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“Media in the Digital Age” – Bahamas Press Club Stages Awards Ceremony

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#NASSAU, The Bahamas – March 4, 2020 — The Bahamas Press Club held its Fifth Annual Media Awards Ceremony themed: “Media in The Digital Age”, in Black Tie fashion at the British Colonial Hilton on Saturday, February 29, 2020.

The awards ceremony was held under the Patronage of Their Excellencies The Most Honourable Cornelius A. Smith, ON, Governor-General of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas and Mrs. Clara Smith.

The evening attracted many who laid the foundation for a thriving media profession in the country. There was entertainment by Solo, lots of gifts and prizes.

Anthony Capron, President of The Bahamas Press Club 2014, underscored that “from the beginning of time and through the ages, the central message has not changed. What has changed, overtime, is the method by which that message is brought to the public.”

Communication has transitioned from rock paintings of zigzag lines, dots, and symbols during the Stone Age, to this current era of new communication technologies. Now, stories can be typed and transmitted; photographs taken and sent; newspapers read; radio listened to; and television watched from one medium alone: a smartphone, Capron described.

A Blue Ribbon Panel of judges spent record-breaking hours reviewing the works submitted by the media in various categories including hard news, sports, features, business, politics, investigative, columns, documentaries and social media. The work must have been printed or aired between November 2018 and August 16, 2019. The deadline for submission was August 17, 2019.

The Press Club selected for the Trail Blazer Award, the Rt Hon Hubert Alexander Ingraham, Former Prime Minister, for establishing the framework private broadcasting and Cable TV, throughout The Bahamas.

And, the top honour for the evening – The Etienne Dupuch Lifetime Achievement Award, the recipient was journalist and diplomat Ed Bethel who began his journalistic career in 1959 at the Nassau Tribune under the tutelage of Sir Etienne Dupuch and Sir Arthur Foulkes. He went on to join ZNS as a sports in 1963, and spend many years there, worked at JCN and other news agencies; a stint a Bahamas Information Services as its Executive Director and served as Consul General to New York and as High Commissioner to the Court of St. James’s, London, and Ambassador to the European Union. He is also a former President of The Bahamas Press Club.

SEE BELOW, THE LIST OF CATEGORIES AND WINNERS:

1 – Leon Turnquest Award for Sports Print Journalism –

WINNER – Simba French – Sports Reporter, The Nassau Guardian

2 – The Phil Smith Award for Outstanding Sports Broadcast Journalism

WINNER: Jay Phillipe, Sports Reporter, ZNS (Northern Station)

The Kenneth Nathaniel Francis Award for Newspaper Design and Composition – WINNER: Whiteley McKinney, Page Designer, The Tribune

4 – The P. Anthony White Columnist of the Year

WINNER: Rogan Smith – Columnist  

5 – The Leslie Higgs Feature Writer of the Year

WINNER: Jeffarah Gibson – Features Writer, The Tribune

6 – The Cyril Stevenson Award for Outstanding Political Journalism

WINNER:  Genea Noel-Ferguson – Editor, Eyewitness News

7 – Best Documentary, Television (Long: 30 minutes to 1 hour)

WINNER: Clint Watson – Editor/Producer, Eyewitness News

8 – Best Documentary, Television (Short: 5 minutes to 30 minutes)

WINNER: Kenton Hepburn  – Digital Communications Officer, and Office of the Prime Minister.

9 – Best News Story, Broadcast

WINNER: Apryl Sands, Reporter, Eyewitness News

10 – Best News Story, Print

WINNER: Nico P Scavella, Reporter, The Tribune

11 – Best Business Story, Print or Broadcast

WINNER: Deandre Williamson, Reporter/Editor, Jones Communications Network

12 – Best Editing for Television News Story or Documentary

WINNER: Shamiko Gilbert, Eyewitness News

13 – Best Producer Award, Studio Live

WINNER: Genea Noel –Ferguson, Editor, Eyewitness News

14 – Best Producer Award, Live to Tape

WINNER: Shanaye Smith, Communications Officer, Office of the Prime Minister

15 – Website of the Year

WINNER:  ZNS (Gina Bethel)

16 – Social Media Award

WINNER: Eyewitness News, Eyewitness News Facebook Page

17 – Best Cinematography (Documentary)

WINNER: Kenton Hepburn, Digital Communications Officer, Office of the Prime Minister

18 – Best Video Editing

WINNER: Keesha Bethell, ZNS

19 – Best Newscast

WINNER: ZNS Northern Station 

20 – The Bahamas Press Club Student Media Award

WINNER: Anneisha Jones, University of the Bahamas Media Journalism School

21 – PAHO-WHO Excellence in Health Promotion Award

WINNER: Tosheena Robinson-Blair, Publicist & Freelance News Anchor  

 Usually hosted in November of each year, The Bahamas Press Club 2014’s 2019 Awards Ceremony was postponed by Hurricane Dorian. As preparations for the November 2020 ceremony begin, The Bahamas Press Club 2014 looks forward to a continued outward expression of resilience- from members of the media and, overall, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

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.

Bahamas News

D-Squad Basketball Celebrates 20 years with CWCO’s Support  

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS (July 8, 2025) What began as a small effort to give young people a constructive outlet has grown into an impactful summer camp with participants benefiting from structured practices, personal development sessions, and opportunities to compete. This year marked two incredible decades since D-Squad Basketball has been shaping not just athletes, but leaders.

From day one, Consolidated Water (Bahamas) Ltd. (CWCO) has believed in the program’s mission to build character, discipline, and drive in the next generation of Bahamians through the game of basketball.

The D-Squad camp welcomes dozens of boys and girls between the ages of 5 and 19, offering structured training, mentorship, and a safe, empowering space to grow each year. With core values of drive, determination, dedication, and discipline at its foundation, the program has become a staple in the community. It has launched the dreams of young Bahamians and provided lifelong lessons both on and off the court.                                                                                                                                                                                                                         CWCO Board Member, Ethan Adderley, said “Investing in our youth is one of the most meaningful ways we can help build a stronger Bahamas. Programs like D-Squad Basketball offer structure, mentorship, and a sense of purpose. CWCO is proud to stand behind Coach McCoy and the work he’s doing to develop future leaders.”

The water supplier has funded equipment, uniforms, and other essential items so no child is left behind due to financial hardship. From first-time dribblers to college-bound athletes, D-Squad Basketball has reached hundreds of participants over the years.

Founder of D-Squad Basketball, Coach Harcourt McCoy, said, “D-Squad is more than basketball. It is a family, a mindset, and a movement.”

He added, “We have seen kids come through the program and go on to do great things, not just because they were good players, but because they learned how to push through, how to lead, how to believe in themselves. CWCO has been with us from the beginning, and thanks to their belief in our mission, we have been able to reach more children each year.”

As D-Squad celebrates this milestone year, CWCO is honored to continue investing in a program that proves what’s possible when a community comes together to lift its youth.

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Bahamas News

Carnival’s Celebration Key Set to Open July 19, 2025, Marking a Major Milestone for Grand Bahama

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Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

 

Grand Bahama, Bahamas, July 14, 2025 – The highly anticipated Celebration Key, Carnival Cruise Line’s newest private destination on Grand Bahama Island, is set to officially open on July 19, 2025. This momentous occasion is expected to be a game-changer for the island’s tourism and economy, ushering in a new era of opportunities for local residents and businesses.

The inaugural docking will feature the Carnival Vista, arriving at the port from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time, with a grand opening ceremony scheduled for 10 a.m. Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy will lead the celebrations, highlighting the collaboration between Carnival and The Bahamas to bring this vibrant new destination to life.

Celebration Key is Carnival’s first major project on Grand Bahama in over two decades. The sprawling port features five uniquely themed areas, including the Caribbean’s largest freshwater lagoons and the impressive 10-story Suncastle water playground. With a range of dining, entertainment, and retail options, the site promises an immersive experience tailored exclusively for Carnival guests.

Ahead of the grand opening, top Bahamian officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism Chester Cooper, Minister for Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey, and State Minister for Environment and Natural Resources Zane Lightbourne, toured Celebration Key. Their visit underscored the importance of this development for the island’s future and the broader tourism sector.

With its stunning natural beauty and fresh amenities, Celebration Key is poised to become a premier destination in the Caribbean cruise market — a win for Carnival, Grand Bahama, and The Bahamas as a whole.

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Bahamas News

Jazz Chisholm Named to 2025 MLB All-Star Game, Capping Comeback with Flair and Firepower

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Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

 

“I think I worked hard for it and earned it.”

Those were the words of Bahamian baseball star Jazz Chisholm Jr. after being named to the 2025 MLB All-Star Game, marking his second career selection.  The 27-year-old infielder will represent the New York Yankees at the Midsummer Classic, set for Tuesday, July 15 at 8:00 p.m. ET, live from Truist Park in Atlanta and broadcast on FOX.

The announcement comes as The Bahamas celebrates its 52nd year of Independence, amplifying the pride felt across the archipelago for one of its most beloved athletic sons.

Chisholm’s All-Star nod is particularly meaningful after he overcame an injury scare earlier in the season.  Since returning to action on June 3, he has been electric — batting .308 with eight home runs, 21 RBIs, and four stolen bases in just 29 games.  His season line now includes a .245 average, 15 home runs, 38 RBIs, and 10 steals in 59 games.

“You work hard, and to get the recognition, it’s amazing,” Chisholm said.  “It got harder once I got hurt, but I came back and got hot.”

Known as much for his on-field explosiveness as his off-field style, Chisholm teased his upcoming appearance at the All-Star red carpet with a signature swagger.  “I do have a fit in mind,” he said with a grin.  “But you guys will just have to see it.”

Chisholm joins Aaron Judge and Max Fried as the Yankees’ All-Star representatives.  Yankees manager Aaron Boone will lead the American League squad, after guiding New York to the AL pennant in 2024.

“What Jazz has been doing all year — hitting the ball all over the field, making some great plays — it’s been pretty great,” Judge said of his teammate.

For young Bahamians watching at home, Jazz is more than just a Major Leaguer.  He is a symbol of possibility, pride, and perseverance — especially during Independence week.  His journey from Nassau to Yankee Stadium continues to inspire.

As Bahamians across the nation tune in on Tuesday night, they’ll be watching not just an All-Star — but one of their own lighting up baseball’s brightest stage.

Let’s go, Jazz!

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