Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL III. No. 50, May 1, 2014

This week in Bahama Islands Info

National News

Nassau News

Column: Bahamas weekly fishing report

Grand Bahama News

Column: Humane Society of Grand Bahama update

Column: At the Movies

Family Island & Abaco News

Arts & Entertainment News

Sports News

Prime Minister leads delegation to Mexican CARICOM Summit

Bahamas Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie joined his fellow CARICOM Prime Ministers for the 3rd CARICOM Mexico Summit in Meridia Mexico and the 6th Summit of all the leaders of the Association of Caribbean states (ACS). The PM utilized the transport of the Mexican air force courtesy of the President of Mexico.

Prime Minister Christie, center, is pictured boarding the Mexican Air Force Jet at Odyssey Aviation as he chats with the Prime Minister of Grenada, Hon. Keith Mitchell, right. The Bahamas Foreign Minister, the Hon. Fred Mitchell was with the Prime Minister. The Hon. Ryan Pinder, the Minister for Financial Services and Trade is also in Mexico for the summit.

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Bahamas tourism showcased at 'Mall Domination' event in Fort Lauderdale shopping mall

The Bahamas launched an exciting marketing initiative, Mall Domination, at the Broward Mall, Plantation Florida, this past weekend. The initiative was aimed at creating destination awareness to consumers and providing area Travel Agents with updates and new developments in The Bahamas.

The inventive initiative, featured a consumer show set-up at the entrance of the popular mall, and encouraged shoppers to stop at tables lining the hall to get information from the country's industry partners, including Bahamas promotion boards, hoteliers, airlines and ferry services. A major part of the initiative was the marketing component, which included a training of travel agents, who were also hosted to a reception featuring bite sized tastes of The Bahamas including the country's signature food item - conch fritters, and mini desert bites of coconut and pineapple tarts.

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Sandals Foundation contributes $15,500US to conch conservation

Conch Conservation awareness will get a renewed boost thanks to a recent donation given to the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) by the Sandals Foundation.

Last week the Foundation handed over a cheque for $15,500US to the BNT to assist with its conch conservation programme's public awareness initiative. The initiative seeks to educate the Bahamas and the world about why conch conservation and preservation is vital to this country's economic and environmental future.

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Washingtonians enjoy fun night at Bahamas Embassy

Intermittent rain failed to dampen the spirits of an estimated 100 guests who turned out for a night of fun, food and dancing in the gardens of the Embassy of The Bahamas, 2220 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. on Saturday, April 25, 2014. Promoted as a "Caribbean Party at the Embassy of The Bahamas with the New Ambassador," the event was sponsored by THINGS TO DO DC, which bills itself as "the premier social and networking organization for young professionals."

His Excellency Dr. Eugene Newry, Bahamas Ambassador to the United States, and the Hon. Paulette Zonicle, Bahamas Consul General to Washington, D.C., welcomed the guests to the Embassy during brief remarks.

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Earth Day project brings awareness to invasive species

Last Saturday over 100 Bahamians and residents turned out to help initiate habitat restoration at Harold and Wilson Ponds National Park in New Providence, to celebrate Earth Day 2014. As a part of the Earth Day project, Bahamas National Trust (BNT) board, staff, volunteers from the US Embassy, Sandals, BahaMar, Green Systems, Evelp Construction, BNT Navigators, Rotary, Rotaract, Wolf's Kayaking and the general public teamed up to remove invasive species including Casuarinas, Brazilian Pepper and Cattails from the ponds.

Volunteers arrived in two three-hour shifts, and worked all day to clean both Harold and Wilson ponds at the national park. Invasive Species are one of the most serious threats that face the BNT as mangers of the National Park System.

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Jimmy's hosts wine tutorial to better serve customers

Bahamian Brewery and Beverage recently treated their staff to a wine tutorial and tasting to introduce them to some of the new wines that will be sold at Jimmy's Wines and Spirits throughout The Bahamas.

Susan Warren and Ethan Perk from the Stansfeld Scott company gave the staff lessons on their various brands. Stansfeld represents the Folonari, Fiodaliso, Two Oceans, Obikwa, Cockburns, and Rex Goliath vineyards.

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Doctors Hospital supports Cancer Society of The Bahamas

Doctors Hospital Health System is once again supporting the efforts of the Cancer Society of the Bahamas with a donation towards the annual Cancer Ball as well as mammograms and a nutrition consultation to be used as prizes on the night.

This year's sponsorship is even more meaningful for the hospital system, which has just launched a new Cancer Rehabilitation Program at both Doctors Hospital and Bahamas Medical Center.

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Top lawyer argues that Blackbeard's Cay development was granted approvals in contravention of key legislation

Bahamian law has been repeatedly ignored to the benefit of wealthy developers thanks to a "culture of subservience" among civil servants, attorney Fred Smith, QC, told the Supreme Court.

Presenting the case for judicial review of the Blackbeard's Cay development, Smith said the evidence pointed to a "tsunami of disregard" for due process and the rule of law as civil servants simply rubber-stamped approvals for the project at the behest of their superiors.

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Palm Cay Anchorage condo oversubscribed, waiting buyers urge accelerated start for next phase

And then there were none. That was the resounding sound of success at Palm Cay this week when an oversubscribed condominium offering resulted in every residence being taken and a waiting list popping up for the next phase of the Anchorage condominium project.

Eleven hopeful buyers placed reservations for eight available units and learned during a lively reservations call who would be getting in and whose application would roll over into the next phase of the project.

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Bahamians urged to fight for their natural heritage as free water tours help to bolster support for a Clifton Bay marine park

The Coalition to Save Clifton has launched a series of free water tours in an effort to highlight the country's rich natural heritage and raise awareness about the many threats confronting it. The tours, led by veteran social activist and CSC head Rev C.B. Moss, are designed to strengthen ties between local communities and the vital marine resources that surround them.

"If we know the worth of what we have, we will be more willing to fight for it," Rev Moss said. "Many Bahamians don't know the water, don't value it. It is all around us, but we act like it isn't there because it's not in our consciousness."

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Bahamas weekly fishing report from Harbourside Marine

Fishing report as of April 24, 2014

Nassau: The local captains have been catching mahi off shore under floating debris.

North Eleuthera: The fishing has been good lately with plenty of mahi and tuna being caught along with the occasional wahoo and sailfish.

Andros: There have been a few mahi caught at the north Buoy.

Cat Island, Hawks Nest: The mahi have been thick off of Columbus Point. This generally means that the marlin will be following them.

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Over 240 rugby players to visit Grand Bahama for 4th Annual Junior Rugby International Tournament this weekend

This weekend (3rd and 4th May) the Freeport Rugby Football Club (FRFC) will be hosting the 4th Annual Junior Rugby International Tournament. Teams from the ages of 8 to 16 from The Cayman Islands and Key Biscayne, Florida will arrive to play with the teams in Freeport.

Every year the Cayman team has traveled for this annual event, and this year they will bring their largest group ever of one hundred and twenty players, coaches and supporters! They have chartered their own jet to get here and will also bring the National Rugby team to play The Bahamas National team during the festival.

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Humane Society of Grand Bahama's new board excited about upcoming year

The HSGB Annual General Meeting was held Monday April 28th at 6:00 p.m. at Red Beard's Pub. 25 people attended which is the best turnout for this meeting in quite some time. Several board members regrettably had to vacate their positions due to work or family considerations and we are grateful for their service and support.

Tiffany Dennison had served as a director since 2005, and as President from 2010-2012. She has also been the HSGB's legal counsel all those years and while not serving on the actual board of directors this year, she will remain a supporter and legal counsel as needed. Michelle Lovatt has served since 2011 and has also been one of our most amazing volunteers and foster moms. We wish her and her family all the best as they move back to the U.S. Siobhan Antoni-Bates and Letitia Parker both have exciting new chapters coming up in their work and personal lives; while unable to continue as board members, they will still volunteer and support our organization.

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Grand Bahama welcomes Vacation Express summer flights

Accelerating the wheels of revitalization, Vacation Express and Bahamasair in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and the Grand Bahama Island Tourism Sector introduces weekly 737-400 non-stop Jet service from 8 U.S. cities for summer 2014.

Commencing May 1st through October 31st, 2014 this summer program will fuel the economic engine of Grand Bahama once more, welcoming the return of major gateways in the New York tri-state and Washington DC areas with flights from Newark, NJ; Baltimore, MD and Richmond, VA. Other gateways will include Birmingham, AL; Cincinnati, OH; Columbus, OH; Memphis, TN and Raleigh/Durham, NC.

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Kay's Flea Market returns this Saturday

Looking to shed some winter stuff to make more room in your closet or garage? Looking for bargains in clothes, toys, lawn and garden items?

You never know what you'll find but you know there will be deals at this popular monthly Flea Market. From 7:30am - 12 noon on Saturday, May 3, visit the Mason's Lodge parking lot on Sunrise Hwy., Freeport.

Only $10 to be a seller benefits the Crossreach charity program. Bring your own table and shade.

At the Movies: Rio 2

One of the taglines for this movie: It's On In the Amazon. A Spix Macaw takes his wife and three kids on vacation to the Amazon jungle Little does he know that his wife will soon be united with friends and family she thought were dead while he goes beak-to-beak with Sulphur-crested Cockatoo who has decided to be his arch-nemesis. However the real danger may be the illegal loggers who are set to clear the area and whoever gets in their way including the bird's human friends.

Blu is now the father of three and walking the fine line between helping them enjoy the advantages of the modern world like he has while keeping them aware of their natural abilities and cultural roots as they all live in the wildlife sanctuary in Rio de Janeiro. Jewel is Blu's wife and the mother of the two girls and one boy who wants her kids to be less dependent on the modern conveniences and more self sufficient like she was growing up but after the discovery they make in the Amazon rainforest while on vacation may make her question ever going back to the sanctuary. Nigel blames blu for his inability to fly, so when he encounters him on his way to the Amazon with his family he makes a decision to make sure he pays for forcing him into a flightless life with his own life.

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Bahamian special needs school celebrated in international documentary

Every Child Counts, a pioneering special needs school in Abaco which refuses to leave any child behind, has become the subject of an international documentary.

The film began with veteran independent film director Wendy Loten, who partnered with Ryerson University after discovering a shared interest in the school. The three-year project chronicles the journey from typical island school to a beacon of hope for disabled children faced with limited educational options. As the name suggests, the school excludes no child because of financial or other limitations.

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Exuma Chamber to meet at Sandals Emerald Bay, May 6

The Chamber of Commerce is calling another meeting of the Exuma Advisory Council for next month, this time at Sandals Emerald Bay, which represents an important "second act" to its inaugural gathering late last year. Seeking to bolster unity and communication, Pedro Rolle, the President of the Exuma Chamber of Commerce, said that the next event on May 6th, from 10am to 2pm, came about due to a clear demand among stakeholders.

"This is intended to be a thoughtfully chosen, intimate group designed to share plans, concerns and overall ideas about how to move forward and begin to work together for mutually beneficial growth plans in Exuma," according to Rolle. "This meeting is the 'second act' in fulfilling our potential."

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Environmentalists say pristine dive sites will be destroyed as 'Reef Destroyer' arrives in Bimini

A mammoth seafloor dredger, dubbed 'The Reef Destroyer' by local environmentalists, has arrived in Bimini as developers forge ahead with construction of a controversial ferry terminal despite a top judge's stern warning.

The 450-foot, 1,200 ton Niccolo Machiavelli is a specialized cutter-suction dredger designed to break up hard material which standard dredgers cannot remove. It is among the most powerful machines of its kind, and is set to be unleashed on one of the most pristine and significant marine ecosystems in the world, environmentalists say.

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Prime Minister speaks on developments on Eleuthera

Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie said, on April 24, 2014, that tourism is on the upswing in Eleuthera. "From January to December 2013 a total of 249,017 visitors came to Eleuthera," Prime Minister Christie said. "However I feel that we can improve on this number and will improve on it with the development of a few new resorts on the island."

Prime Minister Christie was addressing participants at the 2nd Annual Eleuthera Business Outlook, held at the Cape Eleuthera Resort. He noted that the Cotton Bay development in South Eleuthera is set to "change the face of tourism in that part of the island significantly."

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Young Adults Regency Drama group's 'Sarah's Wedding' gala opening TONIGHT

The Young Adults Regency Drama (YARD) group of the Freeport Players' Guild will be hosting their first stage production on May 1-3, 2014. Established just one year ago, the YARD group is an extension of the Freeport Players' Guild for persons between the ages of 18-35. Written and directed by young Bahamian playwright Kerel Pinder and mentored by Gloria McGlone, Sarah's wedding is a romantic comedy that will take audiences on the journey of four friends who discover the truth about each other in their drama filled event. Pinder who is no stranger to the stage is super excited about the show along with producer, Alfred Anderson-Lewis.

Bringing back an old Regency Theatre tradition, doors will open at 7:00pm on Thursday May 1st for a one-hour cocktail reception before the show, which starts at 8:00pm. Tickets for the gala night are $30.00. Showtime for May 2nd and 3rd will be 8:00pm and tickets are $15.00. Tickets are now available at Seventeen shop and Sweet Affairs.

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FirstCare hosts second annual autism awareness essay contest

FirstCare Medical Plan has partnered with R.E.A.C.H. Bahamas and the Ministry of Education once again to host an essay contest on the topic "Autism in The Bahamas: Inclusion, Advocacy & Dispelling Myths" open to students grades 10 to 12.

The competition is being held to increase local high school students' social awareness of this neurobiological disorder. Interested students are encouraged to submit an 800-1,000 word essay on the topic. Submissions will be accepted through May 16, 2014.

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Baark! celebrates aniversary with 'Havana Nights' party and live auction

Baark (Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness) are celebrating their 5-year anniversary with a spectacular 'Havana Nights' themed party and auction on May 10th at The Humidor, Graycliff. Guests will enjoy mouthwatering mojitos, an abundance of tasty treats and delicious desserts.

Bidders will raise their 'doggy paddles' in the live auction for fantastic items including an all inclusive trip to Sandals, Emerald Bay, a 3 night luxury getaway to Pink Sands Harbour Island, original pieces of art and sculpture, a stunning Salvatore Ferragamo handbag and many more.

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'Conchsaladesque' wins 4th annual COB Short Film Festival

For four years, students at The College of The Bahamas have been collaborating across academic disciplines to create short films and documentaries that reflect Bahamian drama and heritage. The School of Communication and Creative Arts has named its latest team of student winners in the 4th Annual College of The Bahamas Short Film Festival held recently. The festival has become an important vehicle for new perspectives from emerging filmmakers on the Bahamian way of life.

"Conchsaladesque" was the winning short film, a thoughtful reflection of how the lives of average Bahamian citizens converged to expose hypocrisy, irony and conflict. The winning team comprised COB students Nathan Rolle, Amajahl Knowles, Kelile Campbell, Ashley Whitney and Hermes Laing. Three teams of student filmmakers had advanced to the final round of judging.

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Grand Bahama gets musical during Pelican Point Coconut Festival

The sixteenth annual Coconut Festival was held recently in Pelican Point, Grand Bahama. This annual festival showcases the myriad of local cuisine and art and craft products from the coconut. Opening the festival was Mr. Harrison Thompson, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism who brought brief remarks on behalf of the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe, Minister of Tourism.

The festival delivered a star-studded line of local entertainers, including the Royal Bahamas Police Force Pop Band, Avvy and Kirkland Bodie, better known as KB. Photo: Avvy delights the crowd with his energetic performance.

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Authors reunite for book launch of the story of British American Insurance Company

A book signing of The Story of British American Insurance Company (BA) was held recently in Nassau by the authors Peter Phillips, Carroll Davidson and David Thurlow. This was followed by a launch party at The Nassau Yacht Club for over 50 BA alumni, friends and followers, many of whom had not seen each other for decades.

BA was incorporated in Nassau in 1920 by five Bahamians and sold life insurance with the premiums collected weekly. It eventually became majority-owned by a family trust (McMillen). It was a major business in The Bahamas and became a multinational. It played a prominent role in its civic and social life in The Bahamas, as it also did in the 33 countries in which it operated.

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61st annual National Family Island Regatta comes to a close

The 61st annual National Family Island Regatta Closing Ceremony and awards presentation was held at George Town, Exuma, on Saturday April 26 at the Administrator's office. Sir Arthur Foulkes, Governor General, made the Governor General's Cup presentation to Jeff Gale from the Lonesome Dove. The Rt. Hon. Perry Christie, Prime Minister, made the Prime Minister's Cup presentation to Brooks Miller from the Tida Wave. The Hon.Minister Alfred Gray, Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Local Government, made the presentation of the Commodore Emeritus Cup to Dante Knowles from the sloop Whitty K.

Class A champions the Staniel Cay Tida Wave
Class B champions the Exuma Lady Sonia
Class C champion Whitty K

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Rotary and Rotaract play annual softball match

This past weekend, the Rotary and Rotaract Clubs of East Nassau played in their annual softball match in a show of good sportsmanship and to raise funds for the Rotary Foundation. Rotaract, whose members are thirty years old and younger, handily won the game, beating the older Rotarians by 15 runs after six innings.

"We really play the game to have fun. In the end, we raise funds for the Rotary Foundation and it's the community that wins," said Philip Cumming, President of the Rotary Club of East Nassau. The game raised $500 for the Rotary Foundation.

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Baha Mar Tigers and BELIEVE Foundation coach youth soccer clinic

During the Easter holiday, the Baha Mar Tigers soccer team hosted a youth soccer clinic for young people from several homes for children throughout New Providence. During the clinic, the sixty-four attendees, ranging in age from seven to seventeen years old, learned soccer techniques and skills to improve their performance on the pitch.

The youth soccer clinic was held in conjunction with BELIEVE, the Baha Mar Foundation, which provided lunch and giveaways for the clinic's attendees. A team of nineteen people gave of their time to help organize and run the clinic. Theevent attracted volunteers from the Baha Mar Tigers soccer team and the BELIEVE Foundation, as well as volunteers from China Construction America, Baha Mar's general contractor, and Thyssen Krupp, a consultant company.

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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.

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

May 3: 2014 Mother & Child Exhibition - By Bahamian ceramicist Jessica Colebrooke and her daughters Erin & Carlise. 10am to 4pm, Hillside House Gallery, Cumberland St.

May 3: 'No Bail Let Capital Punishment Prevail' - March at Christie Park and move onto Cumberland and Bay Streets culminating at Rawson Square with a Pep Rally. Click HERE to read more.

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

May 4: New Providence Cycling Association's Caves Road Race - 46 mile Classic, Start/Finish West Bay Street in front of the Historical Caves, all Cat's will be will be offered, starting 7:05am. Registration from 6:40 to race time Contact Barron Musgrove 425-1057 or npcyclingassociation2013@gmail.com

May 10: Baark Purple Paws Live Auction 'Havana Nights' themed at Graycliff Humidor. Click HERE to learn more. See ad this newsletter.

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. 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.

June 14: Jay Leno at Atlantis - Visit the box office or call 363-6601 before it sells out!

July 6: 2014 Independence Road Race - Contact Barron Musgrove npcyclingassociation2013@gmail.com for more information on this exciting 2-wheel event.

September 13: Give a Child a Ride Cycling Charity Tour - Second annual event for cyclists of all levels. Click HERE to visit the website.

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

May 1-3: Sarah's Wedding - new play written and directed by Kerel Pinder at the Regency Theater. Gala night May 1. Click HERE to view the ad.

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: Cinco de Mayo - Party at Se�or Frogs 7pm until!

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 9: LUPUS Forum - At the Chamber of Commerce, 7pm. Click HERE to learn more.

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 10: Titanic Gala 'Passage to another era' fundraiser for LIS at Roosters. Click HERE to view the FB event page or HERE for the poster with all the info.

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.
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FAMILY ISLANDS & ABACO EVENTS

May 2-4: Island Roots Heritage Festival - Green Turtle Cay, ABACO. Click HERE to visit the very musical website.

May 4: Pig Roast at Nippers - A Sunday tradition on Guana Cay, ABACO.

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 6: Long Island Sheep Runner's Bike, Run and Walk - Start at Regatta site at 6:30AM Sharp BIKE: 30 miles RUN: 6 miles WALK: 4 miles. Entry Fee: Adults $20.00 School Children: $5.00 Contact Carol Fox cfox289@gmail.com for more info.

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.

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Bahamas National Festival Commission launches song competition

The Bahamas' cultural industry is expected to get a much needed boost with a Carnival Song Competition officially launched by the Bahamas National Festival Commission (BNFC).

During a news briefing on Tuesday, April 29 at the British Colonial Hilton, Commission members urged talented Bahamian songwriters, producers, musicians, entertainers, etc. to enter the competition for which they are able to submit up to three songs and vie for prize money totaling some $50,000. The top 25 semi-finalists will be selected for a compilation Bahamas Carnival CD which will be distributed locally and internationally.

The prizes are as follow: The winner: $20,000; first runner up: $12,500; second runner up: $7,500; third runner up: $4,000 and the remaining top finalists will get $1,000 each.

The Hon. Daniel Johnson, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture said that through this competition, a renaissance of Bahamian culture is being created that begins with a song. He described it as an economic model, a driving force that will push culture forevermore. He encouraged Bahamians to start singing, writing and putting choruses together in preparation for the competition.

Minister Johnson also announced his intention to petition Parliament within the next few months for 20% of the content on local airwaves to be Bahamian music.

Bahamas Carnival is a post-Lenten festival of celebrations, concerts, cultural shows and street parades which are intended to promote Bahamian music, art and Junkanoo. The first festival is planned for the first week of May, 2015.

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