Prime Minister Davis says the Budget aims to strengthen national security, economic security and the lives of people of The Bahamas. He says the global economy is showing signs of improvement although there is still much work to be done to recover from recent challenges. He adds that average consumer prices rose in the US by eight percent, while policy rate of interest has been raised ten times, driven primarily by rising inflation. He highlights the effects on The Bahamas in terms of higher borrowing costs.

This weekend saw more than 25 members of the CSA come together at Antigua Yacht Club to attend the CSA Annual General Meeting and Conference. Members representing over 10 different islands joined in person and digitally throughout the weekend to discuss the upcoming sailing and regatta season in the Caribbean.

The conference date was shifted to the beginning of the summer with an objective of being at the key part of the year for planning of the 2023-2024 season and thereby allowing a collective effort to work together and have time for execution before the busy season kicks in.

Of the new date, CSA President Michele Korteweg says, “It was a late decision to change the date, however the attendance showed it was a better time of the year to host the event. We changed the meeting to be in May so we have more time to analyze, plan and prepare for the upcoming season. It became the theme of our conference that this year we have to take a different approach. We need to stop focusing solely on our own programs and broaden our horizons to analyze trends and developments so we can be proactive, rather than reactive and troubleshoot. In an environment of constant change and challenges, as organisers we were able to have time to reflect on our successes and also look at opportunities ahead of us. The CSA is a platform where we share experiences, knowledge, and information. It brings the region together and has made it a very strong entity. This conference is vital to that concept and therefore well utilized.”

Given the new date, the existing board had served for only half of their term and therefore agreed to stay in place for the new term. Rana Jamila-Lewis from Antigua Sailing Week made herself available to join the board as a director, and is the only change in the board.

The existing board members are President Michele Korteweg (SXM), Treasurer Steve Kern (BAR), Board Director Rana Jamila-Lewis (ANT) Vice President Tamsin Rand (BVI), Vice President Saskia Revelman (SXM), Vice President Jaime Torres (USA), Vice President Brian Sylvester (GREN), Vice President Bruno Kancel (GLP), Chief Measurer Bastien Pouthier (TTO), Past President Alison Sly-Adams (ANT).

The conference covered many areas and was focused on further developing Regattas and Sailing Programmes in the Caribbean. Topics included race management, international trends, foiling in the Caribbean, marketing and inclusion. Input was received from key note speakers, representing shipping companies, charter businesses, marketing and foiling experts and this raised the quality of the information shared at the conference.

Alongside the conference, a separate training session was held by the CSA measurers, including potential new measurers from Barbados and Antigua, as the Caribbean team recognized the importance of adding new talent. Any sailors, or people from the marine industry regionally interested in finding out more about measuring and how you could become a measurer should get in touch with Chief Measurer Bastien Pouthier here. Information was shared regarding the rating rule in a separate session with all the attendees to better understand the challenges and opportunities they are facing while developing the rule.

Time was also taken to discuss sailing development across the region, focusing on a Caribbean Dinghy Calendar, networking and contact groups and methods, coach development and setting the dates for the Caribbean Dinghy Championship (CDC). These are confirmed for 26-28 October, 2023 after Olivier Rene-Corail, president of the Sailing Federation in Martinique, confirmed his invitation for the CDC to be hosted in Schoelcher, Martinique. More information about this event will be published soon.

The organizers of the CSA conference are grateful for the support of its partners who provided  support, Axxess Marine, the National Sailing Academy, Antigua Yacht Club Marina, Antigua Sailing Week and host venue Antigua Yacht Club. Of course, the contribution by CSA members and international key note speakers made the event the success it was and we are looking forward to maintaining a dialogue throughout the year.

For more information about the Caribbean Sailing Association please visit www.caribbean-sailing.com

This weekend saw more than 25 members of the CSA come together at Antigua Yacht Club to attend the CSA Annual General Meeting and Conference. Members representing over 10 different islands joined in person and digitally throughout the weekend to discuss the upcoming sailing and regatta season in the Caribbean. The conference date was shifted to the beginning of the summer with an objective of being at the key part of the year for planning of the 2023-2024 season and thereby allowing a collective effort to work together and have time for execution before the busy season kicks in. Of the new date, CSA President Michele Korteweg says, “It was a late decision to change the date, however the attendance showed it was a better time of the year to host the event. We changed the meeting to be in May so we have more time to analyze, plan and prepare for the upcoming season. It became the theme of our conference that this year we have to take a different approach. We need to stop focusing solely on our own programs and broaden our horizons to analyze trends and developments so we can be proactive, rather than reactive and troubleshoot. In an environment of constant change and challenges, as organisers we were able to have time to reflect on our successes and also look at opportunities ahead of us. The CSA is a platform where we share experiences, knowledge, and information. It brings the region together and has made it a very strong entity. This conference is vital to that concept and therefore well utilized.” Given the new date, the existing board had served for only half of their term and therefore agreed to stay in place for the new term. Rana Jamila-Lewis from Antigua Sailing Week made herself available to join the board as a director, and is the only change in the board. The existing board members are President Michele Korteweg (SXM), Treasurer Steve Kern (BAR), Board Director Rana Jamila-Lewis (ANT) Vice President Tamsin Rand (BVI), Vice President Saskia Revelman (SXM), Vice President Jaime Torres (USA), Vice President Brian Sylvester (GREN), Vice President Bruno Kancel (GLP), Chief Measurer Bastien Pouthier (TTO), Past President Alison Sly-Adams (ANT). The conference covered many areas and was focused on further developing Regattas and Sailing Programmes in the Caribbean. Topics included race management, international trends, foiling in the Caribbean, marketing and inclusion. Input was received from key note speakers, representing shipping companies, charter businesses, marketing and foiling experts and this raised the quality of the information shared at the conference. Alongside the conference, a separate training session was held by the CSA measurers, including potential new measurers from Barbados and Antigua, as the Caribbean team recognized the importance of adding new talent. Any sailors, or people from the marine industry regionally interested in finding out more about measuring and how you could become a measurer should get in touch with Chief Measurer Bastien Pouthier here. Information was shared regarding the rating rule in a separate session with all the attendees to better understand the challenges and opportunities they are facing while developing the rule. Time was also taken to discuss sailing development across the region, focusing on a Caribbean Dinghy Calendar, networking and contact groups and methods, coach development and setting the dates for the Caribbean Dinghy Championship (CDC). These are confirmed for 26-28 October, 2023 after Olivier Rene-Corail, president of the Sailing Federation in Martinique, confirmed his invitation for the CDC to be hosted in Schoelcher, Martinique. More information about this event will be published soon. The organizers of the CSA conference are grateful for the support of its partners who provided  support, Axxess Marine, the National Sailing Academy, Antigua Yacht Club Marina, Antigua Sailing Week and host venue Antigua Yacht Club. Of course, the contribution by CSA members and international key note speakers made the event the success it was and we are looking forward to maintaining a dialogue throughout the year. For more information about the Caribbean Sailing Association please visit www.caribbean-sailing.com

With its goal to equip today’s leaders to inspire tomorrow’s youth, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture’s Youth Division graduated 88 youth leaders from its Spring 2023 Certification Program, the largest cohort to-date.

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Mario Bowleg was on hand for the momentous occasion and brought special remarks during the ceremony on Saturday, May 27, 2023 at Calvary Temple Assemblies of God.

Impressed with the graduation numbers this year, Minister Bowleg pointed out that since its launch in Grand Bahama 12 years ago, the Youth Leaders Certification Program has empowered hundreds of leaders with the tools needed to effectively work with today’s youth.

He noted that it is also through the program that youth leaders can receive internationally recognized accreditation certification which speaks to the competence and capabilities as a certified youth practitioner.

“To-date, this program continues to act as an incubator for future youth organizations as every moment sparks creativity in the minds of the participants,” he said. 

The Minister also pointed out the fact that a number of the graduates are under the age of 18, which, he noted, is a testament of effectiveness and excellence of the program.

He congratulated the Class of 2023 and especially commended those who endured medical, financial and social challenges to complete the course.

“It is reports like these that exemplify that Grand Bahama is in safe, caring hands because these newly certified youth leaders will go beyond the call of duty to ensure every youth in their path is uplifted,” he said.

Minister also thanked partners such as the Grand Bahama Resilience Center and St. Nicholas Anglican Church for their support in making the program a success and he extended an invitation to those who desire to work with young people to join his ministry and register for the Youth Leadership Program’s Fall Session.  

Keynote Speaker Pastor Kyle Maycock, while congratulating the graduates on their accomplishment, reminded everyone to be forever grateful for the opportunities they are afforded in life as there are those elsewhere who are not as fortunate.

He also encouraged the graduates to put their training to use by serving their community, an organization, a church, or by becoming mentors.

With its goal to equip today’s leaders to inspire tomorrow’s youth, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture’s Youth Division graduated 88 youth leaders from its Spring 2023 Certification Program, the largest cohort to-date. Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Mario Bowleg was on hand for the momentous occasion and brought special remarks during the ceremony on Saturday, May 27, 2023 at Calvary Temple Assemblies of God. Impressed with the graduation numbers this year, Minister Bowleg pointed out that since its launch in Grand Bahama 12 years ago, the Youth Leaders Certification Program has empowered hundreds of leaders with the tools needed to effectively work with today’s youth. He noted that it is also through the program that youth leaders can receive internationally recognized accreditation certification which speaks to the competence and capabilities as a certified youth practitioner. “To-date, this program continues to act as an incubator for future youth organizations as every moment sparks creativity in the minds of the participants,” he said.  The Minister also pointed out the fact that a number of the graduates are under the age of 18, which, he noted, is a testament of effectiveness and excellence of the program. He congratulated the Class of 2023 and especially commended those who endured medical, financial and social challenges to complete the course. “It is reports like these that exemplify that Grand Bahama is in safe, caring hands because these newly certified youth leaders will go beyond the call of duty to ensure every youth in their path is uplifted,” he said. Minister also thanked partners such as the Grand Bahama Resilience Center and St. Nicholas Anglican Church for their support in making the program a success and he extended an invitation to those who desire to work with young people to join his ministry and register for the Youth Leadership Program’s Fall Session.   Keynote Speaker Pastor Kyle Maycock, while congratulating the graduates on their accomplishment, reminded everyone to be forever grateful for the opportunities they are afforded in life as there are those elsewhere who are not as fortunate. He also encouraged the graduates to put their training to use by serving their community, an organization, a church, or by becoming mentors.

Bahamian collegiate volleyball player Ras Jesse Delancy had a huge year for Benedict College Tigers. He received recognition before but none was bigger than winning the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II Player of the Year Award as presented by Off The Block - a blog focusing on college men's volleyball news and analysis.

Delancy, who is an outside attacker, had a good 2023 season coming away with a national best 5.38 kills per game and had a whopping 20 kills or more in seven games.

"Winning the award was something that solidified a thought I had to myself - that I am the best. I won the award for my school, an entirely new volleyball conference and a program that leads the entire NCAA in kills. My teammate Donovan (Wilmott) said it in the simplest way possible - 'I'm the best scorer in the United States',"Delancy said.

He was not surprised to win the award as he knew that he had worked hard and always tries to outdo himself and be the best version of himself.

The towering player secured his second straight Southern Athletic Conference (SIAC) Player of the Year Award and all-conference first team selection. In addition to those honors, he was named the Tigers' Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the 2022-2023 season. The 6'6" player helped the Tigers to sit in third in the SIAC Standings with a 6-5 win/loss record. They sported an 11-8 overall record. The season was a little disappointing for him in terms of where they finished which was in the semifinals of the SIAC Volleyball Championship Tournament - the same as the previous season.

Although he received these accolades, the Bahamian is not satisfied.

"Among all of the accomplishments, I'm not where I want to be," Delancy said. "There're still parts of my game that I need to work on but I have to remember not to be too hard on myself. I haven't been playing very long but I know what could happen when I strengthen my weaknesses. The potential I have is exciting."

After the season ended in April, Delancy entered the transfer portal and was looking to play in the NCAA Division I but was unable to accept any offers. Instead, he is committed to the University of Charleston in the NCAA Division II for next season and is looking forward to it.

"I got an offer from a very prestigious division one school in California but, unfortunately, I can't play," Delancy said. "They have a rule that didn't work in my favor which is when you first start college, whether you play a sport or not, you have five years to play division one and this was my fifth year since I started school. The new school I committed to, the University of Charleston, is a great school with an amazing coach, there is great competition and they also play some NCAA Division I schools. We play the California school I got an offer from. Next season is going to be exciting and history making."

A voting committee of about 30 men's volleyball coaches and volleyball media members from around the nation determined the winner of the NCAA Division II National Player of the Year. The top three vote-getters were named finalists for the national honor.

Delancy received 30 votes to defeat the runner-up, Concordia University's opposite hitter Uriel Batista, by nine votes. Daemen University outside attacker Zach Schneider finished third with 17 votes.