New Category : Caribbean News

Bahamasair Announces Launch of New Direct Flight Service From Fort Lauderdale to George Town, Exuma

Fri, Aug 25th 2023, 01:27 PM

Bahamasair, the flagship carrier of The Bahamas, is thrilled to announce an exciting addition to its flight network that will undoubtedly leave travelers with hearts aflutter when it launches this November. As we celebrate fifty years of dedicated service, Bahamasair is excited to unveil its brand-new route connecting Fort Lauderdale, Florida,to the captivating island of George Town, Exuma.

Nestled amidst the crystal-clear waters and pristine white sands, George Town, Exuma, standsas a jewel in the crown of the archipelago of islands that make up The Bahamas. This picturesquedestination, known for its unspoiled beauty and warm hospitality, has long been a dream vacationspot for travelers seeking an authentic island escape. Getting to paradise will now be that mucheasier.

"It's not just about flying from one destination to another; it's about making dreams take flight,"said Bahamasair's Director of Commercial, Sales & Marketing, Samantha Lookie. "With this newroute, we're not only connecting Fort Lauderdale and George Town – we're connecting hearts,creating memories, and fostering new beginnings."

As Bahamasair commemorates half a century of dedicated service, this expansion reflects theairline's unwavering commitment to enhancing travel experiences for its passengers. The FortLauderdale to George Town route not only opens doors to unparalleled natural beauty but alsomarks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in Bahamasair's journey.

Mr. Tracy Cooper the Managing Director of Bahamasair, said that “The launch of this route is justthe tip of the iceberg, as the airline is setting its sights on further flight service expansions and theacquisition of new airplanes. These endeavors will ensure that Bahamasair continues to growhand in hand with its cherished customer base.”

"We are committed to evolving, innovating, and crafting experiences that stand the test oftime." Added Mr. Cooper.

Passengers traveling with Bahamasair can expect exceptional services and the warmth that onlythe islands can provide. With the new Fort Lauderdale to George Town route launching onNovember 15, the Bahamasair family eagerly awaits the opportunity to be a part of your journey –creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Bahamasair, the flagship carrier of The Bahamas, is thrilled to announce an exciting addition to its flight network that will undoubtedly leave travelers with hearts aflutter when it launches this November. As we celebrate fifty years of dedicated service, Bahamasair is excited to unveil its brand-new route connecting Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to the captivating island of George Town, Exuma. Nestled amidst the crystal-clear waters and pristine white sands, George Town, Exuma, stands as a jewel in the crown of the archipelago of islands that make up The Bahamas. This picturesque destination, known for its unspoiled beauty and warm hospitality, has long been a dream vacation spot for travelers seeking an authentic island escape. Getting to paradise will now be that much easier. "It's not just about flying from one destination to another; it's about making dreams take flight," said Bahamasair's Director of Commercial, Sales & Marketing, Samantha Lookie. "With this new route, we're not only connecting Fort Lauderdale and George Town – we're connecting hearts, creating memories, and fostering new beginnings." As Bahamasair commemorates half a century of dedicated service, this expansion reflects the airline's unwavering commitment to enhancing travel experiences for its passengers. The Fort Lauderdale to George Town route not only opens doors to unparalleled natural beauty but also marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in Bahamasair's journey. Mr. Tracy Cooper the Managing Director of Bahamasair, said that “The launch of this route is just the tip of the iceberg, as the airline is setting its sights on further flight service expansions and the acquisition of new airplanes. These endeavors will ensure that Bahamasair continues to grow hand in hand with its cherished customer base.” "We are committed to evolving, innovating, and crafting experiences that stand the test of time." Added Mr. Cooper. Passengers traveling with Bahamasair can expect exceptional services and the warmth that only the islands can provide. With the new Fort Lauderdale to George Town route launching on November 15, the Bahamasair family eagerly awaits the opportunity to be a part of your journey – creating memories that will last a lifetime.

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.

Department Of Marine Resources Opening Of The 2023/2024 Crawfish Season

Wed, Jul 26th 2023, 01:07 PM

The Department of Marine Resources takes this opportunity to advise the public that the crawfish season opens on Tuesday 1st August 2023 and closes Sunday 31st March 2024.

The public is reminded regarding the following:

1. The legal measurement for whole crawfish is a carapace (jacket) length of 3¼ inches and when the tail is separated, a tail length of 5½ inches.

2. Those persons wishing to harvest crawfish are required to have a crawfish measuring gauge in their possession.

3. Possession of dishwashing liquid, bleach, or other noxious substance aboard any vessel while fishing is unlawful without first obtaining a permit authorizing such possession; and

4. A permit is required for the use of the air compressor or crawfish traps to aid in fishing.

The public is also reminded about the most recent fisheries fees amendments to the Fisheries (Jurisdiction and Conservation) Regulations that came into effect on the 1st July 2023. Some of the more notable changes for fishers include the following:

1. Permit to trap crawfish - $50.00.

2. Permit to use a compressor - $30.00.

3. Commercial Fishing License:

i. 15 ft. up to 39 ft. - $100.00

ii. 39½ ft. up to 78½ ft. - $200.00

iii. 79 ft. and above - $250.00

Fishers are also reminded of the following:

1. The requirement that all vessels being 15 ft. or larger in length that are engaged in commercial fishing be licensed by the Department of Marine Resources to be so engaged. Application forms may be obtained at any of the department’s offices in New Providence and the Family Islands. Applicants should ensure that their vessels have been licensed by the Port Department, and that they possess a valid Business License.

2. Fishers are also reminded they can apply online via The Bahamas Government’s MyGateway platform and pay utilizing a Credit or Debit Card for any of the services required inclusive of crawfish trapping permits (new or renewal), permit to use a compressor (new or renewal), commercial fishing license (new or renewal), etc.;

3. The prohibition of foreign employment in any form aboard a licensed Bahamian commercial fishing vessel; and

4. The catching, selling or purchasing of undersize or berried crawfish is illegal.

The Department of Marine Resources further reminds the public that only those vessels owned by Bahamian citizens that are resident within the country can legally engage in commercial fishing exercises.

The cooperation of all persons engaged in fishing is requested regarding safeguarding the sustainability of our resources.

For further information, please contact the department via tel. nos.: (242) 393 1777 or (242) 393 1014/5

The Department of Marine Resources takes this opportunity to advise the public that the crawfish season opens on Tuesday 1st August 2023 and closes Sunday 31st March 2024. The public is reminded regarding the following: 1. The legal measurement for whole crawfish is a carapace (jacket) length of 3¼ inches and when the tail is separated, a tail length of 5½ inches. 2. Those persons wishing to harvest crawfish are required to have a crawfish measuring gauge in their possession. 3. Possession of dishwashing liquid, bleach, or other noxious substance aboard any vessel while fishing is unlawful without first obtaining a permit authorizing such possession; and 4. A permit is required for the use of the air compressor or crawfish traps to aid in fishing. The public is also reminded about the most recent fisheries fees amendments to the Fisheries (Jurisdiction and Conservation) Regulations that came into effect on the 1st July 2023. Some of the more notable changes for fishers include the following: 1. Permit to trap crawfish - $50.00. 2. Permit to use a compressor - $30.00. 3. Commercial Fishing License: i. 15 ft. up to 39 ft. - $100.00 ii. 39½ ft. up to 78½ ft. - $200.00 iii. 79 ft. and above - $250.00 Fishers are also reminded of the following: 1. The requirement that all vessels being 15 ft. or larger in length that are engaged in commercial fishing be licensed by the Department of Marine Resources to be so engaged. Application forms may be obtained at any of the department’s offices in New Providence and the Family Islands. Applicants should ensure that their vessels have been licensed by the Port Department, and that they possess a valid Business License. 2. Fishers are also reminded they can apply online via The Bahamas Government’s MyGateway platform and pay utilizing a Credit or Debit Card for any of the services required inclusive of crawfish trapping permits (new or renewal), permit to use a compressor (new or renewal), commercial fishing license (new or renewal), etc.; 3. The prohibition of foreign employment in any form aboard a licensed Bahamian commercial fishing vessel; and 4. The catching, selling or purchasing of undersize or berried crawfish is illegal. The Department of Marine Resources further reminds the public that only those vessels owned by Bahamian citizens that are resident within the country can legally engage in commercial fishing exercises. The cooperation of all persons engaged in fishing is requested regarding safeguarding the sustainability of our resources. For further information, please contact the department via tel. nos.: (242) 393 1777 or (242) 393 1014/5

Delta announces New York to Nassau flight

Thu, Jul 13th 2023, 08:31 AM

Delta Air Lines is adding a new flight to The Bahamas for the winter season, from New York to Nassau. The twice-daily flight will operate weekly from December 16 and will run until April 7, 2024 on a Boeing 737-800, departing New York's LaGuardia Airport at 10:45 am and arriving in Nassau at 2:00 pm, according to website Travel and Leisure.

The new Delta route will go head-to-head with JetBlue's recently announced flight in the Bahamas market for the winter season. That airline recently announced a route from Los Angeles International Airport to Nassau, that will operate on Saturdays beginning November 4, 2023.

"Less than three hours from New York City, Nassau Paradise Island is so close, yet it feels like it is a world away, and we are thrilled that Delta is adding new flights this winter for those who are looking to escape the cold and experience The Bahamas," said Joy Jibrilu, chief executive officer of the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board, in a statement to Travel and Leisure yesterday. "New York remains Nassau Paradise Island's biggest source market, and airline partnerships such as this help continue to drive tourism for The Bahamas. We're excited to expand access to our island and look forward to welcoming new and returning visitors beginning in December in partnership with Delta."

The announcement is a small part of efforts by the airline to expand its route network from major hubs in the United States to Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The airline also announced an increase from four to five flights per day from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta, to Jamaica's Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay; an increase from one to two daily flights from Atlanta to Aruba's Queen Beatrix International Airport; an increase from one to two flights each day from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, to the Dominican Republic's Punta Cana International Airport; an increase from three to four daily flights from New York to the Dominican Republic's Santo Domingo Airport; an increase from three to four daily flights from New York to the Dominican Republic's Cibao International Airport in Santiago; and an increase from two to three flights per day from New York to Mexico's Cancun International Airport.