(EDITOR’S NOTE: Long-time readers of The Nassau Guardian my recall that although Shavaughn Moss, who wrote this article, is now The Guardian’s Lifestyle Editor, she was an excellent Sports Reporter when I was Editor of The Guardian (1998-2002.)
NASSAU, Bahamas — The pandemic has continued to upend and dominate people’s lives in 2021 as everyone had to adapt to the “new normal” – although what that “new normal” looks like is different for every person, The Nassau Guardian reported on Friday, December 31, in an article written by Shavaughn Moss.
And then there’s the fact that coronavirus has become one of the most frequently used nouns and with it came lots of new jargon, buzzwords and slang – words that continued to be pervasive. With COVID-19 rife, and despite a year fraught with disappointments and setbacks, there were still many reasons for people to be proud of which gave cause to celebrate.
From national spelling champion Roy Seligman’s amazing and historic run at the 93rd Scripps National Spelling Bee in July, to Miss Bahamas Universe Chantel O’Brian semifinals berth at Miss Universe, to Cherelle Cartwright’s Mama Sassy Gourmet Foods pepper marinade being distributed onboard Royal Caribbean International (RCI) vessels, para-triathlete Erin Brown given godmother status to a RCI vessel, and Bahamas-based Coral Vita’s innovative approach to coral farming awarded as one of the first ever five winners of the most prestigious environment prize in history, The Earthshot Prize – there were numerous historic achievements that turned out to be a reason for the nation to celebrate.
Roy, 13, a three-time national spelling champion as a 12-year-old romp through Scripps, ended with him tied for fourth with three other spellers; a field of 209 started the process to the finals.
Roy was the first Bahamian to advance to the finals of the prestigious competition since The Bahamas began competing at Scripps in 1988.
Even more significant in his finals showing, Roy was the lone international contestant.
Roy stepped down from the competition after he incorrectly spelled the word ambystoma in round 12 of the live televised finals at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World.
Not only did Bahamians celebrate Roy’s accomplishment, but so did the Spelling Bee which shared on Twitter afterwards that Roy represented The Bahamas wonderfully.
Miss Bahamas Universe Chantel O’Brian, 27, made history as the first Bahamian contestant to place in the semifinals in the 70 years of the Miss Universe competition, which was held in Eilat, Israel, on December 12. See complete article in The Nassau Guardian at https://thenassauguardian.com/despite-new-normal-there-are-many-reasons-to-be-proud/
