Latest news with #ParadiseIsland
CBS News
19 hours ago
- CBS News
1 year since Chicago woman, Taylor Casey, went missing in the Bahamas and still no answers
It's been one year since Taylor Casey, a Chicago woman, disappeared from a yoga retreat in the Bahamas. There are still no answers in the case. Casey, then 42, was in the middle of a month-long yoga retreat near Paradise Island when she stopped showing up for classes. She was last seen on June 19, 2024. In July, Casey's family asked the FBI to take over the search from the authorities in the Bahamas, saying they were "not satisfied with how this investigation has been handled thus far." U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth's office and the U.S. Embassy also joined the efforts in assistance. Last week, Duckworth's office released the following statement: "Senator Duckworth and her office have been monitoring this heartbreaking situation for the last year. They continue to work closely with relevant federal agencies and push the Royal Bahamas Police Force to be as communicative and transparent as possible. Senator Duckworth and her office will continue to coordinate with Ms. Casey's family to help in any way they can." Last Friday, Peter Goudie, a spokesperson for the yoga retreat from which Casey disappeared, said there is "nothing more we can do." Goudie added, "police did everything they could." He also said the FBI and the International Criminal Police Organization responded as well. Casey's family believed search efforts have been marred by prejudice because Casey is a transgender woman. She has been a fixture in Chicago's transgender community and a youth advocate for decades. Casey's family is offering a $10,000 reward for any information on her disappearance. A Facebook group called "Find Taylor Casey" has remained active this year. Group organizers posted events in April and May, "A Day with Taylor." The Zoom events featured performances, yoga sessions, and storytelling. Phone recovered from the water In July, authorities in the Bahamas said they recovered Taylor's iPhone. Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander said that, during a June 22 search, a dog picked up a scent from a tent and tracked it to the water, but the scent ended there. They subsequently located a phone under roughly 56 feet of water. Investigators in the Bahamas asked American authorities for help unlocking the phone. Authorities also reviewed surveillance footage from around the island, but there was "no information to connect at this time," the police commissioner added. "Find Taylor Casey" Facebook group organizers posted on April 9, "The police in the Bahamas have not yet released Taylor's phone or phone records." It is unclear which authorities are in possession of the phone at this time. Missing woman's mother seeking answers In an interview just three months after her daughter's disappearance, Casey's mother, Colette Seymore, said that something seemed "off" with her daughter before she vanished. "I talked to Taylor on June 18th. Taylor had called me and mentioned to me it was hard, it was hard at the yoga retreat," she said. "Something was off, I don't know if Taylor didn't want to alarm me, but I just felt like something was off." Seymore reported her daughter missing, but said when she first arrived in the Bahamas to speak to investigators, she said she did not see a single missing persons flyer for her daughter. "They were just really nonchalant and just not acting like it was their child missing," she said. "I had to return home without her. This is every mother's worst nightmare." Seymore said her visit only left her with more questions than answers. CBS News Chicago has reached out to Casey's family for an update on the investigation.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
THE BAHAMAS TAKES AGGRESSIVE STEPS TO COMBAT CORAL REEF CRISIS
-- The Bahamas Coral Gene Bank at Atlantis Paradise Island is a cornerstone of the country's national commitment to coral conservation and marine resilience -- -- The Bahamas' first coral gene bank to preserve DNA, propagate and replant coral to reverse devastation from rising ocean temperatures and a rapidly spreading disease -- PARADISE ISLAND, The Bahamas, June 16, 2025 /CNW/ -- The Bahamas has launched an aggressive national conservation initiative to address and reverse the devastating effects of warming ocean temperatures and a disease ravaging its coral reefs. The country's first coral gene bank opened today at Atlantis Paradise Island to house, propagate, and replant healthy coral on damaged reefs. The coral rescue initiative is the result of a powerful collaboration between the government of The Bahamas through the Department of Marine Resources, the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection and the Office of the Prime Minister, as well as Atlantis Paradise Island and the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation, the Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS), the University of The Bahamas, and the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI). "Today's opening marks a major milestone and also represents just the beginning," said Atlantis Blue Project Foundation Executive Director Debra Erickson. "The Bahamas Coral Gene Bank at Atlantis Paradise Island is more than a facility—it is a symbol of hope, a safeguard for biodiversity, and a strategic investment in long-term reef resilience. It not only strengthens national conservation capacity but also inspires young Bahamians to take on leadership roles in the stewardship of our natural resources." The Bahamas Coral Gene Bank at Atlantis Paradise Island can accommodate up to 200 large, mature coral colonies, in addition to smaller fragments and juvenile corals. Fifteen coral species have been relocated to the Atlantis Paradise Island-based biosecure Gene Bank research facility. Coral fragments collected from the ocean are placed in pristine, on-site aquaria, and once stable, they grow and reproduce quickly with the aid of innovative reproduction techniques such as lunar-cycle simulations. Part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' global Saving Animals from Extinction (SAFE) program, onsite management of the new bank is led by PIMS experts, including a former BAMSI graduate and student interns from BAMSI and the University of The Bahamas, with support from marine-life experts at Atlantis. "Coral has become increasingly endangered over the years, but the introduction of Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease completely changed the game and created extreme urgency to act," said PIMS Executive Director Dr. Craig Dahlgren. "Transmitted among corals through direct contact and water circulation, the disease has spread to all major Bahamian islands and causes a high death rate in corals. Treatments are emerging slowly, but corals need to be rescued and isolated from the disease while these methods are perfected. Our collective vision is not only to preserve coral currently under threat, but also to foster new generations of corals that, when replanted, are more resilient to disease and other dangers. Longstanding support from our partners over the past decade, including vital contributions that helped establish The Bahamas Coral Gene Bank at Atlantis Paradise Island, has been essential in making this national effort possible." The Coral Gene Bank at Atlantis Paradise Island is a pioneering initiative to ensure that no coral species in The Bahamas is lost due to disease, bleaching, or other environmental stressors. Addendum: Coral Conservation in The Bahamas The Bahamas is home to some of the world's most spectacular coral reefs. These include one of Earth's largest barrier reefs—located off Andros Island—and extensive fringing reefs surrounding most of the nation's 700 islands and 2,400 cays. These vibrant ecosystems support fisheries, tourism, and shoreline protection, but they are under increasing threat. Two of the most serious challenges facing Bahamian reefs today are Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) and coral bleaching caused by rising ocean temperatures. In some areas, water temperatures now regularly exceed 31°C (88°F) during the summer months. These stressors are causing unprecedented coral mortality, pushing several Bahamian coral species to the brink of extinction, while many others are now classified as threatened or endangered. Without immediate action—such as the Coral Gene Bank—we may lose iconic species like pillar coral (Dendrogyra cylindrus) from The Bahamas within the next 5–10 years. Atlantis Paradise Island and the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation are proud to partner with the Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS), a leader in studying and addressing the spread of SCTLD across The Bahamas and in advancing efforts to protect these critical marine ecosystems. Coral Bio-BankingCorals in land-based facilities such as The Bahamas Coral Gene Bank at Atlantis Paradise Island receive regular health checks, strict water quality control, and isolation from disease exposure. These "corals in waiting" serve as a living library to preserve biodiversity and support future reef restoration. Live corals are collected from the wild and placed under expert care, where Marine Animal Care Specialists monitor their health, manage water quality, and isolate them from potential harm. These corals represent the genetic diversity needed for future reef recovery. Coral ReproductionIn The Bahamas, coral reproduction is supported both sexually and asexually. Assisted sexual reproduction in laboratories helps produce genetically diverse coral offspring, as researchers encourage spawning by mimicking natural cues. Microfragmentation is used to stimulate rapid growth by cutting corals into small pieces that rapidly fuse and expand. These techniques make it possible to rebuild reefs with healthy, resilient corals. Coral ProtectionMarine Protected Areas (MPAs), coral nurseries, and targeted reef monitoring programs are helping protect threatened coral species across The Bahamas. By reducing damage from anchors, overfishing, and pollution, these protections create safer habitats where coral communities can recover and thrive. Coral RestorationRestoration projects across The Bahamas reintroduce nursery-grown or lab-reared corals to damaged reefs. Programs like PIMS's Reef Rescue Network—which includes sites at Atlantis—are scaling up these efforts, rebuilding reef structure, enhancing biodiversity, and giving hope for long-term reef recovery. What Is a Coral Reef? Coral reefs are underwater ecosystems built by tiny marine animals called corals, which live in colonies and create limestone skeletons. Over thousands of years, these skeletons accumulate to form vast reef structures that support a kaleidoscope of life. Corals are closely related to jellyfish and sea anemones, and they rely on warm, clear, sunlit waters to survive. Their reef structures provide shelter for over 25% of all marine life, despite covering less than 1% of the ocean floor. They also buffer shorelines from storms and erosion, and support sustainable tourism and fishing in The Bahamas. Help protect coral reefs by being a responsible visitor: refrain from touching or standing on coral, avoid handling marine life, and never remove reef pieces or shells. Always follow local marine park rules—they're designed to keep these fragile ecosystems healthy. Together, our actions can safeguard reefs for future generations. PHOTOS AND VIDEO AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Atlantis, Paradise Island View original content to download multimedia: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
New ‘Wonder Woman' Movie Is Being Written Right Now, DC Studios Head James Gunn Says
It is still early days for DC Studios and James Gunn's plans to reboot its cinematic universe, but he has revealed that moves are being made for Wonder Woman to eventually be a part of it. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, the 'Superman' director revealed that a new 'Wonder Woman' film is 'being written right now,' alongside an already-announced HBO series 'Paradise Island,' which will focus on the superhero's homeland of Themyscira and which Gunn says development is 'slow moving, but it's moving.' Wonder Woman made her big screen debut in 2017 with Gal Gadot playing her in an origin tale that sees Diana Prince leave her idyllic home with American pilot Steve Trevor to join the fight in World War I. Gadot later appeared in 'Justice League' — both the 2017 theatrical release and the 2021 Zack Snyder director's cut — as well as the direct 2020 sequel 'Wonder Woman 1984' and a cameo in 'The Flash' in 2023. A potential new 'Wonder Woman' film, which would see a new actress take the role, is one of several that is in the works for the first chapter of the new DC Universe, which is titled 'Gods and Monsters.' So far, three films from that first chapter have been slated: 'Superman,' which comes out July 11; 'Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow,' out in June 2026; and the horror film 'Clayface,' based on the shapeshifting Batman villain, which will come out September 2026. The post New 'Wonder Woman' Movie Is Being Written Right Now, DC Studios Head James Gunn Says appeared first on TheWrap.
Fox News
13-05-2025
- Fox News
College senior killed after 'accidentally' falling from tropical island hotel balcony days before graduation
A college student is dead after a pre-graduation trip to the Bahamas turned tragic on Mother's Day. Bentley University in Waltham, Massachusetts, on Tuesday confirmed in a statement to Fox News Digital that one of its students, Gaurav Jaisingh, accidentally fell from a hotel balcony and died during the school's annual senior class trip to the Bahamas. The Royal Bahamas Police Force said in a news release that at about 10 p.m. on Sunday, Jaisingh was inside his hotel room with other roommates when "it [was] reported" that he "accidentally fell from an upper-level balcony" on Paradise Island. He was later found unresponsive on a lower floor, according to authorities. Emergency medical services responded and took Jaisingh to the hospital, but he died during the trip. "We are profoundly sad to confirm that one of our students, Gaurav Jaisingh, passed away in a tragic accident during the annual senior class trip to the Bahamas. We share our deepest condolences with Gaurav's family, friends and loved ones," Bentley University officials wrote in a statement. "We will share more information when available while respecting his family's privacy. "This is an enormous tragedy for our community." The Royal Bahamas Police Investigations Unit is continuing to look into the incident. School officials are providing resources for those affected and encourage anyone who needs support to reach out to the university's counseling center.
The Independent
13-05-2025
- The Independent
College student dies after falling from hotel balcony on trip to Bahamas: ‘An enormous tragedy'
A Bentley University student from Massachusetts died after falling from a hotel balcony during the school's senior class trip to the Bahamas. "We are profoundly sad to confirm that one of our students, Gaurav Jaisingh, passed away last night in a tragic accident during the annual senior class trip in the Bahamas," the school said in a statement. "We share our deepest condolences with Gaurav's family, friends and loved ones." The school indicated that an investigation was underway, but noted that it appears as though Jaisingh accidentally fell from a balcony. The university said further information would be made available as it's uncovered. According to Bentley's website, the university travels to the Bahamas every year between finals and commencement for a senior class trip. "This is an enormous tragedy for our community," Bentley said in its statement. The Royal Bahamas Police Force posted a press update saying officers had been called to the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort and Casino on Sunday night after receiving a report that a guest had fallen from a balcony. "According to initial reports, sometime around 10:00 p.m., the victim was inside his hotel room with other roommates when it is reported that he accidentally fell from an upper-level balcony. He was later found unresponsive on a lower floor," police said in a statement. Medical first responders rushed to the scene, but Jaisingh died on the way to the hospital. Jaisingh was pursuing a bachelor of science degree in finance with a minor in computer information systems, according to his profile on LinkedIn. He worked as an orientation leader at Bentley and was a member of the business fraternity Delta Sigma Pi, according to MassLive. Bently has declined to provide further details about Jaisingh or the trip, citing privacy concerns for his family. The university said it would provide resources for members of its community that, and noted that its undergraduate commencement is is still planned for Saturday.
