Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL IV. No. 9, July 17, 2014

This week in Bahama Islands Info

National News

Nassau News

Grand Bahama News

Family Islands & Abaco News

Arts & Entertainment News

Column: At the Movies

Sports News

Column: Bahamas weekly fishing report

Bahamas High Commission in Ottawa hosts Bahamas' 41st Independence celebrations

The Bahamas High Commissioner, His Excellency Dr. Calsey Johnson hosted a poolside reception in Ottawa, Ontario on 12th July for the Bahamian community, members of the Diplomatic Corps, Canadian officials and friends of The Bahamas from all over Canada, to celebrate the 41st Anniversary of Bahamian sovereignty and Independence.

Leading up to the event, the Bahamas High Commission held two screenings of Bahamian produced/directed films here in Ottawa. The first film showcased on Monday July 7th was a sci-fi thriller entitled 'Singularity Principle' which was partly shot in The Bahamas. The second film screened on Wednesday July 9th, Womanish Way, Freedom, Human Rights and Democracy', a documentary about the Women's Suffrage Movement in The Bahamas which was directed by Bahamian Marion Bethel. Ms. Bethel joined guests via skype to introduce the film and entertained questions at the conclusion of the film.

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U.S. Embassy Nassau welcomes new Chargé d'Affaires Lisa A. Johnson

Ms. Lisa A. Johnson assumed her duties as Chargé d'Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Nassau, The Bahamas on July 9, 2014. Previously, Ms. Johnson was Director of the Office of Africa and the Middle East in the State Department's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. Prior to that, she served in the Office of the Vice President as Senior Advisor for South and Central Asia.

Ms. Johnson graduated from Stanford University with an A.B. degree in Political Science and Economics. She has a Master of International Affairs degree from Columbia University and an M.S. degree in National Security Strategy from the National War College. Her hobbies include hiking, golf, and stand-up paddle boarding.

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Bird-based tourism a sustainable development tool for The Bahamas

A select Bahamas National Trust (BNT) team recently participated in a project kick-off meeting hosted by National Audubon Society (NAS) and the Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF), aimed to educate all parties involved about bird-based tourism as a sustainable development tool. Internationally known Audubon is partnering with local NGO's in Belize (Belize Audubon Society), Guatemala (Asociacion Vivamos Mejor and Wildlife Conservation Society), Paraguay (Guyra Paraguay) and The Bahamas (Bahamas National Trust) to establish stronger bird-based tourism programmes throughout these countries.

"Bird-based tourism is not new in The Bahamas," said Karen Panton, BNT Director of Finance & Operations who traveled along with Predensa Moore, BNT Science Research Officer to Belize for the meetings.

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British Airways brings smuggled iguanas home

Twelve Rock Iguanas, stolen from San Salvador and Exuma in February and smuggled into the United Kingdom were returned to the Bahamas via British Airways on July 9 escorted by UK Border Force officers, Ann Ainslie and Tim Luffman. It was reported that 13 of the endemic animals were originally captured, with one dying while en route to the UK.

"Wildlife crime is a global problem, which we can only address successfully through our collective efforts and greater cooperation," said Minister of the Environment and Housing, Kenred Dorsett, at the Lynden Pindling International Airport. He said this crime plagues animals and plants and in the Bahamian context, adversely affects Bahamian Iguanas.

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BNT interns and volunteers work to protect the beauty of The Bahamas

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has" said Margaret Mead, Cultural Anthropologist, and this quote is especially true of BNT volunteers who help conserve and protect The Bahamas for future generations. Although the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) has full time staff, the BNT also relies on volunteers to conduct work in many of their parks and to support their programmes. This summer, the BNT had volunteers from both near and far helping them to protect the natural beauty of The Bahamas.

Included in this year's Education Volunteers, were two volunteers from Paris, France, who decided to reach out to the Trust via their website. In addition to assisting with the workshops and education programmes, Anthony Nicolle and Javed Aqil, who are both fourth year engineering students assisted both with educations programmes, and with tasks at Harrold and Wilson Ponds National Park.

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Leeanne Clarke takes top spot in Island Flare's Food Fight 2014

Like last year's Food Fight winner, Leeanne Clarke found herself at the bottom of the pot after the recent preliminary cook-off round at Sandals Royal Bahamian. With plantain being the competition's mandatory ingredient, Clarke scooped up first place with her rack-of-lamb stuffed with plantain, spinach and feta cheese, laced with a plantain, onion and mushroom relish served next to a plantain and herb couscous.

She was inconsolable, crying tears of joy when it was announced that she was 2014's Food Fight champion. The Food fight, sponsored by the Sandals Foundation which donated more than $2,000 toward the equipment the students used to create their culinary masterpieces, is in its fourth year.

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Young men lead the class of 2014 at Temple Christian High School

Three young men of the Class of 2014 of Temple Christian High School, Daniel Jagessar, Terrance Arnold and Cameron Johnson captured top honours at the graduation ceremony. Head Boy, Daniel Jagessar emerged as the Class Valedictorian and received the Principal's Award. He obtained first place prizes for Mathematics, English Language, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Religious Studies and Spanish and the second place prize for Graphical Communication.

Daniel also received the Most Outstanding Student Award for Mathematics, the BTC General Manager's Award and a four-year scholarship from BEC to attend The College of The Bahamas all from participating in the Technical Cadet Corps Programme. Terrance Arnold, Deputy Head Boy captured the Salutatorian Award. He received first place prizes for Graphical Communication and Physical Education and second place prizes for Mathematics and Physics.

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Packed town meeting says 'No to Nygard'

A packed BCPOU Hall resounded with spirited chants of "No to Nygard! No to Nygard!" as a town meeting to discuss the latest plans for a controversial Lyford Cay development swelled in numbers, scope and energy beyond even the organizers' expectations.

Citizens expressed their fervent opposition to more proposed works at Nygard Cay, where conservationists say unauthorized development is already harming the vital ecosystem of the surrounding Clifton Bay and negatively impacting nearby Jaws Beach, one of the few public beaches left in Nassau. Many, particularly young Bahamians, came forward to ask how they could help convince government to reject the plans.

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Baha Mar Academy summer programs take off

Bahamian college students have the opportunity to soar this summer as the eight-week Summer Dream Team Associate program, one of three coveted student internship programs at Baha Mar, began yesterday. The internship programs are geared to students at various stages in their education.

The Junior Jet-Setter program for high school students started on July 7th while the Jet-Setter program for recent college graduates will start on July 21st. These internships provide the opportunity for students to explore careers in hospitality while experiencing the dynamic Baha Mar environment in diverse areas such as environmental planning and sustainability, creative arts, marketing and finance.

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TEDx takes Grand Bahama by storm

Just in time for The Bahamas' 41st Independence celebrations and in the spirit of ideas worth spreading, the first ever TEDx Talk event took place in Grand Bahama on July 5th under the theme, "Bahamian Development: How can we further it?" The half-day event held at the Pelican Bay Hotel featured four young professional Bahamian speakers and video TED talks, which have all taken a multi-disciplinary approach to the broader theme of development. TEDx talks are no longer than 18 minutes and each speaker maintained that standard with insights that were concise and powerful.

Organizers of TEDX Grand Bahama, Kartarlah and Earle Taylor, a dynamic father-daughter duo commented, "It was our privilege to provide a platform where Bahamians can connect locally and put forth their ideas that, if implemented, can help The Bahamas achieve sustainable development."

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Newly elected city councillors visit the GBPA offices

Newly elected city councillors, accompanied by City Administrator, Alexander Williams, paid a courtesy call on officials of The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA) recently. Warmly welcoming the group were GBPA President, Ian Rolle; Chief Financial Officer, Deann Seymour; and GBPA's Business Development Manager, Derek Newbold.

In congratulating them on a job well done, Rolle stated that it was important for both parties to become better acquainted with each other, so as to forge immediate relationships with regards to servicing the needs of local citizens. "It is good for us to get together so that we can understand how our various functions might be interrelated and how GBPA can help you to achieve your goals," Rolle said.

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Goombay Summer in Grand Bahama kicks off at Taino Beach

Joy Jibrilu, the new Director General Ministry of Tourism and Betty Bethel, manager of Freeport along with her team at the ministry, enjoy the official opening of Goombay Summer in Grand Bahama at Freeport's Taino Beach on Thursday, July 10, 2014.

Tourists and visitors alike will enjoy the food, drinks, music and culture every Thursday during the month of July.

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GBITB sponsors Mychal 'Sweet Bells' Thompson Golf Challenge

The countdown is on for the Mychal "Sweet Bells" Thompson Golf Challenge, slated for July 21st- 22nd, 2014 on Grand Bahama Island. With the Ministry of Tourism and the Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board being a part of the tournament's sponsorship team, this sports tourism event is poised to receive significant attention and support throughout the industry.

Betty Bethel, Director for Grand Bahama Island indicated in a press conference on Wednesday, July 9th that sports tourism is a $600 billion dollar business and the ministry acknowledges its importance as the vehicle to drive business to the Islands of The Bahamas.

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Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the University of Miami and BAMSI

Earlier this month a MOU was signed between the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (UM/RSMAS) and The Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute, Ltd (BAMSI). The MOU formalizes the collaboration efforts between to two institutions in education, research, and training. The MOU was executed during a signing ceremony held at the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science on Virginia Key.

Presently the construction of the BAMSI College Campus is taking place in North Andros. The school is set to be a college institution awarding Associate of Science Degrees, Diplomas and Skills Certificates in Marine Sciences and Agriculture.

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BNT educates future environmentalists with various presentations

The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) is on a mission to educate the youth on conservation and the environment, throughout The Bahamas and internationally with the help of BNT's Director of Parks, David Knowles. Knowles has been working with the BNT for more than six years and is proud to be apart of an organization that strives daily to conserve and protect the natural resources of The Bahamas, through stewardship and education for present and future generations.

Just recently, he gave a presentation to students who are currently enrolled in summer courses at the Friends of the Environment Abaco Research Center (ARC). Friends of the Environment have been in operation for almost thirty years, but the ARC has just recently been established in Marsh Harbour, Abaco.

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Bimini Big Game Club to host best video competition to win a shark cage wedding

Saying "I do" within feet of huge, hungry bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) might not be everyone's idea of a dream wedding, but for those adventurous couples looking to tie the knot on an exotic island destination, the Bimini Big Game Club Resort and Marina has announced a Facebook competition that is mighty tempting.

The historic resort, less than 50 miles east of Miami/Fort Lauderdale, today put out a call for video submissions from couples looking to take on the challenge of a wedding ceremony in a shark cage complete with a local dive captain conducting the ceremony. All couples need to do is to submit a video to the resort's Facebook page.

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First tourist wedding makes history on Ragged Island

Happy couple Martin and Paula travel all the way from the United Kingdom to say "I do" on the beautiful shores of Hog Cay, Ragged Island this week.

The history-making ceremony was performed by Senior Deputy Administrator Theophilus Cox and arranged by Ministry of Tourism representative Charlene Lockhart-Bain and is reported to be the first tourist wedding on Ragged Island.

Post-wedding, the reception was held at Maxine's Beach Party Shack, Hog Cay and was attended by most residents of Duncan Town.

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Baha Mar introduces 'The Current' focusing on Bahamian art

With the vision to exclusively use Bahamian visual art across Baha Mar's $3.5 billion campus, the curatorial art team at Baha Mar has created a brand of its own, The Current, which will define and present dynamic art programming at the luxury resort. Electrifying the intersection between the Baha Mar brand and the Bahamian art community, The Current gives agency to the presence of Bahamian art within the development and creates a hub for the compelling experience of Bahamian visual culture for both guests and Bahamians alike.

The Current-a name chosen by the team itself-is the perfect symbol for the driving force behind the creative experience, says Creative Arts Director John Cox. "Everything that The Current stands for symbolized through metaphor could really be seen as a great enhancer to the property," says Cox.

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Pam Burnside presents at IDB Caribbean Creative Conference in Washington, D.C.

Pam Burnside, owner of Doongalik Studios Art Gallery was recently invited to make a presentation on the growth of the Bahamian Visual Arts at the Creatives of the Caribbean Arts Festival based on the topic: "Fostering Economic and Commercial Viability of the Caribbean Creative Economy". The Festival was a collaboration of the IDB, Smithsonian Institution, and Caribbean In-Transit Arts Journal and it entailed:

(i) an art exhibition from June 6th to August 29th;
(ii) a concert on June 19th headlined by Ms. Alison Hinds and featuring performances by the Ambassador for St. Kitts and Nevis, as well as the Positive Vibrations Youth Steel Orchestra; and
(iii) a panel seminar "Voices of Caribbean Creatives" to draw attention to the economic impact of the creative industries in the Caribbean, and to promote comprehensive development of this sector.

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Sandals staff rake n' scrape on Independence Day

It was rake n' scrape music for the staff of Sandals Royal Bahamian on Independence day, when top Bahamian recording artist, Puzzle, put on a private show in the resort's cafeteria. Belting out his greatest hits, Puzzle put on a uniquely engaging show, performing for staff members sitting only inches away from his gyrating waistline.

"I think it was good and interesting," said Kihan Moncur, Photoshop Manager at Sandals Royal Bahamian. "The performance was great. I liked that people enjoyed it. Staff were taking pictures and taping it for the people who didn't make it." Puzzle sat with the staff, chatted and ate the resort's independence feast before performing several of his recent hits, like "My Birthday (come again)".

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Jayne Doh to 'rock' Miss Bahamas pageants with 'Cover Girl' crowning song

The Miss Bahamas World and Miss Bahamas Universe pageants are about to get 'rocked' by Bahamian singer, Jayne Doh, who will perform her new single Cover Girl, live, at the history making double header pageants on Aug. 3. Jayne, lead singer of the Bahamas' #1 rock band, Avante Guarden, noted that she is excited to be performing the official crowning song at both pageants. Cover Girl, a female empowerment anthem, which was produced by Cyeon Fox, ties in perfectly with the the 2014 Miss Bahamas World and Miss Bahamas Universe theme of "Beauty Personified."

The 2014 Miss Bahamas Universe and Miss Bahamas World contestants will be officially unveiled at the John Watling's Distillery on July 20 at 6pm. Tickets are $35 and will include two drinks. The Miss Bahamas pageant finales will take place on Aug 3 at the Atlantis Resort. Miss Bahamas World will take place at 3pm, and Miss Bahamas Universe will take place at 7pm.

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At the Movies - Transformers: Age of Extinction

One of the taglines for this movie: This Is Not War, It's Extinction. Years after the an epic battle left a city in ruins humanity has picked up the pieces and a shadowy group has taken it upon themselves to rid the Earth of all alien robotic life. An ancient menace now has Earth in its cross-hairs as it manipulates the human contingent to further its ultimate goal of reclaiming a lost object of power. The leader of the remaining extraterrestrial robot combatants must decide if humanity is worth saving after such a betrayal.

Optimus Prime is the leader of the Autobots and must contend with the fact that after saving Earth from the Decpeticon invasion the collateral damage has left him vulnerable to the factions of the government who see all alien life as a threat to the safety of the planet. Cade Yaeger is a robotics expert who is pulled into the ongoing conflict when he recovers a depowered Optimus and revives him with a hope of understanding how to make robots that work and so be able to pay for his daughters college education among other things.

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Caribbean Little League Regional Tournament swings over to Grand Bahama

Little Leaguers from throughout the region are warming up for one of the most exciting events to hit the Caribbean baseball circuit, the 2014 Caribbean Little League Regional Baseball Tournament. After a thirteen year hiatus, the tournament returns Grand Bahama with ten days of Grand Slam action.

With 200 plus Little Leaguers representing eight Caribbean countries including: Aruba, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands; joined by two Bahamian teams, representing New Providence and Grand Bahama, the teams will be competing for an opportunity to qualify for the Little League World Series.

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U.S. Embassy partners with Freedom Farm Baseball League to promote literacy

On July 15, U.S. Embassy Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Ms. Neda Brown met with officials of the Freedom Farm Baseball League to discuss the Embassy's support of the league's efforts to raise awareness about literacy and education among young Bahamian baseball players. During the meeting, Ms. Brown formally presented 200 scholastic books to Mr. Castino Sands, League Commissioner and Mr. Kenny Mondesir, Assistant Director of Sponsorship to assist with the league's educational development program.

The Freedom Farm league will distribute the donated books to outstanding baseball players in recognition of their performance throughout the season. Some of the books will also be distributed during Freedom Farm's "Literacy Day" event scheduled for the upcoming baseball season where children from the wider community will be invited to participate.

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'Put Some Sting in Ya Ting!' lion fish tournament and cook off July 19

Bahamian anglers will join forces Saturday July 19 in efforts to eliminate the indigenous lion fish to Caribbean waters and together as a community we can contain the havoc they are causing to our local waters and eco system.

With over $5,000 dollars in prizes will be awarded and FREE entertainment for the kids it's going to be a great day by the bay, not to be missed. Out West Hospitality Group has gained the support of local businesses and associations Tourism Bahamas, BREEF, Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association, Lightbourne Marina and Bahamas National Trust.

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Bahamas Waste supports Nassau Rowing Club's Learn to Row Camp 2014

Bahamas Waste pulled their weight this summer, supporting the fledgling Nassau Rowing Club (NRC) during its second annual Learn to Row Summer Camp. Under the supervision of Coach Anthony "AC" Chacon, who was invited to Nassau to conduct the camp, junior rowers from four schools learned and honed basic rowing technique. Due to a last-minute complication, there were no restroom facilities available for the camp. However, Bahamas Waste was able to secure and deliver the unit within less than a day of notification.

The camp attracted seven new junior rowers to the NRC, and it is hoped they will continue training with the Club throughout the year. Since starting with two juniors in 2012, the junior squad expanded to seven in 2013 through last summer's Learn to Row Camp.

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Bahamas weekly fishing report from Harbourside Marine

Fishing report as of July 11, 2014

Nassau: Various charter captains report catching a few mahi and tuna. They say that the fishing has been better in the late afternoon.

North Eleuthera: There yellowfin tuna fishing has been good off of north Eleuthera this week with most of the big fish (up 90lbs) being caught at The Pinnacle and The Dutch Bar.

Abaco: The billfish bite has slowed down but there have been a lot of blackfin tuna offshore with a few yellowfin mixed in. There have also been a few mahi. Many anglers have chosen to go bottom fishing.

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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.

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.

July 19: Put Some Sting in Ya Ting! Lionfish Tournament - And cook-off at Island Smokehouse in Elizabeth On Bay Plaza. Contact jennypinder@me.com for more info.

July 26: Freedom Fest - at Arawak Cay. Click HERE to visit the FB page.

July 30: Miss Teen USA Welcome Reception - Cafe at the Great Hall of Waters, Royal Towers of Atlantis. Call 363-6601 for tickets and info.

July 30-November 30: Eddie Minnis & Family Retrospective Exhibition: At the NAGB - a retrospective exhibition featuring the work of Eddie Minnis, daughters Nicole and Roshanne and son-in-law Ritchie Eyma. Over 100 paintings: EddieMinnisandFamilyArt.

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

August 1: Miss Teen USA Presentation Show - Grand Ballroom, Atlantis. Doors open at 7pm. Call 363-6601 for tickets and info.

August 2: Miss Teen USA Final Show - Grand Ballroom, Atlantis. Doors open at 7pm. Call 363-6601 for tickets and info.

August 2-25: Summer of Thunder - Basketball tournament at the Sir Kendal Isaacs gymnasium. Click HERE to view the poster.

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.

September 28: 242 Colour Run Nassau - Back for a second great year! Visit run242.com for details and registration.

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

Thursdays in July: Goombay Summer Festival - 6pm to midnight at Taino Beach. Bahamian music, culture and fun! Click HERE to read more.

thru July 27: Caribbean Little League Baseball Championship - at the EMERA Caribbean Baseball Stadium. 1st Game begins 11:00 a.m. daily.

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 22: Grand Bahama Youth Choir - 5 years already! Concert at the Grand Lucayan Ballroom 6:30pm. Tickets at the Sir Charles Hayward Library. $20/adults, $10/kids.

July 24: Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce Mix N' Mingle - 5:30 p.m. at Agave in Port Lucaya.

July 26: BASRA's Amazing Race - A new fun and exciting event! Follow the clues and your team could win. Click HERE for more info.

July 26: Body Builders Show - At the Regency Theater. All the Bahamas' best bodies.

July 26: HSGB Pub Quiz - At Red Beard's from 7pm. Click HERE to view the poster.

July 28: Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce Monthly Business Luncheon Meeting - 12:30 p.m. Delphines Room, Pelican Bay Hotel. Call 352-8329 for info.

August 1-4: Freeport High/BMES 49th Anniversary events - Contact fahs.bmeswarrior@gmail.com for the schedule.

August 5-15: Camp Center Stage - Application forms coming soon. $100 total. Lunch included. At the Regency Theater.

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.

August 27: GB Chamber of Commerce Monthly Luncheon - Speaker to be announced. Call 352-8329 for information.

August 30: Us TOO Grand Bahama Chapter Walkathon - Contact Andrew Moxey at 727-0471 for more info.

September 27: Da Market - Returns to the Rand Nature Center with all kinds of homegrown goodies.

September 28: Us TOO Grand Bahama Chapter Luncheon & Golf Tournament - Contact Andrew Moxey at 727-0471 for more info on both or either.

October 4: Rotary Club of Freeport Wine & Cheese - Second annual evening of fine wines and gourmet cheeses to raise funds for Rotary's many charitable projects. Save the date! More info soon.

October 4: The 13th Annual Grand Bahama Medical & Dental Association Scientific Medical Conference.

October 18: Cancer Society Hope Ball - at The Grand Ballroom, Grand Lucayan, cocktail at 7pm and dinner at 8pm.

October 25: GBCC Annual Business Excellence Awards - Save the date and start thinking about a nominee ...

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.

November 2: 242 Colour Run Freeport - Back for a second great year! Visit run242.com for details and registration.

November 9: Mary Star of the Sea Annual Bazaar - 12:00 noon - midnight at the school on Sunrise Hwy.

December 5-6: Festival Noel - At the Rand Nature Center.

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

July 18-19: 'Sea n B' - Live concert at Nippers on Guana Cay, ABACO. Click HERE to the web page.

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.

October 25: ABACO Kayak Challenge - More info coming.

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 Abaco - Back for a second great year! Visit run242.com for details and registration.

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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Cruising yachtsmen encounter hundreds of illegal Dominican poachers at Cay Sal Bank

Poaching has long been a problem in The Bahamas, and recent incidents seem to suggest it isn't slowing down. During a boating trip last week, Joseph Ierna Jr. and his wife Nicola of Ocean CREST Alliance, a Bahamian based non-profit Ocean Conservation group and two other US couples encountered illegal Dominican Republic poachers while cruising the Cay Sal Banks, closest to Bimini.

The poachers which numbered in the hundreds were not only working off of two very large vessels of 150' to 200' in length, but were also camping on the west side of Cay Sal island. The large amount of poachers, including the ones camping on the island gave the group a very uneasy and unsafe feeling; which prompted them to depart The Bahamas ahead of their planned itinerary. As they were departing, four separate Dominican fishermen in two dinghies even approached the yacht to sell the cruisers some illegal lobster and fish, which they held up and displayed.

"We have heard of armed confrontations at sea between poachers and Bahamian commercial fisherman, so we were very concerned to keep our distance and to not hang around too long," said Joseph Ierna. "As experienced cruisers of The Bahamas for over 30 years and passionate conservationists, this was a very disheartening and fearful experience, to know that there were hundreds of illegal fisherman in the area with no one around if there was a situation that may have occurred."

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