Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL III. No. 52, May 15, 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

Family Island & Abaco News

Column: At the Movies

Arts & Entertainment News

Sports News

Park wardens help study rare Bahamian Rock Iguanas

Bahamas National Trust park wardens joined an international research team recently to learn more about the rare and endangered Bahamian Rock Iguana. BNT park wardens Shenica Campbell, the new park warden in Nassau and Ellsworth Weir, Grand Bahama Deputy Park Warden, participated in the research expedition organised by the Shedd Aquarium for a week-long research expedition in the Exuma Cays.

The purpose of the trip was to assess the health of the iguana populations on the cays, to record information and to insert identification tags into the skin of the ones that weren't already being studied. The research project took body measurements and blood samples from the iguanas, identified and recorded the sex of the iguanas, removed ticks and recorded and other injuries, and if the iguana had been captured before, compared the current health of the iguana to the information previously recorded.

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Bahamas exploring consulate in Dubai option

Fred Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs of The Bahamas shown in this picture with the Foreign Ministers of St Vincent, Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada; the Environment Minister of Trinidad and the Ambassador for Guyana at the Ministry of International Cooperation and Development of the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday 7th May. The delegation met with the UAE's Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimy (fifth from left).

The Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and the ruler of Dubai (pictured sixth from the left) Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan with the Crown Prince (3rd from the right) Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum stopped by to greet the visiting Caribbean officials and to exchange views on the development of relations in the region.

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Health Minister hails 'Bright Journey Initiative' as major success

Surgical interventions by a team of doctors and nurses from the People's Republic of China (PRC) have resulted in not only 101 successful cataract surgeries being performed on Bahamian patients at the Princess Margaret Hospital during a two-week span, but also a major cost savings to the Bahamian public healthcare system.

The surgeries were performed free of charge under the "Bright Journey Initiative" Agreement between the Government of The Bahamas and the Government of the People's Republic of China. The Government of the People's Republic of China also provided all of the equipment, instruments, medical supplies and pharmaceuticals for the project, valued at $570,000, bringing the cost savings to over one million dollars.

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BOB launches mobile credit card machines

An award-winning Bahamian bank has launched what is already proving to be a boost for small business - a mobile credit card machine allowing customers to pay with plastic anywhere, anytime. BOB recently introduced the hand-held chip-enabled mobile Verifone, providing taxi, limo and livery drivers with the point of sale terminal prior to introducing it to a broader audience.

"We introduced the Verifone 520 in late December and have already had reports from taxi and livery drivers that they have not only experienced an increase in revenue as a result because people are extending rides or tours, but they personally feel safer because they are operating in a cashless environment," explained Leonardo Thompson, BOB Assistant Manager, Merchant Services.

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RBDF's best female recruit credits BTVI with success

After nearly three months of rigorous military training, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force's Best Female Recruit, Victicia Rollins credits The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) with helping her pass what was an arduous experience. Victicia who graduated from BTVI in 2010 with a certificate in Computer Repair, said what she learned at the institution even helped her with the initial interview.

"During the interview, I started to have an anxiety attack in front of the six officers, but I remembered what one of my instructors, Mr. (Craig) Albury taught me. He told me to, 'Take it slow and breathe slowly.' He helped me with my anxiety while speaking publicly to the class during a business plan presentation; I used to have severe anxiety. BTVI helped to boost my confidence," said Victicia who is a member of Woman Entry 21.

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WSC signs new $250K regulatory and legal contract

Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) recently signed a $250,000 consulting services contract for regulatory reform of the sector with Hunton & Williams LLP, which is based in the US, David Stiggers, an advisor for Hunton & Williams, Ferreira & Company, based in the Bahamas and SEV Consulting Group, also based in The Bahamas. This contract follows an international competitive bidding process and is just another component of the $81Mn loan agreement between the Inter-American Bank (IDB) and WSC which was signed in 2011.

This recently signed contract will cover the regulatory component of the IDB loan programme, and will aid WSC with the approval of legislation to establish Economic and Environmental Regulators, and establishing regulators to handle the regulatory responsibilities.

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Environment Minister joins school children in beach clean-up

Minister of the Environment and Housing, Hon. Kenred Dorsett joined the staff and students of Naomi Blatch May 9 for a beach clean-up exercise. The initiative was headed by Dolphin Encounters which also had representatives on hand to take part in the clean up. While at the event Minister Dorsett expressed to the young students the importance of keeping the beaches and other parts of the environment clean by not littering.

The Minister also posed for photos with the children and helped one of the groups as they collected 'beach goer trash' from the shores of South Beach.

The Moore Bahamas Foundation, Stony Brook University (SUNY) and BREEF share shark tales with local schools

Nearly 300 students in four local schools got a closer look at the lives of sharks and their vital importance to the world's oceans this week, thanks to a grant from The Moore Bahamas Foundation, The Bahamas affiliate of The Moore Charitable Foundation. It was the second year that grants from The Moore Bahamas Foundation funded a research and tagging expedition which included an education component in conjunction with BREEF. This year's expedition resulted in positive news for the regeneration of shark populations in The Bahamas.

At CV Bethel High School, HO Nash, Aquinas and Thelma Gibson, a marine scientist from Stony Brook University (SUNY) and Marcia Musgrove, BREEF's Outreach Manager and National Eco-Schools Coordinator - a position made possible by The Moore Charitable Foundation - opened students' eyes to the world of sharks. The first task -- diminishing their fear of the large marine predator.

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Palm Cay reports strong sales in higher end offerings, sign of economic recovery

A sudden jump in high end property sales at an upscale residential and marina development could be a sneak peek at something far more significant - the birth of economic recovery spawned by growing consumer confidence.

So says Zack Bonczek, Sales & Marketing Director at Palm Cay, the family-oriented marina community on New Providence's southeast coast. "Housing is the leading indicator of economic health," said Bonczek. "And that health is clearly improving if sales in higher end properties are any indication."

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Baha Mar hosts one of Russia's leading tour companies

Baha Mar recently hosted Tez Tour, one of Russia's leading tourist companies, at its Royal Blue Golf Clubhouse. During the visit, Tez Tour met with Baha Mar executives including Denise Godreau, Chief Marketing Officer; Vaughn Roberts, Senior Vice President of Finance and Corporate Alliances; Robert Sands, Senior Vice President of Administration and External Affairs, and Gena Conroy, Vice President of Residential Sales and Marketing.

The group toured the construction site and the Jack Nicklaus Signature Design Golf Course to get a firsthand look at the scale and amenities at the $3.5 Billion resort. Tez Tour specializes in bringing tourist groups from Russia and neighboring countries to destinations around the world including Cuba and the Dominican Republic.

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Bahamas weekly fishing report from Harbourside Marine

Fishing report as of May 8, 2014

Get ready for the muttonfish bite coming up after the full moon.

Nassau: Captain Adam Russell reports that the fishing offshore of Nassau has been a bit slow this week but the yellowtail snapper fishing on the reefs has been good.

20th annual Marlin Marine Tournament in aid of BASRA - This week-end May 17-18. This is a great tournament with many diverse fishing categories. The captains meeting will be held at the Green Parrot restaurant on East Bay street on Thursday May 15. For more info call (242) 393-7873.

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BNT working with East Grand Bahama residents to protect the area in light of development proposal

Despite the one-day notice the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) and many interested East End residents attended the Nassau Island Development Company's (NID) town hall meeting held in McLean's Town, East Grand Bahama on Wednesday evening.

"We have been hearing about a proposed project but had not had any contact with NID prior to this event or any official word from the Government either," said Lakeshia Anderson, BNT GB Parks Manager. "We have been dutifully working in East End, consulting with locals, speaking to residents and hearing their desires and concerns about a proposed Marine Protected Area."

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Grand Bahama Port Authority promotes Freeport to Qatar

More than 7,500 miles away in Qatar, Ian Rolle, President of The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA), captured yet another opportunity to herald the benefits of the City of Freeport, during the 14th Doha Forum. Held in Qatar this past week, the Doha Forum represented a gathering of more than 300 delegates from 69 countries. On the invitation of His Excellency, Mohammed Jaham Al Kuwari, Ambassador, Embassy of the State of Qatar, Washington D.C, President Rolle presented on the 'Economic Potential of Freeport' to various high-level investors; namely members of the Qatar Investment Authority.

"Freeport is a premier centre for business and private investments, and sharing this message has always been GBPA's mission and mandate. However, I don't believe we have ever had the opportunity to deliver our message to a group such as this," Rolle explained, referring to the Qatar Investment Authority, which manages one of the world's largest Sovereign Investment Funds.

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PM opens Flawless Skin and Body shop in Freeport

Any idea by any Bahamian that is intended for developing a business for that person is a good idea to me, said Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie. The Prime Minister was at the official opening of Flawless Skin and Body by Kaylisa, a beauty shop owned by Mrs. Kaylisa Beneby, and situated in the Circle Mall on West Atlantic Drive, Freeport, Grand Bahama.

Joined by Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe and Minister for Grand Bahama, Dr. Michael Darville, Mr. Christie told those in attendance that The Bahamas, like every other country, requires small business persons taking the first step.

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Pilots N Paws and US shelters assist the Humane Society of Grand Bahama

18 lucky pups and 1 little kitty flew away to second chances and new lives last Saturday. Thanks again to Pilots N Paws and awesome pilots Allan, David, Andy and Chris! Couldn't happen without our good friend and pilot Pat Picornell organizing the flights down to the last detail even though she couldn't come this time (and for fostering kitty Casper). Big thanks to our friends at Tri State Pet Rescue for transporting and long time friend Mary Kelly for organizing rescue for 16 of these pups with Tompkins County SPCA in New York!

Tompkins County became the first no-kill community in the United States under the leadership of Nathan Winograd (http://www.nokilladvocacycenter.org/) and their commitment to saving every healthy or treatable dog and cat continues over a decade later. We have worked with them in the past and are thrilled that they were able to take in these precious souls.

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Bimini locals remain wary over resort's lack of transparency

Concerned citizens who oppose the Resorts World Bimini mega-resort are cautiously celebrating after the developers agreed, at the urging of a judge, not to begin dredging without handing over all the necessary permits.

The Bimini Blue Coalition, which initiated a judicial review challenge of the project citing the potential for extensive environmental damage foreshadowed in the company's own Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), claims if any permits or approvals do exist, they have been granted by the government in secret, despite numerous requests for information.

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BTC donates to build Mayaguana firefighting fleet

In a show of community support, BTC has pledged assistance to a committee aiming to increase the firefighting capabilities on the island of Mayaguana. The Mayaguana Fire Equipment Development Committee received a $3,000 donation from BTC to assist in acquiring new portable firefighting systems for each of the islands three settlements. Committee member Basil McIntosh said that last year's tragedy at the Mayaguana Airport highlighted the need for better fire equipment and protocol.

"Because of that tragic incident, we realized we must be better prepared for accidents and the unforeseen," said McIntosh. "Right now, Inagua is the only island in MICAL constituency with firefighting equipment so M.P. V. Alfred Gray commissioned us to develop a fleet of easy-to-manage, portable tank and pump systems for Mayaguana. That is why we are so thankful now for this BTC donation."

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Family Guardian supports Berry Islands' General Maintenance course

Family Guardian Insurance Company has stepped in with a $500 cheque to assist The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) with a 16-week General Maintenance course underway on the Berry Islands.

A group of 20 young men, including ninth through 12th graders of the R. N. Gomez All Age School , along with one adult, are being exposed to the fundamentals of carpentry, plumbing, tiling and electrical installation. The course is conducted each Friday evening and Saturday, spanning a 10-hour period per weekend.

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Guy Harvey Outpost Beach Bash Bonfire and Tournament comes to Bimini Sands Resort & Marina

Bimini Sands Resort & Marina, the newest member of the Guy Harvey Outpost Expedition Collection, announced today it will play host to the Guy Harvey Outpost Beach Bash, Bonfire and Tournament at its South Bimini, Bahamas, property on June 26-29, 2014.

The event will feature an exciting fishing competition, scuba diving, family entertainment and much more, headlined by world-renowned marine artist and conservation advocate Guy Harvey and Florida fishing authority Capt. Bouncer Smith. For the event's signature bonfire celebrations, 30-foot tall Blue Marlin wire sculptures by artist Bobby Little will be lit on fire Friday and Saturday night.

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At the Movies: The Amazing Spider-Man 2

One of the taglines for this movie: His Greatest Battle Begins. A young hero deals with the guilt of breaking a promise he made to his girlfriend's dying fire and with the return of a childhood friend after he loses his parent. In his other identity the young hero must overcome a villain who is more powerful than himself while keeping the powerless people around him safe from harm. In the midst of this he becomes aware of his father's role in his transformation and what it could mean for his future.

Peter Parker is Spider-Man and his enjoying the life of a superhero in New York city while trying to keep his civilian life in check after graduating high school and maintaining a relationship with his girlfriend as new elements manifest in both parts of his life which could upset the balance he has found. Gwen Stacy is Peter Parker's girlfriend and must deal with his guilt of being with her after promising her dying father that he would stay away from her to keep her safe from his dangerous life, but she must also come to terms with the opportunity to move to another country to further her education and leave Peter behind.

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Baark! celebrates five years with 'Havana Nights' fundraiser

Baark (Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness) raised over $40,000 at their Havana Nights themed 5-year anniversary party on Saturday May 10th at The Humidor, Graycliff. With help from Cacique International and Brass Monkey Light and Sound, the patio area was transformed into a spectacular alfresco Cuban nightclub with Latin music and dancing that energized guests.

While enjoying mojitos and cigars, attendees had the chance to bid on over 20 silent auction packages donated by local businesses. Some of the items were so popular organisers were happy to sell two, including 'Paws Up' an original painting donated by local artist Elkino Dames. GalaGal' Jenelle Taylor led a spirited live auction as bidders raised their 'doggy paddles' for fantastic prizes.

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Ports International supports the Cancer Society of The Bahamas gala ball

May is the official Cancer Awareness Month when the Cancer Society places particular emphasis on Education with continual media exposure throughout the Bahamas. Its aims are to educate the public about Cancer so that it may be prevented or diagnosed and treated in its early stages, to be of service to cancer patients, and to raise funds to support their programs. The Bahamas' medical equipment and supplier Ports International is a proud sponsor of the Cancer Society of The Bahamas' 13th Annual Ball "Glitz, Glam and Giving".

The annual ball is the major fundraiser for the Cancer Society and will be held at the Melia Nassau Beach, May 31, 2014. The Society is a valuable non for profit organization offering education, healthcare, counseling and support.

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Local entrepreneurs demonstrate creativity in straw craft

A mother and daughter team of straw vendors with combined experience of almost 60 years in the tourism and handicraft industry on Grand Bahama, are using traditional materials and technique to create a modern product.

Mrs Madlyn Burrows, a straw vendor for the past 40 years and her daughter, Mrs. Chastity Capron, 18 years in the business, are using plaited straw, raffia and other materials to produce woven pictures with straw as the canvas. These designs are intricate, stunning, and uniquely Bahamian.

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'K.B.' writes to The Bahamas National Festival Commission

Firstly I want to thank the Board/Committee for lending me your time to read/listen to my opinion on this matter, I hope I do not offend all of you, but I am sure I will offend some of you, as I am offended by this proposition of a "Bahamian Carnival" because this enrages every fiber of my Bahamian being.

When I started in the music business back in the early eighties, being young and ignorant to nationalism, I never cared about defining an identity for our nation's cultural expressions, it was not until the early nineties, did I find what I still think is my life's purpose, to inspire our Bahamian people to a sense of self, a sense of Bahamian pride, a sense that we are as great and as talented as any other nation out there, through our natural abilities and artistic expressions, bar none.

Many have sacrificed their lives and livelihood to uplift this countries culture, all of the hard work done to instill national pride back into our people's lives have been flushed away by the laziness and copycatness(if there ever was a word, it would be appropriate here), of a few, and only shows the weakness and lack of ideas by our nation's leaders.

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CARIFTA swimming champions hosted to a motorcade

The Bahamas Swim Team returned from the 29th CARIFTA Games as the first ever CARIFTA Swimming Championships. The games were held in Aruba. The 36 member strong Bahamian team finished first with 736.5 points which amounted to 23 gold, 22 silver and 10 bronze medals.

On Friday, 9th May 2014, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture hosted the team to a motorcade through the streets of Nassau which culminated with a rally at the Ministry's headquarters on Thompson Boulevard. The major corporate partners, BTC and Subway, were also on hand to show their support.

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Buddy Walk and FHS alumni - A great combination for a Down Syndrome awareness walk

The morning of Saturday, May 10th, the Mall Drive came alive with a throng of walkers, hundreds strong, connected by a solitary purpose-to raise awareness and show support for those in our community living with Down Syndrome. For the 3rd consecutive year, the Grand Bahama Down Syndrome Society has organized the local Buddy Walk to achieve this goal.

This year, unlike previous years, the Freeport High School Alumni Association joined the GB Down Syndrome Society on their mission, as they commemorated the school's 49th anniversary. Down Syndrome is a genetic condition that affects development as a result of individuals' having three copies (instead of two) of the 21st chromosome.

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BTC to be national partner to IAAF World Relays

A new National Partner for the IAAF Relays has stepped up to the plate. BTC continues its lengthy track record of support to athletics with a $125,000 contribution presented to the IAAF's Local Organizing Committee for the event. The sponsorship is broken into a $75,000 cash award and a $50,000 value-in-kind donation of phones, phone cards and related technical services for athletes and event organizers.

Senior Manager of Public Relations Jerome Sawyer claims that since the announcement of the World Relays there was no question BTC would seek to assist, "Considering our record of sponsoring track and field events and athletes people have come to expect that we be affiliated with these high caliber sporting competitions." says Sawyer, "We are very proud to be known for supporting our community through contributions to a sport which produces some of the nation's top athletes."

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Blue Sky wins BBC opener - Guana Cay Championship

Anglers Greg Smith and Dan Stacy had a great three days of fishing for Team Blue Sky to win the Guana Cay Championship. The 56' Viking from Pawley's Island, South Carolina released three blue marlin, one white marlin and one sailfish to clinch victory in the first leg of the 2014 Bahamas Billfish Championship series. Team Blue Sky released fish each day to earn a total of 2100 points and put them in the lead for the 2014 Bahamas Billfish Championship.

Anglers Bob Jacobson and Austin Burr guided Team Marlin Darlin to a second place finish with two blue marlin and three white marlin releases. The 62' Spencer from Clearwater, FL released their first blue on day one, a white marlin on day two and on day three finished up strong with a blue marlin and two white marlin released. It was an exciting final few hours to the tournament as Team Blue Sky and Team Marlin Darlin traded the top spot throughout the afternoon.

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Bahamas Diving Association president labels planned Bimini cruise ship pier dredging 'pending catastrophic event'

Nearly 40 years after he first began sharing the beauty of Bimini's coral reefs luring divers from around the world to the tiny island in the northern Bahamas, one of the most respected names in the world of undersea adventure today issued a warning that Bimini was on the verge of a 'pending catastrophic event.'

Guinness world record holder, movie and TV celebrity and president of the Bahamas Diving Association Neal Watson expressed grave concerns about the future of Bimini's waters as the 450-foot long cutter suction dredger, the Niccolo Machiavelli, hovered, waiting for a legal case to make its way through the courts, possibly clearing the way to dredge a channel to accommodate a cruise ship delivering passengers to a resort and casino. That dredging, say opponents, would wipe out some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the undersea world.

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FEEDBACK: Letters to the Editor

Open letter to Minister Wilchcombe concerns dredging in Bimini

Dear Honourable Minister Wilchcombe;

I am writing to express my grave concern in general at the Resorts World project in Bimini, and specifically as to your comments to the Tribune regarding the dredging.

First of all, dredging is only part of the project; building that monstrosity of a pier right on top of and next to the major prime dive sites in Bimini was not even addressed in the article.

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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 15: Food, Wine & Art Dinner - 7.30pm at Blue Caviar Le Restaurant, Lyford Cay. Artist Arjuna "AJ" Watson will be presenting. RSVP 327-7110.

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 16: Mix & Mingle - Bring Your Business Cards for Speed Networking! Meet new people, experience the beautiful Buena Vista Estate grounds and rock to the sounds of DJ CRX. Your business card can win you prizes and help you make lasting connections. No cover charge and drink and appetizer specials all night!

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 17: Casting Call for TV show - 12 noon - 6pm at Mario's Bowling & Entertainment. Click HERE for more info.

May 18: Megan Sands Ostomy Foundation Fun Run/Walk starting at Montagu 6:45am. Click HERE to view the poster.

May 18: Miss Teen Bahamas International Motorcade - Arawak Cay from 2pm. Meet this year's contestants.

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

May 24: 18th Annual Student of the Year Awards - 6pm at Golden Gate Assemblies, Carmichael Rd.

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.

May 28: Moments & Movements - 6pm to 9pm at The D'Aguilar Art Foundation, Virginia Street. Artwork by Bahamian artist Angelika Wallace-Whitfield.

May 31: Cancer Society Ball - at the Melia Nassau resort. Call the Cancer Society of the Bahamas at 242-323-4482.

June 1: Live, Love, Model, Dance! - Two shows at the Atlantis showroom. Click HERE to view the poster or call Yodephy 394-6209.

June 1: Miss Teen Bahamas International Pageant - 8pm Wyndham Nassau Resort. Call 393-0403 for more info.

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

July 13: 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 16: Sarah's Wedding ENCORE - One night only by popular demand! Regency Theatre curtain up at 8pm. Advance tickets at the Seventeen Shop. Click HERE for more.

May 17: Rotary Cigar Nights - Wildly popular event returns to Pelican Bay, 7pm. Click HERE to view the poster. Get your tickets ASAP!

May 17: Red Rose Ball Committee presents 'All White Affair' - at the Grand Lucayan 7-11pm by the crescent pool, beach-front. HIV/AIDS fundraiser, tickets at Steppin' Out.

May 18: Revelation Seminar - Discover Revelation's hidden mysteries through bible-based teachings. Click HERE to view the poster.

May 24: Walk for Lupus - Fun walk starts at 7am downtown parking lot by bus depot. Click HERE to view the poster for pre-registration information.

May 24: Every Girl Can Conference - For girls ages 10-14. 9:30-12:30pm at Canal House, Pelican Bay. Click HERE to view the poster.

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

May 31: Butterflies at Lunch - Lupus awareness event at Pelican Bay 11am-3pm. Click HERE to view the poster for all the 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. Click HERE to view the poster for info.

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 11-15: Pot Cake Pals Summer Camp - at the Humane Society of Grand Bahama. More details to follow, save the dates for your kids!

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!

November 1: Annual Red Rose Ball - HIV/AIDS education fundraiser and a night of glamour.

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

May 19: DEM BAHAMIANS - Culture, arts and crafts on TV and online in New York. Visit www.mnn.org. Show scheduled for 2pm EDT.

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.

June 26-29: Guy Harvey Outpost Beach Bash Bonfire and Tournament - at the Bimini Sands Resort & Marina. Fishing competition, scuba diving, family entertainment, and bonfire events. www.GuyHarveyOutpost.com/BeachBash.

June 27-28: Percy Darville Bottom Fishing Tournament - Great Harbour Cay, BERRY ISLANDS. Click HERE to view the poster or call 367-8005.

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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Climate change is HERE & NOW! BREEF exhibition opens at College of The Bahamas

With 95% of The Bahamas territory underwater and most residents living within two miles of the coast, The Bahamas is listed as one of the ten most vulnerable countries in the world to the impacts of climate change and sea level rise.

The aim of this public education campaign is to raise awareness of the mechanism, causes, and impacts of climate change on our coral reefs and coastal areas, while encouraging consumers to take action that will benefit their wallets and the environment.

Some exhibit highlights include climate change-themed interpretive art along with a video and audio PSA created by COB students, an energy conservation house model, sustainable building illustrations, an hyperbolic crochet coral reef with Aurasma app images and 8ft. information mural.

Contributing artists include The PRO Society - College of The Bahamas, K Smith & Ereisha Mackey - The Place for Art, the late Jackson Burnside courtesy of Pam Burnside - Doongalik Studios Art Gallery, and Robert & Doris LeChien - Association of Millwrighting Contractors of Ontario (AMCO).

Climate change refers to major and long-term changes in the Earth's average global climate. Although our planet experiences warming and cooling periods that take thousands of years to complete, Earth's average temperature is increasing at a faster rate than ever before recorded.

This is due largely to our increasing energy consumption resulting in increasing levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that trap more heat in Earth's atmosphere. As our oceans get warmer, they also become more acidic which threatens the survival of coral reefs and other marine life.

Click here to read more