Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL IV. No. 11, July 31, 2014

This week in Bahama Islands Info

National News

Nassau News

Grand Bahama News

Column: Humane Society of Grand Bahama update

Column: Going Green

Family Islands & Abaco News

Arts & Entertainment News

Sports News

Column: Bahamas Weekly Fishing Report

Save The Bays hosts leading environmentalists' on Bahamas tour

Six leading international environmentalists are in The Bahamas to witness firsthand the state of marine life in a country known for the beauty of its turquoise seas. United by their desire to preserve and protect the Bahamian environment, the group includes, among others, the recipient of a U.S. presidential award for environmental conservation and prominent scientists committed to the survival of sea turtles.

Hosting the group is Save The Bays, a growing environmental movement comprised of Bahamian and international members dedicated to protecting the Bahamian environment through proactive policy change, education, legal action and advocacy. Save The Bays aims to unite stakeholders and combat the environmental threats currently jeopardizing the nation's unique marine environment.

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New stamps highlight 75th anniversary of first undersea Post Office

The Bahamas Postal Services announces the release a new series of commemorative stamps on August 16, 2014 which will pay tribute to the 75th anniversary of the world's first undersea Post Office. The new stamps will depict the pioneering work of John Ernest ("J.E.") Williamson (1881-1966), whose underwater photography drew mass attention to the beautiful and precious natural resources of The Bahamas. Designed by Derek Miller and printed by Lowe-Martin, the stamps feature a 15 cent stamp, a 50 cent stamp, a 65 cent stamp and a 70 cent stamp.

Williamson's father, Charles Williamson of Norfolk, Virginia, was a sea captain who had invented a tube, which when suspended from a specially outfitted ship, facilitated communication and airflow down to depths of 250 feet. In 1912 Williamson realised that his father's invention could be adapted for undersea photography.

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AKA Annual Day at the Capitol 2014: Women and our role in national development and progressive legislation

Members of the Eta Psi Omega Chapter (New Providence) and Pi Upsilon Omega Chapter (Grand Bahama) of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated gathered in the halls of parliament to participate in the annual AKA Day at the Capitol initiative under the theme "Women and Our Role in National Development & Progressive Legislation."

AKA Day at the Capitol is an important opportunity for members of the sorority to actively engage in and enhance their knowledge of public policy issues that are pertinent to the Bahamian community as a whole. This year the members of both chapters united to visit parliament to dialogue with current female parliamentarians, Sen. Hon. Allyson Maynard Gibson, Attorney General of The Bahamas; Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin, Minister of Transport and Aviation; Hon. CV Hope Strachan, Minister of State for Transport and Aviation; Sen. Hon. Cheryl Bazard; and Sen. Hon. Tanisha Tynes (1st Vice President of the Pi Upsilon Omega Chapter).

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Aviation lawyer: Bahamas has chance to 'get out in front' in drone legislation

Two recent close calls between unmanned aerial vehicles and passenger aircraft on the same day - one incident on the approach into New York's busy LaGuardia airport, the other in California - drew international attention to the increasingly pressing issue about what to do with growing numbers of remotely-controlled drones in crowded airspace. Now, a Bahamian aviation lawyer and consultant says The Bahamas has a chance to get out in front with drone legislation.

Callenders partner Llewellyn Boyer-Cartwright said the prolific growth in the use of UAVs is leading to an increased need for legislation that would establish rules and regulations governing them in Bahamian air space. "Currently, there are no proscribed or published guidelines to assist commercial or recreational UAV operators," said Boyer-Cartwright, who is concerned that it is only a matter of time before a close call becomes a call that was a little too close.

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Sandals Foundation donates $20,000 to the Ranfurly Home for Children

The kitchen is the "heart of the home" for the kids of the The Ranfurly Home for Children, and soon they will have a refurbished one thanks to a $20,000 donation from the Sandals Foundation. Ranfurly Home President, Alexandra Maillis-Lynch, said the renovation of the home's kitchen is "long overdue" and that a new kitchen with up-to-date appliances will mean an easier, more sanitary culinary environment for the staff and children.

"Preparing food for more than 30 children every day is an arduous task and the new kitchen facilities will make this task more efficient. They will also allow the children to participate more in the cooking and preparation process," said Mrs. Maillis-Lynch.

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Small, two-woman company making waves with ready-to-move-in furniture packages for new construction

Mention construction and instant images of concrete blocks, cement and hard-scrapple men in hard hats come to mind. But in The Bahamas, a softer side of construction is emerging, thanks to a two-woman company that is transforming newly-built condos and townhomes into inviting, move-in-ready homes. It's the post-construction final touch, the luxurious-looking, highly affordable fully-furnished option that is easing buyer stress and boosting developer sales.

The company is UpStage Bahamas Ltd. Launched just over a year ago, UpStage has created and provided furniture packages for more than two dozen properties. They've furnished sophisticated offices in Nassau, five high-end condominiums, including one at Ocean Club Estates, 19 mid-prized and starter home condos and a large private residence at Balmoral.

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Melia Nassau Beach does it again - supports local fishermen

It started with sweet potatoes, onions and peppers, expanded to soursop and limes, and now the hotel that serves local produce to guests is redoubling its efforts to support Bahamian business by purchasing fish, conch and when crawfish season opens, fresh crawfish, from local fishermen.

Andrew Tilley, General Manager of Melia Nassau Beach, explains. "It makes all the sense in the world to buy as much as you can locally," said Tilley. "It pleases the guests who enjoy tasting true local fare. It is especially appealing because what you are serving is fresh and is being served the same day it was caught. And it supports local business which is very important to the Melia brand."

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Queen's College students sweep second annual FirstCare autism awareness essay contest

FirstCare Medical Plan in association with R.E.A.C.H. Bahamas and The Ministry of Education awarded three students with prizes valued at more than $1k at the award ceremony for the second annual Autism Awareness Essay Contest. More than 65 high school students from across The Islands of The Bahamas including islands as far south as Acklins and as far north as Grand Bahama submitted essays on the topic "Autism in The Bahamas: Inclusion, Advocacy and Dispelling Myths."

"It is encouraging to see so many Bahamian students take part in this essay contest," stated Marcellus Taylor, Deputy Director of Education responsible for Planning and Transformation. "We have already seen the great returns on the government's investments in special education. We have witnessed students on the autism spectrum who have been integrated into mainstream educational institutions and are now sitting national exams."

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Baha Mar's Leadership Development Institute celebrates 'true inclusion'

Baha Mar is providing true inclusion for all Bahamians, with more opportunities than ever before for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disorders (IDD) at the luxury resort. This past Monday, the Leadership Development Institute (LDI), a non-profit training organization supported by Baha Mar, began its third session. LDI creates opportunities for Bahamians from all backgrounds to be trained and to potentially join the Baha Mar team. In this recent session, LDI broke new ground by not only doubling of the class size but also by taking the unprecedented step to include people with IDD in the program.

Through a revolutionary program, Baha Mar has partnered with Best Buddies International, founded by Anthony Kennedy Shriver in 1989, to allow individuals with IDD to join Baha Mar's transformative Leadership Development Institute.

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BahamasLocal staffer first Bahamian to achieve highest internet marketing certification

With internet marketing threatening to overtake traditional print and mobile marketing ready to burst onto local telephone screens, a 27-year-old BahamasLocal staff member has become the first Bahamian to earn Internet Marketing Association certification.

Patrick Deveaux said the comprehensive course leading to certification helped prepare him for the marketing arm that is increasingly driving how business is done. Deaveaux, who has served as information officer and website manager for the local search engine BahamasLocal.com for three years, said internet marketing is no longer the wave of the future - it's already lapping at Bahamian shores.

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Svitzer opens training centre in Grand Bahama

The country's maritime industry got a boost in the right direction Thursday, July 17, with the decision by Svitzer to open its Regional Training Centre in Freeport, Grand Bahama. Since 1833, Svitzer has provided safety and support at sea. With a reported 4,000 plus employees, a fleet of more than 400 vessels and operating all over the world, the company is said to be a global market leader in towage and emergency response. The firm is head-quartered in Copenhagen, Denmark and it is part of the A.P.Moller-Maersk Group.

The Training Centre, located at Logwood Road, features one of the most complete navigation simulator in the region, with stations for assisted ship and two harbour tugs. The simulator has been developed by FORCE Technology of Denmark, and deployed by Svitzer in close cooperation with the Freeport Harbour Company and Mediterranean Shipping Company.

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Grand Bahama tourism team visits Memphis and Nashville

The Vacation Express/ Bahamasair summer flight program, fueled by the efforts of the Ministry of Tourism and the Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board, continues to soar to greater heights. The initial eight city non-stop service program has now picked up two additional cities with flights originating in Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee commencing August 11th and September 5th, respectively.

The introduction of this program increases the average length of stay for the destination with its rolling four (4 nights with departures on the 5th day) flight schedule. Visitor spend on tour excursions, dining experiences and shopping among others aids the Ministry of Tourism's goal of achieving the widest possible distribution of the benefits of tourism throughout the island. A team of representatives including Carmel Churchill, Director for Marketing Services, Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board, Jeannie Gibson, Communications Manager, BTO, Antoinette Neely, District Manager BTO, and Brooke Sherman, Communications Senior Executive BTO set off on a weeklong media and sales blitz throughout Memphis and Nashville.

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Freeport Jet Wash hosts new vehicle re-launch

Feeling the revitalization of the economy, Freeport Jet Wash hosted a vehicle re-launch to advertise their returning fleet from the Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and Ram brands. The event took place in the refurbished Chrysler showroom with a cocktail party reception for local business professionals in the community including bank and loan representatives, insurance agents, corporate representatives and business owners.

On hand for the launch was Interamericana Trading Corporation (ITC) representative, Jeremy Hart, who spoke in detail about the Chrysler brands, new innovative car features and the future for the lineup. "I am very pleased to be in attendance, I travel the Caribbean representing Chrysler and it's great to see such enthusiasm from Freeport Jet Wash again," said Hart.

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Deep Water Cay gives back to the Royal Bahamas Police Force

Showing their appreciation for the Royal Bahamas Police Force in the East, Deep Water Cay (DWC), donated a brand new flat screen television to the High Rock Police Department to go along with their newly purchased office computer. The presentation was made by Tyrone Johnson, DWC's Assistant Manager to Supervisor Loretta Mackey and Sergeant Larry Rolle of the High Rock Station.

Deep Water Cay is located just off shore of McLean's Town on a private island and is the home of the oldest bonefishing resort in Grand Bahama.

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Cassie the blind kitty on her way home and an update on Canine Distemper

Our good friend (and proud mom of two potcakes), Stephanie Winus, of Long Island, NY, was here for the last week on her annual visit. It just so happened that former HSGB Board President Chris Johnston was also on the island for a few days last week. It occurred to us late last week that we might just be able to get Cassie to her new home in Philadelphia without subjecting her to cargo travel.

Sure enough, after much organizing, Cassie left Grand Bahama forever Tuesday, New York bound with Stephanie. As carry on, Cassie enjoyed a comfortable ride in the cabin with a reassuring human next to her the whole way. Chris met Stephanie at LaGuardia Airport Tuesday night and transported Cassie back to his home in Manhattan, where she will enjoy two nights with the Johnstons and their cats.

She will finally meet her new mama Thursday morning, who is driving into the city to pick her up. Cassie will be in her forever home by Thursday evening and it all came about in the least stressful way possible for her!

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Going Green: Local students travel to Andros to experience BNT's Eco Camp

On July 19, 2014 four students returned to Grand Bahama after spending a week at the Forfar Field Station in Fresh Creek, Andros at The BNT's (Bahamas National Trust's) annual Eco Camp. This all expense paid trip was truly an experience the students will remember for a long time to come.

The camp is beyond awesome, the rewards are plentiful and the activities are unprecedented, but you must be willing to give up some things in order to be a part of this incredible experience. Stripped of their cell phones, computer games, television and outside amenities such as air conditioning, snacks, soda, and Facebook, the children are immersed in an environment that fosters socialization, self awareness, survival skills and an appreciation for nature.

Upon arrival the children are assigned sleeping quarters which are equipped with minimal bare necessities. Up to eight people can share one cabin with four bunk beds and one bathroom. Since the field station is eco-conscious, the plumbing is very crude and saving water is not suggested-it is mandatory. You can use your imagination to figure out what that might mean.

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Scullers come out in full force in Treasure Cay

The Sands Man in the Boat sculling races once again saw great success in Treasure Cay, Abaco over the weekend, as many women and men lined up to scull the boat. To start the event of right, the Bahamian Brewery and Beverage team held a boat parade throughout the communities of Abaco, starting at Jimmy's Wines and Spirits on Bay Street, Marsh Harbour and ending in Treasure Cay, with the races.

After eight thrilling heats, including an all lady race, Skeeter Rolle placed first, Fernley Cox placed second and M. Kelly placed third. The winners all received trophies and the traditional cases of Sands beer for their participation in the event. Abaco winner, Skeeter Rolle, will now join the other four winners and head to Nassau for the sculling championships, which will be taking place in November.

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EcoCampers return from Andros ready to take on the world

The 2014 EcoCampers from throughout The Bahamas recently returned home after participating in an exciting week-long camp for students aged 13 - 16, where they learned about the ecology and culture of Andros Island, and the importance of conserving our natural resources. During the camp, students spent time learning about wildlife in Andros, the importance of conservation, the Andros barrier reef, critically endangered species, blue holes and much more. Campers also visited various areas in Andros including Red Bays, Lowe Sound, Andros North Marine Park and Blue Hole National Park.

"The experience afforded to me this past week is one I will never forget," said Janae, an EcoCamper from Nassau. "I've gained a wealth of knowledge from this amazing programme. Attending EcoCamp introduced me to new things, new people and new ideas."

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Local writer featured in international travel publications

Travel writer Noelle Khalila is spreading her message about the joys of Family Island travel in regional and international publications. Last week, Washington, D.C. travel writer Jeff Barger published an extensive interview with Noelle on his travel website "In Our Times", sharing Noelle's perspectives on Bahamian culture and the everyday idiosyncrasies of island living. From the top three things to do in Nassau and the must try experiences when visiting the islands, to the proper way to eat fish island style, Noelle shares personal stories while delving beyond the beach.

"I've travelled quite a bit all around the world, but there was something about the idea of having 700+ unexplored islands in my backyard that just brought me to my roots. That is really the genesis of the Domestic Tourist; I embarked on a mission of self-discovery. The support has been overwhelming, and I think it's because all Bahamians have this unexpressed desire to discover and explore the islands we call home," said Noelle.

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Miss Bahamas contestants strut their stuff during swimsuit competitions

On July 27, the 2014 Miss Bahamas contestants took part in the much anticipated Miss World Bahamas and Miss Universe Bahamas Swimsuit Competitions. The top three contestants in the Miss World Bahamas Swimsuit Competition were Chantel O'Brian, Rosetta Cartwright and Rontre Rolle. The top three contestants in the Miss Universe Bahamas Swimsuit Competition were Tomacina Culmer, Rokara Hepburn and Gabrielle Wong.

The winners of both competitions will be announced during the Aug 3 Miss Bahamas double header pageant at the Atlantis Resort.

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Junkanoo Summer Festival success touted

Minister of Tourism the Hon Obie Wilchcombe has touted the success of the Junkanoo Summer Festival held during the month of July 2014. Against the backdrop of the 50th Anniversary of Tourism in the country, the festival was held each weekend in July, which showcased the best in Junkanoo talent, music from uniform groups and the Urban Renewal Marching Band, food, and arts and craft items before crowds of thousands.

"The Bahamas is renowned for its tourism, but they are talking about the hospitality, they are talking about its service and the beauty of this country. So if we work collectively to ensure that we deliver the best product, they can understand how effective and how important it is to our economy," Mr. Wilchcombe said. He made the observation following the "Tourism is Everybody's Business Rush", Friday, July 25, during which staff of the Ministry of Tourism, corporate sponsors and uniformed groups paraded in downtown Nassau.

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Miss Universe Grand Bahama, Tomacina Culmer, wins Top Model competition

The seven contestants competing for the Miss World Bahamas title and 6 contestants vying for the Miss Universe Bahamas crown, modeled fashions by local designers in the Miss Bahamas Top Model Competition, on July 25, at the British Colonial Hilton.

Tomacina Culmer, Miss Universe Grand Bahama, was named the winner after strutting the runway in three fashion scenes, and has won a contract and six page spread with Profiles 98 Magazine, in addition to international training in the United Stated and Jamaica. Ominique Burrows won first runner up, and Chantal O'Brien was the second runner up. The Miss Bahamas double header will take place on Aug 3 at the Atlantis Resort.

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Bahamas weekly fishing report from Harbourside Marine

Crawfish season soon reach! The opening of crawfish season, August 1st, is just around the corner. Harbourside Marine has every thing that you need to catch them. Happy Hunting!

Fishing report as of July 24, 2014

Nassau: The local charter captains have reported that the offshore fishing has been a bit slow with a few mahi and tuna caught this week.

Andros: Does anyone know what the status of the north buoy is? Its gone!

Abaco: Kevin Sawyer reports that they have been catching yellowfin tuna between 25lbs to 50lbs from Hopetown to Cherokee. The bottom fishing has been good at Hole In The Wall for "flag" yellowtail snapper.

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World's top soccer league rewards camp's top kids

The happy smiling faces of three youngsters about to head out on the sporting trip of a lifetime. Kadicia Babb (centre), Cameron Chandler (second left) and Donte Singh (second right) were selected by the UK visiting coaches for the top prize at this year's Sir Jack Hayward Soccer Camp. They will be joined by fellow camper Courtni Pinder (pictured separately) who is currently off island.

The quartet's all-round contribution at the camp, held in Freeport, Grand Bahama last month, won them a two-day all-expenses paid trip to the final of the Guinness Cup in Miami on August 4. They will enjoy all the razzmatazz and then watch two of the most famous soccer clubs in the world fight it out for this prestigious trophy.

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Edukarting Summer Camp offers exciting motor sport experience

Edukarting Summer Camp is back for two weeks and being held at C.I. Gibson High School July 28th to August 1st and the second session August 5th to the 8th. All schools and students, boys and girls, welcome. No cost. Students can come to the school to sign up any day this week for the next session and a unique opportunity to combine sport and education and have fun doing it.

Karting is an exciting motor sport and an educational opportunity for students to learn various skills; teamwork, engineering, mechanics, management, design - all of which can be useful as future job skills. This year at C.I. Gibson we have the running track to use as a race track and the two Driving instructors showed their driving skills to a young audience who can hardly wait for their turn. There are still some spots left for the week of August 5th to 8th and anyone interested is welcome to come to C.I. Gibson and sign up.

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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.

thru 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 7-11: Bahamian Pop Art Exhibition - With Artist Matthew Wildgoose. 7pm at Balmoral Club, Sandford Drive.

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

August 8-10: Sarah's Wedding - The super-popular Bahamian stage play comes to the capital! 8pm Friday/Saturday and 4pm matinee Sunday at the COB Performing Arts Center. Click HERE to visit the FB page for info.

September 6: BIFS 38th Annual Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner - Tickets are priced at $175.00 and can be purchased at the Institute offices or online at info@bifs-bahamas.com.

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.

May 7-9, 2015: Bahamas Carnival - The dates have been set for this new event featuring four exciting musical events. Click HERE to view the poster.

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

July 31: Goombay Summer Festival - Thursday nights at Taino Beach, 6pm-midnight.

August 1-2: Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" - Live theater with some of Grand Bahamas' most talented actors. Enjoy the madcap antics of four young lovers, fairies and a group of bumbling entertainers in modern, everyday English. At the Rand Nature Center 8pm. Tickets $15 at Seventeen Shop downtown.

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 4: Goombay Summer Festival - New date added for the holiday! Taino Beach, 6pm-midnight.

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

August 7: GB Business Mixer - Mr. Clarke, Branch Manager of Bank of the Bahamas, will be removing some of the mystery out of business banking and the tools available to run an e-commerce website. 5:45 at Insurance Management Bldg. Click HERE for more info.

August 7: Goombay Summer Festival - at Taino Beach, 6pm until midnight. Extra bonus date ... fun!

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. New distances offered this year! Click HERE for the entry form, HERE for the map, more info at http://basragrandbahama.com/.

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 27: Posh Paws Fashion Show - A stylish fundraiser for the Humane Society of Grand Bahama. Save the date! More info coming soon.

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: HSGB Pub Quiz - At Red Beard's Pub. Test your team's trivia knowledge and support the Humane Society.

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 ...

October 31: Halloween Party - Third annual HSGB costume party. Plan to attend. More info soon.

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! Register now at www.Conchman.com.

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

thru 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 13-15: Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina "Wahoo Smackdown V" - www.biggameclubbimini.com reservations@biggameclubbimini.com or 1-800-867-4764.

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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Crawfish season 2014/15 to open Friday, August 1

The Department of Marine Resources wishes to advise the general public of the opening of the crawfish season on the August 1, 2014 to the March 31, 2015.

The Department of Marine Resources further wishes to remind fishers and all other members of the public that the harvesting and/or of undersized crawfish is against the law and persons are to cease and desist the practice of illegally harvesting these resources. Fishers are also cautioned against capturing egg-bearing crawfish as this practice further aids in the depletion of the crawfish stock in The Bahamas.

Fishers are to take note of the minimum size limit for whole crawfish is size of 3 1/4 inches carapace length. The minimum legal size limit on the crawfish tail is 5 1/2 inches length. All fishers capturing crawfish are required to have a measuring gauge to ensure that they are able to confirm full compliance with the legal size requirements.

Fishers are reminded of the important role the crawfish industry plays in employing thousands of Bahamians and contributing millions of dollars to the economy of The Bahamas. Compliance to the Fisheries Regulations helps to ensure that these benefits will be available for further generations of Bahamians.

The general public is advised to report all suspected violations to the Department of Marine Resources at telephone (242) 393-1014, 393-1015 or 393-1777. All violators of the Fisheries Regulations can expect to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

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