Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL IV. No. 3, June 5, 2014

This week in Bahama Islands Info

National News

Nassau News

Grand Bahama News

Family Island & Abaco News

Arts & Entertainment News

Column: At the Movies

Sports News

Column: Bahamas weekly fishing report

Letters to the Editor

BNT parks awarded TripAdvisor Certificates of Excellence

The Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve, Lucayan National Park and Peterson Cay National Park were all awarded TripAdvisor Excellence awards this month. These national treasures are part of the 27 National Park & Protected Area system managed and cared for by the Bahamas National Trust (BNT).

"The Levy Preserve staff are elated to receive TripAdvisor's Certificate of Excellence award for 2014," said Mark Daniels, Levy Preserve Manager. "The Preserve is a unique space that allows guests to enjoy the beauty of our native plants in the setting of our diverse Bahamian forest. We are extremely happy with the positive feedback from our guests, and will continue to maintain the standard that The Preserve represents. I encourage all past guests to plan a return visit to experience our newly added Freshwater Wetland, Lath House and Edible History Garden."

Click here to read more

Outstanding leadership and academic achievement celebrated at COB

The prospect of receiving an award for being academically exceptional was never at the forefront of Ricara Skippings' mind as she matriculated through her Bachelor of Business Administration (Accounting) programme at The College of The Bahamas. She says she was simply following the sage advice of her mother.

On Wednesday, May 28th, when scores of high achievers of The College's 2014 Commencement Class were honoured during a special awards ceremony, Ricara was leading the pack. She completed her programme with distinction, earning the School of Business' top awards as well as The College's two primary honours.

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Bahamas Waterkeeper Joe Darville at Waterkeeper Alliance conference in Pittsburgh

Bahamas Waterkeeper Joseph Darville, right, meets with Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto during the international conference of Waterkeeper Alliance, the world's fastest-growing volunteer movement with thousands monitoring and protecting rivers, bays, streams and oceans around the globe.

This is the first time The Bahamas has appointed a Waterkeeper and Darville, an environmentalist and educator for nearly half a century, was invited to speak during opening night where he shared deep concerns about marine degradation in Bimini as a result of dredging to create a cruise ship pier and private island, plowing through coral reefs that are considered among the most treasured in the world.

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Hyperbaric oxygen therapy saving life and limb for diabetics

A few years after being diagnosed with Diabetes, Dilith Nairn stepped on a tack and as often happens to diabetics, developed a wound that eventually became infected. When a team of physicians and wound care specialists at Doctors Hospital told him that his foot simply wasn't healing as they'd hoped, he knew all too well what his future could hold.

His wife Regina was the first one to develop diabetes. She ended up having her leg amputated and later died, he says, as a result of diabetes related complications. The 61-year-old retired manager's outcome so far has differed greatly from that of his wife. His physicians prescribed Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) and that has spared his foot twice, and, he believes, his life. Although his first series of HBOT treatments was successful, it was his most recent series as one of the first patients at the Oxygen Chamber at Bahamas Medical Center that has him telling everyone he knows about this life changing therapy.

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Donovan Butler is the 2014 Primary School Student of the Year

Donovan Butler, an 11-year-old student of Xavier's Lower School in New Providence is the 2014 Primary School Student of the Year. Donovan surpassed 117 other outstanding students to win the title, a five thousand dollar scholarship, courtesy of the Primary School Student of the Year Foundation and a laptop donated by Dr. Johnathan and Michelle Ford.

The versatile Dononvan said he didn't know that he had won until in the description of the winner it was said that the individual "had helped his school to win two relays as a member of the track team and that the student's principal wrote that he was not only a good academic student but also a well-rounded student."

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SLS Hotels signs management agreement to bring unique style to Baha Mar

Baha Mar, the $3.5 billion integrated destination gaming resort, and SLS Hotels today announced the signing of a management agreement that will bring SLS Hotels' distinctive service, style and sophistication to Baha Mar's 300-room luxury lifestyle hotel, including its 107 residences. SLS at Baha Mar will be the brand's first international venture, and will complement SLS' soon-to-open hotels and resorts in Las Vegas, New York, Philadelphia, Seattle, Brickell, Miami and China, as well as its signature hotels in Beverly Hills, California and Miami Beach, Florida.

The award-winning SLS Hotels, a division of global hospitality company sbe, joins Baha Mar's portfolio of world-class hotels, including Rosewood, Grand Hyatt and the Baha Mar Casino & Hotel, which will cater to an array of upscale international guests. The 20-year management agreement will bring the expertise of Sam Nazarian, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of sbe, to the lifestyle property's hotel, restaurants and nightlife.

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RBC employees help raise awareness about domestic violence

RBC staff recently joined in the fight to break the silence of domestic violence by partnering with The Bahamas Crisis Centre. Volunteers from throughout the island participated in the Crisis Centre Annual Silent Witness Exhibition. The Annual Exhibition seeks to raise awareness about the issues of domestic violence and its impact on victims.

Held at the Mall at Marathon, the exhibition brought the stark reality of domestic violence to the public. The exhibition featured dramatic depictions of the bondage and fear that victims face. RBC volunteers participated as actors, distributed pamphlets and provided information about the Crisis Centre services and the Centre's 24 hour hotline.

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Lyford Cay International School celebrates ninth graduating class

Lyford Cay International School (LCIS) hosted the graduation ceremony for the school's 9th graduating class on June 4, 2014 at the Hilton British Colonial Nassau. For the third year in a row LCIS acknowledged a member of the graduating class who has attended LCIS for all of their academic lives, affectionately and respectfully known as "Lyford Lyfers".

"The diploma you receive today should not be thought of as a reward, but rather a commitment to continue the life-long process of learning," said LCIS principal, Stacey Bobo in her address to the graduates. "The habits of mind that you have learned at Lyford Cay International School should now be forged into that special compound we call "excellence." Excellence is the antidote to apathy and idleness and forms the basis of ethical behavior. It is key to living a rich and meaningful life, to achieving self-actualization."

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Sandals donates food and kitchen supplies to D.W. Davis students

Sandals Royal Bahamian helped to lighten the financial load of parents and administrators of D.W. Davis Junior High for the third consecutive year, with its donation of food supplies and kitchen utensils for the practical portion of the school's B.J.C. (Bahamas Junior Certificate) Home Economics exam.

Sandals' Executive Sous Chef, Seanette Cooper, and Public Relations Manager, Chester Robards, delivered rice, flour, sugar, green and red bell peppers, cinnamon, nutmeg, blenders, knives and cleaning supplies to the students, much to their delight. "We just want to help the students in their B.J.C. practical exam," said Mrs. Cooper. "I love to assist with projects related to my field and I want the students to excel. Any assistance I can give to them I do."

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Shipyard apprentices help build Beacon School playground

Apprentices at Grand Bahama Shipyard (GBS) learned the true meaning of giving back by helping build the newly opened Steven M. Dillet playground at the Beacon School. The improved playing area includes a track slide set, swing set, merry-go-round, two bocce ball courts, a basketball court, and most of the equipment is wheelchair accessible.

"Grand Bahama Shipyard is committed to service and participation in our local community," said David Brannon, Senior Project Planner at GBS. "We are grateful for the opportunity participate with Karen Clarke, the Rotary Club of Lucaya, and all those who contributed in support of the Beacon School playground project."

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'Go Wild - Go Birding' continues on Grand Bahama during nesting season

This month's fieldtrip of the Grand Bahama Birding Group began with a survey of a Wilson's Plover nest on Discovery Beach. Each summer we cordon of this area with stakes, caution tape and signs as it has been a favourite nesting area of Wilson's Plovers and Least Terns and eggs and babies could be easily crushed by cars that may park on this dune to enjoy the view.

The first bird to lay its eggs this year on April 25th was a Wilson's Plover and she was sitting on three eggs when we arrived that morning, perfecly camouflaged, blending in with the environment. The nest was monitored over the next weeks and on May 26 (32 days later) the first chick hatched, fully feathered with the markings of its parents, walking around the "scrape" in the sand where its siblings were yet to be born! On the 33rd day the second chick hatched and the next day number three cracked the eggshell!

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Dr. David Allen gives in-depth crime presentation at GB Chamber luncheon

Grand Bahama Chamber members were in for a shock at the last monthly luncheon meeting when Dr. David Allen, of Nassau, presented many statistics about crime in our country. He gave a dramatic and heartfelt presentation about the recurring roots of crime and his steps toward preventing crimes. He also had many recommendations for the Government including using the Defense Force to assist the police, curfews and national service, among other things.

He also gave details about his The Family Program, which has received international acclaim. He will shortly be working on his project and subsequent paper called the Allen DeSocialization Assessment Tool. Dr. Allen, along with his assistant, Keva Bethel, also told of plans for Grand Bahama with their The Family People Helping People Program, to be coordinated with Urban Renewal.

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CEDA/GBPA host export marketing training for local SMEs

Following three days of intense training, ProNet's Export Marketing and Management Module concluded this past Thursday. The event was facilitated by internationally accredited ProNet trainers Donald Demeritte and Maxine Harris, and provided participants with training in market research, strategy development and the meticulous execution required to take their businesses global.

President of The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA), Ian Rolle was present for the closing session. As he expressed his thanks to Caribbean Export Development Agency, (CEDA) for their ongoing partnership, he noted to attendees the importance of GBPA's relationship with CEDA in promoting growth and capacity building within Grand Bahama's SME sector.

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Chamber series continues with 'Self-Leadership: Your Pathway to Success in Business and Life' workshop

The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce conducted a seminar entitled "Self-Leadership: Your Pathway to Success in Business and Life", this past Saturday, May 24th at the Chamber's offices. This seminar was one of many informative, power-packed seminars and workshops the Chamber has slated for the remainder of the year.

The seminar on Self-Leadership covered several topics including; defining self-leadership and what it means on an individual level, assuming responsibility for your results by understanding who you are, what you want, and how to reach your goals, as well as how to be self motivated and prepared for change and adversities.

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FLEA MARKET - This Saturday, June 7

Miss Kay's popular Flea Market returns to the Mason's Lodge parking lot (Sunrise Hwy/GB Fitness corner) from 7:30am.

Kitchenwares, ladies and men's clothes, electronics, art, jewelry, and even some fresh garden items!

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

Marsh Harbour Airport's new international terminal officially opens

The 46,000 square foot international terminal in Marsh Harbour is complete and open for business. Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie, led a delegation of cabinet ministers and officials to view the new terminal on Wednesday, May 25. He said that it was a 'major accomplishment' for the people of Abaco. A soft opening was held on Tuesday, May 24.

Mr. Christie expressed gratitude to all who participated in project, including the former Ingraham Administration. "Let me first indicate my satisfaction on coming here in this building and seeing this edifice for the first time," said Mr. Christie. "It has been, not without controversy and political commentary as to the efficacy of the building. I'm so happy that those who have come here to make it habitable and functional, have done an excellent job in doing so."

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QC Smith: Nearly 40% of Bimini seabed already gone

There may soon be nothing left in Bimini to argue over according to attorney Fred Smith, QC, as a massive seafloor dredging operation was allowed to continue during a court postponement, with 38% of the work already complete thanks to a "dramatically increased" rate of excavation.

Mr. Smith, who represents Bimini Blue Coalition (BBC), a group of activists and concerned citizens seeking to protect Bimini's invaluable marine resources in the face of the construction of a mega-resort and 1,000 foot ferry terminal, said that according to the developer's own reports, 53,000 cubic yards had been dredged between May 16th and 21st , but over the next two days the total jumped to 150,000 cubic yards, the acceleration coinciding with BBC's legal efforts to stop it.

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GEF SGP Bahamas and One Eleuthera Foundation build capacity of organisations on Eleuthera

Through its work of connecting organisations to resources to assist in strengthening them and the communities they work in, The One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF) observed the need for capacity development for the NGOs, CBOs, CSOs and Government agencies on Eleuthera. Recognizing the connection of its objectives to those of the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme Strategy, OEF successfully submitted application to host a three-day workshop on Eleuthera geared toward improving the grant writing and project management skills of organizations on the island.

"While organisations have been working miracles with their limited resources, it is imperative that such training be provided to allow them to increase their funding resources, which is a major factor in them continuing and expanding their work, and evolving to compete in a global economy", said OEF's Director of IT/Communications Gacintha Gordon.

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Scores attend Resorts World Bimini Career Fair for Biminites

Dozens of Biminites were hired on the spot after successfully interviewing for jobs being offered during a Resorts World Bimini Career Fair held on the island on Wednesday. Scores of Biminites began cueing as early as 7:30 a.m. for a chance to fill one of the dozens of job openings being offered by the Resort (RWB).

Organizers are describing the Career Fair as a tremendous success, based on the turnout and the caliber of persons seeking employment. RWB Director of Human Resources Dave Winslow said the career fair was necessary to fill existing positions and those that will come on stream as the company expands. He said the company is dedicated to helping the community and providing opportunities for the citizens of Bimini.

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E. Clement National Arts Festival adjudications continue on Andros

Fresh Creek Primary grade-one students perform the poem "Fire Drill", during the E. Clement National Arts Festival Central Andros adjudications at the school in Fresh Creek, on May 28, 2014. Fourth-grade students performed a piece about teamwork and grade-two students spoke of the "Sounds of Junkanoo."

For the adults, singers from Miracle Revival International Deliverance Ministries took to the stage.

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Kevin Tomlinson & Friends to perform 'In the key of worship'

On Sunday, June 8, 2014 Maestro Kevin Tomlinson & Friends will be giving a FREE live concert at the Calvary Temple Assembly of God Church, Clive Ave. at 6pm. "I believe that with all that's happening in this community, now would be a good time for a time-out. This experience is designed to become that escape from the negative realities which exist around us daily. Pentecost is a time of celebration and deliverance, so it is my prayer and desire that all persons who attend will come to realize more of their potential gifts and purpose for this season of their lives," expressed Mr. Tomlinson.

No doubt the Grand Bahama community is quite aware of the ingenious work of Maestro Tomlinson which is evident each time the members of the Grand Bahama Youth Choir perform. Indeed both they and Mr. Tomlinson has made, and continue to make our community proud both locally and abroad.

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DeVaughn Gow representing The Bahamas in the Mr. World competition

The search for the world's most desirable man is on, and Bahamian DeVaughn Gow is on a mission to show that world that he is the one. DeVaughn is among the finalists of the global hunt for Mr World 2014 who have gathered in Torbay, Devon, UK for the chance of a lifetime. Over the next two weeks they will be pushed to the limits as they take on a series of challenges designed to test every quality required to be 'The World's Most Desirable Man'.

DeVaughn holds a Bachelor of Science degree in exercise science from the University of Tampa and is a personal concierge and a NASM certified titness trainer. He hopes to expand his fitness training enterprise to offer the very best training methods to the very best athletes the world over, using the natural Bahamian environment and specialised techniques to augment and enhance those methods.

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Divine Lady - Vanessa Clarke launches first book 'Ready for Repositioning'

Vanessa Rolle-Clarke is an award-winning singer, songwriter, poet and in April 2014, she added another prong to her long list of personal achievements, when she became a published author. Known throughout Grand Bahama as Divine Lady, this radio personality from the island's first Christian radio station, Dove 103.7 fm, recently released her first book - Ready for Repositioning - on Amazon.com.

Anyone who listens to her show - The Morning Worship Experience - can tell that Divine Lady has a heart for the people of Grand Bahama and indeed the Bahamas. Throughout the pages of this book, she pours out her heart in the most beautiful way to share her personal testimony of faith, and to encourage others to believe in a sovereign God.

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Grand Bahama Junior Junkanooers recognised

The Ministry of Youth Sports & Culture held its 15th Annual City of Freeport Council Junior Junkanoo awards presentations, May 29, 2014 at the Hilton Outten Convention Centre.

Minister for Grand Bahama Michael Darville said that the Junior Junkanoo was one of the best the community has seen, and he congratulated all the children, their parents and the teachers. The Minister also praised the organisers of the parade and the sponsors for a job well done.

Click here to view more photos

At the Movies: Rou�n gives his review of 'X-Men: Days Of Future Past'

One of the taglines for this movie: Every Hero, Every Power Will Unite. In a world that fears and hates them, in the future a band of powered beings must send one of their own into the past in order to stop an assassination which results in the stagnation of humanity. We witness the wisdom of age tempered with experience attempt to guide the exuberance of youth brimming with potential. In the process of changing what went on before they risk creating a more oppressive reality than the one they know now, but with the spark of hope that there may burn a brighter tomorrow.

I have seen this movie 3 times so you can probably guess the direction this review will be going, but I must point out that this is not a perfect movie. Summer movies can be a mixed bag because you want the spectacle which makes you feel like you didn't waste your money yet you don't want to feel dumber after seeing it.

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Brewery donates to 'Truly Bahamian' regattas

Bahamian Brewery and Beverage continued their support of regattas throughout The Bahamas by making donations last week to both the Long Island and Grand Bahama regattas.

"We have always been huge supporters of Bahamian regattas, as they're a 'Truly Bahamian' sporting and family event," said Lynden Johnson, Sales and Marketing Manager at Bahamian Brewery and Beverage. "Not only that, but since regattas are sailing races, they're the best place to host our Sands 'Man in the Boat' sculling races, which have been revitalising the sport of sculling throughout The Bahamas."

The Long Island Regatta is scheduled for Labour Day weekend with the sculling race taking place Friday, June 6th at 5pm.

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Record turnout expected at Pineappleman Sprint Triathlon this Saturday, June 7

Someone once said 'If at first you don't succeed; try, try again'. At this Saturday's Pineappleman Sprint Triathlon competitors can do just that. The annual triathlon, which began in the 1980s as part of the settlement's Pineapple Festival, was revived in 2006. It requires athletes to attempt three different disciplines - a 500-meter swim, 16-kilometer cycle and 5-kilometer run. Try, try, and try again.

Word plays aside this year's race, again comprised of a large group of young professionals from New Providence, Grand Bahama and a growing number of local Eleutheran and expatriate competitors, features five former champions - two in the Men's and three in the Women's Open divisions.

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Miami Dolphins legend Dan Marino holds youth football clinic

Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe and Sports Minister Dr. Danny Johnson along with Miami Dolphins legend Dan Marino are pictured with kids during the Football Clinic May 31 at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium.

In addition, Prime Minister Perry Christie and Obie Wilchcombe received personal Miami Dolphins jerseys, tossed the football and met with Miami Dolphins legends Nat Moore, Dan Marino and Tom Garfinkel, Dolphins CEO.

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Good deed and actions save Smokey's Karate School

A good deed triggered by Police Officer Corporal Don Dorsett with the help of BTC has resulted in the continuation of Smokey's Karate School (SKS) in Englerston, once in danger of closing its doors.

The school, which caters mostly to children, is located on the second floor of a commercial plaza on Soldier Road, and was in danger of losing the space due to the sounds emitted during training which proved an annoyance factor for tenants below. Smokey was in dire need of a gym carpet and a specialty work-out mat.

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Bahamas weekly fishing report from Harbourside Marine

Fishing report as of May 29, 2014

Nassau: The charter boat captains report that they have been very successful catching mahi offshore. There have been bonito, blackfin and yellowfin tuna offshore in the late afternoon under the birds. There have been a quite a few marlin released.

North Exuma, Highbourne Cay: The fishing in the Exuma Sound has been good with lots of mahi being caught.

Abaco: The marlin bite has remained good and there have been a lot of mid-sized yellowfin tuna caught in the evenings down south off of Cherokee and Hole In The Wall. The bottom fishing has been good with lots of muttonfish and huge yellowtail snapper caught on the deep reefs and points.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Regarding the Resorts World Bimini development

This letter is addressed to the people of the Bahamas regarding the Resorts World Bimini development from a Biminite's perspective. I was born a Biminite and have always held Bimini very dear to my heart.

I moved away from Bimini as a teenager to seek a High School and hence a College Education like many of my collegues at that time, and to find something different from fishing, conching or Salvaging, actually this lead to me being away for some 38 years off and on. I have now returned to my home land (Bimini) and have now opened by own business, but I can tell you that Bimini is alive with full employment. This Resort World Bimini continue to bring employment, and as a Biminite who is back home permanantly I want to say that I do not have any issue with the development which is being undertaking by Resorts World Bimini and I will go ahead and say neither does 99% of Biminites.

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What's 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.

June 5: Nassau Facades Exhibit - Opening 6-9pm at the NAGB. Call 328-5800 for more details.

June 5: Organist Nigel Potts and Sarah Rose Taylor - Husband and wife in concert Christ Church Cathedral 7:45pm. FREE.

June 9: Festival at Historic Ft. Charlotte - Click HERE to view the poster.

June 11: Freedom of Information Act Rally - Join concerned groups to demand that government enact a Freedom of Information Act. Click HERE for more info.

June 14: Coastal Awareness Fun Run/Walk - Start 6am on Arawak Cay. PRE-register by calling 362-5558 or find form in local newspapers.

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

June 29: Miss Bahamas Teenager Pageant - Click HERE to read all about it.

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.

September 27: SWIFT Open Water Swim at Palm Cay.

November 9: UWC Triathlon - Event offers Sprint, Olympic, Pro, and Kids distances. Click HERE to visit the website.

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

June 6: Junka-Fest - from 12 noon until, Goombay Park will be transformed into a native village. Click HERE to read more.

June 6-9: Old Freetown Heritage Festival - On the grounds of Freetown Pre-school. 4-day festival to celebrate this historic settlement.

June 7: Flea Market - 7:30am at the Mason's Lodge on Sunrise Hwy. See ad in GB News section.

June 7: 14th Annual Southfest Community Festival on the grounds of St. Vincent de Paul School Hunters Grand Bahama from 1 p.m. until.

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 14: Beth-el Ministries Fundraising Fun Run/Walk - for the elderly warm-up at 5:30 am and start time 6:00 am. Register at Bethel Books and Sationers.

June 14: Glow Party - A Y.A.R.D. drama group event at the Regency Theater. Look for more info on Facebook.

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 25: The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce Monthly Business Luncheon Meeting, 12:30 p.m. Call 352-8329.

June 28: 8th Grand Bahama Cyclists Club's Road Cycling Championship With distances up to 73 miles for the Cat 1 men. All levels of riders, great for newcomers! Contact gb-cyclist@hotmail.com for more information.

June 28: Us TOO Grand Bahama Chapter Boat cruise. Contact Andrew Moxey at 727-0471 for more info.

June 28: First Northern Bahamas Archdeaconry Fair to be held at The Pro Cathedral of Christ the King from 12: 00 noon to 11:00 pm.

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.

July 4: American Independence with us at the Port Lucaya Marketplace. Live music, food and fireworks.

July 4: "Mix & Mingle" The Chamber Of Commerce, 5:00p.m-7:00p.m. Non Members are welcome! Call 352-8329.

July 18-19: Grand Bahama Regatta and Heritage Festival - at Taino Beach. A, B, and C classes of sloop sailing, junior sailing, sculling, and races. Plus, a new heritage component! Click HERE to read more.

July 21-August 1: Camp Center Stage - Application forms coming soon. $100 per week lunch included. At the Regency Theater.

July 26: Body Builders Show - At the Regency Theater. More information as the date approaches.

July 30: The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce Monthly Business Luncheon Meeting, 12:30 p.m. Call 352-8329.

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

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

thru June 8: Cat Island Rake 'n' Scrape Festival 2014 - Click HERE to visit the FB page.

thru June 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. 'City by the Sea' hosts sloop sailing (Class B&C), swim races, fabulous food, cultural music and dance with Barraterre Beauty Dancers, D-Mac, Rhythmic Band and so much more! 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 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 18-21: Bahamas Billfish Championship MARSH HARBOUR Visit http://bahamasbillfish.com

June 24: Elbow Reef Lighthouse celebrating 150 years, ABACO. Click HERE to read all about it!

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: 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.

November 2-8: Walter Iooss photography clinic on EXUMA. Click HERE to learn more.

November 27: Thanksgiving Turtle Trot in Hope Town, ABACO. More information soon.

December 27: 242 Colour Run - Hope Town ABACO. More information soon.

February 17-21, 2015: 3rd Annual Patrick Davis Hope Town Songwriters Festival. ABACO. www.PDandFirefly.com

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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U.S. Coast Guard and DEA partner with Bahamian law enforcement officers for critical maritime procedures training on Grand Bahama

On May 19-23, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Cutter Cormorant, an 87 foot coastal patrol boat based out of Ft. Pierce, Florida, visited Freeport, Grand Bahama, for a one-week subject matter expert international exchange between the United States and The Bahamas. The training focused on maritime law enforcement and included members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) Marine Unit, the USCG, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

USCGC Cormorant is assigned to Coast Guard Sector Miami and performs a myriad of law enforcement and search and rescue missions in the Florida Straits. The training, entitled "Law Enforcement and Boatcrew Procedures Training" consisted of class room and hands on training covered ranging from vessel searches, handcuffing, boatcrew duties, man overboard drills, seamanship, and some basic navigation.

U.S. Charg� d'Affaires John Dinkelman and Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Grand Bahama Emrick Seymour presented fourteen members of the RBPF certificates of completion following the training program.

The week's activities were viewed by all participants as incredibly beneficial and informative as well as an outstanding opportunity to get to know one another and strengthen international partnerships. The Coast Guard and the RBPF intend to capitalize upon the momentum generated by this visit and plan and execute even more robust exchanges in the near future, which ultimately will serve to improve each agency's overall interoperability and responsiveness.

Click here to read more