Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL IV. No. 10, July 24, 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

Feedback: Letters to the Editor

Column: Humane Society of GB update

Royal Bahamas Defence Force Officer named Best International Cadet

A Royal Bahamas Defence officer was awarded Best International Cadet at his graduation at Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth UK. Twenty- two year old Sanchez Davis was chosen among his peers as the top international cadet. This title automatically puts Davis in the running with other international colleagues from each entry this year to win an opportunity to return to the UK in 2015 and receive the overall Best International Cadet at the Lord High Admirals Ceremony.

A second RBDF officer twenty-five year old Preston J Moss, who graduated as well, received honourable mention during his training at Britannia Royal Naval College. Both Bahamian officers, Davis and Moss completed training and had their passing out parade on July 10th.

Click here to read more

Save The Bays, reEarth score major victory in fight to protect dolphins

Environmentalists scored one of their most powerful victories in Bahamian legal history last week when a Supreme Court judge ordered a tourist attraction to undo work on Crown Land done without proper procedure or permits and to be prepared to return eight penned dolphins now contained in an area that has been described as "inhumane."

The 21-page ruling by Justice Stephen G. Isaacs in a case brought by reEarth and represented by the legal team of Save The Bays, the fast-growing people's environmental movement, ran the gamut from restraining the Town Planning Committee from issuing site plan approvals without public consultation to quashing Prime Minister Perry Christie's decision "to allow Blue illusions to carry out the construction of the facility on Crown Land without site plan approval and to operate a captive marine mammal facility without a premises license as required under the Marine Mammal Act."

Click here to read more

Bahamas Permanent UN Mission in Geneva celebrates Independence

The Bahamas Permanent Mission to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva celebrated the 41st Anniversary of Independence with the small Bahamian community in Geneva and members of the diplomatic corps. The reception, hosted at the Kempinski Hotel on Lake Geneva, was held on Wednesday 9 July 2014.

The reception which was described as a "festive" event was widely attended by members of the diplomatic community in Geneva and representatives of the various international organizations. Guests were treated to Bahamian culinary delights such as conch fritters, Benny and peanut cakes.

Click here to read more

Consul General Treco meets with officials in Mississippi

The Hon. H. Ricardo Treco, Bahamas Consul General to Miami, recently met with Mississippi Lieutenant Governor J. Tate Reeves and officials of the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) and the Leadership Greater Jackson Alumni (LGJA). Consul General Treco was officially welcomed by Ms. Kayla Paul Lindsey, President of the LGJA, and Mr. Gabriel Prado, MDA's Latin America and Caribbean Trade Specialist.

Under the theme "Bringing The Bahamas to Jackson, Mississippi," Consul General Treco highlighted the fact that The Bahamas is a nation that is known for its natural beauty and a vibrant tourism industry with rapidly increasing vacation home markets. He noted that The Bahamas has a mature, sophisticated financial services sector and is one of the most attractive international business and financial centres of the world.

Click here to read more

Baha Mar Gaming Academy welcomes first class

The opportunity of a lifetime began for more than 90 participants at the Baha Mar Gaming Academy yesterday. The free casino dealer training program welcomed its first class, providing Bahamians who have a passion for service with the skills to continue a career in gaming or to transition to a career in gaming.

The Baha Mar Gaming Academy received more than 700 applications, 300 of which were accepted into the challenging program. Although the applicants hailed from various professional backgrounds, all of the participants are eager to be a part of what will be the most exciting casino in the Caribbean, rivaling the best gaming destinations in the world including Las Vegas and Macau.

Click here to read more

RBC supports science discovery with sponsorship of innovative summer camp

This summer, RBC Royal Bank sponsored the Innovative Science Summer Camp. The bank's sponsorship included financial assistance in the form of a scholarship as well as a contribution towards the camps general expenses. Valecia R. Richardson, a 5th grade student at Uriah McPhee Primary School, was the recipient of the RBC Innovative Science Summer Camp Scholarship. Valecia was selected as the recipient by her school as a result of her stellar school record including regular school attendance, academics and positive school spirit.

Participants at the camp conducted experiments to test their hypothesis to a scientific question that they have always wanted to know the answer to. They learned how to recycle and what items are able to be recycled in The Bahamas. As their imaginations run wild campers also grew crystals and made designer candles, ice cream and goo.

Click here to read more

Sandals Foundation visits Urban Renewal for Mandela Day

The children of Urban Renewal's summer programme learned more about Nelson Mandela yesterday than they ever had. Some heard his name for the first time. Sandals Foundation volunteers from Sandals Royal Bahamian sat with the kids for 67 minutes and more at Urban Renewal's office on Baillou Hill Road, helping them to understand Nelson Mandela's impact on South Africa's society and, by extension, free societies throughout the world. The children were also shown a short documentary of Mandela's life.

Every year on Mandela's birthday, individuals and organisations across the world are asked to spend 67 minutes of their time helping people to recognize their own ability to have a positive effect on society.

Click here to read more

Brittany Johnson and Alexandrea Richardson win BTC Star Employee competition

BTC announced the winners of the second season of its Star Employee competition, earlier this month, at an awards ceremony at the Graycliff Restaurant. Brittany Johnson, of BTC's New Providence Franchise Department, and Alexandrea Richardson, of Grand Bahama's Call Center team, won the title of BTC Star Employees and both took home a prize pack worth over $2,500. Maurissa Davis, of New Providence's Query Management team, was the runner up and became a special correspondent for BTC's internal video series, BTC U.

The Star Employee series was created in early 2013 as an internal version of the BTC Starmaker television series. Similar to its external counterpart, Star Employee contestants took part in a series of challenges and encouraged their fellow coworkers to vote for them.

Click here to read more

Save The Bays declares victory as court ruling halts approval process for controversial Nygard Cay development

Save The Bays (STB) is encouraged after the Supreme Court issued an injunction halting the approvals process for further work at the controversial Nygard Cay development, where it is claimed decades of unauthorized, invasive construction negatively impacted the surrounding marine environment.

The fast-growing social and environmental advocacy movement was granted an injunction restraining the prime minister and his Cabinet from making decisions on any applications by owner Peter Nygard until mid-August. In addition, both STB and a group of 103 Lyford Cay residents and property owners were given permission to apply for separate judicial reviews to examine whether Nygard built his imposing Mayan temple-themed resort in the absence of proper permits and the validity of the Government's so-called consultation process.

Click here to read more

Palm Cay introduces 'super-attractive pricing' on $5.7 million in ocean view condos

Palm Cay, the nautical community rising along New Providence's southeastern shore, is putting the finishing touches on its latest offering - 2,100 to 2,300 square foot, 3-bedroom townhomes with an ocean view starting at $559,000.

"We're really excited about this second phase of Starfish Isle not only because of the quality, design and lay-out of the homes, but because we were able to bring them in at well under $600,000," said Zack Bonczek, Director of Sales and Marketing for the popular development. "I don't think there is anything comparable in Nassau, two and three storey townhomes steps from the beach with a view of the sea in a secure community for such super attractive pricing."

Click here to read more

Immerse Bahamas successful in forming sister city relationship between Concord North Carolina and Freeport

On Monday June 2nd, Ginger Moxey President and CEO of Immerse Bahamas Co. Ltd. set out on a journey with one goal in mind - to promote the culture and the people of The Bahamas to the world. Moxey went to Washington D.C. to visit the World Headquarters of Sister Cities International to cement the partnership between Immerse Bahamas and Sister Cities International; to discuss sister city agreements that were under development; and to revitalize existing relationships with The Bahamas.

As a result of the visit, John Dunlap, President of Concord Sister Cities Association in Concord, North Carolina and Past President Mary Loftus visited Grand Bahama Island on June 23rd to tour the City of Freeport and to discuss the benefits of such a relationship for both cities.

Click here to read more

Kelly's Freeport investing in their staff

Kelly's Freeport Ltd. is proud to congratulate all of their supervisors for successfully completing an intense leadership training program conducted by Billie Bowe, President & CEO of Benchmark Consulting Services Ltd. The training, entitled "Leadership Essentials - A Look into Your Future as New and Emerging Leaders" focused on preparing those charged with leadership responsibilities, with the necessary skills to be more effective and empowered in their roles.

"At Kelly's we consider our associates to be one of our greatest assets," said Lynn Lowe Managing Director, Kelly's Freeport Ltd. "We believe that happy, committed and well trained associates equate to happy customers. Those engaged, well-trained and highly valued employees in turn deliver the kind of personalized service that builds customer loyalty and satisfaction."

Click here to read more

Position available: Graphic artist

WANTED: Graphic artist experienced in Photoshop and Adobe software with experience in MAC software - creative Social Media skills an asset!

Resume and samples of work to be emailed to contact@barefootmarketing.net for review.

YMCA builds tennis centre in Freeport

The YMCA has broken ground for a new four-court tennis centre that will offer both youth and adult players the chance to enjoy this popular sport in a safe and professional environment.

"Our new centre will provide the best possible tennis experience," said YMCA Executive Director Karen Johnson. "We will offer a full tennis programme for all ages and ability levels at reasonable cost, and thereby create a large pool of players and a social tennis environment that is missing for most on Grand Bahama."

Click here to read more

Teachers dive into marine conservation at the BREEF workshop

Teachers from Grand Bahama to Inagua and many islands in between gathered together on San Salvador last week for the annual BREEF Marine Conservation Teacher Training Workshop. For many of the twenty-eight teachers, this was their first glimpse of the world underwater, and it was a life-changing experience. Kimberley Rolle from Nicoll's Town Primary School in Andros described her first ever snorkeling experience as "priceless" and committed to creating more hands-on experiences for her students where the she can make the school curriculum come to life.

Raymond Knight from Aquinas College stated: "Without doubt, the benefits of coral, wetland, sandy and rocky shore ecosystems to the future of The Bahamas came to life during this BREEF workshop.

Click here to read more

Melia supports local farmers by offering field to table fare

When a guest orders dinner at the Melia Nassau Beach on Cable Beach, chances are there's a little something special on the plate that is doing more than satisfying an appetite - it's creating local jobs and helping to reinvigorate what has been a sagging agricultural industry.

A link between the hotel and local farmers is getting rave reviews from foodies and those whose livelihoods are blooming. Chiccharney Farms in North Andros began working with the hotel that will be part of the Bahamar resort more than one year ago. They met with chefs, went through product sampling and selection.

Click here to read more

Safety training a priority for gas business

With 90% of people in the propane business not having adequate formal training, according to leading natural and propane gas trainer, Stephen C. Nook, The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) has joined forces with the Ministry of Public Works to conduct intense training.

Ten persons are participating in a five-day course on the island of Abaco, representing Man-O-War Gas, Guana Lumber and Supplies, and Abaco Gas Company. The training of Abaconians in the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) business comes at a time when LPG plants are "popping up" throughout several islands, according to BTVI's Dean of Construction Trades, Alexander Darville.

Click here to read more

SuperFast cruise ship promotes Bimini businesses

A promise made by Resorts World Bimini (RWB) to promote businesses on the twin islands onboard the Bimini SuperFast cruise ship has been fulfilled, and the featured establishments are already feeling the effects.

The series of five videos which airs onboard the ship as it sails from Miami to Bimini, informs passengers of what they can expect upon arrival to the island in the areas of dining, historical sites and attractions, water sports and ecotourism, sports fishing, and accommodations.

Click here to read more

Miss Bahamas contestants revealed at official launch [photos]

The thirteen beauties, who will be competing for the titles of Miss World Bahamas & Miss Universe Bahamas, were officially revealed at the Miss Bahamas Launch event on July 20 at the John Watling's Distillery. A total of six young women will be vying for the title of Miss Universe Bahamas, and seven contestants will be competing for the Miss World Bahamas crown during the Aug 3 Miss Bahamas pageant double header event.

MBO Director of Media Relations, Jerome Sawyer, co-hosted the event with Miss World Bahamas 2012, De'Andra Bannister, and Miss Universe Bahamas 2013, Lexi Wilson.

Click here to view photos

BTC introduces 'Everyday Bahamas' photo and video contests

BTC is introducing two contests that will highlight Everyday Bahamian culture, and will offer big prizes. The BTC Directory Photo Contest is looking for vibrant photo entries that showcase Bahamian culture, to be featured on the cover of the BTC 2015 Directories. Five winners will be chosen to win Samsung S5 Smartphones, worth over $800.

The Everyday Bahamas Video Contest will offer budding film makers and social media users the chance to win a $2000 cash prize by creating 30 second videos showcasing all aspects of Bahamian culture. The contest is open to amateur and professional videographers, and other prizes include a Samsung S5 smartphone, and BTC phone credit.

Click here to read more

More than 100 entries in National Festival Song Competition

The Bahamas National Festival Commission (BNFC) announced at its Judges Orientation, on July 17, 2014, that more than 100 entrants in their song competition, with more than 80 persons having already submitted their demos.

"The music is the driving force of any Carnival," said Ed Fields of the Song Competition Committee. "We were trying to promote Bahamian music, to get more Bahamian music on the world stage and to encourage Bahamians to write more Bahamian music. "I am sure that no one has ever heard of a scenario where, over an eight-week period, over a hundred songs had been written in The Bahamas. I really do not know if that has ever existed before."

Click here to read more

Letter to the Editor by K.B. - Answer My Questions Please!

Mr. Minister of Youth, Sports and other Countries' Culture,

I have asked you several questions already and so far you have failed to answer any of them, yet you say you are being attacked because you are being asked to answer some questions from a citizen of this country. No sir, it is the people of The Bahamas who are being attacked and ripped off out of nine million dollars earmarked to be invested in another countries' culture. At least you could have respected us enough to have put Junkanoo in the title of this Festival, and not hide it in the background. Are you ashamed of the nation's number one cultural expression? Answer my questions please.

Apparently you think that I am in The House Of Assembly where you can ignore my questions and hide behind the gown tail of the Speaker of the House. No sir.

Click here to read more

At the Movies - Deliver Us From Evil

The tagline for this movie: You Haven't Seen True Evil. A police officer in the midst of a personal turmoil begins to investigate a series of inexplicably unnerving crimes. He joins forces with priest trained in the rituals of exorcism to combat a rash of demonic possessions terrorizing the general area. As they get closer to the source of the preternatural disturbance it becomes a race to save those they care most about.

Ralph Sarchie is an officer with the NYPD who has been struggling with his faith since dealing with a case involving the death of a child and must now find a way to regain the strength he once had in his belief when his current case involves a paranormal possession which may spread throughout the city.

Click here to read more

Bahamian Brewery's Sands 'Man In The Boat' sculling races bring the magic back to the Magic City

Grand Bahama, also known as the Magic City came alive this past weekend as hundreds of Bahamians flocked to Taino Beach for the 19th Annual GB Regatta and the crowd pleasing Sands 'Man In the Boat' sculling races. In an effort to heighten the awareness of the Regatta and as an official sponsor, the Bahamian Brewery and Beverage Company kicked off the festivities with a motorcade throughout the streets of Grand Bahama on Thursday July 17th handing out free products to excited persons lining the streets along the route.

The 'Sands Man in the Boat' sculling races were held on Saturday evening and after several heats, Clay Moxey came out victorious followed by Equilla Lafleur in second place and third place went to well known Steven Rolle, who has previously won sculling races at the National Family Island Regatta in Exuma and then at the recent 47th Annual Long Island Regatta.

Click here to read more

Sweet Bells/Freddie Higgs golf tournament underway on Grand Bahama

The smooth green surface of the Reef Golf Course is playing host to a major golf tournament. The first Mychal "Sweet Bells" Thompson/Fred Higgs Golf Challenge got underway on Tuesday morning, attracting a large number of competitors including former outstanding Bahamian basketball players and company executives.

Former National Basketball Association star, Mychal "Sweet Bells" Thompson was in Grand Bahama for the opening. The 59 year old retired superstar played both the power forward and centre positions for the Portland Trail Blazers and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Click here to read more

Letter: In praise of environmental protection

As a Bahamian individual, I am eternally grateful for the work being done by The SAVE THE BAYS organization.

This can be the beginning of a NEW DAY for OUR COUNTRY. Our environment is our most precious commodity and should be protected well into the future. There are many outside forces that blindside us every day.The most obvious is the outside human interference, so we as a people should make provisions in our constitution to prevent this from happening. Our laws should be on our side and we should not allow politicians and others to bend then for their personal benefit. Our backs are against a wall. It is time to fight back and the only way we knowhow to do this is verbally and collectively.

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.

July 25-26: Junkanoo Summer Festival - Rawson Square 7pm-midnight nightly.

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.

August 8-9: Heather McDonald - Atlantis Theatre, doors open 8pm. Adults 18+. Call 363-6601 for tickets and information.

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.
__________________________________________________

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 26: Deep Drop Bottom Fishing Tournament - Proceeds to aid the Cancer Association. Hawksbill Yacht Club, 7am check-in, 8am departure. Call 442-5929 or 375-4418 for information.

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 4: High Rock Sea Fest - Local bands, Junkanoo Rush-out, culinary delights will include all the fish, conch and lobster you can eat! Venue is the High Rock Primary School Grounds. Contact: Ms. Elaine Smith esmith@bahamas.com / (242) 350-8600.

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.
_________________________________________________________________

FAMILY ISLANDS & ABACO EVENTS

July 25-26: Junkanoo Summer Festival - EXUMA. 7pm-midnight at the Fish Fry, George Town.

July 26: Junkanoo Summer Festival - ANDROS. 5:30pm-until ...
Location: Queen's Park, Fresh Creek.

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.

August 1-4: CAT ISLAND Regatta - Regatta site in New Bight. Contact: Mr. Bradly Dorsett (242) 342-3117.

August 1-4: Black Point Regatta - Native sloops take to the beautiful waters of The Exumas in a weekend of racing and exciting onshore activities. Venue is the Black Point settlement. Contact: Exuma Tourist Office / (242) 336-2430.

August 1-4: Rolleville Homecoming Festival & Regatta - EXUMA. One of the oldest regattas in The Bahamas, this festival is an exciting weekend of activities. Venue is the Rolleville settlement. Contact: Mr. Dwight Hart (242) 524-6284.

August 4: Cargill Creek Homecoming Festival - ANDROS. Bay front in Cargill Creek, North Andros. Contact: Mr. Lynden Farrington (242) 368-2339.

October 10: Back to CAT ISLAND Festival - A weekend of activities, including a church service, gospel concerts, live performances, food and drinks at New Bight.

October 10-14: Discovery Day Homecoming Festival & Regatta - SAN SALVADOR. The event features cultural performances, gospel concerts, live entertainment by local and visiting artists, and culminates in a regatta with Bahamian sailing sloops. Contact: Mr. Marlon Jones (242) 331-2150.

October 13: ANDROS Conch Festival - Mars Bay, South Andros. Contact: Mrs. Brown (242) 357-2150.

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.

__________________________________________________________________

What every dog owner should know about Canine Distemper in the Bahamas

Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) is a serious and deadly illness with no cure. The vast majority of infected dogs will succumb to it or be humanely euthanized to prevent further suffering. Very few dogs survive even with the best of veterinary care, which can only treat the symptoms.

Currently the island of New Providence is experiencing a serious CDV outbreak. At last report, over 400 dogs and puppies have already lost their lives to this virus, and those are just the ones known to the Bahamas Humane Society (BHS) since early June. The numbers seen by private veterinarians or by the government run Canine Control Unit have not been reported (why not?), and of course, sadly, there are likely to be many dogs affected that have and will suffer and die on the streets.

CDV affects only dogs and other canids (e.g. raccoons, ferrets and other wildlife like wolves and foxes not present here in the Bahamas). It is not transmissible to humans or cats or any other animals, but it is highly contagious from dog to dog as it is an airborne virus. People who have been around an infected dog can also spread it via their clothing or shoes from one place to another.

Click here to read more