U.S. Chargé d'Affaires John Dinkelman is pleased to welcome the U.S. Embassy's newest diplomat, Ms. Neda A. Brown who assumed her role as Embassy Nassau's Public Affairs Officer in July, 2013. Ms. Brown heads the Public Affairs Section (PAS) and leads a dynamic team that seeks to engage and educate Bahamians on the work and priorities of the U.S. government.

Though she recently arrived to Nassau, Neda considers The Bahamas as her second home. Her mother, Elizabeth (Hepburn) Brown, was born and raised in Nassau and after graduating from Government High School in 1970, went on to attend Fisk University in Nashville, TN where she met and married Neda's father, Rev. Alvin Brown. Neda's grandparents, Harcourt (deceased) and Diana Hepburn (93 years old and worked in the world famous Straw Market for more than 50 years) both hail from beautiful Cat Island.

On July 24, Ms. Victoria Reeder, Deputy Assistant Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) Office of Global Strategies (OGS) in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security made an official two-day visit to The Bahamas to hold high level bilateral discussions with senior Bahamian government officials on international aviation issues.

The OGS is responsible for identifying and mitigating risks at nearly 300 foreign airports from which U.S. airlines operate or U.S.-bound passengers and cargo depart. When an international aviation-related threat emerges, OGS leads the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's activities in responding to the event.

On the heels of a recent meeting between the Bahamian government and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with The Bahamas given until mid-August to address deficiencies in aviation standards or face a downgrade that could seriously impact every aspect of this nation's economy, aviation law expert Llewellyn Boyer-Cartwright is pointing to the establishment of an international aircraft registry of excellence as a means to ensure maintaining a high standard in aviation going forward.

"This warning of being downgraded from a Category 1 to a Category 2 is serious and I know that government is working diligently to remedy any deficiencies and to make and implement the necessary improvements, including changing the framework within which the industry operates, separating regulatory and oversight from operations, a very important and not inexpensive move," said Boyer-Cartwright.

"I was the victim," says Grand Bahama attorney and Save The Bays director, Fred Smith, QC, expressing disbelief at the charges of 'causing harm' to another man filed against him this week in relation to a now infamous Jaws beach altercation that occurred in April of this year.

"I am innocent of the charges brought against me," says Mr. Smith. "It sets a horrible precedent within the Bahamian justice system when the victim is charged with a crime due to their attempt to escape a potentially life-threatening attack upon them."

Executives from Baha Mar and the Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) celebrated the opening of the Baha Mar airport lounge in a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The space is expected to build awareness and excitement around Baha Mar as well as to provide tourists and Bahamians with a sophisticated arrival experience in a space that is representative of the resort. The airport lounge is a part of the upgrades designed to make the Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) a world-class facility that highlights the diverse culture and history of The Bahamas.

Vernice Walkine, President and CEO of NAD said, "Baha Mar is a world-class resort. It makes sense for domestic and international passengers at LPIA to know about the Baha Mar experience."

Four more winners have stepped forward to claim their prizes in Heineken's summertime under-the-cap-campaign, 'The Voyage,' which runs from June 21 to August 21. Heineken-sponsored weekend getaways winners include Derek Bain of Abaco and Jason Taylor of New Providence while the lucky recipients of the free-beer-for-a-year prize are Darrel Cash of New Providence and Myron Underwood of Eleuthera.

"Our customers are energized and excited about this latest promotion and the opportunity to receive such incredible prizes," said Janay Pyfrom, Heineken Brand Manager. "We're always looking for fun ways to demonstrate to our patrons how much we appreciate their loyalty. The chance for them to win prizes goes a long way in continuing to build on that relationship."

Major roads and highways throughout New Providence will be paved as part of the Ministry of Works' ongoing road maintenance programme.

The East/West Highway, Thompson Boulevard and Bay Street are among thoroughfares on which re-surfacing has already been carried out.

Paving is expected to continue until the end of August and is being done by Bahamix, a division of the Ministry of Works.

This past weekend, the Grand Bahama Shipyard (GBS) began the labour portion of their commitment to help schools in the western parts of Grand Bahama. For the last three years, as part of their annual fishing tournament fundraisers, the shipyard has assisted schools and educational programs on the island.

Last year funds raised from the tournament were used to upgrade the playgrounds at Free Town and High Rock Primary schools as well as upgrade the schools' education equipment and computer centers. This year's efforts will aid the West End schools in Grand Bahama as well as to complete shipyard efforts already started at Eight Mile Rock track and sports field.

The Humane Society of Grand Bahama's volunteers arrived early at the east deck of Junkanoo Beach Club on Saturday, July 27, to prepare for the 4th annual "Paddle for Potcakes" Family Fun Day. The deck was soon set up with ribbons and trophies for the swimmers, kids' game prizes, a full bar, live music, and hamburgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs and bratwurst for the grill.

Shortly after 12 noon, more than 30 swimmers ranging in age from 5 to 62 had registered for the open ocean swim races. Following the swim the light-hearted competition continued with spirited games of tug-o'-war and egg toss. The day wrapped up with a raffle of both fun and beautiful prizes donated by generous sponsors.

Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, said the Government is no longer talking about financing business but have put resources into agencies such as the Bahamas Entrepreneurial Venture Fund, to bring relief to small business persons throughout the country, particularly Grand Bahama.

The Member of Parliament for the Pineridge Constituency, Mr. Darville was addressing the Bahamas Entrepreneurial Venture Fund Limited Business Forum 2013, held July 30, at Christ the King Auditorium.

Due to inclement weather the renaming ceremony for the Norma Headley Drive was not held this past Wednesday as previously announced and has been postponed until October, but the street sign was changed.

Speaking to Mrs. Headley said that she is humbled and honoured at the same time having this street renamed after her.

How Exercise and Physical Activity can help

Exercise and physical activity can benefit every area of your life. They can:

The One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF) recently expanded its work in strengthening Eleuthera's communities by joining forces with Susan G. Komen®, the world's largest breast cancer organization, to increase breast cancer awareness efforts on the island.

As part of this new partnership, OEF has created a new role of a community outreach coordinator and designed a vigorous breast cancer awareness program for the island. Its main goal is to distribute information to the public about various cancers, dispel cancer myths and describe the services offered by the OEF and its partners.

Fox Town, Abaco, came alive for three days from the 20-22 July when former students of Fox Town All Age School honoured Ralph Hanna. Mr. Hanna, affectionately known as "Teacher Hanna" was flown in for a special celebration and thanked for his contribution to the community some 50 odd years ago.

There was a flurry of activities designed to show appreciation for the great work he had done during his eleven years as Principal of Fox Town All Age School (1958-1969). Mr. Hanna thanked his students and the community of Fox Town for a celebration that was fit for a king.

NASSAU: Captain Adam Russell reports catching a few blackfin tuna in the 15lb range and mahi in the 10-25lb range off shore. Many anglers have been successful deep dropping for grouper and snapper.

NORTH ELEUTHERA: The offshore fishing has been slow with only a few small fish caught. Most anglers have been bottom fishing at the points such as Dutch Bar and Shallow Ground.

We would like to wish our customers the best of luck for the opening of crawfish season on August 1st. There will not be a fishing report published for next week as the writer/editor/creative director/reporter/photographer, along with most of the population of The Bahamas, will be out fishing for the opening of crawfish season. Harbourside Marine will be open.

The Grand Bahama Regatta Committee will partner with Bahamian Brewery and Legends Nightclub to host our Rake N Scrape Beer Fest Friday, August 2nd 2013 on the grounds at Legends Nightclub from noon.

The Rake n Scrape Beer Fest will offer more that just ice cold Sands beer, native dishes such as hot off the grill finger licking Bar-B-Que Chicken and Ribs, Crab N Rice, Crack Conch, Lobster Dinners, Conch Salad and Frozen Fruit Daiquiris will all be on sale. The Grand Bahama Regatta Committee is proud to announce that the Deep South Island Boys will transport you to Cat Island and Exuma where that downhome Rake N Scrape music gets you out of your seat and on the dance floor.

More than 300 people flocked to the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas (NAGB) to witness the historic unveiling of The Bahamian Collection - an exhibition of photographic portraits of men and women from all walks of life, who together represent the heart, soul and spirit of the Bahamian character.

The exhibition was officially opened on July 11, one day after the official 40th Anniversary of Independence, under the patronage of the Governor General and Lady Foulkes. The Collection is the brainchild of award-winning photographer Duke Wells and his wife, Lisa, who called the grouping of portraits, each bringing out the character of the subject, "a vital expression of Bahamian identity."

As a proud supporter of the 40th Independence celebrations the Grand Bahama Shipyard (GBS) and their staff were also a part of the Grand Bahama float parade last week. The parade which was postponed because of weather was rescheduled and featured the GB Shipyard float, totally redecorated for the event.

Staff and apprentices from GBS helped create the yard's float into a mini cruiseship design, complete with Captains bridge, Carnival steam stack and two huge Bahamian flags.

After a seven week-long contest, one dedicated cable subscriber, and three of her friends, will be going to Walt Disney World courtesy of HBO and Cable Bahamas. The two companies joined forces in the exciting "The Next Avenger" summer promotion around the May premiere of "The Avengers" on HBO. Contestants created their own superhero and showed off their creativity with a photo and/or video of themselves demonstrating their "superhero skills".

HBO subscriber Giovanna Swaby proved to be the best - and most popular - among the finalists, receiving over 2,000 votes to win the grand prize of an all-expenses paid trip for four to Walt Disney World, including airline tickets, hotel accommodation, meal vouchers, transportation and tickets to 4 main theme parks.

Farris Kinkaid, Landscape Development Project Manager at Baha Mar, discusses the resort's landscape sculptural projects at the second meeting in the Art at Baha Mar series.

Artists from a broad cross-section of disciplines attended the event for an opportunity to submit proposals to design and build up to three sculptures that include a fish, a bird and a junkanoo-inspired drum. Once installed on the property, the sculptures are intended to become a part of Baha Mar's unique and authentic Bahamian experience.

To learn more about Baha Mar meetings contact art@bahamar.com.

By Antonius Roberts

As an artist with both a home and a studio in Cable Beach for many years, my first experiencewith Baha Mar was watching the bulldozers clear the land and cut the roads. I saw the tractors and trucks removing the hardwood trees, which are natural resources that I and other local woodcarvers cut for carvings. And I said to myself, "There's got to be some way to reach out, to get the developer to listen."

As it turned out, there was, and they did. Through local connections with Sarkis and Katie Izmirlian and Saskia D'Aguilar, I met to discuss my ideas about conservation, and creating something new out of those materials. Would Baha Mar consider allowing me and other woodcarvers to go into the construction area, retrieve the hardwood, and construct benches and furniture that could be repurposed and used in and around the resort campus?

Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie said, on July 29, 2013, that when one is looking at the development of sports in a country, one must have sporting heroes for others to look up to as athletic role models, encouraging younger citizens to strive to succeed, no matter their circumstances in life.

"It is for me to say to each of you, as you accept this award, that you really made it possible for younger ones to believe that they could do better and that they could compete at the level of the Olympics and the level of the world," Prime Minister Christie said to the Bahamian Olympic Men's 4 x 400-metre relay team receiving their bronze medals from the Sydney Olympic Games of 2000, during a ceremony at the British Colonial Hilton.

Minister of Tourism the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe was the guest speaker at the recent ceremony by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology to reward two Grand Bahama college students for their sports accomplishments: Desmond Russell in baseball at Jackson State University and Roshell Cooper, softball, Virginia University of Lynchburg.

Pictured from left: Peter Turnquest, Member of Parliament, High Rock; Ms. Sandra Edgecombe, Deputy Director for Education; Desmond Russell; Roshell Cooper; and Minister Wilchcombe, who made the presentations.

(BIS Photo/Vandyke Hepburn)

Just the other day, two very young girls came to my house (I don't who brought them; the car they came in was parked aways off), and they were asking for money for "sponsoring", though I didn't see a sheet in their hand. Parents, please stop this.

I also see children on the streets at times soliciting money for churches. This is how children become victims of abuse. Now what if I was a child predator, etc? Two little girls come walking right up to my door with not an adult within striking distance had I grabbed either of them into my house. Churches meantime that know of and/or encourage this type of thing ought to be ashamed of themselves and should admonish the parents in their congregations to stop this irresponsible and dangerous behavior.