For a long time, Bahamians have been grouped into the vague category of “Caribbean people,” often mistaken for Jamaicans or simply overlooked. While Americans can usually point out The Bahamas on a map, they haven’t always recognized who we are as a people. But now, that’s starting to change.

Thanks to social media, especially TikTok, the Bahamian identity is finally getting the shine it deserves. Our accents, our culture, our dances, and our way of speaking are becoming easier for the world to identify. More and more, people are starting to say, “Wait… that’s Bahamian!” And for us, that’s huge.

Jamaica has always been the loudest voice in the Caribbean room, and rightly so. But The Bahamas is finally being heard in its own voice. We’re not just a travel destination or a cruise stop anymore. We’re creators, influencers, storytellers, and artists. The creative wave rising across the islands is happening at the same time our culture is breaking through internationally.

For years, talking about global Bahamian representation has been a touchy subject. We knew we had something special, but the world didn’t seem to see it. That feeling is shifting. More people are recognizing that The Bahamas isn’t just part of the Caribbean — it is Caribbean, with its own distinct flavor and voice.

This is a pivotal time for our people. We're not just known for our “unseriousness” or laid-back nature. We're being seen for our language, our music, our lingo, and our creativity. We're no longer asking to be part of the conversation — we’re becoming the conversation.

So yes, The Bahamas has entered the chat. And soon, 242 to the world won’t just be a saying. It will be a fact.

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Okay, so just in case y’all forget — I asked y’all to drop some food spots in Nassau for me to check out, and now we on stop number two of this lil foodie journey.

Plenty of y’all was sayin’ “Try Katsuya at Baha Mar!” but I was like “Ehhh… been there, done that with the Asian cuisine.” I wanted something a lil different, something a little more exotic. That’s how I ended up at Cleo Mediterraneo at Baha Mar.

Now real talks, Cleo wouldn’t usually be my first pick over some good Asian food, but I was in the mood for something new. Soon as I walk in, the vibe was cute. Real cozy, soft earthy tones, which were a nice touch to the aesthetics especially walking out from that bright red carpet in the casino.

And I know Nassau already got a few Mediterranean spots, but lemme tell y’all if this one actually worth it.

Appetizers first:

Now let’s get to the main event.

When I was walking in, I peep some people with these two HUGE plates on their table like, feast-size. So you know me, I had to ask what it was. Turns out it was the saffron chicken. Say less — I ordered that with some saffron basmati rice on the side.

And listen…the service? On point. That food come out super quick. Soon as it hit the table, I could smell all them spices just dancing out the bowl. They serve it in this hand-painted tagine straight from Morocco (which is lowkey on my travel bucket list).

The chicken? Seasoned down. It had a curry-like taste, but not exactly curry. It was giving rich, flavorful, layered spice. Kinda like our Bahamian curry but leveled up. The basmati rice? Fluffy and perfect. Added in the extras along side the chicken like the nuts and olives it just gave it a lil something extra that made my tastebuds do a lil dance.

When I tell y’all I left stuffeddd, I mean I had to roll outta there. And even though Cleo wasn’t even on the list of y’all recommendations, I would definitely go back to run through more of that menu.

So issa yes from me. Cleo in Baha Mar get the KC foodie stamp of approval. Until next time my friends! 

Freeport Fashion Week Featured on French TV’s Biggest Stage

The Bahamas recently enjoyed a major moment in the international spotlight, thanks to Freeport Fashion Week being featured on France’s most-watched TV program, 50’ Inside. The popular lifestyle show, which aired just before the national evening news on TF1, highlighted the vibrant fashion scene in Grand Bahama, showcasing the island’s creativity and youthful energy to millions of French-speaking viewers across Europe, Africa, and Canada.

The opportunity came about when a group of French residents in Grand Bahama recommended Fatima-Zahra Kaboub to the producers. After viewing her work with Freeport Fashion Week on social media, the 50 Minutes Inside team reached out to cover Freeport Fashion Week in March. The response? Pure love.

“They told me afterward how cool and exciting it looked,” said Fatima. “They really didn’t expect that vibe from Freeport and now they want to visit!”

To celebrate the feature, Freeport Fashion Week hosted a local viewing event on May 28th, bringing together supporters and creatives to watch the episode and celebrate the exposure.

The coverage didn’t just promote fashion; it gave French audiences a glimpse of Bahamian culture beyond the beaches. “France is the fashion capital, so this resonated deeply,” she added. “It was about showing the Bahamas in a new light.”

The feature not only celebrated style but helped solidify Grand Bahama’s place on the global cultural map.

TikTok Trend

When Grace Fades After the Crown

Miss Universe Bahamas 2025 crowned Malique’ Bowe as its newest queen, with Beyonce’ Forbes named first runner-up, both representing Grand Bahama. While the night celebrated poise, grace, and Bahamian beauty, the internet quickly flipped the script.

By sunrise, a different narrative had taken over social media.

Fellow contestant Halle Bowe, posted a reflective yet pointed message to her followers the morning after the pageant.

“Although I am still trying to make sense of last night’s event... the real win is how you come back from a situation.”

Halle, expressed confusion about the final results and questioned the integrity of the outcome. Her message gained rapid traction, but what followed made even more noise.

Despite promoting and advocating for responsible social media use as her platform, Halle found herself locked in online exchanges that some deemed rude, unprofessional, and even hypocritical. Screenshots quickly circulated of her clapping back at critics, sparking a wave of backlash.

Many praised her passion and hard work throughout the 10-week competition, but others pointed out the contradiction between her platform and her post-pageant behavior.

Meanwhile, both Malique’ and Beyonce’ remained silent online, opting for grace and composure as their wins were overshadowed by digital drama.

The situation has sparked a larger conversation about public image, emotional maturity, and the pressure placed on young women in the spotlight. In the age of viral moments and fast takes, this year’s Miss Universe Bahamas competition reminds us that the crown isn't the only thing being watched, so is your character.