The Bahamas Postal Service will release a set of stamps entitled Christmas 2013 - The Nativity today (Tuesday, November 19). The set of six stamps portray a familiar scene from the story of the Nativity and is beautifully illustrated in ink. According to the Post Office, the unusual medium was selected because of the especially bright and vibrant colours that can be achieved and which reflect the Christmas spirit of hope and celebration.

The main focus of the six designs is one particular character, but a theme that is depicted throughout all of them (including the First Day Cover) is the Star of Bethlehem or Christmas Star, that inspired The Three Kings to travel to Jerusalem and which eventually led them to Jesus' house in Bethlehem.

With the advent of climate change which is threatening Small Island Developing States, the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and the Kingdom of Lesotho have pledged to join forces in voicing concerns in relevant international arenas.

Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes addressed the issue during a Presentation of Credentials by Her Excellency Dr Mathabo Tsepa, High Commissioner of the Kingdom of Lesotho to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas during a ceremony at Government House on Thursday, November 14, 2013.

Lyford Cay International School is holding an OPEN HOUSE on Saturday, November 30th at 2:00pm at the school campus in Lyford Cay. The afternoon will consist of a visual presentation to learn more about the rigorous International Baccalaureate academics; the creative arts program; the state of the art technology platform; diverse international and Bahamian student body; the small class sizes; and the financial aid program, which is available to qualifying Bahamians.

LCIS has had eight graduating classes to date with 100% college or university acceptance. Many graduates have been able to receive credits at college with their results in the IB Diploma Programme. In the 2013 graduating class, 93% of Diploma students achieved the full IB Diploma, which is 14.5% above the worldwide IB percentage (78.5%).

Every parent who has ever pushed a swing and smiled as it soars skyward with a carefree and joyful child will like this story - the playground swing is not just for children any more. At Palm Cay, a fast-growing nautical community on New Providence's southeastern shore, they've taken the concept of family -oriented one step farther, building what is believed to be Nassau's first parent and child playground.

"We're a family-oriented community. That's central to everything we do so we set out to create a playground where the whole family could play," said Marketing and Sales Director Zachary 'Zack' Bonczek. "We were fortunate that we found a Bahamian company that was able to take that plan and make it happen."

A pleasant afternoon on Sunday, 10th November, at Goodman's Bay both two and four-legged walkers were ready to stroll the two-mile scenic route along the new Cable Beach strip for Baark's fourth annual 'Strut Your Mutt Walk-A-Thon'. Almost 100 people and their dogs took part in the event helping to raise over $9,000 for Baark's spay/neuter and education programs all over the Bahamas.

At the colourful finish line all 'strutters' were treated to a delicious Ben and Jerry's ice cream and a refreshing drink from Liquid Courage whilst the four-legged walkers each received numerous Purina dog treats. Once all the walkers returned Baark! presented several fun awards and accolades including 'The Prettiest Potcake' and 'Dog Owner Look-A-Like'.

The Chairmen of Baha Mar Ltd. and Meliá Hotels International today signed an agreement for Meliá to operate the all-inclusive Meliá at Baha Mar, in the luxury leisure development Baha Mar. The $3.5 billion (U.S.) investment, comprised of 1,000 acres with more than 3,000 feet of pristine ocean front, is just twelve minutes from Nassau International Airport. Meliá's extensive experience and international footprint have been key qualifiers for the expanding Spanish global group to be selected as part of this ambitious and revolutionary project.

Baha Mar, one of the most important destination transformation projects currently taking place in the world, will now include five hotels, private residences, gaming, golf, shopping, entertainment, and natural attractions that embody an authentic Bahamian experience.

The local chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., The Eta Psi Omega (Graduate Chapter) and Tau Nu (Undergraduate Chapter at the College of The Bahamas) joined forces to launch its Anti-Date Rape & Domestic Violence Awareness Campaign on the campus. On October 17th 2013, the chapters hosted an interactive seminar on the campus of The College of The Bahamas facilitated by WPC 3011 Makelle Pinder, who is also a member of the Sorority.

Officer Pinder provided an insightful presentation that highlighted real-life scenarios, signs of abuse and ways to seek help. Following the presentation, Brian Beckford, Shodokan Master provided a 'hands' on self-defense demonstration. Students and faculty in attendance expressed the importance of such information not only for themselves but their loved ones.

The Bahamian Brewery and Beverage Company recently re-launched their High Rock Lager, inclusive of a new design on all bottles and boxes. The first location for the re-launch was Van Breugel's, Charlotte Street, due to the wide variety of customers that visit that particular location and the great relationship that the Bahamian Brewery has with them.

"Freddy and his staff tasted the High Rock and fell in love with it," said Gerrard Sawyer, High Rock Brand Manager. "We were thrilled to be able to start our holiday launch here and paint the street 'green' tonight!" In celebration of the High Rock launch, Van Breugel's changed their restaurant colour from blue to green, and outfitted the restaurant with High Rock paraphernalia.

Joe Darville, director of the fast growing environmental movement Save The Bays, conducted a one-day educational workshop on conservation and the environment for students of Mary, Star of the Sea in Freeport, Grand Bahama.

At the invitation of the Bahamas Hotel Association, the ongoing session series was designed to inform and educate the nation's youth on the benefits of being good stewards of the environment, highlighting how dependent the country's main industry, tourism, is on the rich and lush terrestrial and sea landscape. Over the next months, Darville will tour hospitality clubs in public and private schools on New Providence, Grand Bahama and other Family Islands.

As hundreds of delegates convened on Grand Bahama Island for this year's Myles Munroe International Global Leadership Summit, The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA) played a pivotal role with GBPA President, Ian Rolle, participating in last Wednesday's millionaire round table discussions.

Joined by Dr. Myles Munroe, as well as local and international presenters, the panellists focused on 'How to build business and wealth with morality and ethics'. According to President Rolle, true business and personal success can be achieved by making one's competition irrelevant. "This is a strategy I've adopted in my personal life, as well as in business," he stated.

We know from our shelter intake figures that our western communities need targeted, comprehensive spay neuter services. Our shelter intake just through October of this year is over 1,100 animals, including 26% from West Grand Bahama alone! With a view to holding a spay/neuter clinic early next year in this area, we are undertaking a community survey to better determine the number of animals in need, which will be invaluable in fundraising and planning for the clinic. We started last Saturday with Eight Mile Rock, the largest settlement in the entire Bahamas.

Thanks to students from the GGYA and Interact groups from Jack Hayward High School, and Chervita Campbell, organizer supreme, we visited a total of 105 homes in Hepburn Town, Bartlett Hill, Hanna Hill and Pinedale. We have already found 154 dogs and 53 cats that need to be fixed. We will continue with the rest of Eight Mile Rock on Saturday November 30th. We would be grateful for more adult volunteers - if you're interested in helping us with this important project, please call Tip at 352-2477 during the week, or email info@hs-gb.org, or message or post on Facebook.

In their commitment to assisting schools in Grand Bahama, last year Grand Bahama Shipyard (GBS) donated time and resources to refurbishing East End Preschool and Primary School, and establishing a media centre. As a part of their continued commitment, GBS recently upgraded the signage at East End Preschool in Free Town.

Students and staff of East End Preschool are once again extremely grateful to GBS for their donation and continued support, and the Shipyard is delighted to be able to assist whenever they can to further the success of students on Grand Bahama Island.

As part of its ongoing fight against cancer, and to raise awareness about the deadly disease, RBC Freeport recently held a Breast Cancer Seminar for employees. RBC routinely organizes staff health seminars throughout The Bahamas. The seminar, which was held in-branch, was conducted in collaboration with The Cancer Society of The Bahamas. Seminar attendees included staff from RBC and RBC FINCO. Pamela Roxbury, CSR Complex, served as the coordinator of the event.

Research has shown that one in four Bahamian women carry a possibly deadly genetic mutation related to breast cancer. Breast cancer is the sixth leading cause of death of Bahamian women. Early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can save lives.

The parents who came to watch got to see some great games on Saturday, November 16th. There were changes in league standings three of the five divisions.

In the Curly Tail Division Pelican Bay Hurricanes led by Coach Shorn Malcolm and Coach Yvette Evans took the leader board by handing Coach Courtney Cunningham and her Jumex Juice Jammers their first loss of the season. In the other match up Hidden Island Treasure Hawks tied Grand Bahama Anesthesia Sleepers 1-1.

In the Chameleon Division, Barefoot Gals beat Mulligan Meat & Spice Cutters by a score of 6-1. The Barefoot Gals are coached by Leonard Knowles and Marlene Hanchard.

Educators at the Old Bight High School, on Cat Island, applauded the Local Government Junior Council programme, on November 14, 2013, and commended the Ministry of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Local Government for bringing it to the island.

Old Bight High School principal Jerome Forbes said he was "blessed" by the proceedings and the event was one he would never forget. "To see young people come together - not just as individuals but as teams - presenting platforms for the betterment of their school and Cat Island was a joy," Mr. Forbes said.

For those traveling to quaint and popular Hope Town-a picturesque 18th century village just off Great Abaco-the journey soon will be significantly shorter and more convenient, courtesy of a new seaplane flight option announced today. Direct scheduled chartered flights from Fort Lauderdale initially will be available on Fridays and Sundays beginning February 2014.

Fort Lauderdale-based Tropic Ocean Airways, which re-instituted regular seaplane service to the region in 2012, is partnering with IJet Charters, also based in Fort Lauderdale, to offer direct scheduled public charter flights to Hope Town, a popular, but often time consuming trip for air travelers. "What often is at least a half day time investment for travelers, connecting flights through South Florida to Marsh Harbour and then a cab and ferry to a final destination in Hope Town is now cut dramatically through our ability to taxi directly up to the beaches at Hope Town," said Jim Swieter, founder of IJet Charters.

Two years after its name made headlines round the world as the resort where the world's most sought-after runaway, the Barefoot Bandit, was captured, Romora Bay Club & Resort in Harbour Island is preparing for a different kind of attention. The colourful harbourfront property is upgrading rooms and baths, building a fitness centre and renovating common areas hoping for the best season since the economic freefall in 2008.

"The bookings, particularly for the marina, look good," said Client Manager Anne Ward. "So this year when we closed during the fall, we plowed full speed ahead with renovations." Only local contractors and artisans were considered for the work that will top $500,000. Contractor Christopher Ritchie was awarded the main contract and Gregory Higgs, the contract for the gym next to the dock master's office.

The Grand Bahama branch of the Bahamas National Trust (GB BNT) has started gearing up for this year's Festival Noel, which is only weeks away. The 19th annual wine tasting and art show is set to take place Friday, December 6th and is the only fundraiser for the BNT branch in Grand Bahama. The Festival Noel planning committee has been reviewing the artwork of several noteworthy Bahamian artists, and recently selected Dion Lewis, a Nassau based artist, as the featured guest artist for the year. The committee has also been working with local restaurants and is excited to announce it will be bringing back the Chef Noel competition thanks to new sponsors.

"The success of Festival Noel is due to all of the incredible sponsors that continue to participate year after year," said Karin Sanchez, former Branch President and BNT Council Member. "Because of their generosity we hope to make each ticket sold pure profit!"

Just six years ago, Kevin Evans was completing his course of study at The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI). Today, he is one of the top three fashion designers in the Miami RAWards semi-final competition scheduled for November 22nd, and he credits BTVI for his rise in the industry. Using bold hues and innovative designs, the debonair men's wear designer acknowledged BTVI as the springboard for landing him in the multi-faceted artistic showcase in Florida.

"BTVI brought out my sewing skills, an ability I didn't know I had. The experience did wonders for me. They taught me to be a professional in whatever I do," said the 33-year-old who has his own label dubbed, The Kevin Evans Collection. Inspired by the works of designers Giorgio Armani, Tom Ford and The Bahamas' flowers and trees, Kevin's unique collection has been showcased in the 2009 Islands of the World Fashion Week, in addition to Fashion for A Cause 2010 and 2011 in Nassau.

The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) Jollification features some of the finest arts and crafts in The Bahamas, a variety of food and a tasting of holiday spirits provided by Bristol Wines and Spirits and Bahamian Brewery. Commonwealth Bank is one of the major sponsors and their friendly staff will be on hand as you enter the gate and will be assisting the BNT at a number of booths at the event.

The event is open to the general public on Saturday, November 23rd and Sunday November 24th from 11:00 am - 5:00 pm at The Retreat on Village Road. This Arts and Crafts Exhibition features over 75 talented artisans who will have wonderful crafts, jewelry and gift items on sale on Saturday and Sunday.

Vandia Sands Miss Earth Bahamas left for the Philippines on Thursday, 14 November, 2013 to compete in the world renowned Miss Earth Pageant. Flocked by her parents Mr and Mrs Levan Sands, Queen Manager Ms. Charpella Rolle of the Miss Bahamas Beauty Organization and other committee members along with former Miss Earth Bahamas 2010 Mrs. Aquelle Tuletta the hopeful beauty gave tearful but thankful goodbyes.

Mrs. Tuletta is the proprietor of Guest List Boutique, platinum sponsor of Miss Earth Bahamas wardrobe. Ms. Sand serving as the official face of the Guest List Boutique was outfitted with an entire wardrobe for the three weeks duration of her stay in the Philippines, inclusive of casual wear, cocktails dresses, rehearsal clothing, evenings gowns, footwear and accessories a sponsorship of over $10,000.

Andrew Melby's and Reggie Henderson's drama "Bahamian Son" has been selected as this year's Opening Night Film and will kick off the Festival on December 5th, at the Atlantis Theater, Tickets are $25 advance sale and $40 at the door "Bahamian Son" stars Constance Anderson ("Prodigal," "Profile of a Killer," "Gods' Green Earth"), Fatima Cocci ("Gods' Green Earth") and Leah Eneas ("Beneath the Blue"). The film is based on true events, from the life of the film's writer Reggie Henderson.

The story follows Kevin as he sets out to find his father, whom he hasn't seen in more than thirty years. During his journey, Kevin examines his own life and the family he has built for himself, during his childhood, having grown up in the projects of North Minneapolis. After Kevin tracks down his father, he travels to The Bahamas to meet him.

The five stars of the upcoming Grand Bahama Performing Arts Society's Jammin' with Jazz & Jive are juiced and ready to put on a night of entertainment not to be missed, this Friday, November 22nd at the Canal House, Pelican Bay Hotel. Featuring the same cast from the Regency Theatre performance, Ain't Misbehavin' this cabaret styled event will feature loved local performers Autumn Joy Dames, Dora Brown, Georgia Taylor, Javan Hunt and Kenton Pinder.

"Jammin' with Jazz & Jive, has allowed me to discover different textures of my voice which I am truly grateful for. Being mostly trained in classical and Bahamian folk music, vocal jazz along with scat singing and creating "bluesy" harmonies were exciting for me! The audience will definitely feel as though they were transported back in time to 1930s Harlem, the Golden Age of jazz!" said Autumn-Joy Dames, accomplished singer, dancer, actor with experience on the theatre stage and television

It's been dubbed an enormous success by both the organizers and attendees of the 4th Annual Moonlight Jazz event hosted by the Rotary Club of Lucaya held at the Gardens of The Groves this past Saturday.

More than 300 people flocked to the lush gardens for an evening of extraordinary local jazz artistry and talent. The evening's entertaining line up featured: Panache, George Wilkinson, Donvarcia Duncombe, Susan Sweeting, Marina Sarles, ASP Kenwood Taylor, Johnny Matheison and the famed GB Police Pop Band closed out the evening with dance music.

Report as of November 14, 2013

The rough weather did not put a damper on the Generations Junior Angler Tournament with 15 boats entering. It was a great event thanks to the sponsors and captains. Plenty of fish were caught and the kids from the Ranfurly Home had a great day. That's what it iss all about! We hope that you will join us next year.

FISHING REPORT

Nassau: When we had calm weather earlier in the week Capt Mark Kooskalis reported that the wahoo fishing was great off of Salt Cay. He was very successful slow trolling Ballyhoo on a Islander lure down deep. There were also a few Mahi caught.

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