2018 Bahamian Icon Awards Official Yearbook by Print Works at The Huyler Group

VISION Greatness never happens by accident or coincidence. While opportunity can be the result of serendipity, luck or any number of variables that may lie outside of our control, greatness comes only with the conscious effort to work harder, be stronger, be smarter and more dedicated in an effort to manifest the highest and truest expression of ourselves. It is a chosen life trajectory that is only undertaken when coupled with immense courage and a resolute ambition to succeed. The Bahamian Icon Awards celebrates greatness. The award recognizes Bahamian Citizens who exemplify the best intentions of the Bahamian Spirit-that of excellence and achievement. Not only that, it is the defining standard by which these attributes are measured in The Bahamas. It presents an opportunity to create visible heroes and role models in the community while at the same time saluting those among us who have taken up the challenge to achieve greatness.

PURPOSE The Bahamian Icon Awards acknowledges the exemplary achievements of men and women who have excelled in various industries thus contributing to the overall development of the Bahamian community.

MISSION To provide an achievable goal that inspires and encourages consistent efforts to achieve excellence and the fostering of good will.

Bahamian Icon Awards 2017 Selection Board Mrs. Kayleaser Deveaux Isaacs, Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas Mrs. Coralie Adderley, Public Health Authority Mrs. Naomi Taylor, Entertainer Mr. Victor Johnson, Leader, Essence Band Mrs. Joy Jibrilu, Director General, Ministry of Tourism Mr. Sean Brennen, Baker Tily Gomez Mr. Joey Gaskins, Bahamas Development Bank Mrs. Nicolasena Davis, Art Teacher, St Thomas More School Mr. Stephen Bain, Deputy Leader, Valley Boys Junkanoo Group Mrs. Nicole Campbell, Permanent secretary, Ministry Of Youth, Sports and Culture

Bahamian Icon Awards Organizing Committee Addis T. Huyler - Founder/Executive Producer Gina Rolle - Co-Chairperson L. Moxey Adrian Archer Ashjuan Barnett Jayde Knowles Megan Minus

ADDIS

Addis Huyler

his show marks the sixth edition of the Bahamian Icon Awards. That means something very different for us than it does for you. For us it means that now 6 times we have beaten the odds. We have exceeded our expectations and we have achieved the goal we set out for ourselves when we first met in a small office in the summer of 2012. The Bahamian Icon Awards is my life lesson. It teaches me every day the values of perseverance, humility and grace. For me, Icon speaks to the very core notion that our foundational purpose is to live a life in service to those around you. I am grateful that I am able to serve the Bahamian people year after year in some really sharp tuxedos! A key benchmark of our development is our corporate engagement. This year that has become even more critical as we continue to seek ways to increase our level of performance. We are grateful to all our sponsors and partners, but I specifically want to mention Rubis Bahamas Ltd., Mercedes Benz, Samba Sol, Tahm Management, Bahamasair, Blue Lagoon Island and Kalik who have all joined our team this year. We are also proud of the significant relationships we continue to cultivate with Aliv and

the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism as they support our program in major ways each year. We are reminded that behind the corporate names are people and people always have the choice to do the right thing. I am humbled that you have each chosen to bring value to our program. We will continue to work with you to execute a program that has mutual benefit and that adheres to our overall goal of celebrating outstanding Bahamians. All in all, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m proud of YOU! All who have sent in submissions, accepted nominations, bought tickets, watched from home, liked us on social media; all of you who each year make it possible for us to do what we do. It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work without you. You are the driving force behind the Bahamian Icon Awards and our success is a testament to what we can all achieve if we work together galvanized around 1 common goal. Imagine what our country would look like if we did that in all aspects of our lives! Congratulations to all of us on a job well done! CHEERS! Addis T. Huyler Chief Executive Officer

Gina Gonzalez- Rolle

onight, marks our sixth anniversary celebrating greatness in every sense of the word. As I look around I see the best of GINA the best in just about every arena of life. When I think of the dream that became a reality I remember that well known verse by Martin Luther King Jr. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have a dream that men should be judged by the content of their character not by the color of their skinâ&#x20AC;?, that can also be a quote that we use at the Bahamian Icon awards. I have read all of your stories I am in awe with what most of you have gone through to make your dream a reality, Tonight I want to encourage each of you to hold strong on to the gifts and talents that God has blessed you with, always remember that in order to make this world a better place we must all stay focused to our own gifts and talents and know that with God by our side nothing is impossible. Tonight each of you are winners, you are all Bahamian Icons, you are all trend setters and you are all the best this country has to offer, even though you may not be the one walking away with the trophy tonight you have stood out in our country and you have made a difference in your industry. I would thank each of you for all that you have done and will continue to do to make our country proud. A special thank you to my Husband Kelsey, and loving daughters Kelgia, Kara and Kelsie for loaning me to each of you for the past year, and understanding that I am more then just a wife and a mother, I love you all dearly. To our sponsors thank you so much, you are the wind beneath our wings, to everyone who has sacrificed in any way Thank you. To my good friend Addis Huyler even though we may not ever agree on anything and ague on everything, As Bahamian Icon continues to grow I thank God for you and your dream, Bahamian Icon has changed so many lives and I say thank you as we can all agree that Bahamian Icon is truly iconic. To each and everyone here tonight I Love you all and my prayer is that we will all continue to grow in greatness and love and be humble in all that we do. Have an amazing night & God bless you all. Gina Gonzalez- Rolle Co- Chairperson

ï¿¼ CORPORATE PARtners

THE ICON The “Icon” is the offcial branded award statue of the Bahamian Icon Awards. Bahamian Artist Kishan Munroe was commissioned to design the award exclusively for this purpose. The award stands 13.5” tall and is made from Everdur Silicon Bronze with a black circular marble base. The Icon represents a strong Bahamian gure who, through the conch shell, shares his message to The Bahamas and the world. The message speaks of his talents, his gifts and his achievements. The conch shell signifies not only the sharing of the message, but also the importance of the message; that Bahamians are contributing to our nation, our region and to the world. The Icon represents a call to celebration, recognition and action, which is the reason that The Aliv Bahamian Icon Awards was conceived.

BAHAMIAN ICON 2 0 1 8 L ifetime A C H I E V E M E N T Award 2018 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

Dr. Gail Saunders

r Gail Saunders is probably best known as being the custodian of Bahamian history, but this evening, the former director-general of the National Archives will herself be written into the history books when she is presented with the Bahamian Icon Lifetime Achievement award. It is a fitting honour for a woman who has spent her entire adulthood helping scores of Bahamians learn about their heritage and their roots. Dr Saunders recently sat down with Tribune Weekend to discuss how a love of history has shaped and directed her entire life. “I was born on East Street opposite the police barracks, where the treasury is located now, in the house owned by my great grandfather and then passed down to my parents Basil North and Audrey Isaacs who was the sister of Kendall Isaacs. They got married at the age of 18 and 19.” Her interest in history as a subject came from a very young age. “I think I came to love history because I did well in it. I did math and geometry and algebra but I could never make a career out of studying them further. “I became a teacher after graduating from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne (with a bachelor of Arts in History and a post-graduate degree in education from the University of Leicester,” she said. Growing up in a segregated Bahamas also motivated her. “It was not how it is now,” she says of her childhood. “There were certain places people of colour couldn’t go. When I was growing up, the Savoy Theatre was one of them. Only whites or people who were very light skinned and were part of the white community were accepted, but persons of a darker hue were not accepted. “I remember distinctly the Savoy Theater on Bay Street. We used to go the Capital and the Nassau Theatre when we were growing up because of segregation. “I think that whole subject of discrimination sort of irked me because I think people are people and my family for example on both sides range from black to nearly white. And we were brought up in our

household that it didn’t matter about colour, but of course this was not so among all Bahamians.” She said that this is why she has a special fondness for the modern era of Bahamian history starting from the late 1950s and the Bahamians who fought to bring majority rule to the masses. This includes Sir Ettiene Dupuch, who tabled an anti-discrimination resolution in the House of Assembly in 1956 and the founders of the Progressive Liberal Party (the country’s first national political party), William Cartwright, Cyril Stevenson and Henry Milton Taylor. Dr Saunders established the Bahamian National Archives in 1971 and served as its head until her retirement. She has also served as the president of the Bahamas Historical Society from 1989 until 1999 and was the president of the Caribbean Historians; president of the Caribbean Archives Association, and an executive member of the International Council on Archives. Additionally, she has penned several books including Historic Bahamas, Islanders in the Stream: A History of the Bahamian People,and Race and Class in the Colonial Bahamas, 1880–1960. While her historical achievements are well documented, many may not be aware of her athletic success. Dr Saunders represented the country on the sprint relay team at the 1962 Central American and the Caribbean Games, in Kingston, Jamaica. She was one of four women along with Althea Rolle-Clarke, Elaine Thompson and Christina Jones- Darville to first represent The Bahamas in an international sports competition. “I am an Anglican but somehow I got pulled into St Bernard’s, a Roman Catholic group. I ran for them and I did very well in the 100 and the 200 but I found out later that the 400, if I had wanted to go on and become world class, I had the speed and the stamina when I was younger and perhaps the 400 would have been my race,” she said. She is also a very good tennis player. “A few years ago, my cousin, Robert Isaacs and I, won a mixed doubles tennis tournament

beating two of the best players. It was quite an achievement,” she said. Dr Saunders was awarded the Commonwealth honour of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2003. The University of the West Indies awarded her an honorary degree in 2004 and she was inducted into the Bahamas National Sports Hall of Fame in 2013. Addis Huyler, the founder of the Bahamian Icon Awards, said Dr Saunders is the perfect lifetime honoree. “We are not the makers of history, we are made by history, I think Martin Luther King Jr said that, and Gail Saunders has devoted her entire career to being the gatekeeper of our history, all those stories that inspire us, that make us more informed and educate us and give us courage and validate who we are as Bahamians. “Her work is essential to the development of the modernday Bahamas. She reminds us of who we are and where we come from and how important it is for us to strive to be the best that we can be. The mark of a lifetime achiever is someone whose works transcends generations. She has made a bridge between the past and the present and also the future as well so she is amazing,” he said. While Dr Saunders says she is humbled and grateful for the award, she says she never sought recognition for what she does. “I was surprised - the work that I do, I don’t do it for any recognition or praise and I was hesitant in accepting. I think it’s a great honour and you have made me feel really great. But I never want to feel that I am special or better than anyone,” she said. Dr Saunders said that her own Bahamian Icons would be her parents and her uncle Kendall Isaacs whom she says always took a special interest in her education. “He was a shy man, I don’t think he was really a politician at heart but I think that he was pulled into politics. He was a very honest man and clever. “I would also say Sir Lynden Pindling is really a Bahamian icon, I think he tried his best to be fair as possible, I have great admiration for him and Lady Maguerite Pindling. They, despite my background having a mother who was an Isaacs, they embraced both my late husband Winston and myself as friends.” In true iconic fashion, Dr Saunders wants to encourage the younger generation of Bahamians to embrace their history. “I would say history is not a dead subject, it is very compelling. It is very interesting to learn about our ancestors and the events that took place and to trace how we came to this position because The Bahamas was just a very poor island nation in the beginning. And people just teach about the pirates and so forth but we were more than that and we are more than that. There have been some mistakes but I think that we are a fantastic little country and we have come a long way and we are a democratic nation which to me is very, very important.”

2017 BAHAMIAN ICON AWA R D R E C I P I E N T S

Youth Development William Simmons

Fine Art Allan Pachino Wallace

Entertainment Remardo Russell

Music Wendy Lewis

Education Ramona Wells

Health Dr. Cyprian Strachan

Tourism Kerry Fountain

Sports Todd Issacs, Jr.

Live Entertainment Ensemble Gea Pierre

Commerce Keshelle Davis

Media Beverly Curry

Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choice Award 3rilogy

Rising Star Jasper Thomas

Recorded Entertainment Ensemble Kareem Mortimer

Nominees

2018 N ominees

Nominee

Cassandra Nottage

commerce

Regulatory and Financial Sector Consultants, Ltd. Cassandra Nottage was engaged as a consultant by the Office of the Attorney General in September 2015 to assume the responsibilities of assisting with the coordination of The Bahamas’ preparation for the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) Mutual evaluation (ME) which took place over two weeks in late 2015. In this role, she assisted with the coordination of thirteen Government Agencies and three ministries to prepare for the CFATF, ME and subsequent events over the 2015-2017 period. During this time she prepared and reviewed Anti-Money Laundering/ Countering of Financial Terrorism templates (Technical Compliance and Effectiveness Documents; coordinated numerous meetings with CFATF examiners, private industry, regulatory agencies, OAG and Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) to produce documentation and supporting briefs on The Bahamas’ AML/CFT; coordinated the completion of the nation’s national AML/CFT risk assessment and coordinated The Bahamas’ delegation defense of the CFATF MER in Trinidad and Tobago among other tasks.. Mrs. Nottage is also credited with drafting the Anti-Terrorism Bill and the Anti-Terrorism Regulations; developing the National Identified Risk Framework Strategy – a road map for strengthening of the existing anti-money laundering/ countering financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) and IRF over the next three years (2017-2020) completed by December 2017. Mrs. Nottage’s illustrious career has spanned 40 years in financial services – regulation and private practice – a biblical generation, the likes of which we will never see again.

Nominee

Dominic Sturrup Bahamas Striping Group of Companies

commerce

As Bahamas Striping Group of Companies’ Senior Vice President of Business Development Dominic Sturrup’s job is to create opportunities for growth. Having spearhead the establishment of eight vibrant companies in eight years, he is a chief out-of-the-box thinker at Bahamas Striping Group of Companies – the multi-million dollar, multi-layered enterprise which Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis has recognized as one of the fastest growing businesses in The Bahamas. While his business partner Atario Mitchell worked on roads, parking lots and basketball courts, Dominic was responsible for back office operations designed to take the business to the next level. Executing Dominic’s strategy for growth, the group brought new businesses on stream including Airport Maintenance Services, Caribbean Pavement Solutions, Bahamas themed photography, Atillio Holdings and Abaco Caribbean Holdings. Dominic values people over profits. His empowering, people-centred approach led BSGC to provide employment opportunities for at-risk young men; create ‘The Dollar That Could’ arm; establish the Charles Maynard Scholarship Fund; and launch its $1 million subsidiary, The Investment Group, designed to facilitate the growth of the next generation of entrepreneurship giants. A graduate of Loisiana’s Nicholls State University, Dominic holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing. He has held leadership positions in the hotel, marketing and retail sectors and is also a trained photographer.

Nominee

Prince Albert Storr

commerce

Bahamasair Prince A. Storr is the Director of Maintenance & Engineering (M&E) at Bahamasair, the National Flag Carrier of the Bahamas.. Several years ago the vision of the Shareholders and Executive Management of the National Flag carrier was to transition the airline from being on the receiving end of negative reviews and reduced consumer confidence to an airline that the Bahamian people can be proud to call their own. A pivotal part of the transition was the replacement of the Company’s aging fleet which at the time heavily contributed to unreliable service and a poor on time performance record. Prince, as Fleet Acquisition Project Director, was tasked to ensure a smooth and timely transition of the fleet replacement. In order to satisfy the mandate to replace Bahamasair’s aging fleet, Prince negotiated aircraft delivery terms, conducted major aircraft inspections and oversaw the introduction of all new aircraft into Bahamasair’s system over the past several years. The aforementioned efforts play a pivotal role in Bahamasair now having one of the most modernized mix of jets and turboprop fleet within the region. Bahamasair’s safety record is considered impeccable while the on time performance has grown from paltry 35 to 40% as a norm in 2015 to now maintaining a constant above industry standard of 70 to 80%. To put this achievement in perspective, major airlines would boast of having an on time performance record of 70%. Armed with the Airline’s Managing Director’s vision of providing overall value to our customers, Prince has simultaneously provided executive oversight on two projects to introduce to our customers Wi-Fi/Inflight Entertainment (IFE) onboard all Bahamasair flights and the new and exciting Bahamasair App. Both projects are considered milestones for airlines within the Bahamas and the Caribbean region and will ensure Bahamasair passengers receive more value in services available both on and off the aircraft. Additionally, both services will be used to promote the tourist products and services the Bahamas has to offer through media content made available on the IFE and App media platforms. Prince always recognizes his accomplishments and credits would have not been possible without the efforts of the dedicated men and women of Team Bahamasair. The dedicated team under the guidance of the Managing Director is committed to making Bahamasair the pride and joy of its owners, the Bahamian People. As Director of M&E, Prince is committed to doing his part to ensure that Bahamasair will in short order be able to say to the Government of the Bahamas “your offer of financial assistance is much appreciated but we have this covered

Nominee

Ryan Knowles H.G. Christie

commerce

In just a few short years, Ryan Knowles has catapulted himself into the very top tier of The Bahamas real estate market, selling nearly $100 million of real estate in the process. With a focus on luxury and new development properties, Ryan has garnered an excellent reputation in the industry and counts successful entrepreneurs, Fortune 500 executives and renowned developers as some of his top clients. Since making history as the youngest Bahamian ever to qualify as a license real estate agent, Ryan has added other noteworthy achievement to his resume. Specialist designation in September 2017 by Christie’s International Real Estate –the world’s premier luxury real estate –network – in recognition of attaining knowledge, experience and expertise across multiple luxury platforms. This recognition places Ryan in the top 1 percent of all Christie’s agents in the world. In February 2018, Ryan reached new heights by completing the largest transaction ever recorded on The Bahamas’ Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and the largest single sale of his career: a beachfront mansion in Ocean Club Estates asking $16 million, which he sold in just 53 days. Ryan is also active in his Bahamian community. He participates in many civic organizations, including raising awareness about food security as an ambassador for Hands for Hunger, an organization dedicated to eradicating hunger and malnutrition in The Bahamas. Ryan joined HG Christie Ltd in February 2012 has been a top producer every year running since 2014 combining his youthful passion and success with HG Christie’s renowned success of 90 years as the Trusted Authority in Bahamas Real Estate.

Nominee

Tanya McCartney

commerce

Bahamas Financial Services Board Tanya McCartney serves as the CEO and Executive Director at the Bahamas Financial Services Board – a post she has held since 2016. She has distinguished herself as a hardworking professional with expertise in the law, regulatory and gaming compliance, banking and international financial services and plays a critical role in facilitating collaboration between the private sector and policy makers with respect to all the global initiatives impacting the financial services sector. She has been intricately involved in drafting legislation and guidelines for the industry and was the leading response to the recent listing by the EU of The Bahamas as a non-cooperative jurisdiction. She worked closely with the government to take the steps necessary to mitigate adverse impact and ensure the delisting of The Bahamas. She continues to play a central role to rebrand the jurisdiction as an international business center and has represented The Bahamas in a multitude of international conferences. Tanya’s legal career began in 1997 as Assistant Counsel in the Office of the Attorney General working in civil litigation and criminal prosecutions and then moved into the financial services industry in 1999 as legal counsel and compliance officer for a local private bank. Subsequently, she has served in various senior positions with several international institutions in The Bahamas. Tanya was appointed to the Senate of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in 2005 one the youngest ever appointed to that august body where she served for five years. She joined RBC in 2006 as Regional Manager for Compliance for The Bahamas and the Caribbean. She is a part-time lecturer in the School of Business at the University of The Bahamas, offering students academic and practical insights into the industry. Tanya attends St. Barnabas Anglican Church where she serves as a member of the vestry and leader of a mentoring and spiritual development program for young ladies. She is also a member of the Rotary Club of East Nassau. She chairs the Anglican Diocesan Finance Committee. She is a graduate of St. John’s College where she served as Deputy Head Girl and a member of the school’s choir and debate team.

Nominee

Cheryl Johnson Newell Bahamas Down Syndrome and Friends Center

E ducation

The First Bahamas Down Syndrome Society was established in the late 1980s by Mrs. Pamela Forbes Merchant, Mrs. Ida Poitier Turnquest and Mrs. Betty Taylor. This group of parents formed this association as a support group and met in one of the hotels here in Nassau. After several years the association died out. The Bahamas Down syndrome Association was re-established in November 2005. The Association was brought together by Ms. Cynthia Stanko from the Infant Stimulation programme. She thought there were too many families in Nassau with Down syndrome children that needed a support group and some guidance. The group met for the first time at the Queens College campus and shared our stories with one another. After a few meetings, a new association started meeting every third Thursday in the month. The group enjoyed many social events, such as tea parties, kite flying at Fort Charlotte, boat trips, and the most important days on our calendar, our “ Buddy Walk/ Fun Day” and most recently “ World Down Syndrome Day” on March 21st. These two events are the association’s biggest fundraiser of the year and a great time to bring awareness to the community of the importance of special children and their every day needs. In September 2011, the association opened our Center with classrooms and an office. The Center was the first of its kind not only in The Bahamas but in the Caribbean and provides a special learning space for younger children. The association started with eight children and now we have eighteen children in its early intervention program. They receive the best in education from highly qualified teachers as well as all of their therapies:( i.e speech, physio and occupational and A.B.A Behavioral Analysis. In July 2012, The Down Syndrome Centre launched an adult program for all of our adults who have been sitting at home. They are now engaged in a wonderful program that has been especially designed for them. Their program includes: math, English, reading writing, cooking, art and music as well as outings to the grocery store, bank, and great field trips. In August 2014, the association purchased a new facility. The institution now not only provide for our Down Syndrome families but we have opened our doors to many other disabilities, such as Autism, Ryan Syndrome, developmental delays and many others. It is now called ‘The Bahamas Down Syndrome & Friends Center.’ The centre houses 48 students in the programme ranging from ages four to 50 years, and have a waiting list of families in need of help. The need is great in our community to provide not only an education for these special needs children but to also give all of our students the tools they need to become independent and in some cases work and function in society. We are very proud of our success stories and hope that we can boast of many more in the years to come. In October 2016, the association purchased the property behind the Center. This property holds a beautiful 80 year old Bahamian home on it. Renovations are almost completed on this historic building, keeping its beauty and charm to make a fantastic Coffee Shop and Juice Bar for the Bahamian public to come and have a wonderful experience. This new venture is called ‘ Ty’s Place’ after one of our special Down Syndrome boys who lost his battle with cancer. Ty’s Place was opened to the public on January 16th 2018 and employs our adults who have been training and now work at this special place. This is the first of its kind in the Bahamas and we are excited to be the first to launch this beautiful place.

Nominee

Felicity Humblestone

E ducation

The Lyford Cay Foundation Felicity is the Executive Director of Lyford Cay Foundations, with overall management responsibility, and a professional portfolio in Development. She started her career with the Foundations in 2010 as the Programme Director of FOCUS, a tuition-free college access programme serving students entering Grade 5 and following their progress through Grade 12. Forward and Onward to College, Upward to Success (FOCUS), recruits public school students from the Northwest district of New Providence. At FOCUS Felicity made use of her professional expertise in non-profit management, fundraising, K-12 education, outof-school-time programming, and leadership. A Lyford Cay Scholar, she earned a degree is in Hispanic Studies & Linguistics from McMaster University supported by funding from The Canadian Lyford Cay Foundation. She has volunteered with the Bahamas AIDS Foundation and provided pro bono fundraising training and consulting services to PACE Foundation, the Bahamas Crisis Centre, Bahamas Sexual Health & Rights Association, The Bahamas Ministry of Youth, Rising Sun Educational Foundation, and other non-profit organizations in The Bahamas. She is a former volunteer facilitator and member of the organizing committee for the launch of Character Day Bahamas and has previously served on the Education Committee for ORG Bahamas.

Nominee

Laurenne McDonald The Volunteer Reading Project

In support of UNESCO’s theme for International Literacy Day 2017 ‘Literacy in a Digital World’ volunteers replaced paperbacks with iPads in several story time sessions and readers streamed in live via Facebook video chat from Australia, Jamaica, Honduras and USA. Inspired by her grandmothers who were both educators, Laurenne is a passionate reader. She continued her grandmother’s legacy by participating in Read to Lead Bahamas – a nationwide reading and mentoring initiative, which was joint effort by the Ministry of Education and the United States Embassy Nassau in 2008. Laurenne is a member of the International Literacy Association. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Finance and Administration combined with Economics from King’s College at the University of West Ontario. She worked in the financial services industry for 12 years and transitioned into development and communications.

E ducation

In response to a teacher’s appeals for books posted to the HeadKnowles Facebook group in 2016, Laurenne launced the Volunteer Reading Project. The project, manages relationships with corporate partners, literacy organizations, parents, school administrators and the wider community. At each encounter, she seeks to understand and adapt to the unique challenges by each school and support literacy goals. Over the last two years, the Volunteer Reading Project has galvanized more than 200 volunteers who share their love for reading with children.

Nominee

Monique Hinsey

E ducation

The Ministry of Education Monique Hinsley has spent the last two decades mobilizing Bahamian youth and actualizing the dreams of hundreds of hundreds who want to attend college. As the founder of Global College Access, Monique has secured millions of dollars in scholarships and has forged international educational partnerships to facilitate college enrollment for students, many of whom, are the first of their families to pursue a college degree. In 2016, Monique expanded The Public High School Scholars Programme which helps the enrollment of public school students to colleges abroad triple from 19 to 58. By 2017, that number doubled with more than $6 million in scholarships secured. In 2016, she also mobilized her book Road Map To College for students, parents and guidance counselors throughout the nation. This book is now placed in every public high school in The Bahamas. In 2016, she also established College Roundtable â&#x20AC;&#x201C; an initiative whereby Monique establishes scholarship agreements for students and parents. She is currently partnering with Yale University with the hope of assisting more young Bahamians to attend Ivy League Colleges. Monique, a doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership and Higher Learning continues to demonstrate her own commitment to lifelong learning, thus modeling persistent pursuit for Bahamian scholars while preparing to represent The Bahamas in ambassadorial endeavours around the globe.

Nominee

Fr. Sazzasbazzar Turnquest St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College

E ducation

Fr. Shazzasbazzar Turnquest is a passionate Physics teacher who believes in enhancing student engagement by exploring different means of encouraging student learning. He initially trained as mechanical engineer at Leeds University (England) and then studied Energy Systems and the Environment at Strathclyde University (Scotland) in the late 1990s. He worked as an assistant engineer and HVAC plant manager for the Bahamas Government for two years before entering seminary to train for Anglican priesthood at Westcott House, Cambridge England. He completed his formation and went on to complete his teacher training at Homeron College, University of Cambridge specializing in Design and Technology. He has served as a Parish Priest for 14 years and as a teacher for 11 years. He has taught Technical Drawing, Physics, Chemistry, Music and Mathematics at the high school level as well as College level Mathematics at the former College Of The Bahamas. He recently introduced a new course, the IGCSE Design and Technology (Systems and Control) unit to the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s curriculum to provide an alternative platform technically minded students who struggle with theoretical Physics. Fr. Shazz is a life long learner who is constantly seeking out new educational opportunities in an effort to bring something different to the classroom. Fr. Shazz is an avid musician and an accomplished organist. He is married to Candice and they have one son, Aaron.

Nominee

Demetrius Smith

Entertainment

The Kareoke King In 2017 alone, Demetrius has hosted over 139 celebrations both locally and internationally. From Destination & Local Weddings, Cancer & Youth Balls, Coperate Events, Concerts, Rallies, Retirement Parties & Birthday Celebrations, Proms, Church Banquets and much more. With a passion & love for his craft, he was afforded the opportunity to perform in New York, Canada, St. Kitts, New Orlean’s, Turks & Cacois, Ft. Lauderdale and the Bahamas. He is more than an Entertainer. He holds an Associates Degree from Johnson & Wales University in Culinary Arts and an Associates Degree from Tennessee State University in Business Administration. He is signed as Brand Ambassodor for BTC and have worked with charitable organizations such as, Kiwanis of Nassau, Cancer Society of the Bahamas & The Aids Camp, . With his popularity, Demetrius created a platform to Inspire & Encourage youths within the Bahamas. With his motivational speaking skills, he was offorded the opportunity to speak to many government schools in the Bahamas. Demetrius went further and funded is own campaign called “POP” (People Over Profits). At random he goes into communities and surprise hurting people and those who are simply victims of circumstance. With is humanitarian videos marking 780,000 in the Bahamas and over 10 million worldwide in views, he has been offered by government officials and charitable organizations to help in their quest to restore hope in their countries. Thus far Demetrius has travelled to Nigeria (Lagos) & Montgomery Alabama with this mission. After his release from prison Demetrius passion for humanity grew even the more. Apart from partnering with the Royal Bahamas Police Force & Social Services, in quest to restore hope in the Bahamas, Demetrius is pleased to say thus far he has assisted and blessed (5) Mothers with brand new vehicles, (32) Single Parents homes with groceries (Nassau & Freeport Bahamas), (5) Young ladies with full time employment, (3) Kids with full payment of school fees, (8) Homeless men with shelter, (3) Single evicted mothers with apartments, (2) Cancer Patients with donations of $3,000 each, (4)Kids with shopping sprees, (12) Families with trees at Christmas time, (8)Families with particial payments of electricity bills, (15) Families with TV’s, Mircrowaves, Laptops, Bedroom Sets, Fridge, Stoves and have awarded (14)Students with good grades Cell phones and Cash prizes. As Demetrius increased over the years, he has expanded his brand Not limited to, MC & Entertainment Services but also, Dj Services, Lighting, Photo Booths, Fog Machines, Videography Productions and a Car Rental Service. Thus far within a 2 year spand he has provided Entertainment for Doctors & Princess Margarette Hospitals, Red Cross, Junior Achievement Organization, Sun Oil Limited, University of The Bahamas, The Hilton Resort, Melia, Aids Camp, Dr. Barry Russell & Bahamas Orthodontics, Grand Thornton, Equity Bank & Trust, Family Guardian, RBPF with Commissioner Anthony Ferguson & Deputy Emerick Seymour, Carifta Bahamas, C.V. Bethel High, Prince Williams High, Queens College, St. John’s College, St Augustine’s College, The Church of God Inc, Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, COGIC, Fidelity & Commonwealth Brewery just to name a few.

Nominee

Sonovia Pierre “Goddess”, Once On This Island

Entertainment

Once On This Island is a one act-musical with a book and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty. Based on the 1985 novel My Love, My Love or The Peasant Girl by Rosa Guy, it is set in the French Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean Sea. The show includes elements of the Romeo and Juliet story and elements of the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale The Little Mermaid. It concerns a peasant girl on a tropical island, who uses the power of love to bring together people of different social classes. Produced as a part of the 2017 Shakespeare in Paradise two-week festival, which was staged October 10-14, 2017. The Cast and Crew of Once On This Island rehearsed for three months prior to its October opening. Fifteen cast members, four of whom were in the production 23 years ago, committed themselves to bringing this fantastic musical to the stage. They spent weeks in vocal training, choreography, staging and acting. This cast was a combination of those that are “stage savvy” and those new to musicals – the result was an amazing performance of this work which could be compared to that of the original Broadway production.

Nominee

Scott Adderley

Entertainment

“Papa Ge”, Once On This Island

Papa Ge, God of Death: Tenor/baritenor. Papa Ge takes pleasure in death and suffering. He is a wily, cruel demon‐god. He plans to take Daniel Beauxhomme’s life, but he is stopped for awhile by Ti Moune and her promise to the other gods. He watches the relationship between Ti Moune and Daniel like a greedy vulture, waiting for his chance to take Daniel’s life. He considers all lives to belong to him, as eventually rich and poor alike will have to die. He does have a soŌ side, though it is seldom seen. Many peasants are afraid of him.“Scott playing Papa Ge is actually too convincing—in fact he has played this role better than he did in the first production. His voice has matured so much and he brings the age of the evil Papa Ge to the stage. Yet he turns on a dime and buys into the emotions of TiMoue as she negotiates to save the dying Daniel. One can easy see that Scott makes this role his own - he is to be congratulated.” Courtney Davis

Nominee

Dr. Showalter Johnson Commonwealth Embassy

Dr. Showalter has also authored several bestselling books such as â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Kingdom Commonwealth: 7 Secrets to Efficient Business and Economic Growth and The Contarian. Dr. Showalter has accomplished many firsts. He is the only Bahamian to sit in the US House of Representatives, Charleston, North Carolina,. USA. In addition, Drr. Showalter is the only Bahamian to receive the prestigious World Civility Award for his philanthropic service to mankind. He serves on the Board of directors at Karunya University, and as the principal owner of UN Relations, he is a governmental advisor and consultant to Ecuadorian, South African, Puerto Rican, and St Croix and Virgin Island governments. Dr. Showalter has an honorary doctorate in Divinity from Life Christian University, an earned doctorate in Philosophy from University Seminary, Knoxville Tennessee and graduated with degrees as a Specialists in Non-Profit Frame Works from Harvard University and a specialist in Financial Markets from Yale University. He is an accomplished musician, composer, producer and songwriter. Dr. Showalter lives in The Bahamas with his two sons Showalter Jr. and Kjuan.

entreprenuership

Dr. Showalter Johnson is the managing director of Global Village Group and GVG Publishing House, CEO of Billionaire Round Table, President of Showalter Johnson Ministries, President of the Joseph Institute for Entrepreneurs and CEO of the Commonwealth Embassy, an entrepreneurial networking organization.

Nominee

Jay and Hilda Forbes

entreprenuership

Tasty Teas

John â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Jay Jay Forbes and his mother Miss Hilda continue to develop the Tasty Tea brand dedicated to providing beverages that more than refreshes but restores and nourishes the body and calms the soul. Working with local farmers, Tasty Teas producers prides themselves on creating new signature blends using only natural, native Bahamian ingredients. Having turned their home into a full fledged tea production facility, Tasty Teas proudly produces 11 signature tea blends and a bevy of tropical juices and ice teas what a distributed through 30 retails throughout The Bahamas. They also ship hundreds of tea packages a month to the United States. Additionally, Tasty Teas also has a visitor centre focused on sharing the tea making experience with their clients. The facility has been rated amongst the five top attractions to see in The Bahamas and has seen an increase from 300 visitors to over 800 per week in recent months. The company has been features in Travel & Leisure Magazine, and received two Trip Advisor Certificates of Excellence in 2017 and 2018 respectively for their great visitor reviews. They are also rated #1 on Trip Advisor currently. Tasty Teas employs 100 Bahamians between their immediate staff and taxi drivers and tour guides. On weekends during the summer, and on other school holidays, the team expands their employment to take in underprivileged children and youth to assist with their visitor experiences and to learn and develop their entrepreneurial skills. They have incorporated over 100 Bahamian-made goods to their retail store including jams, chocolates, coffee, seasonings to offer to visitors for a wellrounded taste of The Islands Of The Bahamas.

Nominee

Lavardo Smith Get Fit With Smith

The business started after his wife gave birth to their first child and her desire to lose postpartum weight. Soon the business grew from three persons on Saunders Beach to scores of persons each week. Lavardo and his wife recently shed light on child obesity. Get Fit With Smith is dedicated to educating children on healthy lifestyles. The programme was able to help five at risk kids to lose 50 pounds collectively. He and his wife continue to tell the story that they can reach their dreams through consistency, hard work and dedication. Get Fit With Smith continues to champion community development and the fight of obesity in The Bahamas.

entreprenuership

As a former track and field athlete and a Royal Bahamas Defence Force Officer, Lavardo and his wife Rookmin have revolutionized fitness in The Bahamas by establishing â&#x20AC;&#x153;Get Fit With Smith.â&#x20AC;? Recently Aliv collaborated with Get Fit With Smith to produce a daily health segment which shows exercise demos on social media. This segment has an average of 5K to 18K persons. Lavardo has been dubbed the Bahamian celebrity fitness trainer- training everyone from social media influencers, pastors and politicians among others.

Nominee

Lowree Tynes

entreprenuership

Lowree Tynes Designs, Abaco

Design is not just a career for Lowree Tynes – it’s a passion. The Nassau-based designer recently took her talent to the Marsh Harbour, Abaco market where she uses her skills combined with inspiration from the island’s breath-taking backdrops to create unique spaces. Working with each client’s vision, Lowree takes a blank canvas and creates a design reflecting the beauty and function of its surroundings. Lowree focuses on the details of each project no matter how minute, and does so with professionalism and passion. Lowree Tynes Design’s debut project is Marsh Harbour’s newest restaurant and Bar : Da Blue Hole. The collaborative effort between Lowree and her clients Chefs Antonio Huyler and David Thompson created Marsh Harbour’s finest multi-function venue with an upstairs bar overlooking the marinas and bustling boating community, main dining area, an outdoor deck, a Sand Bar and Cabana. Lowree has created a seamless design that connects each space, but also allows each area to have its own identity and tell its own story.

Nominee

Anya Wilique Wilique Handbags

F ine A rt

As a designer, Anya often pays creative tribute to the influence of the vivid colours and textures of Grand Bahama’s scenery through her brand of Willique Creations. This has strongly influenced her first two collections: Wanderlust and the Conscious collection. These two pioneering collections- with Wanderlust’s intricate bamboo, fine Italian leather and gender neutral conscious collection serves as the forefront of Anya’s work. She has successfully managed to transcend and merge both the areas of sustainability and luxury handbag design. In 2016, Anya’ work debuted at Library London – an exclusive private members club with prestigious guests in attendance. Within a year of inception, the brand was recognised and gaines the support of The Royal Prince’s Trust and has had the priviledged opportunity of gifting to the MOBO awards attendees to stars such as Luara Mvula, Kelis and owner Kanya King. The brand has also garnered local and international press being featured in publications in the Caribbean, Europe and others. Anya has also sought out some of the finest talent in straw markets throughout The Islands Of The Bahamas. This move not only creates jobs but showcases the talent of The Bahamas throughout the world.

Nominee

Jamal Rolle

F ine A rt

The Celebrity Artist

In the last two years, Jamaal Rolle has elevated his professional portfolio becoming an ambassador of representation and talent for The Bahamas, socially, professionally and culturally through many local and international projects creating viral sensation on multiple occasions. The Bahamas government recognized and embraced Jamaal Rolle’s monumental work throughout the country has been documented as Historical projects in addition of him being a representative of the country’s talent by the Government of The Bahamas featuring Jamaal Rolle to foreign diplomatic guests along with contracting his talents as a link of what The Bahamas is able to produce. Notable projects in the last two years include a portrait of the President of the Inter-American Development Bank; 50th years of Majority Rule National Art Exhibition in Parliament Square; President of Guyana portrait and Sir Sidney Poitier’s 90th birthday gift from The Bahamas among others.

Nominee

Jerome Miller “Liquid of Joy”

He works in acrylic using special textures and finishes, and describes his style of art as “BOLD” and “ABSTRACT”. He has been inspired by Picasso, Rembrandt and Auguste Renoir. His works can be found in collections around the world. In addition his work has been donated in support of many local charities and fundraisers. His exhibitions “Bold” in 2006 followed by “Exuberance” followed in 2007. On that occasion he auctioned off a number of his pieces to raise funds in aid of students studying at The University of The Bahamas through the Winston Saunders Memorial Scholarship. He has continued to hold exhibitions each year in which part proceeds are earmarked for the Memorial Scholarship. This year’s exhibition “Liquid JOY 2018...A Glorious Expression of Colours” explored the themes of Religion, Life, The Universe, Nautical Lifestyles, Nature, Historical Bahamas, Europe and Sexuality. His philosophy is “to not make my exhibitions commercial events, but an opportunity for patrons to come out and enjoy themselves in an atmosphere conducive to artwork”. Je’Rome serves as a member of the school board of CR Walker High school and continues to support the school band which is featured every year in the show. He is also on the Program Advisory Committee at BTVI and is a dedicated member of Christ Church Cathedral where he serves in several ministries.

F ine A rt

After completing high school in New Providence, Je-Rome embarked on a career in fashion design and hair styling and has became one of The Bahamas’ most sought personal and stylists. He has produced some of the most sensational fashion events held in The Bahamas and was the winner of the annual Nassau Guardian Professional Christmas window display contest for many years.

Nominee

Theodore Elyett

F ine A rt

Theodore Elyett Designs

At 33-years-old, Theodore Elyett is a published Fashion Illustrator, multiple-award winning Creative Director and Clothing Engineer for eponymous Prêt-á-Porter Womenswear label. Elyett is hailed as one of his country’s most celebrated fashion designers. He recently represented The Bahamas in China, Los Angeles and at Buckingham Palace where his designs were heralded by a number of important persons, including members of the Royal Family. In 2016, his fashion label won the best evening gown at Miss Universe Bahamas. The result being a contract to create a wardrobe for Miss Universe Bahamas to wear at Miss Universe in Manila, Phillipines. The evening gown for this completion was featured by Cosmopolitan Magazine online platform as one of its Top 20 Best Gowns at Miss Universe. In May 2017, The Bahamas Embassy in China selected Theodore Elyett to craft a 10-piece Junkanoo: Bahamian Opulence collection to showcase in Beijing, China to commemorate 20 years of diplomatic relations between The People’s Republic of China and The Commonwealth of China. In that year, his work has graced the magazines of Ebony Magazine and Ellements Magazine among others. In 2018, his work is displayed in Baha Mar’s art gallery, he has represented The Bahamas at the Commonwealth Exchange at Buckingham Palace and showcased at the Queen Elizabeth II for Caribbean Heads of Government Meeting. Theodore is also a brand ambassador signing with names like ALIV, Australia brand Swarovski, Jo Malone and telecom giant Samsung.

Nominee

Dr. Richard Knowles Since 1996, Dr. Knowles has been an active member of the Bahamas AIDS Foundation and is passionate about improving the health and protecting the dignity of those affected by HIV/AIDS. He became a member of the Executive Board and served in various executive roles including president and vice president of the Foundation as well as Chairman of the Fundraising Committee. The Bahamas HIV/AIDS Centre in collaboration with the Ministry of Health recognized Dr. Knowles for his many years of dedicated service and his continued commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS in 2005. Dr. Knowles currently serves as the Vice President of the Foundation and a Member of the Red Ribbon Ball committee. Dr. Knowles was also instrumental in launching one of the organizations signature fundraising initiatives “Dine and Dash”. The success of the program and other fundraising activities has allowed the organization to provide subsidies for the acquisition od medications and provisions to care for those who need it most. Dr. Knowles will now oversee the foundation embark upon its first major capital project – an effort to construct the organization’s headquarters and multipurpose centre for affected and infected individuals. Throughout his career, Dr. Knowles has consistently and actively contributed to the development if the optometric profession. He was instrumental in the development of Optometry Regulations within the Health Profession Act and has contributed specifically to the optometric profession and to the health profession generally through his service as a member of the Health Profession Council (HPC).

H ealth

Imperial Optical

Nominee

Dr. Kim Scriven

H ealth

Hear Life Clinic

Dr. Kim Scriven begun her career more than 30 years ago initially obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Speech and Hearing Science in 1984 from Middle Tennessee State University. She earned a Master’s Degree in Audiology from Howard University and began working at the District of Columbia General Hospital as a Clinical Audiologist. She returned to The Bahamas to set up a private practice at the Doctor’s Hospital in 1994 offering a myriad of products and all aspects of audiological and hearing management services. She established the Newborn Screening Programme in 2000 and along with the late Dr. Bladwin Carey established the programme within the Department of Public Health. In 2006, she along with Michelle Rassin, and the Rotary Club of East Nassau, provided free hearing aids and a follow up of the devices through their signature programme The Gift of Hearing, which assisted the less fortunate with hearing aids. As head of Audiology and local operations at the Hearlife Clinic, Nassau her goal was to ensure that the local office provided access to cutting edge technology, which was safe and affordable with world renowned surgeons and highly trained staff. It is the only medical institution that received the ISO 9001:2008 certification, which makes it the world’s most recognized standard for quality management. Dr. Scriven holds the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence which represents the highest level of excellence in the field of Audiology. She is also a lifelong Fellow of the level of the American Academy Audiology (AAA), which recognizes her continuous dedication to learning and the advancement of her field. She is a member of several scientific and professional associations including the Health Professional Council, as well as The Bahamas Speech Hearing and Language Association. In 2013, Dr. Scriven received the Paul Harris Fellow Award from the Rotary Club of East Nassau for dedicated community service.

Nominee

Dr. Shantalasha Knowles Advanced Women’s Health Center

She has been a pioneer in several projects in her field including establishing the First Annual Confidential Enquiry into stillbirths and death in first week neonates (CESDIN) in 2010. She has completed two academic research projects in The Bahamas namely Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Infection Prevalence among Pregnancy Teens, is it associated with preterm birth; Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions of Sexually Transmitted Infections among Women Attending Clinics in The Bahamas. She has co-authored two books – Expecting The Greatest: Thriving in Pregnancy a Pregnancy Guide (May 2018) and Scriptures Every Woman Should Consider Before Saying I do. Dr. Knowles is a graduate of St. John’s College. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and Chemistry at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida where she graduated with honours. She subsequently obtained her Doctor of Medicine Degree in Obstetrics and Gynecology and also works privately through Doctor’s Hospital and at Advanced Women’s Health Centre on Shirley Street. Dr. Knowles is a member of the Medical Association of The Bahamas and is a fellow of the American Congress of Obstetrician and Gynaecologist.

H ealth

Dr. Knowles’ heart is with the Bahamian people. She has continued to strive for excellence academically, spiritually, and socially and discovering new ways to be a blessing to others. Her contributions include the training development of Bahamian midwives in formal lectures to them through the University of The Bahamas School of Nursing Midwifery Programme, Intrapartum and Post Partum Haemorrhage, Intrapartum Management of Breech Presentation and Infertility and Subfertility; a member of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology Clinical Management Team, Princess Margaret Hospital, which seeks to find ways to improve the care of pregnant mothers and their babies by reviewing and implementing protocols to affect positive change within the public healthcare system.

Nominee

Alanna Rodgers

Humanitarianism

Hands For Hunger Alanna is a passionate Bahamian social entrepreneur and tourism professional with 10 years of leading mission-based organization. After launching the island’s first food rescue program Hands For Hunger as a college student in 2008, Alanna founded Tru Bahamian Food Tours in 2013, which has become Nassau’s top ranked tour operator. Her expertise is in aligning diverse stakeholders and creating shared value, sustainable business models. Alanna is professionally certified by Food Tours Pros, The International Culinary Tourism Association, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism’s Bahama Host programme and is a member of the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association. She has been a featured speaker at the Inaugural Tedx Nassau Event in 2014, and the First Annual Global Food Tours Professionals Conference in Chicago in 2015. Additionally, Alanna was recently a keynote presenter at the 2016 IDB Annual Conference for a seminar on Entrepreneurship and Innovation. In 2018, Alanna received her MBA from the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management in Toronto, Canada. In September 2018, Alanna will join Bain & Co. as a full time consultant in their Toronto Office.

Nominee

Bishop Walter Hanchel Great Commission Ministries

Bishop Hanchell has also founded The Children’s Club that reaches out to underprivileged and at-risk children and teenagers. He serves as the Chairman of Citizens for Justice, an advocacy group that fights for the rights of victims of injustice and the oppressed. He is also a conference speakers and has conducted missions trips and seminars in a number of countries including Kenya, Ghana, India, Tanzania, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Turks & Caicos, Jamaica, Dominican Republic and Cuba. Bishop Hanchell has trained many persons in Evangelism and World Missions. He is a graduate of St. Augustine’s College and Haggai Institute in Singapore. Bishop Hanchell is married to Elder Minalee Hanchell and is the proud father of four children namely Bishop Tejado Hanchell, Dr. Tamalia Gibson, Damon and Ruben.

Humanitarianism

Bishop Walter S. Hanchell is the Founder and President of Great Commission Ministries International, a global mission organization that plants churches, orphanages, shelters, feeding centers and various ministries. Bishop Hanchell also serves as the General Overseer of the People’s Assembly Fellowship of Churches with branches in South-East Asia, Africa and the Caribbean. He has a passion for lost souls and founded the National Soulwinners Network and the goal of this network is to establish branches in every nation around the world.

Nominee

Barry Rassin

Humanitarianism

Rotary International Barry Rassin started his lifetime of humanitarianism in April 1980 as a Rotarian. He and his wife Esther play an integral role in Rotarian International. During July 2015 to July 2016 he was the Aide to the President of Rotarian International Ravi Ravindran. As the Aide, Barry assisted the president by attending meetings in Chicago, working with Rotary staff, assisting with all planning for the year and execution of the annual international convention for all Rotarians around the world and essentially any other needs that many have to ensure success in bringing a growth to doing great humanitarian service. During that year, Barry was appointed as a trustee member of the Rotary Foundation Trustees, which is a four-year appointment starting July 1, 2016. As one of the 15 trustees, Barry oversees the funds to ensure accountability and transparency and oversee all projects around the world including programs for water and sanitation, maternal and child health, education and literacy, community and economic development, health and peace and conflict resolution. Barry has been selected to be president of Rotary International for the year 2018-2019. Rotary International has 1.2 million Rotarians in 36,000 Rotary Clubs in over 200 countries and regions around the world. The organization is partitioned into 537 districts and 34 zones.

Nominee

JACQUELINE Gibson Cancer Society of The Bahamas, Eleuthera Branch

Jacquie Gibson is one of the charter members for Rotary Club of Eleuthera and she has served as President 2012-2013 to this great organization. She has held many other positions in Rotary including Director of Membership, Director of Public Image, and she was crowed Rotarian of the year both in 2016 and this year 2018, and received the Rotary Service Above Self Award (2015). Throughout her tenure with the Rotary Club of Eleuthera, they have taken a great initiative to assist the community in any which way that they can, and in doing this, Rotary has assisted the Cancer Society in many of its initiatives. From these tireless initiatives and volunteer commitments, her love for the Cancer Society grew. It would be in 2009 that she took a major leap and would become the Vice President for the Cancer Society. She held on to this position until 2015, when she took over as President. Though her presidency has now come to an end, she still remains committed to the cause. She is now serving as an advisor to the present board. Throughout these years, she gives much of her time to spreading the importance and purpose of Cancer Society. As CSE is majorly volunteer based, she sought to it that there be a proper, diverse set of community members with similar mindsets. And with these group of people, she was able to accomplish a lot.

Humanitarianism

Ms. Jacqueline Gibson lives on the beautiful island of Eleuthera in its islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capital, Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Harbour. She has always given herself tirelessly, volunteering and giving back to her community in any way possible. It was this love and devotion that led her to the journey of Cancer Society of Eleuthera and Rotary Club of Eleuthera.

Nominee

Lincoln Deal

Humanitarianism

Hashtag Lunchbag Lincoln Deal II is a National award-winning entrepreneur who contributes to a better quality of life for Bahamians through innovative business ideas and philanthropic commitments. Lincoln serves as the founder and Chief Executive Officer of JetLink Adventures Bahamas Limited and is also the official dealer for jetpack products throughout the Caribbean. Jetpack is an amazing technology that will let you become a human rocket and fly over water as if you were in an action movie. The success of JetLink Adventures Bahamas, propelled Lincoln to launch IslandLink Tours and Excursions which provides concierge land and boat experiences for visitors and residents to explore the islands of The Bahamas. These business pursuits, along with the establishment of the LDeal Group and HashtagLunchbagBahamas, reflect Lincoln’s commitment of his personal mantra to work hard and stay humble. At the age of seven, Lincoln launched L.D. punch, an extra sweet and sugary concoction exclusively available from his parent’s home in Nassau, Bahamas. The sweet taste of success remained with Lincoln well into his high school career at St. John’s College. Lincoln innovatively operated a convenience store from his favourite gym bag, selling cookies, candies, and even water to his school customers. Lincoln quickly learned the value of building relationships and that contributed to his business success as he recruited fellow classmates to sell his products and earn a commission on sales. Lincoln values inspiring young people to follow their passions through his program Scholars Link, a non- profit organization where individuals are empowered to become globally competitive entrepreneurs and innovators. Additionally, Lincoln’s passion for doing good, ignited the launch of #HashtagLunchBahamas in 2015, a non-profit organization that provides meals to nearly 1500 individuals in communities throughout Nassau and Grand Bahama on a monthly basis. A community of Over 300-volunteers young and old create meals for the hungry and homeless, then inscribe each bag with a loving message. The program has been nominated for a 2018 Bahamian Icon Award. Most recently, Lincoln became a part of a National School tour campaign. The tour was designed to direct change for the next generation through entrepreneurial and philanthropic efforts. On tour, Lincoln spoke to 45 schools imparting knowledge to over 25,000 students on 4 islands including New Providence, Freeport, Grand Bahama, Abaco and Eleuthera. His contributions to the landscape of business in The Bahamas earned him recognition as the 2017 Professional Services Bahamas 40 under 40 Award; 2017 Elevation Awards recipient of the People’s Choice Awards; and the 2016 Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture National Entrepreneur of the Year. Lincoln served as the 2009 Junior Minister of Tourism and won the 2009 Ministry of Education’s Youth of the Year and the 2009 Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture Youth Pacesetter Award. He also won the Gentlemen’s Club Gentlemen of the Year award and Junior Achievement Most Distinguished Achiever Award. Lincoln studied Economics and International Business and currently serves on the board for the Bahamas Public Parks and Beach Authority. Most recently he participated in the Forbes 30 under 30 Summit to create, collaborate and conceive new ideas to change the world. For the past two years, two subject awards (Economics and Commerce) was named in his honor at the Saint John’s College graduation Ceremony. Lincoln enjoys volunteering, public speaking, reading and traveling.

Nominee “Keeping Up With The Boujees” Kerel Pinder, Producer

live entertainment ensemble

Kerel is a an author, TED Talk Speaker and playwright from Grand Bahama. In 2010, after writing her first short play, she was selected as one of the top three finalist in the Freeport Player’s Guild Young Writers Playwriting Competition. However, it wasn’t until 2014 that Kerel established herself as a successful playwright with the debut of her Bahamian Icon nominated Sarah’s Wedding. Since then, Kerel has received a Bahamian Icon nomination for her 2016 production New Rules of Sex and Dating, and most recently for her political satire Keeping Up With The Boujees. The production has had seven successful shows, performing to 2,000 people – including a completely sold out show in Grand Bahama. In May 2018, Kerel released her fourth production STAR, which will be showcased in New Providence July 20th –July 22nd at the University of The Bahamas.

Nominee “Once On This Island”

live entertainment ensemble

Philip Burrows and Adrian Archer, Producers

Nominee â&#x20AC;&#x153;2017 Bahamas Indendence Cultural Showâ&#x20AC;? Erin Knowles, Producer

live entertainment ensemble

More than a trained Language Arts teacher, Erin Knowles has proven her passion for theatre throughout many of her creative works over the years. She began her work in performing arts in 2010. Erin has worked as an actor, stage manager, lighting engineer, sound engineer, assistant director and director. Erin has acted in noted plays such as Dis We Tings (2011) , For Coloured Girls Who Have Considered Suicide (2014). As an assistant, she has worked alongside Dr. Keith Wisdom with productions such as Horn of Plenty featuring Indio (2010); Gordon Mills in his production of Merchant (2012) and The Shrew (2013); Philip Burrows in Macbeth (2016) and Othello (2017). As a director, she produced A Long Fulfilled (2014); Murder and Poetry (2015) and Death on the Street ( 2016). Most recently, she executed a renewed and innovative approach to celebrating our independence; the Cultural Show was performed under the theme: Toward the Rising Sun: One God, One People, One Bahamas (2017). She is an associate member of Ringplay Productions, the parent company of Shakespare in Paradise Theatre Festival and a resident volunteer of the Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts.

Nominee “Dirty Laundry”

live entertainment ensemble

Rakel Dean, Writer

Rakel Dean, began her writing journey at the young age of 10. Later she joined the Toastmaster’s organization where her short depictions metamorphosed into tumultuous stories. Her love for “love” often is what got her in trouble as people hung onto every word as if it were true. They especially loved her uncanny ability to build and bait you up at the right timing right as the plot begins to thicken. She always said that level of anticipation that people get when reading and listening to her stories is what motivates her to continue. She is also known for her ghost-writing and ghost-editing. As the years went by, her adoration for acting which she starred in many productions including those of James Catalyn & Friends fused with her passion for writing and birth “Real Laughs Network”. Real Laughs Network is a group of creatives dedicated to evoking passion and creativity within the arts. Together they wanted to create this platform for new and emerging talent as we sought it necessary for the betterment of our country. Creating productions that would allow the young and old an opportunity to express themselves through their love for the arts. They premiered at The Dundas Centre for The Performing Arts in June 2016 with the dramatic comedy, Til Death Do Us Part. Though it was their first stage play, it was an overwhelming success as hundreds of persons supported them on their maiden voyage. In February 2017, the group produced a second stage play It Takes Two. In January 2018, the group produced a fourth production, Dirty Laundry. Rakel still considers herself lucky as she is about to hit the stage yet again in the roles of writer, producer, director, and actress, Delilah.

Nominee “All of Me” Michaella forbes, Writer

live entertainment ensemble

Michaela discovered her passion for Fine Arts when she graduated from Aquinas College as valedictorian in 1997, after taking a hiatus from her passion to pursue her career as being a Certified Public Accountant. However, in 2002, Michaela entered the Miss Bahamas Pageant and placed second runner up. In 2009, she re-connected with the stage when she joined the Bahamas Harvest Church’s Drama ministry. This decision helped her earn the title of the “artistic accountant”. Through this ministry, she was able to act in stage plays such as Storm Proof, Barrenness, Clay Heart, supernatural and Stand Out. She also acted in major plays such as For Colored Girls at the Dundas, A Woman’s Lot, Til Death Do Us Part, It Takes Two, Wounded Wings, Growing Up Bahamian as well as a number of commercials. She has also directed and produced her first play, All of Me.

Nominee “The New Sawyerboy Show”

Recorded Entertainment Ensemble

Timico Sawyer, Producer

In just four short years, Timico Sawyer became one of the most popular local comedians, garnered a huge following on social media and recieved a nod for the Bahamian Icon Award. And if you ask the entertainer who goes by the stage name Sawyerboy how it all happened, he would be quick to note that he simply began sharing his unique yet identifable Bahamian experiences with Facebook friends in a humorous way. From that point on, Timico’s videos went viral. “I started to share my gift of comedy a little over two years ago. My family encouraged me to put myself out there and share with the wider public the fun and laughter we enjoyed together.” However, Timico’s eagerness to make people laugh existed well beyond two years ago. In fact, his earliest memory of wanting to inspire belly busting laughter occured while he was watching a movie starring American comedian Jim Carey many years ago, who made him laugh until he cried. “I looked up to him and his ability to invoke belly-wrenching laughter. He set the bar for an impressionable and younger me, the guy who was eager to make everyone laugh, the guy who always longed to entertain the masses. I love Eddie Murphy, I can listen to his standup comdey all day. More recently, I’m motivated by a comedian like Kevin Hart whose work I’ve followed and admired for years as he developed his craft despite the difficulties.” Today, Timico is on his way to becoming a household name as his antics are enjoyed by thousands of Bahamians and people worldwide who view his videos on Sawyerboy TV and Youtube pages. The videos, all hysterical spoofs of Bahamian life , are a huge hit especially on Facebook where they are shared numerous times. “I make a daily impact on both the Bahamian social media and internationally. I have fans as far as Finland message me almost daily and tell me about how I brightened their day. These persons motivate and inspire me to always be a better version of who I was yesterday.” The encouragement he recieves from his fan base is uplifting and truly a blessing to Timico’s craft. “My goal is and has always been for smiles and laughter; and I can be certain that I am a part of a daily routine to more than just a few people as I simply be myself. I’ve achieved this most consistently with Sawyerboytv’s Bahamian Word of the Day. It’s that video everyone waits on, its that 15 seconds a day I get to reach over 12,000 fans and make them laugh out loud.” The journey is just getting started for the entertainer who is adamant about making sure his craft impacts all. He is on a mission to continue to break boundaries while living life as Bahamian Icon everyday - someone who he believes has respectable core values, ingenuity in the presentation of their product, makes a positive public impact, and works diligently.

Nominee “On The Record” Tanya Smith Cartwright, Jerome Sawyer, Producers

He is the former News Director anchor for Island FM Evening News as well as former Producer, News Director and Anchor for NEWSBREAK on Cable 12 –now known as OUR NEWS. Jerome is a two-time CNN Award winner – the only journalist in The Bahamas to ever accomplish this feat. His submissions won the “Best Political Story of 1998” and the “Best News Story of 2001”. His considerable skills are recognized internationally as he has served as a correspondent for CNN, the BBC, the Caribbean News Agency and the Caribbean Broadcasting Union. Some highlights of his journalism career include covering three US presidents, Pope John Paul II, former US Secretaries of State, Presidents of Haiti, South Africa and the leader of the Nation of Islam among others. He is also the Vice President in charge of Corporate Sponsorship and Media Relations for the Miss Bahamas Organization and plays an integral part in helping to prepare Miss Bahamas delegates for their role as it relates to media.

Recorded Entertainment Ensemble

Jerome Sawyer is the Chief Executive Officer at J. Sawyer and Associates, an image and media management company. He hosts weekly debate style political show called On The Record on Our TV and Cable Channel 212. Prior to this, he worked as the director of the Public Relations Department at the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) responsible for internal and external communications and corporate social activities. Jerome was also the Vice President of News and Current Affairs and lead anchor at the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas and hosted a nightly television current affairs show called The Sawyer Report.

Nominee Dominos Pizza ‘Cheezy Wedding

Recorded Entertainment Ensemble

Shirlen Godet, Producer

Shirlen Godet is a writer, producer and marketing manager that has been involved in marketing for the last 10 years. Recently, he wrote and produced the famed Domino’s “Cheesy Wedding” commercial. The creative piece is being considered as a nominee for a Recorded Entertainment Ensemble. The commercial also received gold in the 39th Annual Telly Awards beating out well established contenders and creative agencies like Dove, Asics, Warner Brothers and the Chicago Half Marathon. Shirlen continues to push the envelope of what is possible for Bahamians.

Nominee â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Next Face Bahamasâ&#x20AC;? Shawn Hanna, Producer

Many of the contestants go on to appear in advertisements, publications, photographer portfolios and fashion shows. The brand has also expanded into schools to promote the competition and expose budding photographers, directors, designers and others. Since The Next Face launched in 2014, it has had 250 applicants, 33,447 Youtube viewers, 8,600 viewers reached per released episode on Facebook and 1,050 Instagram Followers and it continues to grow daily.

Recorded Entertainment Ensemble

Shawn is the director and producer of an internationally-inspired show called The Next Face. The show seeks to display Bahamian culture to the world, filming at strategic locations on New Providence, using a team of Bahamian designers, makeup artists, videographers and photographers. One of the achievements of The Next Face, which is heading into season four is the fact that contestants between the ages of 16 and 23 and the majority of the team members are under the age of 25. The contestants gain lots of experience and exposure. The contestants are trained in facial expression, body language and more enabling them to blossom and adapt to any environment.

Nominee

Jerome Sawyer

M edia

“On The Record”

Rogan Smith is a journalist with nearly 20 years of experience. Smith has covered some of the biggest stories in the country and has interviewed many international politicians and celebrities including former US Secretary of State Colin Powell; Grammy winner R. Kelly and Today hosts Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb. Her articles have been featured in the New York Times, USA Today and the Sun Sentinel to name a few. She is also a former stringer for the Associated Press and has worked for several local news outlets, including The Tribune, the Nassau Guardian/ Star FM and Jones Communications. Smith joined The Punch as a columnist in January 2018. Her satirical bi-weekly column comments on culture, social trends, urban affairs and politics. Her column highlights the zeitgeist of life in The Bahamas. The column shines humorous spotlight on the way of life. Smith is also the co-host of the Ed Field Live radio talk show, which airs on Kiss 96.1 FM twice a week. She is regarded for her no-holds barred style of interviewed newsmakers from all strata of society. She also frequently delves into social issues, recently interviewing two ex-inmates, who detailed life behind bars. The show fuses entertainment with education. As a marketing and public relations executive, she promotes the award-winning Marathon Bahamas and organizes the Susan G. Komen Bahamas Race for the Cure’s signature event, the Survivors Ceremony. She frequently collaborates with the award-winning Kalik brand, writing the scripts for many of its most memorable commercials that have focused on Bahamian culture. Smith is a graduate of Georgia State University where she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and minor in Spanish. She is certified in marketing strategy from Cornell University and is also a graduate of the former College of The Bahamas and St. Anne’s High School.

Nominee

Kristina McNeil-Dragovich “Our News Year in Review”

M edia

Kristina Love Dragovich is the face of the leading newscast in The Bahamas- Our News. With more than 10 years in the field of Journalism, Kristina has worked across all mediums before joining the Our News team as the evening news anchor. Kristina is part of dynamic team of talented journalists and experience editors and producers who deliver the best in Bahamian news on a nightly basis, Our News Team is known for its annual production of “Year In Review”, as well as special coverage of general elections, referenda and major national events. Every time she presents the news, Kristina looks forward to delivering the stories Bahamians want to see and giving voices to those who may not be able to tell their own stories. Her first documentary, Salt and Light tells the story of Monsignor Preston Moss, his journey to the priesthood and how his ministry influenced the local Catholic Church. Salt and Light debuted at the 2016 Bahamas International Film Festival. Kristina is a graduate of St. Andrew’s School with a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast from American University and a master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communication from Emerson College.

Nominee

Rogan Smith

M edia

“This Thing Go With Sense”

Rogan Smith is a journalist with nearly 20 years of experience. She has covered some of the biggest stories in the country and has interview many international politicians and Her articles have been featured in the New York Times, USA Today and the Sun Sentinel to name a few. She is also a former stringer for the Associated Press and has worked for several local news outlets, including the Tribune, the Nassau Guardian/ Star FM and Jones Communications. She joined The Punch Publication in January 2018 using her satirical biweekly column to comment on culture, social trends, urban affairs and politics in The Bahamas. Smith is co-host of the Ed Field Live radio talk show, which airs on Kiss 96.1 FM twice a week. She is regarded for her no-holds barred style of interviewing newsmakers from all strata of society. As a marketing and public relations executive, she promotes the award-winning Marathon Bahamas and organizes the Susan G. Komen Bahamas Race for the Cure’s signature event and the Survivors Ceremony. She frequently collaborates with the award-winning Kalik brand, writing the scripts for many of its most memorable commercials that have focused on Bahamian culture. Smith is a graduate of Georgia State University where she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and minor in Spanish. She is certified in marketing strategy from Cornell University and is also a graduate of the former College of The Bahamas and St. Anne’s High School.

Nominee

Anastarsia Palacious and Philip Simon “Bahamas at Sunrise”

M edia

Anastarcia Palacious and Philip Simon have been the hosts of Bahamas At Sunrise since Fall 2016. Anastarcia started her work with Bahamas at Sunrise in December 2013 as a guest host. She took over as full-time host in May 2014. Interestingly, Anastarcia once worked for Philip as an assistant when he was the CEO of the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce. It was her passion, compassion, ambition, and willingness to serve that lead to Philip hiring her then and it was her understanding of Philip’s leadership skills, intellect and genuine concern for The Bahamas that lead to her recommendation of him as the perfect co-host for The Bahamas’ longest running television show. Philip accepted, and the dynamic duo have been bringing news, entertainment, education and excitement to homes ever since. Star and Phil have both had amazing experiences with Bahamas at Sunrise, from meeting new and up and coming talent, to putting tough questions to the country’s political leaders, on Bahamas at Sunrise they’ve explored it all. Two outstanding moments for the pair would be conducting the first interview with former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Hubert Ingraham after his resignation from Parliament just before the 2017 general election, and interviewing Bahamian Icon Sir Durwood Knowles at different times, with Phil conducting one of the last interviews of the legend before his death. The \ Ingraham interview was so significant that it made news headlines on Our TV and ZNS the evening it was aired and made newspaper headlines in both The Nassau Guardian and Tribune for several days after. Star and Phil both take tremendous pride in their affiliation with a show that has run for 17 years and featured the country’s top talent including two fellow nominees, Rogan Smith and Jerome Sawyer. The show has been a staple in the community over the years and several of the authors, musicians and scholars who have been nominated for and won, Bahamian Icon Awards were first featured there. Joan Albury has executed an excellent vision with the help of a wonderful support team of producers, directors and videographers. To this day it remains the only live show in The Bahamas.

Nominee

Timothy Bain

M edia

“Whoodat” Sports enthusiast, Visual Artist and advocate for Bahamian creatives, the twists and turns that I have maneuvered on my life’s journey has led me to a destination where I am living my dream, fulfilling my purpose and comfortable in my Bahamian skin. My mother, a dedicated basketball fan and former basketball player, fed my curiosity by molding me into an avid reader. My father, an ultimate music lover, whose musical tastes was comprised of the sounds of Bob Marley, Beres Hammond, Sade and ’90’s R&B. A devout Catholic, I was educated in New Providence at St. Thomas Moore Primary School and Saint Augustine’s College. Post-graduation I attended the College of The Bahamas where I studied Computer Information Systems and before switching my concentration to Media Journalism in 2013. The year 2013 was crucial to my development as a Visual Artist and a turning point for me as a creative. Prior to changing my focus to Journalism, I began managing my first music artist, Rapper Jay Complex and blogging for international and local websites discussing, reviewing and previewing NBA basketball and international music focusing mainly on Hip-Hop. I was given opportunity in 2013 to work for ZSR Sports Radio 103.5 in Nassau hosting two shows, Talking Sports and College Talk 103.5 with cohosts Mick Massaar and Amajahl Knowles, These two young men eventually became my business partners. #WHODAT initiated my love for the innovation of Bahamian creatives. Prior to this, I was an avid supporter of creative personalities but I chose to highlight the accomplishments of international artists and athletes, not Bahamians. But, after seeing first-hand the performances of many talented music artists, I decided to fully embrace the industry and focus my attention solely on Creative Industry. #WHODAT quickly rose to popularity in 2014. Working with BTC the following year as a Social Media Coordinator further immersed me in the richness of Bahamian culture. Between April 2014 and December 2017, I’ve had 80 episodes of #WHODAT, with Bahamian artists from all genres featured on the show. In December 2015, I was featured on the cover of Elife242 as one of the Bahamas’ new storytellers – using vlogging as a way to tell the Bahamian story. In November 2017, I was featured on the Huffington Post for my drive to take Bahamian culture to the world. I felt a sense of achievement in 2017 when #WHODAT won the Elevation Award for Vlog of the Year in April. In October, I won the National Youth Award for Youth In Entrepreneurship for my company 3AM. The award that meant the most to me in 2017 was the 2017 Bahamas Press Club Media Award for Excellence in Social Media (Blogging, Podcasting and Livestreaming) because I was awarded an award by journalists in the country for my work as an Event Blogger via my Instagram Page (Instagram Reporter et al). in 2018, #WHODAT won the Elevation Award again for Vlog of the Year. In the year 2017 alone, I had 36 episodes of #WHODAT. The combination of my consistency, the 3 awards and the Huffington Post article afford me the ability to take my vlog to television. In March 2018, #WHODAT242 aired on OURTV Channel 212 everyday Wednesday at 9PM for 10 weeks for the first season. The first 4 episodes featured my client and Bahamian Icon Nomine Bodine Victoria, Giovanni Johnson (who is also nominated for an Icon Award), comedian brothers Khing Kloud & Christian Adam G and Abaco stationed rappers Porter D Poet & Asher Simmons.

Nominee

Steven Gardiner Track and Field Born in Abaco, the love of volleyball peaked Stevenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interest into the sporting world where he played the game most of his youth. It was only after watching the London 2012 Olympics that Steven became fascinated with the sport of Athletics. At 16, those fascinations lead him to run 47.47 off very little training. The year that followed he decided to compete in the 200 meters, where he ran a personal best of 20.66.

Tasting success in a team event gave Steven all the drive he needed to win himself an individual medal in the 400 meters. In the year following at the IAAF World Championships, he won a silver medal in a new national record time of 43.89. Steven is one of only five track athletes to have ran 43 seconds in the 400 meters and 19 seconds in the 200 meters and the 13th athlete to have ran 43 seconds.

S ports

In 2015, his return to the 400 meters at the National Championships saw him set Bahamian record of 44.27 to win the event. The first Olympic medal came at the Rio 2016 Olympics where he captured a bronze medal in the menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 4X400 meters relay .

Nominee

Yolett Mcphee McCuin

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Women’s Basketball, Jacksonville University After turning around the women’s basketball program at Jacksonville University, Yolett McPheeMcCuin has been tabbed the ninth head coach in Ole Miss history, as announced on April 4, 2018, by Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics Ross Bjork. McPhee-McCuin spent the previous five seasons transforming Jacksonville into a perennial power in the Atlantic Sun Conference. During her tenure as head coach, McPhee-McCuin led the Dolphins to a 94-63 record (50-24 in ASUN play) and postseason appearances in each of her last three seasons. McPhee-McCuin, who also serves as the national team head coach for her native Bahamas, took over a program at Jacksonville that had only won 20 or more games in a season twice in its entire history and proceeded to march the Dolphins to three-straight 20-win campaigns in her final three years. In 2015-16, McPhee-McCuin and the Dolphins made history, capturing the program’s first ASUN Tournament title and NCAA Tournament berth with an upset in the conference championship game over two-time defending champion Florida Gulf Coast. The victory snapped FGCU’s seven-year, 71-game home streak against ASUN opponents and boosted Jacksonville to a 2211 record. McPhee-McCuin’s team followed that up with two more 20-win seasons and the first two WNIT appearances in JU history in 2016-17 (23-9, 11-3 ASUN) and 2017-18 (24-9, 12-2) with the final season seeing the Dolphins break the school record for single-season wins. In 201617, Jacksonville was the lone ASUN program to receive votes in the USA Today Coaches Poll and earned the first WNIT at-large ever given to an ASUN team. In addition to her collegiate coaching duties, McPhee-McCuin has served as the head coach for Bahamian national team since 2013. Her crowning achievement was the first Caribbean Basketball Confederation title for Bahamas in 10 years after a 55-51 win over Jamaica to qualify for the 2016 CentroBasket Championship. The success capped a very successful tournament outing with a perfect 5-0 record, and McPhee-McCuin became the first female coach to win a CBC title. McPhee-McCuin was the first Bahamian woman to sign a Division I letter of intent to play basketball, becoming a trailblazer in the process for other aspiring athletes from her home country. She is the first Bahamian woman to coach at a Division I program, and was the first black female head coach at Jacksonville before now becoming the first black female head coach in Ole Miss women’s basketball history. Throughout her coaching career, McPhee-McCuin has had a large impact in every community in which she has coached. She developed a foundation in the Bahamas called Back2Basics, which helps the development of children through education and athletics. Additionally, she was involved in numerous community service projects at her other coaching stops. Born April 30, 1983, the former Yolett McPhee and her husband, Kelly McCuin, have two daughters: Yasmine and Yuri.

Nominee

Giovani Johnson Kickboxing

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Giovanni is a fierce athlete in the area of Kickboxing and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). His career began in 2009 when he jumped at the chance to train in the art of taekwondo. Shortly thereafter, he began expanding his skill set in Judo, Jui Jitsu, Boxing and Sanda (Chinese Kickboxing). He competed for the first time in 2010 at the Bahamas Open Martial Arts Championship (BOMAC) for four consecutive years beginning in 2012. Ready to take on the challenge of MMA fighting, he commenced training with The Junkyard Dogs in Arlington, Texas, where he incorporated wrestling into his fighting style. In 2013, he trained at Sityodtong Muay Thai Academy in Sommerville, MA for six months in 2014 adding that Muay Thai to his repertoire. In 2016, he took a hiatus from competing and became the head teacher at the Empire MMA gym. In December of that year, he established a MMA programe at Baker’s Bay, Abaco and after a short stint he traveled to Thailand – the birth place of Muay Thai. Four months later, while carrying the Bahamian flag proudly, he won his first fight in a second round knock-out. After returning to Nassau some time later, Giovanni sought to give back to his community by participating in a health fair at Carlton Francis Primary School in March 2018. Currently, he is a personal trainer, incorporating kick boxing into his training programmes and is looking forward to his professional kick boxing debut home with the BOMAC – the promotion that kickstarted his career.

Nominee

Lucius Fox, Jr Baseball

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Lucius Fox is on the move from the minor leagues after they received a promotion in the Tampa Bay Rays franchise. Fox was assigned to the Charlotte Stone Crabs of the Florida State League at the single A- Advanced level. The 20-year-old shortstop spent the previous 77 games with the Bowling Green Hot Rods of the Midwest League at the Single A-Full level. He ended his sting with the Hot Rods with three consecutive multiple hit games, most recently a two-five outing. Fox hit a career-best .278 and ranked third in the Midwest League with 27 stolen bases. He also ranks second on the team with 45 runs scored, collected 27 runs batted in (RBI) and totaled a .362 on base percentage on base plus slugging (OBP) and .722 OPS with two runs. He began the season 1-14 at the plate with nine strikeouts through four games. He responded by recording hits five of the next six games. He also recorded three multiple-hitn gams during a six-game streak in late April and in May has posted three-hit games of his next four outings. He hit his first home run of the season on May 13. Fox has 23 hits in his first 15 games â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the second highest total in the Florida State League. Lucius remains vigorously focused on becoming the best Major League baseball player of all time. His ultimate goals are to one day be featured on the Bahamian Wall of Fame and the American Wall of Fame as the first Bahamian player and shortstop.

Nominee

Lady E

“Kill Dat Roach” Ericka Gabrielle Symonette, known professionally as Lady E, was born on August 28. 1979, in Nassau, Bahamas.

In 2000, Lady E released her first record If you feel it. The song opened doors for the artist in the Bahamas and she was soon performing locally and internationally as lead vocalist for renowned Bahamian bands such as Visage and Ting um Dem. Later she went on to form her own band, High Tide. Lady E’s hit singles Home is my Bahamaland, Hard Worker and When the Music Hits Me have all been featured in the acclaimed Best of the Best music compilation series and are definite local favourites. “For You,” her duet with Colyn McDonald, won the 2010 Junkanoo in June song competition and was chosen by Disney to appear in the popular television series Scrubs. She has also worked with other popular artists such as T’rez Hepburn, Funk D, D-Mac, Veronica Bishop, Ira Storr, Julian Believe and Ronnie Butler. In 2015 Lady E participated in the First Annual Bahamas Carnival Music Masters Competition with her hit song My Islands in the Sun featuring Ira Storr. The song praises the beauty and cultural experience of the Bahamas and it was a huge hit throughout the islands. It was awarded the 2nd place in the song competition and 1st place in the Road Fever portion of the competition. Feel That Rhythm was released later that year and features the rhythmic collaboration of Junkanoo and Rake n Scrap with a dynamic Socaflare. Feel that Rhythm sung in Bahamian dialect represents the culture of the Bahamas and the pride of the Caribbean. As a result of the prize her song Live for Da Road received at the 2nd Annual Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival Music Masters Song Competition in May 2016, Lady E signed with Sony Music to remix her Carnival anthem and distribute worldwide.

M usic

At the tender age of 6, she performed in her first school talent show and was showcased as lead vocalist in the choir. During her school years, she developed her talents in her Church’s choir and by the time she was 19 she was a lead soprano in the Bahamas National Youth Choir, travelling around the world representing her country through its music. The exposure gave her confidence and prepared her to launch her solo career.

Nominee

Qpid

M usic

Gimme We Culture Clay ‘Q-Pid’ Adderley’s name has become synonymous with Bahamian music better known as Rake N’ Scrape. Q-Pid, whose heritage hails from Brunt Ground, Long Island, began studying music at eight-years-old [laying several musical instruments – his favourite being the trumpet. His talent evolved at the primary, high school and college levels, learning from great teachers such as Edward Hanna, Errol ‘The Duke’ Strachan and Bahamian culture advocates Chris and Yonell Justillien. Over the years, Q-Pid developed a strong passion for Bahamian music as he was captivated by the sounds of Eddie Minnis and Phil Stubbs, but it is love and admiration for Tony ‘The Obeah Man’ McKay that is embedded in his soul. McKay’s influence on Q-Pid is apparent. In early 2011, Q-Pid released his first solo hit Bus Driver, which was an instant hit across the nation. In 2017 Q-Pid released another hit called Gimme My Culture which received heavy radio play in The Bahamas and The Turks and Caicos. In 2018, the song won Bahamian Song of The Year at the Annual Elevation Awards Cermony in Nassau, Bahamas.

Nominee

Sammie Star It Is What It Is

M usic

Born in The Bahamas, Sammi Starr is one of the hottest Recording Artists and Producers in the Caribbean. His style has been described as a unique blend of Marvin Gaye, Usher, Kanye West and John Legend with an Island twist. Sammi’s passion for music began at a young age. He was just 6 years old when he picked up his first instrument and began to sing in the church choir. Sammi inherited his talent from his parents, the Rev. Oswald Poitier, a legend in his own time who founded the group Gospel Music Train, and his mother, Sebrena Poitier, a talented singer. He is also an extremely talented musician and plays the drums and piano. As a teenager, he became one of the most sought after record producers in the Bahamas, producing hits for many local artists. Sammi has since become a renowned recording artist releasing top hits which landed him on the charts in countries like Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Turks & Caicos. Sammi Starr was one of the closing acts along with Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross, and Diddy at “Miami’s Best of the Best 2010,” one of the first Bahamians to perform at this concert event. He went on to represent the Bahamas at that event for more than 4 years. Sammi’s success at radio includes #1 hits on local stations such as More 94.9fm, 100jamz, and Power 104.5fm. Sammi Starr’s amazing song writing and composing skills has helped him to win many major talent shows including Charlotte, North Carolina’s “You Got Vocals,” the “2007 Junkanoo Song Competition” in the Bahamas, Bahamas Ministry of Education Song writing Champion, the inaugural Music Masters Competition at the Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival in 2015. He was also a runner up in the 2016 competition. He was also crowned champion at the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Song Writing and Performance Competition in 2017. As a result of his winning the Music Masters completion, Sammi recently landed a recording contract with Sony Music Latin as well as covers for “Elife 242 Magazine,” “Stylezine Magazine,” and “Brutha Magazine.” He was also selected as the winner of the Bahamian Icon Award for Music Entertainment. In 2017, Sammi Starr’s “I Iz What I Iz” single made history as a Bahamian Entertainer as it landed in the top 10 on itunes Music; a first for any Bahamian Entertainer. Sammi currently heads the hot production company “Starrboy Inc.” Sammi’s other passion beyond music is mentoring students. He frequently volunteers at local high schools and advocates for music and entertainment education in the Bahamas, helping many young students to develop their musical skills and achieve their goals in music and entertainment.

Nominee

Funky D

Ways of a Woman

Funky D is a real entertainer, with a really big heart. He is one of the foremost recording artists in the Bahamas, and heads the annual benefit concert for the Ranfurly Home. As the resident entertainer at SuperClubs Breezes, he gets to jam 6 nights a week, performing classic hits plus his own songs now and then.

M usic

Funky D was voted Bahamian Entertainer of the Year for 1993 by the Association of Performing Artists of the Bahamas, and his release, “At the Centre” received the Best Goombay Song of the Year award. “David Ferguson, who performs professionally as ‘Funky D’, is a superbly gifted singer with a velvet voice and an engaging personality”. - Oswald Brown, Freeport News

Nominee

Julien Believe Rollin It

M usic

Julien Thompson better known by his stage name ‘Julien Believe’ has taken the Caribbean music circuit by storm with an unique infectious brand of music that has connected the sounds of The Bahamas with international superstars from countries around the world. Julien Believe has created a reputation for himself by incorporating music powerhouses into each music project, creating a hybrid of Soca and Bahamian Junkanoo rhythms that has become the signature Julien Believe sound fans intensely look forward to in every song. Julien has created a unique sound called ‘Junkanoo Pop’ which fuses the genres of Soca, R&B and a mix of island rhythms. He continues to be propelled to stages across the globe as he did in 2015 when he performed at the Miss World 2015 competition in Sanya, China before a live audience of thousands and a televised audience of millions. He was awarded the Bahamian Icon Award winner in 2014 for the Most Popular Song in 2014 for his hit single the Caribbean Slide. He continued to receive the support of his fans, which earned him the 2015 Cacique Award nomination for Song of the Year. Julien’s hit single “Live and Wine” featuring soca artist Bunji Garlin was most played on Bahamian radio in 2015. Teaming up with nine-time Grammy winner John Legend and Grammy Award winning producer Dana “Rockwilder” Stinson has further catapulted Julien’s career. On his latest project, The Rebirth, Julien has given fans another taste of his well diverse talent. In his single “Party Ambassadors” he has teamed up with world renowned artists like Jamaican Reggae Artist Beenie Man, Antiguan soca artist Ricardo Dru and Barbados Soca artist Fadda Fox.

Nominee

Tingum Dem

M usic

I Don’t Wanna Dance

The Tingum Dem was formed by Fred Ferguson in preparation of the 35th anniversary of Independence to be the House band for all of the local artists. Because it was made up of a number of musicians, some from other established bands, Ronald Simms and Fred Ferguson thought that the band would be best described as ‘Tingum Dem’. Since then some of the members of the band thought that the band was so dynamic they should stay together and become an entity in the local entertainment industry. There have been a few changes over the years with some musicians moving on to other bands and others moving to successful solo careers, but Fred Ferguson has remained at the helm and continues to add talented musicians. The band has performed for many local balls and banquets and is in top demand for many destination functions. Tingum Dem boasts of having the best horn selection and they focus on songs from the 70s and developing the Rake n’Scrape and Junkanoo sounds. The group consists of Fred Ferguson; Colyn ‘Moe’ Grant; Earl Forbes; Darrell Hurston; Byron Thompson; Dion Turnquest; Andrew ‘Tino’ Richardson; Jawara Adams; D’Angelo Moss; Richard Sands; Denteria Jackson; Donrica Burrows; Patrea ‘Queenie’ Gardiner; Trent Carter and Sonovia Pierre.

Nominee

Navado Dawkins The Navishon Brand

Rising Star

Navado Dawkins entered the work force at just 16 after graduating high school one month before. Thriving out of a less fortunate background, Navado propelled himself from his first job as a underpaid cook to a permanent cook position at The Melia Nassau Beach Resort. During this time, Navado had grew more passion for a particular art ( Fashion Design). He has taken various avenues to better educate himself which are ( YouTube Tutorials, Parsons / Teen Vogue Online Fashion Course, Joe Stubbs Style Bootcamp, and Celebrity Designer Shane Justin’s Sewing Seminar. He had grown such a passion for fashion designing he was able to resign as a cook and become a full time fashion designer . Since then, he has grown tremendously in his craft of Fashion designing and Entrepreneurship. He was able to produce his very first Fashion Showcase Entitled A World Tour Fall Fashion Show at Club Land’or Paradise Island in November 2015 at just 18 years old. The success didn’t just end there. He showcased for the second time last April entitled NAVASSAU at Super Club Breezes. Additionally, Navado became the first Bahamian fashion designer to showcase at South Texas International Fashion Week June 2017 at just 19 years old. Months before showcasing internationally, Navado made a major business venture when he traveled Guangzhou, China and returned to open two new businesses. He now stands as the Owner & Fashion Consultant At Makeofour Beauty Studio & Spa Est. Dec 7th, 2017, Owner Of Nava Clothing Store / Planet Gadget Novelties Est. April 9th, 2018, and Current President/ Franchise Holder/ National Director Of The Miss Bahamas Grand Pageant currently at 20 years old. Navado is the definition of dedication and he lives by the motto” If you think you are beaten you are, if you think you dare not you don’t. If you’d like to win and you think you can’t is almost certain you won’t” By Walter D Wintle.

Nominee

Khalea Richards

Rising Star

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Abaco

As an Abaconian, it has always been important to Khalea to not only have an impact on not only her school but her entire community. Between Abaco, New Providence and Long Island she has accumulated 700 volunteers between 2016 and 2018. In Abaco, she volunteers weekly teaching after school classes to younger students at Friends of the Environment. She has also spent countless hours at Friends and the Bahamas Marine Mammal Research Organization assisting with their events and scientific field research. She was able to spend two weeks volunteering in Long Island in summer 2017 with Bahamas Youth Network assisting at CARIFTA, Bahamas Reef Environment Education Foundation as well as the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas Summer Camp. Khalea has competed in the Junior Minister of the Environment Competition against students from all over the country and placed second overall. She is a member of the Drama and Speech and Debate Clubs. These clubs helped her to win first place in the Rotary Club of Abacoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hugh Cottis speech in 2016 in the junior division and 2018 in the senior division. Additionally, she won first place in the local Model United Nations (MUNS) competition. But perhaps her most proud moment was when she won Junior Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas for 2018. Academically, she maintains a 4.00 at Forest Heights Academy in Marsh Harbour. Khalea believes that her love for The Bahamas has inspired her to be a warrior for conservation and the environment.

Nominee

Dearsheray Brown DJ Melody

Rising Star

Dearsharay ‘DJ Melody’ Brown can be described as a young female that defies all stigmatic laws of being a female. At 10-years-old she had a passion for music and began playing instruments like the piano and the trumpet as she was involved in the Hatchet Bay community band based in Eleuthera. Brown, who was an honor student throughout her high school career decided to become a disc jockey. While she started her career at 14, she was not nationally recognized until 18 when she played on one of the leading radio stations – 100 Jamz. Brown is a sophomore at The University of The Bahamas. She is a native of Abaco and moved to New Providence to pursue her higher education. Brown is the youngest female disc jockey in The Bahamas. Her videos on social media have racked 19,000 views, 490 shares, 1,600 likes and 673 comments. As part of the regular teen scene, she plays to aid females at every event and looks to supports young women in The Bahamas.

Nominee

Anthony Stuart

T ourism

Bahams Ministry of Tourism, Europe

The career of Anthony Stuart spans 35 years of professionalism, excellence and tourism triumphs for the islands and the people of The Bahamas. Anthony, who is currently the Director of Europe for the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism has worked in Canada, the United States and now Europe. Since his time in his current post, visitor arrivals from Europe has seen tremendous growth. Anthony has mastered product positioning aligning the Islands Of The Bahamas with industry partners for maximum benefit. Some of these connections resulted in increased capacity of British Airways London to Nassau direct flight; the return of Alpitour’s seasonal, weekly air service from Milan, Italy directly to Grand Bahama Island in 2016; Condor’s weekly service from Frankfurt, Germany to Nassau; the first ever scheduled flights from Paris to San Salvador in 2016 with Air Caraibes; the signing of an interline agreement between Bahamasair and Air Caraibes giving access to The Bahamas for European travelers. Anthony’s years of experience have resulted in immense fortunes for The Islands Of The Bahamas. The unprecedented levels of media exposure, marketing campaigns and strategic posturing in Europe have brought more than widespread awareness and increased activity. The far-reaching measures have resulted in increased visitor arrivals to The Bahamas and an increase in revenue generated for The Bahamas with the ultimate goal of significant improvement in the well-being of Bahamians.

Nominee

Carlton Russell The Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association For the past 15 years, Therena Cunningham has been passionate about community service and more notably the mentorship and development of adolescent girls, teen girls and young women. Taking up a challenge from her younger sister Laticia, she organized, managed and prepared a dance drill team to collaborate with the marching band for the churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual street parade.

T ourism

In April 2002, the Bahamas Majorettes and Marching Auxilliaries (BMMA) was created which comprised a group of girls who were the best dancers, colour guards, majorettes and twirlers on the island of New Providence. Additionally, Cunningham established a non-profit development program for young women called S.T.R.A.W. Inc. Through the implementation of this programme after school programme, the Middle School Project, Setting Boundaries Teen Dating Campaign, the Respect Rally, the Alpha School Tour ; In house girls only programs, community service learning and skills based training young women are motivated to recognized their inherent talents, actively resist negative peer pressure and experience immeasurable personal success. S.T.R.A.W. is dedicated and committed to performing in the lives of young women throughout The Bahamas.

Nominee

Jennifer Ellis

T ourism

Grand Lucayan Resort, Grand Bahama

In the 1990s, after ten years in the Banking industry, Jennifer relocated to Grand Bahama Island and joined the hospitality industry first as a Front Desk Clerk, then as a Banquet Manager and then Weddings Manager. She used her creative instincts and developed the first destination wedding package for the resort. It generated a brand new market which continues to flourish. In her capacity as Weddings Manager she has attended many bridal shows promoting the Bahamas and the resort for which she works.. Further, she gained vast experience and in-depth knowledge in hosting and catering various interfaith based weddings with a good understanding of diverse culture elements that is Catholic, Hindu, Jewish, African and non-denominational weddings. Notwithstanding the down turn in the tourism market for Grand Bahama Island, the damages suffered during the passage of Hurricane Matthew in October 2016 along with the scare of the Zika Virus, the Lighthouse Pointe at Grand Lucayan Resort continues to be the premier property of choice for many clients. As a unique Bahamian Icon Ambassador with grand excitement for Weddings, Jennifer continues to exhibit her commitment and enthusiasm in her professional representation for both the local community and in the tourism sector.

Nominee

Robert Sands Kamalame Cay

T ourism

Robert D.L. Sands II, also known as “Delano” serves as Resident/General Manager of Kamalame Cay Private Resort and Residences. He is responsible for all aspects of hotel operations and provides leadership and strategic planning to all departments in part of our service culture, maximized operations and guest satisfaction. He started his career in 2002 at the Royal Towers Atlantis Hotel where he served as Assistant Front Office Manager. In 2005, he served as Manager of VIP Services and Villas at the then One and Only Ocean Club for 11 years. In November of 2018, Robert accepted the position at Kamalame Cay. Kamalame Cay is located just off Andros Great Barrier Reef and welcomes more than 70 guests across its 96 acres of flowering jungle, coconut palm grooves, and deserted white palm beach. Kamalame Cay is a family ran business and employs 60+ people of which 90% is local Androsians. Kamalame Cay has been Travel and Leisure #1 Hotel in the Caribbean, Bermuda and The Bahamas 2 years in a row and #33 in the world. It has also been recognized by Conde’ Nast as its #1 Resort in Bermuda, The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos 2 years in a row and #52 in the world. While at Kamalame Cay Robert has been able to maintain quality service by establishing and enforcing organizational standards. He has increased managements effectiveness by recruitment and has developed a climate for offering information and opinions. He continues to build the company’s image by collaborating with customers, government officials, community organizations and employees; enforcing ethical business practices. He is graduate of St. Andrews College Aurora, Ontario and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Tuskegee University. He a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and Royal Eagle Lodge #1 Prince Hall Affiliated. He is married to Georgette nee Robinson and has one daughter Gabriella Peyton’.

Nominee

David Charlton

Youth Development

Star Trackers Track Club David Charlton was first introduced to track and field when a Physical Educatiion teacher saw his potential during class. What followed afterward was a progression of coaches and mentors that guided him to a successful career in the sport. Through his hard work, dedication and strong guidance of his coaches, David received a full scholarship to Howard University in Washington DC where he studied engineering. After graduating from university, David began a successful business enterprise with his wife Laura Pratt-Charlton. In 2000, David was approached by the Bahamas Association of Amateur Athletics president and asked is he would consider training a promising young athlete under his wing and train him for the upcoming CARIFTA Games. The Star Trackers Track and Field Club began in 2001 and since its inception has seen over 350 athletes pass through its program with approximately 50 athletes receiving partial to full track and field scholarships to American universities with an excess of $6 million in scholarships rewarded. Through all of this, Coach Charlton has never taken a salary for his work. He is at the track working with his athletes every day of the week and for much of the weekend as well. He has been a mentor, father figure, a shoulder to cry on, a firm hand to depend on and an encouraging cheerleader. Coach Charlton has paid school tuition, provided food and shelter and the literal clothes off his back for his athletes all without expecting nothing in return. He believes that because of the help he received from his own coaches and the success he has experienced in his business and personal life he has duty to his country to lead, guide and mentor the youth of today and the leaders of tomorrow.

Nominee

Georgette Rolle Fourteen Clubs Golf Academy

Today, Junior Golf in The Bahamas is now bigger than it’s ever been. Since her return home, Georgette and her instructors have taught and impacted more than 3,000 students from ages 3 through 18. She is the first Bahamian to have taught golf in the government schools for PE classes and the afterschool program. There are approximately 90-95 students in tournaments hosted in Nassau, Freeport, Abaco, Exuma and two to three international sites per year. On June 5, 2018 Fourteen Clubs Golf Academy was featured on the Golf Channel’s Morning Drive which is where international golf from around the world is showcased. This was the first time that Bahamian Amateur golf was showcased. Georgette believes that every student no matter the age should be exposed to the 14 core values in which the club was built upon: Sportmanship, Integrity, Perserverance, Confidence, Courtesy, Respect, Judgment, Passion, Responsibility, Education, Vision, Success, Community and Empowerment are inherent to the game of golf. In September 2018, six junior golfers will be going off college golf this year knowing this is only the beginning and the beginning and the best is to come. Fourteen Clubs nonprofit arm “The Front 9” will assist with the necessary finances to complete the process of them starting college golf, ensuring them that playing college golf will not be just a dream but a reality. Georgette is the also the first golf consultant for the University of The Bahamas and has played a large role in the making of the first ever golf team at the university which will make its day view Fall 2018. She is also Assistant Golf Professional at the Royal Blue Golf Club at Baha Mar, where she enjoys sharing knowledge with tourist and locals alike, but dearest to her heart are the youth – the future of the nation

Youth Development

Leading the Fourteen Clubs Golf Academy, Georgette Rolle has successfully produced events in the country since 2015. As the third Bahamian Women’s Golf Pro, she was the first Bahamian woman to ever play in the LPGA Golf Tournament. Her vision is to expose junior golfers to a rigorous tournament schedule both nationally and internationally. Classes started with one child at a time and has now grown to approximately 50 per week. Although facing challenges such as lack of places to play, Fourteen Clubs Golf Academy continues to pursue its ultimate goal of scholarships for college golf.

Nominee

Happy Hall

Youth Development

Youth Empowerment Through Soccer International After receiving a scholarship in the US which led him to pursue his professional soccer career in the US, Canada, the UK, Romainia, Denmark and Trinidad and Tobago, Happy Hall became passionate about coaching and finding a way to share education and opportunities he was offered through the sport of soccer. Thus, he started Youth Empowerment through Soccer International (YESI) and began to lay the groundwork for an expansive grassroots program aimed to educate, empower and mentor young, talented and dedicated Bahamians. Through several fundraising and sponsorship initiatives, YESI has established and sustained free after school coaching and tutoring program for the children of Gambier and Adelaide Primary Schools, also providing tutoring program for the children of Gambier and Adelaide Primary Schools also providing equipment, uniforms and transportation. Educations and a strong work ethic are key components of the program and so tutoring and mentoring programs are combined with coaching as a means to YESI’s main objective – using soccer to afford young Bahamians international opportunities and exposure, either in higher education or professional development within a sport. YESI’S doesn’t just stop at the player level. The coaches that participate in the program are gainfully employed and two of the current coaches have graduated the YESI program. YESI aims to expand to New Providence and all Family Islands in an attempt to showcase raw talent and tenacity that is abundant throughout The Bahamas and can be recognized on a global platform.

Nominee

Paul Frazier, Jr. Junior Achievement, Grand Bahama

In 2017, he founded Gravitas Bahamas to foster an environment for millennials to develop a strong depth of character with an ultimate goal for the advancement of the Bahamian economy for generations to come. In February 2018, Gravitas executed “The Business Games” in Deep Creek, Eleuthera. During this same period, Paul also introduced the FutureMe campaign, which focused on career planning, general business and community involvement and understanding the present Bahamian economy. Paul’s professional career spans over a twelve-year period in the field of accounting and finance. His experience in The Bahamas and professional tenure in the United States has placed him in a unique position to provide guidance on business and entrepreneurship to millenials in the country. He is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the State of New Hampshire and a licensed Chartered Accountant with the Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with Honours from Acadia University and is a 2002 high school graduate of St. Augustine’s College.

Youth Development

As a Bahamian who has studied and worked abroad, Paul is looking to uplift a number of young people in the country. His activities with the Junior Achievement Program while in high school helped him to recognize the impact extracurricular activities had on enforcing stronger bonds between youth and society. As an advisor for the program for nearly a decade, he has played a dynamic and pivotal role in teaching financial literacy, entrepreneurship and work readiness to high school students in New Providence and Grand Bahama. In 2017, he developed and co-funded an event called “The Business Games : Tomorrow is Today” as part of Junior Achievement Bahamas’ Annual National Conference. The activities targeted high school students taking some 80 millennials through a series of challenges in a game show format to teach them about business, entrepreneurship and The Bahamas.

Nominee

Therena Cunningham

Youth Development

S.T.R.A.W. INC, Center for Young Women For the past 15 years, Therena Cunningham has been passionate about community service and more notably the mentorship and development of adolescent girls, teen girls and young women. Taking up a challenge from her younger sister Laticia, she organized, managed and prepared a dance drill team to collaborate with the marching band for the churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual street parade. Shortly after one performance, a plethora of booking performances were in the pipeline and I moved forward to scheduling practices, arranging community service appearances, ordering equipment, designing new uniform, recruiting and training members. In April 2002, the Bahamas Majorettes and Marching Auxilliaries (BMMA) was created which comprised a group of girls who were the best dancers, colour guards, majorettes and twirlers on the island of New Providence. Additionally, Cunningham established a non-profit development program for young women called S.T.R.A.W. Inc. Through the implementation of this programme after school programme, the Middle School Project, Setting Boundaries Teen Dating Campaign, the Respect Rally, the Alpha School Tour ; In house girls only programs, community service learning and skills based training young women are motivated to recognized their inherent talents, actively resist negative peer pressure and experience immeasurable personal success. S.T.R.A.W. is dedicated and committed to performing in the lives of young women throughout The Bahamas.

Acknowledgements The Bahamian Icon Awards Organizing Committee gratefully acknowledges the contributions of the following individuals and companies: Adrian Archer Alexia Coakley Alia Coley Andrew Knowles Angel Reckley Ashjuan Barnett B.Scott Chigozie Ijeoma Chris J Corain Smith-Cash Elva Manning Ericka “Lady E” Symonette Gea Piere Guy Wood, Jr. Jackson Petit Jason Rahming Jayde Knowles Jessica Martin Kamela Forbes Kelsey Rolle Kendea Jones Krista Nairn Kyle Ferguson

Latia Bowe-Duncombe Latoya Hanna-Moxey Luis Garavito Makeva Wallace Marciano Darling Maxine Seymour Nastaea Sealy Nikkie Jae O’Neal Bain Obi Pindling Patrice Johnson Rachael Allahar Rachalle Ferguson Rafer Johnson Randle Graham Ricardo Christie Risse Demeritte Roderick Wells Sammi Star Poitier Stephan Sands Theodore Elyett Vernice Smith Victorine Banister

2018 Bahamian Icon Awards Sponsors 2018 Bahamian Icon Awards Selection Board Members 2018 Bahamian Icon Awards Volunteers

The hearLIFE Clinic is proud of Bahamian Icon Awards Nominee Dr. Kim Scriven

Dr. Scriven, audiologist and head of the hearLIFE Clinic Nassau

The hearLIFE Clinic, located at the Bahamas Medical Center, offers comprehensive hearing health care to people affected by mild to profound hearing loss. In the “Health” category Dr. Kim Scriven is nominated for steering the course of audiology in The Bahamas and for her passion and dedication to restore people’s hearing in the hearLIFE Clinic. Come and visit Dr. Scriven to check your hearing or get more information about our clinic at

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www.hearlifeclinic.com.

hearLIFE Clinic Nassau Bahamas Medical Center, Blake Road, Nassau Tel: 242 698 1145 | nassau@hearlifeclinic.com www.hearlifeclinic.com

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PAST PRESIDENT BARRY RASSIN FOR HIS NOMINATION FOR

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DR KIM SCRIVEN FOR HER NOMINATION FOR

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Yolett McPhee-McCuin Continue to shatter those ceilings! #NOCEILINGS

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Congratulations to

JACQUELINE GIBSON

Congratulations

Georgette Rolle

on your 2018 Icon awards nomination. From: Riccardo Davis, The Bahamas Professional Golf Tour and the growing number of Professional Golfers.

The Members, Volunteers and Executive Committee of S.T.R.A.W. Inc.TM Center for Young WomenÂŠ Join in the recognition and celebration of Therena cunningham for over 15 years of dedication and commitment to youth development throughout the bahamas. May god richly bless you!

Congratulations to

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Congratulations to

Jerome Miller

on your nomination from The Baha-Retreat

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