Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL III. No. 41, February 27, 2014

This week we are bringing you our newsletter in a new format. While we have tried to ensure comparability with different e-mail readers there may be some that do not display our two-column layout as intended.

If that is the case with yours (Gmail is especially problematic) please click on the link above the masthead to view the web based version.

We hope you enjoy this issue and appreciate your continued patronage as we strive to bring the best variety of news from around The Bahamas, daily on our website www.BahamaIslandsInfo.com and via our weekly newsletter.

The Bahama Islands Info Team

This week in Bahama Islands Info

National News

Nassau News

Grand Bahama News

Column: Humane Society of GB update

Abaco News

Family Island News

Arts & Entertainment News

Column: At the Movies

Sports News

Column: Bahamas weekly fishing report

Letters to the Editor

Muddasick!

SIDS conference closes with a taste of Bahamian culture

The Small Island Developing States conference closed out Thursday with presentations of Bahamian art, music and Junkanoo rush-out at the Melia Nassau Beach Resort on Cable Beach. Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe thanked the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, the Inter-American Development Bank, the United Nations Environment Programme and other partners for facilitating the conference, which was attended by some 250 delegates.

Delegates were then feted to a farewell reception at the Melia poolside, comprising Bahamian cuisine, entertainment by the Spank Band featuring Puzzle and a Junkanoo Rush-out by Colours.

Click here to read more

Reach Out Ministries coordinator represents Grand Bahama at U.S. State Department exchange focused on engaging at-risk youth

On Friday, February 21, Mr. Dudley Seide, Director of Reach-Out Ministries, a non-profit organization on Grand Bahama paid a courtesy call on U.S. Chargé d'Affaires John Dinkelman at the U.S. Embassy to discuss his participation in the U.S. Department of State sponsored International Visitor Leadership Program, "Caribbean Basin Security Initiative - Engaging Underserved and At-Risk Youth." The Caribbean Basin Security Initiative is a partnership between the United States, CARICOM member nations and the Dominican Republic to work together to combat the drug trade and other transnational crimes that threaten regional security.

During the three-week exchange, Mr. Seide along with representatives from Guyana, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago visited four U.S. cities: Washington, D.C., Salt Lake City, Utah, Des Moines Iowa and New Orleans, Louisiana.

Click here to read more

RBC Royal Bank and the Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Awards program renew long-standing partnership

The Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Awards program has become a highly anticipated end of school year treat for The Bahamas' primary education community. Each year teachers, parents and students alike are infused with excitement, spurred on by the generous scholarships and prestige the program provides for young persons throughout the country. Entering its 18th year, the program has awarded over $800,000.00 in scholarships and prizes since its inception.

The Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Awards program has inspired students to strive for excellence by rewarding distinction in academics and extracurricular achievements. RBC Royal Bank recently announced its decision to continue supporting this worthwhile initiative.

Click here to read more

JA BahamaJac 2014 goes international

Over 400 junior achievers representing six islands of our archipelago and two countries - The Bahamas and Turks & Caicos (14 delegates) - participated in the JA Bahamas' BahamaJac 2014 conference under the Theme. 'Empowered to Succeed' this past weekend.

"Learn everything you can from JA. The program (JA) prepares you for 'real life' scenarios and equips you to be productive citizens and business persons," said Minister of State for Investment in the Office of the Prime Minister the Hon. Khaalis Rolle at the conference official opening on Saturday February 22.

Click here to read more

COB delegation forges ties with Cuban universities

A higher education delegation representing The College of The Bahamas has solidified relationships with two universities in Cuba to facilitate institutional strengthening; further academic development and research opportunities; and increase faculty, staff and student exchanges.

College officials signed two memoranda of understanding: one with the University of Havana (Universidad de La Habana; UH) and another with the University of Information Science (Universidad de las Ciencias Informáticas; UCI). The agreement with the University of Havana establishes a formal mechanism for the exchange of information and materials as well as staff, faculty and students. It also facilitates research and visiting scholars between the two institutions.

Click here to read more

Rotary Club of East Nassau donates $5,000 to fight breast cancer

Melissa Major and Megan Trottier of the Bahamas Breast Cancer Initiative Foundation recently spoke to the members of the Rotary Club of East Nassau (RCEN) to thank the club for its $5,000 donation to the Foundation. Research in The Bahamas shows that, compared to a six percent worldwide average, 23 percent of Bahamian women test positive for the BRCA gene, a hereditary gene connected to incidences of cancer.

The donation was used to purchase 500 BRCA gene testing kits. To date, around 2,000 women have been tested, furthering the research into the cause of the relatively high rate of the BRCA gene.

Click here to read more

MOT talks marketing with Baha Mar

Changing the landscape of the Bahamian tourism industry requires the collaboration of a dedicated team of stakeholders. For a project as transformative as Baha Mar, governmental and tourism industry partners are an important part of the story.

Baha Mar and Ministry of Tourism executives met recently to discuss marketing objectives and strategies for both Baha Mar and The Bahamas. Namely, Baha Mar's potential to attract a greater numbers of tourists from untapped, high potential markets such as Latin America and China.

Click here to read more

Carla Sweeting named ERA Dupuch Real Estate Agent of the Year

A woman who goes above and beyond to ensure clients are cared for has been named ERA Dupuch Real Estate's Agent of the Year. Carla Sweeting swept the title after turning in a double win as the agency's top performer for 2013 and wrapping up the best year in her 13-year career.

"It was a banner year for Carla who exemplifies the two main characteristics of a successful Realtor, knowledge and dedication," said ERA Dupuch founder and President Peter Dupuch. "She knows this market like few others. Ask her about a house and she likely knows the ins and outs, its listing history and probably the price that was paid last time it was sold."

Click here to read more

Minister of Education, Science and Technology visits Seahorse Institute

The Honourable Jerome Fitzgerald, Minister of Education, Science and Technology recently visited the Seahorse Institute at the new location on Soldier Road. The Institute's former facility on Shirley Street was destroyed by fire over a year ago.

Dr. Michelle Major, the Clinical Director, took the Minister on a tour of the Institute. While there, Minister Fitzgerald read the story, 'Buzz, Buzz Busy Bees' to the students.

Click here to read more

Attorney Carey Leonard addresses the GB Chamber: Hutchison's investments on Grand Bahama - Have they performed?

Remarks by Carey Leonard at The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce Luncheon
Wednesday, 26th February 2014

Much has been written and spoken about what has and what has not been done by The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited ("GBPA") on Grand Bahama. However, little has been said about one of the most influential investors on the island of Grand Bahama. Indeed this investor can be considered the third most influential entity on Grand Bahama after the Government and the GBPA. This powerful and influential entity that I am referring to is "Hutchison Whampoa Limited" ("Hutchison Whampoa").

Hutchison Whampoa will be referred to throughout this presentation as it is the one that basically controls and owns fifty percent or more of the various subsidiaries that own and operate business on Grand Bahama and everyone in those businesses ultimately report to Mr. Li Ka-shing who, according to Forbes magazine, is the 8^th richest man in the world being worth 31 billion dollars as a result of his Hutchison Whampoa interests.

Click here to read more

'Unsustainable Habitat Destruction vs. Artificial Reef Construction' topic of third EARTHCARE/Save the Bays Saturday Environmental Education Programme

On February 22nd, 2014, the EARTHCARE/Save the Bays Saturday Environmental Education Programme continued with the largest group of Youth Environment Ambassadors yet. The bus loaded up early and the Youth Environment Ambassadors headed to the day's destination, Paradise Cove Beach Resort, Deadman's Reef, Grand Bahama.

Gail Woon, Founder of EARTHCARE and a Director of Save the Bays gave the students a presentation on "Habitat Destruction" complete with visual examples from several Family Islands.

"Habitat Destruction is one of the 5 issues dealt with for Coastal Awareness. Sadly, we have examples of unsustainable habitat destruction on many of our islands. We have areas where our coral reefs have suffered the effects of manmade problems of nutrient pollution from land-based sources and are under threat of further destruction by unsustainable development."

Click here to read more

Grand Bahama holds 5th annual International Women's Day celebration 'Join Me on the Bridge' March 8th 2014

On March 8th, women and men from The Bahamas, along with international visitors, will be joining together at the Garden of the Groves to celebrate International Women's Day.

Two of the event's guest speakers are Senator Tanisha Tynes and Mr. Branville McCartney. "New this year, we've added a man to the speakers' list. It's our goal to highlight the important role men play in women's equality and rights. Men are key allies in women's advancement and need to be involved to change the lives, opportunities, and prospects for women," organiser Lynette McInnes stated.

Click here to read more

Note: The Essay/Art Competition deadline has been extended one week (until Tuesday, March 4th by 4pm)

It's show time this Saturday at the HSGB

It's almost here! Are your dogs ready to strut their stuff at the Humane Society of Grand Bahama's annual dog show?

Don't have a dog? Still time to come in and choose a shelter dog to show off for the day. Or just come out and enjoy the big variety of beautiful dogs, from tiny to giant, from Purebred to mixed breed to our amazng Royal Bahamian Potcakes.

There will be plenty to do in between events for adults and kids alike.

The Flea Market tent will have some great bargains as always, and you can quench your thirst and get something tasty to eat at the grill or the bake sale. Kids can enjoy carnival games, face painting and pony rides.

Click here to read more

Holmes Rock Primary spruced up by Grand Bahama Shipyard and sponsors

As the Grand Bahama Shipyard (GBS) gets ready to host their annual youth benefit fishing tournament this year, they have completed work at Holmes Rock Primary. Through its annual fishing tournament the yard not only paid for the upgrades at the school but donated several hours of their time and effort to help complete these repairs and improvements to the school.

"We are very appreciative of the Grand Bahama Shipyard and what they have done for the youth at our school," said Leslie Newton, Principal of Holmes Rock Primary. "It was lovely to see our children return after break to newly painted classrooms, really super murals on the walls and new water fountains. Their faces lit up with excitement!"

Click here to read more

Cable staff continue caring

The technicians from Cable Bahamas came back to the Grand Bahama Children's Home as promised this month and gave again generously of much needed food supplies for the home.

This is the second month this group has given on their own initiative and they plan to continue.

"This is something we had always hoped for," said Shelia Smith, GBCH Executive Board Member. "We are blessed that many corporate companies support us but to have individual staff members take it upon themselves to help us care for our children is wonderful."

Click here to read more

Primary students wow seasoned environmentalist

Even for former educator and retired principal Joseph Darville, the thought of spending the next three hours teaching 130 kids in primary school about the environment was daunting.

But when he walked into the auditorium at Holmes Rock Primary, Grand Bahama, and saw the excited look on children's faces and heard the enthusiasm in their voices when they answered his first question, worry melted away like ice in August. Suddenly the half day was too short to share all the information with eager students about what makes The Bahamas so special.

Click here to read more

'Touchdown!' for Freeport Jet Wash

It was a clear touchdown for Lothan Roberts, the overall winner of the Freeport Jetwash, Game Day Giveaway promotion. Mr. Roberts was the ultimate winner after a 3 month promotion, and he won a 46" flat screen TV.

"We have had this type of promotion in the past, and it was a huge success," said Larry Albury, General Manager at Freeport Jetwash. "We wanted to bring it back, and figured what better way to giveaway a TV than centered around football - we are all fanatics here!"

Click here to read more

Peggy Thompson Welcome Center opens in Hope Town

Located on the beautiful shores of Elbow Cay, in the Abacos, The Peggy Thompson Welcome Center opened its doors to visitors and locals alike on February 18th, 2014, the same day as Albury's Ferry Service celebrated their 55th anniversary. The opening also coincided with the launch of the new Inter-Cay Ferry Schedule, which you can use to island hop to some of the most unique cays in the Abacos.

The Welcome Center was named after Mrs. Peggy Thompson. Peggy was an active member of the community of Hope Town and avid supporter of travel and tourism throughout the Bahamas. The Welcome Center will serve as an everlasting tribute to Peggy's commitment and love of Hope Town, the Abacos and the Bahamas.

Click here to read more

Acklins Central High School student wins MICAL District Spelling Bee

Jameila Singh, an eighth grade student of the Acklins Central High School was the winner of the 2014 MICAL District Spelling Bee. Jameila beat out eight other finalists in the MICAL District to win the competition.

She competed for 16 rounds against second place winner, Faleisha Johnson of Abraham's Bay High School for the win. Jameila correctly spelt the word 'galoot' to capture first place.

Darneka McPhee of Abraham's Bay High School and Shellico Moxey Jr. of Crooked Island High School were tied for third place.

Click here to read more

Sandals offers hospitality training to twelfth graders

The bond between Sandals Emerald Bay and L.N. Coakley Secondary School got a little stronger recently with Sandals' staff offering hospitality training to twelfth graders.

The training is slated to become a part of the school's curriculum. As the largest employer in Exuma, Sandals realised the importance of spearheading this programme.

"We believe that we have a corporate responsibility to ensure that students are equipped for the working world, especially when a large majority of students will remain on island and seek employment with Sandals," said Sandals Emerald Bay's General Manager Jeremy Mutton.

Click here to read more

Grand Bahama chef makes Caribbean's top 25 list

Chef Tim Tibbitts of the Flying Fish restaurant has been named to the Caribbean Journal's Top 25 Caribbean Chefs list.

What makes a chef great? Is it flavour? Is it plating? Is it passion? - asks the publication.

The inaugural Best Chefs list includes both chefs working in the Caribbean and Caribbean-born chefs making their mark around the world. Chef Tibbitts is singled out for his "creative, contemporary spin on Caribbean seafood."

Click here to read more

Elyett's 'Orchidnized Chaos' collection wows at London Fashion Week

Bahamian designer Theodore Elyett's Orchidnized Chaos collection stole the show at the Fashions Finest Emerging Designer Showcase held during London Fashion Week.

Eight emerging designers showed collections at the off-schedule runway show held at the Grand Connaught Rooms, Covent Gardens. The Fashions Finest show is renown for highlighting emerging designers and attracts press and buyers from around the world seeking new talent.

"The opportunity to showcase during London Fashion Week was a step in the right direction for my brand," stated Elyett. "This was the first time my designs were shown on a European catwalk and I'm ecstatic with the feedback I received from UK press and show attendees.

Click here to read more

Bahamian contestants sought for Mr. World competition

Bahamian males between the ages of 17 and 27 who have good looks, a great physique and a winning personality are being sought to represent The Bahamas at the 2014 Mr. World Competition in Torbay, England!

Deadline for entry to the Mr. World Bahamas competition, official preliminary to the Mr. World competition, is March 21st.

Interested persons should apply at the following link:

http://www.tfaforms.com/318195

Holland College School of Performing Arts offers scholarships to young Bahamians

Young Bahamians interested in working in theatre, dance, or music now have the opportunity to pursue their training at Holland College, Prince Edward Island, through a unique scholarship program for Bahamian students at the college's School of Performing Arts, Holland College vice president Michael O'Grady announced recently.

Holland College has one of the largest Bahamian student populations of any institution in Canada, O'Grady said. "We are proud to say that we have graduated over 300 Bahamian students in a broad range of program offerings; young Bahamians have thrived in our learning environment - it's been a great fit for everyone. And now we would like to extend that growing relationship to include the performing arts."

Click here to read more

COLUMN: At the Movies - Vampire Academy

One of the taglines for this movie: Blood Is Family. Blood Is Pain. And Blood Is Death. The story of a bodyguard trainee and her royal best friend who she is learning to guard as they make their way through the ranks of an elite and secret boarding school. When a rival faction makes their interest in the royal known it becomes a game of who has the most to win and the most to lose.

Had no idea what to expect from this movie apart from the rumors of it being a mash-up of Twilight and Harry Potter with a bit of Mean Girls sprinkled in for good measure. I liked it. I am not saying that I thoroughly enjoyed it, but it is not as bad as many critics have said it is. I can admit that I am not part of its target audience and that the low budget can be seen in the quality of the special effects.

Click here to read more

Former Grand Bahama soccer player signs professional contract in Europe

Former Grand Bahama soccer player Dominic Adams has just signed a professional contract with ÍBV Vestmannaeyjar, a professional football club over in Iceland.

Adams, a 25-year old outside midfielder originally from Trinidad & Tobago, inked a two-year deal with IBV, an Icelandic club which is located in Vestmannaeyjar off the south coast of Iceland.

Dominic made his name on Grand Bahama at Freeport Rugby Football Club where he excelled in midfield, playing in the adult league from the early age of 14. He led the Brita Red Bulls to the League title as well as picking up numerous individual awards.

Click here to read more

Anticipation mounting for World Relays

With 92 days left before the World Relays Bahamas 2014 are held May 24 and 25, visiting representatives of the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF) Paul Hardy, technical director for competitions and Ernest Obeng, director of broadcast made a site inspection Feb. 20 and were both impressed with what they have arranged with the local organising committee headed by chairman, Keith Parker and vice-chairman, Mike Sands.

Mr. Hardy said he likes what he sees developing as they will incorporate Junkanoo in the staging of this inaugural IAAF World relays to be held in The Bahamas at the Thomas A. Robinson Stadium.

Click here to read more

5th annual Pollo Tropical bike ride for charity set for April 12

As Pollo Tropical prepares to celebrate its 5th year in the Grand Bahama community, we will host our 5th annual Ride for Charity on Saturday April 12th 2014. This year The Beacon School has been selected as the recipient of the proceeds from the event. The Beacon School supports and nurtures special needs children in the Grand Bahama community.

Participants of the event bike from four locations on the island: Elite cyclists will bike from McLean's Town, intermediate from High Rock and beginners from the Casuarina Bridge or Balao Circle to all convene at Pollo Tropical for the awards ceremony and fun day. The event is coordinated by the Grand Bahama Cycling Association.

Click here to read more

COLUMN: Bahamas weekly fishing report from Harbourside Marine

FISHING REPORT AS OF 02/20/2014

Nassau: Various charter boat captains report catching lots of mahi and blackfin tuna offshore under the birds. The catches vary from day to day depending on the wind direction and intensity.

North Exuma, Highbourne Cay: The Exuma Sound continues to produce lots of mahi and wahoo. The wind has been blowing out of the southeast for the last few days so the fishing should continue to be strong.

Abaco: The fishing all around Abaco has been good with mahi and yellowfin tuna caught to the south and mahi, wahoo, sailfish and a few blue marlin caught off of central and north Abaco.

Click here to read more

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - How Do We Hold The Bahamas Accountable to its National Anthem?

How Do We Hold The Bahamas Accountable to its National Anthem?

1) Lift up your head to the rising sun, Bahamaland:

As the sun glazes across the horizon of 700 islands and cays, it discovers a daunting reality that speaks volume to the inner struggles of its people. Singing the hymns as they seek to lift their heads to the glare of the sun "like a tree that stands by the water, we shall not be move". As the sun shines throughout the corridors of our country, it brings light to the truism of the young man who grapples with a country that disempowered his ability to become something larger than the circumstances that enroots the story of his life or single mother who scuffles with the brawl of lifting her head as she stares poverty in the face gasping for economic restoration. The light of the sun defines the paradox of the richest country in the Caribbean, where the distribution of wealth and prosperity in our nation has become more unequal; where the knees of working Bahamian families meet the lines of poverty as they experience economic insecurity.

Click here to read more

MUDDASICK

What bugging you? Got a Muddasick?
Here's your chance to say your piece! Send your Muddasick to info@bahamaislandsinfo.com and we may just put it in print.

NASSAU EVENTS

Bahamas National Holidays - Click HERE to view the 2014 calendar.

March 2: Jazz at Jacaranda - First Sundays 6pm-8pm, Jacaranda House, Corner of Parliament and E. Hill Streets.

March 3: International Women's Day Concert at the Judea Baptist Church, Tonique Williams Darling Hwy., 7pm. $10. "Women in Praise Continually Inspiring Change."

March 3-7: Bahamas Natural History Conference Click HERE to view the poster or HERE to read about the presenters.

March 8: Beneath the Hat 3pm to 7pm Central Bank of The Bahamas. A project by Grand Bahama artists Lyndah Wells, Laurie Tuchel and Chantal Bethel. RSVP to Antonius Roberts, Curator at (242) 322-7678.

March 12: "Chasing Light" Book Launch 6pm at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas with author Patricia Glinton-Meicholas.

March 12 & 15: Inked - An exhibition of new work by Sue Katz Artist Talk Wednesday 6pm at Hillside House Gallery. Show opens 6pm Saturday.

March 16: "Ride to Help Others Survive" Goal is to raise at least 5,000 cans for donation to The Salvation Army & Hands for Hunger. Contact Cycles Unlimited, Mackey St., for info.

March 20: Abrian Rankine Exhibition 6pm to 10pm at John Watling's Distillery, Delancey St.

March 22: Baark! Spring Bake Sale 11am-3pm at Windermere Spa, Harbour Bay AND SuperValue, Cable Beach.

March 29: Red Cross Fair Government House Grounds, Lower Gardens. 12 noon until !

April 19: Kingdor National Parkinson Foundation Gala Ball at the Melia resort. 326-5291 to get involved.

May 10: Baark Purple Paws Live Auction NEW DATE! Click HERE to learn more.

May 10-11: Annual Mexican Fiesta Festival 2014 11am-7pm - Bahamas National Trust HQ on Village Rd. Live mariachi band, piñatas, authentic Mexican food and drinks.

May 24-25: IAAF World Relays Bahamas at the new Thomas A Robinson stadium. Tickets on sale now.

September 20: Potcakeman Triathlon is back for a second year! Fun event for all ages. Click HERE to learn more.

November 23: Bahamas Half Marathon & 10K Coming back for a second great year! Click HERE to visit the website.

January 17-18, 2015: Marathon Bahamas Marathon, Half Marathon, Relay and the Susan G. Komen 5K make this a weekend for all runners! Click HERE to visit the website.

February 7-8, 2015: Ride For Hope #9 Has a new date and place! Now in Nassau. Click HERE to visit the FB event page.

Get your Nassau event listed in the Bahama Islands Info Calendar for free! Just write to info@bahamaislandsinfo.com with all the relevant information.

NOTE: All dates, times, locations and other details are subject to change.
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GRAND BAHAMA EVENTS

February 27: Grand Bahama Business Outlook at the Grand Lucayan with Keynote Speaker Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe. Call 352-8329 to register.

March 1: Humane Society Annual Dog Show at the shelter on Coral Rd. Lots of fun and prizes for people and pooches alike! Click HERE to view the poster.

March 1: FREE Legal Clinic at the Circle Mall. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Freeport.

March 1: Women Talk Art Exhibition Opening 7pm at the Grand Gallery, Retail St., Grand Lucayan. Click HERE to view the poster. Show continues through March 31.

March 4: Deadline for entries Join me on the Bridge essay contest for students. Click HERE to read more about this event and the essay and art competition subjects.

March 5: 'The Conspiracy of what is Killing You' Knowledge night presented by Mr. Jamal Moncur, Botanist, Herbalist & Author with New Life Natural Vegetation. At Pelican Bay, 7pm. RSVP 352-5433.

March 8: 5th Annual Join Me on the Bridge Celebration of International Women's Day for men and women! 3pm at Garden of the Groves. Contact FreeportBridge@gmail.com to RSVP or click HERE to visit the FB page.

March 8: Lucaya Presbyterian Church Coffee Morning 10:00 am to 12:30 pm. At the Lucaya Presbyterian Church, West Beach Road.

March 15: Grand Bahama Performing Arts Society presents C Force at 7:30 p.m. Venue: TBD.

March 15: Rotary Conch Festival at Taino Beach. 11am-5pm.

March 21-22: GB Shipyard 4th Annual Youth Benefit Fishing Tournament at the Grand Bahama Yacht Club. Click HERE to visit the website.

March 28: Truly Amazing Circus Comes to the St. George's Gymnasium.

March 29: Interactive pastry making demonstration with renowned Michelin-Star Chef Gianfranco Chiarini at China Beach/Grand Lucayan. $25. Call 373-1333 for info.

March 29: Triathlon for The Beacon School Group event with American para-triathlete and motivational speaker Hector Picard, the first and only double arm amputee. Click here to visit the FB page.

April 19: West End Jr. Sailing Regatta Save the date to watch this colourful event.

April 21: Pelican Point Coconut Festival Head east and go coconut crazy at this popular annual event.

May 1-4: Multi-District Rotary International Conference at the Grand Lucayan. Rotarians from Grand Bahama and Florida celebrate "Service Above Self." Click here to visit the local district website.

May 3-4: International Youth Rugby Tournament with teams from Cayman, Miami Biscayne and other Florida teams at the Freeport Rugby Club.

May 5: World Labyrinth Day "Walk as One at One" 1 o'clock on the labyrinth at Garden of the Groves.

May 26: Church of the Good Shepherd Luncheon at the church, 2pm. Call 353-7661 for details.

June 21: 3rd Annual West End Snapper Tournament and fun family festival. Head west!

June 23-27: Sir Jack Hayward Premier League Soccer Camp The island's most popular summer camp. Click HERE to download the registration form.

June 28: 8th Grand Bahama Cyclists Club's Road Cycling Championship With distances up to 100 miles for the Cat 1 men!

June 29: GB Fam Jam Cultural Expo & Concert in Goombay Park.

August 16: BASRA Swim Marathon & Beach Party Annual fundraiser for our Grand Bahama-based search and rescue organisation. Held at Coral Beach.

November 1: Conchman & Iron Kids Triathlons at Taino Beach - the perfect race for newcomers and the perfect place for all ages to enjoy the sport!

Get your Grand Bahama event listed in the Bahama Islands Info Calendar for free! Just write to info@bahamaislandsinfo.com with all the relevant information.

NOTE: All dates, times, locations and other details are subject to change.
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FAMILY ISLANDS & ABACO EVENTS

February 27 - March 1: Wahoo Smackdown IV Fishing tournament BIMINI Big Game Resort & Marina event. Contact reservations@biggameclubbimini.com, 1-800-867-4764 and 1-242-347-3391.

February 28: EXUMA VAT Education meeting 9am-1pm at the George Town Community Center. Call 357-5645 to RSVP.

March 1: 14th Annual Reef Ball The Jib Room, Marsh Harbour, ABACO. Click HERE for more info at Friends of the Environment.

March 1: Hope Town Heritage Day in ABACO.

March 7: Cancer Society Ball on SAN SALVADOR.

March 8: Nicoll's Town Music Arts & Craft Festival on ANDROS.

March 15-16: Abaco Pathfinders Spring Scholarship Foundation Fundraiser Two locations: Hope Town & Marsh Harbour. Call 367-6279 or click HERE.

March 16: Briland BNT Wine Festival on Harbour Island. Contact the Bahamas Natiional Trust.

March 21-23: Great Abaco Family Fitness Weekend III Registration now OPEN. Swim race, triathlons, fun runs, kids events, and a weekend at Treasure Cay everyone will enjoy! Click HERE to visit the website.

March 26-30: ELEUTHERA All That Jazz Click HERE to visit the website all about this exciting new event!

April 6-10: 'Hang 'em High Fishing Tournament on CAT ISLAND. Contact Tourism for info.

April 22-26: 61st National Family Islands Regatta in Elizabeth Harbour, George Town, EXUMA.

April 24-27: NFL HOF Alumni fishing tournament BIMINI Big Game Club Resort & Marina event. Contact reservations@biggameclubbimini.com, 1-800-867-4764 and 1-242-347-3391.

April 30: Rallye Transatlantique Bahamas Yachting rally from France wraps up in Marsh Harbour, ABACO, after 3 continents, 40 stops, and 7 months! www.transatlantiquebahamas.com.

May 7-10: Bahamas Billfish Championship GUANA CAY Visit http://bahamasbillfish.com

May 21-24: Bahamas Billfish Championship GREEN TURTLE CAY Visit http://bahamasbillfish.com

June 4-7: Bahamas Billfish Championship TREASURE CAY Visit http://bahamasbillfish.com

June 7: Pineappleman Triathlon Swim, bike, and run in and around Gregory Town, ELEUTHERA in this friendly triathlon. Party after at the Pineapple Festival! Click HERE to visit the event FB page.

June 18-21: Bahamas Billfish Championship MARSH HARBOUR Visit http://bahamasbillfish.com

June 25-29: Treasure Cay Billfish Tournament New date and format for 31st Annual tournament held at Treasure Cay, ABACO.

July 3-10, 2014: Regatta Time in Abaco Click HERE to visit the website.

Get your Family Island event listed in the Bahama Islands Info Calendar for free! Just write to info@bahamaislandsinfo.com with all the relevant information.

NOTE: All dates, times, locations and other details are subject to change.

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Allure of the Seas calls at GB Shipyard

The world's largest and most revolutionary cruise ship the "Allure of the Seas" has docked at the Grand Bahama Shipyard for repair work on its propulsion motors.

The work will continue on a twenty-four seven basis for the expected seven days stay at the yard.

"To perform this technically challenging work in such a timeframe involves detailed planning and teamwork from the owners, the propulsion motor manufacturers and the yard," stated Carl Gustaf Rotkirch, Chairman and CEO at the yard.

He continued, "The facilities and skills we have readily available here in Freeport continually rise to the challenges posed by our customers. This type of docking has never been performed at any yard in the world; by successfully undertaking this project, we have once again proved we are a world leader."

"RCCL are a valued and repeat customer, with whom we have a very special bond, their confidence that the yard can deliver such projects will resonate around the shipping industry," concluded Rotkirch.

Click here to view more photos