Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL IV. No. 4, June 12, 2014

This week in Bahama Islands Info

National News

Nassau News

Grand Bahama News

Column: Humane Society of GB update

Family Islands & Abaco News

Arts & Entertainment News

Sports News

Column: Bahamas weekly fishing report

Letters to the Editor

Geoff Houston to step down as BTC CEO

The Board of Directors of BTC has announced that Geoff Houston has decided to step down as the CEO and will leave the business on 31 August, 2014. The Board has appointed Leon Williams on a 12 month contract as CEO. Mr. Williams is a BTC Director and an adviser to the Chairman, Phil Bentley, as well as being a former CEO of the business. The Board also intends to put in place a longer-term succession plan for the CEO role.

Phil Bentley, BTC Chairman and CWC Chief Executive, commented, "Geoff Houston has made an outstanding contribution to Cable & Wireless over the last 22 years. He has served as CEO of BTC for the last three years and on behalf of the BTC Board of Directors, I want to thank Geoff for his exemplary leadership. Geoff has driven a large amount of change which has made BTC stronger, and prepared it for the competitive market we face. He has led major upgrades of our networks and technology, and reshaped our customer service. He has also improved the culture of the business, and won broad respect from a wide variety of stakeholders."

Click here to read more

Bahamas Waste helping to reduce the country's carbon footprint by recycling cardboard

Bahamas Waste has set the tone in the country when it comes to going green, by being the first company to offer cardboard recycling services. Cardboard is the one of the biggest waste products worldwide, and by recycling cardboard, Bahamas Waste is helping the make The Bahamas just a little more green.

"Recycling is very good for the environment because it saves the need to cut down more trees. It also saves on waste because less cardboard goes into our landfill," said Brenville Ferguson, Recycling Coordinator. "Cardboard recycling also helps businesses to save on their waste hauling. Chances are that 95% of the waste is cardboard so they will have less to haul as we pick up cardboard for recycling for FREE!"

Click here to read more

BTVI students exposed to career opportunities

Career opportunities heated up recently during a Public Service summer job fair held for students of The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI). Students were given insight into the requirements, vetting process and benefits of joining the military branches including the Customs department, police and defence forces. Also present were representatives of the Department of Public Service and the only private sector participant, The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC).

Representing BTC was Human Resources Manager, Elvado Turnquest, who urged the students to ensure their reputations are intact as the first impression is before the interview. "Even the email address on your resume` should be professional. Also, some of the pictures and videos on the Internet are risqué. I have some people who have interviewed well, but their public image was tarnished. I will search up on you," he cautioned.

Click here to read more

The Bahamas Development Bank strengthens regional ties

The Bahamas Development Bank (BDB) is proceeding with the implementation of its strategic plan for 2014-2018. One of the main components of the aforesaid plan is the creation of strategic alliances between BDB and multilateral and regional bodies in furtherance of the Bank's mandate- which is to assist in the development of the Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in The Bahamas.

The Managing Director of BDB, Arinthia S. Komolafe, recently attended the 44th Annual Meeting of the Caribbean Development Bank's (CDB) Board of Governors held in Georgetown Guyana. "The meeting provided an avenue for regional development bankers to discuss matters of mutual interest and share ideas on ways to sustain these vital institutions that play a major role in the empowerment of our people and ultimately in our national development" said Mrs. Komolafe.

Click here to read more

RBC employees mentor students at public schools throughout New Providence

Members of the RBC Payments & Trade Department recently teamed up with several public schools to conduct a reading and homework assistance program. The fourteen (14) person volunteer team targeted eleven (11) primary schools in the inner city communities of New Providence. These schools included Garvin Tynes, Sadie Curtis, Cleveland Eneas, Yellow Elder, Gerald Cash, Carlton E Francis, Carmichael Primary, T.G Glover, E.P Roberts, Centerville and Palmdale Primary. The initiative was supported through the RBC Day of Service Grant programme.

In addition to donating funds to numerous social, cultural and environmental organizations, RBC encourages employee volunteering. RBC sponsors employee volunteer programs to reflect and support the critical role its employees play in community building.

Click here to read more

Catholics to honour fathers with a gala banquet

The Archdiocesan Catholic Men's Association (ACCMA) will hold a celebratory gala banquet to honour 24 Catholic fathers on Friday June 20th at the Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort & Spa on Cable Beach. The event, entitled "Honour Thy Father", will esteem two fathers from each of the 12 Catholic parishes in New Providence for their service to the church and for their roles as fathers in the community.

Held under the patronage of His Grace, the Most Reverent Archbishop Patrick Pinder, S.T.D., C.M.G., the event will also honour three prominent men and fathers who gave extraordinary service to the Bahamas and the wider Catholic community throughout their lives: the late Deacon Leviticus Adderley, Andrew Curry and Vincent Ferguson.

Click here to read more

16 new homes ready at Sunset Close subdivision

Sixteen families realised their lifelong dream of homeownership on Friday, June 5. They are the proud owners of homes in the newly established Sunset Close Subdivision, which is located off Carmichael Road. Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie was on hand for the opening. He said that opening of the subdivision marked the government's commitment to providing affordable homes to Bahamians.

"Today, we are gathered here in the great constituency of Southern Shores to celebrate with 16 families, the joy of home ownership," said Mr. Christie. "The attainment of home ownership is a significant milestone in the lives of those who are so fortunate. You see, housing really matters, because shelter is a basic human need. This is a need we all share and it impacts the quality of life we live."

Click here to read more

World Oceans Day occasion for beach clean up

Under the theme "Together we have the power to protect the ocean" EARTHCARE volunteers cleaned the beach at Williams Town on Sunday, June 8th to celebrate World Oceans Day. EARTHCARE joined with hundreds of events worldwide to inspire people to get involved in solutions for a healthy ocean and society - by supporting clean energy choices, trash-free coasts and beaches, sustainable seafood, and more.

17 EARTHCARE volunteers met very early in the morning on a holiday weekend Sunday. We filled a truckload of marine debris and removed a tire, medical waste and much more. EARTHCARE's youngest volunteer, Kiara Roberts, 6 years old, brought her mom, Nyjer Newbold and her grandmother, Miriam Culmer. "After the clean up, we went to church and everyone Kiara met, she told them that today was the 'ocean's birthday' and the gift she gave to the people was a clean beach," said Nyjer Newbold.

Click here to read more

West End Airport now open for limited flights

The West End Airport (MYGW) is a private airport available for use as of June 1, 2014 (with advance permission). The new airport opens Old Bahama Bay Resort & Yacht Harbour and the idyllic destination of West End, Grand Bahama Island to private pilots and charter operators.

The airport is a daytime only, VFR only, airport. No instrument approaches are available and no night landings/takeoffs permitted. The airport is open 7 days a week from 8 am to 5 pm but only if prior arrangements have been made. The ICAO code is MYGW and the IATA code is WTD. Only aircraft which have been pre-approved by West End Airport Management and Bahamas ATC may land. This requires that the registration number of the aircraft be submitted and approved.

Click here to read more

Government looking to establish new national parks in Grand Bahama

Recently the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) attended a public meeting organized by the government, where plans for two proposed as Protected Areas (PAs) were discussed; Northshre/Gap National Park and the East Grand Bahama National Park. Minister of Environment & Housing Hon. Kenred Dorsett and Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources V. Alfred Gray hosted the meeting, at St. Matthew's Baptist Church in Pelican Point. Joining them were Minister for Grand Bahama Dr. Michael Darville, East End MP Peter Turnquest, Senator Tanisha Tynes, Local Administrator Sherrick Ellis, Local Government Officials, and representatives from The Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) and The Nature Conservancy.

There was a good turnout of East End and Grand Bahama residents at the meeting. During the meeting, the BNT gave a presentation on the proposed Northshore/Gap and the East End National Parks.

Click here to read more

Ginger Moxey: On the road promoting The Bahamas

Ginger M. Moxey, President and CEO of Immerse Bahamas, and former vice president of The Grand Bahama Port Authority has hit the ground running in her quest to further propel The Bahamas as a destination ripe for those seeking the authentic experiences that The Bahamas has to offer. Moxey's promotional tour was in fulfillment of the organization's mission to empower groups to experience the splendor of The Bahamas: the culture; with music, dance, cuisine, arts and craft; the unadulterated charm of the islands; the beauty and hospitality of the people, with an element of community giving.

"My new venture is three-fold," shared Moxey. "It was imperative that I follow my passion for our people, our communities, our culture, and our experiences by developing a company that embraced these facets of our nation. It consists of a destination, event and project management company that promotes and develops authentic Bahamian experiences for visitors to our beautiful country."

Click here to read more

Lucaya International School congratulates 2014 IB diploma graduates

The pursuit for excellence continued as Lucaya International School (LIS) celebrated the graduation of fourteen students from its International Baccalaureate Diploma programme last weekend. Each student was awarded their High School Diploma with Honors and a number of them received outstanding awards in the various subject areas, including class Valedictorian Michaela Ince and Salutatorian Keana Pakosh. Both girls gave eloquent speeches to the large audience consisting of their fellow classmates, parents, friends, faculty and school board.

"My time spent at LIS has made me a well-rounded, open-minded individual who is not afraid to face challenges head on. This is something I will always be grateful for. No matter how challenging something may seem, there is no point in getting intimidated. High school has not only taught me academically, it has also taught me valuable life lessons," said Michaela Ince, Valedictorian. Ince also received the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) Top Achievers Award, which grants her a four-year scholarship to the college of her choice.

Click here to read more

Community outreach centre in need of assistance

On Sunday, November 25th 2012, St. David's Methodist Church, Sea Grape, in a special way, honoured the longest serving local preacher within the Methodist Church in The Bahamas and in the Caribbean, Evangelist Lloyd Fuller Quant. Evangelist Lloyd Quant has been serving the church for over 80 years as a local preacher (since 1934). The church family made the decision to rename the church's manse, The Evangelist Lloyd Quant Community Outreach Centre. The Centre is a non-profit organization that serves as a beacon of hope in the community, and caters to many needs.

Currently, the Center houses a feeding facility called the 'Breakfast Kitchen' that feeds over 100 children on Tuesdays and Thursdays. To maximize the benefit to the community of Sea Grape, Eight Mile Rock, the committee hopes to expand the outreach mission. The committee is making repairs to the building and seeking much needed building and other supplies, and assistance with labour from corporate Bahamas, government, civic and volunteer groups, religious bodies, and people from everywhere.

Click here to read more

Sisters of Strength to hold professional student workshop this Saturday

Chevonia McBride is the program director of the Sisters of Strength professional empowerment program. She is an aspiring author, dynamic public speaker, certified project manager, legal advisor, entrepreneur, beauty consultant, professional events coordinator and life coach.

In 2013, Ms. McBride founded Sisters of Strength which serves as a professional development program for young ladies. After years of observing various deficiencies with the modern woman, Chevonia saw it fit to tailor a program which not only prepares young ladies to become more professional workers on the job, but also centers on the importance of having a healthy self-esteem.

Click here to read more

Humane Society of Grand Bahama asks: Are humans more important than animals?

Are humans more important than animals? Talk about a controversial topic!

Ask this question of a group of people in person, or in an online forum and be prepared for a myriad of answers and a lively debate. Those who say yes, quote Biblical scripture or cite mental superiority. Those who say no, quote various researchers or cite arrogance of humans. Obviously, it's not quite that clear-cut but those seem to be the prevailing opinions.

No matter what your answer is, it's quite clear that humans have completely subjugated, dominated, exploited and mistreated animals in just about every way possible, and surely that is not moral or ethical. Consider the global issues of factory farming, factory fishing, bear bile farming, dolphin and whale slaughters, zoos, marine aquariums, circuses, shark finning, fur farming, bullfighting, dog and cock fighting, bear baiting, sport hunting, vivisection, "research", skinning or boiling all manner of live animals, rodeos, baby seal clubbing, over breeding of domestic pets, just to name a few.

Click here to read more

Joulter Cays featured in stunning eco-film

Showcasing the beauty and biodiversity of an island is not easy to do in under 15 minutes, but this is the job that Matt McCoy, Loggerhead Productions, did while working with the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) and National Audubon to create a spectacular short film about these cays and tidal creeks that are usually only seen by fishermen frequenting the Joulter Cays.

Local fishermen were actively involved in the creation of the film. Philip Rolle, Andros Bonefishing Guide needed no script when he commented "The Joulter Cays are second to none when it comes to beauty." BNT Warden Tavares Thompson also speaks from the heart when he says, "When you talk about diversity some people think it is just about birds and fish, but all these species coexist in this area. This place is here for fishermen, birders, and anyone who wants to be in touch with nature. They can come to the Joulter Cays and enjoy themselves."

Click here to read more and watch

Exuma's L. N. Coakley High School students perform for E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival adjudications

L. N. Coakley High School students in the Exuma Community Youth Marching Band have a "dance off" challenge between musicians and majorettes, during the E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival Exuma Adjudications, at the school in Moss Town, on June 2, 2014.

During the adjudications students "get funky" with a group dance and the Exuma Community Youth Marching Band perform as a pop band as part of their routine.

Click here to read more

SkyBahamas teams up with Resorts World Bimini to boost visitor arrivals

SkyBahamas and Resorts World Bimini (RWB) are teaming up to increase airlift to the twin islands. Beginning June 13th 2014, RWB is offering an all-inclusive hotel package deal for visitors to the island to promote midweek and weekend stays at the Resort.

The collaboration comes on the heels of SkyBahamas' introduction of flight services between Bimini and Fort Lauderdale (FLL) three days per week - Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. On Sundays and Fridays, SkyBahamas will depart South Bimini at 5:00 p.m., arriving in FLL at 5:30 p.m. It will then depart FLL at 6:00 p.m., arriving in Bimini at 6:30 p.m. Each Wednesday, flights will depart Bimini at 10:00 a.m., arriving in FLL at 10:30 a.m. It then departs FLL at 11:00 a.m., arriving in Bimini at 11:30 a.m.

Click here to read more

Bahamian fashion designer Theodore Elyett awarded in honour of Caribbean American Heritage Month

Award-winning Bahamian fashion designer Theodore Elyett will be presented with the Caribbean Style & Culture Award of Excellence in Fashion Innovation in Washington, D.C. on June 27 in honour of the ninth annual Caribbean American Heritage Month. The Caribbean Style & Culture Fashion Showcase, organized by Karib Nation, celebrates and rewards the contributions of those that have significantly impacted the Caribbean region's rich culture and burgeoning fashion industry.

"The Award of Excellence in Fashion Innovation exemplifies the innovation of Caribbean fashion through unique and compelling designs, production and presentation," stated Cornel Jones, Chair of the Event Committee. "Theodore Elyett's remarkable and intricate infusion of cycling trends without sacrificing culture is why we are proud to present him with this award." This year's event will feature sixteen of the leading Caribbean fashion designers from countries including The Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Click here to read more

Primary school kids prepare posters for wetland protection competition

Posters worthy of a national campaign, which were produced by primary school children, were all winners of the Sandals Foundation's first ever "Save the Wetlands" poster competition. The poster competition was the culmination of the 'Ride to Save the Wetlands' project - funded by the Sandals Foundation - which saw close to 5,000 children visiting Bonefish Pond National Park over a two-year period to experience and learn about the mangrove eco-system first-hand.

During the tour the kids look, feel and taste in order to get a greater understanding of what the wetlands are along with the importance of the Bahamas' mangroves, and why they need to be protected. Many of the posters in the competition portrayed the difference between a healthy mangrove area and a polluted mangrove area, and illustrated the destruction these fragile areas could undergo if not taken care of.

Click here to read more

'A Familiar Walk' highlights the life of Sir Orville Turnquest

Sir Orville Turnquest admits healthy living, exercise and charity are paramount standards Bahamians should live by, in Mario Newry's latest tell-all, episodic journey into the Bahamian experience, airing this Tuesday on ZNS. "A Familiar Walk", hosted by Mr. Newry, has quickly become the quintessential compilation of stories that delve into the lives of Bahamian heroes and which chronicles important events in the history of this country.

"For some months, A Familiar Walk, has been compiling and recording events in Bahamian culture," said Mario Newry, who is also the show's Executive Producer. "This series is our most ambitious, varied and exciting programming yet." Each episode spotlights a different individual who has been instrumental in laying the foundations for the Commonwealth of the Bahamas today. Sir Orville's story will treat viewers and listeners to untapped and untold Bahamian lore.

Click here to read more

'Frill Me' to show off international designer Ian Stuart's collection and benefit the AIDS Foundation

"A partnership made in heaven." That's how Loretta Robinson-Thomas of Platinum Bride Couture and Jim Whitehead of The Nassau Florist describe their latest joint venture. A first for fashion, Parliament Street and the Caribbean region, as they prepare to show international designer, Ian Stuart's, collection "Frill Me", which will close Parliament Street for this event on June 21st.

This exciting event will benefit the AIDS Foundation and Lady Camille Barnett will be in attendance as the Patroness of "Frill Me". This is something no-one will want to miss - a beautiful evening and champagne reception in a transformed Parliament Street, in the heart of historic Nassau. A rare opportunity to see our own Bahamian models wearing Ian Stuart's gorgeous gowns as part of his international celebration.

Click here to read more

Grand Bahama all star girls soccer team to travel to Jupiter, Florida

Coaches and parents from the Grand Bahama Girls' Developmental Soccer League will be taking a team of talented soccer players ranging in age from 11 to 15 years to Jupiter Florida for two full days of soccer this weekend.

The girls will play their first game against Port St Lucie on Saturday morning, June 14th at 9:30am and then will participate in a training session with director of the Jupiter Soccer Academy. Their day will continue with a private session with the Club's speed and agility coach and will finish with a class on the importance of fitness and proper nutrition. A second game will be played Sunday and then they will attend a training session along with the U15 Florida State Championship runner-ups.

Click here to read more

Bahamas showing a strong performance at Mr World 2014 competition

The Mr World competition is all about finding the world's most desirable man, and a series of challenging events has been lined up to test the contestants' all around mettle. So far, Mr Bahamas DeVaughn Gow is holding his own, proving to be a force to be reckoned with at the international showdown.

After a morning indoors, the contestants headed out into the windy weather and took on the Mr World 'Track & Field' style events in the Sports Challenge. With two parts of the challenge complete, DeVaughn is among the contestants who already have a strong hold on the Challenge, having captured the sailing title.

Click here to read more

Rotary clubs enjoy inaugural RCEN Tennis Tournament

The Rotary Club of East Nassau (RCEN) and members of Rotary clubs throughout The Bahamas recently played in the inaugural RCEN Tennis Tournament, a fundraiser to raise money for the National Tennis Center and a way for members of the club's members to socialize and lead active lifestyles. Retailers Hoffer and Sons and The Sports Center co-sponsored the tennis tournament which raised $500.00 for the NTC. These funds will be used for needs such as general maintenance and equipment.

"Having access to recreational facilities promotes a healthy lifestyle. It's an important aspect to building healthy communities. As advocates of healthy communities, the Rotary Club of East Nassau is leading by example," said Philip Cumming, President of the Rotary Club of East Nassau. "It's a great way for the Rotary Clubs in The Bahamas to get fit and give back. We're all looking forward to next year."

Click here to read more

Bahamas weekly fishing report from Harbourside Marine

Fishing report as of June 5, 2014

Nassau: There have been mahi and blackfin tuna caught off shore. There marlin bite has been good with several being released this week.

North Exuma, Highbourne Cay: The fishing in the Exuma Sound has been good even though it has been a bit rough. They continue to catch mahi and a few wahoo in the Sound.

North Eleuthera: The fishing off of north Eleuthera is reported as being very good. There have been lots of yellowfin caught off of the points for the Dutch Bar to James Point.

South Abaco: There have been reports of a lot of yellowfin tuna from Cherokee and further south. A couple of monsters have been caught!

Click here to read more

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Is the FNM Deputy Leader qualified to go further?

The editorial in the Nassau Guardian of Thursday June 6th 2014 entitled "The FNM Deputy should go further" made highly provocative statements about the Prime Minister and leaves no question or doubt in the public's mind that the Nassau Guardian is unapologetically aligned with Mrs. Loretta Butler Turner, the MP for Long Island and by extension, the Free National Movement.

Further and as of late, there appears to be no insulation between the rabid and extreme anti government rhetoric and the fairness and balance of "hard" news that the Nassau Guardian has taken pride in consistently delivering since 1844. An educated and well informed public is one of the pillars of our democracy and the fourth Estate is tasked with executing this solemn responsibility without fear or favour. But to use a newspaper of record, repute and note as a platform to both get rid of a government and shamelessly promote a political personality as a matter of editorial policy are unacceptable as it's unethical and bad for democracy.

Click here to read more

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 12: Men's Talk - A Q&A session for/about men with Dr Darius Unwala at Doctors Hospital Conference Room, 6pm. 302-4600. Men only!

June 13-14: Art & Conch Street Festival - 2-8pm Friday and 12-6pm Saturday at the Central Bank of The Bahamas, Trinity Place & Market Street. Admission is free! For more information, call (242) 322-7678.

June 14: Bahamian artist Lavar Munroe - If you are in New Orleans ... he's showcasing a new drawing in an exhibit called "Cash and Carry" at the Good Children Gallery.

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 15: Jazz in Bloom Ignited - 7pm in the British Colonial Hilton. Bahamian Jazz vocalist, Anuschka Wright returns after a full year of music studies at Concordia University and exposure to the Jazz culture of Montreal. Click HERE for more information or call 242-468-6986.

June 21: Soca Fusion Flag Party - Lightbourne Seafood parking lot, Queen's Hwy. Call 424-7253 for info. Gates open 9pm.

June 21: 'Frill Me' - A rare opportunity to see our own Bahamian models wearing Ian Stuart's gorgeous gowns as part of his international celebration. Click HERE to read more.

June 27: Caribbean Heritage Celebration - If you are in New York ... at Wingate High School. Click HERE to view the poster.

June 27: Funky Nassau Goombay Nights - John Bull, Mall at Marathon 5-8pm. Live music and dancing, prizes.

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

July 5: Lynden Pindling Legacy Ball - 7pm at the Meliã Nassau Resort.

July 11: Funky Nassau Goombay Nights - John Bull, Marina Village 6-8pm. Live music and dancing, prizes.

July 13: 2014 Independence Road Race - Contact Barron Musgrove npcyclingassociation2013@gmail.com for more information on this exciting 2-wheel event.

July 17: Minimally Invasive Surgery in Children - Doctors Hospital Lecture Series with Dr. G. Ashaini Knowles. 302-4600 for information.

July 18: Funky Nassau Goombay Nights - John Bull, Southwest Plaza 5-8pm. Live music and dancing, prizes.

August 1: Funky Nassau Goombay Nights - John Bull, Harbour Bay 4:30-6:30pm. Live music and dancing, prizes.

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.
__________________________________________________

GRAND BAHAMA EVENTS

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 19-22: 12th Andre Rodgers Baseball Championships - At the GB Baseball Complex. Click HERE to read more.

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.
_________________________________________________________________

FAMILY ISLANDS & ABACO EVENTS

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 2½ 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.

__________________________________________________________________

More than 35,000 people represented at FOIA rally

The leaders and top representatives of more than 20 groups and organizations were in among the crowd at Wednesday's Freedom of Information Rally in Rawson Square, collectively representing more than 35,000 people according to veteran educator Joseph Darville.

Darville, one of the directors of fast-growing social and environmental advocacy group Save The Bays, lead organizer of the rally, said the combined membership of political parties, trade unions and citizen activist groups represented constitute a formidable social force that politicians ignore at their own risk.

"It seems like every entity in The Bahamas was represented besides the PLP," he said, asking why the governing party seems to be "afraid" to engage with those calling for the rapid enactment of a Freedom of Information Act.

Among the many speakers at the event were the leaders of the other two major political parties in The Bahamas, as well as the secretary general of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), an umbrella entity representing more than 10,000 workers.

Free National Movement leader Dr. Hubert Minnis connected the lack of an FOIA to the degradation of the country's precious natural resources through unregulated development, which has been given the green light by successive governments behind a veil of secrecy.

Using the example of the massive dredging operation currently going on in Bimini, which experts say will destroy one of the most pristine and ecologically significant reef systems in the region, Minnis said renowned visitors Martin Luther King, Jr. and Earnest Hemingway must be "turning over in their graves" over what is taking place in that island.

Click here to read more