The reduction of crime throughout the Commonwealth of The Bahamas continues to be the government's number one priority and will remain at the forefront of its national agenda, Minister of National Security the Hon. O.A. T. Turnquest said Wednesday.

Mr. Turnquest said the government's record clearly shows that no effort has been spared to provide the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and the country's other law enforcement and national security agencies with the necessary tools and conditions of service required for them to effectively do their jobs in addressing crime.

The deadline for the Lady Sassoon Golden Heart Award has been extended to Friday, January 27, 2012.

The award is given annually to that person who has given of him or herself to promote human welfare and dignity while making life better for our fellow-man. The award will be presented at the 48th Annual Heart Ball, February 18, 2012 at Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort. Nominations should consist of a letter or statement explaining why the person recommended should receive the award.

The OAS Bahamas Office announces the opening of the 2013-2014 cycle for scholarship applications for graduate and undergraduate academic studies or graduate research.

OAS Academic Scholarships are awarded to citizens or permanent residents of OAS Member States to pursue undergraduate or graduate studies (Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral degree) and/or graduate research that lead to a degree at a institution of higher learning in an OAS Member State, with the exception of his/her own sponsoring country.

Last night, five candidates were introduced at the Party's Street Meeting in the heart of Kemp Road. Those candidates include: Dr. Madeline Sawyer (DNA - Southern Shores), Delano Munroe (DNA - M.I.C.A.L.), Rozanna Prodesta Moore (DNA - Killarney), George Taylor Jr. (DNA - North Eleuthera) and Mark Humes (DNA - Fort Charlotte).

The final candidates of the 38-candidate slate are Marco City, Central Grand Bahama and East Grand Bahama. These candidates will be announced this weekend in Freeport, Grand Bahama.

Photo: Dr. Madeline Sawyer, DNA - Southern Shores

The vibrant partnership between the United States Coast Guard (USCG), the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) and the Bahamas Air Sear Rescue Association (BASRA) and their shared ensuring the safety of countless residents and visitors to The Bahamas was the focus of two recent youth outreach events on January 6 and 7.

On Friday January 6, representatives from the USCG, RBDF, and BASRA were joined by visiting officers from the US Coast Guard Cutter Pea Island on a special visit to St. Andrew's School to promote boating safety. The visitors were greeted by an enthusiastic group of sixty 4-6 year olds who eagerly participated in interactive demonstrations led by RBDF Rangers.

In observance of National Slavery and Human Trafficking Month in the United States the U.S. Embassy's Political Officer, Kyle Hatcher, visited the Bahamas Crisis Center on November 9 to recognize the organization's dedication to combating human trafficking in the region through a donation of a collection of books, DVD's, and brochures. Mr. Hatcher also received an update on the Center's recent community outreach efforts that were funded in part by a U.S. Embassy small grant.

"The key to bringing focus to human trafficking issues in The Bahamas is to get people talking about the subject," said the Bahamas Crisis Center's Director, Dr. Sandra Dean-Patterson. "And one way to do this is through education."

Progressive Consumer Services presented their Marathon team "Team Progressive" with their official uniforms for this year's Marathon Bahamas held last Sunday, January 15th. The team is led by Marathoner Danielle Quant who was on hand to receive the packages on behalf of Team Progressive.

"This is an excellent opportunity, and though its my first marathon I am very excited and have been training for the past several months and I am looking forward to the Chicago Marathon in October," she said.

THE PRIME MINISTER: I had a very good chat with Sir Jack Hayward and I am of the view that Sir Jack is going to be cooperative with the Government. The Government will be cooperative with him and the Port Authority. They have some plans that they will announce in due course themselves that we will be supportive of.

As Minister Zhivargo Laing had indicated before, we are willing to do specific investment promotions for Grand Bahama, and we made a half million dollars available from the government and asked the business community and the Port in Grand Bahama to match us and we would take Freeport on the road. Freeport has great facilities for attracting investments.

Remarks by Rt. Hon. Hubert A. Ingraham, Prime Minister, at the commissioning of the upgraded Accident and Emergency Urgent Centre and Operating Theatre and Day Surgical Unit of the Rand Memorial Hospital

Ladies and Gentlemen: Today we celebrate a significant milestone in the advancement of quality of life for the people of Grand Bahama and the Northern Bahamas including Abaco and Bimini. This milestone is a part of my Government's plan for social development generally, and for the expansion of quality and accessibility to health care for all Bahamians.

For some time, one of the most pressing healthcare needs for the people of Grand Bahama and the Northern Bahamas was to significantly enhance our second city's major healthcare facility. Indeed, the developmental needs of the Northern Bahamas long ago outstripped the aging physical plant of the Rand Memorial Hospital.

The end of 2011 saw the retirement of well-known Freeport resident Joseph Darville from the Grand Bahama Shipyard. Joe, as he is known throughout the island, joined the Shipyard management team 8 years ago to work as a liaison with the unions and to develop an in-house training program.

Hand selected by Edward St. George, Joe worked along with his fellow executives Mick Holding and Marylyn Johnson to help foster a professional and a mutually respectful rapport between the local staff and management. "I feel we bridged the gap and helped establish a harmonious relationship between everyone," said Joe.

Remarks by Rt. Hon. Hubert A. Ingraham, Party Leader
Free National Movement Introduction of Grand Bahama Candidates
15 January 2012

FNMs: We are making ready; it's time to register to vote. And soon, it will be time to vote. Colour Red is coming again.

Before I speak to you on our mission here today, I want to say some words of thanks to all of our aspiring candidates but most especially to Senator Frederick McAlpine and to Philcher Grant. And I want to say a few words about Michael Pintard who has nobly taken on a special mission for our Party and our country - sending Brave Davis packing once again from the Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador Constituency seat.

More than 50,000 observers in The Bahamas, Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean and participate each year in an all-day census of migratory and resident bird populations. The primary objective of this "Christmas Bird Count" is to monitor the status and distribution of bird populations across the Western Hemisphere.

Grand Bahama Island provided five teams for its eleventh count with a total of 34 local and visiting field observers that were assigned to five different count sections in the Freeport/Lucaya area. The event began with an orientation for the participants and a social gathering at Junkanoo Beach Club where delicious hot chili and other refreshments were provided during the chilly evening compliments of the Club and hosted by Club manager, Mark Neely. The official count began on Saturday morning at sunrise

Every day all over the world people wake up, and go to work. Unknown to the average person, there are a number of people for whom going to work means rescuing animals (in many cases, this is in addition to their regular job). From hoarding situations, from dog fighting busts, from kill shelters, from abusive or neglectful owners ... animal rescuers will go to whatever length necessary to help animals in need ... whether it's one at a time or many.

This is only one rescue story. About two ordinary potcakes whose lives have been transformed by the efforts of many animal rescuers who came together to make their rescue a reality. And save their lives in the process. A real-life testament to how rescue at its best can work.

Prepare for take-off!

In my last article I addressed selling your property on your own versus listing with a licensed real estate company. Whether you opt to list with a realtor or sell on your own you're going to need to ready your home for the sale.

I'd really like to thank HGTV for bringing everything to do with home and real estate to the everyman. I thank them for the education they provide to buyers, sellers and realtors alike. For home sellers HGTV's variety of shows practically teach you how to wrap your house up into a pretty package topped with a bow ready to be handed to a buyer. In a mere half an hour you can learn how to retile your bathroom, reroute your plumbing and install a fireplace. Prior to putting your home on the market you may wish to watch a few shows or peruse their website which is also filled with decorating ideas and renovation/repair instructions.

In keeping with the government's objective of honouring educators, another school has been renamed. During a ceremony held in Alice Town on Friday, January 13, the Bimini All-Age school was renamed the "Louise McDonald High School' as a tribute to Louise Emmaline McDonald, nee Robbins, who dedicated 45 years of her life to education. Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Hubert A. Ingraham said he felt 'privileged' to witness this tribute to a 'devoted daughter of Bimini.'

"How good and wonderful it is that Mrs. McDonald's family and friends, former colleagues and students, and fellow Biminites are here to acknowledge and celebrate her contributions to both national development and the advancement of this community," said Mr. Ingraham.

Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC) has pledged its continued assistance to farmers in North Andros. This follows election of a new slate of officers to lead the now Big Yard Farmers Company Limited, formerly the North Andros Farmers Association.

Veteran farmer Floyd Newton has been elected president with Neville Clarke as his assistant. "We wanted to show support for the new administration and again pledge a commitment from BAIC to assist them in anyway we can to allow them to achieve what ever objective they plan for," said assistant general manager (agriculture) Arnold Dorsett.

This is an extract from the introduction to the fifth chapter of the historical novel 'Bahama Saga' by Peter Barratt published by Authorhouse in 2002.

"Come and see the men who have come from heaven; bring them food and drink"
Reputed to have been spoken by the Lucayans - an extract from the log of Columbus

After about ten weeks at sea, having weathered calms, storms and a near mutiny in three vessels unsuited to crossing a great ocean, Columbus was near to his goal. As he lay out to sea he thought he must be near Japan but, after he landed, he revised that assumption to an offshore island of India. The morale of his crew improved somewhat but soon they were all disappointed at the poverty of the inhabitants they found in the islands.

The islands they found were the site of the most publicized, though certainly not the first, European landfall in the 'new world' of the Americas.

The Grand Bahama Performing Arts Society presents their first event of 2012 and their 4th annual chamber music concert with a TrioCollage to be held in Grand Bahama on Saturday, January 21st, at 8pm at the Grand Bahama Yacht Club on Midshipman Drive. The concert will not only feature some extremely talented musical artists, but while the group of four are on island for the weekend, they will also give of their time to inspire music students from various schools.

Returning pianist, Tannis Gibson said, "We are all looking forward to the upcoming school concerts where we bring some of the finest chamber musicians into the school setting. We intend to bring the students close enough to the music-making so as to feel the direct impact of this wonderful classical music. Our informal concert will encourage interaction and active listening, and we plan to have FUN and hope the students and teachers do as well."

A packed house crowded into the Rainforest Theatre at the Wyndham Nassau Resort on Sunday afternoon for the 'Love That Child' benefit concert in aid of the Ranfurly Homes for Children and the Children's Emergency Hostel, sponsored by BOB. More than 200 performers wowed the audience with everything from hip-hop inspired contortionist dance moves to awe-inspiring vocal renditions.

Adults sang along to local hits from seasoned performers including Funky D and T'rez Hepburn, while children joined in with The Meridian School Choir's rendition of Lean on Me and the pop hit Price Tag by Jessie J. The show featured something for everyone, all in aid of the children's homes.

Kendal Hanna's "Happy Birthday to Me" exhibit closing reception and the All-Star Amateur Artists Event will both be held this Friday, January 20th at the NAGB.

At 6.30pm, The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas is pleased to host its inaugural premier one-night art exhibition featuring talented Bahamian amateur artists called "The All-Star Amateur Artists Night (AAA)" where amateur and non-professional artists have the opportunity to exhibit their work in a professional museum setting.

Jackson Burnside rocked in the world of architecture. His love of the craft and eagerness to experience the world led him to travel to many countries to enjoy both the unique structures as well as cultures. Mentored by the late Louis I. Khan, Burnside, in his own right became an architectural icon throughout the Caribbean. In his effort to learn more about the world around him, he in turn taught others how to effectively embrace natural products and merge them with the built environment.

Islands of the World Fashion Showcase (IWFS) has created the Jackson L Burnside III Fashion & Design Award to honour this Caribbean legend. It is now one of four award categories that qualified designers can vie for at the newly re-branded, bi-annual event.

By RENALDO DORSETT / The Tribune Sports Reporter

In its third year, the Sunshine Insurance Race Weekend, which includes Marathon Bahamas and the Susan G. Komen Bahamas Race for the Cure 5K, drew thousands of participants to the Bahamas in the most populated and thrilling edition of the event in its brief history.

In the main event Sunday, Bryan Huberty finished first overall and set a new course record in the 26 mile Marathon with his time of 2:42.53s. Sidney Collie, 32, finished second in 2:47.40s, and Delroy Boothe, the top Bahamian finisher was third in 3:01.19s. The 33-year-old, originally from Madison Wisconsin, but now based out of Miami, Florida won his third full-marathon of his brief four-year-career.

Hot on the heels of Marathon Bahamas comes a new event to keep Bahamian runners happy, the first annual Alpheus 'Hawk' Finlayson 10k & 5k Race Weekend Classic is making its debut in Freeport April 6-7th. Expect a weekend filled with interesting competition, social excitement and personal fulfillment with athletes participating from around the world.

Registration has already begun, with organisers present at the Marathon Bahamas Expo passing out flyers and registration forms to athletes and spectators. Visit the website at http://10kclassicbahamas.com/

Seven gymnasts from Bahamas Star Gymnastics (BSG), one of two Nassau-based clubs, competed in a high-level gymnastics competition in Tampa over the weekend, the club announced. The Tampa Bay Turners Invitational 2012 (TBT) was the second meet of the season for the Bahamas Star team.

Head Coach Alex Mayet reports that the all-girls squad held their own among more than 700 top-notch athletes representing more than 30 gymnastics schools throughout the USA, Costa Rica and the Bahamas competing in Levels 2 through 9.

The Scotia Bank Pee-Wee League will continue as scheduled kick off time 10:00 a.m. In the Mini League: Bellevue Business BlueJays won by default over Grand Bahama Port Authority.

Upcoming schedule for January 21st, 2012 - In the Junior League: Esquire Knights will play vs Quality Service.

On January 28th, 2012, its the semi-finals!

Dear Editor:

I have today listened to Mr. Wallace Rolle, the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) candidate for South Beach on Issues of the day. The gentleman appears to be a Utopian of the first order. He gives the impression that he and his party have all the solutions to our ills; like with a DNA victory - all lights will be turned on, unemployment will be eradicated, no one would lose their house, and the hurting that we the people are experiencing just now will be no more. Mr. Rolle stopped short of promising that the tears from every Bahamian eye will be eliminated under a Democratic National Alliance administration.

He says that we need to diversify our economy. What does this mean? Agriculture and fisheries are already on the move, the Bahamian craft industry has received a major boost with the new straw market policy, and opportunities galore exist for young and the not so young entrepreneurs.