In the House of Assembly Wednesday morning was the first Bahamian ever to win a gold medal performance in chess at the CAC Youth Festival held in San Jose, Costa Rica. Nathan captured the gold medal for the Under- 8 division.

The nine-round tournament was held from December 11th through the 15th, 2013. More than 230 players from more than 16 Central American and Caribbean countries participated in this event. Nathan, who is home schooled, is being described as a "chess phenom" because he only recently began playing chess about a year ago.

Because of this victory, Nathan will receive an official invitation to the Pan-American Youth Festival in Mexico City, July 2014.

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism is celebrating 50 years in existence. As the nation's chief economic driver, Prime Minister Perry G. Christie took a look back down memory lane to pay homage to those who developed the tourism industry and to praise their efforts. During a church service held at Christ Church Cathedral on Tuesday, January 7, marking the industry's golden jubilee, Mr. Christie said that 'tourism has come a long way.'

"As we move into a new era in our tourism industry, let us not forget those who came before us and brought about an industry when others in the region looked down on it because they considered it to be 'servitude' and not 'service," said Mr. Christie. He said that although the country faces many challenges, Bahamians must continue to take pride in themselves and their country.

Less than a month after the Luxury Property Showcase in Shanghai where he offered a presentation on waterfront properties in The Bahamas to some 5,000 invited high net worth attendees, leading real estate broker Mario Carey and a successful Chinese entrepreneur called on Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell to discuss the country's growing ties with the Asian market. Also in the January 3 meeting - Daniel Lowe, the MCR Chinese consultant resident in Bejing where he is studying International Trade. Lowe, who is proficient in Mandarin, was a key facilitator for Carey's presentation in December.

"We were very pleased that the Minister was so receptive to the visit," said Carey, CRS, CLMHS, "but even more pleased to hear him declare that we cannot overstate the importance the fast-growing Chinese market will have on the Bahamian economy in years to come."

A long line snaked downstairs through a corridor of the Coral Towers at Atlantis, Paradise Island, as the company's staff waited to have their biometric screenings done so they could 'Know Their Numbers'.

One by one, they had their height and weight checked, their Body Mass Index calculated and their blood pressure, and glucose and cholesterol levels checked. With that information in hand, they then visited with Doctors Hospital Health System's clinical Corporate Wellness team to learn what they need to do to get healthier. For seven days, Atlantis Paradise Island Management in partnership with Doctors Hospital and Bahamas Medical Center provided the company's employees with free health screenings and health education.

Students at Lyford Cay International School (LCIS) proudly showed their grandparents around their beautiful 6 acre campus as school closed for the Christmas break on December 20, 2013. The school welcomed more than 75 grandparents to their annual Christmas Assembly, where they were able to see their grandchildren perform excerpts from the recent LCIS Christmas concerts.

The campus was alive with the Christmas spirit as grandparents, students, parents and teachers all sang along to Christmas carols. The highlight of the assembly was an encore performance of the LCIS Dragons Jr Junkanoo Band, winners of their division in their first Jr Junkanoo parade. They rushed through the campus and performed beautifully for the school's special guests. It was a real treat for those that missed the performance in the National Stadium.

Creating a new category to recognize outstanding development, the Bahamas Contractors Association this week presented the first ever Developer of the Year award to Palm Cay, the popular fully-funded $200 million, family-oriented community with marina on New Providence's southeast shore.

"Palm Cay has illustrated its commitment to creating opportunities for Bahamian contractors," said BCA President, Godfrey Forbes. "Palm Cay nudged out two other competitors to win this award which was created to recognize developers who allow Bahamians to maximize their potential and gain valuable experience."

Being thy brother's keeper has taken on new meaning at the Church of God of Prophecy, Seven Hills, as Senior Pastor, Bishop Clarence N. Williams recently walked into The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) and paid the full tuition and fees for members who are students.

Presently, there are 11 students from the church attending BTVI, but for the past 21 years, the church has sponsored scores of members who attend BTVI through its tithing account. Recipients are expected to pass each of their courses with at least a 'C'.

Report as of January 3, 2014

Happy New Year!
Nassau: Captain Adam Russell reports catching wahoo up to 50lbs along the edge of New Providence. Captain Teddy Pratt reports catching smaller 25lb wahoo and mahi up to 18lbs off of Iron Bar Rock.

North Andros: Captain Teddy Pratt reports catching large wahoo and mahi up to 30lbs off of Morgans Bluff.

North Exuma, Highbourne Cay: There have been plenty of medium sized wahoo and mahi caught in the Sound.

Local businesses are continuing to bring smiles to the children at the Grand Bahama Children's Home ... while making an important impact on the Home's resources thanks to holiday donations received by the Home!

Wanting to spread holiday cheer, UNEXSO partnered with the GB Children's Home to ensure that every child would have a gift to open on Christmas morning through its Angel Tree campaign. "We are so grateful that UNEXSO found such a special way to make a difference for our children," said Mrs. Geneva Rutherford, Executive Committee, GB Children's Home.

The Anglican Parish of St Mary Magdalene announced plans this week to commemorate the inaugural Majority Rule Day Holiday with a Gala Dinner on Friday January 10th, 2014 at the Club House of the Old Bahama Bay Resort in West End, Grand Bahama.

Rev Fr. Ian Vincent Claridge, Pastor at St. Mary Magdalene, revealed plans for the event which will feature a seven course meal complimented with a a choice selection of wines to be served with each course. Fr Claridge, himself a renowned, award winning Chef of twenty years prior his Ordination in 2003, will direct the planning, preparation, and catering of the meal.

Happy New Year! Every new year brings renewed hope and determination for change, improvement and success. New Year's resolutions, easily made, are also easily broken, or subverted along the way by circumstances beyond one's control.

For the HSGB, 2013 was not the best of years. Due to several issues beyond our control, we did not achieve nearly what we had hoped to, and find ourselves now at the beginning of a new year merely glad to still be here, open and semi-functional. We have a lot of work to do to assuage the hits we took last year.

We are up for the challenge and are determined to overcome, as there are so many animals depending on us. We are their last, and only hope.

Wanting to make someone feel very special? Art may not be the usual gift one might think to give but it is a much longer lasting than flowers or chocolates. At least that is the thought of members of the Grand Bahama Artists Association (GBAA).

The opportunity to view the gift of artistry will be available to all on Thursday February 6th at the opening reception for the Exhibition "For the Love of Art". The Glory Banks Art Gallery at the Rand Nature Centre in Freeport will be the venue for this annual GBAA event. On hand for the evening will be artists whose names and works are known to the community along with several newcomers.

Babies arrive sporting a protective biofilm coating of vernix caseosa. This cheesy white biological compound is unique to humans. Composed of oils produced by the baby's sebaceous glands (microscopic glands within the skin layers that produce the waxy oil sebum to waterproof and lubricate the skin and hair) and sloughed immature skin cells, this naturally occurring substance coats the skin of the fetus in the third (last) trimester of pregnancy. As term approaches, the chemical composition of the amnionic fluid changes secondary to fetal lung maturation. This change, perhaps in addition to thermal temperatures in utero, cause the vernix to slough off into the amnionic fluid.

The amount of vernix a baby "wears" at birth is contingent upon the gestational age of the baby. Babies born pre-term generally arrive more heavily covered with vernix than term babies simply because the preterm baby hasn't had the time to shed the vernix that the term baby has.

This January, some of the most celebrated Bahamian artists will gather at Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbour Marina to share the beauty of their work while protecting the beauty of The Bahamas. Now in its 5th year, the Art for the Parks Festival will take place January 24 - 26, 2014 in collaboration between Abaco Beach Resort, the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) and corporate sponsors.

Over thirty artists and artisans will exhibit, providing both residents and visitors a unique opportunity to view and purchase artwork, while raising awareness and funding for the preservation of Abaco's six national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. "We look forward to once again hosting this wonderful event and are proud to play a part in the preservation of our natural environment," said Manny Alexiou, owner of Abaco Beach Resort.

The stunning seaside setting of the Coco Beach Bar at the Treasure Cay Resort & Marina is set once again to play host to the Great Abaco Family Fitness Weekend, March 21-23, 2014. Forget about cold fronts, think three and a half miles of white sandy beach and warm Bahamian hospitality.

Now in its third year, this weekend of events for all ages has become an eagerly anticipated date for triathletes and their friends and families from around The Bahamas and abroad. Where else can you plan a weekend getaway that includes a 1 mile swim race, Olympic and Sprint distance triathlons both individually and as relays, 5K and 10K running races, a 1 mile kids' race, and even a cheerleading clinic?

It's a new season, there's a new cohost and a new season is about to launch as judges seek The Bahamas' next "gospel recording superstar" with 242Untapped. Returning are judges producer/coach Chris Roberts, international worship leader and recording artist Nadene Moss, singer/songwriter Jonathan 'Jonny' Farrington and Vincent 'V-Mac' McDonald of Elevation Records who wears several hats as host, director and creator of the show.

Scores auditioned with about 100 getting callbacks. Their journey from the initial audition to belting it out for the top spot will begin airing on Saturday, January 4, 2014 at 8 p.m on Cable 12. The show's website www.242untapped.com is also full of surprises as well as a video extras.

An international pop princess' patriotic rendition of a national anthem is being hailed as the most inspirational song for 2013, according to a nationally syndicated Caribbean radio show.

Teen sensation Angelique Sabrina's version of March on Bahamaland, the national anthem of The Bahamas, took her completely away from her high energy singles Stop Sign and Pull Up when it released as the country was at the height of last year's 40th Independence Day celebrations. It also came about as she was named the face for Cable Bahamas.

As for the coveted spot of Artist of The Year, the honour went to Johnathan 'Jonny' Farrington.

Under the theme "Tea Time" The Sir Sassoon Victor (Bahamas) Heart Ball Committee jum-started their fund raising activities in celebration of the nation's 40th anniversary of Independence, as they prepared for their 50th Annual Heart Ball.

Pink flamingos! Blue Marlins! Yellow Elder! Deep Blue Seas! Lignum Vitae! These are all national symbols of The Bahamas that were also table themes at the Annual Tea Party & Fashion Show.

When McDonald's went upscale becoming the café of choice at Fashion Weeks in New York and Paris, the new McFancy was an instant hit.

Now, McDonald's Nassau may be steps ahead of those McFancys in fashion's high places. All three of New Providence's restaurants have been transformed with Bahamian art, thanks to the creation of vivid hand-painted wall tiles depicting uniquely Bahamian cultural icons -- Junkanoo, local marine life and sports. The tiles, say McDonald's franchise holder DanBrad's President Earla Bethel, "bring colour and awareness of what makes us uniquely Bahamian."

By KHRISNA VIRGIL / The Tribune

With a vibrant America themed performance, the Valley Boys have captured the title as the winners of the 2014 New Year's Day Junkanoo Parade. The A category group triumphed over the Shell Saxon Superstars who took second position with less than a three-point margin.

Jamal Brice, an off the shoulder dancer, said the group received strict orders from its leader, who is experiencing health issues, to dominate the parade. And group members did just that.

A mere seven points was the difference between 1st and 2nd in Grand Bahama's 2014 New Year's Day Junkanoo Parade this past Wednesday evening on the streets of Freeport as the popular Swingers theme of 'Dream' led them to victory. The unofficial results were announced to an enthusiastic crowd in the International Bazaar on Thursday evening as the Grand Bahama Junkanoo Committee thanked group leaders, sponsors and junkanoo fans for their support.

Veteran leader of the Swingers, Anthony 'Huck' Williams said the competition was stiff but the Swingers showed their worth with their scoring in the major categories to earn their second straight New Year's Day victory. "We were confident of repeating as our organization, as usual, faced obstacles which we were able to overcome. This victory is again one for the whole group; we are not a one man operation," said Williams.

The Peace on the Street Organization led by Carlos Reid organized a peace rally and basket ball name on the very court where a major tragedy occurred during the Christmas season.

Members of all major political parties were present as a demonstration of unity let by Hon. Dr. Bernard Nottage Minister of National Security for the governing PLP (also represented were Khallis Rolle Minister of State for Investments and Dr. Kendall Major Speaker of the House) and Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis the Official Leader of opposition Free National Movement (along with Richard Lightbourne and Hubert Chipman MP for Montagu and St. Anne's respectively).

Bahamians from all walks of life will have an opportunity to join together once again while supporting local charities on February 15 during the annual One Bahamas Unity Walk.

Each year One Bahamas directly donates proceeds from the Unity Walk to select charities. The 2014 Unity Walk will support the Bahamas Sailing Association's National Sailing School, Swift's Let Swim Bahamas program, and the Urban Renewal Foundation. The date, as well as the charities selected to benefit from the event, were announced during a recent courtesy call on Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes at Government House.

As a part of its contractual agreement with the Miami Dolphins Organization, The Islands Of The Bahamas was featured prominently and received massive exposure to a capacity crowd, at the recent, Miami Dolphins vs. New York Jets game at Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL.

The partnership between The Bahamas and the Miami Dolphins which brings the two organizations together in a co-branding effort, provided the opportunity for The Bahamas to dominate with in stadium branding through stadium vision ads including banner ads and score clock LED, throughout the game Sunday, December 29th. The game drew tens of thousands to the stadium which boasts a 70,000 plus seating capacity.

June 26th, 2014, will make 10 years since the first championship race held by the Grand Bahama Cyclist Club. However, in that time there have only been seven editions of the event.

On Saturday, June 28th, 2014, the G.B.C.C. will host the 8th edition of the Grand Bahama Road Cycling Championships. The event started with six participants, both men and women, on Taino Beach in 2004 and has grown every year since. In 2014 it is hoped that the trend continues with the inclusion of cyclists from Nassau, Abaco and around the Bahamas.

2014 New Year's Address by Opposition Leader, Hon. Dr. Hubert A. Minnis

My Fellow Bahamians, the Christmas and New Year's Holiday Season is a period of reflection, introspection and forward planning. During this hallowed Season we as a people reflect upon the year which has now drawn to its close; focus upon our inward Faith through our outward celebrations of the Birth of our Lord; and look towards a better, happier, safer and more fulfilling tomorrow.

As we embark with renewed faith and hope upon this new year of 2014, we cannot help but to cast our minds back to the past and, as a Nation, most importantly, to the serious and debilitating slew of problems, errors, mis-steps and failings made by those charged with the duty of leading our Bahamas to new and better days. WE NEED AND MUST CREATE A NEW BAHAMAS.

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A New Year's Message by Branville McCartney

My Beloved Bahamians, As we look forward to a better year, this 2014, most of us would admit that 2013 was not a good year.

In 2013, the economy remained sluggish, with many persons losing their jobs and homes. The cost of living remained very high, perhaps even increasing with the many interrelated uncertainties held at the end of the year. The vexing illegal immigration problem continued, and the threat of Value Added Tax (VAT) being placed on the backs of Bahamians became a grave concern for most.

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Dennis Dames' poem on Majority Rule Day in The Bahamas

Majority Rule in The Bahamas

We are now one people under the law
...with the collective power to choose
It has been a long and hard-fought battle
...to where we are today

The struggle of our forebears
...against injustice and indifference
Produced a people of variety
...to rule our blessed land

We are free to determine our destiny
...the roads of which we choose to travel

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Be seen in 2014 doing great things ...

The Ghost of Christmas Present opened his robe to reveal two haggard, ashen, corpse-like children to Ebenezer Scrooge; and he said, "Look upon these". Ebenezer Scrooge, stupefied with horror - asked, "What are these?" The Ghost of Christmas Present replied, "They are your children! They are the children of all who walk the earth unseen! Their names are Ignorance and Want! Beware of them! For upon their brow is written the word "doom!" They spell the downfall of you and all who deny their existence!"

I was moved by the aforementioned exchange after watching A Christmas Carol recently. "Ignorance and Want" are our children, of whose existence we are denying; that's why we are in the doomful position today in our nation - in my view. As we continue to walk the earth unseen, our downfall draws nearer.

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