The Bahamian Parliamentary delegation to the November 28 opening of Parliament in the Turks and Caicos Islands visited Waterloo, the Governor's residence, where they were warmly received by Governor Damian Todd.

Governor Todd noted how pleased he was to welcome the "very strong, distinguished delegation from The Bahamas'" as it was a very special day for TCI, following the November 9 general election. "So, I am very pleased that your Deputy Prime Minister and your delegation are here to share this happy moment with us and also to show how very important relations are between the Turks and Caicos Islands and The Bahamas," said Governor Todd.

Governor-General Sir Arthur Foulkes, presented Alma Adams with her Instruments of Appointment as the first woman Ambassador of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to the Republic of Cuba, during a ceremony at Government House on Thursday, November 29, 2012. During the ceremony Mrs. Adams presented Letters of Recall on behalf of her predecessor Ambassador Vernon Burrows.

She thanked the Governor-General, the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs for her appointment, and her parents for instilling the discipline and training she was able to use in her professional development. "Since I will be there, many more Bahamians will be speaking Spanish," said the former Spanish teacher.

Building on its great success to date, Cable Bahamas, providers of the REVOICE telephone service, has launched its intensive end-of-year campaign to promote the service. David Burrows, head of marketing at Cable Bahamas, says that the level of satisfaction among its subscribers has been tremendous. "We're excited to let even more people know about REVOICE through this seasonal promotion," Mr Burrows said.

Cable Bahamas has also teamed up with Nassau Motor Company, The Bahamas' exclusive Honda distributor, to give away a brand new Honda CR-V sport utility vehicle worth more than $42,000. The company's new marketing thrust utilizes television ads, web and social media advertising and radio.

A critical 1.2-mile link between JFK Boulevard and Cable Beach opened Friday in classic ceremonial fashion with a wave of two checkered flags and the entry of iconic race cars gathered in Nassau for Bahamas Speed Week Revival 2012 becoming the first to use the new thoroughfare. The new 4-lane thoroughfare currently known as Corridor 7, provides a north-south link between JFK Boulevard at the intersection of Gladstone Road and Baha Mar Boulevard.

Colin, Higgs, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Works, was first to test the new road as the passenger in a car driven by race car legend Sir Stirling Moss, honorary patron of Bahamas Speed Week.

Thousands of residents braved the chilly temperature in Rawson Square November 29 to witness the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture's annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. The Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon. Dr. Daniel Johnson was among those in attendance.

(BIS Photo Derek Smith)

Minister of State for Investment and MP for Pinewood the Hon. Khaalis Rolle announced the launch of the Pinewood Gardens Christmas Basketball Camp, December 4.

Pictured from left: Jackie Moxie, organiser; Jeff Rodgers, founder and CEO, Jeff Rodgers Basketball Camp; Minister Rolle; Senator, the Hon. Jerome Gomez and Mitch Johnson, instructor.

(BIS Photo/Raymond A. Bethel)

Since beginning Gifts for Good in 2009, AML Foods Limited, through our brands Solomon's Super Centre, Cost Right Warehouse Club, Solomon's Fresh Market and Domino's Pizza have donated more than $130,000 to many deserving charities in New Providence and Grand Bahama. These charities and groups perform great work throughout our communities and we commend them for their efforts in helping the less fortunate in our society.

"We feel that it's our corporate responsibility to give back and assist those in need in our community," says Renea Knowles, VP of Marketing & Communications, AML Foods Limited.

BOB officially opened the doors to its brand new Carmichael Road branch this week. The 5,500 square-foot facility is located just west of MORE-94 FM and offers the City 2000 community all of the services its customers have come to enjoy at the 13 other locations and more - including a Creole-speaking staff member.

"The Carmichael Road area is the fastest growing population centre in the nation," said Patricia James, Carmichael Road branch manager.

Minister of Transport and Aviation, the Hon. Glenys Hanna Martin, assured Bahamians at a Press Conference December 3 that the oil spill off Grand Bahama earlier that same date, is not likely to threaten the Bahamian environment.

Minister Hanna-Martin said investigations into the leak from a Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) vessel, The Eugenia, has been taken under control by by marine environment inspectors, engineers, and port officials so it does not become a catastrophic environmental health issue. The container vessel left Freeport harbour around 4:00 a.m. December 3, en-route to the Everglades with some 3,000 barrels of oil on board.

This holiday season help your favourite local charity by recycling aluminum cans, car batteries, aluminum food trays and all other scrap metals. The Keep Grand Bahama Clean committee in partnership with Presto Recycling invites everyone to participate in Grand Bahama's first annual " Recycle for Charity" campaign.

Individual residents, schools and local businesses are encouraged to take part in this island wide initiative to benefit the Grand Bahama Children's Home, the Humane Society and the Salvation Army.

After receiving a wonderful letter from Mail Boat Assistant Manager, in Grand Bahama, Clifford Storr, praising his staff's dedication to their jobs; General Manager of Sanitation Services, Lou Carroll, wanted to acknowledge his hard working staff this month.

"We have some very dedicated employees at Sanitation Services and in the last few months they have excelled in helping out in their community," said Carroll. "It was very rewarding to receive this letter and we wanted to show our appreciation to Joseph Similen and McDonald Cooper for their exemplary work ethic."

Thanks to the very generous staff of the Hutchinson Group of Companies and the employees of Grand Lucayan Bahamas, the Grand Bahama Children's Home and the Home for the Aged were blessed with a bounty of goodies on Thanksgiving, just in time for the holidays.

"Sowing into the lives of others is a great way to show that you're thankful this Thanksgiving, was our motto for this fundraiser," noted Lisa Gibson, Employee Relations Manager at Freeport Container Port. "Non perishable goods and toiletries were collected from our three companies from November 1st to the 19th and then we delivered all the donations to the homes the day before Thanksgiving!"

For the second consecutive year, Elnet Maritime Agency hosted the children of the Grand Bahama Children's Home to a post-Thanksgiving feast and fun-filled day. Their mission was to share God's love with the less fortunate during this holiday season.

"It was a time for sharing and fun where we had the opportunity to show God's love. We prayed with the children, sang songs and enjoyed a Thanksgiving feast," said Janet Mills-Shepherd, Vice-president of Human Resources for Elnet Maritime.

As the staff at the Humane Society of Grand Bahama get ready for another Operation Puppylift and the Christmas season at the shelter, eyes are already on the new year as the fundraising committee is planning an exciting ladies lunch onboard the tall ship Alexander von Humboldt.

The 106 "Alex" as she is affectionately known will be decked out for the ladies featuring a signature cocktail, elegant buffet lunch, live entertainment and lots of games and prizes.

Mark your 2013 calendar for Saturday, January 19th! Tickets are limited and available now at Art of Giving in the International Bazaar or at the HSGB shelter on Coral Road. Call 441-7070 for more information.

In 2011, Grand Bahama welcomed over 600,000 cruise arrivals. In anticipation of comparative figures in the years to come, The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA) actively continues to place much emphasis on boosting tourism product development. Part of the fruitage of their labour was seen in the recent opening of Señor Frog's at the Freeport Harbour, marking the entrance of the well-known, successful Mexican chain into the Grand Bahama market.

"This occasion has long been in the making and was birthed through consistent efforts on the part of our Business Development and Licensing departments," GBPA President, Ian Rolle remarked during festive opening ceremonies.

Minister of Education Science and Technology, the Honourable Jerome Fitzgerald visited the far eastern community of Sweetings Cay last Friday to personally congratulate five students who had outstanding achievements in their first sitting of the Bahamas Junior Certificate (BJC) Exams. Accompanied by the Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, Mr. Fitzgerald led a team of senior education officials to the small fishing village.

In what has become a yearly scholastic achievement at the Sweetings Cay All Age School under the watchful eyes of principal Mr. Balram Dhani, all senior students performed exceptionally well in their BJC exams.

The Exuma Youth Matching Band received a donation of several dozen t-shirts from Sandals Emerald Bay Beach Resort and Spa. The shirts are a part of the band's uniform. Band leader Perry Brice thanked the resort for all its help over the years.

"We want to give you a special thank you for all of your help from the administration and band members. We appreciate our new t-shirts. The Foundation and Sandals continues to donate in to the lives of Exuma's youth and they do this with so much love. Thank you," Mr Brice said.

It's only one day away until Festival Noel - the kick-off event to the holiday season. On Friday December 7th, the Rand Nature Centre will be filled with lights and fun, as "A Not so Silent Night" promises lots of lively action! This popular annual event is the main fundraiser for the Grand Bahama branch of the Bahamas National Trust (BNT).

The tickets have been reduced to $30 this year ($35 on the day of the event) and the organisers expect there to be many more people attending this year. "We've changed things up this time around," says event organiser, Leigh Termath. "We reduced the price but are still including the wine sampling from Bristol Wines and Spirits. There are 33 different wines to try, from all over the world, so attendees can expect to sample their fill!"

It was music to the ears of all gathered as the Yamaha baby grand piano was unveiled at The College of The Bahamas. The gift, for The College's music department came through the Endowment for the Performing Arts. The piano, which had been under-utilised in its former home at the Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts, was given in memory of the Endowment's founding patron Edith, Lady Turnquest.

In purchasing the piano some years ago, the Endowment for the Arts intended it to be used for the general enjoyment of the musical community in The Bahamas and to further foster the arts by providing an instrument for those who otherwise would not have access to one.

"Junkanoo this year will become a National Arts Festival" proclaimed Youth, Sports and Culture Minister Dr. Daniel Johnson at a press conference at his ministry November 28. Flanked by senior executives of his ministry, Minister Johnson covered a number of pertinent issues.

The Minister began by heaping high praises on and offering "highest congratulations" to rising track star Anthonique Strachan on being voted the junior athlete of the year 2012 by the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF). He said her achievement is tangible evidence that "we (Bahamians) have proven our capacity to be number one." Anthonique is the first female track athlete to win both the 100 meters and 200 meters at that level since Jamaica's Veronica Campbell.

The text that follows is intended to provide a background for the crafting of a cinematographic screenplay for either a full length film or alternatively a twelve episode television show about the Bahama Islands. It is closely based on the book 'Bahama Saga' by Peter Barratt. More background to the story can be gleaned from the book.

EPISODE 1 - A LAND REVEALED (CIRCA 40,000BC - 600AD)

LOCATION: Mongolia (or any other steppe-like location)

Screen subtitle: Mongolia

The screenplay opens with a view of the seemingly endless steppes of Central Asia in winter. The camera slowly focuses on a huddle of Stone Age people trekking through the snow with a herd of Bactrian camels, goats, sheep, and cattle (the route of the trek shown in form of an animated chart). The scene zooms in to their wizened old leader, a shaman, who holds up his staff to bring the caravan to a halt.

The second annual Lucaya International Turkey Trot started bright and early at Banana Bay restaurant this past Saturday, December 1st, with over two hundred runners participating in the 5km race or the 1 mile run for students.

The event again raises much needed funds for the Grand Bahama Children's home. Through sponsorship and race entries the event raised nearly $4,000 last year and it is hoped that the event raises as much if not more this year. Congratulations to all runners, walkers and organisers of the LIS Turkey Trot.

Meridian School student Oliver Moncur bargains to be the next kart racing champion during Bahamas Speed Week's Karting Exhibition at the Thomas A. Robinson Sports Stadium.

Members of the reigning UK champion Formula Kart Stars Racing Team, ages 8-15, put on demonstration races during Speed Week's main events December 1-2 at Arawak Cay. Karting sponsors include BOB, Latin Trade and the Vlasov family.

The Sandals Foundation, in partnership with volunteers from The Golf Association of Ontario ran a "Future Champions Golf Clinic" for children of the Nelson Ranger Golf Program at Sandals Emerald Bay in Great Exuma.

Local children from the island joined head professional Kevin Mumford for a fanatic morning of golf. The GAO also donated clubs, birdie balls, gift bags, tee shirts and hats to the Nelson Ranger Golf Program. Sandals Emerald Bay hosts the Nelson Ranger program twice a month. More than 30 young Exumians participate in this program.

On 29th November 2012, the National Sports Authority (NSA) signed a contract with Beynon Sports Company for the refurbishment of the original Thomas A. Robinson stadium.

The track surface has deteriorated greatly due to the extensive use that the facility receives; the works which are expected to take two months to complete, will commence immediately. Upon completion of the upgrades, it is expected that the track will receive an appropriate certification from the IAAF, the governing body for athletics.

Supporters of the governing Party like to say to critics "the government has just gotten in, you've got to give them some time before you critique them on their performance - Rome wasn't built in a day." Fair enough. But here is the question though - why does the government need to be given much more time to do what's right and good, when it has clearly wasted no time at all in causing a mess in numerous government ministries and agencies?

We can support whatever we choose in terms of political parties and the politicians connected to them, but facts do not change simply because we choose to ignore them, spin them or act as though they do not exist at all. - How many Bahamians, through a direct act of government, have seen their employment status switch from working to jobless since May 7, 2012?