Minister of National Security, the Hon. O.A.T. "Tommy" Turnquest welcomed United States Secretary for Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano to New Providence late Wednesday afternoon ahead of the Second Caribbean-United States Security Cooperation Dialogue (CBSI) which opens in New Providence this morning.

The dialogue is a high-level meeting that will involve Ministers of National Security from several Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Nations, Secretary Napolitano, Senior Government Officials from the Dominican Republic, and Heads of Delegates from CARICOM Nations.

Minister of Environment the Hon. Earl Deveaux on November 2 thanked the Det Norske Veritas (DNV) for "ably" representing The Bahamas in maritime affairs in Oslo, Norway. Minister Deveaux was a speaker at the Bahamas Shipowners Association annual general meeting, held at the DNV headquarters.

"We thank you for coming and sharing your vision for the establishment of a Bahamas Maritime Training Institute. The BMA's, indeed, The Bahamas' dream of a Maritime Cluster has taken a substantial forward leap. Your goal of training 2,000 seafarers and mariners over 10 years is worthy of all of our support," he told the gathering.

Local medical supplier Ports International Limited recently made a donation towards the AIDS Foundation's 18th Annual Red Ribbon Ball. Organized by Colina Insurance Limited, The Bahamas AIDS Foundation is inviting persons to be as a part of the 18th Annual Red Ribbon Ball, on Saturday, November 12, 2011 in the Imperial Ballroom of the Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island. Under the theme "Removing the Mask", this year's Ball is a masquerade (or, rather, un-masquerade) event to highlight the importance of emanating the continued stigma attached to HIV/AIDS.

The Ball Committee is asking for support and assistance to continue to take the lead in fighting HIV/AIDS. The Red Ribbon Ball has netted more than $800,000 for the Foundation since its inception.

Hundreds of travel agents will descend on Sandals Royal Bahamian and Sandals Emerald Bay in Exuma in the coming week as the resorts continue their travel agent familiarization season (Mega-Fam). By the end of December each resort would have hosted approximately 1,200 travel agents.

Last week the season kicked off with an enthusiastic group of 196 agents from Philadelphia and Orlando. They were taken by private charter to Sandals Emerald Bay followed by a stopover at Beaches Turks and Caicos and capped off their trip at Sandals Royal Bahamian.

Bahamas Striping, the grant-winning company from the Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture's Self Starter Program, is working on painting car parks and other facilities on the large Baha Mar development project. The contract was awarded to Bahamas Striping by local contractor Bahamas Hot Mix.

So far, Bahamas Striping's portfolio of Baha Mar Commercial Center jobs includes Fidelity Bank, ScotiaBank, Commonwealth Bank, the Sheraton resort parking lot and the new Cable Beach Fire Station. The Baha Mar work is greatly adding to the company's experience, according to Bahamas Striping President, Atario Mitchell.

FoodArt by Cacique has put together a spectacular menu of savoury and sweet treats for The Foundation's Dollars For Scholars Fundraiser on Friday November 11. Guests at the exclusive event will dine on Blackened Shrimp Cakes with Tomato Aioli, Caramelized Onion with BBQ Duck, Scallion Mousse Tartlets and Orange Scented Tuna Tartar. For dessert, guests will be treated to Mini Chocolate Cake Puffs w/ White Vanilla Cream Filling and White or Dark Chocolate Truffle Pops.

The fundraiser is being held at the home of award winning artist Jane Waterous and guests will have an opportunity to see and buy paintings created just for the event while Rubins models sashay around in the hottest holiday season fashions.

The year 2011 marked the 50th anniversary of The Heart Foundation. The Heart Ball Committee put their all into the celebrations earlier this year. However, they have not stopped working to help repair hearts.

Each year, The Heart Ball Committee strives to host at least two fund raising events: The Annual Tea Party & Fashion Show and The Annual heart Ball. The Annual Tea Party and Fashion show jumpstarts the Ball year. It is scheduled to be held on Sunday, November 20, 2011 at Government House.

Committee members of St. Francis Xavier Cathedral are putting the final plans together as they 'gear up' for their major fund-raiser, the Annual Bazaar, Steak Out & Raffle. This popular event will be held this Saturday, November 12th from noon until ...

Part proceeds will go towards renovations of St. Benedict's Hall. Father Glen Nixon, Rector invites the entire community to join the parishioners for an evening of good food, fellowship and fun, in a safe environment.

BTC officials announced Wednesday they are on target for a December 1 opening of the company's new flagship store at the Mall at Marathon, a 6,500-square foot facility they pledge will transform doing business with the telecom company.

"Where we are headed is a million miles away from where we are at the moment," said Bob Gill, Retail Lead, CWC/BTC Integration Team. "This is the new age of retail, the new age of technology. It's about how that technology can help you lead your busy lives."

This article perhaps helps to explain what happened in Freeport immediately after majority rule in the Bahamas. It wasn't only the much quoted 'bend or break' speech that scared the Port Authority and its licensees, there were many other signs that things were about to change most important of which was the change in immigration procedures.

After the change of government it was clear to the Port Authority it would not be 'business as usual'. Groves had stepped down from being CEO and some American managers were brought in who acted as if they were still in Boise, Idaho. The Port by this time had become a public company on the New York Stock Exchange merging with Benguet a gold mining company in the Philippines.

The watchword was now 'diversification' and for a time, for me at least, it had a short term benefit. The new company now went shopping for overseas 'projects'. I was sent on a mission with Doug Silvera to look at land in California for possible purchase.

Nine year old Skyler Ferguson-Bain is becoming quite the angel to the Grand Bahama Children's Home this Christmas.

Seeing a post on her mom's Facebook page about Furniture Plus' fundraising efforts on Grand Bahama for the Home, Skyler decided to lend a hand. As a part of the store's "Charity of Hope Campaign," Furniture Plus' staff are selling paper 'Angels' to hang on their trees and Bahamian candles to support their store's chosen charity. In addition to these sales, Furniture Plus then matches - dollar for dollar - the amount raised from those sales.

"My daughter thought this was a great way to help the Home and asked if she could sell the angels too," said her mother, Ms. Stephanie Ferguson.

Grand Bahama's newest hot spot Roosters played host to animal lovers who 'partied like animals' to benefit the Humane Society of Grand Bahama's Pawa-A-Palooza fundraiser on October 22nd.

Welcomed with a Hawaiian lei at the entrance by volunteer Gloria McGlone, the joint was jumping with the return of the 'Straight Up' band and guest vocalist Joanna Llambias. The silent auction was packed with eager bidders and the delicious homemade food by Beth and Barbara was going fast and furious. Locals had a ball enjoying the night's entertainment at the new location for an HSGB fundraiser.

Back in August, The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA) was instrumental in creating a documentary which outlines the Hawksbill Creek Agreement and the development of Freeport. Realizing the importance of this informative video as an educational aid, GBPA executives have embarked on a series of presentations to local schools, showcasing the video, "History of Freeport."

First in the series of showings was a visit to St. Paul's Methodist College, where Ginger Moxey, GBPA-Vice President, introduced the pictorial overview to the entire primary school body. "The presentation that you are about to view tells the story of this wonderful city which we call home. It takes you on a journey of its history and development and shows how a once barren pine forest became everything we see and experience around us every day."

Unemployment is still a problem for some in Grand Bahama, but a new company has emerged to assist persons to getting ready for the work world.

Benchmark Consulting Services recently announced its training and development programme which is expected to begin this month. According to CEO, Billie Bowe, they are offering a wide variety of training and development programs for unemployed individuals in Grand Bahama at no cost. She said that interested persons can register at the YMCA, visit the Department of Labour, the National Insurance Board or contact her more information.

Ending work on Saturday, October 29th, Stephanie Small thought she'd have a quick look at the Auto Show event on her way home. As she went from tent to tent she was reminded to enter to win the washing machine being given away by Furniture Plus of Grand Bahama.

"I never thought I'd win," said Small. "I was thinking I might discuss buying a car with my husband. This is so amazing and I think I've seen a car I like too!" Mrs. Small won a Kenmore energy saver washing machine which was delivered to her home this week.

Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes and Lady Foulkes began their first official visit to Abaco on Monday 7 November, enjoying an exuberant welcome at the Treasure Cay International Airport, including an honour guard of Royal Bahamas Defence Force Rangers. They were welcomed by North Abaco Administrator Theophilus Cox and other government officials along with civic and religious readers. The warm welcome extended to a joint assembly of S.C. Bootle High School and Cooper's Town Primary under the theme, "Giving Honour".

Following entertainment by students from both schools including a soulful interpretive dance by Grade 3 student A' Joya Sands, choral speaking, an acrostic and music, Sir Arthur continued the One Bahamas theme he has relayed on official visits throughout The Bahamas.

As the government executed a $1,753.026.86 contract to rehabilitate the bridges in Deep and Little Creek, South Andros, Administrator Brenda Colebrooke-Munroe expressed the fears of residents who daily make the dangerous trek across the bridges to and from school and work. She thanked the government for hearing the cries of residents and meeting their needs.

Minister Grant said among others the scope of works includes demolition and disposal of existing steel structures, supply and installation of new concrete piles, deck beams, new bridge barriers, installation of traffic signage and asphalt paving of the bridge surface.

Residents of Central Andros clapped as a sign of approval as the Government executed a $1,738.490 contract for reconstruction of the Fresh Creek Dock in Central Andros to Knowles Construction Co. Ltd.

Public Works and Transport Minister the Hon. Neko C. Grant said the Fresh Creek Dock will be totally reconstructed with installation of new sheet piling, concrete slab dock paving, renovations to the Dock Master's building, construction of a timber dock for fishing vessels, solar lighting, fencing, and drainage wells. The existing Customs and Administration building will also be refurbished.

What's Your Number? - The tagline for this movie: Ally's Looking For The Best Ex Of Her Life. After reading a magazine article a woman is lead to believe she will be forever alone. This causes her to stop looking for a new love and to search out a past love who may be her true love.

Ally Darling women who has been recently let go from her job and finds herself floundering in life and in love so she decides to put her effort into finding a the love of her life by revisiting those that she has loved before. Colin Shea is Ally's neighbor who happens to be a struggling musician with a knack for finding people due to his upbringing in a police family, so she hires him to help her locate her all of her ex-lovers.

The Grand Bahama Artists Association is pleased to announce that their annual Thanksgiving Art Exhibition will once again be presented at the beautiful Rand Nature Centre, Glory Banks Gallery in Freeport Grand Bahama. At the opening reception, 7 pm Thursday November 10th, local and international artists will be in attendance to present a variety of traditional, contemporary and abstract artworks.

Visitors to the Thanksgiving Art Exhibition will have the opportunity to view and purchase unique artworks that are not available in stores. The Exhibition includes artworks in oil, water colours, wood work, handmade paper and pastels that depict many subjects including, sea and landscapes, migrating birds, flowers AND Bahamian Sea Creatures.

One can always count on fantastic local art being showcased at the Bahamas National Trust's annual fundraising event in Freeport, Festival Noel. Over the years, this unique affair has afforded locals and regular visitors a chance to view the premier artists of our region. Last year, local Freeport students impressed attendees with the high calibre of their work, which became a springboard for several young artists to further their studies in art.

This year is no exception as Festival Noel highlights two young men, art teachers from Nassau, who are bringing their best work to display in the Glory Harris Banks Gallery at the Rand Nature Centre for the gala affair on Friday December 2nd. Trevor Tucker and Marco Mullings will be the headliners at the 17th Festival Noel.

Angelique Sabrina, a 13 year-old Bahamian singer/songwriter has been selected, along with internationally-recognized singers such as Cody Simpson, Greyson Chance and Justin Bieber, to be eligible for the 'Top 10 Stars of Tomorrow' on two Australian radio stations: 2 RDJ-FM and Triple H FM. The top 10 will be chosen by fan vote. Angelique is hopeful that her fellow Bahamians will vote her into the Top 10 Stars of Tomorrow.

Angelique Sabrina is a pop-style singer with a flavour of the islands in her songs ranging from message-oriented ballads to dance songs. She has been passionate about music for as long as she can remember and recently performed four of her new songs at The International Culture Festival to rave reviews.

The inaugural year of FLIFF on Location: Grand Bahama Island was a resounding success! The initiative started a year ago when Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) was invited to screen Beneath the Blue in Freeport at the Regency Theatre during their 25th festival season in 2010. This sparked the idea of having an "On Location" 4-day segment for Grand Bahama Island.

A team of people from various walks of life were called to the Grand Bahama Ministry of Tourism offices to help get the plan in motion. The result was a well-run and highly appreciated festival by Bahamians, visiting tourists, actors and filmmakers who came from as far away as Australia to enjoy film and camaraderie while taking in the unique location of Grand Bahama Island.

The 2011-2012 Worldstudio AIGA Scholarship jurors met in May 2011 and reviewed over 500 applications from students attending art and design programmes at colleges and universities across the United States. Thirteen scholarships and eight honorable mentions were granted to an outstanding group of applicants, in five categories, through the generous support of sponsors.

Of the 13 scholarships, Bahamian artist Lavar Munroe won two - the Kraus Family Foundation Award and an Anonymous Award to further his graduate studies at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.

Conchman Triathlon race director Bert Bell is excited to report that the 25th annual Conchman and Iron Kids races, held Saturday, November 5th, 2011, at Taino Beach had the largest field of competitors since race #2 way back in 80's. 48 relay teams and 68 individuals brought the total to 221 total participants in the sprint distance event.

Organisers were thrilled with the number of participants who came from the US on the new Vision Airlines flight from Fort Lauderdale and the Bahamas Celebration cruise from Palm Beach. An enthusiastic and extremely competitive contingent came from Nassau and Abaco was represented as well.

The second annual S3 Soccer Clinic will return to Freeport from December 14 - 17, 2011. The first clinic was held in January of this year and by all accounts was a great success. Five participants received scholarship offers, three of whom accepted their offers. There were over 160 participants from ages 6-19 who enjoyed their interaction with the American college and local coaches.

Organizers say it is their goal to introduce the island's up and coming soccer stars from ages 8 - 18 years to all opportunities available to them. The fee to participate is only $30.