Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL III. No. 44, March 20, 2014

This week in Bahama Islands Info

National News

Nassau News

Grand Bahama News

Family Island & Abaco News

Arts & Entertainment News

Column: At the Movies

Sports News

Column: Bahamas weekly fishing report

Column: Humane Society of GB

Bahamas and Brazil to foster ties in trade and investments

The Commonwealth of The Bahamas and the Federative Republic of Brazil are seeking to forge closer ties in the areas of trade and investments. His Excellency Sir Arthur Foulkes, Governor General made the statement on the Occasion of the Presentation of Letters of Credence by His Excellency Carlos Eduardo Sette Camara Da Fonseca Costa, Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, during a ceremony at Government House.

"The Bahamas reiterates its great satisfaction at having the Embassy of Brazil in our capital as a symbol of our cordial and broad bilateral relations. We are also pleased with the leadership of Brazil in these challenging times, not only through the United Nations but also through our growing community of Latin American and Caribbean States," Sir Arthur said.

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Bahamas Waste gves Masters students insight on recycling

Bahamas Waste recently hosted four graduate students, who are currently studying at the Cape Eleuthera Institute (CEI) campus on Eleuthera, to a tour of their recycling facilities in western New Providence.

The students are in the Coastal Sustainability, Masters of Professional Science (MPS) program at the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (RSMAS), at the University of Miami. The Rosenstiel School offers one of the largest and most comprehensive marine and atmospheric graduate programs in the United States.

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New radio show to tackle environmental issues

A new radio show is taking on uncharted territory for call-in talk shows as Love 97 launches 'Voice of the Bays: The Environment Speaks' at 5pm Mondays with three hosts who plan to touch on everything from the undersea world to responsible development.

The show features the familiar voices of environmentalists Joseph Darville, Save The Bays Director of Education; Gail Woon, founder of EARTHCARE Bahamas; and Nikie Severe, Youth Environmental Ambassadors. Its airing, said Darville, is made possible through a grant from Save The Bays, the people's environmental movement sweeping the nation, while other sponsors will come on board as the show gains popularity, he believes.

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Albany donates $1 million to Urban Renewal

Urban Renewal received a 'major boost following a 'substantial ' donation by principals of The Albany Resort. The $1 million donation was made during an official ceremony held on the resort's compound on Monday, March 17. Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie, along with Co-Chairs of The Urban Renewal Commission, Mrs. Cynthia 'Mother' Pratt and Mr. Algernon Allen, were in attendance and accepted the donation on behalf of the commission.

Mr. Christie expressed his gratitude for the donation and said that corporate citizens such as the principals of the Albany Resort assist in placing the country on the world stage. "Resorts such as Albany define the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in the context of being able to have a multi-faceted offering to the people of the world," said Mr. Christie. "Investments such as these say to the world: Come to The Bahamas and you can have any type of experience that you can imagine."

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Globe-trotting chef to head up Billfish Grill

A Bahamian chef who travelled the world studying exotic and cutting edge-cuisine has ended up in his own backyard as the new executive chef at Billfish Grill, the latest amenity to grace the fast-growing marina and beachfront community of Palm Cay. After cooking his way through Thailand and Japan, Chef Anthony Carey did a brief stint working in the exclusive New York vacation community The Hamptons before returning home to infuse local dishes with his new knowledge and skills.

"Chef Anthony's craft is a fantastic representation on how to fuse traditional Bahamian flavours in a fresh, interesting way. His cooking style is a combination of Caribbean soul and Asian flair that ties perfectly with what we want Billfish dishes to be known for - clean, balanced, local," says owner Lise Russell.

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Waitt Foundation executive visits BNT Retreat

The Bahamas National Trust was pleased to host Jacob James from the Waitt Foundation at the BNT Retreat. The Waitt Foundation is funding work in The Bahamas through The Nature Conservancy. The Foundation is especially interested in seeing effectively managed Marine Protected Areas created across the globe. The BNT is assisting The Nature Conservancy in implementing several projects through this funding.

Mr. James is visiting The Bahamas for talks with the Conservancy and key stakeholders including the Government of The Bahamas to get updates on the projects they are funding, and to discuss other potential partnerships.

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Lyford Cay International School celebrates Commonwealth Day

After learning that the song, "God Bless our Sunny Clime" was sung for the first time as the national song of The Bahamas at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting (CHOGM - held in the Bahamas in 1985), elementary students and guests at Lyford Cay International School (LCIS) had an opportunity to listen to the song. Grade six students at LCIS led an assembly to educate the school about The Commonwealth and to celebrate Commonwealth Day.

After spending several weeks learning about intergovernmental agencies in their Program of Inquiry unit entitled, "How We Organize Ourselves" students shared what they had learned with their schoolmates, parents and teachers. "Students learn so much from their peers," noted Head of Elementary, Isadora Blyden. "We are so happy to see an assembly like this come together. We all learned so much about The Commonwealth!" she added.

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New GB parks manager to help develop more national parks

The Bahamas National Trust's (BNT) Grand Bahama Parks Planner, Lakeshia Anderson, recently introduced herself to the Grand Bahama public at the Rotary Club of Freeport luncheon and reiterated the BNT's hopes to expand the national park system on the island.

Currently, there are three national parks in Grand Bahama - the Rand Nature Centre, Lucayan National Park and Peterson Cay National Park. Of the three parks, none of them protect coral reefs, and as such the BNT are proposing to the Government, two additional parks for Grand Bahama to help protect our natural resources. So far, the BNT have been doing a lot of work in the communities of eastern Grand Bahama, where they are hoping to add 95,000 acres in the proposed East Grand Bahama National Park, and 280,000 acres in the proposed Northshore/Gap National Park.

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Introducing the West Grand Bahama Youth Organization

The youth of West Grand Bahama have a future that so far seems to be through a new organization called the West Grand Bahama Youth Organization. Leader Mario Mott and Diannia Neat says this group began about three years ago.

"We cater to the children in the community," explained Neat. "We play sports, we do drama, we do arts and provide mentorship, as we try to get them off the streets and give them a big brother/sister to come to whenever they are facing touch decisions. We try to give them camaraderie within their communities."

She said the group is stationed in West End, but a lot of the children are from Eight Mile Rock. Mott said their vision was to try to save the at risk kids, noting that he himself lives in the Jones Town area.

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Bahama Rock donation to benefit environmental projects

The Grand Bahama branch of the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) recently received a donation of hammers, gloves, shovels and other equipment from Bahama Rock, the Reef Ball Foundation, Paradise Cove and ES Caribbean. The donation is a great example of a partnership between local and international organisations helping each other to help protect the environment.

"The BNT is appreciative of the tools donated through this partnership, which will significantly assist with ongoing work at the Rand Nature Center and Lucayan National Park" commented Lakeshia Anderson, Grand Bahama Parks Manager. "We certainly look forward to building this relationship with these partners, to advance further conservation work in Grand Bahama."

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Clergy endorse Anglican Church Men's Conference

Plans are progressing steadily as the Anglican Church Men prepare for their 41st Annual Diocesan Conference which is set for April 30 - May 4, in West End, Grand Bahama. This quaint community at the north-western tip of the island is affectionately known as the Capital of Grand Bahama, as at one point it was the hub for all of the major touristic activity on the island, with its own airport and the Jack Tar Resort.

Being situated only 69 miles from West Palm Beach, Florida, it was only a short hop away from the mainland U.S.A. and instantly became a favourite for that upscale Florida community. The area also featured prominently in the Ministry of Tourism's promotional campaign as they hosted Goombay Summer events and was the site for the annual New Year's Day Junkanoo Parade. So, without a doubt, West End is equipped to accommodate an influx of visitors such as will be attending this annual conclave of the ACM.

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Building a competitive SME sector - GBPA offers training

Recently, Executives of The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA), announced another partnership project in collaboration with Caribbean Export and Development Agency (CEDA), targeted at building competitiveness, productivity and profitability amongst Licencees of its Small/Medium Enterprises (SME), sector.

Ian Rolle, GBPA President explained that GBPA, in partnership with CEDA, and with the support of the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce (GBCC) and the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC), will offer the ProNet Business Management Training Series, free of charge to qualifying SME Licencees. ProNet Business Training is a programme designed specifically to assist SME owners who want to grow their businesses.

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Abaco set to buzz for Great Abaco Family Fitness Weekend March 21-23

Over one hundred people have pre-registered to participate in a fitness extravaganza set to take place in Abaco this weekend! The third annual Great Abaco Family Fitness Weekend, scheduled for Friday-Sunday, March 21 to 23, in Treasure Cay, is set to draw participants from all over The Bahamas, the US, Canada and the UK. Domestic tourism is a key draw, with participants traveling to the event from Nassau, Freeport and across Abaco.

At the packed weekend of events, participants will have the chance to compete (or just have fun) in any or all of these events: an open water swim, a Sprint or Olympic triathlon, a five kilometre and ten kilometre running race, a one mile kids' race, a paddleboard event, and for those who want to fine tune their cheering skills - a cheerleading clinic.

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Fishermen assured proposed parks would not be no-take zones

Recently, Bahamas National Trust (BNT) officials met with local communities in Abaco to discuss proposed parks. Meetings were held in Marsh Harbour, Cherokee and Cross Harbour. Additionally, the BNT met with fishermen in Sandy Point, Abaco, to address concerns about the proposed national park for Cross Harbour in South Abaco. The meeting went extremely well; as the BNT assured fishermen that their interests were considered when proposing the park.

"When new national parks are designated under the BNT, traditional uses by the communities are taken into consideration," noted David Knowles, BNT Director of Parks. "Knowing that the Sandy Point fishermen depend on Cross Harbour, it is proposed for multi-use, just like the recently expanded Andros West Side National Park."

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EARTHCARE speaks on impacts of the Resorts World Bimini cruise ship terminal

Full text of presentation by Gail Woon, Founder of EARTHCARE to Information Session at Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina, Alicetown, Bimini on March 15th, 2014.

Good evening,

The cruise ship terminal for Resorts World Bimini has been described as "necessary" to the business plan. I will outline here several reasons why that is a ludicrous statement. First, let me outline what the cruise ship terminal plan entails:

The plan is to build a 1,000 foot pier terminal that will be wide enough for two vehicles to pass each other comfortably. At the end of this 1000 foot long structure will be the manmade "island". The island will be made from 220,000 cubic yards of your Crown Land prime ocean bottom that just happens to be right next to 14 of your "prime dive sites". The reason for the idea is to let their too large for the island, cruise ship to be able to come right up to the so-called island, which will house the Customs and Immigration and a "beach club" house.

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Mega-resort policy branded a threat to Family Island way of life

Mega-resorts are being allowed to threaten the culture, society and identity of small island communities around the Bahamas, a veteran social and environmental campaigner warned. Fred Smith, QC, director of legal affairs for Save The Bays, said successive governments have shielded the developers of mammoth 'Anchor Projects' from scrutiny at the expense of both the environment and local populations.

"Governments have been taken in by the glossy brochures, by the jewels and trinkets put in front of them by the foreigners," he said. "The result is that developments which destroy the environment, and overwhelm local society and culture, have been imposed from above on small communities in a way that shows a profound lack of respect for those who live there."

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Portrait of Grand Bahama Labyrinth founder Barbara Chester presented to Garden of the Groves

Longtime Grand Bahama resident, Barbara Chester, who brought the community together to create The Grand Bahama Labyrinth-a sacred and spiritual gathering place of contemplation and walking meditation-has been honored with the placement of her portrait, painted by local artist Claudette Dean, installed in The Garden of The Groves' replica of the island's first chapel, atop a spot overlooking the healing plantings, trees, and statuary surrounding the entrance to The Grand Bahama Labyrinth.

The large oil painting by Ms. Dean was a gift from Erika Gates, owner and president of Garden of the Groves. Barbara and Erika worked long hours together in the early days of the Gardens' with re-opening and renovations following the hurricanes of 2004 and 2005. "The Grand Bahama Labyrinth has been a beautiful addition to The Gardens," adds Erika.

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McDonald's and Sammy the Snail author team up with book donation

Hundreds of local students are discovering something new and special on the menu at school, thanks to McDonald's, and while that something has little to do with Big Macs and Happy Meals, it has a whole lot to do with happiness itself. The something new is a book called Sammy the Snail, the tale of a troubled character who holds all his fears, uncertainties and worries inside until he learns the wisdom and relief of sharing.

The oversized, brightly illustrated children's book is becoming a popular addition to schools and an after school program as a result of a partnership between McDonald's, the author and schools with literary hubs or programs.

Author Allie MacPhail, a family and marriage counselling specialist with nearly 20 years' experience, and illustrator Allie Rutland agreed to the talking tour to ignite a spark in children as they turned pages with youngsters, reading together.

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Grand Lucayan adds to culinary team and hosts 'Bahamian Beats & BBQ' event

The Grand Lucayan resort has named Basil Dean executive chef and Quinton Rolle assistant director of food and beverage. Adding more excitement to Grand Lucayan's culinary front, renowned Michelin-Star Chef Gianfranco Chiarini will host an interactive Italian pastry making demonstration at 11 a.m. on March 29 at China Beach, Grand Lucayan's chic Asian-inspired restaurant.

Thereafter, guests can dine and dance the night away at a Bahamian Beats & BBQ. Held on the resort's Great Lawn, it will feature Bahamian fare and live performances by Kirkland "KB" Bodie, Dillion "D-Mac" McKenzie, Veronica Bishop, and Wilfred Solomon. The BBQ begins at 7 p.m. followed by the concert at 8 p.m.

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GB preschool parents sing praises for National Arts Festival

As the E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival begins its first of two weeks in Grand Bahama, parents of participating preschoolers sing praises for the cultural institution that has been in existence for more than 50 years.

Lisa Turnquest, mother of Sunland Baptist Academy pre-schooler Lia Turnquest, said her daughter worked very hard on her performance and applauded the Festival for giving her the opportunity to show what she is capable of doing. She has been practicing for a number of weeks and just to see her perform on stage with no nervousness - and so calm and poised - I am so very proud of her," she said.

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At the Movies review of 300: Rise of An Empire

One of the taglines for this movie: Seize Your Glory. A general hopes to unite all of his country by leading the charge against a massive invading force. The events of these battles could change the course of the war as the sea becomes the main battlefield the opposing fleets use strategy and cunning to maneuver themselves to victory.

Themistoklesis a Greek general who is rumored to have fired the arrow which caused the of the Persian leader Darius I and earned the wrath of his son Xerxes, but will does he have what it takes to unite all of Greece against Persia. Queen Gorgo commands her Spartan army in an attempt to avenge her husband who died at the hands of the invading Persian forces and rally the leaders of the surrounding territories to join them in battle to push back the invading warships.

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Fourth annual Shipyard fishing tournament to help east Grand Bahama schools

One of The Bahamas' favourite sports, fishing, will be pulling in the big ones shortly to help a worthy cause. The Grand Bahama Shipyard (GBS) is finalising plans for their fourth annual Youth Benefit Fishing Tournament, which will be held March 22nd at the Grand Bahama Yacht Club.

While last year's tournaments assisted schools in West Grand Bahama, this year's tournament hopes to benefit Sweeting's Cay, Grand Cay, as well as the Sir Charles Hayward Children's Library and the Grand Bahama Youth Choir. Ed Pavey, Tournament Director and Director of Technical and Planning, noted that the Shipyard hopes that this year's tournament will see a larger turnout.

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Bahamas Sport Fishing Network and USA Today partner to give photo gallery a global market

The Bahamas Sport Fishing Network (BSFN) recently partnered with one of the worlds leading media companies, USA Today, to produce a series of slide shows on their website showcasing sports fishing in the Bahamas.

The first slide show launched last month and was so successful with over 500,000 views in 4 days that a series of slide shows will now be produced monthly, providing global exposure to this industry in the Bahamas. Just as a point of reference to the potential exposure, the USA Today website generates 100 million viewers a month -- 29 million viewers a month on the Travel section.

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Bahamas weekly fishing report from Harbourside Marine

Fishing report as of March 13, 2014

Nassau: The fishing off of Nassau has been decent with tuna and plenty of mahi caught. The wahoo bight has slowed with the arrival of the westerly winds.

North Eleuthera: There have been reports of lots of wahoo off of the northern Eleuthera points.

Grand Bahama, Freeport: The mahi fishing has been good and consistent but the wahoo bite has slowed down.

Bimini: Captain Stephen Knowles reports that he wahoo bite was strong earlier this week with fish in the 40lb to upper 50lb range caught. The bigger fish were caught south of Bimini and Cat Cay.

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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 20: 'Something on the Horizon' by artist Abrian Rankine. 6pm to 10pm at John Watlings Distillery, Delancy Street.

March 20: Haiti and its Role in the Francophonie - 6.30pm at Alliance Fran�aise, Ocean Place, Cable Beach. Wallenson Norbert, First Secretary of the Embassy of the Republic of Haiti will give this presentation. 327-4145 for info.

March 21: An Evening of Poetry 6.30pm at Alliance Fran�aise, Ocean Place, Cable Beach. Fables at the Fountain, revisited by the dance, will be presented in four programmes of 13 minutes. (English subtitles). 327-4145 for details.

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

March 27: WomanSpeak Launches 2014 Volume at the NAGB 7pm. A Journal of Writing and Art by Caribbean Women, volume 7/2014. Click HERE for more info.

April 5: Red Cross Fair Government House Grounds, Lower Gardens. 12 noon until ! Click here to view the ad.

April 6: Bridal Show at the Melia Resort, Cable Beach, 12 noon start. Prizes! Click HERE for more info.

April 12: Atlantic Medical Fun Walk celebrates "Sweet 16" Contact 326-8191 for registration.

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

April 2-3: National Conclave of Chambers of Commerce in The Bahamas. Visit the website: www.chamberconclave.com.

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, pi�atas, authentic Mexican food and drinks.

May 18: Megan Sands Ostomy Foundation Fun Run/Walk starting at Montagu 6:45am. Registration opens April 21 at SOS Marine, Green Parrot, the Linen Shop and Studio Vivo.

May 23: Tessanne Chin performs at Atlantis. Click HERE for info.

May 24: Kacey Musgraves at Atlantis. Click HERE for details.

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

thru March 21: I.B. Visual Arts Exhibition at Lucaya International School. Click HERE to read more and view a sample of the art.

March 21-22: GB Shipyard 4th Annual Youth Benefit Fishing Tournament at the Grand Bahama Yacht Club. Click HERE to visit the website. Captains party 7-9pm at Pelican Bay, Friday. Fishing starts 7am Saturday.

March 21-22: Just Dance 2 performance by Georgia's School of Dance at the Regency Theater. (8pm and 4pm)

March 21-23: 'Grand Bahama Island Revitalized' events in Port Lucaya to coincide with the grand opening of Memories Blue Diamond Resort. Click HERE to read more.

March 23: Sands Golf Tournament at Fortune Hills, 9am. Register March 21 at Fortune Hills Clubhouse 6-8pm. $45 and lots of prizes!

March 26: Chamber of Commerce Luncheon with guest speaker Peirluigi Ferro, GM of Blue Diamonds Resort. RSVP to 352-8329.

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

March 29: Annual ZNS Fun Run/Walk 5K course for all levels starts and finishes at ZNS. Pre-registration required! Click HERE to download the form. Visit ZNS in the Harold Degregory complex. Packet pick-up Friday evening before.

March 29: Bahamian Beats & BBQ with live musical entertainment by KB, D-Mack, Veronica Bishop and more! 8pm at the Grand Lucayan. Click HERE or call 373-1333.

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 12: Pollo Tropical Ride for Charity bike ride. Multiple distances to choose from, all end at Pollo Tropical. Click HERE to view the poster.

April 12: Rotary Past Presidents Walkathon - 8am at Taino Beach. Contact President Louie Alleyne HERE for sponsorship information. Funds to aid Rotary scholarships.

April 12: Atlantic Medical Fun Walk 6:30am start from the office in Jasmine Corporate Center. Pre-register! Call 351-3960 for more info.

April 12: Conch Fest at Taino Beach Rotary Club of Grand Bahama Sunrise event. Click HERE to view the poster.

April 13: 20 Pearls presented by Alpha Kappa Alpha, 4pm at the Regency Theater.

April 21: Pelican Point Coconut Festival Head east and go coconut crazy at this popular annual event. 11am-8pm.

April 26: West End Jr. Regatta and Festival on the waterfront of scenic West End. Click HERE to view the FB event page.

April 26: BNT Da Market at the Rand Nature Center.

April 30-May 4: Anglican Church Men's Conference in West End. Click HERE to read more.

May 1-3: Sarah's Wedding - new play written and directed by Kerel Pinder at the Regency Theater.

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 4: Jonathan Gouthro Memorial Golf Tournament at the Reef Golf Course. A Rotary Club of Grand Bahama Sunrise event. Click HERE to view the poster.

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 28-29: Bahamas Dance Theatre pulls out all the stops with a fantastic show at the Regency Theater. A sell-out every year!

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

March 21: Elizabeth Berry & Fritz Keck Exhibition 6pm to 9pm at Princess Street Gallery, Harbour Island, ELEUTHERA. 333-2788.

March 21-22: Barefoot Man at Nippers on Guana Cay. Rum-soaked Caribbean lyrics and great fun music. Click HERE for details.

March 21-23: Great Abaco Family Fitness Weekend III Swim race, triathlons, fun runs, kids events, paddleboards 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!

March 29: James Bond Casino Royal Party at Staniel Cay. Come in costume to this popular annual event. Click HERE for details.

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.

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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Mission: Potcake underway in Eight Mile Rock

Thanks to our partners The Kohn Foundation and the West Grand Bahama District Council, and of course to everyone who donated to make this project possible - Mission: Potcake got underway this week in Eight Mile Rock, Grand Bahama.

Our visiting and local volunteers, and staff, are nothing short of amazing. The clinic began Tuesday morning with what felt like a gale force storm which lasted til late morning and slowed things down given that we couldn't put the tent up or pick up many animals til the wind and driving rain abated.

We had to regroup a bit but our intrepid volunteers were up for the challenge. Still, on Tuesday 39 animals were brought in for spay/neuter, plus a few more that were relinquished and taken to the shelter, and a couple who needed more care than we could manage at the clinic site, who also went to the shelter for Intensive Care.

On Wednesday, 64 animals were brought in and this awesome team worked until well after dark. Many dogs and a few cats had compromising issues which cause surgeries to take longer.

We have been blessed by the number of teachers at Martin Town Primary School (which is right across the street from the clinic site) who have brought their classes over for a tour of the clinic.

Education is a vital part of our efforts, and it is very encouraging that the children - and their teachers - have been so interested and receptive. We must note that these have been some exceedingly well behaved children - a real credit to their teachers and parents!

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