A night of dazzling gowns, heartfelt speeches, and spirited camaraderie came to a triumphant close as the Bahamas National High School Pageant crowned its newest royalty. More than just crowns and evening gowns, the Bahamas National High School Pageant is shaping the next generation of Bahamian leaders. Now in its second year, the competition has already seen significant growth, expanding from 11 to 16 participating schools, including C.R. Walker Senior High, St. George’s High, Doris Johnson Senior High, Eight Mile Rock High and more. But its true success lies in the personal and professional development of its contestants.

“This was never just about a pageant,” said director Darrol Stubbs. “We wanted to create an experience that builds confidence, leadership, and a sense of community. With the addition of a conference component, contestants had more time to bond, develop their public speaking skills, and strengthen their platforms. By the end, they weren’t just competitors, they became a family.”

For many, BNHS has been transformative. “I’ve participated in international pageants before, but BNHS was by far the best experience,” said former Miss BNHS, Kaynia Minnis. “The support system here is incredible. It pushes you to grow beyond what you thought was possible.”

Stanford McIntosh, the first-ever Mr. BNHS, emphasized the importance of mentorship. “This isn’t just about a title. It’s about giving back. Watching this year’s contestants, I felt proud seeing them develop into strong, articulate individuals ready to take on the world.”

Winner of this year’s Miss BNHS title, Xaria Ingraham, learned a vital lesson: “Never underestimate your competition. This experience taught me resilience, teamwork, and the importance of pushing beyond my limits.”

Alongside Ingraham, this year’s winners included Stephon Rolle, who was crowned Mr. BNHS; Daquan Parker, named Junior Mr. BNHS; and Kamryn Fernander, the new Junior Miss BNHS. Parker shared his excitement, saying, “I enjoyed the pageant and look forward to what’s ahead.”

With contestants representing schools from across the Bahamas, BNHS has become a proving ground for young leaders. As the competition continues to grow, so too does its impact, creating a future where beauty, intelligence, and leadership go hand in hand.

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Discover the Best of Bahamian Creativity at the Star Film Weekend, where storytelling, talent, and innovation take center stage in film, theatre, and comedy!

Star Film Weekend is an exciting celebration of Bahamian creativity, showcasing the best in film, theatre, and comedy. From March 26th to 30th, you will endure a series of short film screenings, theatrical performances, and TV comedy showcases, culminating in the Star Film Awards Night at Margaritaville Beach Resort in Nassau.

This year, several talented Bahamian creatives will be honored for their exceptional work, including our very own Rouen Robinson, a talented producer, actor, and film journalist, who is nominated for his contributions to the industry. Rouen, like many others, represents the incredible depth of talent emerging from our community.

The Star Film Institute continues to provide an invaluable platform to nurture and elevate Bahamian Playwrights and TV Filmmakers, offering them opportunities to reach new audiences and achieve global recognition.

Don't miss out on this chance to connect with fellow creatives, celebrate our local talent, and have fun!

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For food lovers in Grand Bahama, Created Lavishly is nothing short of legendary! Everyone knows the Original Oxtail Lady, the culinary mastermind behind some of the most mouthwatering, one-of-a-kind dishes you’ll ever taste.

While oxtail is undoubtedly the star of her menu, she doesn’t stop there—she pushes the boundaries of flavor and creativity with jaw-dropping, out-of-the-box cuisine. Her seafood boils, drenched in your choice of rich, flavorful sauces, are absolutely to die for. Her Flying Dutchman and pork chop burgers are crazy good. Her oxtail patties? Pure perfection. And just when you think she can’t outdo herself, she introduces game-changing creations like oxrella sticks, oxtail rice, oxtail mac and cheese, oxtail pasta, oxtail fritters, and the list goes on!

Recently, she’s been on the move, making waves in Abaco and keeping foodies on their toes, eagerly tracking her next stop. Social media is buzzing—everyone wants to know where she’s headed next!

Don’t miss out! Follow Created Lavishly on Facebook and stay up to date—you’ll want to be first in line to experience these unforgettable dishes for yourself

Bahamas CARIFTA Swim Team Selected

The Bahamas is coming in strong for the CARIFTA Swimming Championships, locking in a 36-member squad ready to dominate in Trinidad & Tobago from April 19-22. After a competitive selection process, this team is stacked with talent, especially in the 13-14 girls’ division, where all eight available spots were filled.

Led by head coach Travano McPhee, the squad features stars like Isabella Cuccurullo, Ellie Gibson, Skylar Smith and Lelah Lewis. With six consecutive titles under our belt, Team Bahamas is ready to make it seven. Let’s back our swimmers as they rep the 242 with pride. Get the full list here.

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Are We Prepared for The Next Blaze?

This year, fires have affected several parts of The Bahamas, highlighting the need for continued awareness and preparedness. In East Grand Bahama, a recent bushfire spread quickly due to strong winds, damaging power infrastructure and causing temporary outages in several communities.

Beyond the inconvenience of power loss, the fire also put homes and businesses at risk. Emergency teams and fire services moved swiftly to contain the flames, but what if the winds had been stronger? What if resources had been stretched thinner? These questions echo beyond Grand Bahama, as other islands have also faced fires this year.

Are we doing enough to prepare for fires in our community? While emergency responders played a crucial role, many residents also took matters into their own hands, using garden hoses, clearing dry brush, and working together to protect their properties. Should fire safety awareness and prevention efforts be increased?

As restoration efforts continue, this fire serves as a reminder that preparation is key. With climate patterns shifting and fire risks persisting, communities, utility providers, and emergency teams must work together to ensure a faster, more effective response to fires.