The Islands of The Bahamas has mounted yet another impressive promotional venture which is expected to have thousands in the world famous Times Square area looking up. The country's message has been mounted high above the crowd on a new Jumbotron video board in the heart of Times Square.

The video message features Bahamian model Shakara Ledard who was a part of The Bahamas' "Behold" promotion, which was successfully launched in February of this year during Super Bowl 2013. The video board will be running through the rest of the year, several spots per day, with views from two directions.

Bahamians travelling to the United Kingdom are strongly urged to ensure that they are adequately prepared for the journey and asked to be particularly mindful of the following:

Investment opportunities in The Bahamas were highlighted during a reception hosted by Ambassador Dr. Elliston Rahming, permanent representative to the Organization of American States (OAS), at The Bahamas Embassy, 2220 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. on Monday, August 5, 2013.

Addressing the more than 100 lawyers and a cross-section of other professionals from Washington's business community, Dr. Rahming welcomed the guests "not only to the Bahamas Embassy, but to The Bahamas," noting that the reception was being held on a day when Bahamians were celebrating Emancipation Day, the official abolition of slavery in The Bahamas in 1834.

In an appearance on local radio show, Real Talk LIVE with Ortland Bodie, local attorney and a director of the fast-growing environmental coalition Save The Bays, Romauld Ferreira, responded to Prime Minister Christie's recent dismissal of environmental concerns at Clifton Bay as 'foolishness,' labeling those remarks as 'out of touch' and reflective of an outdated mode of thinking in The Bahamas.

"It is very regrettable when the Prime Minister of a country can utter a statement like 'environmental concerns are foolishness'," says Mr. Ferreira. "This is why this is the fight of our generation. We can't expect the politicians of yesteryear who regard environmental issues as foolishness to fully appreciate and be cognizant of the issues. We thank Mr. Christie for all of his contributions - he is the longest serving Member of Parliament and he has done wonders, but clearly he is out of his depth when it comes to the environment."

Returning Bahamian Surgeon Dr. Bernie Hanna, Weight Loss Institute of Bahamas, who also practices in Las Vegas, will be in The Bahamas to conduct two FREE seminars in late August. "We have been inundated with calls from possible patients," said Dr. Hanna. "But a lot of candidates need to fully understand what surgeries we offer and the commitment they need to make to change their weight and get healthy."

Dr. Hanna is hoping that in a more intimate setting he can answer more questions and explain the Bariatric Program and surgical procedures with a focus on Gastric Sleeve procedures. "In a forum with other men and women we hope to answer more questions for interested persons and explain the actual surgical procedures," added Hanna. The FREE seminars will be held in Freeport and Nassau at the end of the month.

The Bahamas Urban Youth Development Center presents its 2nd Annual Charity Event "Men Who Cook" Culinary Competition to benefit the Advancement for Health HIV/AIDS Prevention Project that targets at risk adolescents and young women in New Providence and Grand Bahama.

On Saturday August 31, Club Waterloo will once again open its doors and welcome dozens of men, giving them the opportunity to showcase their culinary arts for hundreds of enthusiastic locals and visitors to enjoy. With the expansion and growth of this charitable culinary competition, Bahamians from all around the Bahamas are gearing up for a treat of delicious hot smoking BAR-B-Que along with many savory and mouth watering side dishes, icy cold drinks and great entertainment.

Landscape architecture firm Foster Conant & Associates recently received the 2013 Award of Honor in the Commercial category from the Florida Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) for the redesigned West Bay Street area around Baha Mar.

The West Bay Street project, considered a " ... remarkable display of landscape architecture ..." by the jury that granted the award, utilizes environmental factors to engage the local community and to create a safe, unique experience for pedestrians and drivers. Energy efficient lighting is used to light the roadways while large, indigenous trees such as coconut trees and mature Royal Poinciana, Silk Cotton, Ficus and Kammalamme trees, transplanted from the old West Bay Street Park, are arranged along walkways to provide shade and a 'sense of park'.

Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie said he saluted Dr. Frank Edgecombe not just as someone who successfully represented Fox Hill in politics, but also as someone who has given yeoman's service to the teaching profession and his church, thus helping to shape the lives of hundreds of young children who have become productive citizens of the country.

The Prime Minister was speaking at the Street Renaming Ceremony from Springfield Road to Frank Edgecombe Street, Thursday, August 8, 2013. Dr. Edgecombe was among the first group of 30 teachers, who were pioneers of The Bahamas Teachers' College.

Philanthropist and noted conservationist Louis Bacon was recently recognized by a conservation organisation for his efforts to preserve and protect land, wildlife and a way of life increasingly threatened by encroaching urban development.

The latest award came August 4 when the non-profit Peconic Land Trust, created in 1983 to conserve working farms and natural lands on Long Island in New York, celebrated its 30th anniversary and nearly 11,000 acres protected by honouring "the conservation legacy of the Louis Bacon family" along with the memory of the late Peter Salm and the Salm family's ongoing efforts.

MISSING DOG - $1,000 REWARD!

Charcoal grey/black miniature poodle missing in Malcolm Allotment area off Blue Hill Road South.

Call 477-1900, 424-0694, 393-2746, 302-9030 or 392-1428.

Dog answers to the name BARCLAY.

He was recently groomed - looks very much like this photo.

There was standing room only at the Town Hall Meeting held by the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce (GBCC) in Freeport Tuesday night to discuss new Customs regulations, VAT and the 2015 Hawksbill Creek Land Act.

President of the GBCC, Barry Malcolm, opened the meeting with an overview of recent events in Grand Bahama since the July 1st implementation of the new Customs regulations. "The Chamber and I personally have been inundated with calls concerning these changes," said Mr. Malcolm. "We immediately initiated contact with the Government and the Grand Bahama Port Authority to express our concerns. In addition we, along with larger stakeholders, met with a legal team to discuss our rights under the Hawksbill Creek Agreement."

Dr. Howard Nelson, President of the Society for the Conservation and Study of Caribbean Birds (SCSCB), the largest organization devoted to wildlife conservation in the Caribbean, has described the Society's 19th international meeting in Grenada a resounding success. The theme of the conference, held recently on the St. George's University campus on the island of Grenada, was "Bird Conservation in a Changing Climate".

Dr. Lisa Sorenson, Executive Director of the Society, noted that more than 560 species of birds call the Caribbean region home. She also said that the islands provide a critical habitat for hundreds of long-distance migratory bird species that spend the winter in our forests and wetlands or use them as refueling stops en route to their final destinations in Latin America.

What could be better than kids and kittens and puppydog tails? Twenty-two Potcake Pals have enjoyed a variety of activities in their first two days of camp this week at the Humane Society of Grand Bahama.

On Monday, the campers used their creative skills to paint a variety of beds, boxes and jungle gym type structures, which the kitties in the HSGB cattery are already enjoying immensely.

The structures are re-purposed wooden pallets, kindly donated by DAPL Farms, built by Dennis and primed by Michelle Lovatt, HSGB Education Chairperson and Camp co-coordinator. The paint and paint supplies were generously supplied by Spectrum Paints.

Phillip Duncombe, previously a Junior Nondestructive Technician (NDT) Inspector at the Grand Bahama Shipyard (GBS), recently went to Houston, Texas for a 40-hour training session in Ultrasonic Thickness. The completion of this course has given him Level II Certification, and promoted him to full ranking NDT Technician.

"The course was an opportunity to learn more about UT. I had the experience of seeing the most updated technology and equipment. I got to learn more about using the machines , and I am now at an elevated level where I can use machinery we have here at the Shipyard," said Phillip of the course.

The Bahamas may have missed the boat on being the first country with a stem cell research center. One was proposed for Grand Bahama but due to lack of proper legislation has delayed.

Dr. Kevin Bethel of Freeport Family Wellness Center, made this statement as he addressed the Rotary Club of Grand Bahama Sunrise on Wednesday morning at Geneva's Restaurant. He stated that at the outset that there has been some misconceptions about stem cells which he said for the most part was unfounded.

A modern roadway for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians in San Salvador is on the way. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Urban Development the Hon. Philip Davis signed a contract for $2,843,516.67 with Symonette's Enterprises to improve and maintain roads on the island, Friday, August, 9, 2013.

The scope of works include resurfacing and repairing five miles of road in the north east portion of the island; reconstructing 1.6 miles of roadway extending from the airport to Cockburn Town and installing drainage features.

Schooner Bay Harbour Village will host its First Annual Invitational Fly-In and South Abaco Discovery Weekend on August 23-25. Kurt Ave, event organizer, said "We are honored to have this event hosted by Schooner Bay Harbour Village, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, The Bahamas Out Island Promotion Board, and Cherokee Aviation (FBO)."

"The Fly-In will become an annual event to promote private pilot flying in the Bahamas Out Islands and the Schooner Bay lifestyle," Ave added.

On Saturday, August 10, Officers and members of the Free National Movement led by Party Leader the Hon. Dr. Hubert A. Minnis, celebrated the life and legacy of the late Charles 'Charlie' Maynard, former FNM National Chairman and Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture in a wreath laying ceremony held in North Abaco.

In his remarks Dr. Minnis described Mr. Maynard as a dedicated and patriotic Bahamian statesman who prided himself on service to, and love for country, and a man who was passionate about the positive development of the youth of The Bahamas.

Charles Maynard died suddenly on August 14, 2012, just outside of Blackwood, in North Abaco.

On August 17th 2013, at the Rain Forest Theatre, the battle of the Greeks begins at 8pm as step teams of fraternities and sororities of the Divine Nine take the stage. In this annual showdown, Greeks step for bragging rights of the number one spot in precision, creativity and overall performance.

This event is also an annual fundraiser for the National Pan-Hellenic council's scholarship initiatives and service projects. Hosted by Ozzie Da Ventertainer, the show is expected to be one of the best yet for the family to enjoy.

From left: Dwight Strachan, Host, Eleanor Phillips, Director, The Nature Conservancy, Lynn Gape, Deputy Executive Director, Bahamas National Trust, Andrew Strachan, Host, Gail Woon, Director, Save the Bays, and President, EARTHCARE, appeared on the Morning Blend Show on 96.9 FM.

The group discussed environmental issues of the day: invasive species, the importance of wetlands, sustainable development, Resorts World Bimini development, fisheries, Conchservation, Save the Bays' call for an Environmental Protection Act and Freedom of Information Act.

The Bahamas Goombay Summer Festival opened at Pompey Square and Woodes Rodgers Wharf, Friday, August 9, 2013. The Festival will run at Pompey Square and Woodes Rodgers Wharf, August 16 and 23.

Photo: The Goombay Dancers perform at the official opening of The Bahamas Goombay Summer Festival on Friday, August 9, 2013.

Report as of August 8, 2013

NASSAU: Captain Dwayne Treco of "Mornin' Ride Charters" reports catching large yellowfin and blackfin tuna under the flocks of birds off shore of Iron Bar Rock.

NORTH EXUMA, Highbourne Cay: There have been no reports for off shore fishing this week. The reef fishing has been spectacular for grouper and yellowtail near the edge of the Exuma Sound and the Tongue Of The Ocean in the 60-120ft range. The opening day of lobster season (August 1st) was plagued with bad weather and roughs seas but it layed down soon afterwards. There were plenty of lobster caught.

During a press conference held today at the Bahamian Brewery & Beverage Co. (BBB) in Grand Bahama, Lynden Johnson, BBB Marketing & Sales Manager, announced upcoming sculling races, which will be held in West End and fun day races at the annual BASRA Bernie Butler swim race.

"We are pleased to announce that this year's Grand Bahama Sculling races will be held in West End, on Saturday, August 24th," said Johnson. "We will also have a boat parade the day before, starting at 3pm, leaving the brewery and traveling through Freeport and finishing out west."

Motivated by a need to facilitate organized sports, specifically soccer, in the public school system, Happy Hall founded the Youth Empowerment through Soccer International (YESI) program two years ago. As Happy, a Bahamian professional soccer player in the United Soccer League's (USL) Professional Division explains, "We have so much talent in our country that is never seen because the kids are never really given the opportunity to showcase their talents. The responsibility to help our young people to reach their full potential is everyone's responsibility, not just the government, parents or schools."

In order to create more opportunities for Bahamian kids to learn and play soccer and develop their character, YESI has established soccer programs in North and South Cat Island, Arthur's Town High School, Orange Creek Primary, and Dumphries (Pre-K).

Ingraham warns on revising Baha Mar infrastructure agreement

The policy of Governments of The Bahamas of subjecting the necessary arrangements for foreign direct investment projects as agreed between the Government and the Investor to executed agreements between them reflects the huge importance of such projects to the economic growth and development of The Bahamas. The practice of tabling such agreements in Parliament adds a critical layer of transparency to the affair.

I have, therefore, found the present Government's efforts to unilaterally and in a very public way revisit terms contained in the Heads of Agreement between the Government and Baha Mar especially worrisome. The provision setting out the Government's commitment to pay some $45.3 million as the Government's contribution to specified infrastructural work (ie the new diverted West Bay Street related utility infrastructure and landscape) was contained in the first agreement signed in 2005 on the watch of the first Christie-led Government.

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A better plan for Bimini

Bimini has once again seemingly become the poster-child of unsound, unsustainable development in the national media. Numerous reports are coming out regarding Resorts World Bimini's plans to transform this island into their idea of what it should be, while no information has been produced explaining the plans to deal with the impending strains on Bimini's resources and utilities. Additionally, as it is finally being proclaimed in the press, Biminites have essentially been left out of the discussions regarding their island's future.

Perhaps the most outlandish and absurd proposal being put forth by Resorts World Bimini right now is the idea of constructing a cruise-ship terminal off the western shores of North Bimini. Not only would this terminal permanently diminish the gorgeous views of Bimini's famous waters, but it would also heavily impact the beaches and reefs that our tourism industry so heavily relies on. This is an unnecessary and foolish idea, and if our Government isn't going to come up with a smarter, less destructive plan, then we would like to suggest one.

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Support for ' A better plan for Bimini'

As a Canadian that loves to come to this paradise that you all call home, I am devastated by the plans that will destroy one of the most important bio diverse area's in the world. Please take the time and research this and report on it. There is a better way.

Thank you for taking the time to care about what happens in your Country.

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