Two senior lawyers today called for the creation of a Bahamas Aircraft Registry, saying it could spin off a host of related business and industries, creating jobs, fueling economic diversity, potentially boosting Family Island business and, eventually generate multi-millions of dollars of revenue.

"Discussions of a Bahamas Aircraft Registry have been going on and off for years," said Callenders & Co. Senior Partner Colin Callender, QC. "The establishment of a registry always seemed to be desirable, but distant. Today, there is a heightened sense of readiness and urgency. Thus, we at Callenders & Co. are willing to take the lead in driving the process for the creation of a Bahamas Aircraft Registry without which we will continue to lose market share to other jurisdictions like Cayman and Aruba who are equipped to be one -stop-shops for high net worth individuals and with which we can diversity the economy, create jobs and potentially create an entirely new industry."

The United States Embassy is pleased to announce the results of the Sixth Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Civil Rights Essay Contest. The purpose of the annual contest is to encourage Bahamian students to explore the life of Dr. King and reflect on how civil rights and diversity affect their lives today.

This year the Embassy received over 90 essays from high school students attending public and private schools in New Providence, Grand Bahama, and the Family Islands. U.S. Chargé d'Affaires, John Dinkelman will recognize Grand Bahama's winner on his first visit to the island on February 16. Pictured: Grand Bahama winner Benita Delaney.

The Woman in Black - One of the taglines for this movie: She'll Never Let Go. A young lawyer travels to a remote village where he discovers the vengeful ghost of a scorned woman is terrorizing the locals. With the support of one of the locals he decides to investigate the reason behind the haunting in hopes of finding a way to end the ghost's reign of terror over the citizens of the town.

Safe House - The tagline for this movie: No One Is Safe. When the most dangerous renegade of the CIA returns back to the grid after a years on the run it creates unforeseen turmoil. After the safe house he is remanded to is attacked by mercenaries, he escapes with a rookie operative who must sink or swim in the new environment. They must try to stay alive long enough to find out who wants them dean and uncover a conspiracy that could rock the global espionage network.

Even for a record-breaking real estate broker, going out on his own as property values in some places were tumbling faster than a rock off a cliff seemed risky at best and crazy at worst, but for Mario Carey the past three years have been a steady, almost heady, upward spiral. And today, the founder of Mario Carey Realty and MCR2 announced the firm is growing again.

"We're very pleased to announce the appointment of Terrinique 'Terri' Pennerman as Marketing Manager," said Carey and "Antoine Adderley as Broker/Appraiser. While their backgrounds are diverse, each brings a wealth of experience. Together they contribute in a significant way to the youthful energy that marks Mario Carey Realty, a spirit of drive and enthusiasm with an understanding of market trends, a belief in personal service and a commitment to community which is a cornerstone of our firm."

From Tourism Today

A Today Show blitz of The Bahamas over two days gave approximately 3 million Americans per day a close look at the many islands and vacation experiences the country offers. The fourth hour of the United States' number-one television morning show was broadcast live from Atlantis Paradise Island on February 8 and a taped episode aired for audiences on February 9.

Hosts Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb whipped through a wide array of Nassau/Paradise Island's offerings - from the water slides of Atlantis to beach volleyball with the country's national beach volleyball team to eats and drinks at Arawak Cay and Junkanoo Beach.

In the last week, more of the Humane Society of Grand Bahama's dogs and pups have either gone to rescue or found their forever homes. The HSGB is so grateful to all our local and foreign supporters and rescue partners for helping us save as many as possible.

Last week, Celeste (pictured), the tiny puppy thrown from a car window, went to LuvAPet Rescue in Florida. She is doing great in her foster home and will be available for adoption in a few weeks. She is learning the joys of digging in the garden.

"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven" - Ecclesiastes 3:1. Teachers at Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic School use this approach to develop holistic individuals. There is a time for academics and a time for faith sharing; there is a time for having fun and a time for giving service.

During the Catholic Schools Week/Spirit Week Mary, Star of the Sea students were exposed to all the aspects of the theme: Faith, Academics and Service. One of the main facets was that of service. From the Early Childhood Department through the sixth grade; the entire student body was involved in two key service projects.

Over 50 people turned out to attend a public meeting on the Blue Holes of The Bahamas held at The Bahamas National Trust's Rand Nature Centre in Freeport last week.

The meeting was opened by the BNT Grand Bahama Branch Chairman, Lloyd Cheong and was facilitated by Nancy Albury, Branch Manager and Curator of Paleontology for the National Museum of the Bahamas also a member of The Bahamas Caves and Research Foundation (BCRF). Mr. Cheong highlighted the current initiatives that BNT is involved in on Grand Bahama including the proposed expansion of Lucayan National Park, the repairs and the reopening of Ben's Cave, and the possibility of adding more national parks to Grand Bahama.

Considered one of the single most significant transformations in Grand Bahama in the last six months, the new BTC Pioneers Way retail experience unveiled officially on Friday, February 11 opened its doors with a new look, new products and new opportunities. The event launch was well-attended by key individuals including executive members of the Grand Bahama Port Authority and The Hon. Neko Grant, Minister of Public Works and Transport and MP for Lucaya.

"We are grateful that this project by BTC to demolish and rebuild has resulted in the creation of various job opportunities on Grand Bahama," said Grant.

North Andros produce won the confidence of executive chefs from top New Providence hotels and restaurants following a weekend tour of farms there. It was another in a series of conferences BAIC has been organising between New Providence-based buyers and Family Island farmers.

"We will do the best we can to assist farmers in opening to them a market that is estimated to be worth $500 million," said BAIC executive chairman Edison Key. "That is the value of food products we import into this country, much of which we can produce right here."

The contract signing for the construction of a concrete dock to replace the wooden dock in Cooper's Town was received with applauds from residents in this northern Abaco community.

The Bahamas Government executed a $460,100 contract with Calvin E Parker Construction to reconstruct the dock that was damaged during Hurricane Irene in 2011. Public Works and Transport Minister the Hon. Neko C. Grant said the dock utilised by fishermen, pleasure boaters and travellers to the neighbouring Spanish Cay has previously undergone repairs. "Unfortunately, the dock was again severely damaged last year during Hurricane Irene," Mr. Grant said.

Recycling is easy, and by doing so you can make a big difference for Abaco! Help reduce the impact of solid waste on our beautiful environment.

Friends of the Environment and Oasis Services encourage everyone to recycle. Recycling centers include:

The community of Eleuthera welcomed the signing of a contract for reconstruction of Gene's Bay Dock, which provides an important link for the movement of people and goods on this island.

The Hon. Neko C. Grant, Minister of Public Works and Transport, led a delegation to Spanish Wells to sign a $310,887.85 contract with Terry Higgs of Eleuthera Construction Co. Ltd. to reconstruct the dock that was damaged during Hurricane Irene in 2011.

Rooster's is pleased to present The Producers, a blues band visiting from the Bournemouth, England on Saturday, February 18th, 2012.

Renowned 'till the mid-90's as one of Britain's best blues bands, the band has reformed with two original members (Harry Skinner, vocals/guitar, and Dave Saunders on bass) and two new members (Ray Drury on keyboards and Biff Smith on drums) after a seven-year break. Since reforming they've been receiving rave reviews, and are regaining the loyal following which made them so popular previously. New material is continually being written and incorporated into their sets which contains many of their previously recorded tracks.

BTC executives have officially issued a casting call for the best and brightest of young Bahamians to audition for roles as company spokespersons, re-affirming the power of its Starmaker campaign using lively young faces and voices to win loyalty of a young -- and financially lucrative -- market.

The announcement of the casting call came at a press conference Wednesday morning at the company's new wave store at the Mall at Marathon which opened last December following a $500,000 makeover.

Don't miss The Fox on the Fairway, the hilarious new comedy directed by Angela Hackman and written by Ken Ludwig, writer of Lend Me A Tenor. The show opens in the beautiful Regency on Thursday, February 23rd, curtain time 8pm.

Henry Bingham (Kenton Pinder), president of the Quail Valley Country Club, is in a difficult position, less by finding out that his newly hired hand, Justin (Kyle Redman-Carroll), is in love with Louise (Olivia Dorsett), the waitress at the club house, but by the discovery that the golfer he thought would play for his club has switched sides recruited by his counterpart and opponent, the cocky and arrogant Dickie Bell (Reggie Simmons), head of Crouching Squirrell Country Club and the huge bet he had foolishly wagered is now likely to be lost.

The 'Meeting of Minds Expo' at the Canal House of Pelican Bay on Saturday night, February 11th, was a fun event that enlightened Grand Bahamians and guests to the amazing art, fashion, photography and musical talent on the island.

The evening showcased an eclectic collection of artworks from Alisa Robinson, Del Foxton, Jacki Boss, Ken Heslop, Ken Sandberg, Helen Madill, Shirley Blain and Sheldon Saint. They were were joined by artisans from Saint George Fashion House, Le Maison De Besh, John Heath Jewelers, Lyndah Wells Photography and Mango Tree Media.

The Dag Hammarskjöld Fund for Journalists is now accepting applications from professional journalists from developing countries for its 2012 fellowship program. The application deadline is Wednesday, March 30, 2012.

The fellowships are available to radio, television, print and web journalists, age 25 to 35, from developing countries who are interested in coming to New York to report on international affairs during the 67th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The fellowships will begin in early September and extend to late November and will include the cost of travel and accommodations in New York, as well as a per diem allowance.

When the strong willed Desdemona marries against her father's wishes, her world is turned upside down. Her new husband is powerful, rugged, romantic ... and white - a Conchy Joe.

Bahamian blood runs high in a radical and feisty reworking of Shakespeare's classic. In this world of opposites, black is white, freedom is imprisonment, and love - through the distorting prism of jealousy - remains as unpredictable as the ocean.

The Valentine Art Exhibition saw record attendance for the opening reception at the Glory Banks Gallery of the Rand Nature Centre on Thursday evening, February 9th, 2012.

In his opening remarks to the many art patrons and art enthusiasts in attendance, president of the Grand Bahama Artists Association, Sheldon Saint said it is not just that February is the month of love that we have a Valentine Art Exhibition because the members of the GBAA have been exhibiting their love of art and making their presence felt in Freeport community since 1996.

It's Valentine's Day with a flurry of sailing activity set for Saturday, February 18 on Montagu Bay spearheaded by Eleazor Johnson and the Bahamas Sloop Association. And once again, the Bahamas Sailing Association (BSA) junior sailors will be on parade with the 'big boys' showing off their sailing skills. These are kids from the ages of 8 to 15 who come from a variety of social backgrounds with just one thing in mind - SAILING.

"The youngsters will be racing around a very short but fun course close to the Montagu Beach shore," said sailing coach Robert Dunkley. "The event promises to be interesting and fun for spectators to view and helps bring awareness to the fact that their kids could be out there on the water taking part in the racing."

The Grand Bahama Girls' Soccer Developmental League's Under 13 girls' team was announced this week. The selected girls will be traveling to play four teams from the American Youth Soccer Organization Tournament from April 21- April 23rd, 2012 in Fort Lauderdale.

The girls are looking for the public to support them in their sale of baked goods and a potential raffle later on in the month. Anyone who is interested in making a contribution in terms of a raffle prize or making a small donation to the trip, please contact Mary Woodside-Knowles or Donnie Knowles at Town & Country 352-3641.

A new Regatta trophy has been commissioned and named for Sir Durward Knowles by Richard Browning, CEO of the Palm Cay Marina - the unique water-front residential development on the Eastern Road.

The announcement and cocktail reception for the presentation of the new Trophy to Sir Durward in honour of his life and sailing times, was held at the Palm Cay Marina Club House on the Eastern Road with many well known boat owners, boat captains and industry stalwarts to witness the event.

In Senior Boys soccer action in New Providence, St Andrew's School played C.W. Saunders on Feb 1st.

The Hurricanes won, beating CW Saunders by a score of 8-0 and are working towards their 6th straight championship season.

Photo: Senior boys hit the soccer field.

A Loyalist is someone who has his heart in England and his body in America and whose neck should be stretched.
- Contemporary Rebel witticism

Towards the end of the eighteenth century the Bahamas was to get caught up in a web of events which had their beginnings in the British colonies of the middle Atlantic Seaboard. These colonies decided at first to defy, then later to revolt, against the Mother Country. The event has been recorded with much extravagant and patriotic prose by the successful rebels but there was another poignant facet to the story which was played out in part in the small island colony of the Bahamas.

At first there was little sympathy in North America for open revolt and, apart from royalist France, little encouragement from abroad either. But in the end the revolutionaries had their way and a radical but noble political experiment was begun.