Many Bahamians grow up speaking a vibrant, rhythmic way of talking often labeled “ghetto” or “broken English.” But here’s the truth: what we speak is a Creole, and it deserves respect, not ridicule.

A Creole language is a fully developed, rule-based language that evolved when different groups needed to communicate. It often starts as a simplified “pidgin” and becomes a native tongue passed down through generations. Creoles around the world, including Haitian Creole, Jamaican Patois, and Bahamian Creole, aren’t slang. They’re legit languages with their own grammar and structure.

Bahamian Creole, sometimes casually called “Bahamianese,” formed out of British English and African languages during colonization and slavery. It has unique ways of expressing ideas that don’t exist in Standard English. For example, saying “I een know” hits different than “I don’t know.” It’s real, raw, and rooted in history.

So why do we look down on it?

Because society often sees Standard English as more “proper” or intelligent. But that’s a social judgment not a linguistic fact. Across the Caribbean, people are reclaiming their native tongues. Jamaicans proudly use Patois in music and media. And the world has fallen in love with their culture and Patois.

It’s time for Bahamians to do the same. Speaking Bahamian Creole doesn’t make you less smart. It makes you part of a powerful cultural legacy. We can still teach our kids Standard English for global settings without erasing the beauty of our native voice.

So the next time someone calls our dialect “ghetto,” educate them. It’s not broken. It’s not lesser. It’s Bahamian. And it’s beautiful.

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Independence might be over but the rhythm of the 242 never stops. The Bahamas is Our Wybe is the ultimate Bahamian playlist, from classics that built the culture to fresh tracks shaping the future. Keep celebrating our sound all month long.

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One of the taglines for this movie: Hellur From Bahamas. When he grand niece introduces her new boyfriend to her family with intentions of marrying him in two weeks in another country, the self-appointed matriarch of the family takes it upon herself to find out why. At the resort hotel in the tropical country secrets are revealed that put the upcoming nuptials in jeopardy and it is up to certain family members to get to the heart of the matter in order to reach the truth.

Tyler Perry's Madea's Destination Wedding is one of the best looking Madea movies as it beautifully showcases parts of The Atlantis resort on Paradise Island in The Bahamas, but the movie does sacrifice some potential dramatic story beats by overemphasizing particular comedic that undercuts the impact of the ending in this dramedy. Tyler Perry's directing and writing has improved over the years and this is one of the easiest to digest Madea entries that shows his technical proficiency behind the camera as well as how comfortable he has become as different characters in front of the camera, yet the writing at times feels rushed and in parts overindulgent. Cool seeing local Bahaman talent in the cast with Nicole Musgrove & Jonico Pratt among others and the main cast of regulars in the Madea Cinematic Universe do what they do best in providing the memorable comedy bits and the sometimes forgettable soap opera drama. Jongnic Bontemps does a good job with the music as it mostly matches the energy of each scene with special note to using local Bahamian artists' work such as ' I'm a Bahamian (That's What I Like) ' during the end credits. This installment into the Madea media collection was uneven tonally but it did do better than a lot of previous entries in getting its heartfelt message across in spite of the comedy sketches that overstay their welcome on many an occasion. I rate this movie a rating of 3 out of 5.

Rated 3 out of 5

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Together We Rise: The Bahamas Celebrates 52 Years of Independence

From Abaco to Inagua, the spirit of unity echoed across the islands as The Bahamas celebrated its 52nd Independence on July 10, 2025 under the powerful theme: “Together We Rise.”

While inclement weather led to the postponement of the traditional Clifford Park ceremony on New Providence, Bahamians across the nation remained undeterred. The Ecumenical Service and Flag Raising were broadcast for all to view safely, allowing the country to come together in reflection, even if not in person. Despite the rain, many gathered at Arawak Cay, while others stayed seated at Clifford Park, proudly dressed in national colors, refusing to let the weather dim their pride.

In Grand Bahama, the celebrations continued with energy and flair. The week-long Welcome Home Grand Expo culminated in a Ecumenical Service which had performances by K.B , D-Mac and many more, bringing together music, food, and cultural showcases that highlighted the strength of community.

Across the Family Islands, fireworks, concerts, and flag-raising ceremonies lit up the sky, reminding all Bahamians at home and abroad that independence is more than a moment; it’s a movement.

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The Grand Bahama Workplace Wake-up

In the weeks since Carnival’s Celebration Key un-officially opened its doors, a quiet but powerful shift has taken place in Grand Bahama’s job market. From retail shops to restaurants, employers are facing a sudden and unexpected challenge: their staff are walking away. Not without reason.

For many workers, Celebration Key represents something they’ve long gone without competitive wages, full benefits, and a workplace that appears to value both time and talent. While the full impact of the development is still unfolding, one thing is already clear: workers are no longer settling.

For years, whispers of unfair labor practices have echoed through the island—no overtime, no national insurance contributions, six- and seven-day work weeks treated as normal. And while many endured these conditions out of necessity, the arrival of new opportunities has broken the silence.

Business owners are now scrambling to fill roles that were once easily staffed. The narrative is shifting from “people don’t want to work” to a more uncomfortable truth: people don’t want to be exploited. But in this disruption lies a chance for change.

If this moment is a wake-up call, it’s also a chance for small businesses to evolve. Wages alone won’t solve the issue. Workers are seeking dignity, stability, and growth. The businesses that will survive this shift are the ones that recognize this and respond not with complaints, but with commitment.

The future of work in Grand Bahama is no longer about who can offer a job. It’s about who can offer a reason to stay.