NASSAU, Bahamas -- Prime Minister Perry Christie greets Jacqueline Lady Fawkes, widow of Sir Randol Fawkes and daughter, Rosalie Fawkes, during the first Sir Randol Fawkes Labour Day March, Friday, June 7.

(BIS Photo/Peter Ramsay)

Sandals Royal Bahamian donated several bags of linen and towels to the Red Cross last week to aid victims of the recent flooding throughout the Bahamas.

Brenda-Lee Rolle, Welfare Officer at the Red Cross, said some of the donated bedding and towels were given to Urban Renewal offices in the severely affected areas of Pinewood and Nassau Village. She said other items were shipped to Acklins to assist several fire victims.

In the fifth year of recession with a still nervous, if slowly recovering economy, Commonwealth Brewery executives credited increased beer sales, broader retail appeal through store upgrades and greater operating efficiencies with driving net earnings up by $5 million over the previous year and allowing the leading spirits, wine, beer and beverage company to share profits with some 3,000 Bahamian shareholders.

The positive report -- issued with a warning flag about increases in the cost of doing business -- was presented to a packed house during the company's annual general meeting (AGM) June 4 at the British Colonial Hilton.

ANTIGUA, Guatemala -- Describing the global drug problem as "a long-standing, persistent, and destructive one, impacting countries throughout the hemisphere," His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Elliston Rahming, The Bahamas' Washington, D.C.-based permanent representative to the Organisation of American States (OAS), said on Wednesday, June 5, that the geography of The Bahamas "presents a particularly difficult challenge" in addressing the drug problem.

"Located just off the coast of the United States, our geographical configuration of hundreds of islands spread over more than 100,000 nautical miles of water, makes The Bahamas especially vulnerable to illicit transit and trafficking of drugs," Dr. Rahming said, in an address at the 43rd General Assembly of the OAS in Antigua, Guatemala.

The country's leading road marking company, Bahamas Striping, celebrated the groundbreaking of its new headquarters and manufacturing plant last Thursday on land leased from the Bahamas Agricultural & Industrial Corporation.

The project, representing a $400,000 investment, is located in the industrial park near Abundant Life Road and will house offices, storage, training facilities and a manufacturing plant for concrete products such as parking lot wheel stops.

WOMEN ON THE R.I.S.E celebrated women advancing throughout our country encouraging all gathered to Reflect. Inform. Support. Empower.

WOMEN ON THE R.I.S.E. provided an opportunity for women to unite, engage and uplift one another. All gathered shared the need for similar events that afford women of all ages an opportunity to empower one another.

The Oakes Field Primary School in conjunction with the Ministry of Education and the Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) held a special assembly on Tuesday, June 4 marking the closing of a Water Efficiency programme at the school.

The Hon. Jerome Fitzgerald Minister of Education, Science and Technology told the students to remember to put everything they learned about water efficiency to use in their lives and to pass the information on to their siblings and parents.

Category C: Practices for which Insufficient "Evidence Exists to Support a Clear Recommendation [for continued practice] and which Should be Used with Caution until Further Research Clarifies the Issue."

In 1996, the World Health Organization (WHO) assembled birth experts from around the world to identify common practices in normal birth that were justified, that improved birth outcomes, and that ought to be encouraged for sound care in normal birth.1 At the same time, the WHO identified common birth practices that are known to be harmful, unnecessary, underused as well as those interventions that required further study to determine their merit in the care of child bearing families. In a way, as presented, the listing of intervention by category serves as a "sort of" report card for birthing facilities in that either the intervention is or is not currently practiced. This article "speaks to" the third of the four categories of common birth practices and the need for research that either affirms of refutes the merit of the Category C interventions. The practices in question are in bold type and listed below. Current research findings for each intervention follow.

The community of West End, Grand Bahama will be hosting its 3rd Annual Snapper Tournament & Festival on Saturday, June 22nd, 2013 from 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m., under the theme " Celebrating the Fishing Legacy of a Community Over Forty-years ".

West End's rich history has attracted boaters and sailors from around the world. World record big game tuna and blue marlin have been caught offshore and as well attracted notorious bootleggers when rum running was flourishing during prohibition. We also boast some of the best bone-fishing grounds found anywhere in The Bahamas. Our community once thrived with a fish cannery and sponging factory during the early 1900's.

There's never a dull moment at the Humane Society of Grand Bahama. In addition to dozens of dogs and cats, our veterinarian has tended to two birds in the last week.

The first was an injured sea gull we picked up at Independence Park, thanks to a phone call from local environmentalist, Gail Woon, who had spotted the bird during her evening exercise. Sadly, the little gull's injuries were too extensive and he had to be humanely euthanized. A Good Samaritan spotted an injured red tailed hawk on the ground just off Seahorse Road Tuesday morning, and was able to gently capture her with the ingenious use of a small fishing net and a towel.

Bahamas National Trust's Grand Bahama division and Regional Committee held their Annual General Meeting on May 23 at the Rand Nature Centre.

Outgoing President Lloyd Cheong welcomed the members and gave an overview of the accomplishments for the year, which included renovations, new construction, progress in its beach preservation efforts, and an expansion of national parks. The Bens Cave staircase has been replaced, thanks to a donation by Sir Jack Hayward, the new Pavilion at Lucayan National Park is complete on account of donations given by the Grand Bahamas Power Company, and the expansion project of LNP to a Land & Sea Park is currently conducting field assessments.

"You are entering an industry that is vibrant, active and growing despite a global recession," said Ian Fair, Chairman, The Grand Bahama Authority, Limited (GBPA). Addressing the largest group of Maritime Cadet Corps to graduate on Grand Bahama to date, Fair further added, "Unlike many fields that are downsizing, the maritime sector offers so many different job careers for you to choose from." The Bahamas Maritime Cadet Corps (BMCC) was formed in 2004 and spread to Grand Bahama in March 2009. The programme affords secondary education students with an opportunity to receive skills training in various areas of the maritime industry.

EMERALD BAY, Exuma -- The Sandals foundation handed over a computer lab outfitted with 10 brand new computers to the students and faculty of Stuart Manor Primary School today.

General Manager of Sandals Emerald Bay Jeremy Mutton was on hand to cut the ceremonial ribbon that officially opened the lab.

On the second leg of its national tour, the 40th Anniversary Independence Flag landed in Deadman's Cay Long Island by the Air Wing of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force this morning, June 11, to an enthusiastic crowd ranging from toddlers to senior citizens.

Wearing their national colours, Long Islanders beamed with pride proclaiming "I am proud to be Bahamian" as the flag was hoisted on the grounds of the Deadman's Cay airport on this historic occasion.

Remarks by The Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie Prime Minister & Minister of Finance

I am pleased to be in Abaco. I have brought a number of important persons with me to share in this very special occasion for the school Every Child Counts and even more especially to demonstrate our joy and support for the Graduating Class of 2013. I now introduce you to the Permanent Secretary Mr. Creswell Sturrup; Under Secretary Abaco Mr. Alexander Flowers; Personal Assistant to the Prime Minister Mrs. Monique Morley and Ricardo Moss of the Office of the Prime Minister.

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama -- Over 100 dancers are polishing pirouettes and reviewing relevés in anticipation of Body Language, coming to the Regency Theatre this weekend. Tickets are now on sale for the Lois Seiler Academy of Dance's celebration of 44 years of excellence with its bi-annual recital on Saturday 15th June at 7:00pm and a matinee performance on Sunday 16th June at 4:00pm.

Director and Choreographer Lois Seiler, whose experience ranges from Broadway to Casino Revues, is elated at the performance prepared for this year. "I'm excited about the variety of styles represented in this year's recital. There is going to be something for everyone and much to enjoy. The 'Rhapsody in Blue' number is definitely one I tell everyone to keep an eager eye on along with many others."

Lowe Sound Primary School students perform a James Catalyn skit, during the E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival Andros Adjudications, in Nicholl's Town, North Andros, on June 10, 2013.

(BIS Photo / Eric Rose)

NASSAU, Bahamas -- Local designer Theodore Elyett continues to remain a stitch ahead of the other designers in the Mission Catwalk design competition. Elyett impressed international beauty queen Yendi Phillips, a guest judge on episode 8, with his creative design specifically made for her, securing his second place finish in the challenge.

In episode 8, the designers were challenged to create a garment for beauty queen and Digicel brand ambassador Yendi Phillips to wear at the Samsung Galaxy Mini launch event. Phillips is internationally knows as Miss Jamaica World 2007, Miss Jamaica Universe 2010 and the first runner up in the 2010 Miss Universe pageant.

Written by Yasmin Popescu / The Freeport News

Last Saturday evening, due to weather conditions, the annual Twirp Awards was held at the Regency Theatre where many prizes were given out for the performances by the various thespians performing with the Freeport Player Guild.

Highlights of the evening included a few words from Sir Jack Hayward who attended; a roast of Kay Hardy with roasters Lois Seiler, Vilma Dann, Tiffany Dennison, Darius Williams, Sarah Kirkby locally, while from England were Pat Myers, Director of RADA Tony Sewell and from the United States best wishes were sent from Jedd Fraser. Best friend Vicky Smith also flew in from Texas for the roast as well as Andrea Gottlieb who came from Abaco.

The third edition of the Grand Bahama Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will feature thirty-five athletes, administrators, officials, and personalities during a gala show on July 6, 2013 at the Regency Theatre, Freeport, Grand Bahama.

The G.B. Sports Hall of Fame Committee, an entity of the City of Freeport Local Government Council, made the announcement on Wednesday as it unveiled this year's theme: Legends 2013 - 'Better...Stronger...Faster'.

It was a race to the finish for Southern Comfort, who captured top honors at the 30th Annual Treasure Cay Billfish Tournament (TCBT), June 2-7 at Treasure Cay Beach, Marina & Golf Resort, Abaco, Bahamas.

Owned by Peter Angel, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Southern Comfort clinched First Place on the last day of fishing when they released their fourth blue marlin, bumping Domarlo, owned by Doug Macdonald, West Palm Beach, FL to second place.

Next week's 11th Annual Andre Rodgers National Baseball Championship is expected to bring an economic boost to the local economy when teams convene June 19 - 24 in Grand Bahama. Now in its fourth year of being held in Freeport, the much-anticipated event is pleased to have The Grand Bahama Authority, Limited (GBPA) as its principal sponsor once again.

"We are pleased to lend our support and are grateful that Grand Bahama continues to be the host venue for such a notable event on the sporting calendar," stated GBPA Vice President, Ginger Moxey. "From an economic standpoint, their presence is immeasurable. Additionally, the level of camaraderie and support amongst players and spectators is uplifting during the week of spirited competition."

The Criminals in The Bahamas are feasting on our disunity, selfishness and indifference

The negative and agonizing impact of crime in our country can be felt throughout the archipelago, and - it is the number one subject among residents. The solution to it is found among us. We must connect as one people to resolve this national menace. This means that neighbors must get to know each other and their respective communities. If we are not familiar with our next door neighbor, and if we don't communicate and look out for one another - then we are part of the crime problem - my people.

The criminals are feasting on our disunity, selfishness and indifference. We must resolve to unite and fight the unconscionable criminal elements in our mist, or dog will continue to eat our lunch.

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