Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL III. No. 51, May 8, 2014

This week in Bahama Islands Info

National News

Nassau News

Grand Bahama News

Column: Humane Society of GB

Family Island & Abaco News

Arts & Entertainment News

Column: At the Movies

Sports News

Column: Bahamas weekly fishing report

Save The Bays CEO: Costa Rica turned environmental protection into tourism winner

A leading environmentalist in The Bahamas said Costa Rica has shown every country in the Caribbean that preserving natural beauty pays, appealing to those who treasure flora, fauna and natural wonders above t-shirts and trinkets.

Lindsey McCoy, who was appointed CEO of the fast-growing environmental movement Save The Bays earlier this year, commented on the winning model Costa Rica has created after returning from her most recent re-discovery tour of the country that extends from the Atlantic on one coast to the Pacific on the other with a central mountain range overlooking its coastlines.

"And with only a tiny fraction of the world's land mass, Costa Rica holds 6% of the world's biodiversity," said McCoy.

Click here to read more

Historic 'Take Me 2 New York' expedition lands in The Bahamas

South African adventurers row, row, row their boat from Africa to The Bahamas, where they receive a warm, unforgettable welcome.

Riaan Manser, serial adventurer, author and public speaker, and his girlfriend of 14 years, Vasti Geldenhuys, set out from Morocco, North Africa December 30th, 2013 in a 20-foot rowing boat and singlehandedly rowed 5,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean to arrive in The Bahamas.

This first touch of land after 74 days at sea is a highlight in their journey as Riaan and Vasti attempt to be the first in history to row from mainland Africa to New York, USA.

The adventure is called, "Take Me 2 New York". This is the story about their warm welcome and experience in The Bahamas.

Click here to read more

Bahamian female seeks to close gap in maritime industry

In an industry dominated by men, Sandy Campbell, one of a handful of female merchant mariners in the world and one of about 15 female mariners in The Bahamas has made it her mission to share the joys, challenges and triumphs of the profession with high school students and young adults during multiple interactive sessions while exposing them to the opportunities available within the industry.

"The interest expressed by the students during the presentations has been refreshing," said Campbell. "Their eagerness to learn provides reassurance that participation in the maritime trade will continue to grow strong. There has also been an overwhelming response from the female population in the groups I've addressed as more and more seek non-traditional alternatives to the once sought after and popular vocations."

Click here to read more

RBC Royal Bank team members host successful food drive in support of Hands For Hunger

A motivated team of RBC Royal Bank employees recently hosted a Food Drive in partnership with hunger-relief charity, Hands For Hunger. The group of 14 Securities and Lending Compliance Centre employees initiated the plan and set a goal to raise 200 lbs. of canned goods and non-perishable items. As a result of the group's determination and the generosity of the public, the RBC Food Drive was wildly successful, raising the anticipated 200 pounds of food and $600 cash in addition! RBC also provided a Day of Service grant of $1,000 to Hands for Hunger, further increasing the impact of the initiative.

"We are thrilled with the outcome of the RBC Food Drive. The fortitude of the Securities and Lending Compliance Centre team is commendable as is the generosity of the community who wholeheartedly supported this initiative," praised Jan Knowles, Manager, Corporate Communications, RBC Royal Bank.

Click here to read more

Earth Day yard award recipient has over 100 species of bromeliads

Bahamas National Pride Association (BNPA) presents the Earth Day Yard Award to Mr. Roy and Arimentha Hanna of Golden Gates #2 on April 22, 2014. This yard is beautifully arrayed with more than 100 species of Bromeliad plants which includes the Pink Quill, Ananas (Pineapple), Cherry Coke and Purple Star among others. There are at least 860 species of Bromeliads.

Pictured from left to right: Mrs. Cleomi Burrows, Mrs. Narissa Williamson/ Alex Williamson, Mrs. Arimentha Hanna, Mr. Roy Hanna, Ms. Joanne Johnson, executive director BNPA; Mrs. Judy Williams, director, BNPA; Mrs. Ginny McKinney, director, BNPA and Dr. Bridgette Rolle, director, BNPA.

(BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)

Local environmentally sustainable bath and body products producer 'My Ocean' to be retailer at Baha Mar

The vision of Baha Mar is to share the authenticity, creativity and meaning of The Bahamas with the world. The retail experience at the luxury resort will be an important component of telling that story. Baha Mar is breaking new ground by incorporating products from local designers and manufacturers as part of the retail mix. Bahamian owned and operated bath and body products manufacturer My Ocean was recently confirmed as a retailer at Baha Mar.

My Ocean is a boutique bath, body and home studio factory headed by artist Tanya Klonaris Azevedo and her husband Eduardo Azevedo. The couple leads a small team of artisans who produce handmade products such as soaps and candles made from local ingredients and accessories such as ceramic dishes.

Click here to read more

Island Living: Boutique firm proposes new concept for second home Bahamian ownership

A boutique real estate firm is stepping out, carving a specialty niche for itself in the mid-range residential market, serving Bahamians stepping up, shopping for and buying their second home and giving a new meaning to the term second home ownership.

"We are so accustomed to the term second homeowner meaning someone from abroad who buys a second home in The Bahamas while maintaining a primary residence elsewhere that for too long we have overlooked the Bahamian graduating from a first home to their second home that could be a primary residence or a getaway or investment property in a Family Island," said Rachel Pinder, managing partner and broker at Island Living Real Estate. Pinder says Island Living Real Estate, headquartered in a lovingly restored historic building on East Bay Street, is turning its attention to that buyer in the mid-price range from the $400,000's to about $1.2 million.

Click here to read more

Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce lawyers seek Declaration of Rights and damages for licensees

After a "Call to Action Meeting" some weeks ago, lawyers on behalf of members of the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce and licensees of the GBPA on May 7, 2014 filed an action in the Supreme Court for a Declaration of Rights of the July 2013 changes to the Bahamas Customs Management Act and Damages in repayment of all taxes allegedly illegal paid since July of 2013.

Chamber members and licensees of the GBPA reluctantly concluded that the Licensees were left with no alternative than to seek a determination from the Courts as to whether July 2013 changes to the Bahamas Customs Management Act are ultra vires the terms of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement (HCA).

Click here to read more

Rotary Multi-District Conference brings over 300 attendees to Grand Bahama

The island of Grand Bahama was buzzing with community-minded visitors May 1-4 as over 300 Rotary Club members from across Florida came together with the four Rotary Clubs on Grand Bahama for their annual District Conference. "All in all this conference was an overwhelming success; our Florida counterparts were overwhelmed with the hospitality shown to them by their Bahamian Rotary hosts," said Mike Stafford, Assistant Rotary District Governor for District 6990/Grand Bahama and conference chair.

In addition to seminars and speakers the visiting Rotarians were also able to enjoy true Bahamian hospitality as early conference arrivals were treated to 'Home Hospitality' arranged by the four Rotary Clubs on Grand Bahama. Once the official program kicked off the Ministry of Tourism sponsored a fun welcome party on the beach at the newly refurbished Bahamas Adventures.

Click here to read more

Sit around the campfire with Discovery Club

Although camping usually only consists of s'mores and campfire stories, the Grand Bahama Discovery Club, part of the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) education program, treated students to an exciting and informative camping trip at the Rand Nature Centre, Freeport. "Through camping experiences like this, we are able to creatively introduce our Discovery Club members to the environment and teach them life skills that will benefit them in their future" said Portia Sweeting, BNT Director of Education.

A total of sixty students from Freeport Gospel Chapel School, Bartlett Hill Primary School and Mary, Star of the Sea spent the weekend camping. The camping experience was both educational and fun. Students were able to learn more about the native plants and animals found at the Rand Nature Centre and enjoyed fun nighttime games while camping.

Click here to read more

Save The Bays saves the day with $7,000 donation to Grand Bahama summer camp

Summer just got a whole lot sweeter for the youngsters of Sir Charles Hayward Children's Library camp thanks to a $7000 donation from fast-growing environmental advocacy group Save The Bays. The annual Grand Bahama camp offers traditional Bahamian activities such as boat building, straw craft, crochet and sewing in an effort to cultivate an appreciation for the history and culture of the islands at an early age.

This year's theme is "All About Skills" and the 5-15 year olds in attendance will be guided through a new topic each week, including a reading challenge using e-readers. Interactive sessions on fire safety and bullying will be offered, along with a "Know Your Island" segment that takes campers to historic Bahamian sites like the Ben's Cave and Cooper's Castle.

Click here to read more

GBPA's vice president Ginger M. Moxey moves on to other pursuits

The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA) and Port Group Limited (PGL) announced Wednesday the resignation of Vice President of both companies, Ginger M. Moxey, who will be leaving the Group to pursue other personal interests, effective 1st June 2014.

"I am so proud to have been a part of the GBPA Family for almost 28 years. This relationship has created many moments of personal achievement and fulfillment, for which I am grateful. My greatest moments, throughout this journey, were those that involved impacting lives in a positive way," shared Moxey. "The philosophy, by which I live... 'We should all be helping others', has caused me to pursue my passion for our people, our culture, our communities, and our experiences, through community development initiatives," she further stated.

Click here to read more

Cassie the blind cat and a boy named Wanda

Sometimes it's overwhelming to think about the difficulty in finding good homes for the 1400+ animals that enter our shelter every year. In fact, sadly, we are not able to find homes for all of them. Locally we adopt less than 10%. Thanks to rescue friends another 40% or so are saved. So - rather than focus on those depressing facts, maybe we can find homes this week for two - only two! - amazing pets. Surely this is possible! If you can't adopt yourself, please help by sharing this story with everyone you know, and asking them to share also.

Cassie the blind cat

Cassie was brought in by her owners with a severe head injury right before Christmas of 2012. There was a lot of swelling and she was bleeding from both eyes. Dr. Gibbs saved her life, but her eyes were permanently affected and she is completely blind. Her owners didn't want her back when they found out she was blind.

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Family Island student receives financial aid from Lowe's for BTVI training

A tearful Vontianise Deal recently accepted much-needed financial aid from Lowe's Wholesale Drug Agencies Ltd to assist with her study of cosmetology at The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI). "I feel blessed. I am very excited and grateful to have this opportunity. It's amazing help. I felt as though I was held back because of finances. Being a Family Island student, it's kind of rough getting all of the things I need," said the native of Hatchet Bay, Eleuthera.

The cheque presentation of $750 was made by Lowe's Brands Manager, Gloria Brown, who is also a member of BTVI's Beauty Trades' Program Advisory Committee. On hand to receive it, along with Vontianise was BTVI's Fund Development Assistant, Ushieka King.

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Huge turnout in Exuma for second Sands sculling competition

Although the morning of the sculling race was gloomy and full of rain, the sun came out and allowed the Sands 'Man in the Boat' Sculling race to be a huge success at this year's National Family Island Regatta in Exuma. The DJ at the regatta was a huge supporter, and his announcement of the sculling race resulted in twenty-four scullers registering for the race. Additionally, more scullers registered for the race once the races began.

There was an amazing turn-out of spectators at the race, including the Prime Minister and other Cabinet Ministers. "The crowd was extremely engaging, shouting for their favorite sculler," said Lynden Johnson, Sales and Marketing Manager at Bahamian Brewery and Beverage. "One of the highlights of the day was when Sam Brown's oar broke and he dove into the water, collected the broken oar and actually finished the race."

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Creative Nassau announces official launch date

Creative Nassau (CN) has announced that its Official Launch event will be held under the auspices of the Governor General, His Excellency, Sir Arthur Foulkes on Friday, May 16, 2014 from 6-9pm at Doongalik Studios, #20 Village Road. The community group was formed in 2008 by the late Jackson L. Burnside III and his wife Pam following an inspiring visit to Santa Fe to attend a UNESCO Creative Tourism Conference. On their return, they invited a group of Bahamians, passionate about their country, to join them in showcasing Bahamian culture to the world.

Creative Nassau is developing a Creative Tourism model to ensure that by the year 2020 more persons would travel to The Bahamas to experience its art, culture and heritage rather than just its sun, sand and sea.

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Y.A.R.D group makes theater history as Sarah's Wedding a runaway success

To say that Sarah's Wedding was a success may very well be an understatement. With two sold-out shows and an amazing gala evening, audiences were eager to witness the most talked about show and wedding of the year! From the moment theatergoers entered the lobby it was evident that you were not about to see your average 'Bahamian' play.

The Young Adults Regency Drama group worked extremely hard to prove not just to everyone that they have the ability to put on an awesome show but also to prove to themselves that they are capable of doing anything they set their minds to. Sarah's Wedding was no accident and has brought a group of the Bahamas' most talented individuals together. For an organization that is just one year old, the Y.A.R.D group is a body under The Freeport Players' Guild and is the brainchild of current President Liselle Harris.

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Grand Bahama Youth Choir wows visiting Rotarians

It was a standing ovation and generous donations for the talented young performers in the Grand Bahama Youth Choir as they performed to a packed house during the closing banquet of the Rotary Multi-District Conference at the Grand Lucayan Resort on Saturday night. Over 300 Rotary Club members and guests from Florida - as far away as Sarasota to Key West - along with some 60 local Grand Bahamians were vocal in their support as choir leader Kevin G. Tomlinson took the youngsters through their paces.

Following stirring renditions of both the American and Bahamian national anthems the group then cranked up the fun and had everyone on their feet and dancing to "Shake it up, Shake it up" and a medly of other Bahamian and classic hits. What happened next was a live auction led by Assistant Rotary District Governor Mike Stafford which led to a bidding war as each Rotary district strived to out-bid the other in their pledges and donations to the choir!

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Grand Isle Resort sponsors 'Spark in the Park' first annual Regatta Gospel Concert

The National Family Island Regatta on Exuma hit a high note this year with the launch of a new gospel concert, which is already being billed as a major annual event. Dubbed "Spark in the Park" the first annual Regatta Gospel Concert in George Town attracted hundreds of worshipers over Easter Weekend. The event, spearheaded by the Women's Health Care Center of Houston, took over Regatta Park with an elaborate stage and sound system. The Regatta Gospel Concert was established in partnership with The Graham Law Firm in Texas, while Grand Isle Resort & Spa served as the Premier Sponsor.

"I was very impressed with both the staff and the people I met at Grand Isle," said Cheryl Alexander, an entrepreneur from Texas. "I am a Baptist pastor's daughter. I have seen a lot of performances, and this gospel concert simply blew me away. The Bahamian choirs are world-class singers."

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New restaurant to bring new life to downtown Nassau

Following the successful re-launch of the iconic Traveller's Restaurant on West Bay Street, investor Jaime Dingman is setting his sights on revitalizing the downtown Nassau experience with the opening of Island Smokehouse. Bahamian resident Dingman said he wants the new restaurant to be a cornerstone of the effort to re-attract both tourists and locals to the once flourishing Bay Street.

"We are excited about Island Smokehouse and the team who are creating a great environment and fabulous food for our customers," said Dingman. "Service is of paramount importance to us and we want our customers to have an enjoyable and positive experience."

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At the Movies: TRANSCENDENCE

One of the taglines for this film: What If A New Intelligence Was Born? The foremost researcher in the field of artificial Intelligence has become the prime target of a network of anti-technology extremists for his highly controversial experiments in an attempt to create a sentient machine that combines the sum intelligence total of human knowledge with the full range of human emotion. In the collective's attempt to destroy the researcher and end his research they inadvertently become the catalyst for him to become a participant in his own theory of non-biological existence. As his wife and best friend are forced into the role of deciding his fate, they must question if they should do something just because they can and what it could mean for the fate of humanity.

Dr. Will Caster runs one of the most advanced A. I. research laboratories in Berkeley California and wishes to see his dream of a sentient electronic construct a success, but when he is forced to become part of his own research due to an a attempt on his life his ambition evolves exponentially.

Click here to read more

CARIFTA sponsor BTC rewards swimmers, water polo team

In recognition of their historic performances in the 2014 CARIFTA Games, BTC presented members of the CARIFTA Swimming and Water Polo Teams with cellular phone packages valued in total at $30,000. The 10 young water polo players and 39 swimmers each received new Samsung S4 Minis, $40.00 in phone credit, and a voucher for an LTE sim card.

The gift reflects a long BTC track record of supporting Bahamian athletes, said Sr. Manager of Public Relations, Jerome Sawyer. "This is just a continuation of what we have always done and speaks to our commitment to athletics across the country," said Sawyer. "We were an original financial sponsor of the CARIFTA swim team. When we saw their achievements and those of the Water Polo team, it was only natural to think about what else we could do to reward them. Certainly bringing home an historic victory required some extra recognition, hence the new phones."

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First annual Jonathan Gouthro Golf Tournament a success for Rotary Club of Grand Bahama Sunrise

On May 8th, 2012, past president and founding member of the Rotary Club of Grand Bahama Sunrise, Jonathan Gouthro, was killed in a hit-and-run while crossing the street in South Florida. Jonathan was also a member of the Freeport Club before Sunrise and the Pompano Club at the time of his death. After his death, through family and friends, a fund was started in his name with the goal of handing out scholarships to students hoping to further their studies in the field of accounting and business. In order to accomplish this on a continuous basis the Rotary Club of Grand Bahama Sunrise started an annual fundraiser.

The first annual Jonathan Gouthro Golf Tournament with 100% of the profits going to the scholarship fund was held on Sunday, May 4th, 2014 at the signature course of the Grand Lucayan Hotel, the Reef Course. The winners were: Team Bradford Marine - Dan Romence, Fred Vincent, John Biggs and Jason Klin.

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Jack Nicklaus visits signature golf course at Baha Mar

Last week, golf legend and course designer Jack Nicklaus made one of the last in a series of scheduled visits to the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course at Baha Mar before the course and the resort open this coming December. The Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course is the highest tier of design offerings at Nicklaus Design and incorporates hands-on, customized involvement by the Golden Bear. It is the only one of its caliber in The Bahamas and one of only a handful of Nicklaus Design courses located in the Caribbean.

"We are proud to be home to a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, one of the premier golf courses in the world. It is part of the collection of diverse, world-class experiences that Baha Mar will offer," remarked Paul Pusateri, Baha Mar's Chief Operating Officer. "These experiences, along with the superb hospitality of our team, will put The Bahamas on the world stage in a way that has never been seen before."

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Bahamas weekly fishing report from Harbourside Marine

Fishing report as of May 1, 2014

Nassau: The charter boat captains report catching mahi and yellowfin tuna offshore this week.

North Eleuthera: Captain Devon Sawyer reports that the fishing has been good on Shallow Ground this week with many yellowfin tuna, mahi and a few wahoo being caught.

Abaco: The fishing is has been good for the past few days. The mahi bite has picked up and wahoo are still being caught. There have been reports of a number of blue marlin and sailfish caught as well. The yellowfin tuna that are being caught are between 18-35lb. Not big, but nice.

Cat Island, Hawks Nest: Billfish are being caught everyday! "Zeus" with the most: 4 for 6 white marlin in one day. Lots of big blue marlin have been sighted. The pelagic fish are steady. The biggest mahi weighing in at 50lbs.

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.

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

May 10: Bay Street Mile Walkathon/Anythingathon and health screening - 6:00am start from the eastern Parade and travel west on Bay Street ending at the downtown Straw Market.

May 10: Buccanneer's Rugby Club Anniversary - Games and Family Fun at the Winton Rugby Centre from 1pm.

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 13-21: Anglican Church Women Golden Jubilee - Celebrate with a series of events under the theme "Moving Forward With Confidence and Love in Christ Jesus." Click HERE to read more.

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

May 16: Creative Nassau Launch - 6-9pm at Doongalik Studios, #20 Village Road. Click HERE to read more.

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 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. Click HERE to view the poster.

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. Click HERE to view the poster. Get your tickets ASAP!

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

May 31: Humane Society Pub Quiz - at Red Beard's Pub. Click HERE to view the poster. Use your knowledge to support our four-legged friends!

June 8: Ol' Freetown Farm Family Fun Day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (details coming soon)!

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! Contact gb-cyclist@hotmail.com for more information.

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 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

May 23-24: Art on The Island - BIMINI. Locally made authentic Bahamian products, live music performances, Junkanoo and native foods enable visitors and residents to experience two full days - in Alice Town. Bimini Tourist Office / (242) 347-3526.

June 1 & 15: Bahamas Boating Fling: BIMINI - These annual guided crossings to The Bahamas bring many repeat and first-time visitors in flotillas of up to 30 boats. Contact: Mr. Richard Treco, Plantation Tourism Office / (954) 326-9292 or Big Game Resort & Guy Harvey Outpost, Bimini / (242) 347-3391.

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

June 4-9: Palmetto Point Homecoming Festival - ELEUTHERA. Activities include live band performances, fashion and cultural shows, an art competition and games. Contact: Ms. Susan Culmer / (242) 332-2115.

June 5-9: Barraterre Festival & Homecoming - EXUMA. Three days of sailing, games like Hoopla, quadrille dancing, plaiting of the Maypole, delicious native dishes on sale, native crafts on display, Rake and Scrape music, plus other exciting entertainment including the Marching Band and a Talent Show. Contact: Ms. Mildred Lloyd / (242) 357-0786, (242) 336-2677.

June 5-9: Ramsey Homecoming Festival - EXUMA. DJ, a kiddies' corner, hoopla, and punch board. Native dishes such as crab and rice, macaroni and cheese and baked chicken will be on sale in the settlement of Ramsey. Contact: Mr. Barry Ramsey / (242) 345-7032.

June 5-9: Deep Creek Conch Fest - ELEUTHERA. Down home cooking, Rake and Scrape music, talent shows, arts and craft. Contact: Ms. Donnalee Miller / (242) 332-2142.

June 6: Labour Day Fair - EXUMA. Native dishes will be on sale, plus the kids will enjoy games such as hoopla, the bouncing castle and punch board. Venue is the grounds of St. Margaret Anglican Church in the settlement of Harts. Contact: Ms. Daphne Rodriquez / (242) 336-2130.

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 13-14: All Andros Crab Fest - celebrates the crab-catching ways of Andros island, which is referred to as "The Land of Crabs." Highlights include land crabs cooked in 101 ways, a crab cultural show, releasing of the crabs, a crab culinary contest, crabs of Andros life cycle display, and Rake & Scrape Music. Venue is Queen's Park in Fresh Creek, Central Andros, which is 2� miles from the Andros Town Airport. Andros Tourist Office / (242) 368-2286, (242) 368-2891.

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 4: US Independence Visitors Reception - BIMINI. A cultural exchange in appreciation of visitors to the island, featuring Bahamian food, arts & craft and music - Alice Town. Bimini Tourist office / (242) 347-3529.

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

July 5-10: All Andros & Berry Islands Regatta - Traditional Bahamian wooden sloops are featured at this event, and the highlight will be the Class A, B & C boat race. Venue is the Regatta Village in Morgan's Bluff, North Andros, which is 20 miles from the San Andros Airport. Contacts: Mr. Alphonso Smith (242) 329-2336, (242) 329-2278 / Mr. Frank Hanna (242) 323-2451, (242) 325-3306 / Administrator's Office (242) 329-2278.

July 30 - August 4: Hatchet Bay Festival - ELEUTHERA. Activities include marching band performances, a worship service, a Little Miss Hatchet Bay Beauty Pageant and games. Contact: Mr. Mario Smith at (242) 356-1842.

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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Prime Minister 'pleased' with government's performance after second year in office

Wednesday, May 6 marked the eve of the government's second year in office. On that day, a 'Meet The Press' conference was held at the Cabinet Office, in which the government outlined some of its major accomplishments and setbacks over the past two years in office.

Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie, says that despite the challenges that the government has faced along the way, he is very 'pleased' with the Government's performance. The statement followed Mr. Christie's delivery of a progress report on the Government's accomplishments during the past two years.

"We have been hit with many criticisms and have been attacked by many, but despite those many challenges, we are confident that we are doing our best for the country," said Mr. Christie. "I feel very proud and pleased about our accomplishments thus far."

Mr. Christie discussed a number of issues that the Government has 'tackled' over the past two years. Topping the list of issues was crime, which he says the Government has committed to combat via the implementation of a number of strategies. Some of these strategies include better equipping the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the Urban Renewal Programme and Non-governmental Organisations (NGO's).

With the aim of reducing the current rate of unemployment in the country, Mr. Christie said that the Government's moved with a sense of 'urgency' to produce jobs throughout the country. To this end, he said, a 'proliferation' of economic activity was undertaken throughout the islands. He listed a number of major developments and infrastructural projects on the islands of New Providence, Abaco, Eleuthera, Andros, San Salvador, Bimini, Grand Bahama, Exuma, Cat Island, Mayaguana and other islands and cays.

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