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Talking conch and surgery on Steve Harvey’s couch

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#The Bahamas, February 19, 2018 – Judging by the size of his smile and his core professional choice, it is probably not difficult to humour Steve Harvey.  However when you size up his stature and his personal accomplishments, it is likely it is more than tough to impress this multi-media icon; but recently a Bahamian-American did just that when he appeared on Harvey’s daytime TV talk show.

Early on, Myron Rolle was raised in The Bahamas and born in Texas.  His parents migrated to the United States, with the family, when Myron was but a boy.  Rolle was a guest on the Steve Harvey show where he was introduced like this by Mr. Harvey himself, “My next guest is just 30 years old and already his life is the stuff that movies are made of.  In college he was a star football player and a Rhodes Scholar, then he made it to the NFL.  Now after three seasons in the pros, he just made headlines for his latest achievement being accepted to the neurosurgery program at Harvard University. Please welcome a man who is the definition of over achiever, please welcome Myron Rolle.”

The audience erupted in loud applause.

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Dr. Myron Rolle flashed a huge smile, looked a little taken aback by hearing such a glowing report about himself from such a towering media figure, stretched out his arms on Steve Harvey’s couch, sat a little more upright and spoke in a mannerly, charming and humble tone as the cheering audience quieted in anticipation.

The 4:47 minute clip has been widely circulated on social media, particularly by proud Bahamians who are overjoyed to show off the accomplishments of a home town boy on the global stage.  By now, Bahamians are not unaccustomed to stand out athletes who are drawing international attention but this man, Dr. Myron Rolle, certainly does take it to a new level when it comes to achievement.

A sixth round draft pick in the NFL, where he signed on for four years as a safety with the Tennessee Titans.  While attending Florida State University, Myron was fantastic on the field for the Seminoles and fantastic off the field for the pre-med program which he completed in a record two and a half years with a  3.75 grade point average.  The amazing performance academically earned him a Rhodes Scholarship and he pressed paused on his NFL dreams to study at Oxford University in London, England.

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Even his road to the Rhodes is a fascinatingly, inspiring story of sacrifice, tenacity and uncommon favor.  Myron Rolle saw doors open to him that no man could shut and he made wise choices by taking the one year Rhodes Scholarship, which is offered to only 32 Americans each year and in 2010 he was back for the NFL draft, where he was picked up in round six.

In 2013, Myron Rolle was one of three Bahamian Rhodes Scholars to be honoured with his image on a commemorative stamp; the 70 cent piece features the trio.  And he has charity organisations, including one focused on curtailing childhood obesity.

Dr. Rolle, who in 2009 had a day celebrated in his honour in Galloway Township, New Jersey  where he grew up told Steve Harvey that as a child, his parents put images of strong, accomplished, men who ‘looked like me’ on his bedroom wall.

Among those making the cut for Mr. and Mrs. Rolle as suitable black role models for their sons were Kofi Annon, Booker T. Washington, Deion Sanders and Dr. Ben Carson; the former presidential candidate; author of Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story; Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient and a pioneering medical doctor, heading leading medical facilities and forging medical breakthroughs as a brilliant neurosurgeon, who also happens to be a black American.  Obviously, the latter two men made the most marked impression on young Myron as he was coming up.

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“So Dr. Carson was on my wall as a young man, and he planted the seed of neurosurgery in my head, early and I also had Deion Sanders on my wall so he was kinda my athletic hero.  So I had this parallel road of trying to accomplish the goals academically and athletically and thankfully by the grace of God, by good work, good discipline I focused on education and focused on good principles, I was able to accomplish some of these things.”

The interview was riveting and got even more interesting as Dr. Rolle repeatedly talked about his Bahamian heritage.

When Steve Harvey asked him how he unwinds and cuts loose, the mention of the Bahamas came again and this time it was the conch that got ‘big props’.

“So I like to go back to Nassau and hang out with my family.  I like cracked conch, I don’t know if you have ever had conch before? But… crack conch, stew conch, boiled conch, fried conch, conch burgers, conch fritters, conch salad… every kind of conch you could think of.”

This conch list elicited laughter and Dr. Rolle continued his remarks demonstrating his love for his Caribbean region roots.

“I grew up on reggae and soca music so I live alone and when I have a chance to have my own jam session and concert in my house, by myself I get a full lather on…I really get into it.”myron rolle dept neurosurgery

At this point, as a master of comedic timing, Steve Harvey says, “well that living alone – there’s some people who can shut that down for you right now…”  In a ‘round the way girl’ voice, Steve added, ‘heeeey, you don’t have to stay by yo’self.  I’m lonely too.’

Obviously, as a suave and handsome young man, Dr. Myron Rolle is also a very eligible bachelor and he next shared that he has met both Dr. Ben Carson – he attended church with the celebrated physician who also wrote him a letter of recommendation – and Myron has met ‘prime time’ aka Deion Sanders, another over-achiever retired now from both the NFL and MLB, and is a Hall of Famer.

cairsea INSERT FIXAs the interview neared the wrap up, Myron complimented Steve Harvey on his fashion sense and Harvey promised Dr. Rolle that he would continue to follow his progress.  Steve Harvey also endorsed the idea for Dr. Rolle to make a splash, fashionably, even in his medical scrubs.

Steve Harvey summed up the life of our Dr. Myron Rolle as well, ‘an amazing story’ and that is exactly what it is, truly amazing.

Magnetic Media is a Telly Award winning multi-media company specializing in creating compelling and socially uplifting TV and Radio broadcast programming as a means for advertising and public relations exposure for its clients.

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More Bahamians Accessing HIV, STI Care Through NHI

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NASSAU, Bahamas — More Bahamians are accessing HIV and sexually transmitted infection-related healthcare through National Health Insurance, a trend the NHI Authority says should be viewed positively.

NHIA stressed in an August 6 statement that its 2025 figures measure healthcare utilisation, not newly diagnosed infections. They include beneficiaries screened, treated, monitored or receiving follow-up care, including people diagnosed previously.

“Increased utilisation of these services should be viewed as a positive development,” NHIA said.

The Authority pointed to “greater enrolment and use of NHI, improved access to screening and testing, continued treatment and monitoring of existing conditions, and increased willingness to seek medical care.”

The development comes amid a mixed three-year HIV picture. New diagnoses rose from 130 in 2023 to 156 in 2024, before declining to 142 in 2025.

NHIA said increased utilisation demonstrates that more beneficiaries are accessing needed healthcare and actively managing their health, reinforcing the importance of screening, early diagnosis and continued treatment.

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Monument Beverage Co. Caribbean Wines & Spirits Uniquely Bahamian Newest Product

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NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor is proud to announce the launch of Monument Beverage Co., its newest 100% locally produced ready-to-drink alcoholic cocktail.

Monument, “Made to Celebrate”, perfectly encapsulates everything the brand represents. Created and distributed by CWS, Monument is inspired by culture, crafted with excellence and bursting with innovation.

This unique beverage celebrates island living with three bold flavors, Ginger Lime, Peach Passion and Melon Fizz. All of which can be enjoyed at an ABV of five-point-two percent.

The brand’s creativity really shines through each can’s packaging. Bold colored stripes, cherished native flora and fauna and of course, national monuments can all be found on each can.

The beverage’s two year plus development is a testament to CWS’ dedication to quality and innovation. Countless hours of tastings, reformulations, focus groups and package design reviews all paid off with the creation of Monument.

Karla Wells-Lisgaris, Chief Commercial Officer of Caribbean Wines & Spirits and Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, shared what this authentically Bahamian made product launch means for the company.

“When we were conceptualizing Monument, we wanted to create a product that not only tasted like The Bahamas but would be an ode to the nation as well. With those two thoughts in mind, I, along with a team of experts, created three incredible flavors we believe really connect with and celebrate the essence of island living,” she said.

“Additionally, being that Monument is the first product to be 100% manufactured by Caribbean Wines & Spirits, we really wanted to ensure that both the flavors and packaging honored our rich heritage. On each of the cans, you can find various monuments such as the Nassau Public Library in New Providence, the Garden of the Grove in Grand Bahama and the Hatchet Bay Silos in Eleuthera; all of which pay homage to our diverse Bahamian heritage.” Wells-Lisgaris concluded.”

The historic monuments found throughout our islands are more than places we pass every day; they are reminders of who we are, where we’ve come from and the stories that connect us as Bahamians.

Monument is perfectly formulated with quality ingredients, and each can celebrates a collection of these cultural icons from across The Bahamas.

Whether chilling solo beachside, gathered around a family table or backyard a grill with friends, make Monument your sip of choice.  Monument is made to celebrate, visit  www.cwsbahamas.com today for more details.

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Lady Kayla Crowned Goombay Punch Cup Sailing Champion of 2025/2026

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L–R: Joss Knowles, Kianno Hutchinson, Jazmin Darling, Assistant Marketing Manager at Caribbean Bottling Company and Dallas Knowles receiving a donation on behalf of the Exuma Sailing Club at the Long Island Regatta awards ceremony.

NASSAU, Bahamas —– Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to crown Lady Kayla of Exuma as this year’s annual Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup winner.

CBC created the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup to further the advancement of sailing and Bahamian culture through monetary and social support. The competition judges the skipper’s performance across three regattas, The Best of the Best, the National Family Island and Long Island Regattas.

The winning sloop led by Kianno Hutchinson and Joss Knowles showcased their skillmanship in the E-Class category across each round of competition. In addition to winning the trophy, the skippers were awarded a $5,000 donation, an $8,000 stipend to the junior sailing club of their island and a limited-edition Lady Kayla Bahamas Goombay Punch commemorative can, which will be released soon.

Jonathan Thronebury, Marketing Director of CBC shared the significance behind The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup.

“The Bahamas Goombay Punch is more than a beloved local brand; it’s a vibrant part of our cultural fabric. Just like sailing, our national sport, it carries a rich legacy that spans generations. Recognizing this shared history, we’re proud to support initiatives that celebrate and advance Bahamian culture,” he said.

Hutchinson and Knowles shared what this win meant for them.

“I felt super proud when I realized we won. I am grateful and thankful to God, for good coaches and Joss. It was really an honor winning the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup,” Hutchinson expressed.

“I am very honored to have been able to compete in the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup, I think it is a great concept and idea for a competition and really adds a new motive throughout the regattas. The whole championship was super competitive, and every single race was a fight. Alvington McKenzie was extremely competitive and had us until the Long Island regatta, which made it a very fun and tough competition. Very excited to have been the winner of a super close championship,” Knowles revealed.

Lady Kayla’s owner, Dallas Knowles, shared the team’s winning strategy.

“In sailing consistency is key and our guys in Lady Kayla are some of the best in the business at staying near the top.  In the end, that was enough to secure their first Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup win. We are so proud of Joss and Kianno for what they have done in Lady Kayla.  Thank you to Caribbean Bottling Company for such an amazing and forward-thinking initiative,” Knowles shared.

The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup is proud to continue its impact on sailing and community building through clean and fair competition.

For more updates on the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup and Caribbean Bottling Company visit the website www.cbcbahamas.com today.

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