Connect with us

Bahamas News

“Boosterize” naturally and visit your favourite produce department

Published

on

Build your internal arsenal as we try to beat back COVID-19 and Non-Communicable Diseases

 

By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

 

#TurksandCaicos, January 19, 2022 – Imagine, your home is being attacked by a hundred thousand invaders but you have a hundred million soldiers; easy win right? Maybe not.  Imagine your soldiers are too weak to pick up their swords, the fight becomes significantly harder, in fact it may become a losing battle and your quality of life or life itself is the prize.

Every day, our immune systems are engaged in these unseen battles.  However, there are too many of our systems are losing to invaders like Covid-19 because they are simply not strong enough.

How do you build up your fighters to turn around a losing battle, to give your body the victory?  Magnetic Media has searched out eight superfoods to help your effort.

They are easy to find and very affordable at your local grocer.

Our natural boosters list includes: Spinach, Beets, Garlic, Dasheen, Callaloo, Ginger, Onions and Celery are eight superfoods that are readily available to Islanders and are known to inject our immune systems with a serious boost.

 

Spinach

There’s a reason Popeye the Sailor popped open a can of this leafy green when he was in trouble. A single cup of spinach contains .86 grams of protein, 30 milligrams (mg) of calcium, .81 g of iron, 24 mg of magnesium, 167 mg of potassium, 2,813 international units of Vitamin A and 58 micrograms of folate says the United States Department of Agriculture.

So yes, it does make you super strong!

Spinach, delicious raw cooked or blended into smoothies helps to  “improve blood glucose control in people with diabetes, lowering the risk of cancer, and improving bone health, as well as supplying minerals and vitamins that can provide a range of different benefits,” says Medical News Today.

Spinach also helps with asthma prevention and bone health, however please avoid spinach if you are using blood thinners, say medical experts.

 

Beets

This richly colored root vegetable has a bad reputation for not being the tastiest morsel on the plate but there are several ways to consume beets that you just might try after hearing the mounds of benefits associated with the red vegetable.

“Beetroot provides a wide range of possible health benefits, such as reducing blood pressure, improving digestion, and lowering the risk of diabetes. A 2019 review of studies Trusted Source found that certain compounds in beets can disrupt the cancerous mutations of cells. Such compounds include betalains, which are pigments that give beets their red and yellow color,” Medical News Today explains.

Highly recommend is making beetroot juice by peeling beetroot and blending it with a combination of fresh orange, mint, pineapple or apples, lemon, and ginger.  Beets can also be roasted, steamed, boiled or pickled.

 

Garlic

Since the Middle Ages Europeans have used garlic for all sorts of reasons, but you would be better served popping it in your mouth than using it to ward off Count Dracula, you know the vampire guy. Mainly because garlic is widely used for several conditions linked to the blood system and the heart, including atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), high cholesterol, heart attack, coronary heart disease, and hypertension.

Medical News Today says researchers recommend raw garlic as the most effective. Cooked garlic also retained much of its properties.

 

Dasheen

This root vegetable also called Taro root in certain countries is Asian in origin and is similar to yams or potatoes. Dasheens contain a wealth of nutrients including Fiber, Manganese, Vitamin B6, Vitamin E, Potassium, Copper, Vitamin C, Phosphorus and Magnesium says Healthline.

It is rich in fiber and may reduce risk of heart disease and may even assist in weight loss journeys. Dasheen can be mashed or fried as well as added to soups and stews.

 

CallalooA breakfast staple in countries like Jamaica this green leafy vegetable can be added to soups or steamed with fish.

Callaloo is a good source of vitamin C. According to the Food Composition Tables for the Caribbean the vegetable provides iron, potassium, calcium, fiber, sodium, vitamin C and protein. The vegetable can reduce blood pressure and regulate heart health.

Like spinach, persons with kidney disease should avoid this vegetable as it is rich in potassium.

 

Ginger 

Every Caribbean child has been treated with ‘a little ginger tea’ for some ailment or the other at some point in time so it’s no surprise that the spice has made the elite list.

Medical News Today says antioxidants and other nutrients in ginger may help prevent or treat arthritis, inflammation, and various types of infection. Researchers have also studied its potential to reduce the risk of diabetes, cancer, and other health problems.

Ginger has been proven to reduce gas and improve digestion as well reduce nausea and ease colds and the flu so grandma’s faith in the remedy was well placed!  Ginger even helps in reducing belly fat, as it has a thermogenic effect to activate the metabolism and help in burning fat.

Ginger can be blended, drawn as a tea or incorporated into meals like stir fry.

 

Onions

The quintessential Caribbean spice. Whether they’re red, white or yellow, if it’s a Caribbean dish you can bet your conch shell it’s going to have onions somewhere in the mix.

However, there is more to this layered cooking staple than just its taste.  Research proves  onions also provide potential health benefits. These include reducing the risk of several types of cancer, improving mood, and maintaining skin and hair health. The spice also contains high levels of vitamin C B-6 and Manganese.

LifeHack.com shares that onions stops colds in their tracks, can help rid your skin of blemishes, eases the pain of  bee stings, helps with detoxifying the body, lowers bad cholesterol and nourishes the brain for improved mental health.

Onions can be roasted, grilled, sautéed, caramelized or eaten raw.

 

Celery 

One of the greatest enemy of toddlers’ dinner plates and even some adults, this crunchy veggie is another food which carries the reputation for not being the tastiest.

But whether it’s juiced, added to lunch boxes as a side or blended into smoothies this vegetable helps to prevent inflammation and lowers blood pressure.

Celery is also extremely hydrating and a good source of fiber according to Medical News Today. 

It is important to note that an occasional munch on these foods will not provide serious immune support, but its seeds do offer a one two punch to germs, and a juice proves to be an excellent diuretic, supporting detox and weight loss.

Celery cleans up the liver and for the skin, it helps in reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

 

 

 

Bahamas News

Walker Confirmed as U.S. Ambassador to The Bahamas: A Partner in America’s Extended Family

Published

on

By Deandrea Hamilton | Magnetic Media

 

The United States and The Bahamas share more than proximity — they share a bond of history, trade, and culture that Washington’s newest diplomat calls “part of America’s extended community.”

Now, for the first time in 14 years, the U.S. Embassy in Nassau will again be led by a Senate-confirmed ambassador. Herschel Walker, the Heisman-winning football legend turned entrepreneur, has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate as America’s official envoy to The Bahamas.

Walker, who will oversee one of the Caribbean’s most strategically positioned U.S. missions, told senators during his confirmation hearing that The Bahamas will play a key role in upcoming U.S. 250th Independence celebrations. “The Bahamian people,” he said, “will be included in this milestone year, because our stories are intertwined — through family, trade, and friendship.”

While his nomination was unconventional, his priorities are anything but vague. Walker vowed to counter growing Chinese influence in the Caribbean, calling Beijing’s investments in Bahamian deep-water ports “a direct threat to U.S. national security.” He pledged to work closely with Bahamian authorities to ensure American interests remain the region’s cornerstone.

“There’s a rise in drug smuggling in The Bahamas, and this is a real danger to the United States,” Walker said, referring to the Operation Bahamas, Turks and Caicos (OPBAT) partnership. He promised to strengthen intelligence sharing, joint patrols, and law enforcement coordination to disrupt trafficking routes that have grown increasingly sophisticated.

But Walker also emphasized opportunity over fear — signaling that his ambassadorship will not only focus on security, but on strengthening The Bahamas as a gateway for U.S. investment, trade, and tourism.

“I will advise the American business community of the vast investment opportunities that exist in The Bahamas,” he said. “And I will make sure the Bahamian government maintains an environment where U.S. companies can invest confidently — because America must prove it is still great as an investor.”

For a small island nation sitting less than 50 miles off the coast of Florida, this renewed diplomatic attention carries weight. Since 2011, the post of U.S. ambassador had remained vacant — a gap that many observers say weakened direct ties, delayed joint security initiatives, and allowed other powers to move in.

Walker’s confirmation — approved 51 to 47 — ends that silence. And with it comes the expectation that this former Olympian and business owner will translate his discipline, charisma, and resilience into diplomatic results.

Critics question his lack of foreign policy experience, but Walker counters with confidence: “Throughout my life, people have underestimated me. I’ve always proved them wrong — by outworking everyone.”

As he prepares to take up residence in Nassau, Walker says his mission is simple: rebuild trust, deepen cooperation, and remind both nations that their futures are tied not just by geography — but by shared purpose, mutual respect, and the enduring ties of community.

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

 

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

PAY STANDOFF: Prime Minister Cancels Talks as Unions Warn of More Protests

Published

on

By Deandrea Hamilton | Magnetic Media

Monday, October 13, 2025 — Nassau, The Bahamas – What began as a calm holiday meeting has spiraled into a full-blown standoff between The Bahamas Government and two of the country’s most powerful public sector unions — the Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT) and the Bahamas Public Services Union (BPSU) — after the Prime Minister abruptly cancelled follow-up talks set for Tuesday, blaming public comments made by union leaders.

The announcement of the cancelled meeting came late Monday, just hours after a tense sit-down at the Office of the Prime Minister, held on National Heroes Day, where both BUT President Belinda Wilson and BPSU President Kimsley Ferguson accused the government of dragging its feet on salary increases and retroactive pay owed to thousands of public officers.

Wilson, never one to mince words, said the Prime Minister’s “technical officers” — the very people responsible for executing his instructions — were failing to carry out his directives regarding payment timelines.

“The Prime Minister’s issue,” Wilson said, “is that he has persons working for him who are not following his instructions. If those officers would follow through on what he told them to do, we wouldn’t be here today.”

Wilson added that the BUT and other unions are demanding retroactive pay dating back to September 2024, and that all increases be applied and paid by the October payday, not December as previously stated by the Prime Minister.

“Senior civil servants already received their retroactive pay — thousands of dollars — backdated to September of last year,” Wilson charged. “We’re saying the small man deserves the same. This isn’t a gift. It’s money already earned.”

Her comments came after the government publicly insisted that the salary adjustments would be implemented by December 2025, just ahead of Christmas — a timeline unions flatly reject as too slow.

Ferguson: ‘No More Excuses’

Following Wilson, BPSU President Kimsley Ferguson delivered a fiery statement of his own, telling reporters the unions would no longer tolerate delays or mixed messages from the Davis administration.

“The Prime Minister was receptive — but we’re not accepting excuses,” Ferguson said. “If the Prime Minister’s having a memory lapse, we have the Hansard from Parliament to remind him exactly what he promised public officers.”

Ferguson went further, warning that if Tuesday’s meeting failed to produce results, unions would “visit the House of Assembly” and intensify their campaign for immediate payment.

“Public servants, ready yourselves,” he declared. “We are prepared to stand together — all across The Bahamas — until our needs are met.”

Now, with the Prime Minister cancelling tomorrow’s talks altogether, that threat appears closer to becoming reality.

Government Bungles Response

Observers say the administration’s handling of the matter has been confused and contradictory, with conflicting statements on payment timelines and poor communication fueling frustration among teachers, nurses, and general public officers.

The government has maintained that the funds are allocated and will be disbursed before year’s end, but unionists insist they’ve heard it all before — and this time they want results, not promises.

The Prime Minister’s decision to cancel the meeting, rather than clarify or de-escalate tensions, has drawn sharp criticism across social media and among rank-and-file civil servants who see the move as punitive and dismissive.

Slowdown and the Threat of Another Mass Protest

Across several ministries, departments, and schools, reports are already surfacing of a go-slow in the public service, as workers express solidarity with the unions’ demands.

Many believe another mass demonstration is imminent, similar to the one staged last week Tuesday when thousands of workers gathered outside the House of Assembly on Bay Street as Parliament reopened after summer recess.

That protest brought parts of downtown Nassau to a standstill as union members sang, marched, and even sat in the street — a powerful show of defiance that now threatens to repeat itself unless the government moves quickly to resolve the impasse.

A Political Flashpoint

What began as a straightforward salary dispute has now evolved into a test of credibility and competence for the Davis administration. With a restless public sector, rising inflation, and unions unified across professions, the government risks not only another protest — but a full-blown industrial crisis heading into the year’s end.

For now, the unions are standing firm: they want retroactive pay from September 2024 and full salary adjustments by this October. Anything less, they warn, could push the country’s workforce from a slowdown into open confrontation.

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

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

Nassau Cruise Port Marks Sixth Anniversary with Exciting New Additions for Visitors and The community

Published

on

[Nassau, Bahamas, October 8, 2025] Nassau Cruise Port (NCP) proudly celebrates its sixth corporate anniversary by unveiling a series of transformative additions that further enhance the guest and community experience. The anniversary comes at a pivotal moment in the growth of the port, with the opening of a new swimming pool, an expanded marina, and a state-of-the-art ferry terminal that will support transfers to the Royal Beach Club, which is currently under construction on Paradise Island.

Since its $300 million redevelopment, Nassau Cruise Port – the largest transit cruise port in the world – has welcomed millions of visitors and become one of the most vibrant cruise destinations in the world. This anniversary not only reflects its commitment to delivering world-class facilities, but also its dedication to creating meaningful connections between visitors and the Bahamian community.

“This milestone represents much more than the passage of time,” said Mike Maura, Jr., CEO and Director of Nassau Cruise Port. “It reflects our promise to continually elevate the guest experience, contribute to the local economy, and provide opportunities for Bahamians. During our first year (2019) of operating the Nassau Cruise Port, Nassau welcomed approximately. 3.85 million cruise guests, and 2025 will see well over 6 million cruise visitors visit Nassau. Our focus on driving cruise tourism and the $350 million investment in our downtown waterfront is a testament to our vision of making Nassau a premier cruise and leisure destination.”

The new pool offers a refreshing retreat for visitors enjoying Nassau’s waterfront, while the expanded marina will accommodate additional yachts, boosting tourism and local commerce. The ferry terminal expansion enhances passenger flow and supports convenient, seamless transfers to the Royal Beach Club, strengthening Nassau’s position as a hub for Caribbean cruising and leisure.

As part of its anniversary celebrations, NCP will host a series of internal and external activities to celebrate its team and to highlight its ongoing investments in the Bahamian economy, including job creation, local vendor opportunities, and cultural showcases at the port.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING