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Waterkeepers Bahamas Urges Government Not to Shorten Closed Season for Grouper

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#Bahamas, October 6, 2017 – Nassau – Waterkeepers Bahamas today expressed alarm over government’s announcement it was considering a plan to shorten the closed season for Nassau grouper, a critically endangered species already threatened by over-fishing and climate change.

“The Bahamas is one of the few places in the world where the Nassau grouper still survives,” said Waterkeepers Bahamas Executive Director Rashema Ingraham. “The species is on the IUCN Red list because it is critically endangered.   It has been wiped out by overexploitation in far too many places where it was once plentiful and one of the reasons that it survives in The Bahamas despite fishing to satisfy the daily consumption demand is because there is a closed season that allows adult grouper to aggregate, spawn and reproduce.   Without that legislated ‘safe’ time, we could be facing the same outcome resulting from mistakes other countries made and from which they are now trying to recover.”

Ingraham cites Cayman as an example.   In 2016, after suffering a major reduction and near loss of its once prolific Nassau grouper, Cayman enacted sweeping legislation, including a closed season from December through April, limiting the take to five a day per vessel and restricting size to 16” – 24”.   Florida has enacted a total ban of the harvesting of both the Nassau grouper and mammoth grouper, also known as Jewfish.

Ingraham also cites international authorities who have studied Nassau grouper and other marine life in The Bahamas.

“Dr. Craig Dahlgren, a marine ecologist who works with the Perry Institute of Marine Science, said the most recent studies from The Bahamas indicate the abundance of Nassau grouper has declined over the past two decades between 70% and 90% in several historical locations,” said Ingraham.    She added that Dahlgren found only two of six documented spawning aggregation sites in Long Island still active.    And The Bahamas is one of the few remaining places in the world with active aggregate spawning sites.

“In study after study, marine scientists and ecologists are finding the same thing – overfishing is the primary cause of decline of Nassau grouper worldwide, resulting in far more of the threat to survival of the species than natural disasters or marine environmental changes,” she said.

“Nassau grouper is the fish of The Bahamas.   Ask any Bahamian what kind of fish he wants, ask any restaurant what the most popular fish is and the answer will invariably be grouper,” said Ingraham.   “Imagine The Bahamas without Nassau grouper.   That could very well be the case if we do not ensure a suitable closed season is enforced, a breathing space for the species and allow it to reproduce.   Now, with climate change resulting in rising seas and warming sea temperatures threatening the health of coral reefs on which the grouper depends, the species is at even greater risk.”

Ingraham’s comments came on the heels of remarks by the Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources Renward Wells that the government was considering reducing the period of the closed season that now runs from the first of December through the end of February.   The remarks drew immediate reaction from the Bahamas National Trust and others.

“In December of 2014 when the government instituted a fixed closed season rather than having to debate and set the policy every year, there was a great sigh of relief,” said Joe Darville, Chairman of Save The Bays and Grand Bahama Coastal Waterkeeper.    “Organisations like the Moore Bahamas Foundation and BREEF rushed to thank the government for its foresight when that legislation was passed.   It is hard to believe, in fact I had to read the headlines twice because I thought I must have misunderstood, that the government would now be thinking about moving backward when we were gaining.    Just look at what is happening in the crawfish industry.   Since the Defence Force has been patrolling the more remote southern islands with the Sandy Bottom Project, doing a good job keeping poachers at bay, and with the closed season that is harder to violate because of the stepped up patrols, the fishermen who go after crawfish are saying they are having the best season in years.”

Both Waterkeepers Bahamas and Save The Bays urge government to maintain the current fixed closed season and monitor the Nassau grouper population carefully, ready to act if the season has to be extended.

“The fishermen who are asking for a shorter closed season could soon be asking a different question if we do not give the Nassau grouper a chance to reproduce,” said Darville.   “They could be asking ‘Where did all the fish go?’ Let us not be greedy now and sorry later.”

Press Release: DPA news

Photo credit: DPA news

 

 

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Press Statement by Valdez J. Edgecombe (“V.J”) On National Honours Award

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The Bahamas, 10th July 2025

Thanks to the caring support of my mother, grandmother, family members, and the Bimini Island village, I never went to bed with an empty stomach.

Today, my heart is full to learn that I have been named to the 2025 conferral of awards under the National Honours Act to citizens of The Bahamas.  I am very surprised, deeply humbled, grateful, and by all means honoured to identify as a recipient of the prestigious Order of Lignum Vitae Award.

I commend the Office of The Governor General and, by extension, the government and people of The Bahamas for such a profound recognition.  Through this award, my name will forever be linked with hundreds of great Bahamians who have and continue to contribute tremendously to nation-building.  My heartfelt congratulations to all.

Thank you all so very much for considering me to be placed among so many outstanding giants, in particular my fellow athletes who have and are presently performing on the international stage.

This award has everything to do with my mother’s incredible sacrifice, my siblings, and my family’s belief in me, the Bimini village, and wider Bahamas support base, and the many individuals and institutions abroad who are now regarded as my family.

Never in my wildest dream did I expect to wake up on the 52nd Anniversary of my country’s Independence to find that I am a National Honours recipient.

I have always dreamt big, but only divine intervention could have made it possible for me by way of a National Honours list to be associated with the courageous Pompey Rolle, a slave from Lord Rolle’s Plantation in Steventon, Exuma,The Bahamas, back in 1839, who led a revolt with unmatched bravery to free himself and fellow slaves from despicable human suffering – 77 slaves are noted in this chapter of our nation’s history .

Today, in 2025, without ever drawing any real tangible connection to Pompey’s heroics, I wear jersey number 77 for the Philadelphia 76ers.

What a difference 186 years make.

To God be the Glory.

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Storm Forces Historic Shift in Bahamas Independence Traditions

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By Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

 

The Bahamas, July 9, 2025 – For over five decades, the annual Independence celebrations in The Bahamas have been a grand tradition, culminating in a vibrant gathering at Clifford Park in Nassau, where the nation first declared its independence on July 10, 1973.  However, this year, inclement weather has forced an unprecedented change to the celebrations, leaving many to reflect on how nature’s unpredictable power can alter even the most cherished of traditions.

The Office of the Independence Secretariat announced today that, due to severe weather conditions, the traditional in-person festivities would not take place as planned.  Instead, the celebrations will proceed as a televised-only event, ensuring that citizens can still participate from the safety of their homes.  This marks a dramatic departure from the usual spectacle at Clifford Park, where thousands gather each year to watch the raising of the flag and partake in cultural performances.

Tonight’s program will be broadcast live, beginning with the Ecumenical Service at 9:00 p.m. from Bahamas Harvest Church, followed by the Raising of the Flag at 11:20 p.m. at Clifford Park. The Cultural Show, a highlight of the event, has been postponed, with organizers promising a new date following further weather assessments.

The decision, made in consultation with relevant agencies, reflects the committee’s commitment to the safety and well-being of the public. While it is a departure from tradition, the shift to a televised format ensures that the spirit of celebration can still unite the nation, even in the face of adversity. As Bahamians adjust to this new reality, the 52nd Independence anniversary will undoubtedly be remembered as one where the resilience of a nation shone through—both in weathering the storm and in finding new ways to honor its independence.

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Scotiabank Launches “Ticket to Tokyo” Campaign with Exclusive Client Event at OKU  

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Nassau, Bahamas – Scotiabank Bahamas officially launched its highly anticipated “Ticket to Tokyo” campaign with an exclusive client celebration at OKU Restaurant, transforming the chic venue into a sleek, Tokyo-themed oasis. Guests, including Scotiabank clients and invited partners, were treated to signature cocktails, curated Asian inspired bites and a vibrant atmosphere designed to mirror the excitement and sophistication of Japan’s capital city.

The event served as a thrilling preview of what one lucky Scotiabank credit cardholder and their guest will experience this fall, an all-expenses paid trip to Tokyo, Japan. The campaign reflects Scotiabank’s continued commitment to creating meaningful and memorable experiences for its clients, extending far beyond traditional banking benefits.

“At Scotiabank, we believe in more than just banking, we believe in delighting our clients with experiences that go beyond the benefits of our products and services,” said Roger Archer, VP & District Head at Scotiabank Bahamas. “Our credit cards are designed to match every lifestyle, with features that reward clients for their everyday purchases in ways that truly matter.”

The “Ticket to Tokyo” promotion, which runs from May 19 through July 7, 2025, is open to legal residents of The Bahamas who are 18 years or older. Eligible participants can enter by spending BSD$350 or more on a Scotiabank credit card, with each qualifying transaction earning one entry into the draw. New cardholders can also participate by activating their card and making a qualifying purchase. There is no limit to the number of entries a cardholder can earn, increasing their chances of winning with each eligible transaction.

The grand prize includes roundtrip airfare to Tokyo for two, five days and four nights of hotel accommodation, ground transportation, USD $1,000 in spending money and a curated experience that may include athletic events and cultural excursions. Travel dates for the trip are set for September 13-23, 2025.

Scotiabank offers a wide selection of credit card products that cater to a variety of needs and preferences. Clients can benefit from no annual fees with the Scotiabank Visa card, earn travel points through the Mastercard Aero or Visa AAdvantage cards, enjoy up to 4% cashback with the Mastercard Gold or accumulate Membership Reward Points through American Express for exclusive perks and lifestyle experiences.

Over the years, Scotiabank has taken its cardholders to some of the world’s most prestigious events and destinations, including Formula 1 races in the US, the NBA Finals in Miami, the Miami Open, FIFA World Cup in Australia, and cultural getaways across Greece, Italy, Paris, Oregon, and Budapest. Clients have also enjoyed exclusive concert experiences, including shows by Taylor Swift and Coldplay.

The “Ticket to Tokyo” campaign is the latest in a long line of once in a lifetime opportunity presented by Scotiabank to thank its clients for their loyalty and continued trust.

“This campaign is an extension of our client-centric approach and our goal to deliver value in unique and exciting ways,” added Archer. “We’re proud to reward our credit card clients with a chance to explore one of the world’s most vibrant cities, where ancient tradition and cutting-edge innovation come together in unforgettable fashion.”

The winner of the campaign will be announced on July 17, 2025. To learn more or to apply for a Scotiabank credit card, interested persons can visit bs.scotiabank.com or stop by any branch location.

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