"THE BAHAMAS IS STILL OPEN FOR BUSINESS!"

The Bahamas: 700 Islands, Rocks & Cays

All over the world when one says 'vacation' The Bahamas comes to mind. Why? well it's tranquility, great food, a diverse of warm and friendly people and of course it's white sandy beaches; is what draws thousands to the islands each and every year.

Though this year (2019) two (2) islands - "Freeport" the country's 2nd largest city and "The Abacos" were devastated by the monster Hurricane "Dorian", the other 14 developed islands were fortunately spared and are still fully functioning, welcoming all travelers. 
The two islands impacted by Dorian are in the process of rebuilding hopefully,bigger and better than before. 

Many don't know that The Bahamas is a chain of 700 islands, rocks and Cays just Southeast of Florida. The more developed islands being New Providence (Nassau) which is the largest city, then the outer islands Eleuthera, San Salvador, The Exumas, Andros, Long Island, Cat Island, Rum Cay, Ragged Island, Bimini, Acklins/Crooked Islands and more. 
Each has its own unique features and attractions. Lots of folks prefer these "Family of Islands" as opposed to Nassau city when they seek peace and quiet. 

Believe it or not many celebrities such as; Michael Jordan, Johnny Depp, John Travolta, David Copperfield, Nicholas Cage, and Oprah; just to name a few own islands and homes in The Bahamas. 

Nassau City on the Island of New Providence, has the largest population. Most tourists visit Nassau, Bahamas because, like every other city in the world there is more to see and do. So, if you are planning a trip to this beautiful country here are just a few things to consider:

WHAT TO EAT:

The minute you land on the Bahamian soil do ensure your stomach is on "E" as in empty! The choices of restaurants are endless and can be found all over. If, however, you are in Nassau and interested in a more casual setting you may want to try "The Fish-Fry" at Arawak Cay. 



There you can find lots of food stalls selling delicious native cuisines such as; Conch Fritters, Cracked Conch, Conch Salad, Bahamian Peas n' Rice, with Grilled or Fried Fish, Shrimp, Conch and Crab everything you can name... it's like seafood haven!
If you prefer soup dishes, then it's the Boil fish, Stew fish, or Steamed fish which is usually served at breakfast but can be eaten anytime of the day!

Many upscale restaurants are also throughout the islands if your preference is Fine Dining if you want to celebrate a special occasion or dinner for TWO! 

DRINKS:

If you are a cocktail lover you will love the many tropical beverages like Bahama Mama, Goombay Smash, and the Yellow Bird.

Imported beer can be found on the island but, why not try the popular Bahamian beers "Sands" & "Kalik" which are locally brewed.

WHAT TO DO:

Dare-devils will enjoy the many water features like Parasailing, Jet ski, Banana boat ride, snorkeling and scuba diving.

Through the day you can shop at the Straw Market, located downtown Nassau which sells handmade straw baskets, hats, bags and Bahamian paraphernalia.

Nightlife is when the locals clubs are most exciting, where you can sing karaoke, listen to live bands, local Dj's and dance the night away.

Off Island Adventures: 

Blue Lagoon Island & Dolphin Encounters

Have you ever swam with or been kissed by a dolphin? 

Both of these excursions require a boat ride, which is just three miles offshore. Blue Lagoon is a fun-filled island where you go beaching all day.

At Dolphin Encounters, the dolphins there are quite similar to the movie "Flipper" ... smart, and fun to watch. You will have the opportunity to interact with the Dolphins and even swim along with them. Sounds scary right? ...It's amazing!

ATLANTIS RESORT - PARADISE ISLAND

This is a very popular Resort in Nassau. It is an experience within itself, with a huge selection of marine life, pools, restaurants, a world class Casino, and thrilling water slides.  You would definitely need to extend your visit or make another trip to enjoy the full pleasure of Atlantis and Nassau's mainland.  

Beautiful, clear beaches of The Bahamas are usually the main features of the islands; and to some it is enough but what would your trip be if you did not experience the Bahamian culture.  

"Junkanoo" is a huge part of the Bahamian culture. The biggest parade takes place around Christmas, then again in the New Year; though samples can be seen and heard at different venues throughout the island.  

The best way to describe Junkanoo is unique, loud, and energetic, consisting of cowbells, drums, and whistles, all crafted by the natives then performed as a parade.

Many cruise ship passengers only get to experience a few hours of the Bahamian islands, and all can agree it is definitely not long enough. 

So, if you do decide to visit I suggest you start planning and saving now, you won't regret it!

Q: Were The Bahamas destroyed by Hurricane Dorian?

A: No, after Hurricane Dorian, 2 islands (The Abacos and Freeport) are currently rebuilding. However, 14 other islands were completely unaffected and are welcoming travellers.

"THE BAHAMAS IS STILL OPEN FOR BUSINESS!"

The Bahamas: 700 Islands, Rocks & Cays

All over the world when one says 'vacation' The Bahamas comes to mind. Why? well it's tranquility, great food, a diverse of warm and friendly people and of course it's white sandy beaches; is what draws thousands to the islands each and every year.

Though this year (2019) two (2) islands - "Freeport" the country's 2nd largest city and "The Abacos" were devastated by the monster Hurricane "Dorian", the other 14 developed islands were fortunately spared and are still fully functioning, welcoming all travelers. 
The two islands impacted by Dorian are in the process of rebuilding hopefully,bigger and better than before. 

Many don't know that The Bahamas is a chain of 700 islands, rocks and Cays just Southeast of Florida. The more developed islands being New Providence (Nassau) which is the largest city, then the outer islands Eleuthera, San Salvador, The Exumas, Andros, Long Island, Cat Island, Rum Cay, Ragged Island, Bimini, Acklins/Crooked Islands and more. 
Each has its own unique features and attractions. Lots of folks prefer these "Family of Islands" as opposed to Nassau city when they seek peace and quiet. 

Believe it or not many celebrities such as; Michael Jordan, Johnny Depp, John Travolta, David Copperfield, Nicholas Cage, and Oprah; just to name a few own islands and homes in The Bahamas. 

Nassau City on the Island of New Providence, has the largest population. Most tourists visit Nassau, Bahamas because, like every other city in the world there is more to see and do. So, if you are planning a trip to this beautiful country here are just a few things to consider:

WHAT TO EAT:

The minute you land on the Bahamian soil do ensure your stomach is on "E" as in empty! The choices of restaurants are endless and can be found all over. If, however, you are in Nassau and interested in a more casual setting you may want to try "The Fish-Fry" at Arawak Cay. 
There you can find lots of food stalls selling delicious native cuisines such as; Conch Fritters, Cracked Conch, Conch Salad, Bahamian Peas n' Rice, with Grilled or Fried Fish, Shrimp, Conch and Crab everything you can name... it's like seafood haven!
If you prefer soup dishes, then it's the Boil fish, Stew fish, or Steamed fish which is usually served at breakfast but can be eaten anytime of the day!

Many upscale restaurants are also throughout the islands if your preference is Fine Dining if you want to celebrate a special occasion or dinner for TWO! 

DRINKS:

If you are a cocktail lover you will love the many tropical beverages like Bahama Mama, Goombay Smash, and the Yellow Bird.

Imported beer can be found on the island but, why not try the popular Bahamian beers "Sands" & "Kalik" which are locally brewed.

WHAT TO DO:

Dare-devils will enjoy the many water features like Parasailing, Jet ski, Banana boat ride, snorkeling and scuba diving.

Through the day you can shop at the Straw Market, located downtown Nassau which sells handmade straw baskets, hats, bags and Bahamian paraphernalia.

Nightlife is when the locals clubs are most exciting, where you can sing karaoke, listen to live bands, local Dj's and dance the night away.

Off Island Adventures: 

Blue Lagoon Island & Dolphin Encounters

Have you ever swam with or been kissed by a dolphin? 

Both of these excursions require a boat ride, which is just three miles offshore. Blue Lagoon is a fun-filled island where you go beaching all day.

At Dolphin Encounters, the dolphins there are quite similar to the movie "Flipper" ... smart, and fun to watch. You will have the opportunity to interact with the Dolphins and even swim along with them. Sounds scary right? ...It's amazing!

ATLANTIS RESORT - PARADISE ISLAND

This is a very popular Resort in Nassau. It is an experience within itself, with a huge selection of marine life, pools, restaurants, a world class Casino, and thrilling water slides.  You would definitely need to extend your visit or make another trip to enjoy the full pleasure of Atlantis and Nassau's mainland.  

Beautiful, clear beaches of The Bahamas are usually the main features of the islands; and to some it is enough but what would your trip be if you did not experience the Bahamian culture.  

"Junkanoo" is a huge part of the Bahamian culture. The biggest parade takes place around Christmas, then again in the New Year; though samples can be seen and heard at different venues throughout the island.  

The best way to describe Junkanoo is unique, loud, and energetic, consisting of cowbells, drums, and whistles, all crafted by the natives then performed as a parade.

Many cruise ship passengers only get to experience a few hours of the Bahamian islands, and all can agree it is definitely not long enough. 

So, if you do decide to visit I suggest you start planning and saving now, you won't regret it!

Q: Were The Bahamas destroyed by Hurricane Dorian?

A: No, after Hurricane Dorian, 2 islands (The Abacos and Freeport) are currently rebuilding. However, 14 other islands were completely unaffected and are welcoming travellers.

Team Bahamas Sends a Message With Dominant Win Over Jamaica

Team Bahamas did not just show up against Jamaica — they showed out.

In a major FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Americas Qualifiers matchup at the Sir Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium in Nassau, The Bahamas, delivered the kind of performance that makes people stop scrolling and pay attention. The scoreboard graphic making the rounds showed the Bahamas up 61–32, but that was only halftime. By the end of the night, Team Bahamas had turned that hot start into a 123–74 win over Jamaica.  

Now that is the type of score that feels personal.

The Bahamas came out aggressively from the first quarter, putting up 28 points early and then adding 33 more before the half. Jamaica had no real answer for the pace, the shooting, or the energy in the building. By halftime, the game already looked like it was slipping away, and by the final buzzer, it was clear Team Bahamas had made a statement in Group B.  

This tournament is part of the road to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027, which will be held in Doha, Qatar. In the Americas Qualifiers, 16 teams are competing across six windows for seven spots in the World Cup. In the first round, the top three teams from each group advance to the second round, which means every win matters — especially in a group as competitive as The Bahamas, Canada, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico.  

For Team Bahamas, this win was also about momentum. Earlier in the qualifying campaign, The Bahamas had already pulled off a huge 99–96 road win over Jamaica in Kingston, a game that helped put the team back into the qualification race after a tough start against Canada.   This rematch in Nassau felt different, though. The first one was a battle. This one was a message.

And honestly, this is why Bahamians get so excited about basketball right now. We have seen the talent. We have seen the names. We have seen the potential. But games like this show what happens when the talent, chemistry, and urgency all show up at the same time.

The preliminary roster announced for this window included a mix of NBA-level talent, veteran national team players, and rising Bahamian stars, with names like Buddy Hield, Deandre Ayton, Eric Gordon, VJ Edgecombe Jr., Kai Jones, Jaraun Burrows, Franco Miller Jr., Garvin Clarke Jr., Travis Munnings, and others listed among the available pool.   That kind of depth matters because these qualifying windows are not easy. Players are coming from different leagues, different seasons, and different levels of preparation, but they still have to come together and represent one flag.

Right now, Canada sits at the top of Group B and has already strengthened its hold on the group after beating Puerto Rico 110–84. The Bahamas, after the Jamaica win, moved to 2–3 in Group B, tied on record with Jamaica but sitting ahead in the standings at the time of FIBA’s update. Puerto Rico sits at 1–4, which makes the next matchup even more serious.  

The Bahamas will host

Puerto Rico on Monday, July 6, at 4:10 p.m. local time / 7:10 p.m. ET, and that game could be huge for the next step in the qualifying race.   So yes, the Jamaica win was big, but the job is not finished.

What makes this moment feel even bigger is the bigger picture. Bahamian basketball has been building toward something. We are no longer just celebrating individual players making it overseas. We are now watching a national team that has the potential to make noise internationally, and that is a different kind of pride!

When Team Bahamas wins like this, it is not just about the score. It is about representation. It is about young Bahamian athletes watching and realizing that the world stage is not some faraway dream. It is about seeing “Bahamas” across the jersey and knowing that a small country can still walk into a major tournament and make people uncomfortable.

Jamaica came into this game with something to fight for, but The Bahamas played like a team that understood the assignment. They protected home court. They controlled the game. They gave the crowd something to cheer about. And most importantly, they kept their World Cup qualifying hopes alive in a very loud way.

Now all eyes turn to Puerto Rico.

Because if Team Bahamas can carry this same energy into the next game, this qualifying run could get very interesting.

WATCH INTERVIEWS

I love seeing moments like this in Bahamian sports because they remind people that we are not just “small island” competitors. We have real talent, real drive, and real athletes who can stand on an international stage. This win over Jamaica was more than a box score. It was a reminder that Team Bahamas belongs in these conversations. Now they just have to keep going.

Celebrate the win, but stay locked in. The statement was made. Now it has to be backed up. Go Team Bahamas! 👍💪

300 Ghanaian Teachers Could Be Headed to The Bahamas—Here’s What We Know So Far

A proposed education partnership is generating conversation, but the Bahamian government has not yet officially confirmed the plan.

Can Freeport Save the Bahamas from Rising U.S. Tariffs on Chinese-Made Ships?

Can Freeport Save the Bahamas from Rising U.S. Tariffs on Chinese-Made Ships?

A major shift in U.S. trade policy could soon create serious headaches for The Bahamas — but some experts believe Freeport could step up and turn this challenge into an opportunity.

The U.S. is considering imposing up to $1 million per port call on ships that were built in China. Since most of the cargo ships serving The Bahamas and the Caribbean are Chinese-made, this could drive up shipping costs by thousands of dollars per container if they continue passing through U.S. ports.

Myles Culmer, managing director of advisory services at BDO Bahamas, says the Freeport Container Port is perfectly positioned to help. Instead of relying on U.S. ports, he suggests that cargo ships could deliver goods straight to Freeport, avoiding the new U.S. fees altogether. From there, cargo could be redistributed across the Bahamas and the wider Caribbean.

“Freeport should step up and fill the void,” Culmer said. “This could finally make Freeport the true ‘Gateway to the Americas.’ Ships from Europe and other regions could stop in Freeport and bypass U.S. tariffs. It’s a huge opportunity for Freeport’s resurgence.”

Why This Matters for Bahamians

Bahamian businesses and consumers are bracing for higher prices and supply chain disruptions if these tariffs are enforced.

• Michael Halkitis, Minister of Economic Affairs, warned that Tropical Shipping, a major carrier for the Bahamas, could be impacted.
• He emphasized that while the U.S. proposal isn’t finalized yet, it’s critical for the Bahamian government to raise its concerns with U.S. officials.
• “We can’t be collateral damage in a trade war between two giants,” Halkitis said.

If shipping costs rise significantly, Bahamians could see prices climb on everyday goods, from food to building materials.

Calls for Supply Chain Diversification

Barry Griffin, chairman of The Bahamas Trade Commission, highlighted how this situation proves the urgent need for The Bahamas to diversify its supply chains.

• Relying too heavily on U.S. shipping makes the economy vulnerable.
• Griffin urged businesses, especially those in key sectors like food and construction, to work with the government to find new suppliers and shipping routes.

“If we diversify, it will make Bahamian businesses more competitive, goods more affordable, and our economy stronger and more resilient,” he said.

The Trade Commission is already engaging with shipping companies and industry partners to assess the potential impact and prepare strategies to protect Bahamian businesses and consumers.

Monitoring the Situation

Dion Bethell, president of Arawak Port Development Company (APD) in Nassau, said his team is closely monitoring the developments.

While the situation is still evolving, he acknowledged that higher shipping costs could eventually trickle down to local businesses and consumers.

Is There Hope?

Interestingly, a recent analysis by the U.S. National Law Review suggested that existing Chinese-made vessels already serving The Bahamas might not be subject to the new $1 million port fee.

• The proposed fee mainly targets new vessels that U.S. carriers order from China.
• However, there’s also talk of a draft executive order that could impose tonnage-based fees on all Chinese-made ships entering U.S. ports.
• If signed by Donald Trump, this could expand the impact even further, though exact details are still unclear.

If the $1 million fee goes into effect, it would apply mainly to carriers where 50% or more of their newly ordered ships are from China and are scheduled for delivery within the next 24 months.

Right now, the proposed tariffs are not final — but Bahamian leaders are right to be proactive.

Whether through strengthening Freeport’s role as a regional hub or diversifying supply chains, it’s clear The Bahamas must prepare for a future where relying too heavily on U.S. ports could come at a steep price.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates on how it unfolds.

#BahamasNews #TradeWar #FreeportBahamas #ShippingCrisis #CaribbeanTrade #BahamasEconomy #ImportCosts #TropicalShipping #FreeportGateway #TariffThreat

🎤 KODAK BLACK (BEHIND THE SCENES) In The Bahamas

POV 🎼 Rapper KODAK BLACK: In the Bahamas for anticipated Long Walk to Freedom Tour!

After Buju Banton’s highly anticipated performance, some concertgoers left tired but fulfilled, while others were disappointed. Many had expected to see Kodak Black before the main act and assumed the rapper was a no-show.

At exactly 3:10 a.m., however, Kodak entered the venue with his arms wrapped around his mother and another woman. I could not confirm whether she was his girlfriend, but his repeated gesture of kissing both women’s hands made it clear that they were equally important to him.

A few moments later, Kodak was ready to perform for the fans who had remained at the venue waiting for him.

A DELAYED ARRIVAL

According to information shared at the venue, Kodak’s flight from Mexico to Nassau, The Bahamas, caused him to arrive more than an hour late.

Buju Banton could be seen inside his tent appearing unhappy about the delay. Production members quickly held a meeting, however, and the show continued.

Kodak performed for approximately one hour before security escorted him back to his tent.

KODAK’S ADDITION TO THE LINEUP

There was some controversy surrounding the decision to add Kodak Black, a young rapper, to a concert headlined by veteran reggae artist Buju Banton.

Still, there was a particular age group and population of fans who could not wait for Kodak to return to Bahamian soil.

Kodak had been spotted in The Bahamas during the weeks leading up to the concert. News quickly spread that he was in discussions with the production company to become part of the major event.

The Bahamas marked the second stop on the Long Walk to Freedom Tour, following the opening concert in Buju Banton’s hometown of Kingston, Jamaica.

THE LONG WALK TO FREEDOM BAHAMAS

The Bahamian installment of the Long Walk to Freedom Tour was presented by Paradise Productions.

Although the company may have been unfamiliar to some members of the public, Paradise Productions had been operating for years and was connected to several reggae concerts throughout the Caribbean. The Long Walk to Freedom Bahamas may have been one of its largest and most successful events at the time.

Buju Banton was released from federal prison in the United States on December 8, 2018, after serving eight years. His highly anticipated comeback had been discussed and promoted well in advance, prompting many fans to book travel and accommodations as soon as the concert date was announced.

The Long Walk to Freedom Bahamas featured performances from Kodak Black, Lil Duval, Nigerian music sensation Davido, Jamaican DJ Ritchie Feelings and reggae singer Glen Washington.

Bahamian performers included Willis and the Illest, DJ Ignite, DJ Studda, Mix-A-Lot, Jah Hem and several others.

Fortunately for me, I had the opportunity to meet Kodak and take a photo with him.

Throughout the night, he appeared to be in a great mood. He was funny, sweet and extremely patient.

While we were trying to take our selfies, my phone rang twice. Kodak jokingly said, “Wow! R.J. is really checking on you. Take it again!”😅

He then flashed his signature smile and grillz—and the rest is history.

Kodak Black at Atlantis, Paradise Island, The Bahamas.