The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) is prepping for the second annual Bahamas Natural History Conference (BNHC), to take place March 3-7, 2014. The inaugural conference was held in March 2013, and highlighted the importance of research, conservation and environmental stewardship.

The 2013 conference attracted local and international researchers, educators, natural resource managers, students and naturalists. BNT is confident that the upcoming conference will attract another quality field of presenters. This year's theme for the conference is 'Discovering our Ephemeral Isles' which was inspired by the book 'The Ephemeral Islands'. This book remains the definitive natural history account of The Bahamas. Its author, former BNT Executive Director and accomplished international scientist, David G Campbell, is the featured presenter at the 2014 conference

His Excellency Dr. Calsey Johnson, High Commissioner for the Commonwealth of The Bahamas attended Canada's Remembrance Day Ceremony on 11th November, 2013, when he laid a wreath to commemorate those lost in battle in the First and Second World Wars.

15,600 men of the British West Indies Regiment served with the Allied forces. Jamaica contributed two-thirds of these volunteers, while others came from Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, The Bahamas, British Honduras, Grenada, British Guiana (now Guyana), the Leeward Islands, St Lucia and St Vincent. Nearly 5,000 more subsequently volunteered to join up. Out of a population of 1,700,000 in the Caribbean Colonies of the British Empire, over 1,200 were killed or died, while more than 2,500 were wounded.

Prime Minister Perry Christie was in London Nov. 12, 2013 where he met with the principals of Hutchinson Whampoa to discuss future investment prospects in Grand Bahama, before heading to Sri Lanka for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

He is pictured at the Ritz, before dinner. From left: Ed Bethel High Commissioner Ed Bethel, Dawn Bethel, Minister Ryan Pinder, Mrs. Allyson Cheng, Clemence Cheng, Prime Minister Christie, Mrs. Bernadette Christie, Paul Wallace, Simon Mullett and Sir Baltron Bethel.

(BIS Photo/Peter Ramsay)

Two groups of concerned citizens, each working toward an end to unregulated development and protection of The Bahamas marine environment, drew one step closer today when they met at Jaws Beach.

Rev. CB Moss and the Coalition to Save Clifton met with representatives of Save The Bays, the fast-growing environmental movement partnering with organisations around The Bahamas to protect the archipelago's wetlands, waters and bays. "We stand here today at what we believe signals the advent of a new chapter in conservation history," said Rev. CB Moss, "a chapter in which Bahamians from all walks of life are standing together to save our Bahamaland."

Hundreds of Bahamians are diagnosed with diabetes annually. Each year hundreds of patients undergo diabetes-related amputation in The Bahamas. Many diabetics progress to end-stage renal disease. Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness. The risk of stroke is 2 to 4 times higher in people with diabetes. Diabetes can lead to heart disease, severe forms of nerve diseases, dental problems, increased risk of infection, and complications in pregnancy.

The good news is that never before have there been so many options for controlling and even preventing diabetes. With the intent to showcase some of these options ACE Diabetes will hold its first "Get On Track" Expo, on Saturday, November 23, 2013 from 10am to 4pm at the New Providence Community Center on Blake Road.

Hundreds of former students and other supporters of the R. M. Bailey Senior High School attended the school's 45th Anniversary Red Ball Hall of Fame Gala held on Saturday, 2nd November, 2013 at the British Colonial Hilton. They witnessed Ms. Juanita Butler, the school's first principal bestowed with the title of Principal Emeritus and former Vice Principal and beloved coach, Mr. Charles "Chuck" Mackey inducted into the Juanita Butler Hall of Fame.

Ms. Butler headed the school formerly known as Highbury High School from 1968 to 1977. Prior to that time she taught at the Eastern Secondary and St. Anne's High Schools. She also served as the Senior Mistress and Acting Principal at The Mfantsiman Girls School - a boarding school in Ghana, West Africa.

Colina Financial Advisors Limited (CFAL) launched the 2013-2014 Junior Investor Education program recently with the participation of sixteen (16) public and private schools in New Providence and Grand Bahama. Student participants from C.C. Sweeting Senior High School, Doris Johnson Senior High School, Kingsway Academy, Nassau Christian Academy, St. Andrew's School, St. Augustine's College and Temple Christian High School attended the launch held at the J.W. Pinder Building on Collins Avenue.

The program is a competition for high school students to manage and invest $100,000 in Bahamian securities on behalf of a fictional client. The objective is to expose students to the various dynamics of the country's financial industry and personal finance management by teaching the fundamentals of investing.

In a Paradise Island setting worthy of a magazine cover for the elite, Mario Carey Realty hosted an intimate farewell luncheon last week for His Excellency Hu Shan, Ambassador from the People's Republic of China to The Bahamas.

"We wanted to honour Ambassador Hu Shan and thank him for the commitment he and his nation have made to The Bahamas, and do so in a personal way, expressing friendship and appreciation," said Carey, founder of the boutique real estate firm with a team of 28 working throughout The Bahamas.

The Bahamas Mortgage Corporation on Oct. 10, 2013, celebrated 30 years of service to the Bahamian public under the theme "Building on the past, embracing the future." During the month a number of events marked the celebration including an essay competition on the topic "The Importance of Home Ownership" at Hugh Campbell Primary School in which 11 students participated.

Awards prizes and trophies were issued to first place winner Briage Johnson, Second Place winner Schemia Major and Third place winner Samanna Johnson.

The Humane Society of Grand Bahama's Dog n' Car Wash and No-Fleas Flea Market held last Saturday was a successful event despite the grey skies. Many thanks to all who came out and who helped organize or donated to the flea market or the bake sale.

Through October of this year, 26% of HSGB's animal intake came from western Grand Bahama; even without us having a regular presence outside of Freeport. The majority were puppies, kittens or young dogs and cats. With many people in the outlying communities unable to easily access or afford veterinary services, it is clear there is a need for a spay/neuter clinic in West Grand Bahama. The HSGB plans to canvass the western communities to obtain approximations of just how many animals are in need.

Saturday, November 16th, approximately 60 students from the Jack Hayward High School's GGYA and Interact groups will assist the HSGB with collecting data in Eight Mile Rock.

No one could or would deny that the importance of the physical care of a childbearing mother is of paramount concern throughout pregnancy and the birth process. However, other aspects contribute to the over-all well-being of a pregnant woman. Both her mental and spiritual health impact the mother's physical vigor powerfully.

It is only recently that researchers have begun to appreciate that a pregnant woman's psychosocial health extends as a continuum from pre-conception through her postpartum experience. The disconnect between antepartal care and that experience and intrapartum (during birth) care is huge. This gap, if not addressed, contributes to negative birth experiences.

Report as of November 7, 2013

It has been a rough week with winds howling out of the northeast. It seems to be dropping for the week end. We would expect the wahoo fishing to be good and the lobster to be on the move.

While most of us have been land locked due weather, Freeport has benefitted as its fishing grounds are on the lee of the island. The wahoo fishing has been very consistent. Nassau: No reports due to weather.

Hope Town Harbour Lodge announced the appointment this week of veteran luxury hotelier Allen Davis as manager of the historic property that was purchased in June 2012 by a group of Bahamian investors. "We are very pleased to announce the appointment of Allen Davis, a man who, over a career that spans five decades, has had vast experience at high-end hotel and restaurant properties in The Bahamas, Europe, the Caribbean and the United States," said Peter Andrews, President.

The hospitality veteran joins the 25-room Hope Town Harbour Lodge as it undergoes a common areas renovation. Built originally as a retirement home for a British brigadier in 1947 and opened nearly 50 years ago as a three-room hotel, the lodge sits on a hill overlooking the famed Elbow Cay red and white striped lighthouse and the Sea of Abaco.

Bahamian Brewery and Beverage Company has added another Jimmy's Wines and Spirits location in Marsh Harbour, Abaco. The new addition brings the total number of Jimmy's Wines and Spirits to eight and adds another island to the list of locations for the Bahamian Brewery's chain of liquor stores. The other seven are scattered throughout Grand Bahama, New Providence and Eleuthera.

"We are thrilled to be opening in Abaco," said Mr. James Sands, CEO of the Bahamian Brewery. "Since our inception our brand has done very well here and I am very pleased with the support we receive at local bars and restaurants. Our goal is to always provide better service for our clients and for them to have quicker resources to more products."

Biminites who have been quietly talking among themselves as heavy equipment stands at the ready to alter their lifestyle and their environment are "petrified with fear" about ongoing expansion efforts by Resorts World Bimini, but too scared of victimization to speak out publicly, says Bimini Waterkeeper Joseph Darville.

Speaking on a popular radio show being broadcast live from Bimini recently, Darville -- who also serves as a director of the fast-growing environmental movement Save the Bays -- said the majority of Biminites are resisting the development the central government thinks is good for them, but as scared as they are of the changes to lifestyle and environment, they are even more afraid to voice their opinion.

Artist Kishan Munroe is set to open a multi-disciplinary exhibition later this month at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas that will be revolutionary in both it's scope and scale. "Swan Song of the Flamingo" is a collaborative project that marries Munroe's visual artistry with the work of other Bahamian and Cuban artists from various disciplines to create a boundary shattering program that shines a spotlight on a painful period in Bahamian history: the sinking of HMBS Flamingo of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force fleet on May 10, 1980.

Munroe has recruited Bahamian artists like Patricia Glinton Meicholas, Gavin McKinney, Obediah Michael Smith, Joann Callender, Cleophas Adderley, Sonia Farmer, Lee Callender and Cuban dancers Eduardo Blanco, Amaya Rodriquez to lend their talents to the project. He also worked closely with the Royal Bahamas Defence Force to bring this project to life.

The Grand Bahama Performing Arts Society will present "Jammin' With Jazz & Jive" on Friday November 22, at Canal House, Pelican Bay Hotel. If you enjoyed Ain't Misbehavin' at the Regency Theatre a few years ago, you will love this. It is the same cast and style in a cabaret setting, featuring well known and loved local performers Autumn Joy Dames, Dora Brown, Georgia Taylor, Javan Hunt and Kenton Pinder. It will be a brilliant evening not to be missed.

A limited number of VIP tables for 4 may be purchased in advance. Theatre style seating is also available. Doors and bar open at 7:30 and performance begins at 8 p.m.

Minister of Tourism the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe along with major partner the Water & Sewerage Corporation represented by Cyprian Gibson, Senior Engineer, presented each winner of the Ministry of Tourism's photo competition held in honour of World Tourism Day with an Ipad mini, Thursday, November 7, 2013.

The United Nations World Tourism Organisation uses the day, which is observed every September 27, to highlight issues impacting tourism growth and development in the world. The theme for this year was "Tourism and Water - Protecting Our Shared Future". The theme provided a unique opportunity to start the conversation on the role of tourism with water resource use and to allow countries to raise awareness on how this industry can contribute to a more sustainable water future.

Recently, the Grand Bahama Artist Association (GBAA) opened their Thanksgiving Art Exhibit at the Glory Banks Art Gallery at the Rand Nature Centre. The GBAA is comprised of almost 20 local and international artists that work in different mediums, and thanks to the support of the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) their work will be displayed at the gallery for the remainder of November.

At the opening of the Thanksgiving Art Exhibit, artists were in attendance to meet with visitors and present their artwork to the public. Both well-known and emerging artists participated in the art exhibit, which has opened just in time for the holiday season. This is the first major event that has been held at the Glory Banks Gallery since its reopening in October.

The Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF) announced today that Danny Glover (Lethal Weapon, Dreamgirls, The Color Purple) will be honored with the prestigious Career Achievement Award at this year's Film Festival, taking place December 5-13. Glover will be on hand for the special tribute and presentation at the Atlantis Theater on the evening of Friday, December 6th. The announcement was made by BIFF Founder and Executive Director Leslie Vanderpool.

"Danny Glover is an extraordinary man whose accomplishments in Hollywood are equaled by his humanitarian achievements," said Vanderpool. "We're honored to recognize his amazing career at the Bahamas International Film Festival."

A team of persons representing the World Harmony Run led by its executive director Salil Wilson visited the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture on Monday, Nov. 11, 2013 in observance of its 27th anniversary and to allow persons including Minister Daniel Johnson to hold the Peace Run torch. Founded by Sri Chinmoy in 1987 in a spirit of love, harmony and oneness, the run has taken place in 140 countries including The Bahamas.

On this the third visit to the country, plans have been made to visit schools in Andros, Harbour Island and New Providence to get an idea of what peace means to the children in the form of Art. The team also plans to visit the Governor General.

"This illustrious group of 21 outstanding Bahamian inductees will increase the membership in the National Sports Hall of Fame to 112," said Timothy Munnings, Director of Sports in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture during a press conference at the Ministry on Monday, November 11.

Mr. Munnings said the persons would be inducted in recognition and appreciation of their lifetime achievements and contribution to the national development of the country through sports. The induction ceremony will be held Friday, November 22 at Government House and will end this year's Sports Heritage Week which begins Saturday, November 16.

KAMODO DIVISION (15-17 YEARS OLD)
Krosstown Courage beat Show Off Gators 1-0
Scorers for Krosstown: Kenra Lewis

Island Yogurt Chillers thrashed Adnil Marine Sharks 9-0
Scorers for Island Yogurt: Lashanda Parker (2 goals); Gabrielle Hall (3 goals);Katrina Wohltmann (3 goals)

IGUANA DIVISION (13-14 YEARS OLD)
GB Shipyard Goal Diggers squeaked by Municipal Motors Strikers by the score of 3-2.

Gift giving at home

As the holidays approach, our giant global neighbors are gearing up to provide Bahamians with piles of foreign goods, and we Bahamians get on planes to obtain them or ship them in thanks to the internet. Yes we are an island nation and need to ship in many things - but NOT EVERYTHING !

This year can be different. This year Bahamians can give the gift of genuine concern for other Bahamians more than we normally do. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by Bahamian hands.

Click here to read more

Visitors enjoy Grand Bahama hospitality and Conchman triathlon

Letter to Conchman committee, November 10, 2013

I would like to both thank and congratulate you, your committees, and of course your volunteers on an excellent 2013 Conchman triathlon. I have traveled all over the US in 2013 in support of my 10 y/o daughter, Hannah, including to the USAT Nationals, and the Conchman was by far the best event this year.

The 2013 Conchman was the last of eight triathlons for this season. We wanted to try an international event that was sanctioned under other than USAT rules. We all were very nervous as to how the event overall would be run. I must be honest from registration to, pre-race meetings, pre-race instructions to the racers, running of the race, and awards everything went well.

Click here to read more