Johnson” returns for a new season on Bounce TV Saturday nights at 8 p.m. ET starting August 5, 2023, with two new back-to-back episodes. Bounce (@bouncetv) features a programming mix of original series and movies, theatrical motion pictures, off network series, specials and events designed for African American audiences. Viewers can catch up on “Johnson” and all Bounce originals anytime on Brown Sugar, Bounce's subscription video-on-demand service. Visit www.BrownSugar.com for more information.

The producers of the Bounce TV network original series, “Johnson,” A Bird and A Bear Entertainment (Eric C. Rhone and Cedric the Entertainer’s production company) and Midnight Train Productions (Deji LaRay and Thomas Q. Jones’ production company) and the stars of the hit show, arrived in The Bahamas in June for the taping of two episodes for an upcoming season of the popular American drama. “Johnson” is described as an ‘industry rarity’ for its originality and instant audience connection. Credited as a show highlighting black males in a positive light, fans will see the scenic beauty of land and sea and witness the culture of The Bahamas in both episodes. “Johnson” creator, executive producer, writer, director, and lead actor, Deji LaRay, said The Bahamas ranked first of possible locations and it was important for Bahamians to be involved to secure Bahamian authenticity. The episodes were filmed in Nassau at the Sandyport Beach Resort, Trip Advisor 2023 Traveler’s Choice award winner, for the sixth time, and the family-themed Atlantis Paradise Island. Conchboy Films owner, Lavado Stubbs, was hired as the local director and co-producer for the two episodes filmed outside of the United States for the first time. He also headed the pre-shoot search to select the location spots. Stubbs said that once he got the scripts, he immediately knew the locations had to ensure The Bahamas was a character in the show and not just any island destination backdrop. “The Bahamian beauty and local feel of Sandyport Beach Resort made it an obvious choice. It has been here for years and is very Bahamian,” said Stubbs.

Deputy to the Governor General the Hon. Cynthia Pratt attended the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) Employee Recognition Awards 2023 Sapphire Ball recognizing employees for long service and performance excellence on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at St. Joseph's Parish Hall.  In attendance were Minister of Health and Wellness, the Hon. Michael Darville and Minister of State the Hon. Myles LaRoda, who gave congratulatory remarks on behalf of Prime Minister the Hon. Philip Davis.   Long Service Awards were presented for 30 or more years of service; and Performance Excellence Awards for outstanding work function.   The theme -- 'PHA Gems Celebrating 50 Years and Beyond.'   In the group photo, Mrs. Pratt presents an 'Employee of the Year' award to Gandhi Frazier, with Minister Darville, third left; Minister of State LaRoda, second right; and PHA officials.  

At the Independence State Reception, July 10, 2023 at Government House: The Governor General, His Excellency Sir Cornelius A. Smith and Lady Smith and Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis and Mrs. Ann Marie Davis (pictured) welcome guests at the Jubilee Independence Celebration, participate in cake-cutting and the toast.  Many dignitaries attended, including those from abroad.  Pictured looking on at the cake-cutting and toast are the Secretary General of the Commonwealth the Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland, KC; Leader of the Opposition the Hon. Michael Pintard; and Chair of the National Independence Secretariat Leslia Miller-Brice.  Guests enjoy the evening.  

As thousands will flock to Clifford Park for the 50th anniversary of Independence celebrations on July 9th, they all will be able to tap into the free Wi-Fi, courtesy of a joint partnership with the Government’s “ParkConnect” initiative and BTC.

“ParkConnect” is a social initiative introduced by the Government to bridge the digital divide by providing free internet access at designated constituency parks and community centers throughout The Bahamas.

Wayde Watson, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Affairs said: “We are happy to team up with BTC to provide free Wi-Fi at Clifford Park as a component of The Bahamas “ParkConnect” project for such a momentous occasion. Bahamians and all in attendance will be able to capture, share and preserve this iconic 50th independence celebration. This takes us one step closer in our efforts to bridge the digital divide in accordance with our Blueprint for Change and the United Nations Millenium development goals, giving free access to reliable internet services. We as a Ministry and a Government are proud of this accomplishment.”

BTC’s CEO Sameer Bhatti said the company is making major strides to bridge the digital divide, and through this initiative residents and guests who will gather next week at Clifford Park, will have access to internet connectivity for one of the largest gatherings to ever be held at the site.

“As we celebrate the country’s 50th anniversary of Independence, we are proud to show our love and support. We started this journey with the Government last summer, and to date we’ve already connected over forty parks in New Providence and across the country. It was therefore an honor for us to work on this special project, to provide connectivity to Clifford Park. Everyone attending the celebrations on the park can take advantage of it as they share photos and upload videos of this historic milestone,” Bhatti said.

The Golden Jubilee Ecumenical Service, military tattoo and cultural show will be held at Clifford Park on July 9th. An independence family fun day is also planned for Clifford Park on July 10th.

Under the Government’s “ParkConnect” initiative, BTC has been assigned to connect 60 parks with Wi-Fi, of which 45 parks have been connected thus far. The move is a collaborative effort of the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Economic Affairs, in partnership with BTC and other providers.

As thousands will flock to Clifford Park for the 50th anniversary of Independence celebrations on July 9th, they all will be able to tap into the free Wi-Fi, courtesy of a joint partnership with the Government’s “ParkConnect” initiative and BTC. “ParkConnect” is a social initiative introduced by the Government to bridge the digital divide by providing free internet access at designated constituency parks and community centers throughout The Bahamas. Wayde Watson, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Affairs said: “We are happy to team up with BTC to provide free Wi-Fi at Clifford Park as a component of The Bahamas “ParkConnect” project for such a momentous occasion. Bahamians and all in attendance will be able to capture, share and preserve this iconic 50th independence celebration. This takes us one step closer in our efforts to bridge the digital divide in accordance with our Blueprint for Change and the United Nations Millenium development goals, giving free access to reliable internet services. We as a Ministry and a Government are proud of this accomplishment.” BTC’s CEO Sameer Bhatti said the company is making major strides to bridge the digital divide, and through this initiative residents and guests who will gather next week at Clifford Park, will have access to internet connectivity for one of the largest gatherings to ever be held at the site. “As we celebrate the country’s 50th anniversary of Independence, we are proud to show our love and support. We started this journey with the Government last summer, and to date we’ve already connected over forty parks in New Providence and across the country. It was therefore an honor for us to work on this special project, to provide connectivity to Clifford Park. Everyone attending the celebrations on the park can take advantage of it as they share photos and upload videos of this historic milestone,” Bhatti said. The Golden Jubilee Ecumenical Service, military tattoo and cultural show will be held at Clifford Park on July 9th. An independence family fun day is also planned for Clifford Park on July 10th. Under the Government’s “ParkConnect” initiative, BTC has been assigned to connect 60 parks with Wi-Fi, of which 45 parks have been connected thus far. The move is a collaborative effort of the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Economic Affairs, in partnership with BTC and other providers.