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What Is Boxing Day?

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Boxing Day is a centuries-old gift-giving day that originated in Britain. Yes, boxes are a big part of Boxing Day traditions!

It was a custom on that day for tradesmen to collect their “Christmas boxes,” gifts of money or goods in return for reliable service all year. Do you have any trades people who have been especially helpful this year—your postman, fix-it guy, city doorman?

According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, the custom arose because servants, who would have to wait on their masters on Christmas Day, were allowed to visit their families the next day and employers would give them boxes to take home containing gifts, bonuses and, sometimes, leftover food.

One of the earliest records of these box gifts dates from 1663. In an entry in his diary, English Parliamentarian Samuel Pepys writes that he sent a coach and messenger to his shoemaker to deliver “something to the boys’ box against Christmas” in addition to funds to cover his bill.

Later, during the Victorian era (1837–1901, the period of Queen Victoria’s reign), Boxing Day evolved. It became an occasion for church parishioners to deposit donations into a box that was put out for the purpose by the clergyman. The money in the boxes was given to the poor.

How Is Boxing Day Celebrated Today?

Sporting events have taken place on Boxing Day for centuries. However, pugilism—fighting with gloved fists (boxing!)—is not normally one of them. Fox hunting was once a tradition among wealthy British on Boxing Day. In 2004, however, laws prohibited hunting with foxes and allowed hunts only in modified form.

Today’s more popular Boxing Day sporting activities include watching horse races and football matches against local rivals. Of course, another “sport” is the post-Christmas shopping as folks do their exchanges and returns and look for the best deals.

Charity and giving to the poorer among us is still a big part of Boxing Day.  Some folks participate in charity runs. The Boxing Day Dip is another charity event where people in fancy dress swim in the sea on Boxing Day. Can you imagine swimming in the frigid English Channel?

Source:  Almanac.com

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Bahamas News

“Unspoken Storms” Breaks the Silence on Menopause—And How It Impacts Marriages of Faith

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AuthorsAndWritersHub.com

 

 Bahamas — Bahamian author Teri M. Bethel combines heartfelt storytelling, practical tools, and devotionals to help couples navigate the emotional and spiritual challenges of menopause together. Often called “the silent storm” in a woman’s life, menopause is deeply personal, widely misunderstood, and rarely discussed openly. Teri M. Bethel is changing that conversation with her new book, Unspoken Storms: A Christian Woman’s Guide to Menopause and Marriage – With Devotional Prayers for Emotional Healing and Intimacy.

Through the fictional yet emotionally raw story of Amanda—a devoted wife navigating menopause’s emotional, physical, and spiritual challenges—Bethel opens the door for honest, grace-filled conversations in homes and churches.

For many women, menopause brings more than just hot flashes; it can shake identity, emotions, and even marriage. “It’s unfortunate, but menopause sneaks up on many women and men,” says Bethel. “Beyond the jokes about hot flashes or personal summers, there’s often silence. But when mood swings, depression, anxiety, brain fog, and the physical pain of intimacy show up—and no one connects the dots—confusion can take root. My goal was to bring hope, clarity, and real help to this season.”

Early readers are calling Unspoken Storms “a book that walks beside you like a trusted friend.” Colleen Aitken praised Bethel’s approach as “beautifully tender, yet raw in its honesty—offering hope, healing, and restoration.” Heather Sands added: “I couldn’t put it down. It’s not the typical menopause book—it’s a source of peace, relief, and understanding for both women and men. This book belongs in every marriage ministry.”

Men often want to help but don’t know how, which can lead to misunderstanding, distance, or even divorce. While there are medical guides and clinical handbooks, very few books speak to women and couples with faith, empathy, and hope, blending story, Scripture, and practical steps for relief.

More than a novel, Unspoken Storms is a resource:

  • For women: to feel seen, understood, and equipped with faith and practical tools for this stage of life.
  • For men: a bonus chapter by Teri’s husband, Tellis, which offers insight into how menopause affects husbands, especially those who may be facing midlife challenges themselves, plus prayers to strengthen the marriage.
  • For couples: guidance to restore communication, intimacy, and partnership.

Bahamian author, Dr. Deborah Pople-Smith commended the book for “helping marriages realize that talking about menopause is not taboo—it’s necessary. Love and intimacy can still be shared with a little understanding and patience.”

“Menopause can feel like the end of something,” says Bethel. “But in reality, it can be the refining of love and faith. This book is an invitation to walk through it—together, stronger.”

Unspoken Storms is now available in Nassau at Logos Bookstore, in Eleuthera at Office General, and on Amazon in paperback, eBook, and audio formats.

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Enternainment

Island Elegance Meets Soulful Sound: TCI Gears Up for “Intimate Jazz & Soul” at Barbetta Lounge

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Magnetic Media | Editorial Team

 

Providenciales, Turks & Caicos — The Turks and Caicos cultural calendar is heating up as the countdown begins for Intimate Jazz & Soul — a sultry, sophisticated evening of music, art, and expression, headlined by local music icon Tess Charles and a host of homegrown talent.

Set to unfold on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at the chic Barbetta Lounge at The Somerset, the event promises to be more than a concert — it’s a curated cultural experience that fuses jazz, soul, spoken word, and fine art into one radiant night. From 8PM to 10PM, guests will step into an atmosphere of class and creativity, dressed in their summer linens and ready for an unforgettable night under the island stars.

The line-up is electric:

Mohen Cox — saxophonist and storyteller known for weaving melodies and humor with magnetic ease.
SamSol and Aaliyah Elliot — rising stars with rich vocals and stage presence; Aaliyah, also a Miss Turks & Caicos Universe contender, is poised to dazzle.

O’Brien Forbes and Super P — fan-favorite showmen whose energetic performances never disappoint.

Visual artists Levenia BishopAncy DoriscaBrittney Bien Aime, and Fay Ninon will add an elegant touch with a live fine art exhibition, offering guests a chance to engage with the Turks and Caicos creative scene.

Spoken word and poetry will round out the soulful ambiance, connecting hearts and minds in an evening that celebrates talent and island pride.

Presented by Barbetta House & TESSIntimate Jazz & Soul is already causing a stir on the island. Tickets are $75 and selling fast — available exclusively at Nikki’s Trinkets. For reservations, call (649) 332-4412.

With limited seating and a powerful mix of sound, sight, and soul, this one-night-only event is shaping up to be the talk of the summer. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this enchanting evening where island elegance meets artistic excellence.

Will you be there when the island takes center stage?

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Caribbean News

ALIV & ALIVFibr Sweep, winning 5 Ookla Awards at CANTO 2025

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By Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

ALIV and ALIVFibr have been honored with five major Ookla awards at the recent CANTO Conference in Nassau, taking top honors for: Fastest Mobile Network in The Bahamas; Best Mobile Network in The Bahamas; Best Mobile Gaming Experience in The Bahamas; Best Fixed Gaming Experience in The Bahamas and Fastest Fixed Network in the Caribbean.

These accolades, based on billions of global Speedtest® results, underscore ALIV’s robust infrastructure and commitment to innovation. Franklyn Butler II, CEO of Cable Bahamas Group, highlighted this significance:

“These awards are based on billions of real-world tests—independent, objective, and customer-driven… That speaks volumes about the strength of our infrastructure and our commitment to innovation.”

John Gomez, CEO of ALIV, praised the milestone as proof of delivering a world-class network:

“These awards are tangible proof that we’ve achieved our goal of building a top-of-the-line, unrivaled network in the Caribbean. We will continue to expand the ALIVFibr network to Abaco and beyond.”

This dual recognition—spanning both mobile and fixed sectors—is rare in the region and demonstrates ALIV’s ongoing growth and ambition. The company’s strategic fiber rollout, branded as ALIVFibr, has rapidly expanded high-speed broadband in Nassau and parts of Abaco, backed by a $70 million investment.

Public sentiment also aligns with this prize-winning momentum. According to a 2024 retail fixed market review by URCA, customers rated service availability and reliability highly—evidence that quality is consistently improving. However, social media feedback shows pockets of concern over service installation delays, suggesting room for customer support enhancement.

With nearly universal internet coverage—94% national penetration but only 24% fixed broadband adoption—these awards signal ALIVFibr’s ability to close the remaining connectivity gaps. The company’s speed, reliability, and national strategy are now validated by both metrics and metrics and user sentiment.

As ALIVFibr continues its rollout to Abaco and beyond, this victory is more than symbolic—it’s a tangible testament to its leadership in Bahamian telecom.

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