The Bahamas Postal Services has released a set of colourful marine-themed commemorative postage stamps to mark the 20th anniversary of The Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF). Founded by the late Sir Nicholas Nuttall in 1993, BREEF is a non-profit foundation that addresses ongoing concerns on the changing conditions of the Bahamian marine environment. The stunning underwater images on the stamps were taken by BREEF, Stuart Cove Dive Bahamas, Sandy Voegeli, Grant Johnson, and Katie Grudecki.

Casuarina Lambert-McKinney, Executive Director at BREEF explains the vision and mission goals for BREEF. "Our vision for The Bahamas is one in which people appreciate the value of our seas and where all take responsibility and action to ensure a healthy marine environment for the future. BREEF recognises that a healthy sea supports our culture and economy, and makes The Bahamas a truly special place in the world. There is a tremendous diversity of life to be found on Bahamian coral reefs, seagrass beds, sand flats, mangrove creeks and in the open ocean. It is therefore essential for BREEF to advocate daily for the sustainable use of the marine environment through education, research and environmental policy."

RBC recently announced its sponsorship of the 2nd FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Tournament. The mission of FIRST (For Recognition of Science and Technology) is to expose young persons to science and technology. The program gives young people the opportunity to explore their creativity and problem-solving abilities by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs.

FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs that allow students to learn in an environment that fosters creativity, team-building, and leadership skills. FIRST was founded in 1989 by Dean Kamen, an inventor, entrepreneur and tireless advocate for science and technology. Each year approximately 200,000 students participate in FLL worldwide. The first FLL tournament was held in The Bahamas in 2012. In the past year FLL local participation and enthusiasm has grown significantly

Reflecting on the British Legion's contribution to World War II, Rev. Matthias Munroe, who served in the last World War with the Royal Airforce, while here at the training base, shared his experience as an ex-Serviceman. He explained that the difference between World War I and World War II veterans is age.

"Everyone who served in World War I are all dead and gone. May be one or two, if they are still alive, are about a hundred years old. I'm a part of the British Legion in The Bahamas. I've been part of the legion from the very beginning, it's been so long I forgot how many years," said Rev. Munroe. "We served in the Second World War with the Royal Air Force. They had a training base here in The Bahamas and we were a part of that. They sent men here to be trained and then sent them back to the War Zone, in Europe, in Great Britain and France."

Continuing the longstanding U.S.-Bahamian partnership to increase public safety and security, the U.S. Embassy's International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Section sponsored a four-day study tour for seven Bahamian officials from Her Majesty's Prison and the Ministries of National Security, Public Works, and Foreign Affairs and Immigration to examine construction and bidding for security infrastructure in Lincoln, Nebraska October 21-24.

The consultative opportunity, which connected Bahamian officials with counterparts in the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services, provided participants with best practices in facility operations (including multi-custody operations), planning, design, programs, construction, physical plant maintenance, and renovation to older facilities.

The Adventure Learning Centre (ALC) is currently carrying out the enhancement project in commemoration of its 20th anniversary. The project focuses on twenty specific goals ACL wants to achieve in an effort to improve and expand the organization. RBC is providing major support for the project. ACL is also seeking to partner with other donors to assist in attaining its goals.

RBC's sponsorship will finance the replacement of the Nature Centre front railing and the purchase of the IMAX movie 'Grand Canyon Adventure'. The movie raises awareness about the world water crisis. Students will be invited to view the movie at The Centre; in addition ALC will open to the general public for Saturday afternoon IMAX showings.

Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association (BASRA) recently selected Palm Cay to become the first outpost established on the southeastern part of New Providence. As the third strategically placed station on the island and the closest to Exuma, Palm Cay will monitor for emergencies, weather alerts and distress signals from boaters.

"We're delighted to welcome Palm Cay Marina to our network of stations monitoring VHF 16, the international hailing and distress frequency," said BASRA operations manager Chris Lloyd. "Palm Cay will supplement the other stations on the island and make monitoring and communication even more efficient, especially for the many mariners heading to and from the Exuma's and fishing off the banks."

The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) recently raised funds to assist the Sister Sister Breast Cancer Support Group, a non-profit charitable group for women diagnosed with breast cancer.

During the event, dubbed Pink Wednesday, students, staff and faculty teamed up in the fight against breast cancer. Coordinated by the Student Affairs Department, it was a community service event to bring awareness to the prevalence of breast cancer, early detection and the battle against the deadly disease.

Bakke Graduate University (BGU) and The Mustard Seed Foundation in partnership with Pastors Eddie and Margo Victor of Living Water Assembly, will stage the LEADERSHIP SEMINAR: Work, Calling & Human Dignity, this coming weekend, November 8th and 9th, 2013.

Faculty from BGU and The Mustard Seed Foundation, will converge in Freeport with other local guest speakers to stage for the first time in Freeport, its flagship seminar: 'Work, Calling and Human Dignity.'

The first ever Grand Bahama Industrial, Technical and Maritime Career Fair closed out at the Grand Lucayan Resort Grand Ball Room on Oct. 31, 2013, with many terming it a huge success.

Ms. Leslie Dorsett, project officer with the Ministry for Grand Bahama, explained that the aim of the career fair, a collaborative venture of the Ministry for Grand Bahama, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Falcons Boys Club and other private partners, was to create an outlet for students on Grand Bahama to be introduced to the companies and careers which are available on the island. The Career Fair was staged over two days, Oct. 30 and 31 and some 2,500 students from 13 high schools on the island participated in the event.

The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA) is participating in an official trade mission to Dubai, along with governmental and other private sector entities.

According to GBPA President, Ian Rolle, it is simply a pleasure for the Grand Bahama Port Authority to be included in this venture. "As private sector partners, we are keenly interested in attracting much needed new capital and investment to The Bahamas," Rolle said. "In particular, this allows us to introduce Grand Bahama Island to an even wider audience of foreign investors who are excited about partnering with us in the future."

Ryan Carroll did it again. This time Ryan organized a second underwater cleanup. This time the location was Taino Beach on October 27th, 2013. Once again the objective was to rid the sea bottom of trash/marine debris. Trash bags and water were provided. Participants brought gloves and snorkel gear. A kayak was used to help to collect trash from the divers.

Volunteers snorkeled to the bottom to remove trash and it was bagged onshore. Everyone was welcome. "I didn't know diving up trash to be so fun. I had a good time doing it and so did everyone else who helped. Save for the water getting cold, we would have another one soon," said Ryan Carroll.

Life in the animal welfare world of the HSGB has been pretty tough lately. We have had some encouragement this last month which gives us hope but still need much more support.

Last Thursday, the Rotary Club of Freeport awarded the HSGB $3000 from their amazing Wine & Cheese event held on October 5th. We are so very grateful for this amazing donation and especially look forward to the promised collaboration which is meant to provide many volunteer hours to the many needs of our shelter, both on and off-site. On Halloween night, the jointly held Halloween event between the GB Sailing Club and HSGB was well attended despite the early rain.

The Sands Man in Boat Championship took place in Abaco this past weekend, and Clayton Bain was once again crowned the Truly Bahamian Sculling Champion. The 2nd annual sculling championship was very successful, with scullers coming from Long Island, Andros, Abaco and Grand Bahama.

The sculling championship weekend began on Friday with a motorcade that started at the newly opened Jimmy's Wines and Spirits store in Marsh Harbour and ended in Coopers's Town, Abaco. The motorcade then headed to Treasure Cay Public Beach, where the sculling championship was to be held the next day.

Unfortunately, Bimini has once again become the national example of unsound, unsustainable development practices. Dozens of news articles have been published in the press recently sharply criticizing the plans to construct a Cruise Ship Pier and Artificial Island in close proximity to North Bimini's coral reefs and beaches.

The Bimini Blue Coalition was formed by Biminites, local residents, and second-homeowners who wanted to promote sensible, sustainable growth for the island. The Bimini Blue Coalition is not opposed ferrying more people to the island or expanding Bimini's tourism industry. We are simply asking that these projects be carried out in a transparent manner with public input, and also that they are done with careful consideration to our existing Tourism Industry and priceless natural resources (particularly our beaches, reefs, and waters).

Pink flamingos! Blue Marlins! Yellow Elder! Lignum Vitae! These are all national symbols of The Bahamas. The year 2013 marked the 40th Anniversary of Independence for The Commonwealth of The Bahamas. As the days drew closer to independence, more people could be seen displaying patriotic colours and clothing. Additionally, there were many events to celebrate this major milestone.

Despite July 2013 having passed, the celebration goes on, as Bahamian pride is shown. If you wish to continue the celebration in a beautiful setting, sip on a cup of tea, spend time with family and friends, while seeing fashion in motion, then you want to attend the Heart Ball Committee's Annual Tea Party & Fashion Show on the upper level of Government House grounds, on Sunday, November 17th, from 2 pm until 5:30 pm.

The Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts, Beaches Resorts and Grand Pineapple Beach Resorts, hosted a sold out crowd of over 600 guests at Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island for an evening of warm sand, ocean surf and good music under the stars - all while supporting a great cause.

Guests of the evening were invited to "Get their Vibe On" and were treated to an extravaganza on Sandals' Private Island which featured delicious food, unlimited premium brand spirits, and lively entertainment including a local performance by The Royal Bahamas Police Force Pop Band. But the real highlight of the night was a private concert by Mr. Boombastic himself, Shaggy.

The BNT Wine and Art Festival celebrated wonderful wine provided by Bristol Wines and Spirits and amazing art as displayed by over 60 artists. The event provided an opportunity for guests to taste a variety of wines from the Bristol Wines and Spirits wine portfolio and interact with talented Bahamian artists who work in a variety of mediums.

BNT members turned out in force on Friday evening for a preview of the art exhibited by 60 artists. Scotiabank sponsored the BNT Members night and provided staff support for the event on the Saturday. "Partnerships with corporate Bahamas in events such as the Wine and Art is incredibly important to our work and we are extremely grateful to Scotiabank for their support". Said Eric Carey, Executive Director of the BNT

Platinum recording artist, Olivia, has taken to the 'Twitterverse' to raise awareness for the Sandals Foundation and its efforts with the P.A.C.E. Program, which provides education and support to teenage mothers, while promoting awareness to help reduce teen pregnancy.

The Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International which aims to make a positive difference in communities existing in Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, the Turks and Caicos Islands, Grenada and The Bahamas, has been raising awareness and funding for P.A.C.E. since 2011. And now Olivia has joined the Sandals Foundation in these efforts.

Report as of October 31, 2013

The wind has been blowing out of the north for most of the week making most areas unfishable due to the rough seas.

Nassau: Captain Teddy Pratt reports catching a few mahi off of the north side this morning. Prior to this it has been too rough to fish.

Grand Bahama, Freeport: Freeport is one of the few places where the fishing grounds are on the lee. Doug Silvera of Reef Tours reports catching wahoo along the ledge.

Bimini: Captain Stephen Knowles reports catching wahoo in the 40lb range off of Cat Cay.

It was literally "full steam ahead" as the 27th annual Conchman triathlon got underway on Saturday, November 2nd, with decidedly sultry weather conditions compliments of a southwest wind. Althletes were greeted with a choppy 1km swim, a headwind for the return leg of the 15km bike course, and a sweat-fest during the 5km run.

Regardless, it was fierce competition as both men and women's returning champions came to defend their titles and past winners fought to reclaim them. Numerous relay teams in an assorted variety of categories meant there were lots of athletes on the course and lots of prizes to be won.

Watch out Wahoos! There are two dozen boats in the hunt for your prized meat and a chance to win cash, trophies and prizes at the Bimini Big Game Club's Wahoo Smackdown III scheduled for November 21-23.

Documenting the action will be legendary angler Larry Dahlberg, whose "The Hunt For Big Fish" airs on the NBC Sports Network. A unique fishing show about finding and capturing huge fish of all species all over the world, "The Hunt For Big Fish" has an annual audience of 16 million in the US alone and has garnered rave reviews for the fast-paced editing, unique camera angles and often amazingly large fish. Dahlberg, a former guide and Fishing Hall of Fame inductee, began producing the show in 1992.

Talkin' Fool Is A Very Sickening Ting - Junkanoo vs Carnival

Did anyone really pay attention to what the Prime Minister said recently when he announced a committee to plan for us to start having a festival that would be a knock-off copy of Carnival; the annual festival held by some of our Caribbean neighbors?

Junkanoo is our festival. It is The Bahamas' cultural festival. It is our marquee annual event and draws thousands of tourists and Bahamians alike each year. People come to us for Junkanoo. They go to places like Trinidad, etc for Carnival. Why would people suddenly flock to The Bahamas for a festival that's not even native to us, but is instead native to other countries?

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The most outstanding young bright and shining star in the Bahamian parliament

It is my view that the most outstanding young bright and shining star in the Bahamian parliament is, Dr. Andre Rollins; the representative for the Fort Charlotte Constituency.

He is a forthright and decent individual, who has proven that he is an effective thinker who is prepared to break party lines in the interest of our beloved nation and people. We live in an era where the Bahamian electorate is in serious search of the new generation of national leaders. Dr. Andrea Rollins is one of them in my opinion.

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BEC - Seriously Consider

This is now November. Notice that you have not seen a single legislative move by the government regarding BEC, though the Prime Minister said the privatisation process would be completed by the end of this year. The end of this year is less than two months from now, and the House does not meet much in December.

In order to do what Mr. Christie said he would to BEC, a Bill to either repeal or amend the Electricity Act would be required, yet you have heard nothing about this Bill. You also have not heard who was chosen from among the Request For Proposals (RFPs) the government sought for entrance into this new arrangement for BEC. If the end of December is the Prime Minister's target date, by now the name of the new operator, among other essential items of information, should be known to all.

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Cut the crap over gaming for Bahamians

In all of this running on by some in government about "fairness for Bahamians in gaming", the country must not forget that this government planned to deal very dirty with the numbers business if the Bahamian people had voted "yes" in January's shambolic Gaming Poll.

The government already planned behind closed doors to only give licences to 2-3 numbers bosses and lock out the others, with proposed legislative parameters that would have in effect excluded almost all Bahamians except the few "chosen ones" from being able to get into the business. In other words, the deck was already going to be stacked for certain Bahamians over others. What is "fair" for Bahamians about that?

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