In keeping with the U.S. Embassy's ongoing efforts in supports of the empowerment of women and girls and in recognition of The Bahamas' 50th anniversary of the Women's Suffrage Movement, two Bahamian women were recently given the opportunity to participate in separate professional exchanges with female leaders from around the world.

The Honorable Melanie Griffin, Member of Parliament for Yamacraw, participated in an exchange focused on "Women's Leadership and Political Participation," while Miss Keva Nairn, Family Island District Commissioner of The Bahamas Girl Guides Association, participated in a program focused on "Girl Scouts and Girl Guides: Building and Developing Capacity for Girl-Serving Organizations."

As 2012 marks the 50th anniversary of the Women's Suffrage Movement in The Bahamas, The College of The Bahamas in conjunction with the Bureau of Women's Affairs, Ministry of Labour and Social Development will co-host a special symposium under the theme "Commemorating the Past, Reflecting on the Present, Envisioning the Future: 1962 and Beyond" from Tuesday, March 6th to Friday, March 9th, 2012 at The Performing Arts Centre, College of The Bahamas. All sessions are FREE and open to the public and all schools.

Photo: Major historical female figures from the Suffrage Movement: (clockwise from top left) Mabel Walker, Mary Ingraham, Eugenia Lockhart, Dame Dr. Doris Johnson and Georgiana Symonette.

At first glance it is the kind of unlikely mix that makes heads spin -- the country's leading ladies getting all dolled up in trendy, heady fashions to help raise funds to support the health and welfare of 35 young people and their families. On second glance, the Red Dress Soiree set for March 3 at 6 pm at the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort makes a lot of sense, as much a meaningful fund-raiser as a soiree.

The three-part event -- runway show, cocktail reception and silent auction -- directly supports an ongoing program that provides tutoring, psychosocial intervention, counseling, snack and hot meal, food/clothing bank and life skills lessons for some 35 males and females between the ages of 9 and 22.

Hundreds of Palmdale Primary students gathered in a tree-shaded courtyard this week as the bright lights of TV cameras and the attention of top education officials, teachers and classmates shone on the best and brightest and encouraged all.

In an assembly sponsored by BOB with other corporate support, 160 students from grades one through six were honoured for their achievements and Palmdale Primary got top marks for its overall performance.

Sandals Royal Bahamian recently welcomed into its ranks its first and only female Butler Chauffeur. Nathasha Bethel is making her mark amidst her three male counterparts.

Ms. Bethel was employed with the resort for the past 16 years as a member of Sandals Royal Bahamian's kitchen staff, and has recently transferred to the property's elite Butler department.

Cedric Munroe, a 12th grade student from Doris Johnson Sr. High is the proud New Providence winner of the U.S. Embassy's 2012 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Civil Rights Essay Contest. On February 28, U.S. Chargé d'Affaires John Dinkelman recognized all of the students from Doris Johnson who submitted essays and presented Cedric with this year's grand prize - a new Apple iPad 2. As part of the special assembly Cedric also read his winning essay in front of his gathered peers, which focused on celebrated American poet, novelist, educator, actress, filmmaker, and civil rights activist, Dr. Maya Angelou.

During his remarks Mr. Dinkelman noted that in each of the over 120 essays that the Embassy received, the principles of justice and compassion resonated.

After a two week Atlantic crossing from the Canary Islands to Bridgetown, Barbados, under the command of Captain Harald Meyer, the "Alex" has begun its final leg to arrive in Freeport, Grand Bahama, on March 15th with Captain Ulrich Lamprecht at the helm. The vessel left Bremerhaven, Germany, on January 14th after serving for 105 years as a sail training ship for the German Sail Training Association (DSST).

Her new destiny will lie on Grand Bahama Island at Freeport Harbour, where she will host cruise ship passengers, island visitors and residents on coastal sailing excursions while bringing back the romance of sailing from years gone by!

On March 8th, women, men, and children from Freeport, Grand Bahama, are set to make history by joining together at the Garden of the Groves to celebrate International Women's Day as they walk across the bridge in solidarity with women, men and children around the world who believe in peace and equality for all.

"Join me on the Bridge" www.womenforwomen.org/bridge is the biggest women's rights campaign in the world today. What started as a gathering of Rwandan and Congolese women on a bridge connecting their two countries, showing that women could build bridges of peace and hope for the future, has sparked what is today a massive global movement. Last year over 75,000 people joined together on 464 bridges in 70 countries, including bridges in Afghanistan, Iraq, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Canada, the United States and The Bahamas.

BASRA Grand Bahama had a busy past week, but not in water rescues rather in youth trainings. We held a boating safety training on the rescue boat this past Wednesday for twenty three 4 and 5 yr olds. The were taught about boating safety, water safety, man-over-board procedures and some of BASRA's medical equipment. It was a great time had by all and a very successful day.

Then, on Friday past, a special group joined BASRA's youth trainers in promoting the message of boating safety. The United States Coast Guard along with the US Embassy teamed up with us in Grand Bahama when they arrived to the Grand Bahama International Airport on one of their helicopters.

The West End Eco-Fishing Camp is pleased to announce the fourth year of their program designed for local kids who are immersed into a number of activities to get them thinking about their role as "caretakers of the earth and living seas." The camp is held in partnership with the Royal Bahamas Police Force who saw the need to initiate signature community programs to encourage the children to learn about basic first aid, water safety, and swimming, introduction to boating, ecology, kayaking, hand line fishing, and fly fishing.

Led by a group of adult volunteers from the local community and officers from the West End police station the kids are kept busy learning about "Esprit de Corps" or group spirit that encourages a team effort in each of the planned activities.

The Humane Society of Grand Bahama would like to thank the Apple Elliott Band for including us in their "Night of Love" held last Saturday night. Thanks to the many attendees, the HSGB bar and raffle was successful and the proceeds will help our shelter animals greatly. The show was fantastic and much enjoyed by everyone.

The Dog Show is only days away! The HSGB is going all out to make it the best one yet. It's not only a dog show, but a family fun day, with a cash bar, great food and snacks, bake sale, pony rides, face painting, and hoopla. Get your dogs ready to strut their stuff - who will win the coveted Best in Show this year?

Photo: 'Bronze' could win cutest in show - read her story below . . .

Due to questions raised Grand Bahama Shipyard Limited (GBS) would like to confirm that no one was killed at the shipyard facility this weekend. There was an industrial accident and a worker is currently receiving treatment at the Rand Memorial Hospital for injuries sustained. The doctors reports that he is in stable condition.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force were given full access to the yard and GBS has cooperated fully with their investigation, which is a routine in any accident that requires emergency care.

Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC) has donated a tractor and ancillary farm equipment to Exuma farmers.

"Being able to feed ourselves is a must," said BAIC executive chairman Edison M. Key. "No longer can we depend on some outside source for our sustenance. "We fed ourselves before, and at a time when farming was back-breaking. Surely we can do it even better now that modern technology has made food production so much easier."

The economy of Abaco is showing signs of recovery as a new investment in the retail sector brings new jobs and a new option for consumers. Although it has been in operation since November 2011, CARQUEST Auto Parts in Dundas Town had its official grand opening on Thursday, February 23, with special discounts, promotional giveaways and free food provided to those joining the celebration.

Proprietor of the CARQUEST store in Dundas Town, Stephen Albury was excited to see the level of interest from the local community. When asked what inspired him to open the new retail outlet, Mr Albury said, "We took a look at the local market and saw a need, and CARQUEST filled that need. Abaco is a growing place and has a need for car parts. Last year, when the government changed the duty on vehicles, that had a big impact on people keeping their vehicle longer, and therefore needing more spare parts."

Can it be possible that the Bahamas will not turn up in the centre of things, adventurous and glamourous? - H.M.Bell

Although Queen Victoria died in 1901 the first fourteen years of the new century could be said to belong to the old. Nevertheless, little by little some of the wonders of the new age appeared and changes were slowly introduced into the island colony. Shortly after the turn of the century the motorcar made a debut on the dirt roads of the capital city. A submarine telegraph link between Nassau and Florida was instituted and finally in 1907, a telephone system for Nassau was established by the government that was a full two years before there was a reliable supply of electricity.

As we try to re-purpose our lives in this ever changing world, we realise that fear can paralyze your success and health. "Living a Fearless Life by Choice," written by Dr. Angelika Christie [www.angelikachristie.com], whose vast knowledge on Holistic Health and Body/Mind Spirit connection propelled her to become an award winning best selling author of "WIN - 35 winning strategies from today's leading entrepreneurs". [Angelika's strategies on facing fear] can change your life.

Join Angelika at her Book Launch and learn more of life's simple truths and how you can intentionally improve your life and well being. When? Friday, March 2nd and Saturday, March 3rd from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at The Art of Giving and Starbucks Coffee Bar, International Bazaar [Tel: 687-2460].

Angelique Sabrina, a Bahamian singer/songwriter, who hit the Bahamian music scene at age 12 with her song, "Roller Coaster Ride" and went global at age 13 with her song "13" has already accomplished major milestones in the short time she has been singing. At the beginning of this year, she was voted #2 in two Top 10 countdowns in Sydney, Australia and got the attention of major music moguls in the United States. Now, she sets off for Los Angeles, California, to shoot a video for her newest song, "Pull Up." The video is being shot by the world famous SkeeTV.

But, before she goes, she wants to give viewers a chance to be a part of her video for the song.

Not many sportsmen get the chance to show off their skills in front of 80,000 people but that's the claim to fame of soccer goalkeeper Alan Williams. It is the high point so far in the career of the pro coach from the North-West of England who will be one of the team of three spearheading this year's Sir Jack Hayward Grand Bahama Soccer Camp.

Alan, who started out his career aged 16 at the leading club Blackpool, did his stint between the posts at the world famous Wembley Stadium during half time in an international match between old rivals England and France.

Persistence ... perseverance ... perspiration equals monumental success. This was the winning formula which catapulted young Sydney Wells to mount the top of the podium thereby claiming the gold medal and the Uneven Bars Champion award on Sunday evening, far away from family and teammates.

Wells, who celebrated her eighth birthday last week (Feb.21) would be the solo flag bearer for her club and country at the Wolverines Classic hosted by GymAmerica in Ann Arbor, Michigan February 24-27, 2012. This lone star represented her cheering squad back at home with her personal best performance in the Uneven Bars and other apparatus in amazing fashion to bring back glory for all.

At a press conference held Thursday at the Grand Bahama Yacht Club (GBYC), the Grand Bahama Shipyard's 3rd and 4th year apprentices announced that March 10th will be the date for their annual fishing tournament.

"The community response has been phenomenal," said Tournament Committee Apprentice Chairman Nagee Smith. "Our corporate partners have again showed their generosity, in our efforts to help the youth of Grand Bahama Island. Last year's tournament was a tremendous success raising $13,000 for the youth sports programs of Eight Mile Rock and the West End of Grand Bahama. This year's tournament projects to almost triple that figure!"

Captain Lundy Robinson in his A class boat the 'Red Stripe' caught the B class 'Lady Natalie' in the thrilling St. Valentine's Regatta, 'Catch Me If You Can' race recently at Montague Beach.

He was presented with his prize, the Palm Cay Sir Durward Knowles Trophy at a winners Reception at the Nassau Yacht Club. Captain Lundy of the 'Red Stripe' is the first recipient of this new floating Regatta trophy and shared in the $2,000 dollar purse with 'close behind' Lee Armbrister of 'Good News', who then went on to collect the traditional 'Catch Me If You Can' race trophy for crossing the finish line first.

In 44 days, we will be on the beautiful island of Eleuthera for Ride for Hope 2012. If you have not yet registered to ride, now is the time! On March 15, the registration fee of $75 will increase to $100.

Registration is easy with the new online registration system. Register as an individual, team, or family. When the registration process is complete, you will have your own Ride for Hope page to share via email, Facebook, and Twitter to help you raise money.

Not able to ride this year? No problem! Register to volunteer at Ride for Hope.