New Category : Bahama Islands Info Stories

Miss World Bahamas stops by C.V. Bethel Senior High School for Commonwealth Day

Miss World Bahamas stops by C.V. Bethel Senior High School for Commonwealth Day

Tue, Mar 15th 2016, 10:05 AM


Miss World Bahamas Chantel O'Brien was among the guests of honour at her alma mater C.V. Bethel Senior High School during observances of Commonwealth Day on Monday March 14, 2016.


She brought greetings to the student body, speaking about her experiences as a student at the school and how they prepared her for her reign as Miss World Bahamas. The beauty queen also encouraged the students to use their time wisely and to strive for excellence in everything they do.


O'Brien shared the stage with Hon. Theresa Moxey-Ingraham (Co-chair of the Educational Committee for the Constitutional Commission). She also got an opportunity to have a bit of fun with the students while participating in a Junkanoo rush out.


Chantel distributed membership certificates to members of the Ladies Club, an organisation she participated in while she was a student at C. V. Bethel.



Experts: 'Blazing landfill a public health crisis'

Experts: 'Blazing landfill a public health crisis'

Mon, Mar 14th 2016, 10:24 AM

Crystal clear water resembling the most pristine swimming pools you can imagine.

Fresh air that carries the scent of the sea and the sounds of swooping sea gulls.

It’s better in the Bahamas.

Unless the dump is on fire, of course. The New Providence landfill has been ablaze twice this week, pumping out air so noxious that no amount of fresh sea air could ever mask it. Not exactly the stuff fairy tale, Chamber-of-Commerce-type vacations are made of. Moreover, it may be years before we fully understand the consequences of being exposed to the potentially poisonous clouds of billowing gray smoke. So say two experts – an ecologist and a physician -- who spared no words on the Lester R. Cox radio show, Connected, on Guardian Talk Radio today, sharing concern about short and long-term impact of breathing polluted air.

“First of all, we don’t know what’s burning,” said Dr. Arlington Lightbourne, owner of the Nassau-based Wellness Clinic. “We have no idea what the immediate effect is.”

What Dr. Lightbourne does know, however, is that breathing toxic fumes is directly correlated with higher rates of chronic respiratory ailments ranging from asthma and bronchitis to headaches and sinus issues.

“The average-sized person takes 24,000 to 28,000 breaths a day,” Lightbourne said. “We breathe the weight of a 10-year-old child in a 24-hour period.”

As for 10-year-old children themselves, they take in even more air because their oxygen needs are much greater than that of an adult, and their symptoms might take years to manifest.

“Lot of effects take 20 years to develop,” Lightbourne said. “You can be 10 today and then at 30 be diagnosed with cancer. How do you make the connection between the diagnosis with what’s happening at the dump now? Think about those people who live near the dump.”

Some Bahamians believe the best solution is to relocate the dump to an area where people aren’t living in such close proximity to burning trash. Romauld Ferreira, environmental attorney and director with Save the Bays, however, disagrees.

“The dump is perfectly located in the center of the island,” Ferreira said. “The problem is that subdivisions were allowed to be built next to the dump. If you have a dump and the government approves it [subdivision] to be built, then you will have this conflict.”

Why is it, then, that the people themselves aren’t forming some sort of group to file action against the government in this case? As always, the answer boils down to economics.

“You’re dealing with everyday people who don’t have money for (law) suits,” Ferreira. “It takes years to establish personal injury for a class action lawsuit and a lot of testing.”

Rather than moving the dump, Ferreira’s said reengineering is the ultimate long-term solution.

“Combustion is going on so there’s a production of methane and there’s no segregation of waste so once you get a spark, you’re burning methane,” Ferreira said. “Methane can be vented to stop fires or can be used as energy. The city dump is not engineered for that. The built environment is not there, hence we have these fires from time to time.”

But, with an estimated price tag landing in the range from $60 million to $80 million, reengineering isn’t likely to happen any time soon, which is why for Lightbourne’s part, he believes matters should be taken out of the government’s hands altogether.

“We need to be willing to speak up, to take an active role in our health and things that effect our health,” Lightbourne said. “[Poor] Air quality and water quality are having very negative consequences. As physicians we need to take a leading role and not allow the government to take control.”

Photo: “We breathe the weight of a 10-year-old child in a 24-hour period,” said Arlington Lightbourne, MD, of the Wellness Clinic, Collins Avenue. Dr. Lightbourne was a guest along with Save The Bays director and ecologist Romi Ferreira on the Lester R Cox Connected Show on Guardian Talk Radio today. Both men expressed deep concern about the short- and long-term impact on health as a result of the burning at the Harrold Road dump.

World record attempting divers enjoy stay at Sandyport Beaches Resort and Hotel

World record attempting divers enjoy stay at Sandyport Beaches Resort and Hotel

Fri, Mar 11th 2016, 09:33 AM


Stuart Cove’s dive support team and the contenders in the recent bid for new industry scuba dive record and for the Guinness World Record relaxed after three gruelling days at Sandyport Beaches Resort and Hotel. L – R: Vernon Moss General Manager, Mark McCrum dive coach, Mubarak Abuhaimad scuba dive record contender, Stuart Cove, Ms. Ream Aleidan scuba dive record contender, Team Leader Alharith Alateequi.

Award-winning Sandyport Beaches Resort and Hotel was the hospitality sponsor for the recent Multiple World Guinness Records Dive attempts at Stuart Cove’s Dive Centre in Nassau. The Sandyport Beaches Resort supplied the accommodations and the much needed post event environment where the two-member Team Reem, and their support crew, could relax and unwind after their Scuba dive-record attempts.

Mr. Mubarak Abuhaimad and Ms. Reem Aleidan from Kuwait each set individual, Scuba-industry records -  Ms. Reem Aleidan set the Longest Underwater Dive with Sharks by a Woman and Mr. Mubarak Abuhaimad set Longest Underwater Scuba Dive for a Man,  but their attempt at the World Guinness Record for Longest Scuba Dive, proved elusive. The divers have vowed to return in September to try again.

“We will be back at Sandyport Beaches Resort in September. We really like it here, it’s beautiful and wonderfully quiet, and I liked having an ensuite kitchen,” said Ms. Reem. “We arrived exhausted after our many days trying for the Scuba records, and this was just what we needed!”

Vernon Moss, General Manager said Sandyport Beaches Resort was happy to sponsor the rooms and suites for the visiting four-member team. “They arrived worn-out after three gruelling days with very little sleep. On their second night we had a fun beach BBQ for them and the Stuart Cove’s support crew; it was just what they needed to debrief and chill Bahamian-style.”

Just recently, on February 29th, Director General of Tourism, Mrs. Joy Jibrilu, presented Sandyport Beaches Resort and Hotel with the RCI Gold Crown Award, a hotel industry top honour based partly on happy guests’ positive comments and reviews. The presentation coincided with another top achievement – the influential TripAdvisor site is consistently rating Sandyport Beaches Resort in the top three of 35 listed Nassau hotels.  Sandyport Beaches Resort already holds their prestigious Certificate of Excellence which recognizes establishments that consistently earn great TripAdvisor reviews from travellers.

Source: Serena Williams Media & Public Relations

About Sandyport Beaches Resort and Hotel
Sandyport Beaches Resort and Hotel is a colourful collection of picturesque canal or lagoon beach-front villas in a tranquil spot with plenty of colonial charm. The 72 boutique hotel bedrooms, studios and suites vary in layout and décor but most have ensuite kitchens or kitchenettes for additional convenience. The one, two and three bedroom deluxe suites provide plenty of space for a family. Rooms are decorated with a fresh, beachy, island décor centred on Bahamian scenes and sea life and vibrant Bahama Hand Print pillows and cushions with tropical patterns and colours, accent the linens.

Nicely managed local greenery forms a natural backdrop throughout the grounds and the walk-way to the Sandyport ocean beach. Stunning panoramic views greet you as the path turns to sand between your toes and your gaze takes in the glittering turquoise sea. Continue to enjoy the view from your hammock or a comfy beach lounger in the shade of a Palm tree, and then sip local cocktails at the al fresco beach-side Blue Sail Restaurant and Bar.

Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival continues roll out of marketing initiatives

Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival continues roll out of marketing initiatives

Thu, Mar 10th 2016, 10:10 AM

Efforts to intensify over coming weeks

Following a successful weekend launch that saw hundreds of Bahamians enjoying live entertainment and party vibes inside Da Cultural Village, the Bahamas National Festival Commission is set to continue its efforts to market and promote Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival at home and abroad. International efforts have been ongoing for weeks, including the roll out of several direct sales promotions with international tour operators and agents such as Expedia, American Airline Vacations, Delta Vacations and a host of international public relations activities with travel media and travel consumer shows.

Locally, contestants in the Music Masters Song Competition have been engaged in boot camp as their music is being professionally mastered. This has involved them participating in a professional brand photo shoot and the production of individual music videos, all of which will be released in the coming weeks as part of the local marketing campaign.

Road Fever companies staged a spectacular display of their costumes at the launch event on the weekend, generating customer leads for their businesses. They continue with their launch events and other initiatives to market their private businesses. The Official Junkanoo Carnival Street Squad is gearing up to flood the capital and the Family Islands. Over 70 young Bahamians turned out for the Street Squad auditions, eager to lend their talents as dancers, musicians and models to promoting the event and giving Bahamians a taste of the Junkanoo Carnival experience.

All in all, the Bahamas National Festival Commission (BNFC) is confident that as efforts intensify over the coming weeks the public will be fully immersed in all things Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival and prepared to turn out for the Carnival Kick Off event in Grand Bahama on April 15-16.

As efforts intensify, the BNFC will also represent the Junkanoo Carnival brand, having engaged in a restructuring exercise. Unlike last year, where most marketing efforts focused on the Road Fever street parade, the BNFC is committed to developing and promoting the three core components of the festival, which include the street parade, the music and the culture. Collectively, the three components make up Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival: There is something for music lovers, cultural enthusiasts and patrons looking to party. Fans can experience each aspect individually or collectively. The marketing will focus on all three areas.

Highlights from some of the marketing initiatives are listed below.

Launch Event

Live entertainment by 3 Bahamian bands Costume exhibition by 25 Road Fever companies Performance by winners of the Music Masters Song Competition

Music Video Shoot

18 music videos shot in five days

All Bahamian production team

Canada Media Luncheon - Feb 18

BJC 2016 was introduced to more than 80 members of the Canadian media Several print and online publications ran stories on BJC because of the event

Washington, DC Travel & Adventure Show - Feb 20-21

More than 135,000 US travelers exposed to BJC at one of the biggest travel shows in the US BJC models in Road Fever costumes were the highlight of the event Music Masters Song Competition contestant Khiara Sherman performed with BJC models to her 2015 MM song

Miami Heat vs Chicago Bulls at American Airlines Arena - Mar 1

A team of six BJC dancers performed on the court with Miami Heat dancers to the winning song from the 2015 Music Masters Song Competition, 'Jump and Carry On”. The BJC dancers wore Road Fever costumes. They also performed in the Fan Zone to another MM 2015 song during half time. Some 20,000 spectators were in attendance. The BJC dancers also walked through the Arena taking photos with fans and promoting BJC Information on BJC 2016 events was given to fans at two Bahamas booths

UPCOMING PROMOTIONS

Atlanta PR & Sales Mission Mar 14 - 15

2 BJC models in Road Fever costumes to attend cocktail reception for travel trade, business and community leaders A presentation on BJC will be made to those persons mentioned above

Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade

Barabbas and the Tribe to perform in the annual parade, and the Gullah Geechee Corridor in South Carolina promoting Junkanoo and Junkanoo Carnival.

Philadelphia Travel & Adventure Show - Mar 19-20

2 BJC models in road fever costumes expected to attend and promote will introduce event to more than 135,000 pre-qualified travelers expected to attend the event Information to be given out to booth

MOT Texas Sales Mission - Mar 20-24

BJC 2016 events to be promoted in three cities in Texas - Houston, Dallas & Ft. Worth 2 BJC models in road fever costumes expected to attend and promote Will promote BJC directly to 270 travel agents and 150 marketing planners