The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

PAULA Fishman is a regular visitor to the Bahamas but until now had never won a prize competition.

Yesterday, she arrived in Grand Bahama as the winner of the Ministry of Tourism’s Best Beaches competition for the five-day stay on the island as her prize. Ms Fishman, who is from San Francisco, won a trip to the Bahamas after she submitted six photos of beaches in Exuma and New Providence on social media. Her winning photo received the most likes – 432.

Ms Fishman and her companion, Jack La Rocca Jr, were greeted by tourism officials and presented with souvenir beach bags. They also received VIP transport from the airport to their hotel.

“I am thrilled and so excited,” said Ms Fishman. “This is the best thing; I have never won anything, so this is fantastic to able to win a trip to the Bahamas. I have been to the Bahamas many times, and I love it; it is one of my favourite places in the world,” she said.

The trip to Grand Bahama will be the couple’s second visit to the island. “I am looking forward to eating conch salad and he is looking forward to the cracked conch; hanging out with the beautiful people, lying in the sun, going to the beach and doing a little shopping,” said Ms Fishman.

The couple are staying at the Pelican Bay Resort. They will visit several beaches on Grand Bahama, including Gold Rock Creek, recognised as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and where Disney filmed scenes for Pirates of the Caribbean.

Ms Fishman said: “We got a beautiful welcome. I feel like a superstar. I am proud to be an ambassador for the Bahamas – it is one of my favourite places in the world.”

Mikala Moss, communications manager at the Ministry of Tourism, Grand Bahama, said the Best Beaches competition was a promotion from the Bahamas Tourist Office in Plantation, Florida. She said entrants had to post their pictures online through social media. “They were voted on, and Paula got the most votes, and we want her to see and experience the best beaches we have here,” she said.