At first glance, Xaria Ingraham might strike you as the typical pageant queen, graceful, poised, and always camera-ready. But speak to her for just a minute, and it becomes crystal clear: she’s a force. Loud, passionate, and deeply rooted in her Bahamian identity, Xaria is redefining what it means to lead as a teenager.

“I’m the girl who can switch from strutting in heels to diving for a volleyball in knee pads,” she says. “Titles don’t define me. I do.”

Crowned Miss BNHS with all the glitter and glory one might expect, Xaria’s reaction was anything but polished. “I was shocked, like mouth open, knees buckling, trying-not-to-cry-off-the-makeup kind of shocked.” But beyond the glam was something deeper: a moment of affirmation that she was walking in her purpose.

That purpose? To amplify the voices of young Bahamian women, push boundaries, and create space for the next generation to shine. “Smart girls can be queens. And queens can be changemakers,” she says boldly. “I’m not just wearing a crown, I’m carrying a message.”

A two-time national titleholder this year alone, Xaria sees no separation between her roles. “Whether it’s BNHS or Junior Minister, it’s one mission: impact. It’s all about using my voice to uplift and inspire.”

Her passions reflect that drive. From marine conservation efforts with Aquafluence to empowering kids to believe in bigger dreams, she’s on a mission to make waves and not just in the water.

To those watching, especially younger girls, Xaria hopes to be proof that being “extra” is not only okay but it’s powerful. “Be bold. Be brilliant. Be you. The world will catch up.”

As for what’s next? College, global architecture dreams, and a future built with purpose. “Wherever I go, The Bahamas is coming with me,” she says.

A crown can shine, but Xaria Ingraham’s impact burns brighter and her journey has only just begun.

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Giveon’s second album, Beloved, is a smooth and emotional R&B project that shows his growth as an artist. Instead of relying on heavy beats or flashy features, he uses live instruments and heartfelt lyrics to tell real stories about love, heartbreak, and moving on.

Songs like “Rather Be”, “Mud”, and “Good Bad Ugly” highlight his deep voice and honest songwriting. The whole album flows like one long story warm, soulful, and easy to listen to from start to finish.

Final word: Giveon delivers real emotion and timeless sound. Beloved is perfect for late-night drives or quiet moments when you’re deep in your feelings.

Final Rating 4 out of 5

One of the taglines for this film: Welcome To The Family. In another dimension four heroes given powers due to exposure to cosmic radiation are forced to balance their heroic duties with their familial responsibilities to each other. When they face off against a ravenous space god and his enigmatic herald with a plan to devour the planet, they are given an option to save the world that would destabilize them at their very core.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is a fun retro feeling superhero film that harkens back to the birth of Marvel Comics while providing an example of the positive potential within us all when faced with an impossible choice while weighing the needs of the many versus the needs of the few. Matt Shakman does an excellent job in his sophomore feature film directing effort that gives the story being told a timeless feeling as it transports the audience to the retro futuristic urban landscape our heroes live in. The screenplay by Josh Friedman, Eric Pearson, Jeff Kaplan & Ian Springer based on the story by Pearson, Kaplan, Springer & Kat Wood captures the optimism proudly on display in the original Marvel comics by Stan Lee & Jack Kirby as they modernize certain aspects of those classic stories for modern sensibilities. The music by Michael Giacchino is grandiose when it needs to usher in a cosmic level threat as well as being subtle in moments depicting the tenderness between a mother and her newborn. The cast gives committed performances that make the most incredible situations somewhat credible within the established reality of this particular branch of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This is easily the best live action incarnation of these characters and I am looking forward to seeing how they are eventually melded into the proper 616 dimension in future MCU motion pictures. I rate this cinematic endeavour a rating of 3 & 1/2 out of 5.

Final Rating 3.5 out of 5

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Last week marked the grand finale of the Goombay Summer Festival, a cultural celebration held across various islands in The Bahamas. Each island brought its own unique charm, but the festival in Grand Bahama held a special place in my heart. I had the incredible honor and privilege of co-hosting the event alongside the energetic Pjay, making it an unforgettable experience for me personally.

If you’ve never attended a Goombay Summer Festival, you’re truly missing out on a vibrant showcase of Bahamian culture, cuisine, and entertainment. The atmosphere is electric, filled with the sights, sounds, and tastes that define us as a people.

This year’s entertainment lineup in Grand Bahama was nothing short of exceptional. From the high energy performances of the Top Tier band to the mesmerizing limbo dancing of Robyn Major, who wowed the crowd week after week, the stage was on fire (literally and figuratively). Headliners like KB, D-MAC, and Stevie S brought their signature flair, keeping the audience singing, and dancing through the night.

Beyond the stage, the festival offered an authentic cultural experience with interactive demonstrations that connected visitors to our rich heritage. Bush tea tasting, coconut husking demonstrations, and conch cracking exhibitions allowed guests to engage with traditions that have been passed down for generations.

Of course, no festival is complete without indulging in the culinary delights of the islands. I had the pleasure of sampling from vendors like T’s Seafood Fritters, Da Island Lion Catering (who served an impressive variety of seafood cakes (crab, shrimp, and fish) and Leno’s Grill Pit, whose grilled dishes are always a crowd favorite. With so many other talented vendors on-site, I only wish I had more time (and a bigger appetite) to try them all.

One of the most heartwarming sights each week was the Kids Corner, buzzing with activity and laughter. Watching children run around with bubble guns, faces lit up with joy, as the Junkanoo groups paraded through the crowd, was a true highlight.

In conclusion, the Bahamas Goombay Summer Festival Series was a resounding success in celebrating our heritage, promoting local talent, and creating a space where residents and visitors alike could immerse themselves in the true essence of Bahamian culture. From the islands of Abaco to Grand Bahama and beyond, Goombay continues to be a platform that showcases who we are as a people: vibrant, resilient, and proud of our roots. I’m truly grateful to the Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation for giving me the opportunity to be part of this year’s festivities.

Norwegian Cruise Line is taking things to a whole new level. The cruise giant just announced its biggest private island expansion yet: a massive waterpark set to open on Great Stirrup Cay in summer 2026.

Named Great Tides Waterpark - a six-acre park with 19 towering waterslides, cliff-jumping platforms, and the region’s first four-person raft slide. “This isn’t just a waterpark; it’s a game-changer,” said David Herrera, NCL president. “We wanted to create something that stands out in the Caribbean.”

Great Stirrup Cay has long been a Bahamian treasure, and while it’s owned by the cruise line, its success brings more eyes and more visitors. With plans including a dedicated family beach area, swim-up bars, cabanas, and a revamped food court, this move puts the island back in the spotlight and in the path of serious opportunity.

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Something real is happening in The Bahamas and most people aren’t even clocking it yet. On July 31, 2025, BPW Bahamas (Business and Professional Women Bahamas) hosted their executive board installation at Pelican Bay Hotel in Freeport. It marked the start of a quiet takeover. A wave of women stepping into power, not waiting for permission.

BPW Bahamas is part of an international movement but here, they’re remixing it with island flair and a bold vision. They’ve launched green projects with BPW UK, created cultural exchanges with Brazil, and poured into their own members with mentorship, leadership training, and self-discovery.

“Some women are just stuck and this organization forces them to move,” said Founding President Dr. Anastasia Lewis. “We’re taking global blueprints and making them work for Bahamian women.”

And it’s working.

From STEM leader Dr. Geretta Carey to 19-year-old rising leader Glacey Brooks, BPW is nurturing every type of woman, from seasoned professionals to young visionaries. They’re not molding anyone into the ‘perfect leader’ they’re helping women define that for themselves.

The mindset shift is what makes it powerful. It’s not about choosing between softness and strength. It’s about embracing both. “When you know who you are,” Dr. Lewis said, “you don’t have to be aggressive. You can be feminine and powerful.”

With over 50 active members and growing, BPW Bahamas is creating real movement. And it’s not loud, but it is unstoppable.