Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL III. No. 47, April 10, 2014

This week in Bahama Islands Info

National News

Nassau News

Grand Bahama News

Column: Humane Society of GB update

Family Island & Abaco News

Arts & Entertainment News

Column: At the Movies

Sports News

Column: Bahamas weekly fishing report

Muddasick!

U.S. Embassy partners with REACH to observe Autism Awareness Day

Wednesday, April 2 was observed globally as Autism Awareness Day and for the second consecutive year the United States Embassy partnered with the Resources and Education for AUTISM and Related Challenges (REACH) for the "Light it Up Blue" ceremony, to officially observe the occasion in Rawson Square, downtown, Nassau.

The Governor General of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas Sir Arthur and Lady Foulkes, Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie, Minister of Social Services, The Hon. Melanie Griffin, Minister of Education, The Hon. Jerome Fitzgerald and U.S. Chargé d'Affaires a.i. John L. Armstrong were among the dignitaries on hand for the event. In his remarks, President of the REACH organization Mario Carey publicly thanked the United States Embassy for its continued support.

Click here to read more

Ferreira: Sustainable development is good for business

The cost of doing business in the Bahamas would be greatly reduced by the adoption of environmentally progressive national policies, a Chamber of Commerce director says. Reporting to the chamber's national conclave, environmental attorney Romi Ferreira cited complaints about the high electricity costs, which he said, are the result of poor planning, a lack of maintenance and the use of expensive, pollutant-heavy fuel by the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC).

"The price of energy is too high, and its impeding business," said Ferreira, who serves as the Chamber's director of energy and environment. "A sustainable action plan is needed to transform the electricity sector, and that would mean a great difference in the bottom line of every single business."

Click here to read more

BNT partners help make research exciting

One of the Bahamas National Trust's (BNT) international partners, the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH), recently published an exciting new booklet - Guide to the Science of Marine Protected Areas in The Bahamas.

"The reports generated by scientists on their many expeditions to The Bahamas are mostly too technical and science-heavy to be of use to decision makers and educators," said Eric Carey, BNT Executive Director. "This guide is a useful tool for breaking down the science into useful information that can be applied to conservation and education by both decision makers and educators. BNT is pleased to see its production and hopes it will be an encouragement to other scientists to produce similar publications to bring their science back to Bahamians."

Click here to read more

WSC supports the Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Programme

Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) presented a cheque to the Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Programme, which will be held May 24th in Nassau.

The Corporation has been a sponsor of the program for a number of years and supports the Pan Hellenic Council in their efforts to recognize the top 6th grade students in the country.

Cheri Hanna, Assistant General Manager, Human Resources at WSC presented the cheque to Sammie Poitier, Committee Member, Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Programme.

Palm Cay completes Marina & Beach Club, latest amenity for seafront community Billfish Grill adds 20 jobs

Palm Cay, the fast-growing nautical development on New Providence's southeastern coast, this week delivered a key component of its commitment to community building -- The Palm Cay Marina & Beach Club. The club features the flagship Billfish Grill, a restaurant overlooking lawns, pool deck, 194-slip marina and the Atlantic Ocean, fulfilling the latest in Palm Cay's list of pledges to homeowners.

The Billfish Grill, a partnership between Lise Watson-Russell of Chives at New Providence Community Centre and restaurateur Peter Rounce, opened for dinner for residents and guests this week. Its development was made possible by the support of Palm Cay.

Click here to read more

'Light It Up Blue' for International Autism Awareness Month

LIGHT IT UP BLUE - The city of Nassau turned blue on the evening of April 2 as International Autism Awareness month commenced. "I am encouraging Bahamians to support the autism awareness initiative by wearing blue and using blue lights in their establishments throughout the month of April," said R.E.A.C.H. President Mario Carey.

Baha Mar was one of the first corporate citizens to exhibit their 'blue pride' as they lit up the Baha Mar Resort and Casino and the Hyatt at Baha Mar towers blue almost simultaneously with 'Light It Up Blue Ceremony' held in Rawson Square which attracted many dignitaries including His Excellency Sir Arthur Foulkes and Lady Foulkes, Prime Minister Perry Christie, Leader of the Opposition Dr. Hubert Minnis, other parliamentary members and numerous civic and corporate partners of R.E.A.C.H.

Click here to read more

Antique Auto Club of The Bahamas' 27th Annual Antique Auto Show impresses with 50 plus vehicles

The Antique Auto Club of The Bahamas' 27th Annual Antique Auto Show took a different turn this year. The Show was moved a little east of the normal venue - the Arawak Cay Fish Fry - to the Big Tent erected for Bahamas Speed Week Revival back in November. Many favourable comments were received from Club members and other participants as well as the 2,000 plus visitors that came to both look at the vehicles and purchase steak and chicken dinners from the cook-out. Throughout the day, close to 1,400 dinners were served. The cook-out is the main fund raising part of the annual event with all proceeds going to charities involving children.

Some 50 plus vehicles were on display competing for trophies in the various classes. The autos are judged by volunteers, most of whom are involved in automobile repairs and service and have a good eye and love for automobiles of all vintages.

Click here to read more

Doctors Hospital and Baha-Retreat encourage women to love themselves from head to toe

During January and February, every woman who had a mammogram at Doctors Hospital's Diagnostic Imaging Center was automatically entered in the hospital's 'Love Yourself From Head To Toe' promotion. Women were encouraged to take the time to do something special for themselves and to love themselves fully. This includes getting a yearly mammogram, especially for women over the age of 40.

Doctors Hospital teamed up with Baha-Retreat Spa on East Bay Street for the special pampering promotion and owner Kenya McKenzie provided the prize: a Special Pampering Escape Spa Package including an Aromatherapy Massage, a Vitamin C Facial, a Classic Manicure and a Spa Pedicure.

Click here to read more

Baha Mar executives and Chinese Ambassador discuss tourism strategies

Executives of Baha Mar, the $3.5 billion integrated destination resort project, met with China's Ambassador to The Bahamas to discuss the potential for increased tourism between The Bahamas and China, which is now ranked as the world's biggest-spending nation on international travel.

Sarkis D. Izmirlian, Baha Mar's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Tom Dunlap, Baha Mar's President, and Robert D.L. Sands, Senior Vice President-Administration and External Affairs, met recently with His Excellency Yuan Guisen, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Along with other issues, the officials discussed the ongoing development of airlift from cities in mainland China, outreach to potential Chinese visitors, and raising awareness among travel agents and consumers of the ease of travel between the two countries.

Click here to read more

BNPA awards Eltha Hall 'Best Kept Yard Award'

Little Blair resident, Eltha Hall, became the winner of a Bahamas National Pride Association's (BNPA) "Best Kept Yard Award" when she was recently presented with a plaque and a cheque.

Pictured in front of the Buccaneer Road home from left: Joanne Johnson, executive director, BNPA; Olvin Rees, chairman, BNPA; Ms Hall; Shaquille Sands, granddaughter; Alphaeus Ramsay, director BNPA; Judy Williams,. director, BNPA. (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)

Budding engineers participate in 17th Annual Mousetrap Competition

Deputy Prime Minister Philip 'Brave' Davis opened the 17th Annual Southeastern Consortium of Minorities Engineers (SECME) Mousetrap Car and Bottle Rocket Competition which was held at the Jack Hayward High School grounds in Grand Bahama last weekend.

Deputy Prime Minister Davis gave the opening address and also launched the first rocket at the competition. This year's event marked the first time that entrants had to submit a rocket patch design, technical drawings, posters and technical reports in addition to their cars and rockets for a total package of points.

Click here to read more

Lucaya International School victorious at Model United Nations debate competition

Congratulations to the Model United Nations team from Lucaya International School: Chad Haddad, Sophie Paine, Marlena Leonard and Andrew Goodrum, and their advisor, Ms. Cheryl Blanchet, on their tremendous win in Nassau at the national MUN Debate Competition.

Seventeen teams from schools all over The Bahamas competed. Due to a great deal of practice and dedication over the past months, the LIS team performed at their very best and swept the trophy case!

The team was awarded trophies for Best Debater, Best Crisis Session and Best Overall team.

Click here to read more

Rackell Charlton brings back the silver medal in Young Chef of the Year competition

Rackell Charlton a 12th grade Hospitality student of Jack Hayward High School travelled to Nassau recently with her coach/teacher Ms. Katrina Hodge to compete in the national finals of the 22nd Young Chef competition sponsored by Mahatma Rice and Robin Hood flour.

Jack Hayward High School has had success in this competition in previous years with two gold medal wins and a silver medal. This most recent win just adds to their run of talented, hard-working young chefs. Rackell had previously competed on Grand Bahama and defeated contenders from the other high schools. In Nassau she was competing against the best student chefs from the entire Bahamas. This year there were 11 senior participants vying for the coveted first place.

Click here to read more

Humane treatment of animals topic of final session of EARTHCARE/Save The Bays Saturday Environmental Education Programme

The topic on April 5th, 2014 for the EARTHCARE/Save The Bays Saturday Environmental Education Programme was "Humane Treatment of Animals." Gail Woon, Founder of EARTHCARE and a Director of Save The Bays: "This was our last session for the 2013/2014 school year. We discussed various types of animals, how to best maintain pets, and the implications for wild animals that become entangled in improperly disposed of waste. Our Phase 1 Youth Environmental Ambassadors have learned about mangroves, pollution, habitat destruction, sustainable fisheries, climate change, invasive species and today, the humane treatment of animals."

At the Ol' Free Town Farm, the students learned about the many animals there. Owner, George Johnson, a veteran farmer, gave an educational tour, during which the students were allowed to feed the goats, Inagua donkeys, a cow, chickens and geese. George explained their natural horsefly trap which is pesticide free and uses the sun's heat to keep the horseflies away so they don't irritate the animals and the people.

Click here to read more

BORCO celebrates the power of collaboration

After 3 years and 1.3 million man-hours with zero loss time incidents, BORCO (Buckeye Bahamas) celebrated the tremendous work of both local and international contractors in completing BORCO's recent expansion project.

The 4.7 million barrel expansion was originally slated to be built by an international engineering, procurement, and construction consortium, but Buckeye, after acquiring BORCO in 2011, made the decision to build with local teams and American engineering instead. "This was a very successful project and we made a great decision undertaking it," said Joe Sauger, Buckeye's Senior Vice-President, Engineering & Construction Services.

Click here to read more

Humane Society continues fundraising with Flea Market at Spring in the Garden this Saturday

Awesome flea market on Saturday to benefit the HSGB at Spring in the Garden (Garden of the Groves)! Don't miss some amazing bargains! From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you can't attend on Saturday, please know that our animals are in need every single day. We very much appreciate anyone who can give donations, whether monetary, or items for selling (even for the Elite Garage sale if they're leaving the island or don't have time to sell something themselves), attend fundraisers - lunches, dog show, dog & car wash, flea markets, annual evening bash, etc.

Caraline Holding can be contacted about any items you are willing to donate for sale to benefit our animals. Please email us at info@hs-gb.org and we will put you in touch with her. The HSGB receives no government funding, and very little local corporate funding. Despite providing a service which benefits all Grand Bahama residents. We desperately need more of our community to support our work!

Click here to read more

Abaco Chief Councilor: Treasure Cay environmental damage 'irreparable, heartbreaking'

Abaco's Chief Councilor has labelled as "heartbreaking" the destruction of acres of wetlands, slashed by heavy equipment on a site being developed under expansion plans by a resort known as Treasure Sands despite a cease and desist order by government. "I don't blame the developer," says North Abaco Chief Councilor Gary Smith. "Nor do I blame the government in Nassau. The Minister of Finance for Investments Khaalis Rolle did the proper and honourable thing and we are very grateful to him for recognizing that protecting the environment and proceeding with the right permits is important for the long-term sustainable growth and development of any community."

But something thwarted the delivery of the cease and desist order once it got to Abaco, he said, and an investigation is ongoing to learn why it was not presented to the developer for some three weeks after it arrived, enough time for centuries of mangrove, wetlands and hardwood forests to be mowed down.

Click here to read more

Andros project to remove invasive species and re-plant coconut trees

The South Andros Handicraft & Manufacturing Association (SAHMA) will hold an official launching ceremony of the "South Andros Coastal Restoration & Coconut Project" on Thursday, April 10, 2014 in Motion Town, Long Bay Cays, South Andros. This initiative is a 'Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme UNDP funded project for the Community'. The project will be implemented over a 15-month period and is intended to address the issue of coastal erosion and land degradation of a 25,500 square feet coastal area in Long Bay Cays, South Andros, where harvesting of coconuts was once an economic contributor to the local community.

The project will restore this coastal site by the removal of all invasive species (e.g. the Casuarina) and replanting native coastal-friendly plant species including coconut, to help stabilise the coastline and reestablish the coconut grove.

Click here to read more

Prime Minister makes Bimini visit for inauguration of night flights

Prime Minister Perry Christie brought remarks and socialised with the principals of Resorts World Bimini - KD Lim and Gerardo Capo, during the inauguration of night flights to the Bimini International Airport, April 3, 2014.

Pictured is the PM with Mr. Capo.

(BIS photo)

Baha Mar Academy connects with 170 people in Abaco

Baha Mar Academy representatives recently traveled to Abaco, reaching out to approximately 170 recent high school graduates and professionals on the first trip of several to the Family Islands that are scheduled over the coming months. The audience met the team from Baha Mar which included Kristin Wells, Director of the Baha Mar Academy; Vonya Ifill, Baha Mar Academy Associate and representative for Rosewood at Baha Mar; Benjamin Sims, Director of Human Resources for Mondrian at Baha Mar; Beth Cantor, Roving Director of Human Resources for Hyatt hotels (representing Grand Hyatt at Baha Mar), and Jarrel Hall, Outreach Associate and acting representative for the Baha Mar Casino & Hotel.

In addition to interviewing potential candidates for positions at Baha Mar, the team also provided information about career opportunities, the recruitment process and general expectations about belonging to the Baha Mar team.

Click here to read more

Nat Cambridge and the 'First Taste Band' launch with debut performance at the Canal House May 3

Grand Bahamian live music has, for some time now, been on the decline until recently with the advent of some new faces entering the scene. However, even with these new faces popping up here and there, the live music entertainment scene continues to be dominated by what I term "60 year old entertainers, presenting 40 year old material for 20 year old audiences." Grand Bahama is long overdue time for a serious effort to pass the baton to those young, talented and aspiring entertainers. To invest in them the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the entertainment business and the "business" of entertainment.

To that end I present to you "First Taste."

Click here to read more

Books are back on Bay Street!

Nearly seven decades after it opened its doors selling pure Irish linens, The Linen Shop is celebrating its re-launch, bringing back to Bay Street the first book store in the downtown area in more than five years.

Inspiration for The Book Nook inside the shop that has become a staple in historic Nassau with its heavy wooden trim painted a deep forest green came from one of the owners finding a copy of a book of poetry and prose by the shop's original owner, her late grandmother, Wilhelmina Johnstone.

Click here to read more

BTVI holds 'Passion for Fashion' forum

With the technologically-savvy era we live in, Fashion Design students were told recently that the world is their market. President of the Montaque Group and Creator of Islands of the World Fashion Week, Owen Bethel, was a panelist at a Fashion Forum held at The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) and emphasized the importance of thinking globally.

"Don't limit yourselves to The Bahamas. Your competition is also the world. Draw a bridge between what you're learning and where you want to go," he said. Noting there will be disappointments and rejections along the way, Mr. Bethel who is also a member of BTVI's Program Advisory Committee (PAC) emphasized that they should be viewed as lessons. Mr. Bethel emphasized to the aspiring fashion designers the significance of utilizing social media as a marketing tool.

Click here to read more

Abaconians excited as National Arts Festival begins on island

As the E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival recently began its Abaco adjudications, residents were happy and excited that it is giving Abaconians a change to showcase their talents. Founder and Administrator at Every Child Counts (ECC) Lyn Major said that it was wonderful that the E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival adjudications came to the school.

"The first time we entered was last year and it was a really neat experience for the kids and I think it really helps them with their practicing music and art and they look forward to this time," she said. "It is just a great experience." The mission of the special school is to provide an alternative education for children with learning, developmental or physical disabilities (regardless of financial, family or social restraints) to maximise each child's ability to become a productive, successful and independent citizen.

Click here to read more

At the Movies: Captain America - The Winter Soldier

The tagline for this movie: In Heroes We Trust. Steve Rogers struggles to find his place in the landscape of modern warfare while working as a public figure head for covert organization. When the threat of a cold war Soviet agent of myth becomes viable it exposes a deeper conspiracy in the heart of America.

Captain America is dealing with the fact that he is a man of integrity and morals working for the spy organization of S.H.I.E.L.D. which deals with a shifting moral base and lies of omission which could be by design to change the world. Black Widow is working with Captain America to see how his way of doing business works for him and trusting that once he can do his job in the light it will allow her to do her job in the dark but his perspective slowly changes hers.

Click here to read more

Deep Water Cay sets a new fly-fishing record

Deep Water Cay (DWC) recently broke their fly-fishing record with a 14.6 pound bonefish caught by 'Big Jim' Easterling, visiting from Texas. "Everything at the lodge was great! On Wednesday I caught a 9 lb. bonefish while fishing with my guide Joseph and on Thursday I caught a 10.5 lb. bonefish while fishing with my guide Meko," exclaimed the excited guest Easterling. "That was my first double-digit bonefish! Then on Friday - WOW!!"

Bonefish fishing is as much of an art as it is a technique, and Deep Water Cay is known for its excellent local bonefishing guides. The guides at DWC have helped fishermen to catch many large bonefish, but this catch will now hold the club's record.Nassau she was competing against the best student chefs from the entire Bahamas. This year there were 11 senior participants vying for the coveted first place.

Click here to read more

G.B. Regatta Committee to host Truly Bahamian Fish Fry Mix & Mingle Outdoor Grill Out fundraiser

Plans are well underway for the 2014 Grand Bahama Regatta, according to planning committee chairman Ms. Chervita Campbell. "The committee is working feverishly to host a wonderful regatta complete with boats competing in A, B, C and E classes. The Bahamian Brewery's famous Man in the Boat Sculling Race, which has grown in popularity will again be one of the main attractions during the GB Regatta," said Campbell.

Through the generous support of Bahamian Brewery & Beverage, the Grand Bahama Regatta Committee would like to encourage all regatta lovers and the wider Grand Bahama community to attend the upcoming Fish Fry Mix and Mingle Outdoor Grill Out scheduled for Saturday, April 12th 2014, at the Bahamian Brewery & Beverage grounds on Queens Highway from 12noon until 6pm.

Click here to read more

Squash Club makes a big hit with young players

The Grand Bahama Tennis and Squash Club has always been involved in introducing the youth of Grand Bahama to the sports of squash and tennis by way of holding junior skills programmes at the Club. During the months of February and March, more than 25 young players participated in a seven week introductory course. The clinic was dedicated to the memory of past president Errol Bodie who committed much of his life to promoting youngsters in sports.

The free programme was open to children and teens between the ages of 8 and 17 years old with the aim of introducing them to squash, a sport that is not often talked about in Grand Bahama.

Click here to read more

Bahamas weekly fishing report from Harbourside Marine

Fishing report as of April 3, 2014

Nassau: The local charter boat captains are reporting catching a few mahi and smaller tuna but the bite has certainly slowed down this week.

North Eleuthera: Captain Jeff Fox reports that he had a very successful day at "Shallow Ground" off of north Eleuthera. He caught mahi in the 15-25lb range, wahoo in the 40lb range and raised what he estrimated to be 300lb blue marlin.

Abaco: Kevin Sawyer of Island Boy Tackle reports that the fishing has been OK; there have been a number of small yellowfin in the 20-30lb range caught while the mahi bite is not as hot as it was a few weeks ago. The wahoo bite has also slowed down.

Grand Bahama, Freeport: Doug Silvera of Reef Tours reports that the fishing has been decent with mahi in the 15-40 being caught.

Click here to read more

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.

April 10: Ruffino Wine Lover's Tasting - Butler and Sands Caves Village Store from 6pm to 9pm. Admission $30. 397 1486.

April 10: Doctors Hospital Lecture Series - 100% oxygen for faster healing and better health! 6pm in the conference room, Dowdeswell St. Call 302-4600.

April 10: Rotary Club Bahamas & the BCCEC Mix and Mingle - at Bullion, British Colonial Hilton. Free networking event.

April 10-12: Bahamas National Youth Choir 24th Annual Concert - at the Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts. Box Office 394-7179.

April 11: World Parkinson's Day - Local organisers of the Gala Ball on April 26th aim to educate the public on this disease. Click HERE for info.

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

April 12: RUGBY - Heineken Cup Final Baillou vs Freeport at 2pm. Youth Flag Rugby Tournament will also be held at Winton Rugby Centre.

April 13: A Palm Sunday Concert - 6pm at Christ Church Cathedral. Click HERE for more info at Nassau City Opera's FB page.

April 14: COB's 25th Annual Colour of Harmony - 6pm, Harry C. Moore Library Auditorium, Oakes Field. Art and music exposition that showcases the talents of COB students in the Department of Visual and Performing Arts.

April 15: Ace of Spades - A tribute to Mr. Winston "Gus" Cooper, one of the founders of The Valley Boys Junkanoo group. 6pm to 9pm, National Art Gallery
of The Bahamas, West Hill Street.

April 16: COB's 4th Annual Short Film Festival - 10am - Harry C. Moore Library Auditorium.

April 24: Bahamas Air Sea Rescue AGM - at BASRA HQ 7:30pm. All members are encouraged to attend.

April 25: An Evening of Piano Music - 7pm for 7.30pm at St Andrews Kirk, Prince's Street. 327-0560 for info.

April 26: Kingdor National Parkinson Foundation Gala Ball at the Melia resort with special guest Peabo Bryson! 326-5291 to get involved.

April 27: An Evening of Piano Music - 5pm for 5.30pm at St Paul's Church Hall, Lyford Cay. 327-0560 for info.

May is Lupus Awareness Month - Click HERE to visit the FB page for all the plans!

May 3: Smoking Hot BBQ Contest - at the Green Parrot with international and local chefs. Click HERE to read more.

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. Click HERE to view the poster.

May 15: Doctors Hospital Lecture Series - on menopause. 6pm in the conference room, Dowdeswell St. Call 302-4600.

May 17: An afternoon with Suze Orman - Call 502-7526 for information on this event.

May 17: Kiwanis Club of Cable Beach Equestrian/Horse Show - at Camperdown Stables from 8am.

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.
__________________________________________________

GRAND BAHAMA EVENTS

April 11: Freeport Players Guild Pub Night - 7:30pm in the Regency Theatre lobby. Open to anyone interested in getting involved in live theater.

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 12: Spring in the Garden - 11am to 5pm at Garden of the Groves includes FLEA MARKET to benefit the Humane Society one of the many activities. Call 374-7778 for more info.

April 12: Junkanoo Rush Awards - Grand Lucayan Resort 7pm. PM Christie is slated to attend. Call 727-2011 to reserve seating.

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

April 18: GB Youth Choir presents 'Remembering His Passion 2' at the Church of the Ascension, 7pm. FREE!

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

April 24-27: Extreme Kayak/Paddleboard Fishing - Battle in the Bahamas! Click HERE for information.

April 26: Pollo Tropical Ride for Charity NEW DATE! - Click HERE to download the entry and information form. Distances for all ages and levels of cyclists.

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: Nat Cambridge and the "First Taste Band" debut at Pelican Bay, Canal House. Click HERE to read more.

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 10: Walkathon & Steak Out - Freeport High/BMES Alumni 6:30am, warm up at 6am. $5 p/p. East along Sunrise Highway, south to Midshipman round-a-bout then north to the Seahorse Shopping Plaza where the walk ends. 12 noon Steak-Out begins until 5pm. fahs.bmeswarrior@gmail.com for info.

May 10: Grand Bahama Down Syndrome Society Buddy Walk 2014 - 'Cherish Just A Little Something Extra' 7am start, cost $10. E-mail gbdss2012@gmail.com for more information.

May 17: Rotary Cigar Nights - Wildly popular event returns to Pelican Bay, 7pm. Details coming soon.

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 1-4: Freeport High/BMES 49th Anniversary events - Contact fahs.bmeswarrior@gmail.com for the schedule.

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.
_________________________________________________________________

FAMILY ISLANDS & ABACO EVENTS

April 10: Amos + Donna + Kim - Paintings by artist Amos Ferguson, photography by Donna Whitfield DeCosta & jewelry by Kim Riedel. Princess Street Gallery, Harbour Island, ELEUTHERA, 6-9PM.

April 11-12: KB performs in Abaco! Friday in Hope Town and Saturday in Marsh Harbour. Special guest performers too! Click HERE to view the poster for all the details.

April 13: Pineapple Jam Music Festival in Gregory Town, Eleuthera. Click HERE to read more.

April 17: An Evening of Wine & Cheese Tasting at Hope Town Harbour Lodge in ABACO. Benefit Hope Town Primary PTA. 5:30-7:30pm.

April 21: Easter Monday Homecoming and live music party at Coco Beach Bar - Treasure Cay, ABACO.

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

April 24: ELEUTHERA Business Outlook - Call 334-2356 or click HERE for information and registration.

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 15: ANDROS Business Outlook - Call BAIC on Andros or click HERE for more information.

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. Click HERE to visit the website.

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.

__________________________________________________________________

Doctors Hospital Corporate Blood Drive: Helping others save lives

A desperate attempt to save a life and a call to lend a helping hand to someone in need is what the Lyford Cay school set out to do when they participated in Doctors Hospital's Corporate Blood Drive program for the second time this year.

The aim of this blood drive, combined with a bake sale, was to raise money for a coworker in need after a fire burnt his house down and to collect blood for a student's parent who urgently needed blood to assist with his medical care. It is in moments like these where having the ability to save a life and using it, is crucial.

Blood donation is necessary for a number of key reasons. Blood is needed to treat wounds and for certain illnesses such as cancer, where patients lack sufficient red blood cells. It is also used when patients have to undergo surgeries like organ transplants, bypasses and hip replacements. A Coronary Bypass patient requires 1-6 units. Someone with a bleeding ulcer needs up to 30 units. It could take as many as 50 units to save a car accident victim and cancer patients can require up to 32 units each week.

At the most recent Lyford Cay Blood Drive, eight pints of blood were collected. Once each donated pint is divided into the three components, 24 lives can be saved.

Click here to read more