In our little country The Bahamas, where stories pass from neighbor to neighbor faster than hurricane winds, the news of Valdez “VJ” Edgecombe Jr.’s NBA draft selection lit up every conversation. When his name was announced as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers, the excitement was electric, especially in Bimini.

VJ, as he’s known to friends and family, was born and raised in Bimini, an island known as much for its serene blue waters as for its hardworking people. Growing up living in a home powered by a generator, he learned early that greatness isn’t handed to you, it’s earned. “Seeing what she had to go through to feed us, man it’s crazy,” he recalled modestly in a recent interview. “The work doesn’t stop.”

His journey led him far from home. After catching the attention of scouts at Gateway Christian Academy, VJ ventured to the United States, where he further honed his game. At Long Island Lutheran, his efforts earned him prestigious honors like McDonald’s All-American and New York Gatorade Player of the Year. His single season at Baylor University reflected his steady climb, averaging 15 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game, statistics that quietly proclaimed him a formidable talent.

On draft night, the announcement was surprisingly understated. “I had no clue what was going on,” VJ admitted. “It’s surreal. I worked hard and everything has paid off” Today, as he dons the number 77 for the 76ers, his calm determination and humble beginnings stand out amidst the sea of flashy headlines.

Yet, VJ’s impact extends beyond the basketball court. Even as he embarks on this new chapter in his NBA career, his heart remains firmly planted in Bimini. Recently, he launched a scholarship fund for students at his former school, a tangible commitment to giving back to the community that nurtured his dreams. This gesture speaks volumes about his character and the values he carries from home.

For Bahamians, VJ Edgecombe Jr. is not merely an athlete; he is a beacon of hope, a reminder that even those raised in modest surroundings can soar to unimaginable heights. As he prepares to start his professional journey with the Philadelphia 76ers, our pride is as deep as the ocean that surrounds our islands.

VJ isn’t just playing in the NBA. He’s playing for Bimini and the entire country. With every dribble and every dunk, he carries our Bahamian flag onto the global stage with pride.

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The tagline for this film: Family Is Where You Find It. This is a film about a young girl living a simple life on one of the outer islands of the Bahamas with her grandmother. After her grandmother dies she is forced to move to the capital city of the Bahamas to live with her mother. She finds her mother is worse off financially in the slum part of the city of Nassau than her grandmother was in minimalist life of Ragged Island. Now our young heroine must find a way to reconnect with the mother she never knew and in the process find answers to the questions that plague her adolescent mind while building on the budding potential her athletic prowess has shown for her future.

This movie can be considered a revelation in its deception of a side of the life in paradise that is not shown on the tourist guides. It lets us see how third world conditions can thrive in the shadow of a city and how the inhabitants adapt to eke out a living that is far from the paradise they are supposed surrounded by. Maria Govan has written and directed a powerful film that brings a wide range of issues and emotions to the screen with detail and delicate artistry that makes her one to watch. Renel Brown is very compelling as the lead character and shows a depth that makes you forget that this is her first film. This movie gives us a taste of the Bahamian talent that is waiting to be set loose on the world and is just one of the myriad of stories to be told on a global scale. I had once rated this motion picture differently, but after watching it in a different medium for this present review I rate this film a rating of 4 out of 5.

Rated 4 out of 5

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So y’all been in my DMs heavy saying, “KC you ga check out Applebee’s at Fusion or what?” And since I already had movie plans at Fusion Superplex, I said let me slide through and see what the hype is about.

Now off rip, ambience on point. The décor giving modern American diner with a lil’ upscale twist, and the view? Stunning. You’re looking out over the water like you’re somewhere fancy. Real Instagrammable if you trying to catch a sunset snap or soft launch a date.

But hear me out….that’s where the vibes stop.

I ordered the nachos thinking it’s a safe bet (cuz let’s be real, how you mess up nachos?). Chile… not only did the plate pull up looking like it been through a war, it was cold like it sat there for a while before anyone noticed. Edges messy, barely any cheese in the nachos, and flavor? Flat. Real meh. I didn’t even bother ordering anything else after that.

Service wise, no complaints. The staff were actually cool and attentive, so props to them. But service alone can’t carry a place where the food is not giving. It’s the kind of spot that looks nice on the ‘Gram but leaves you hungry and wondering where your coins went.

If you’re a visitor or even a local trying to find a good bite before a movie? Skip it. You could pull up somewhere else in the area and get more value for your dollar and more seasoning on your plate. This place is cute to look at but not worth the bite. You ain’t missing nothing if you never go.

Final Rating 1 out of 5

New Digital Landing Card Coming Soon

The Bahamas Government is gearing up to introduce a Digital Landing Card, a major upgrade designed to simplify the arrival experience for travelers. Once launched, the new system will combine Customs and Immigration into a single digital platform, cutting down paperwork and wait times at entry points. Cabinet has already approved the rollout, which also promises stronger data sharing between agencies to enhance national security. Visitors will complete landing info online before arrival, creating a faster, more efficient process. The initiative also supports smarter tourism planning by helping the government better track visitor trends. Travel just got a tech boost.

TikTok Trend

Why the World’s Watching The Bahamas Right Now

For decades, Bahamian tourism has revolved around a familiar trio: sun, sand, and sea. But times are changing, and so is the traveler. Visitors today are looking for more than a beach day; they want culture, adventure, connection, and meaning. That shift presents a rare opportunity for The Bahamas to redefine what tourism can look like and who it can serve.

The push to diversify tourism isn’t just about adding new tours or excursions. It’s about building an industry that better reflects the richness of Bahamian life. From food and fashion to storytelling, sports, wellness, and the arts, there’s a growing space for locals to turn what they know and love into world-class experiences.

This opens the door for young Bahamians to step into entrepreneurship. A hike in Andros isn’t just exercise, it’s eco-tourism. A Saturday cookout in Nassau isn’t just vibes, it’s culinary tourism.

Diversification also helps spread tourism wealth beyond the capital and big-name resorts. It means communities on smaller islands can create niche offerings and thrive on their own terms. It’s a chance for Bahamians to take back the narrative and center themselves in the industry that fuels the economy.

The future of tourism in The Bahamas isn’t just “more tourists”—it’s better tourism. More inclusive, more creative, more sustainable. If we lean into who we are, we don’t have to chase trends, we become the trend.

So yes, there’s buzz. But behind it is a question: What kind of Bahamas do we want to build? One that stays stuck in the same formula or one bold enough to bet on its own people?