Bahamas News
Romora Bay Resort & Marina: Best Season in Resort’s Nearly 50-Year History, Caps Off Best Year for Marina
Bahamas, May 19, 2017 – Harbour Island – Romora Bay Resort & Marina, a Harbour Island landmark since 1968, reported the strongest season in its nearly 50-year history with all revenue streams – marina, rooms and restaurant – at peak occupancy and spend records in April.
“We could not be more pleased with the reception we have been getting, particularly among the captains and owners of increasingly larger vessels at the marina. What gives us the greatest satisfaction is that we are operating at our very best with all-Bahamian management and staff sharing that special touch of Bahamian hospitality,” said Joe Dargavage, Operations Manager, the sole non-Bahamian. Dargavage, who has a 25-year history in The Bahamas and has served as president of the Association of Bahamas Marinas, credits much of the success of Romora Bay’s growing share of the popular Harbour Island visitor market to the desirability of The Bahamas.
“These are turbulent times in many parts of the world and The Bahamas is seen as a secure and highly desirable place to be. A lot of the traffic, and particularly mega-yachts, which used to go elsewhere for part of the year are spending more time in the Caribbean and The Bahamas,” Dargavage said.
He also credits what he calls the ‘Romora hospitality factor’ for attracting repeat visitors and marina guests.
“There are larger marinas in The Bahamas and even in Harbour Island, but we get an extraordinary number of repeat visitors who tell us when they are here, they feel like family,” he said. “It’s friendly, the staff are friendly, the Sunsets Bar & Grille which is the only place in Harbour Island that has live music three nights a week, is friendly. And then there are the amenities that marina guests as well as those in our little resort on a lot of land get to use -– infinity edge pool, crew lounges, new gym, newly renovated and furnished guest suites. Fishermen bring in their fresh catch daily and if a boat comes back with a large catch and wants the chef to cook it up, we’ll prepare and share. Success is not built on the best bedspread or art on the wall. It’s in the art of hospitality.” Among the Bahamians serving in key roles are Assistant General Manager Marc Tonis, Front End Manager Altonette Ferguson, Guest Relations Manager Laurieann Albury and Marina Manager Lorria Whitfield.
Even as Romora with its 14 guest suites and 40-slip marina enjoys its time in the sun, Dargavage said the trend toward more boats creating greater benefits for The Bahamas overall is significant.
“The boating and yachting industry throughout The Bahamas has enjoyed a steady incline since 2013,” said Dargavage, who serves as vice president of the Association of Bahamas Marinas. “Every year, we see more and larger vessels coming from Europe that only a few years ago did not spend time in The Bahamas. We project that this trend will continue over the next five years. Key industry factors like fuel prices, a bright outlook for the U.S. and local financial sectors and most importantly safety and security, all help to drive yachts to our beautiful turquoise waters and we do not see anything that would alter those basic factors in any dramatic way in the next several years so the outlook is encouraging and bright for businesses related to the yachting industry in The Bahamas.”
Romora Bay Resort & Marina has also enjoyed growth as a venue for photo shoots. Victoria’s Secret, Cover Girl, La Perla, Elle, Marie-Claire, Sony, J. Jill, Gilette, LLBean, Photo Magazine and Ocean Drive are among the many companies or products who have shot print or video at the waterfront resort.
#RemoraBayResort&Marina
Bahamas News
Get your laugh on, March On, family drama by Gea Pierre, debut this weekend in Turks and Caicos
This is the sixth edition of the relays and the fourth time that The Bahamas has hosted the event, which actually made its debut in The Bahamas in 2014.
President, World Athletics, Sabastian Coe said after three very successful editions from 2014 to 2017, the World Athletics Relays has quickly become one of the World Athletics vibrant competitions, developing a culture of fun and innovation that gives it a unique flavour.
He thanked the Bahamas Government, the local World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 committee and the Bahamian people for agreeing to host the relays. However, his main thanks were to the “world’s best sprinters” travelling from all the continents to compete in preparation for the road to Paris, France, in two months’ time.
During the opening ceremony, the athletes were given words of advice from Carl Lewis, one of only four Olympic athletes to have won nine Olympic gold medals, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
He said, “Keep it simple, do not try to do anything extra. Do what your coaches said. Leave on time, leave on time, leave on time.”
The athletes and crowds were treated to the sounds and sights of Junkanoo at the end of the opening ceremony. The Junkanoo performers stuck around for the two days of competitions, playing for the sprinters as they competed on the track.
Teams competed in the Women’s and men’s 4x100m, and the women’s men’s and mixed 4x400m. A total of 14 teams at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 automatically qualified for places at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Both days of competition were important, as day two offered another chance for qualifications for those teams unsuccessful on day one.
Bahamians were made proud as the country set a new national record during the mixed 4x400m relays thanks to the efforts of 16-year-old Shania Adderley, a student of Tabernacle Baptist Academy.
The team came first in their heat on Sunday evening after not being able to gain a spot for the Paris Olympics on the first day of competition.
Other sprinters on the team included Alonzo Russell, as well as Olympic champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his remarks at the Opening Ceremony for the World Athletics Relays 2024, on May 4, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis welcomed the special guests, athletes, officials, and “all lovers of athletics from around the world” to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium here in the “vibrant heart” of Nassau, Bahamas.
“This weekend, the world’s finest athletes gather on our shores to embark on a journey that is not only about speed and strength but also about dreams and determination,” Prime Minister Davis said. “From the serene beauty of our islands to the historic grandeur of Paris, this event marks a crucial path to the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.”
He added: “Here in The Bahamas, we are no strangers to world-class athletics or the warmth and exuberance that such international gatherings bring. It is a distinct honor to once again welcome the World Athletics Relays back to our islands. This event holds a special place in our hearts, symbolizing a bridge between nations brought together by the universal language of sport.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that that year’s theme, “Paradise to Paris,” captured the essence of that journey.
“It is here, amidst the splendor of our sun-kissed beaches and the rhythmic sway of our palms that the chase towards Olympic glory begins anew,” he stated. “We are thrilled to offer a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, where every sprint, every baton pass, and every victory lap is set against the picture-perfect canvas of our islands.”
He added: “To our athletes, I say this: as you stand on the precipice of your dreams, ready to catapult yourself into the annals of history, know that you are part of a legacy of excellence and determination. This weekend, you are not only competitors but also ambassadors of your countries and the spirit of sport. We are especially proud of Team Bahamas, who carry the weight of their performance and the hopes and pride of our nation. You embody the spirit of The Bahamian people, and we are behind you every step of the way.”
Prime Minister said that to the international visitors, he extended “the warmest Bahamian welcome”.
“Over the next few days, as you revel in the thrill of competition, take a moment to bask in the beauty of our island,” he stated. “Discover why we proudly say, “It’s Better in The Bahamas.” Whether it’s the hospitality of our people, the tranquility of our waters, or the rhythm of our culture, you are in for an experience that captures the heart and rejuvenates the soul.”
“Let us celebrate the unity and friendship that sports foster, cheering every athlete and savoring the spectacle of human potential at its best,” Prime Minister Davis added. “I hope the races are swift, the results are inspiring, and the memories are lasting.
“Welcome to The Bahamas, the paradise where champions chase their dreams to Paris. As your host, it is my immense pleasure to declare the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024 officially open. Let the games begin.”
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