As we celebrate this milestone in our country's history, we must reflect on our past journey to appreciate what we have been able to achieve.

It is also a time when we must look forward to a new era with new opportunities and embrace the opportunities that are sure to come as we proceed with the development of this nation. As our country matures, we must be more cognisant of the responsibilities that we bear and ensure that every aspect of who we are as a people is recognised and appreciated.

Forty One years ago, at the hour of midnight, the Union Jack, the symbol of British Colonialism, was lowered for the final time in our country. In its place, was raised, the gold, aquamarine and black flag of a free and independent Bahamas.

The dream of equality, freedom and fair play for every citizen of this country, of whatever sexual gender, race, creed or colour, began in my father's generation, in the hearts of men like R.M Bailey, S.C. McPherson, L. Walton Young, A. Leon McKinney, Charles Rodriquez, Dr. Claudius Roland Walker, Bert Cambridge; and women like Mabel Walker, Georgiana Symonette and Mary Ingraham.

Consider this: Crime in this country is at an all time high. Successive governments have failed to fulfill their fundamental duty and that is the protection of its citizens. We are daily under attack by the criminal element. Illegal immigration continues to flourish in our country with the continued growth of shantytowns.  

The Blue project is a supporter of environmental non-government organizations and aims to promote solutions for marine conservation. Its primary objectives is to help develop and implement coral reef protection and restoration strategies.

"Peter Nygard's application for construction should be rejected by the government because it will recklessly ruin one of The Bahamas' most precious marine habitats," said Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Waterkeeper Alliance President. "The people of the Bahamas are taking action. More than five thousand have signed a petition calling on Prime Minister Christie and the Bahamian government to enforce the law and protect Crown Land and sea beds at Nygard Cay, and we add our voice of support to this cause."

"Potential can be nurtured, but dreams cannot be fulfilled unless you act upon them. Part of your dream is already fulfilled because you have completed BTVI. There are many others who have not fulfilled the dream of enrolling in BTVI. There are still others who languish somewhere perhaps unhappy and disillusioned by their present circumstance.

The students will join LDI through Best Buddies, an international volunteer program that will be implemented at Baha Mar and will be the first of its kind in The Bahamas. Best Buddies, a program founded at Georgetown University in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, partners with organizations throughout the United States and in 50 countries around the world to assist with training and creating integrated social and employment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities such as Autism or Down syndrome. Through the program, people with IDDs are paired with 'Buddies' that provide guidance and support, establishing meaningful friendships and enabling them to lead more active and independent lives.

The organization dedicated to protecting and preserving the Bahamian marine environment and coastal areas was founded a little over one year ago.

Jenna Bayles, a 6th grade student at St. Andrews recently made her first mini movie about pollution for her school project and contacted Bahamas Waste, as a major environmentally friendly waste company, for their input. Littering, fires at the dump, global warming and environmental pollution caused by ships were all examples of pollution that were highlighted in the two and a half minute movie, as they all affect The Bahamas.

Linda Barry-Cooper, WEEFCA Chairman remarked, "We are delighted to provide support to Community Conch as they complete their work around the Little Bahama Bank to assess the conch population. WEEFCA has extended our reach to branch out into areas that support marine conservation efforts in the northern Bahamas region. We look forward to expanding our partnerships with international conservation organizations like Community Conch."  

Newbold, Business Development Manager for The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA), made a formal presentation on GBPA and the city of Freeport to Mr. John Dunlap, President and traveling members, Mrs. Rosemary Loftus (past President) and Mr. Jim Loftus, of Concord's Sister Cities Association. The group arrived on Grand Bahama Monday past as part of a 'Fact Finding' visit, to secure a second Sister City relationship.

With the beauty of Bimini serving as a perfect backdrop, the contestants were shot exclusively at Resorts World Bimini, one of the sponsors of the upcoming pageants. The calendar will be released in December 2014.

"These assessments are conducted on an annual basis during breeding season to assess the breeding population and determine nesting successes of the White-tailed Tropic bird" said David Knowles, Director of Parks. "This assessment provided a great deal of insight on the birds, and is confirmed that there is still successful breeding occurring in the Reserve."

The Junkanoo Commandos will be performing throughout Scotland and England until July 21, and will hold several introductory workshops (starting July 4) on the various cultural aspects of Junkanoo.

The tagline for this movie: This Summer Place Your Bets. All the couples return for a wedding in Las Vegas. The only problem is that there are still past issues which threaten to undermine the good times planned. Due to the various misadventures during this romantic weekend and the resulting compromising positions there may not be a wedding for the couples to attend.  

Cedric is the iffy Best Man who is free of his significant other, Gale, for the weekend but due to a mix up with the hotel room he is in there may be more problems waiting for him when the weekend ends than he had bargained for. Dominic and Lauren are in a good place, but when they both get offers for advancement in their chosen careers in different cities it becomes a matter of which is more important. Jeremy and Kristen are looking to make the leap to parenthood but lingering fears of maturity threaten to keep all parties involved enthusiastic about the endeavor. Zeke and Mya must deal with a weekend in a place littered with Zeke's past hook-ups and he must come to the realization that being in a relationship means saying goodbye to the past. Bennett and Tish finally have time away from their kids, but actually enjoying the time away from each other like they did when they were single takes some getting used to. Michael and Candace are all set for their big day this weekend, but with Michael's mother Loretta in the mix it becomes a constant struggle to do things their way and not her way when comprising becomes an afterthought.

The Bahamas finished in fourth position with 20 medals: seven gold, eight silver and five bronze. Khyle's gold medal was another record-breaking achievement for The College of The Bahamas student-athlete, who since March has set three junior national records in the throws. 

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NOTE: All dates, times, locations and other details are subject to change.   

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The widow of the country's first Prime Minister, Sir Lynden Pindling, she promised to serve to the best of her ability without political distinction and without regard for race, class or social station.  

Dame Marguerite's four children and six grandchildren accompanied her. Government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, ministers of religion, family, friends and well-wishers filled the ballroom of Government House to witness the occasion. Wendell Major, secretary to the cabinet, read the Royal Commission of Appointment, Sir Michael Barnett, chief justice, presided over the swearing in. Irene Stubbs, secretary to the Governor-General was the mistress of ceremony.  

In her inaugural address, Dame Marguerite, 82, recollected the "long" journey from her native home of Long Bay Cays, Andros to the highest office as Governor-General. She acknowledged God and thanked her husband, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, Prime Minister Christie, Sir Arthur, her children, and the Bahamian people who assisted in helping her to achieve the appointment.  

She vowed to strive both in action and in word to promote unity over division, harmony over discord and love over enmity.