The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

MIAMI, Florida — For the second consecutive year, the Bahamas was featured at the American Airlines Arena as the partnership between the Ministry of Tourism and the Miami Heat intensified and the fans got a taste of why ‘It’s Better in The Bahamas.’

Alonzo Mourning, Heat’s former centre and now a vice president of player operations, welcomed the Bahamian delegation that included a six-member team from Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival and six youngsters from Urban Renewal in Grand Bahama during the Heat’s regular season game against the Chicago Bulls last night.

The Bahamas was showcased by the Carnival Junkanoo Bahamas, who combined with the Heat dancers to put on a special performance during the first quarter as they performed live to the song “Jump and Carry On” by Colyn McDonald.

The Bahamian dancers, headed by Petra Haven, included Elan Mackey, Tonya Strachan, Myrkeeva Johnson, Arlicia Bethel and Pischia Adderley.

A video taping of the Heat dancers when they were in town last year showed them performing with Stevie S’s song “Jump and Carry On.”

And during the fourth quarter, the Bahamas and Heat dancers all came back out and participated in the Bahamas tee shirt toss. There was at least one Bahamian flag that was seen waving in the stands.

The Ministry of Tourism, headed by Greg Rolle, the Senior Director of Sales and Marketing for Sports, also entertained six youngsters from the Urban Renewal in Grand Bahama. The group, comprising of Hope Brown, Akeem Stuart, Arjene Stubbs, Diondrea Nixon, Kendiazlo Stubbs and Traydico Bethel, were chaperoned by Omes Lightbourne and Pete Armbrister.

Ricardo Treco, the Bahamas Diplomatic and Consular Representative for Miami, was also in attendance. He highlighted the unique partnership that was forged by the Ministry of Tourism and the Heat.

The night was extra special as the Heat went on to win 129-111 to improve to 34-26 to remain in first place in the Southeast Division and third in the Eastern Conference.

The Bulls dropped to 30-29 and ninth in the Eastern Conference.

A full report will be published in another edition.