New Category : About Bahamians

Miss Bahamas Universe 2023 goes on to compete for world title, Royal Royal Caribbean International Title Sponsor

Fri, Aug 11th 2023, 10:11 AM

 Royal Caribbean International celebrates Miss Bahamas Universe 2023 Melissa Ingraham as she prepares to represent The Bahamas and compete against more than 80 delegates from around the world at the 72nd Miss Universe Competition in El Salvador on November 18th, 2023. 

 
26-year-old Ingraham bested nine other confident women for the crown and title, sharing her platform centered around climate change, in which she is completing her Master’s degree. 
 
“I’m really happy that I was able to win being myself and doing what I love, which is shedding more light on this global issue of climate change,” Ingraham said.  
 
“I’m proud to know that competitions like this celebrate the whole woman, beauty and brains. I was able to come here, give it my all, share my platform and I feel great to see that the hard work paid off. Now, it’s time to prepare to take on the universe and I’m looking forward to it. I stand proud as an ambassador of The Bahamas and of the environment to highlight the importance and urgency of addressing climate change.” 
 
Royal Caribbean Group Regional Vice President, Government Relations, Caribbean Wendy McDonald served as a member of the judging panel that selected Ingraham as the winner. The cruise company’s largest and most popular brand, Royal Caribbean International, was the title sponsor of this year’s pageant and the winner was given a free 7-night Caribbean cruise as a part of her prize package.  
 
McDonald gave the pageant top marks.  
 
“The pageant was nothing short of remarkable,” she said. “The contestants truly exemplified the essence of beauty, grace and intelligence throughout the competition. Each candidate showcased their unique qualities, making the pageant a captivating experience for both the audience and the judges. 

“From the preliminary rounds to the final stage, the level of preparation and dedication demonstrated by the contestants is commendable. Their performances, both on and off the stage, have left a lasting impression, showcasing their commitment to representing the beauty and diversity of the Bahamas. It is a privilege to witness the journey of these exceptional young women as they strive to become ambassadors of the Bahamas. The pageant provided a platform for them to showcase their individuality, their passions, and their commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.” 

This year’s pageant was under the patronage of Miss Bahamas Universe 1973 Cyprianna Munnings-McWeeney and held under the theme ‘The Jubilee’, as a part of the country’s 50th Anniversary of Independence celebrations. Junkanoo and timeless performances by world-renowned Bahamian artists made the night even more special.  
 
The competition was intense as contestants wowed judges in the swimsuit and evening gown segments, celebrating all things Bahamian. The night was also historic as for the first time one of the contestants was a wife and mother, thanks to a change in the Miss Universe rules.  
 
Not before long, 10 contestants were cut to the Top 5, who were then asked questions to help judges determine who would be best to represent the country at the world’s biggest pageant.  
 
At the end of the night Ingraham, representing Long Island, was named the new queen, walking away with the crown, title, prizes and the opportunity of a lifetime.  
 
“This feels like a dream,” Ingraham said. “This was a tough competition, but so rewarding. Aside from winning the crown, I feel like I’ve gained nine sisters. We’ve gone through so much together. We’ve learned and grown. And now I get to wear my country’s name at Miss Universe. I’m looking forward to the training and will certainly give it my all on the world stage.” 
 
Miss Cat Island Taja Hudson was named 1st runner Up. Robyn Rahming, representing Exuma won 2nd runner up, while Danielle Dean of Acklins took 3rd runner up and Beyonce Forbes of Grand Bahama got 4th runner-up.  
 
2nd Runner-Up Robyn Rahming is Miss International World Bahamas, and will go on to compete in St. Lucie, Florida, this coming October for the coveted title of Miss International World. Her selection came by way of a guest judge who presented the pageant system to the Miss Universe Bahamas Organization. She was selected above the 1st runner-up in part because of her greater availability to assume the duties of the queen, should that become necessary.  
 
The distinguished judging panel featured international and local names in civil society, business and industry.  

In recent years The Bahamas has had quite the success at Miss Universe with Chantel O’Brien making history in 2021 as the first to ever make the semi-finals, placing in the Top 10. Previous representatives have also won Miss Congeniality and Miss Photogenic.  
 
Other sponsors of this year’s Miss Universe Bahamas competition included The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, Toastmasters Club 1600, Empire Fitness, Go to Bahamas, FME, Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture, Blue Lagoon, Wild Seed Designs, Wildflowers, Atlantis, Rosewood, Biore, New York Performing Arts Academy, Diamonds International and Home-Grown Media.  
 
Royal Caribbean has a longstanding history of supporting local organizations that promote Bahamian culture. It recently announced it was renewing its sponsorship of the Royal Caribbean Music Makers, supporting the Junkanoo group with a $100,000 sponsorship. The cruise line also aligns with small business development, particularly in the tourism sector, and empowers entrepreneurial efforts while driving local economic growth through partnerships including with the Small Business Development Centre and the Tourism Development Corporation. Additionally, the company has supported education and training partners, such as the LJM Maritime Academy, the Bahamas Maritime Cadet Corps and the National Training Agency.  
 
As part of its commitment to The Bahamas, the cruise line has also pledged its upcoming Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island will highlight the vibrant spirit and culture of The Bahamas with food, music and art. The beach club is proposed for a 2025 opening.  

 

Royal Caribbean International celebrates Miss Bahamas Universe 2023 Melissa Ingraham as she prepares to represent The Bahamas and compete against more than 80 delegates from around the world at the 72nd Miss Universe Competition in El Salvador on November 18th, 2023.    26-year-old Ingraham bested nine other confident women for the crown and title, sharing her platform centered around climate change, in which she is completing her Master’s degree.    “I’m really happy that I was able to win being myself and doing what I love, which is shedding more light on this global issue of climate change,” Ingraham said.     “I’m proud to know that competitions like this celebrate the whole woman, beauty and brains. I was able to come here, give it my all, share my platform and I feel great to see that the hard work paid off. Now, it’s time to prepare to take on the universe and I’m looking forward to it. I stand proud as an ambassador of The Bahamas and of the environment to highlight the importance and urgency of addressing climate change.”    Royal Caribbean Group Regional Vice President, Government Relations, Caribbean Wendy McDonald served as a member of the judging panel that selected Ingraham as the winner. The cruise company’s largest and most popular brand, Royal Caribbean International, was the title sponsor of this year’s pageant and the winner was given a free 7-night Caribbean cruise as a part of her prize package.     McDonald gave the pageant top marks.     “The pageant was nothing short of remarkable,” she said. “The contestants truly exemplified the essence of beauty, grace and intelligence throughout the competition. Each candidate showcased their unique qualities, making the pageant a captivating experience for both the audience and the judges.  “From the preliminary rounds to the final stage, the level of preparation and dedication demonstrated by the contestants is commendable. Their performances, both on and off the stage, have left a lasting impression, showcasing their commitment to representing the beauty and diversity of the Bahamas. It is a privilege to witness the journey of these exceptional young women as they strive to become ambassadors of the Bahamas. The pageant provided a platform for them to showcase their individuality, their passions, and their commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.”  This year’s pageant was under the patronage of Miss Bahamas Universe 1973 Cyprianna Munnings-McWeeney and held under the theme ‘The Jubilee’, as a part of the country’s 50th Anniversary of Independence celebrations. Junkanoo and timeless performances by world-renowned Bahamian artists made the night even more special.     The competition was intense as contestants wowed judges in the swimsuit and evening gown segments, celebrating all things Bahamian. The night was also historic as for the first time one of the contestants was a wife and mother, thanks to a change in the Miss Universe rules.     Not before long, 10 contestants were cut to the Top 5, who were then asked questions to help judges determine who would be best to represent the country at the world’s biggest pageant.     At the end of the night Ingraham, representing Long Island, was named the new queen, walking away with the crown, title, prizes and the opportunity of a lifetime.     “This feels like a dream,” Ingraham said. “This was a tough competition, but so rewarding. Aside from winning the crown, I feel like I’ve gained nine sisters. We’ve gone through so much together. We’ve learned and grown. And now I get to wear my country’s name at Miss Universe. I’m looking forward to the training and will certainly give it my all on the world stage.”    Miss Cat Island Taja Hudson was named 1st runner Up. Robyn Rahming, representing Exuma won 2nd runner up, while Danielle Dean of Acklins took 3rd runner up and Beyonce Forbes of Grand Bahama got 4th runner-up.     2nd Runner-Up Robyn Rahming is Miss International World Bahamas, and will go on to compete in St. Lucie, Florida, this coming October for the coveted title of Miss International World. Her selection came by way of a guest judge who presented the pageant system to the Miss Universe Bahamas Organization. She was selected above the 1st runner-up in part because of her greater availability to assume the duties of the queen, should that become necessary.     The distinguished judging panel featured international and local names in civil society, business and industry.   In recent years The Bahamas has had quite the success at Miss Universe with Chantel O’Brien making history in 2021 as the first to ever make the semi-finals, placing in the Top 10. Previous representatives have also won Miss Congeniality and Miss Photogenic.     Other sponsors of this year’s Miss Universe Bahamas competition included The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, Toastmasters Club 1600, Empire Fitness, Go to Bahamas, FME, Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture, Blue Lagoon, Wild Seed Designs, Wildflowers, Atlantis, Rosewood, Biore, New York Performing Arts Academy, Diamonds International and Home-Grown Media.     Royal Caribbean has a longstanding history of supporting local organizations that promote Bahamian culture. It recently announced it was renewing its sponsorship of the Royal Caribbean Music Makers, supporting the Junkanoo group with a $100,000 sponsorship. The cruise line also aligns with small business development, particularly in the tourism sector, and empowers entrepreneurial efforts while driving local economic growth through partnerships including with the Small Business Development Centre and the Tourism Development Corporation. Additionally, the company has supported education and training partners, such as the LJM Maritime Academy, the Bahamas Maritime Cadet Corps and the National Training Agency.     As part of its commitment to The Bahamas, the cruise line has also pledged its upcoming Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island will highlight the vibrant spirit and culture of The Bahamas with food, music and art. The beach club is proposed for a 2025 opening.     

State-recognized funeral for Reverend Lloyd Smith

Thu, Aug 3rd 2023, 08:38 AM

A state-recognized funeral service will be held for the late Reverend Dr. Lloyd C. Smith, president of The Bahamas National Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention, on Friday, August 4.

The Cabinet Office made the announcement on Wednesday on the service to be held at Mount Horeb Baptist Church, Sandyport at 11 a.m. with interment following in Lakeview Memorial Gardens and Mausoleums, J.F. Kennedy Drive.

Smith served as senior pastor at Mount Horeb Baptist Church for 21 years.

His body will lie-in-repose at William Thompson Auditorium, Jean Street, Gleniston Gardens from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today.

Viewing for the general public will be from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The funeral service will be broadcast live on the ZNS Radio Network from Mount Horeb Baptist Church at 11 a.m.

While at a funeral service at Mount Horeb where he was to deliver a eulogy, on Saturday, July 22, Smith collapsed in the restroom and was rushed to hospital where he died. He was 74.

Taylor continues to produce

Thu, Jul 27th 2023, 08:34 AM

The Bahamas' senior swim team at the World Aquatics Championships had the day off on Tuesday at the Marine Messe Fukuoka Hall A in Fukuoka, Japan, and were back in action on Wednesday. All four swimmers were in the pool, competing in the 4×100 meters (m) mixed medley relay, and like he has been doing all season, lead-off swimmer Lamar Taylor set a new national record in his event. He saw the 100m back portion of the race.

Taylor swam a blistering time of 55.03 seconds to obliterate his previous national record of 56.47 seconds, which he set at the Bahamas Aquatics Federation's National Swimming Championships in June. Rhanishka Gibbs jumped into the pool to swim the breaststroke leg.

Also on the relay team were Zaylie-Elizabeth Thompson and DaVante Carey. The quartet swam out of lane seven in the third heat and clocked 4:03.98. South Korea won that heat with a time of 3:47.09. Overall, The Bahamas finished with the 24th fastest time out of 42 countries.

Gibbs, the youngest of the team, made her debut at the global championships yesterday, posting a split of 1:15.42 on her breaststroke leg. Carey swam the butterfly leg and had a split of 54.80 seconds. Anchoring the team on the freestyle leg was Zaylie-Elizabeth Thompson. She had a split of 58.73 seconds.

Taylor had a great short course yards season, competing in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II. He won three national championships. He came home and swam in long course meters and did not miss a beat. Taylor set a national record in the 50m free with a time of 22.35 seconds at the swimming nationals. At that meet, he also set a new personal best national record of 56.47 seconds in the 100m back. He went on to win gold at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in the 50m back in a new national record time of 25.08 seconds.

Thompson is the lone Bahamian swimmer in action today, competing in the women's 100m free.

Taylor will compete in the men's 50m free on Friday. Carey will swim in the 100m fly, and wrapping up a busy day for The Bahamas in the pool on Friday will be Gibbs in the 50m fly - her first individual race of the competition.

All four swimmers will be in action in the 4x100m mixed freestyle relay on Saturday. In individual action on Saturday, Gibbs will swim in the women's 50m free and Taylor will swim in the 50m back.

State Recognized Funeral Service for the late Rt. Hon. Dr. Diane Gail Saunders

Wed, Jul 19th 2023, 01:10 PM

The Cabinet Office announces that a State Recognized Funeral Service for the late Rt. Hon. Dr. Diane Gail Saunders, CB., OBE, former Bahamian Historian, Archivist, Athlete, and Author will be held onFriday, 21st July, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Church Cathedral, GeorgeStreet. Cremation will be held at a later date.

The body will lie-in-repose in “Suite B” of Bethel Brothers Morticians,Nassau Street from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, 20th July, 2023.

Viewing for the general public will be from 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. onThursday, 20th January, 2023.

The Funeral Service will be broadcast live on the ZNS Radio Networkfrom Christ Church Cathedral, George Street at 11:00am.

Cabinet Office19th July, 2023

The Cabinet Office announces that a State Recognized Funeral Service for the late Rt. Hon. Dr. Diane Gail Saunders, CB., OBE, former Bahamian Historian, Archivist, Athlete, and Author will be held on Friday, 21st July, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Church Cathedral, George Street. Cremation will be held at a later date. The body will lie-in-repose in “Suite B” of Bethel Brothers Morticians, Nassau Street from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, 20th July, 2023. Viewing for the general public will be from 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, 20th January, 2023. The Funeral Service will be broadcast live on the ZNS Radio Network from Christ Church Cathedral, George Street at 11:00am. Cabinet Office 19th July, 2023