Humble beginnings are no excuse for a lack of ambition or success in life particularly since the country's history of accomplishments has proven the opposite to be true, Minister of Social Services and Community Development Melanie Griffin told a packed group of persons attending the annual Nation Builder's Award Ceremony at Government House, Mount Fitzwilliam, Oct. 28, 2013.

"No doubt, many of our honourees came from humble beginnings, but they did not allow this to deter them in their quest to provide for themselves and their families and to improve their circumstances," Mrs. Griffin said. "They would have utilised whatever skills or resources they had available to them - be it through farming, sewing or cooking, to seize the limited employment opportunities to make ends meet while trying to put something aside for the future.

The U.S. Embassy's International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Office donated three computers valued at over $2,500 to The Bahamas Department of Customs on October 17. This donation is part of ongoing joint efforts under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) to combat illicit smuggling and transnational crime and follows the U.S. Embassy's July donation of seven computers to the Customs Department for use in Freeport, Grand Bahama.

The three new computers will be used at The Bahamas Customs Department's Risk Analysis Division in Nassau. The technology will enable the Customs Department to better identify risk factors for illegal contraband entering the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. This latest donation marks the continuation of a longstanding partnership between The Bahamas and the United States to jointly combat threats arising from transnational crime.

With a curriculum already developed and equipment in place, The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) is prepared to go full-force with its solar training program which will meet the needs of an emerging clean energy industry and help to train a skilled workforce.

Initially, the one-year program was offered during the 2009-2010 academic year, focusing mainly on theory with minimal practicum. Now that practical component to augment the theory is expected to come on stream in 2014. Three pieces of solar equipment have been purchased and Mechanical Engineer from Hampden Engineering Corporation in Massachusetts, Bryan Methe, was recently in The Bahamas to train BTVI instructors who will be conducting the program.

In an atmosphere charged with anticipation, prospective homeowners gathered outside the Palm Cay clubhouse for a reservations-become-reality night, eager for the groundbreaking approach to luxury condo sales at the $200 million development.

Guests were there with a mission in mind, to turn the interest they registered in one of the first 12 units of The Anchorage condominium complex in the gated, nautical community on New Providence's southeastern shore into reality.

A child's first trip on an airplane can be a very exciting time for them. Parents are also excited to take this journey with their children. It's an opportunity to spend quality time with their children. Despite budget limitations, a parent can embark on a journey filled with fun and adventure. In many cases, parents are happy simply seeing their children happy and are willing to forgo many opportunities just to share the joy and laughter. Additionally, for those who can afford it, it's an opportunity to shop. However, most first trips abroad are not mainly about shopping, but for the parents to share the joy the child experiences as he travels.

Ru'shon Fox is a very active, honest and straight-forward four year old. On July 27th 2013, Ru'Shon Fox took his first trip abroad. He travelled with his mother to Hollywood Florida, and met with his father and grandmother thereafter.

Ten-year veteran broker Chandra Parker's faith in Paradise Island is being doubly rewarded. In a competitive and at times turbulent industry, the top-performing agent who for a decade has remained steadfast in her belief that the iconic island across the bridge from Nassau offers unique value, has racked up millions in Paradise Island sales and leases. Now she is on a path to making this one of her best years ever.

But achieving her personal best, she says, is just part of the reward for believing so strongly in the ongoing value of Paradise Island. This week, she will leave the well-established firm where she has been for several years to join MCR, Mario Carey Realty, the agency whose identity is synonymous with luxury Paradise Island property.

Recently, Grand Bahama Shipyard (GBS) held its 9th annual apprenticeship graduation and awards ceremony. As a part of the ceremony, two apprentices graduated, ten apprentices received second year contracts, and twelve apprentices received first year contracts for the training program.

"Changes have been made in the apprenticeship program to meet the demands of the industry and the graduation and awards ceremony shows that," said Don Forbes, Training Manager at GBS. The apprenticeship program is now split into four segments that are one year in length. "While we celebrate two of our apprentices graduating into the workforce; we are intentional about the awards and recognition of the apprentices because it really highlights some of the changes we have made to the Apprenticeship Training Program."

"You are deserving of this honour Mrs. Headley and we are grateful for your dedicated efforts in the fight against cancer," noted Sir Jack Hayward, Honourary Chairman of The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited, (GBPA) as he and other GPBA officials acknowledged Mrs. Headley for her lifelong work during a brief street re-naming ceremony on Monday past.

"You have been instrumental in assisting many persons throughout the community of Grand Bahama, but more importantly, you've helped in removing the stigma attached to cancer," Sir Jack continued.

The Annual General Meeting of The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce was Wednesday, October 30, 2013, and the duly elected board is as follows:

President: Barry Malcolm, Global Fulfillment Services Ltd.
1st Vice President: Leigh Termath, Bahama Buy & Sell
2nd Vice President: Billie Bowe, Benchmark Consulting Services
Treasurer: Tish Sherman, Ramses International Ltd.
Secretary: Carmel Churchill, Grand Lucayan Bahamas

Directors:
Janet Albury, VIP Services Ltd.
Larry Albury, Freeport Jetwash & Auto Mart
Patra Albury, Pelican Bay Hotel
Wenrick Clarke, Bank of The Bahamas
Mick Holding, Grand Bahama Shipyard Ltd.
Lynn Lowe, Kelly's Freeport/ True Value
Dan Romence, Bradford Marine Bahamas Ltd.
Kevin D. Seymour, PharmaChem Technologies (GB) Ltd.

Returning Directors on their second year: Fiona Bellot - Daniels,
Sarah Kirkby, Barefoot Marketing

The magical garden behind the white wall on Albacore Drive in Freeport was the setting for a successful event for the Humane Society of Grand Bahama Saturday night. Fairy lights and fountains added to the ambiance and the smooth sounds of "Freeport Jazz" and later on, "Two Left Feet", as guests enjoyed signature white drinks and delicious food.

The all white theme lent elegance to the evening - congratulations to Karen Clarke whose elegant ensemble won her the Best Dressed prize. The silent auction featured a unique array of items from artwork to jewelry to home decor to fabulous trips, and the auction area at the top of the garden was a busy place indeed until the auction was called.

Operative (forceps and vacuum) delivery is on the rise primarily because of the increased incidence of induction and augmentation of labor by utertonics (contraction generating medications) and the prevalence of epidural anesthesia.

Syntocin (Pitocin) was added to the list of high-alert medications in 2007 by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices. High-alert medications are those with the potential to cause harm to a patient if not administered with caution and according to protocol. Patient injury and the consequences of improper or overuse of high-alert medications may result in more devastating outcomes than happens with non-high-alert medication misuse.

The more common adverse effects of Pitocin administration are rapid onset of painful contractions that become too many too fast because of overstimulation of the uterine muscle. The consequences of this tachysystole (uterine hyperstimulation), if not addressed appropriately, are uterine rupture, cervical injury, and fetal distress (especially if used in gestations less than 39 weeks).

The 2013 Sands Man in the Boat Championship is headed to Treasure Cay, Abaco this weekend, November 1st and 2nd. The two day event includes a motorcade to show off the truly Bahamian sculling boats on Friday, with sailing and sculling races on Saturday. Not only will the championship be a chance to see eight men compete for the championship title, but it will be a day of fun for the entire family.

Competitors in the sculling championship race are Donnie Bastian - winner of All for One Sculling, Sheldon Gibson - St. Valentine's Day Sculling winner, Clay Moxey - National Family Island Regatta winner, Dennis Fox - Long Island Sculling winner, Clayton Cooper - West End Sculling Race winner, Finley Cox - Abaco Sculling Race winner and Danny Knowles - Chairman's pick from Long Island. They will also be competing against the defending sculling champion Clayton Bain. Transportation and accommodations for the competitors will all be paid for by the Brewery.

Community leaders are expressing shock and disbelief at the findings of a long-awaited Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for a controversial mega development on Bimini.

The 190-page document, revealed to the media last week, came after Resorts World Bimini, led by Asian Conglomerate Genting Group, had already begun work on a 1,000-foot pier for its cruise ship terminal. Approvals for construction have also remained a point of controversy, as cabinet ministers released confusing and at times contradictory statements.

Blood Drives at Abaco's Cooper's Town Clinic and the Marsh Harbour Parish Hall on the pre-Halloween weekend garnered a large number of willing participants for a record total of 70 donated pints of blood for the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH.) The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) and a medical team from PMH saw a massive turn-out for their October weekend Blood Drive organized to help restore low levels at PMH. To encourage a healthy turnout BTC gave away phones, phone cards, tablets and refreshments.

The critical BTC Blood Drive followed seven on New Providence and two on Grand Bahama. BTC is recognised as one of the Bahamas' most prolific supporters and instigators of public Blood Drives for the Princess Margaret Hospital. Ten iVolunteer Team Members from Abaco joined BTC volunteers partnering with PMH medical staff for the initiative.

In just three months of operation, Bimini SuperFast and Resorts World Bimini has brought more than 40,000 visitors to the island -- 80% of the annual 50,000 tourists in previous years. The impact will be exponentially greater after the completion of the permanent cruise pier in the coming months.

"Some days my biggest problem is figuring out where to put everyone, so we expanded and built a roof deck to accommodate guests," says Edith's Pizza and Take Out proprietor Edith Romer, whose home made creations like Lobster Pizza are a hit with visitors.

The Government of The Bahamas entered a partnership with a major hotel resort line - a brand well known to Bahamians. A Heads of Agreement was signed on San Salvador on Monday, October 28 with the Government and Club Mediteranee and Sand and Ocean Investments Limited.

Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie said the event marks yet another major initiative and advance for the Bahamian people to expand the economy, create sustainable jobs, employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. "We are doing this in Bimini, in Grand Bahama, in New Providence, in Eleuthera, in Exuma and now in the South-eastern Bahamas in San Salvador," he said.

A call went out earlier this year to local and national high schools throughout the country to submit short films for the upcoming FLIFF On Location: Grand Bahama Island festival which is set to get underway on Thursday, October 31st, running until Sunday, November 3rd. The High School Film Competition is sponsored by the Grand Bahama Port Authority and encourages youth of The Bahamas to get involved in telling their story through film. All the films are being viewed and judged by a specially selected review panel of judges.

Seven films have been selected for the festival, and the winner will be announced as part of the official opening ceremony, TONIGHT, Thursday, October 31st at Taino Beach starting at 7pm.

It was in July 1996 that a group of artists on Grand Bahama Island had their first Art Exhibition. Seventeen years later, the Grand Bahama Artists Association with many of the original artists plus newcomers who joined the ranks over the years, come together to present their annual Thanksgiving Art Exhibition to the community. It is an eclectic group of local and international, full time and part time creative souls who work in a variety of mediums that will be exhibiting.

Mark your calendar to ensure that you are at the Glory Banks Art Gallery, Rand Nature Centre, East Settlers Way on Thursday November 7th for the opening reception. New, well known and emerging artists will be in attendance from 7 to 9 pm to meet and greet visitors to the Exhibition, where new works are being presented just in time for the holiday gift giving season.

Under the banner, BEAUTY - BRAND - BUSINESS in the BAHAMAS, local entrepreneur Dr. Natasha Carter owner of Pizazz Beauty Shop will be hosting a day of beauty and philanthropy on December 15, 2013. According to the event host, she has traveled throughout the USA attending various shows where thousands of cosmetologists from around the world converge to upgrade their skills and business, be introduced to new products and trends and to network.

Hair Show and Competitions are the conventions for the beauty industry. Dr. Carter saw an opportunity to marry her vision and to bring visitors to the shores of Grand Bahama to boost the local economy and thus developed a product and branded it IMAGINE HAIR - Hair Show & Competition.

The 2013 MISS UNIVERSE® Fan Vote sponsored by High 5 Games launched October 28 and is open through November 8. During this time, fans will be able to rate the 2013 Miss Universe contestants.

Fans with a valid email address can vote for their favorite contestant at www.missuniverse.com or www.telemundo.com. The winning contestant will earn a spot in the semifinals. The competition will air on November 9th at 9 p.m. ET on NBC. The worldwide event will take place at Crocus City Hall in Moscow, Russia.

Susan Cocking, a writer with the Miami Herald, recently visited Deep Water Cay (DWC) fishing resort and documented her trip in the Outdoor section of the Miami Herald. Cocking wrote two articles the Herald titled 'Conservation effort helps keep bonefish Bountiful in The Bahamas' and 'Resort's recreation area now reaches under water'. The articles can be found on the Miami Herald's website in the Outdoors section.

Deep Water Cay was opened in 1958 as a fly fishing resort but over the last few years has included scuba diving on blue holes, paddle boarding, reef fishing, offshore fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, sunset cruises and much more. Situated on a private cay off the coast of East Grand Bahama, this unique resort offers tranquil getaways in the confines of luxury. Still at the heart of the resort is bonefishing, the prominent feature for over 30 years at the cay.

The final countdown is on and organisers and athletes of all ages are putting their final preparations in place for the annual Conchman and IronKids triathlons on Taino Beach, Saturday, November 2nd. Online registration is encouraged at www.Conchman.com. This helps the organisers to have your race packet ready for packet pick-up on Friday, November 1st.

The Conchman offers a lot of awards in individual and team categories. Beautiful hand crafted glass trophies and wood plaques are wonderful reminders of your race for years to come. Don't miss the awards ceremony in Count Basie Square at Port Lucaya on Saturday evening.

The fight against cancer got another boost when the Moore Bahamas Foundation joined Ride for Hope as a Green Jersey sponsor, bringing additional energy and resources to the nation's largest cancer initiatives' fund-raiser. The October 26 bike ride featured riders of all ages, from tiny tots riding in bucket seats with their parents to 78 year-old riders.

This year's event held this past Saturday is so popular that requests for volunteer support were filled nearly a month in advance. More than 430 persons biked along the route with family members and friends cheering them along on the sidelines. This was the first time the event was held in October, cancer awareness month. In the past, it was held in April.

How telling it was to read one of the national dailies carrying a report on Lyford Cay resident, expatriate Peter Nygard's announcement about his reported plans for stem cell work in The Bahamas.

According to the report, the expat was commenting on the controversial Stem Cell law recently passed by Parliament. And regarding the drafting and passage of that legislation, he is quoted as saying of Bahamas Prime Minister Perry Christie: "The Prime Minister did what I asked him to do."

Quote of 2013: "The Prime Minister did what I asked him to do."