New Category : About Bahamians
Officers Attend National Day Of Brazil Celebration
Tue, Sep 19th 2023, 10:09 AM
Coral Harbour Base, 18 September. ‘23 (RBDF): The Royal Bahamas Defence Force was honoured to attend a Day of Celebration at the Mall at Marathon on the occasion of Brazil's 201st Day of Independence (7th September, 2023). The occasion also marked a celebration of friendship and unity.
In a remarkable display of cultural exchange and diplomatic ties, Young Officers led by Lieutenant Blair Bethel, joined in the celebration. Against the backdrop of cultural exchange, Brazilian Singer Ellen Oléria held a special musical performance bringing a taste of Brazil’s vibrant culture to The Bahamas. Her performance showcased the infectious rhythms of Portuguese music commemorating their rich history and vibrant culture.
The RBDF, under the leadership of Commander Defence Force, Commodore Raymond E. King, is dedicated to the meaningful involvement and development of service members as we share the responsibility for accomplishing the Defence Force's Mandate. The Royal Bahamas Defence Force extends its congratulations to the people of Brazil during this momentous occasion as we look forward to fostering mutual understanding and building a brighter future between The Bahamas and Brazil.
For additional information, kindly reach out to the RBDF Public Relations Department or visit our official website at www.rbdf.gov.bs. Connected with us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates, and explore our engaging content on our YouTube channel.
Temple Christian School's Alumni Meet And Greet
Mon, Sep 18th 2023, 09:55 AM
Corporate Character Day 2023 focuses on DEI and Relationships Calls for Hidden Hero Nominations
Thu, Sep 14th 2023, 10:35 AM
Youth Leaders Rewarded for SDG Impact
Wed, Sep 13th 2023, 11:30 AM
McDonald's Mourns the Loss of Derek The Voice Behind Charlie - Yellow Bahamian
Tue, Sep 12th 2023, 10:06 AM
Coming Home, Local Exumian becomes First Artist-in-Residence at Big Sampson Cay
Mon, Sep 11th 2023, 01:44 PM
In the super-charged reality we call our daily lives, few things -- and fewer places -- still have the capacity to take our breath away.
One of those is a near hidden gem that lies in the heart of The Bahamas and this week, a local artist had an opportunity to capture it as the island’s first artist-in-residence. His name is Emmanuel Clarke and for the better part of five days he worked alone on the relatively undeveloped island called Big Sampson
Cay, his brush strokes on canvas creating a permanent repository of the blues and greens of the waters and land around him.
The idea of an artist-in-residence program originated with Bob and Jeanne Coughlin, second homeowners in Exuma and the developers of a planned $50 million retreat on Big Sampson.
“Many may not be aware, but those who have crossed the path of Bob Coughlin understand he has an unwavering desire to see natural beauty preserved,” explained Eric Carey, former executive director of the Bahamas National Trust. “As residents of the Bahamas the Coughlins have been doing whatever they can to support and help in every way possible with a variety of organizations, including BNT, Trust, Friends of Exuma, Run for Pompey, Tour de Turquoise.”
Tour de Turquoise, the cycling event, raised more than $100,000 for Exuma causes.
Coughlin is the co-founder and president of Friends of Exuma, a 501C3 foundation that provides a means for ex-pats to donate to worthwhile causes and programs in Exuma from scholarships to environmental and cultural preservation. Its major donations to sailing have uplifted the new national sport in the islands where the native sloop regatta was born.
It was at a Paint ‘n Sip event through the Arts Network and Friends of Exuma that the Coughlins first met Clarke. They shared stories of their love for the Exumas, the Coughlins purchased a painting and shared their vision for the gentle footprint, eco-development on Big Sampson Cay.
For Clarke, that accidental meeting was fortuitous. While his family is from Little Exuma, part of his family resided in the U.S. and he spent much of his youth abroad, attending high school in the U.S., college in Chicago area and continuing a post-graduate university program in France.
“The frigid cold, the exact opposite of warm sand, crystal oceans and our beautiful eco-system,” he lamented. “The Bahamas and Exuma kept calling me back. This is my home’.
When he returned, he was determined to corral his training and his travels into capturing on canvas the majesty of the land of his birth.
“I was one of the lucky people,” he says. “I always knew what I wanted to do from an early age. I just wanted to design and paint and there is no place more beautiful than right here at home in the Exumas.”
As conversations continued between the artist and what would become the patron of his first residency, the idea was born.
“Let’s have artists take turns, come stay on the island, use this great slice of heaven on earth and allow that to be the muse for one’s talent. This would be such a cool and interesting way to share this with people that will be coming to this retreat, to see the art, be a part of it being created and share it so these works of art will make it around the world as people’s prized possessions as they recount the most peaceful place on earth they’ve ever been,” said Coughlin.
Clarke was invited to the island with little advice other than ‘paint to your heart’s content.’
He admits the thought of it was “a little scary’ but once he was on Big Sampson, a boat ride of more than 60 miles across the chain of 365 islands and cays, he was so inspired his energy just took over.
“I felt alive in every way,” he smiled.
“Picture this, he says, “I would take a walk along the beach at sunrise, explore spots I’d like to set up and study that area to start, eat some breakfast, I would set myself up – paint, easel, canvas, sometimes just start sketching, but always in a place where I could look in all directions and experience all the surroundings. Then in-between I would go diving in the ocean, go fish off the rocks, eat berries. Space and peace continuously leave room for creativity. It is never ending.”
As his last day of painting on the Big Sampson Cay was wrapping up, he said there was not enough time to paint all he could see. “It was an honour to be the first artist-in-residence at Big Sampson Cay,” he said. “It will provide even more inspiration for artists of every age in the Exuma Arts Network and its camps. When the retreat is built, hopefully, we will be able to bring artists on a regular basis. This is like God’s canvas and I am glad it is going to be protected by someone who has the vision.” To get involved or learn more about Arts Network: https://exumafriends.org/exuma-arts-network ; and insta: @exumaartsnetwork
Trailblazing Bahamian Golfer, Richard Gibson Jr., Historic Invite into US Mid-Amateur Championship
Fri, Sep 8th 2023, 03:24 PM
'Jazz', Marlins continue torrid stretch
Thu, Sep 7th 2023, 09:45 AM
PM congratulates Bahamian-American Wayne Jones - first black police chief of Miami Beach
Wed, Sep 6th 2023, 01:23 PM
Jones, Liberty reach milestone 30th win
Tue, Sep 5th 2023, 09:28 AM
Dorian victims remembered on the 4th anniversary
Mon, Sep 4th 2023, 09:55 AM
On the fourth anniversary of the passage of Hurricane Dorian, four Wreath Laying Ceremonies were held on Saturday, September 2, 2023 in memorial to the victims.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, the Hon. Chester Cooper and Mrs. Cecilia Cooper; Minister for Grand Bahama the Hon. Ginger Moxey; President of the Senate, the Hon. Lashell Adderley and senators; clergy, senior government officials; and family members were all present to lay wreaths and flowers at the Hurricane Dorian Monument, Sir Jack Hayward Bridge; Hurricane Dorian Monument in Free Town, Missile Base Corner; Hurricane Dorian Monument in High Rock; and the Hurricane Dorian Monument in McClean’s Town.
With a gentle breeze, at each monument the wreath laying ceremony began with a prayer, followed by the laying of wreaths and flowers and greeting family members.
Following the ceremony in McClean’s Town, Deputy Prime Minister Cooper described the occasion as “solemn and difficult." He said, “I hope it is becoming easier for the families to cope with their losses."
It was important, continued the Deputy Prime Minister, to bring support, condolences, and prayers from not only Prime Minister, the Hon Philip Davis, but from other Cabinet colleagues and the people of The Bahamas as well.
Prime Minister Davis has expressed the same sentiments to the people of Abaco, the other island devastated by Hurricane Dorian in 2019.
The Deputy Prime Minister said, “We have not forgotten their grief and struggles” and added, “we will never forget the people who suffered, and the Government of The Bahamas will continue to provide whatever support within our powers that we can.”
BTC bolsters its technology team.
Tue, Aug 29th 2023, 11:05 AM
Miss Universe Bahamas pays a courtesy call at MOTIA
Mon, Aug 28th 2023, 09:44 AM
Burrows for Elizabeth Campaign Components
Tue, Aug 22nd 2023, 10:25 AM
PLP supporters disrupt candidate's announcement
Tue, Aug 22nd 2023, 08:43 AM
Big win for The Bahamas!
Mon, Aug 21st 2023, 09:25 AM
The Bahamas got its biggest basketball win in its history, literally shooting its way past Argentina in the championship game of the FIBA (International Basketball Federation) Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament Sunday night, to find themselves one round away from advancement to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Facing a raucous crowd inside the Estadio Ciudad de Santiago del Estero in Santiago del Estero, Argentina, The Bahamas defeated the host nation, 82-75, and not only kept their hopes alive for the Olympics, but eliminated Argentina as well - the fourth ranked team in the world according to the latest FIBA World Rankings.
Eric "EJ" Gordon was huge for The Bahamas, knocking down big shot after big shot, particularly in the fourth quarter when The Bahamas needed him the most. It was certainly needed on a night when the country's two biggest stars, DeAndre Ayton and Chavano "Buddy" Hield, had off shooting nights. Gordon proved that his addition to the team at the 11th hour was as valuable as any aspect of execution this past weekend, as he led Team Bahamas to victory.
The Bahamas proved that it is among the best nations in the region in basketball, knocking off Argentina for the second time in a week, and on their home turf as well. They have now advanced as far as Bahamas basketball has ever been - on the doorstep of qualifying for the Olympics. The Bahamas will now play in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments next summer, joining 19 FIBA Basketball World Cup teams, to compete for a spot in the Paris Olympic Games. The top four teams from those qualifying tournaments will qualify for the Paris Olympic Games in men's basketball - a feat that would be huge for the tiny nation of The Bahamas.
As for the game on Saturday night, Gordon scored 11 of his game-high 27 points in the fourth quarter. He had a strong shooting night, going 8-for-13 from the field and 6-for-7 from three-point range, including three three-point shots in the fourth quarter, and the dagger trey with 20.1 seconds remaining that gave The Bahamas an 80-75 lead.
Hield completed the scoring with two free shots, giving The Bahamas the seven-point win. He had a rough shooting night, going 5-for-17 from three-point range and 2-for-11 from three-point range. The Indiana Pacers' guard was still able to finish with 15 points. Travis Munnings had 16 points on 5-for-10 shooting, including 3-for-7 from deep. Ayton gave the country four players in double figures with 10. Argentina double-teamed The Bahamas' big man and forced him out of the paint quite a bit, forcing him to an off shooting night. Ayton was just 5-for-14 from the field, but found other areas to contribute, playing strong defense and pulling down a massive 21 rebounds. He led the tournament in rebounds. Franco Miller came off the bench to score nine points for The Bahamas.
Argentina was led by Gabriel Deck with 21 points, on 7-for-17 shooting from the field. He was 3-for-5 from deep. Former National Basketball Association (NBA) players Carlos Delfino and Facundo Campazzo added 15 and 14 points respectively for Argentina. Delfino was 3-for-8 from distance and added five rebounds. Campazzo had 17 assists but just one in the fourth quarter when The Bahamas' defense tightened.
The defensive intensity of both teams picked up in the second half and both struggled from the field at various points of the game. The Bahamas shot 42.03 percent during the game (29-for-69) and Argentina was at 38.03 percent (27-for-71). As a team, The Bahamas was respectable from three-point range, going 13-for-33 for 39.39 percent shooting from deep. Argentina was 8-for-31 from deep for 25.81 percent shooting from that area.
Despite Ayton's game-high 21 rebounds, Argentina outrebounded The Bahamas, 44-42, and dished out 19 assists, compared to just 10 for The Bahamas. The Bahamas had 13 turnovers compared to 11 for Argentina, and the host nation scored 17 points off The Bahamas' turnovers, compared to just eight for The Bahamas.
The game was close throughout, as no team led by more than seven points. The Bahamas fell behind 26-22 after the opening quarter and pulled even at 42 at the half. Argentina went ahead 63-59 at the end of three and the game went back and forth in the fourth quarter, until The Bahamas took control down the stretch.
The Bahamas will now move on to the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments, which are set for July 2-7, 2024. The top four teams from those tournaments will qualify for the basketball competition at the 2024 Olympics, which will be held from July 27 to August 11, 2024.
The Bahamas had to get past Uruguay in the semifinals on Saturday in order to play host nation Argentina in the championship game on Sunday. They won that game against Uruguay, 78-62.
In that game, Hield led them in scoring with 17 points on 7-for-15 shooting from the field and 2-for-8 from distance. Gordon and Miller contributed 13 points apiece, Jaraun "Kino" Burrows dropped in nine, and Ayton was held to just eight after going off for 22 in each of The Bahamas' first two games. He had a double-double in each of The Bahamas' group stage games, but was limited to just eight points and nine rebounds against Uruguay, albeit in significantly less minutes.
Gonzalo Iglesias paced Uruguay with a game-high 20 points on 7-for-12 shooting, including six three-pointers. He was the only player in double figures for Uruguay. Nicola Pomoli added eight points for Uruguay.
The Bahamas' three NBA players -Hield of the Pacers and Ayton and Gordon with the Phoenix Suns - were strong for the country all tournament long, leading it to an unblemished 4-0 win/loss record in the week-long competition.
The Bahamas will almost certainly have its world ranking increased from number 56. After all, they defeated the number four ranked team in the world Argentina twice on its home floor, and they blasted the number 46 ranked team in the world, Uruguay. The Bahamas also defeated Cuba.
Other teams in the tournament included Chile, Colombia and the US Virgin Islands.
If The Bahamas is successful in next year's FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments, it will be the first time that this nation has qualified for the Olympics in a team sport competition.
Bahamian athletes in action
Monday August 21, 2023
No Bahamians competing.
Tuesday August 22, 2023
6:40 p.m. (12:40 p.m. EST) – Devynne Charlton (women's 100m hurdles heats)
9:16 p.m. (3:16 p.m. EST) – Steven Gardiner (men's 400m semis – heat three, lane six)
Wednesday August 23, 2023
10:20 a.m. (4:20 a.m. EST) – Rhema Otabor (women's javelin qualification)
11:15 a.m. (5:15 a.m. EST) – LaQuan Nairn (men's long jump qualification)
12:05 p.m. (6:05 a.m. EST) – Anthonique Strachan (women's 200m heats)
7:10 p.m. (1:10 p.m. EST) – Charisma Taylor (women's triple jump qualification)
* – 8:40 p.m. (2:40 p.m. EST) – Devynne Charlton (women's 100m hurdles semis)
Thursday August 24, 2023
* – 7:30 p.m. (1:30 p.m. EST) – LaQuan Nairn (men's long jump final)
* – 7:45 p.m. (1:45 p.m. EST) – Anthonique Strachan (women's 200m semis)
* – 9:25 p.m. (3:25 p.m. EST) – Devynne Charlton (women's 100m hurdles final)
* – 9:35 p.m. (3:35 p.m. EST) – Steven Gardiner (men's 400m final)
Friday August 25, 2023
* – 7:35 p.m. (1:35 p.m. EST) – Charisma Taylor (women's triple jump final)
* – 8:20 p.m. (2:20 p.m. EST) – Rhema Otabor (women's javelin final)
* – 9:40 p.m. (3:40 p.m. EST) – Anthonique Strachan (women's 200m final)
Saturday August 26, 2023
No Bahamians in action.
Sunday August 27, 2023
No Bahamians in action.
* – Should athletes advance.
The Bahamas beats Argentina
Thu, Aug 17th 2023, 07:59 AM
Fox Hill Fest Close Out - Awards Ceremony
Tue, Aug 15th 2023, 02:11 PM
Bahamian scholar Keisha Oliver returns to Clark Art Institute as a research fellow
Mon, Aug 14th 2023, 10:33 AM
Full Military Funeral Service held for the late Commissioner of Police (Retired) Paul H. Farquharson
Fri, Aug 11th 2023, 01:21 PM