Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL IV. No. 14, August 21, 2014

This week in Bahama Islands Info

National News

Nassau News

Grand Bahama News

Column: Humane Society of Grand Bahama

Family Islands News

Arts & Entertainment News

Column: At the Movies

Sports News

Column: Bahamas Weekly Fishing Report

Feedback: Letters to the Editor

Muddasick!

Eighteen Bahamians awarded scholarships to study in China

The 2014 People's Republic of China Scholarship Ceremony was held at the Melia Cable Beach Hotel on Monday, 18th August 2014. In the largest scholarship cluster since the scholarship program's inception and the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in May 1997, sixteen Bahamians were awarded scholarships from the Government of China and two Bahamians were awarded scholarships from the Confucius Institute at the College of The Bahamas.

Joining 58 other Bahamians who have benefitted from this program over the last 17 years, the recipients will pursue both undergraduate and graduate studies in China in a wide variety of academic disciplines including Economics, Marine Engineering, Clinical Medicine, Genetics, Enterprise Management, Public Diplomacy, International Communication and Public Administration.

Click here to read more

Dr. Meyer Rassin Foundation supports, finances and encourages young Bahamians

Twenty-six young Bahamians studying for degrees in healthcare have received financial assistance from the Doctors Hospital Dr Meyer Rassin Foundation towards next year's tuition. With the privilege of being enrolled in various higher education institutions in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean, including the Bahamas, these ambitious young Bahamians highly anticipate the next step they are taking toward their healthcare careers and ultimately coming back to help their country.

The Doctors Hospital Dr Meyer Rassin Foundation was created in 1999 in honor of the late Dr Meyer Rassin, a leader in healthcare in the Bahamas from 1942. Although the Foundation also assists in the purchase of medical equipment and from time to time provides financial assistance to Bahamians who are unable to afford necessary medical care, the vast majority of the money raised provides scholarships for Bahamians pursuing higher education in all areas of healthcare.

Click here to read more

The College of The Bahamas welcomes new students

Approximately 1,600 new students have been accepted for Fall 2014 entry into The College of The Bahamas. On Friday, August 15th, the students were welcomed into the College family during New Student Orientation 2014 activities, which also included orientation sessions for parents as well as Family Island and international student entrants.
The students were also advised on academic expectations, policies, student services and registration. Upon successful completion of their various academic programmes, they will graduate from the University of The Bahamas which is anticipated to come into force by July 2015.

Click here to view more photos

LCIS teachers volunteer during summer break

While many enjoyed their well deserved summer vacations, a special group of teachers from Lyford Cay International School (LCIS) worked diligently to help improve the literacy and math skills of the students at the Willamae Pratt School for Girls and the Simpson Penn School for Boys. Teachers United for Social Change (TUSC) was founded by a group of LCIS educators in February 2014 as a community outreach organization providing targeted educational intervention to underserved populations within The Bahamas.

This summer TUSC mobilized its volunteers and teachers to provide academic support, training, and mentorship, at the Penn-Pratt Enrichment Project (PPEP). PPEP targets boys and girls incarcerated at the Simpson Penn School for Boys and the Willamae Pratt School for Girls. The PPEP was conducted as an intervention program aimed at improving students' literacy and numeracy skills.

Click here to read more

Frontier Airlines introduces flights to Nassau starting November 20

Frontier Airlines has announced that it will be introducing flights to Nassau, Bahamas from Trenton-Mercer, NJ starting in November - an initiative that tourism officials are lauding. Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes announced the move this week in a press statement noting that it is the first time a commercial airline from Trenton-Mercer Airport would be introducing an international flight.

"We're excited that for the first time in our long history, Trenton-Mercer Airport will host a commercial carrier that offers direct flights to an island resort, and we're optimistic that this is a sign of future growth," Mr. Hughes said. The flights will commence on November 20. Flights will run twice weekly on Thursday and Sunday on Frontier's 138-seat Airbus 319.

Click here to read more

Baha Mar Jet Setters take charge of their careers

More than 100 recent college and high school graduates are on their way to the careers of their dreams at Baha Mar, having completed Baha Mar's Jet Setter Summer Program. All 102 participants of Baha Mar's Jet Setter Summer Program have been identified for positions among the luxury hotel brands that call Baha Mar home. Students last week got an in-depth look at some of the career opportunities available to them at the Grand Hyatt, Rosewood, Meli� Nassau Beach and the crown jewel of the luxury resort, the Baha Mar Casino and Hotel.

The Baha Mar Academy's Jet Setter and Junior Jet Setter programs are designed to give recent college and high school graduates the chance to explore careers in hospitality while learning what it takes to open and operate the $3.5 billion luxury resort in The Bahamas. Jet Setters now have the opportunity to take their careers into their own hands, choosing between different offers from the hotel brands based on their feedback. Participants will then begin specialized training plans that will prepare them with the technical skills and knowledge for their chosen jobs.

Click here to read more

Plane crash off Grand Bahama claims 4 lives

A small plane crashed in very shallow water five miles north of Grand Bahama International Airport Monday, killing all four persons onboard.

The Cessna 340 twin-engine aircraft was enroute from Ormond Beach, Florida to Freeport.

Investigations are ongoing.

Click HERE to view the news report from NB 12.

New radio show highlights Bahamian entrepreneurs on the move

Young Bahamians are taking leaps of faith and venturing into their own businesses. One of those Bahamains is Davina Rutherford, the host of her new radio talk show program called Minding Your Business. The show will air every Tuesday afteroon from 3:00pm to 4:00pm on ZNS 104.5FM, after its debut Tuesday, August 19th. The premise of the show is to provide Bahamians with information and support from other business professionals.

One of those business professionals who is no stranger to what it takes to start a business, is Billie Bowe, President and CEO of Benchmark Consulting Services Ltd. "Starting your own business can be a daunting experience. It requires a vision, planning, and guts," said Mrs. Bowe. She noted that she is seeing a positive trend in Grand Bahama where Bahamians are turning their passion into a business opportunity. She said this is very encouraging as small and medium sized businesses play a critical role in the growth and sustainability of the economy of The Bahamas and worldwide.

Click here to read more

Don't forget to visit the Grand Bahama National Parks before school starts

What better way to wrap up the end of an incredible summer than taking the family to one of Grand Bahama's wonderful National Parks. Grand Bahama Island is the fourth largest island in The Bahamas, and is home to three breathtaking national parks managed by the Bahamas National Trust ; The Rand Nature Centre, Peterson Cay National Park, and Lucayan National Park. Each park is incredible in its own unique way, and is just what the kids need before heading off to begin the new school year.

Near the heart of downtown Freeport sits the Rand Nature Centre, it boasts a two thousand foot (2,000 ft) trail within the pine forest, that winds through the park where over 130 special Bahamian plants can be identified, as well as a variety of birds. Along with general admission, guided tours are available Tuesday and Thursdays at 10:30 AM. With admissions $5 for adults and $3 for children, this is one of the best deals on the island.

Click here to read more

Tourism promotes new flight services to Grand Bahama from Raleigh/Durham and Pittsburgh

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism along with representatives from the Grand Bahama Island Tourism sector recently teamed up to conduct an aggressive Public Relations and Sales mission throughout the cities of Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and met with key influencers in the private and public sectors, travel agents and media houses to promote new direct and non-stop air service to Grand Bahama Island.

The direct services from the RDU and PIT airports will take place throughout the month of October. Bahamasair is using a 737-400 150 passenger jet, for the two hour international flights. The packages including air, hotel accommodations, and ground transportation are being provided by Vacation Express, using six properties on Grand Bahama including two all-inclusive resorts.

Click here to read more

Potcake Pals 2014 concluded!

The remainder of our summer camp went very well and we think all the children had a great time and hopefully also learned a lot. We did hear that they would have liked to to spend more time with shelter animals and we will make that happen next year.

Day Three - Next on the itinerary was a visit to Dr Gibbs where she had an injured dog that needed his leg putting in a cast and all the kids got to watch, and then sign the cast! The owner was quite pleased to hear that so many children wished his dog well during his recovery. The last stop of the day was to the cattery to give the cats some love.

Click here to read more

First Bahamians graduate from ICAO Aerodrome Inspectors Training Programme

The first Bahamian graduates of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Aerodrome Inspectors Training Programme represent an important step in the development of civil aviation in The Bahamas, Minister of Transport and Aviation the Hon. Glenys Hanna Martin said, on August 14, 2014. "This is an historic new paradigm for the Department of Civil Aviation," Minister Hanna Martin said to the graduates. "This is exciting. It is about taking it to the next level. The role that aerodrome inspectors play in advancing us as a people is critical," she added. "This is a major, major intervention into our economy and the social life of our people."

According to the Ministry, the graduates underwent intense competency-based three-month aerodrome inspectors training on safety implementation and management systems -- inclusive of on-the-job training at both the Lynden Pindling International and the new Marsh Harbour, Abaco, airports: safety inspections that were carried out on July 22-23 and July 29-30, respectively, coupled with aerodrome safety inspections.

Click here to read more

Top Bahamas Realtor Neil Aberle living the Hope Town lifestyle

From the HG Christie blog

How did you get into Real Estate with HG Christie? What's your background?

Well...I'm Bahamian born but went to school in the UK to Eton and Oxford, worked in London for a Management Consultant (Bain & Company) for a year and a half or so before moving back to The Bahamas. Here, I started my own publishing company called Aberland Publications and launched a monthly tabloid style newspaper called What's On, which is a where-to-go, what-to-do, where-to-eat tabloid style newspaper. After 10 years, I felt that it was time to sell my share in the publishing company (which still exists to this day) and moved onto to something new.

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Bahamas represented at Ocean Style's Taste of Caribbean in New York City

On August 6, Chef Tim Tibbitts of Flying Fish in Grand Bahama and the Ministry of Tourism took to New York City to represent the Bahamas in a Midtown loft as part of an elegant affair called RESERVEDnyc. - Chefs of the Caribbean. Hosted by Ocean Style magazine, this was an intimate affair, a culinary experience tailored for an audience with an appreciation for fine living and exquisite food. The guests had the opportunity to feast on a wide array of different dishes and interact directly with the Chefs. This chic event featured acclaimed chefs from New York city, St Lucia and the Bahamas.

On offer from Chef Tibbitts to showcase the Bahamas was a modern take on conch salad with his specialty conch chicherone, our freshly-in-season warm water lobster tails with fondant potatoes, roasted cauliflower and oyster mushrooms, mango miso butter sauce. "We are pleased to be representing Flying Fish and the Bahamas as an event like this" says Chef Tibbitts. "Putting our island and country on the map with great food and service is important."

Click here to read more

Bahamian chef to participate in Food Network event

Chicago will get a taste of The Bahamas come next month as Bahamian Chef Simeon Hall Jr. will treat participants of a special Food Network concert at Ravina to Bahamian culinary delights. The concert, which will be held on September 20, will attract thousands of food lovers to Chicago. It's the first time that The Bahamas will participate in the well-renowned event.

Chef Hall has an extensive resume from working as an Executive Chef, Food & Beverage Manager, Executive Sous Chef and as a Culinary Expert at locations such as Walt Disney Cruises, Marriott Hotels, Island Catering Inc, Grenada W.I., Taino Beach Resorts Ltd to Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort and The Ritz Carlton's Abaco Club to name a few.

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COB instructor Chef Addiemae Rolle-Farrington earns prestigious culinary honour

In a world where discriminating palates rule and dishing up delightful cuisine is the order of the day, Chef Addiemae Rolle-Farrington stands out among the culinarians of the world. As a veteran chef instructor at the Culinary and Hospitality Management Institute at The College of The Bahamas, she routinely shares her expertise with budding chefs and helps to preserve the standards of excellence that the industry requires.

Recently, her peers proved their respect and admiration for her tenacity in the kitchen, culinary flair and the dedication that has marked her decades-long career in the hospitality business. The international chefs voted to induct Chef Rolle-Farrington into the American Academy of Chefs (AAC) of the American Culinary Federation as an Honorary Fellow.

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Ministry of Tourism reports over 500 entries for best beaches photo competition

Over 500 entries have been made to the Ministry of Tourism's Facebook page for its #Bahamasbestbeaches promotion and now tourism officials are making a final push for more breathtaking beach photos. The competition, which began in late July, aims to use social media to get a look at the best of the nation's beaches through the eyes of residents and tourists.

When participants upload a unique and engaging photo of a Bahamian beach at the ministry's Facebook.com/TravelBahamas page or post via Twitter and Instagram @ VisitTheBahamas using the hashtag #BahamasBestBeaches - they are automatically entered to win a five-day, four night stay at Pelican Bay on Grand Bahama.

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A-listers align for a star-studded partnership to produce Baha Mar opening gala

Baha Mar, the grand and greatly anticipated luxury resort announces an exciting partnership with two of the leading names in the world of music and entertainment- Jamie King and Emilio Estefan- who will be teaming up for the first time to develop, produce, choreograph and score the resort's Grand Opening Gala alongside executive producer Bernie Yuman.

Slated for late Spring 2015, the Baha Mar Grand Opening Gala will be a grand experience of sophisticated luxury and leisure spanning multiple days and encompassing every corner of the 1,000-acre property, set alongside 3,000 feet of uninterrupted white-sand beach and crystal-clear waters.

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At the Movies: Into The Storm

One of the taglines for this movie: There Is No Calm Before The Storm. In a single day a town is laid to waste by an onslaught of tornadoes. The entire town is at the mercy of the deadly twisters as storm trackers try to predict the erratic weather patterns. As most people run for shelter, others run to the vortex to seek fame or test their mettle against the cyclones.

I don't know why a movie would market itself as a found footage film and then blatantly have shots which do not fit the found footage criteria. I am just saying that they easily could have gone the faux documentary route if they were not prepared to stick to the found footage parameters. This movie might as well be a r�sum� reel for the special effects houses who worked on it because that is the only good thing about this disaster flick. You have a cast best known for being the supporting cast in television shows and a director who is best known for a sequel in a dying movie franchise.

Click here to read more

For additional movie reviews click on the graphic to visit Rou�n's column.

Bahamian swimmer Joanna Evans wins bronze medal at 2nd Summer Youth Olympic Games

NANJING, China -- 17 year old Bahamian swimmer Joanna Evans won a bronze medal in the Women's 800m Freestyle at the 2nd Summer Youth Olympic Games on Tuesday, August 19 in a time of 8:39.75. Simona Quadarella of Italy won gold and Jimena Perez Blanco from Spain took the silver medal.

Joanna is also scheduled to compete in the Women's 400m Freestyle on Friday.

Click here to read more

2014 Bahamas Half set to challenge athletes

Following the overwhelming success of the inaugural Bahamas Half in 2013, the Bahamas Roadmasters running club is set to launch the 2nd annual Bahamas Half. This event is being held on Sunday, November 23rd, 2014 and will feature the half marathon, half marathon 3-person relay and a 10K race. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Bahamas Special Olympics and be fun for all ages and skill levels including walkers and junior athletes.

The event starts and finishes at Arawak Cay. The internationally certified half marathon and 10km courses head west for an out and back route. There are multiple water and support stations along the course, manned by race volunteers and the RBDF and RBPF.

Click here to read more

Government announces plan to build $10 million major motorsports complex

Three years after the first revival of Bahamas Speed Week re-awakened the nation's appetite for vintage auto racing, the government announced plans to build a major motorsports complex to be completed by 2016.

The Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Honorable Dr. Daniel Johnson, used the first ever meeting of the FIA (Federation Internationale de l'Automobile) in The Bahamas this week as a platform to make the announcement of the $9 million complex that will serve as a multipurpose center, providing a facility for safe driving training for police, security and ambulance operators, recreational and racing cycling, recreational and competitive cycling, motorcycle sports, karting, even musical concerts and other events that create local and visitor attractions and opportunities.

Click here to read more

Bahamas weekly fishing report from Harbourside Marine

Fishing report as of August 14, 2014:

Nassau: The charter captains report catching a few mahi and lots of blackfin tuna offshore. There has also been the occasional marlin.

North Eleuthera: There have been several reports that the yellowfin tuna bite has been strong this week with large fish being caught off of the north Eleuthera points.

South Abaco: There have have been reports of mahi caught from Treasure cay all the way down to Hole In The wall. The occasional marlin has been released and there have been yellowfin and blackfin tuna caught under the birds in south Abaco.

Click here to read more

FEEDBACK: Letters to the Editor

Click on the title to read:

Message from Citizens for a Better Bahamas on VAT

Dennis Dames on the Gender Equality Referendum 2014

The Referendum Plain and Simple

Same sex marriage suggestion lacks legal foundation

Muddasick! Marsh Harbour electricity

After many millions were spent on a new power plant servicing Marsh Harbour, why does the power go out so frequently??

This sure does not help the tourism in the area. When will the powers that be solve the power issues?

- Mad in Marsh
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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 August 22: New Art Exhibition: 'Outlets' - 10am -4pm daily at D'Aguilar Art Foundation, Virginia Street. Bahamian ceramicist Alistair D. Stevenson's experience of living in Nanjing, China. astvnson@gmail.com.

thru September 6: Young Collectors' Exhibition - at the Central Bank of The Bahamas.

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 23: Cycling Summer Sprint Classic - 6:35am start at Baha Mar Blvd, to Lyford Cay and back. Levels to race and prizes for riders of all ages.

August 29: Best Foot Forward - Group show and open studios, 6-9pm at Popopstudios International Center for the Visual Arts, 26 Dunmore Avenue, Chippingham. 322-7834.

August 29-31: Paradise Music Festival at Atlantis - Day 1: Dierks Bentley. Day 2: Jewel. Day 3: Rascal Flats. Those are just the headliners, many more musical groups scheduled, click HERE for info or call 363-6601.

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 7: Super Sprint Mixed Team Relay - A fun warm up for this year's Potcakeman Triathlon. Each team must consist of two females and two male members. Each member completes all three legs of the super sprint distance swim/bike/run. Click HERE for all the 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: Brutha Music Festival & Family Fun Day - at The Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts, Mackey Street. Live concert with Julien Believe, Qpid, Wendi, Bodine and more! Junkanoo Fete, Food & Drinks. Tickets and info email travis@bruthamagazine.com.

September 27: Bahamas Red Cross Raffle Drawing - Tickets only $5 and you could win a car. Get your tickets early! Click HERE to view the poster.

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

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

September 6: Sip N Chip - Get your pet micro-chipped and enjoy a glass of wine. Click HERE to view the poster for details.

September 12-13: Us TOO Grand Bahama Chapter Prostate Cancer Screening Clinic. Pearce Plaza, Coral Road, Freeport. Contact Don Mitchell at 727-0181 for more information.

September 20: Us TOO Grand Bahama Chapter Walkathon. Contact Andrew Moxey at 727-0471 for more info.

September 24: GB Chamber of Commerce Luncheon - Guest speaker TBD. Contact 352-8329 for information.

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 27-28: 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. To be held at the Sailing Club. Mark the date!

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

October 13: McLean's Town Conch Cracking - 10am-7pm. Head east for a tasty and fun tradition! Enjoy the holiday weekend.

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 29: The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting & Election. Call 352-8329 for information.

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! Registration now open at www.Conchman.com.

November 2: 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 15: 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

August 24: Pig Roast at Nippers - A GUANA CAY, Abaco tradition!

August 28: Treasure Cay Back-to-School Jam - ABACO. Free concert with Veronica Bishop, kids pool, games and giveaways. 2pm until.

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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U.S. Coast Guard and BASRA Grand Bahama strengthen partnership during annual Bernie Butler fundraiser

On Saturday, August 16, the United States Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, Fla., MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew flew past the shoreline above a festive crowd gathered to watch a low-hover rescue swimmer demonstration in support of the all-volunteer Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association's 44th Annual Bernie Butler Swim Race held on Coral Beach in Freeport.

The rescue swimmer demonstration is a key attraction for spectators each year as it highlights the U.S. Coast Guard's support of BASRA in its ongoing commitment to saving lives at sea.

During the U.S. Coast Guard demonstration, CDR Kurt Kupersmith and co-pilot LT Lewis maneuvered the helicopter only 150 yards from the beach. For the mock rescue demonstration, the U.S. Coast Guard helicopter hovered 30 feet above the water, allowing Coast Guard rescue swimmer AST2 Caraballo to descend into the ocean where he made the short swim ashore.

Cheering spectators took photos of the swimmer in action before he returned to the recovery location. Flight mechanic AMT2 Arner then lowered a harness for Caraballo waiting below, and hoisted the rescue swimmer to safety.

Click here to read more