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Government of Japan Gives $500,000 Grant to the Bahamas National Trust

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#Bahamas, February 19, 2018 – Nassau -The Government of Japan through the Japan Special Fund Poverty Reduction Programme (JPO) has given the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) a US$500,000 non-reimbursable grant for a community-based conch management project in the Family Islands.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Peter Turnquest thanked the JPO, as well as the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), which was instrumental in helping The Bahamas receive the grant.

The financial assistance will help to address the conservation of conch, a marine animal that is categorised as essential to the social and economic welfare and fishing sector of the country, DPM Turnquest said during the project signing ceremony at the BNT, Thursday, February 15, 2018.  He added that more importantly conch is an enduring symbol of the Bahamian cultural identity.

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“Certainly many other places around enjoy conch, but I dare say that there are few if any countries for which the conch is so revered, so treasured and so lustily consumed.”

He said the support for the initiative is timely and no doubt the results from the project will add value or enhance current information on conch harvesting and conservation.

“I do believe that the stakeholders involved in advancing this initiative will ensure that appropriate measures are proposed to the Government in respect to sustainability of conch fisheries in The Bahamas.”

DPM to speaking@the IDB Conservation Grant to BNT Feb 15, 2018. 199365He noted that conch is one of several endangered species to which there exist restrictions on export.

“Notwithstanding the restrictions, which are necessary for sustainability, I do believe the persistent communication inclusive of an awareness campaign through various mediums to relevant stakeholders is paramount to among other things preventing overfishing of juvenile conch and the application of illegal fishing practices.”

DPM Turnquest said that he anticipates the project will do a little more research into the by-products of conch fishing.

“I hope we will be able to help Bahamians identify the true potential of this product to see how we can move from a raw material stage, to some kind of medium, to final product stage where we know the value addeds.”

The IDB Country Representative for The Bahamas, Maria Florencia Attademo-Hirt explained that this is the first grant given in the Caribbean from the JPO.   She said the IDB affirms that the Bahamian endeavour to protect the conch must be supported.

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She added the project will focus on two Family Island communities: East End and West End, Grand Bahama:  “We all know that Grand Bahama is going through rough times, but we also know that Grand Bahama has incredible potential and will go back to being the incredible power that it was before.”

Director, Science and Policy, BNT, Shelley Cant-Woodside said the Project has three core components: to improve conch fishermen’s livelihoods, establish community based management of a marine protected area, and create a domestic market for responsibly fished conch.

It is anticipated that the Project will be able to be replicated throughout The Bahamas with modifications made for each community.

By: Llonella Gilbert (BIS)

Photo Captions:

Header: Community-based conch management project signing took place at the Bahamas National Trust, Thursday, February 15, 2018.  Seated from left: President, BNT, Janet Johnson; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Peter Turnquest; IDB Country Representative for The Bahamas, Maria Florencia Attademo-Hirt; IDB, Executive Director Office for Croatia, Portugal, Korea, Slovenia, the UK, Tatsuya Sugiura; and Representative from the Embassy of Japan, Hideki Shinozaki.  Standing from left: Executive Director, BNT, Eric Carey; Minister of the Environment and Housing the Hon. Romauld Ferreira; and Executive Director for the Caribbean, IDB, Jerry Christopher Butler; and Honorary Consul of Japan, Robert Sands.  (BIS Photo/Derek Smith)

Insert: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Peter Turnquest brings remarks at the Community-based conch management project grant signing at the Bahamas National Trust, Thursday, February 15, 2018.  (BIS Photo/Derek Smith)

 

 

 

 

 

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Mother’s Pride Headlines Bahamian Takeover at Sixers-Heat Clash in Miami

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The Bahamas, March 30, 2026 – The voice of a proud mother captured the spirit of a nation Monday night, as Bendra Rolle shared heartfelt reflections on the overwhelming Bahamian support for her son, VJ Edgecombe, during the Philadelphia 76ers matchup against the Miami Heat in Miami.

“The patriotic support and scenery at my son, VJ Edgecombe’s NBA game… was overwhelming,” Rolle said in a statement issued following the game. “The arena in Miami was lit. Bimini and the Bahamas showed up and showed out.”

Her words come amid what has already been widely described as a remarkable showing of national pride, with Bahamians traveling in large numbers to South Florida to witness the young guard’s continued rise. For Rolle, however, the moment extended far beyond basketball.

“Beyond VJ’s basketball talents, I’m so moved by his magnetic personality and personal journey to inspire and excite an entire nation—our beloved Bahamas,” she said. “I thank God for VJ’s humility and for his hunger for greatness. He never forgets how far God has brought us.”

While the Sixers did not secure the win on the night, Edgecombe delivered a solid individual performance, finishing with 13 points and five assists. He made an early impact on the game, showing confidence and poise before foul trouble disrupted his rhythm, but still managed to leave his mark in meaningful minutes.

The game itself evolved into a cultural showcase, with Bahamian flags waving throughout the arena and chants ringing out in support of Edgecombe. Much of that presence was bolstered by a coordinated travel push from Bahamasair, which helped facilitate fan travel and added to the electric atmosphere in Miami.

Rolle said the emotional weight of the moment was deeply felt by her family, as they witnessed firsthand the unity and pride of the Bahamian people.

“Thanks and love for the tears and overwhelming joy on Monday, Bahamas,” she expressed. “The Bahamian flags were love, loud, and proud. On my own behalf, VJ, and the entire family, I am ever grateful for the indescribable experience.”

Her closing words underscored what many have described as the true victory of the night—not the final score, but the powerful display of national pride and support surrounding one of The Bahamas’ rising stars.

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Bahamasair Backs Surge as Bahamians Flood South Florida for V.J. Edgecombe Showdown  

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PHOTO BY SIXERS NATION

 

Bahamian pride is already on full display in South Florida, with fans arriving in strong numbers ahead of tonight’s highly anticipated NBA matchup featuring VJ Edgecombe and the Philadelphia 76ers.

Helping to power that movement was Bahamasair, which rolled out a strategic promotion to facilitate travel, turning the game into a full-scale national showing.

And the celebration started early.

A “Bahamas Invades Florida” pre-party over the weekend set the tone, with Bahamian fans, DJs and supporters converging in Fort Lauderdale to build momentum ahead of the game.  The event, marketed as a major cultural gathering, has spilled into Miami, where a strong Bahamian presence is expected inside the arena tonight.

This is no ordinary road game.

The Sixers enter the matchup healthy and are favoured to win, adding to the anticipation surrounding what many expect to be a standout performance by the Biminite guard.

Edgecombe, the third overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, has been electric in his rookie season — delivering high-scoring performances and quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s most exciting young talents.

But beyond the stats, it’s the moment that matters.

With South Florida just a short flight away, Bahamians have seized the opportunity to show up in force — flags, energy and all — transforming the game into something far bigger than basketball.

A national turnout.
A rising star.
And a night where the Bahamas is expected to be felt — from tip-off to final buzzer.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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Bahamas Warns Travellers as UN says Middle East Conflict May No Longer Be Contained

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The Bahamas, March 18, 2026 – Twenty days into the latest Middle East escalation, the United Nations is warning the conflict is spreading beyond its original battlefield, as the death toll rises and governments around the world issue urgent travel advisories — including The Bahamas.

In a March 17 statement, the UN Secretary-General’s office said the war must stop and called for all Security Council resolutions to be respected, noting with concern that countries in the Gulf continue to be targeted, raising fears of a wider regional confrontation.

The current round of fighting began February 28 with strikes involving the United States, Israel and Iranian-linked forces, followed by missile and drone attacks across Iraq, Lebanon and parts of the Gulf.

International monitors report more than 1,300 people killed in Iran alone, with additional casualties reported in Lebanon, Israel and Gulf states. U.S. officials confirm at least 13 American service members have died since the escalation began, while reports indicate additional senior Iranian military leaders were killed in recent strikes.

Despite the growing violence, several NATO countries including the United Kingdom, France and Germany have not joined offensive operations, instead calling for diplomacy to prevent the conflict from widening.

The Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also issued a travel advisory, warning Bahamian nationals to avoid travel to Israel, Palestine, Iran and Lebanon and to reconsider travel across much of the Gulf region due to the risk of sudden escalation, flight disruptions and security threats.

Officials say Bahamians already in the region should remain vigilant and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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