By Shanieka Smith

Staff Writer

March 16, 2023 – Marian Croak is a visionary, inventor, and developer who has made an immense impact on the world of technology.

Her groundbreaking work on Voice over IP (VOIP) has revolutionized online communication, leading to the development of popular video conferencing software like Zoom and Skype.

She believed “the world is very open to change.”  That mindset has led her to make several world changes, like becoming the second black woman inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

Her dedication to creating the future of online technology has earned her recognition as one of the most powerful women in technology.  She continues to inspire young minds in STEM while advocating for gender equality in the industry.

“Marian Croak continues to create the future of online technology,” said co-host of the American Talk Show ‘The View,’ Whoopi Goldberg, as Croak was honored for her incredible work on the first day of Black History Month 2023.

Croak’s unconventional upbringing fueled her curiosity and passion for innovation, leading her to become the Senior Vice President of Research and Development at AT&T and now the Vice President of Engineering at Google.  Her exceptional contributions to technology have earned her over 200 patents, with numerous applications still pending.

Despite her many accolades, Croak remains grounded and focused on her mission to stir change.  She is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in tech, recognizing the importance of creating more opportunities for underrepresented groups.

Her commitment to making the world a better place through technology is unwavering, and she continues to inspire future generations with her innovative spirit and dedication to excellence.

The creative pioneer strides forward with her father’s encouragement to keep asking “why” in mind, changing the world one invention at a time.

By Dana Malcolm  

Staff Writer  

#TurksandCaicos, March 15, 2023 – Just in time for spring break, multi-millionaire Drake, is releasing a new casual wear line said to be inspired by the Turks and Caicos and TCI stores are the first to stock it.  Practically an honorary islander by now, the ‘Hotline Bling’ singer often flits in and out of the country on his private jumbo jet with ultra-famous friends in his entourage.  

His love for the TCI is solidified in the new collaboration with his Nike funded brand NOCTA. It features turquoise blue shirts, tops with the logo T&C and even scuba gear.  NOCTA introduced the collection with the caption ‘‘good times and tan lines.’’ 

The line is currently available exclusively at three souvenir shops in Grace Bay: Beach Hut Souvenirs, Caribbean Outpost, and Caribbean Gifts, NOCTA says. The official promotion features local TCI business Noah’s Ark in the background of a model’s spicy bum shot. 

It will become available online this Saturday, March 17th, and globally in hundreds of Nike stores on March 23rd.  

#NASSAU, Bahamas, March 13, 2023 – The Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (MOTIA) is excited to announce its signature event, the 4^th Annual Long Island Mutton Festival, a two-day cultural extravaganza slated for 24 -25 March 2023. Following a two-year break due to the COVID – 19 pandemic, this staple cultural event returns bigger and more vibrant, with  Junkanoo rushout and live entertainment headlined by the country’s top performing artists, a culinary feast, fun contests and traditional games for all ages , a farmer’s market and authentic souvenir craft, all taking place at the Festival Site at Salt Pond, in Central Long Island .

“Each of our 16 island destinations has its own unique personality,” said Latia Duncombe, Director General of MOTIA. “The Mutton Festival offers residents and visitors alike the delightful opportunity to immerse themselves in the distinctive culture of Long Island.”  “The memorable experience of the Long Island Mutton Festival is one that cannot be had anywhere else in The Bahamas,” she added.

Long Island is renowned across The Bahamas for its delectable mutton dishes.  For food and drink lovers, there will be close to a dozen vendors with a variety of native dishes and beverages to choose from. A wide range of mutton dishes will be prepared on site, including mutton souse, curried mutton, baked mutton, mutton kabobs, mutton fried rice, mutton fritters, everything mutton!

Festivalgoers can look forward to two days filled with live entertainment by top Bahamian artists Geno D and Melo D, fire dancers and a showstopping Junkanoo rushout.

Each day of the Festival, there will be loads of fun activities and friendly competitions, including blind folded obstacle course, corn chucking contest, sack race, egg and spoon, conch race, trivia, judging of animals, and a culinary competition. Cash prizes, trophies, medals and gift bags will be awarded to trivia and culinary competition winners. A special Kiddie Corner will engage young ones in interactive games, activities and storytelling.

On Friday, the Festival opens with a farmers market featuring a wide array of the island’s produce and authentic souvenir craft.  For the animal lovers, animals will be on full display, with a free photo op for children to take photos holding a lamb.

Festival hours are 2 p.m. to midnight on Friday, 24 March and 8 a.m. to midnight on Saturday, 25 March.  Long Island Junior Minister will emcee the opening ceremony on Friday, 24 March.

Entry is free for this event. There will be free Wi-Fi on site.

The Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation invites residents and visitors to come and enjoy an immersive authentic Long Island style experience with family and friends.

For more information and save the dates, visit Bahamas.com and TourismToday.com