Connect with us

News

Griner and Bout freed in US-Russia swap; WNBA star for a Convicted Arms Dealer

Published

on

By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

 

#USA, December 9, 2022 – After 294 days in Russian jail following her arrest and conviction over a canister of medically prescribed cannabis oil, Brittney Yvette Griner has been freed and has already left Russia and headed home.

Russians have agreed to the long-proposed swap for convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout; it brings 32-year-old Griner home.

At a press briefing around 8:40am on Thursday joined by Kamala Harris, US Vice President and Cherelle Griner, wife of Brittney, Joe Biden, the President of the United States of America updated the country revealing that Britney had landed in the United Arab Emirates from Russia already and was headed to the US.

“It’s a good morning,” he said. “ Moments ago in the oval office standing with her wife Cherelle.   I spoke to Brittney Griner, she is safe, she’s on a plane, she’s on her way home”

Cherelle said despite her family now being whole she, along with “BG” as she affectionately referred to her wife, would be remaining committed to the work of getting every American home.

While the swap was supposed to be for two Americans, Griner and Paul Whelan, a former marine who has been in Russian prison since 2018, President Biden announced that “for completely illegitimate reasons”, Whelan’s case was being treated differently by Russia.

It has been a long journey for the WNBA Basketball superstar and Olympian who was arrested at a Russian airport on February 17th.

The United States immediately accused Russia of holding her unjustly, because of tensions between the two countries following the invasion of Ukraine.  Russia denied the claims.

Griner, widely regarded as one of the best basketball players of her time, male or female, had travelled to Russia to participate in that country’s basketball league for UMMC Ekaterinburg.  It was later revealed that due to the exceedingly low wages paid by the women’s basketball league in the US, female professional players sought extra earnings opportunities during off season.

Her arrest and detainment received heavy publicity thanks to her teammates, her wife and US media who consistently campaigned for her release.  In a handwritten letter delivered to President Joe Biden from her cell in Russia she said, “…as I sit here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey, or any accomplishments, I’m terrified I might be here forever.  I realize you are dealing with so much, but please don’t forget about me and the other American detainees.  Please do all you can to bring us home.  I voted for the first time in 2020 and I voted for you.  I believe in you.  I still have so much good to do with my freedom that you can help restore.”

Soon after, the United States announced the possibility of a prisoner swap.

Weeks after that millions including Magnetic Media representatives watched live as a court representative in rapid fire Russian told Griner her verdict.   A member of her legal team leaned his head against the bars separating them and quietly translated out of earshot of the press.

She stood up and was led away without emotion as reporters shouted questions at her.  It was only minutes later when the translation came that the world realized she had been sentenced to nine years in a penal colony.

Now she is out, freed and home. Biden described her as an incomparable athlete who represented “the best of America.”

Naturally, it is not without controversy as many are now offering that the blood of many more Ukrainians will be spilled due to the deal.  Some citing that it was pathetic to leave an ex-marine in Russia’s hands, with yet more calling the moment a show of weakness.

Bahamas News

Caribbean Bottling Supports the 27th Basketball Smiles Week  

Published

on

NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to once again support Basketball Smiles for their 27th year.

Upholding its corporate pillar of community outreach, CBC proudly donated $2,000, over 75 cases of Dasani, Powerade and Sprite, reusable Powerade water bottles and numerous marketing materials.

The annual sporting summer camp offers free basketball and life skills training to Junior and High School students.

Basketball Smiles’ mission of developing leadership qualities while fostering children’s academic achievement and self-esteem aligns perfectly with CBC’s commitment to supporting and empowering youth.

Jazmin Darling, Assistant Marketing Manager for Caribbean Bottling Company shared why the company continues to support this program each year.

“At CBC, we believe investing in our youth is one of the greatest ways to strengthen our communities. We’re proud to support Basketball Smiles each year because it goes beyond the game. This program champions healthy lifestyles, positive values and brighter futures. It’s a privilege to play a role in helping these young athletes reach their full potential each year,” she shared.

Sam Nicholls, Basketball Smiles Camp President and Founder expressed.

“Caribbean Bottling Company is an incredible partner. We are truly grateful for their generous support, which will go a long way in making a positive impact on the lives of our campers,” Nicholls expressed.

CBC is always ready to lend its support toward initiatives and programs that uplift young Bahamians. The impact Basketball Smiles makes on the community is undeniable and is why CBC remains a historic sponsor.

For more information on sponsorship, events and new products, visit www.cbcbahamas.com today.

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

CWS Supports Transforming Spaces with Premium Products and Unique Cocktails

Published

on

CWS brand representative for Bottega and Excellsior wines posing with attendees enjoying glasses of Bottega Gold Prosecco at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas.

NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines and Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wine and spirits distributor is thrilled to once again lend its support to Transforming Spaces (TS).

CWS is a proud historical partner of the annual art week which highlights Bahamian art and art spaces. Under this year’s theme, “Chasing Light” Transforming Spaces and Caribbean Wines & Spirits created a memorable art experience.

To mark 21 years of the upliftment and exposure of culture and Bahamian art, CWS offered award winning wines St. Francis, Rebellious, Bottega and Excellsior; premium spirits, Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka, along with the newly added Coors Light Beer from its portfolio.

To kickstart the annual art week, CWS delighted attendees with a tasting of globally renowned Bottega Wines at TS’ Poetry Jam, held at ICE Bahamas. Throughout the event, Bottega brand representatives shared tasting notes, ideal pairings, and insights into the brand’s portfolio.

During the highly anticipated Saturday and Sunday tours, CWS showcased its premium products at select art galleries.

Attendees enjoyed Rebellious and St. Francis wines at The Current: Baha Mar Art Gallery and Museum, Bottega and Excellsior wines at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, Coors Light beer at the University of The Bahamas Pro Gallery and hand-crafted Schweppes mixes featuring Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka at CAB Gallery & Studio.

Throughout the two-day tour, CWS product specialists enriched the experience by providing a deeper appreciation for their exceptional beverage portfolio.

Members of the Transforming Spaces Committee expressed their appreciation towards CWS’ support after another successful art week.

“Transforming Spaces is deeply grateful for the continued support of Caribbean Wines & Spirits over the years. Their partnership has become such an important part of the TS experience, helping us create welcoming and vibrant moments for our audiences across the tour weekend. From signature wines and cocktail bars to refreshments at gallery stops and pop-up events, their contribution brings an added sense of hospitality, celebration, and connection to the journey through Bahamian contemporary art.” — TS2026 Committee.

Caribbean Wines & Spirits is proud to partner with Transforming Spaces in supporting and elevating the voices and works of Bahamian artists and looks forward to strengthening this partnership for years to come.

To learn more about CWS’ involvement in the community, follow on social media @caribbeanwinesandspirits or visit the website at www.cwsbahamas.com today.

Continue Reading

Government

Government Outlines New Healthcare Vision as Interhealth Exit Accelerates Reform  

Published

on

By Magnetic Media Newsroom

 

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Turks and Caicos Islands Government says the breakdown of its relationship with InterHealth Canada presents an opportunity to reshape healthcare delivery, with plans to expand local medical services, strengthen primary care and reduce dependence on overseas treatment.

During a national briefing following InterHealth Canada’s notice terminating its hospital contract, Premier Charles Washington Misick acknowledged publicly for the first time that Government and InterHealth had been negotiating an exit from the arrangement for more than a year after what he described as an “irretrievably broken down” relationship.

Despite the contractual dispute, Misick and Health Minister Kyle Knowles stressed that healthcare services will continue uninterrupted during the transition.

“Allow us to do our job,” Knowles appealed, assuring residents that Government is actively managing the transition and safeguarding patient care.

The Premier outlined what amounts to a broader healthcare transformation built around four connected levels of care: strengthened community-based primary healthcare; expanded polyclinic services; enhanced hospital-based secondary care with greater specialist capacity; and overseas tertiary treatment only for cases that cannot be managed locally.

Among the proposals are the long-discussed establishment of intensive care units, expanded use of currently unfinished hospital space, recruitment of more resident specialist physicians and stronger contract management to oversee future healthcare agreements.

Knowles said the new polyclinic model will broaden services available outside the hospitals, including dentistry, ophthalmology, laboratory services, diagnostic imaging, gynaecology and preventative screening, helping to reduce pressure on emergency departments while improving early intervention.

Misick also acknowledged that while the hospital system significantly improved healthcare access after opening in 2010, Government believes further reform is necessary to improve affordability, sustainability and the range of services available within the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The briefing marked the Government’s most comprehensive explanation to date of its plans beyond the InterHealth contract, signalling that officials now see the transition as an opportunity to redesign healthcare delivery rather than simply replace one operator with another.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING