The Coalition to Protect Clifton Bay and reEarth Director, Sam Duncombe, are partnering in their collective aims to save the environment of The Bahamas. This is the second high-profile new member to join the Coalition since its launch, following the inclusion of the Lyford Cay Property Owners Association last week.

Speaking about joining the Coalition, Duncombe said, "I am excited to be a part of this new initiative and to share in common goals that will result in a win win for The Bahamas and the environment."

The Coastal Awareness Committee of The Bahamas, a group of stakeholders from the private and public sectors with an interest in promoting the sustainable development of The Bahamas, has announced the focus for their campaign in 2013 - the effects that Invasive Species have on our coastal environment.

"Invasive species, both marine and terrestrial, are affecting our coastal zones throughout The Bahamas," said Earlston McPhee, Chairman of the Coastal Awareness Committee and Director, Sustainable Development for the Ministry of Tourism.

On Tuesday, April 2, U.S. Chargé d'Affaires John Dinkelman and his wife, Elizabeth joined with Prime Minister of The Bahamas, The Right Hon. Perry Christie, Mrs. Christie and representatives of the Resources and Education for Autism and related Challenges (R.E.A.C.H.) including the organization's President, Mario Carey, for the launch of the annual "Light It Up Blue" event to mark the start of Autism Awareness Month.

The event included a candlelight ceremony in Rawson Square and the release of blue balloons in a show of support of people living with and families affected by Autism.

Explaining to relevant stakeholders how the Value Added Tax (VAT) regime will apply to their hotels and tourism related businesses is the first step in fine tuning this reformed tax policy.

State Minister for Finance, the Hon. Michael Halkitis explained to stakeholders that the Government is aware that investors will need details in a timely fashion for financial year planning to include the most recent costs of doing business in The Bahamas. Minister Halkitis also explained the misconceptions of the VAT and dismissed the unsupported notions that this new tax will merely represent an added burden on all goods and services.

The Coalition to Protect Clifton Bay continues to win the hearts and minds of the public, just two weeks after its vital launch. The Lyford Cay Property Owners Association (LCPOA) is the latest prominent name to add its weight to the fight to protect Clifton Bay, other common marine environments surrounding New Providence Island, and The Bahamas.

This latest high-profile endorsement of the Coalition to Protect Clifton Bay marks the culmination of a highly successful launch for the body, establishing its position as a prime mover in environmental protection.

A new $6 million state-of-the-art marina is slated to open by mid-June in the heart of historic Nassau.

Called Bay Street Marina, the 90-slip facility capable of handling vessels up to 150 feet in length is located on Nassau harbour directly behind -- or in front of -- Luciano's of Chicago and the adjacent Green Parrot Restaurant on East Bay Street. There is a floating dock for temporary tie-ups for restaurant-goers arriving by boat.

Bringing awareness to the presence of child abuse, about 300 students gathered at the Bahamas National Trust Easter Egg Hunt to get information about where mothers and children can receive relief from domestic violence and child abuse.

On April 6, the Department of Social Services and Kemp Road Urban Renewal were present amidst bouncing castles, face painting, grilled hotdogs and hamburgers, and other fun activities like the Easter Egg Hunt on the Retreat.

If you haven't heard about Ol' Freetown Farm then you are missing out on fresh natural eggs from free range chickens, organically grown greens, awesome animals and a host of activities that kids are sure to enjoy. This family managed farm is just another wonderful addition to the list of attractions for local residents and eco-tourists who are looking for a unique family-friendly experience that is healthy, educational and fun for all.

Since the farm opened in 2012, thousands of children from schools all over the island have visited to learn about animals and interact with many creatures they may never see anywhere else on the island.

There's a fresh new lunch experience coming to the Pelican Bay Hotel Canal House on the 4th Floor: The Garden Delite Salad & Soup "A" Grill Restaurant.

Chef Emmanuel Smith is the driving force behind this new dining experience, which opened 10 April 2013, features three distinct food stations from which diners can choose to mix and match as they like for a fast and healthy lunch - a deluxe salad bar, a soup du jour station, and a selection of just-grilled lean meats, seafood, and chicken.

Spring has arrived on Grand Bahama and with it, lots of baby birds are being born or about to be born. This time of year, the HSGB typically receives numerous calls from residents about either nuisance birds, or baby birds that appear to be in distress.

We do appreciate the concern of compassionate people, who want to help but often don't know the correct way to do so. Here are a few basic guidelines to follow:

Members of the U.S. Coast Guard, cruise line industry, emergency response teams and key Bahamas government officials participated in the Black Swan Exercise, April 2 - 4, 2013.

The three-day exercise, designed to better understand each agencies' capabilities and concerns during a maritime mass rescue event, involved testing emergency procedures, search and rescue coordination, abandon ship process and accountability of passengers and crew, and landing site management and medical surge procedures.

Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic School's nominee for the Bahamas Student of the Year for 2013 is Deazure Nicolls.

Deazure Nicolls is a confident, eleven year old in Grade Six (6) at the prestigious institution of Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic School. She is a triumphant track and field athlete and an upcoming Gold Medalist Olympian. Deazure currently hold the record for Bantam girls 400 meters in The Bahamas as well as in Tampa, Florida.

The Government of The Bahamas, through the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) is spending almost $161,000.00 to upgrade health facilities in East Grand Bahama.

The PHA will spend some $160,590.90 on improving clinics at Sweetings Cay, High Rock and McClean's Town. Both the Minister for Grand Bahama and the PHA Chairman agreed that these undertakings are the first step in improving health care services throughout Grand Bahama.

According to executives at The Grand Bahama Port Authority Limited (GBPA), Intermodal South America in São Paulo, Brazil, delivered true to expectations during its 2013 Tradeshow & Conference. Recognized as the 2nd largest exhibition in the world for logistics, transport and international trade, this year's event hosted in excess of 40,000 attendees, inclusive of executives from some of the largest and most prominent names in the industry.

GPBA Chairman, Mr. Ian Fair expressed that the conference met every expectation regarding numbers, quality and diversity of attendees at the event.

Prime Minister Rt Hon. Perry Christie will deliver the keynote address to open the first Eleuthera Business Outlook (ELBO) on April 25 at the Leon Levy Preserve, Governor's Harbour.

The theme of ELBO will be "Positioning Eleuthera for Revitalization through Engagement and Productivity" said Joan Albury, President of TCL Group. "We at TCL Group are most pleased to launch Eleuthera Business Outlook, which is truly history-making and are honoured that the Prime Minister is taking time to give the keynote address, which will set the tone for the event."

HG Christie Ltd. welcomed the addition of estate agent Frank Knowles to their Abaco Team in Hope Town, Abaco this week.

Frank Knowles, known affectionately as 'Frankie', brings a decade of real estate knowledge and successful entrepreneurial knowledge to his new brokerage, HG Christie Ltd. Frank is a resident of the Hope Town Settlement and Elbow Cay community, where he has resided for over 20 years. As the proprietor of Abaco T-Shirt & Design Ltd and Sun-Dried T's, Frank's sphere of influence and business knowledge are board and extensive.

Days after an airport runway accident in Mayaguana took the lives of three innocent people, Llewellyn Boyer-Cartwright, the commercial pilot turned attorney and the voice calling for the establishment of a Bahamas International Aircraft Registry, urged government to move quickly to establish the registry that will not only bring welcomed business to The Bahamas but will cause the country to deal with meeting global ICAO standards for airport safety.

"The focus to date has been on the establishment of an international aircraft registry because of the business potential it has," said Boyer-Cartwright. "But last week's tragedy in Mayaguana brings into sharp relief the other need for such a registry because an international registry cannot exist without the country being committed to establishing and maintaining ICAO standards for safety at international airports."

While on vacation in The Bahamas, Oscar nominated actor and producer Mark Walberg met The Celebrity Artist, Jamaal Rolle, who presented Mr Wahlberg with a life-like portrait. A gift from Roni Duncombe of Distinguished Enterprises, Wahlberg was impressed and immediately told The Celebrity Artist that he would commission him to complete a portrait of his children. Wahlberg had compared The Celebrity Artist's portrait of himself to another one he had received in the U.S., saying that Jamaal's was the best, capturing such likeness.

The presentation took place at Executive Airport in Nassau, Bahamas minutes before Mark Wahlberg and his family left The Bahamas in his private Jet.

FirstCare Medical Plan has partnered with R.E.A.C.H. Bahamas and the Ministry of Education to host an essay contest on the topic "Autism in The Bahamas: Building Relationships through Understanding" open to students grades 7 to 12.

The competition is being held to increase local junior and high school students' social awareness of this neurobiological disorder during April, internationally recognized as Autism awareness month. Interested students are encouraged to submit a 300-word essay on the topic. Submissions will be accepted through April 30, 2013.

Globally, the month of April is commemorated Parkinson's Awareness Month. Hence, the Board of Directors of Kingdor National Parkinson Foundation will be hosting several activities to sensitize and educate the populace regarding this debilitating condition. One such activity of great significance is the organization's 13th Annual Gala Ball, which will be held at the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort, Cable Beach, on April 20, 2013 at 6:45 p.m. (cocktails); 7:45 p.m. (dinner and entertainment).

Under the exciting theme, "This One's For You", the organization has planned an evening of elegance, exquisite cuisine, entertainment and enjoyment.

Though weather leading up to the 3rd Annual Grand Bahama Shipyard's (GBSY) Youth Benefit Fishing Tournament was not looking too good, the rains held off and despite rough seas the fishing was competitive and the support strong.

"It was pretty rough today," said David Mellor, President of Executive Marine and now two-time GBSY fishing champion. "We went pretty far out to some good spots we know of. We landed the mahi-mahi, which was 35lbs, and then lost an even larger one. Everyone was disappointed but we keep going and then landed the three other types of fish, to just get the win this year."

Another great sporting event is planned for Grand Bahama that will bring junior sailors from across the island to West End for a weekend of competitive sailing.

The West End Eco-Fishing Camp Association in conjunction with the Grand Bahama Sailing Club and the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism will host the first ever West End Junior Sailing Regatta and Festival slated for April 20, 2013.

Palm Cay, the upscale waterfront development on Nassau's eastern shore, will host the second annual Bahamas Sports Fishing Network (BSFN) Boat Show April 27.

"We were proud to have been selected to host the first BSFN Boat Show last year when we had more than 30 boats for exhibit and sale," said Palm Cay Marina Consultant Brooks Russell.