Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL IV. No. 16, September 4, 2014

This week in Bahama Islands Info

National News

Nassau News

NEW column: Billie Talks Business

Grand Bahama News

Column: Humane Society of GB update

Arts & Entertainment News

Sports News

Column: Bahamas Weekly Fishing Report

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Dear Readers, Followers and Fans,

It's been a busy summer here in The Bahamas, tons of VAT, VAT and more VAT news. We also added in a pinch of excitement with the newly proposed Gaming Bill and the now very controversial proposed constitutional referendums. These have unfortunately been convoluted in a whole mess of homophobic conversations -- but more on that hot button subject later.

The referendum has also gotten us all talking about women's rights and their role in society. With that in mind ,we are pleased today to welcome a new female contributor to our weekly newsletter. Mrs. Billie Bowe is a consultant in Grand Bahama and will be writing for BahamaIslandsInfo.com twice a month on business, careers and how to make it all work with life. Every once in awhile it's good to look back and review how your company is doing -- can we do better, how could we improve?

We hope you enjoy Billie's first submission today: Second-generation gender bias, which seems so apropos in today's conversations in The Bahamas. Please take some time to read her column, and thank you for your patronage to our newsletter.

The Bahama Islands Info Team

CWC CEO Phil Bentley outlines the new BTC - $170M investment upgrade toward world class network

In an address to attendees at the August 29th announcement of the majority economic interest in BTC moving to The Bahamas government and the people of The Bahamas, Phil Bentley, CEO of Cable and Wireless Communications, (CWC) foreshadowed new initiatives and plans to transform BTC into a world class telecommunications company.

Top of the list, a $170M investment upgrade in BTC networks and to deliver additional services over the next three years to include BTC TV; US60M deployment in cell sites and more powerful radio signals across the entire Bahamas delivering the fastest mobile network in the Caribbean; US$8M nationwide power back up investments to negate BTC outages.

Click here to read more

U.S. government provides advanced skill training for RBPF SWAT officers

The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), the U.S. Embassy's International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Section (INL), and the U.S. Department of State's Antiterrorism and Assistance (ATA) Program teamed up to provide twenty-seven Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) officers advanced training in Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) August 24-29 in Nassau.

The week-long program was led by supervisory special agents from the FBI's SWAT Operations Unit, which provides training, research, operational assistance, and program management to FBI SWAT teams and international law enforcement partners. Last year, the Special Operations Unit provided over 2,600 hours of instruction and deployed 29 times.

Click here to read more

Contest winner: 'Everyday is a great day at the BNT!'

The everyday life of someone working with the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) is pretty great according to Alannah Vellacott, former BNT Education Assistant, whose personal video recently won the BTC Everyday Video Contest. Vellacott's thirty-second video which can be seen on BTC's and BNT's Facebook page or on the BNT's YouTube page shows her jumping into blue holes, educating students at the BNT's EcoCamp in Andros, riding trails in various BNT national parks, and performing her duties as Education Assistant, by teaching students about the environment.

"I decided to do a video of my adventures in working as an Assistant Education Officer at the BNT. Every day in my office I am able to witness the miracle of life," said Vellacott.

Click here to read more

Custom Computers Ltd. celebrates academic achievement with A's for Excellence campaign

Hundreds of students from educational institutions across The Bahamas took part in the seventh annual A's for Excellence campaign held by Custom Computers Ltd. this summer. Local primary, high school and college students who received at least one 'A' grade in their final report card for the 2013/2014 academic year were invited to enter random drawings for a chance to win a desktop computer, laptop or tablet. New to the campaign this year: the Family Island School with the most entries received a multifunction machine (printer/fax/scanner/copier).

The winner in the college category was Cindy Thompson, a student at The College of The Bahamas, who won a Samsung 3 Galaxy Tab. Cindy is pursuing her second degree at COB, a B. Sc. in Mathematics, having already earned a degree in Accounting. She has been studying while holding down jobs for many years.

Click here to read more

BTVI students chosen for study abroad program

Isaiah Strachan recently joined the list of students at The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), who have been afforded the opportunity to continue studies abroad on an Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) scholarship.

The 22-year-old who is headed to Holland College in Canada for the fall semester, will join BTVI student, Diane Smith - both of whom will study Electronics Engineering. Following the semester, both students are expected to return to BTVI to complete their Associate of Applied Science degree in Electronics Engineering Installers and Repairs.

Click here to read more

Prime Minister and colleagues tour Baha Mar

Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie, led a delegation of several cabinet ministers and government officials to tour the construction site of the Baha Mar resort complex, September 1. The tour was conducted by Chairman of Baha Mar, Mr. Sarkis Izmirlian, who gave the delegation an in-depth review of the layout of the site, pointing out some of the key areas of the property, including the new casino, and the location of four hotels, which will be managed by Baha Mar Casino and Hotel, Rosewood, Grand Hyatt and SLS brands.

Upon completion, the hotels will boast over 2000 guest rooms. The gaming floor of the hotel will be over 100,000 square feet and will feature the most popular games, high-level private rooms and state-of the-art slot machines. Private residences are also located on the hotel property.

Click here to read more

CIBC First Caribbean makes donations to PACE Foundation and Project Read

In a display of the bank's dedication to education for all, CIBC FirstCaribbean donated to two charities aimed at providing schooling for non-traditional learners. CIBC First Caribbean awarded The PACE Foundation school for unwed teenage mothers, and Project Read Bahamas, an adult literacy programme, with monetary gifts to contribute to the work the organisations do in giving second chances to un-conventional and disadvantaged students.

The gifts are courtesy of the company's International Comtrust Foundation, a Caribbean-wide initiative which ensures that 1% of the Bank's profits reach important causes, which may be nominated by local employees.

Click here to read more

Bahamian entrepreneur creates exclusive beauty experience with The Nail Lounge

Bahamian entrepreneur Georgette Sands provides an exclusive new experience at The Nail Lounge nail bar on Parliament Street in downtown Nassau. Close friends and family were offered a sneak peek into the lounge, which officially opened on August 25th, 2014, on Parliament Street just south of Bay Street.

As the first customers walked into the lounge, they were delighted to see the Tiffany Blue walls, crystal chandeliers, plush white furnishings and pink accents, and stained wooden flooring throughout the lounge. The layout of the lounge is modern and chic, and features classy decor accents in a sophisticated atmosphere.

Click here to read more

Impact of Clifton oil pollution set to be revealed

The full extent of the damage caused to Clifton Bay by frequent oil spills and other forms of environmental degradation may soon be made clear, as international experts are working with concerned locals on water quality issues in this ecologically significant area. The effort is being spearheaded by fast-growing local social and environmental advocacy group Save The Bays, in conjunction with the global Waterkeeper Alliance, a leading non-government organization (NGO) which coordinates more than 200 stewards of the marine environment, or Waterkeepers, who are assigned to rivers, bays, lakes and coastal areas around the world.

"Our waters define us. They are our source of industry and prosperity, the source of life itself in this beautiful country," said Save The Bays director and proposed Bahamas Waterkeeper Joseph Darville.

Click here to read more

New column: Billie Talks Business

Second-generation gender bias
Embedded stereotypes and their impact on women and leadership

What is second-generation gender bias and what should we know about it? While women have made huge strides in corporate society, there still remains quite a gap between women ascending to senior leadership roles versus their male counterparts. In the past 15 years, the vast amount of research done on second-generation gender bias speaks to a more subtle, nearly invisible barrier, typically known as 'the glass ceiling'.

An in-depth study1 conducted by Robin J. Ely, Herminia Ibarria and Deborah Kolb uncovered an interesting shift from corporate society's "first generation" attempts at closing gender gaps in the workplace to today's version of gender bias. This groundbreaking research revealed that a new generation of gender bias manifests in more acceptable, natural and subtle ways and are typically centered on informal practices and policies. These workplace practices and policies actually tend to widen the gap rather than close it.

Click here to read more

New U.S. Charg� d'Affaires makes first official visit to Grand Bahama

On August 27-28, U.S. Charge d'Affaires a.i. Lisa Johnson, accompanied by U.S. Embassy representatives, visited Grand Bahama Island for an extensive two-day visit that included a courtesy call on the Minister for Grand Bahama, The Hon. Dr. Michael Darville as well as meetings with the U.S. Embassy's key partners and stakeholders in the business, trade and industrial sectors.

During the courtesy call on Minister Darville, Charge Johnson and the Minister engaged in a productive dialogue on areas of mutual interest including the safety and security of American and Bahamian citizens and economic development. She expressed her delight in the opportunity to learn more about the great city of Freeport with its long history of American presence, adding that she looks forward to many more visits to the island.

Click here to read more

Three earn promotions at Grand Bahama Shipyard

Grand Bahama Shipyard recently rewarded three Bahamians for their excellent work within the company with promotions. Miles Wilkinson, Rowena Martin and Trenise Forbes-Ranger were promoted to Cruise Project Development Manager, Marine Buyer and Senior Brokerage Officer respectively.

Wilkinson joined the company as an Apprentice in 2003 and has made steady progress within the company serving as a Marine Draftsman, Naval Architect and Proposal Engineer before this current promotion as a Cruise Project Development Manager in the Sales and Marketing Department. His promotion is one that makes the Shipyard incredibly proud as the Shipyard is always extremely pleased when one of their apprentices continues to excel in the company.

Click here to read more

GBPA president takes ALS ice bucket challenge [video]

President of The Grand Bahama Port Authority Ian Rolle was the latest community figure to take the ALS ice bucket challenge Tuesday. The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge dares nominated participants to be filmed having a bucket of ice water poured on their heads and then nominating 3 others to do the same. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's Disease" affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord and can eventually lead to death.

A charitable financial donation to any ALS organization, along with performing the challenge is encouraged.

Click here to view video

Grand Bahama Power employees benefit from exchange program

Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC) is partnering with its sister companies in the region to establish a mentorship and employee exchange program, supporting the personal growth of Bahamians and developing skills to enhance the Company's operational efficiencies. At the same time, the company has rolled out a competency-based training (CBT) program that will hone the skills of its key tradespeople including linesmen and plant operators.

"This has been a great opportunity for me to acquire new skills and share my knowledge with my co-workers. I'm thrilled to be part of this program", said Bernard McKinney, Mechanic/Welder, and the first of several GBPC employees to participate in the program. Mr. McKinney, a 14 year veteran at GBPC, is sharing his extensive knowledge while gaining from the expertise of others in diesel engine and pump repair during his six month secondment at the Barbados Light & Power Company (BL&P).

Click here to read more

Runaway on the runway: Potcake Caddy's tale from lost to found to forever

Ever since Lisa Petri, founder of Colorado Animal Welfare League, walked through our shelter back in March choosing dogs her rescue would take; we'd been trying to prepare our shy petite Caddy for a new life, indeed a new world. But how do you really prepare a timid little island dog for the biggest event of her life? She was leaving the only home she had known for the past year, trembling with fear, and we comforted her the best we could. We've sent timid dogs to rescue before and it always turned out well, so we reminded ourselves of those dogs and thought we were giving her the best possible chance for a happy long life.

After landing at the St. Lucie International Airport, the unthinkable happened. As one of the pilots was lifting her out of the plane, another pilot nearby started his plane engine and the loud noise spooked Caddy. That split second of the pilot not having a good grip on her leash was all it took and Caddy was off like a shot, running across two live runways and disappearing into a heavily wooded area filled with swamps and possibly dangerous animals.

Click here to read more

PM officially launches Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival

In less than one year, the country will be welcoming another form of cultural expression when the Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival debuts in May 2015. During an official ceremony launching the event at Pompey Square on Wednesday, August 27, Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie, expressed his optimism for the event. "I am very pleased that we will be soon be able to showcase even more of our country's culture via this new event," said the Prime Minister. "Not only is this a great opportunity for Junkanoos, artisans and other craftsmen to display their wares and talents but it also offers us the opportunity to provide additional entertainment for guests who visit our shores."

The Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival is a new event on the Bahamian social calendar. It will be an annual event spanning five weeks and will kick off on Easter Monday. The period will feature a series of activities including concerts, cultural shows, balls and street parades, which will depict all aspects of Bahamian culture and heritage. During the period, one week will be set aside and will be known as Carnival Week. The first Bahamas Carnival Week is scheduled for May 3-9, 2015.

Click here to read more

Ronnie Butler honoured in statue unveiling ceremony

Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Perry Gladstone Christie, delivered remarks during a ceremony for the unveiling of a statue honouring Bahamian Entertainment icon, Mr. Ronnie Butler. The event was held on the grounds of Craig Flowers Corporate Headquarters on West Bay Street, August 28, 2014. Mr. Butler is a Bahamian calypso and rake 'n scrape entertainer and singer, whose career spanned more than 50 years. His career as an entertainer began at the age of 16, and he is commonly referred to as 'The Godfather of Bahamian Music.'

He has performed in memorable local night spots including: Ronnie's Rebel Room, the Trade Winds Lounge, Big Bamboo and the Nassau Beach Hotel in addition to venues throughout the Caribbean, Europe and North America. Among his most popular hits songs are "Burma Road," "Pretty Brown Eyes," and most recently his single "Married Man," which was featured in Tyler Perry's, Why Did I get Married Too? which was filmed in The Bahamas in 2010.

Click here to read more

Culinary Fusion Expo is on the mark for a second year

It's time to show off your culinary talents Bahamas as Meeting of the Minds hosts their 2nd Annual Culinary Fusion Expo in Grand Bahama in November. Participants from all over The Bahamas are being invited to sign up by September 19, 2014 to take part in this memorable event.

Culinary Fusion Expo is the brain child of creative genius Sean Johnson II, and features many of the culinary artists on the island. He said this is the perfect opportunity for all exhibitors to give live demonstrations/presentations, network with their peers and industry buyers and suppliers, while at the same time showcasing their services and products to who could be their "next loyal customer".

Click here to read more

Bahamas weekly fishing report from Harbourside Marine

Fishing report as of August 28, 2014

Nassau: The local charter boat captains report catching mahi, blackfin and yellowfin tuna. There have been several reports of anglers hooking into very large yellowfin and loosing them.

Freeport (photo): Casper Cafferata with a grouper speared off of East End last week.

North Eleuthera: There have been a few mahi and some yellowfin caught off of the north Eleuthera points this this week.

Abaco: Kevin Sawyer reports that the few anglers that have ventured offshore have caught mahi and tuna. There have even been a few wahoo caught this week.

Click here to read more

Chris Brown competes and coaches youth in Zurich

Bahamian track star Chris Brown competed in the recent World Class (WeltKlasse-Zurich) Games held at the Letzigrund Stadium in Zurich, Switzerland, August 28, 2014. Cheering him on were H.E. Rhoda M. Jackson, Bahamas Ambassador to the United Nations Office in Geneva, and Ms. Michelle Deagoumois, Bahamas Honorary Consul in Zurich. He placed fifth in his 400 metres event.

Prior to the meet in Zurich, Mr. Brown took time out to share his experience and provide advice to local children, 7 to 15 years, participating in a Swiss athletic training programme with the stars called "Youth Training with World Class."

Click here to read more

Playboy Playmate adds another reason to shout 'WAHOO' at upcoming Smackdown V tournament in Bimini

A Florida girl with a love of diving and fishing, Shawn Dillon also happens to be the February 2013 Centerfold in Playboy Magazine. She's returning for a second engagement to the historic Bimini Big Game Club Resort and Marina to play hostess for the upcoming Wahoo Smackdown V Tournament scheduled for November 13-15.

Shawn, who has won major bikini competitions from Vegas to the Bahamas, grew up fishing with three brothers, either on her uncle's boat in Bimini or in the lake in their Sarasota, Florida backyard. Also a surfer and wakeboarder, Shawn will be involved in final weigh-ins, presenting trophies and, well, posing for pictures and signing autographs for participating teams.

Click here to read more

Muddasick!

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 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.

September 4: 'Full Circle' Film - by Maria Govan at the Harry C. Moore Auditorium, College of The Bahamas, 6pm.

September 4: "Every Day Bahamas" Exhibit Launch - 7pm -9pm at the National Art Gallery of The Bahama. Click HERE to learn more about this unique cultural exhibit.

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 11-13, 19-20: Summer Madness 2014 - with James Catalyn and Friends at the Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts, Mackey Street. 8pm nightly. Box office 10-4pm daily, 393-3728 & 394-7179.

September 12-13: HBCUX Football Classic - and Battle of the Bands. Additional events include a golf tournament, tailgate parties and the hottest Bahamian musical artists performing. Click HERE to view the poster.

September 13: Give a Child a Ride Cycling Charity Tour - Second annual event for cyclists of all levels. Click HERE to visit the website.

September 18: Instinct Art Exhibition - Opening 6pm to 9pm in the Central Bank of The Bahamas Art Gallery. Featuring the artwork of nine dynamic artists: Sue Bennett-Williams, Chantal Bethel, Lisa Codella, Jessica Maycock-Colebrooke, Claudette Dean, Sue Katz, Holly Parotti , Nadine Seymour-Munroe and na-Lisa Wells.

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.

October 3-13: Shakespeare in Paradise - Ramping up for a sixth season at the Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts.

October 26: Real Love Tour - Life & Relationship Coach Tony A. Gaskins Jr. For further information call 352-6301 or email empower.renuyou@gmail.com. Click HERE to view the poster.

October 30: BIBA Banquet - Best business awards at Sandals Royal Bahamian. Contact the Chamber for details 322-2145.

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 visit the official website.

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

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: GBCC Grand Bahama Time Trial Championships - Who will be the fastest cyclist through the 25 mile 'Big Loop' course? Why not try for yourself! Contact gb-cyclist@hotmail.com for details.

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. Follow the wine glass signs to the Sailing Club! Click HERE to view the poster.

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 25: Real Love Tour - Life & Relationship Coach Tony A. Gaskins Jr. For further information call 352-6301 or email empower.renuyou@gmail.com. Click HERE to view the poster.

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. Sign up today.

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 8: Culinary Fusion Expo - Second year for this unique event. Click HERE to read more.

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 Centre.

December 13: Christmas Boat Parade - Part proceeds to benefit BASRA. Click HERE to view the poster, contact UNEXSO at 373-1244.

March 13-14, 2015: Fifth Annual Youth Benefit Fishing Tournament - Lots of time to mark your calendars and get your lines ready. Don't miss it!

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

September 7: Pig Roast at Nippers - A GUANA CAY, Abaco tradition! Click HERE to visit the website.

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 11: ABACO 5K swim - Professional and non-professional swimmers of all ages are invited to compete in this event. The race course is located in the waterway of Marsh Harbour near Albury's Ferry. Persons can also sign up to compete in the paddle board and kayak challenge. The post race celebration will include great music, food, drinks and awards. Contact: Abaco Tourist Office / (242) 367-3067.

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.

November 2-8: Walter Iooss photography clinic on EXUMA. Click HERE to learn more.

November 8: ABACO Kayak Challenge - Contact Friends of the Environment for details: kwilliams@friendsoftheenvironment.org.

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 7: Hope Town Reef Ball - ABACO. Contact Friends of the Environment fore more information: kwilliams@friendsoftheenvironment.org.

February 17-21, 2015: 3rd Annual Patrick Davis Hope Town Songwriters Festival. ABACO. www.PDandFirefly.com

February 28: Marsh Harbour Reef Ball - ABACO. Contact Friends of the Environment fore more information: kwilliams@friendsoftheenvironment.org.

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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TBN's Praise The Lord TV show brings revival to Grand Bahama

Tuesday night, for the first time in history, the world's largest Christian television network, reaching over one billion viewers worldwide, Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), hosted a live recording of its Praise The Lord TV show in The Bahamas.

Of the sixteen destinations that are marketed by the Ministry of Tourism, TBN's destination of choice was Grand Bahama Island. The selected venue, the Great Lawn at the Grand Lucayan Resort, with its breathtaking ocean view backdrop and warm island breeze, set the stage for a night of sweet revival.

Hundreds of locals and visitors attended as hosts Laurie and Matt Crouch, along with internationally acclaimed gospel ministers; Johnathan McKnight, Samuel Rodriguez, Donnie McClurkin and Smokie Norful took to the stage. A number of Bahamian gospel ministers lifted the spirits of the worshipers adding credence to the adage that "The Bahamas is the place where God lives."

This event comes at a time when Grand Bahama's Tourism economy is experiencing phenomenal growth. An increase in air arrivals by approximately 33% is one strong indicator of an economic revival. According to Manager for Religious Tourism, Debbie Huyler.

Click here to read more