Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL IV. No. 17, September 11, 2014

This week in Bahama Islands Info

National News

Nassau News

Grand Bahama News

Column: Humane Society of GB update

Family Island & Abaco News

Arts & Entertainment News

Column: At the Movies

Sports News

Changes in fees for U.S. consular services effective September 12, 2014

On August 28, the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs announced changes to the fees for some U.S. consular services. The new fees will go into effect on September 12. The fees for visitor (B1/B2) and student (F1/M1/J1) visas were not affected by the change and will remain the same.

The Bureau of Consular Affairs, which operates on a fee-for-service basis, is adjusting the fees to more accurately reflect the costs of providing services based on the most recent update to the Bureau of Consular Affairs' cost of service model. The fees for most categories of immigrant visas will change, while fees for nonimmigrant visas largely remain the same. All visa applicants will be charged the fee in effect on the day of payment.

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BNT staff pursuing further academic goals

Five Bahamas National Trust (BNT) BNT staff members recently left to pursue further their environmental studies universities overseas. The five aspiring students are Alannah Vellacott, Shelley Cant, Lindy Knowles, Mark Daniels, and Krista Sherman. "These young environmental officers have displayed amazing dedication to the goals and mission of the BNT," said Lynn Gape, BNT Deputy Executive Director. "It has been a joy to watch them grow and mature over the past several years as they have developed their skills and interests."

While the BNT will miss these young environmental officers, they are proud to have been a part of their journey as stewards of the Bahamian environment. "We encourage our staff to improve themselves and to pursue higher educational degrees," said Eric Carey, Executive Director of the BNT.

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Callenders lawyers to attend Shanghai wealth planning forum

Two Callenders law firm partners will head to Shanghai next month for a major offshore financial conference on wealth and asset management expected to attract some 500 advisors and professionals serving China's fast-growing population of high net worth individuals.

Senior attorneys, trust and asset recovery specialist Courtney Pearce and aviation and development specialist Llewellyn Boyer-Cartwright, will attend the China Offshore Summit where The Bahamas is set to figure prominently. Set for October 15-16, the Summit is aimed at providing China's burgeoning wealthy population with the latest information on maintaining and growing the mounting capital being amassed by the world's fastest growing economy.

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URCA employee receives prestigious engineering certification

Waldon Russell, a Case Officer and Electrical Engineer with the Utility Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA), is now a registrant of the prestigious Engineering Council (EC) of London. The EC confers upon individuals who first, qualify for membership in the Institute of Engineering and Technology (MIET), the professional title of "Chartered Engineer (CEng)", while the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) grants the right to use the post nominal MIET.

The path to registration requires a Post Graduate Engineering Qualification equivalent to The Master of Engineering (M.Eng) in conjunction with eight to ten years of intensive continuing professional development and relevant work experience at a senior level.

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JA launches new year: 'My Future Begins With Me!'

Junior Achievement Bahamas kicked off its new year in grand style. On Saturday September 6th 2014, JA advisors and volunteers greeted visitors of the Mall at Marathon with this year's exciting plans and programme information with its launch day at the mall. Many parents and students were eager to learn more about the various programs offered by Junior Achievement such as JA Elementary, JA Juniors and JA Company Programme. Additionally, the clarion call was made for all JA Alumni to participate in Junior Achievement's Alumni and Volunteer Drive.

Mr. Philip Simon, Director, shared the objectives for JA Bahamas 2014 -2015, "JA Bahamas remains committed to our nation's most valuable resource through the teaching of economic and entrepreneurship training. This upcoming year we anticipate continued success in the programme offerings that cater to students from kindergarten through grade 12.

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COB President's Scholars embrace leadership and learning

Stanley Vanzeylen and Taneshia Swan are no strangers to the rigours of academic life; when they were students of the C.V. Bethel Senior High and R.M. Bailey Senior High schools respectively, they were exceptional learners. Now, The College of The Bahamas students have been granted the 2014-2015 President's Scholars Award. The two will receive an academic scholarship of $6,000 each under the President's Scholars Programme (PSP), which is renewable each year for four years.

Membership in the PSP is merit-based and each scholar must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5. The PSP is focused on the three principal threads of academics, leadership and service.

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Family Medicine Center move puts increased focus on lifestyle medicine

Family Medicine Center and Diabetes Education Network are ushering in a new era of healthcare having just opened the doors of their freshly-constructed facility on Blake Road earlier in September.

"This building is more than a bunch of shiny new rooms; it is a symbol of our enduring commitment to our patients and the community. It makes it possible for us to do more and provide more," said Dr. Graham Cates, Family Medicine Center's founding physician. "For over a decade, patients have come to FMC and DEN trusting us to provide the highest quality patient-centered care. This new facility will allow us to help even more patients in a more comfortable and efficient environment supported by the latest technology."

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Three young men awarded technical scholarships to BTVI

Three deserving young men now have the opportunity to fulfill their dreams as the first recipients of the Lodge C. R. Walker Scholarship to attend The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI). The recipients, Jonathas Belony, Rashad Wood and Cameron Sweeting, were chosen based on academic merit, financial need, field of study and personal qualities inclusive of leadership skills and commitment to community involvement. Belony and Wood are Electrical Installation students, while Sweeting will focus on Carpentry.

"The world is your oyster here at BTVI," said BTVI's Manager and Consultant, Dr. Iva Dahl, "you're the trailblazers" she told the trio. Dr. Dahl expressed gratitude to the lodge for their vision of investing in the young men. "We need the help, our young men need the help, our country needs the help," she stressed.

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East harbour expansion project to keep Freeport Harbour a world-class maritime center

When the City of Freeport was born in 1955 with the signing of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement there was one defining mandate, to dredge a deep water harbour that became the catalyst for the growth and development of Grand Bahama Island. Today, the Freeport Harbour Company (FHC) is pleased to announce the East Harbour Expansion (EHE) project and the continuation of that mandate given almost 60 years ago.

The Freeport Harbour is dynamic and has been in a constant state of development, but the East Harbour Expansion Project will be the most significant expansion of the harbour since the initial dredging in 1956 and establishment of the Freeport Container Port and the Grand Bahama Shipyard in the 1990's.

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New apprentices hit the Grand Bahama Shipyard running

As the school year begins for most primary, high school and college students so does the four-year program for the latest batch of apprentices at the Grand Bahama Shipyard (GBS). Senior Vice President of Operations at GBS, Reuben Byrd, welcomed the 2014 class of twelve to the company, the latest's apprentices since its 2001 inception. "We are pleased today to announce that we had 125 applicants to our program, we refined it to thirty and then to the twelve young men and ladies you see sitting here today."

The twelve apprentices all hail form local Grand Bahama high schools: St. George's, Jack Hayward, Bishop Michael Eldon and Sunland Baptist Academy. "The one hundred and twenty five applicants were asked to take an aptitude test," explained Training Manager Forbes. "The top thirty of these went on to personal interviews and then these twelve were selected."

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Save The Bays adds leadership training to environmental education program for young people

A pioneering campaign to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards has entered an ambitious new phase, with youngsters learning not only about importance of the country's natural resources, but also how to lead the way in protecting them. Phase II of the Youth Environmental Ambassadors (YEA) program, organized by local conservation groups Save The Bays (STB) and EARTHCARE, will seek to impart leadership skills to 40 students ages of 12 - 14, building on their already extensive environmental knowledge, gleaned in Phase I.

"I am exceedingly pleased with the evolution of this program," said STB education director Joseph Darville. "In order to secure our uniquely Bahamian culture and environment, we need young people with essential skills including high self-motivation, strong communication, the ability to work across boundaries, and the ability to decide and act to create a strategic path forward."

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Sip & Chip event highlights benefits of microchipping your pets

The Humane Society of Grand Bahama's first Sip & Chip event was held Saturday evening and was a lovely evening which also raised a nice amount for our shelter pets. Eight dogs were microchipped - Holly, MJ, Dingo, Tootsie, Daisy, Bear, Carly and Gizmo - well done for being so brave. About 30 people enjoyed the wine tasting. Huge paws up to Ashley Baker-Comarcho and Gwynn Stegar-Porter of ENTwineD for hosting this event for us and for donating the wine and the great raffle basket on the night.

Why microchip your pet? As with anything, it's good for pet owners to inform themselves. There is a wealth of information on the internet about microchipping, and of course you can always consult your veterinarian. The main reason to microchip your pet is that in case your pet is ever lost or stolen, if brought to a shelter or a vet clinic, it can be scanned and reunited with you. Pets all over the world have been reunited with their worried owners, sometimes years later, because of a microchip!

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Sister City agreement finalized between Hope Town and Stuart, FL

Bahamas Consul General to Miami Ricardo Treco attended a business meeting at the Stuart City Hall on Saturday, August 30, 2014, during which the Sister City agreement between Stuart, Florida, and Hope Town, Abaco, Bahamas, was finalized. The Hon. Troy McDonald, Mayor of Stuart, welcomed Consul General Treco; Mr. Jeremy Sweeting, Hope Town Chief Councilor; Mr. Arthur Eldon, Hope Town Deputy Chief Councilor; Mr. Donald Cash, Hope Town Councilor; and visiting residents of the Hope Town community.

The special meeting was convened by the Stuart City Commission and discussions centered on the benefits of establishing a Hope Town and Stuart Sister City Relationship. During the meeting Mayor McDonald shared the importance of Identifying common interests and similarities between the two cities through business, tourism initiatives, including Eco, Religious and medical tourism, boating and fishing residents, and economic development.

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The press views BAMSI in North Andros ahead of start of classes

Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Local Government the Hon. V. Alfred Gray led a team of Government officials and the press to view the progress of establishment of the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute in North Andros where 50 students will begin classes at the end of September under the guidance of Executive Director Dr. Raveenia Roberts Hanna.

Minister Gray, proud of the progress so far and looking forward to the start of school, said "it's always good to do good" - anticipating the future important role of the institute in energizing the push for food security for The Bahamas, and the meaningful steps being taken towards the long-held dream of the country's feeding itself.

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Baha Mar Academy team hosts a meet and greet in Georgetown, Exuma

Baha Mar's Family Island outreach and recruitment efforts continued in Exuma with residents receiving an in-depth presentation on the multibillion dollar resort. Exuma residents also had an opportunity to learn about valuable job opportunities at the property from representatives of Rosewood, the Grand Hyatt, SLS LUX and the Baha Mar Casino & Hotel.

The Baha Mar Academy, the training and recruitment arm of Baha Mar, spent two days in August on the island, inviting members of the community to learn about these world-class hotel brands that will call Baha Mar home. In speaking to the Baha Mar Academy team, many residents said they were interested in pursuing a career at Baha Mar to fulfill their desire to return "home" to New Providence to be a part of the largest luxury resort project in the history of the Caribbean.

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Resorts World Bimini opens Bimini port and expands service to Fort Lauderdale

Resorts World Bimini announced Friday the first phase of the Port at Resorts World Bimini is complete and that passengers will begin disembarking directly onto the island beginning Sept. 18, 2014. Now guests will spend up to six hours on the island of Bimini, fully enjoying all that the island has to offer. Additionally, the company announced that Bimini SuperFast will complement its current Friday, Saturday and Sunday cruise schedule from Port Miami with a weekday schedule from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale to Bimini every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday beginning October 14, 2014.

"The completion of the Port at Resorts World Bimini further enhances our commitment to the island, offering guests more time in port and uninterrupted cruise service during the winter months," said Dana Leibovitz, President of Resorts World Bimini.

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At the Movies: The Giver

One of the taglines for this movie: Search For Truth. Find Freedom. A young man lives in a colorless world of conformity and comfort, but as he begins to spend time with the sole keeper of the community's memories he soon discovers the deadly truths the community is built upon. With his newfound power of knowledge, he realizes he must escape his world to protect those he loves most.

Jonas is a young man who is chosen to learn about the history of his seemingly perfect community, but as he begins the process of becoming the repository of true experiences he also sees that a life lived to just exist in a world is not the life he wishes for those he cares for. The Giver is the old man who has held the experiences of the community's past since he was chosen as a young man and must now pass that knowledge on to Jonas, but in doing so he may have found the youth with the drive to free the community from the robotic existence they have immersed themselves in.

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Summer fun in the kitchen: Lil' Chefs' Shack 2014

Nineteen young people who participated in the Summer Fun in The Kitchen, 2014 Lil' Chefs' Shack Programme sponsored by The College of The Bahamas' Culinary Hospitality Management Institute (CHMI) received a surprise visit from the Honourable Jerome Fitzgerald, Minister of Education, Science and Technology on the final day of the programme.

The Minister took the time to speak with the children and sample various pastries, appetizers and tropical drinks made by the aspiring chefs. The youngsters spent a week learning culinary essentials such as safety and sanitation and knife skills from facilitators Ms. Sharon Ferguson and Ms. Rachelle Strachan. The participants also learned to make popular dishes such as pizzas, fun finger foods, cookies, pastas, chicken souse, peas 'n rice and fruit salads.

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Miss Bahamas beauties pay courtesy call on Minister of Foreign Affairs

On 4th September 2014, The President of the Miss Bahamas Organization (MBO), Ms. Michelle Malcolm and the recently crowned Miss Bahamas World 2014, Ms. Rosetta Cartwright and Miss Universe Bahamas 2014, Ms. Tomii Culmer, paid a visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration and was greeted by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Philip Miller and Senior Diplomats and Officials of the Ministry.

The "Beauty Ambassadors" presented their platforms and current activities to the Ministry sharing the purpose for their initiatives and the reasons why they were inspired to choose these causes.

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Prices drop for upcoming HBCUX football game this weekend

Every sports fan that wants to enjoy the much-anticipated American HBCUX football game at Thomas A. Robinson this weekend can now do so at a lower cost. The tickets for the game have now been reduced to $10, $20 and $50. General admission is now at $10, while platinum tickets are just $50.

HBCUX, an American football game, is being held on September 12-14 at the Thomas A. Robinson Stadium. Central State University (CSU) and the Texas Southern University (TSU)-two historically black colleges- will square off in the first college football game ever held in The Bahamas.

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Potcakeman super-sprint mixed team relay warms athletes up for the main triathlon Sept. 20

Conditions could not have been better for the warm up event to this year's Potcakeman Triathlon. The calm water at Jaws Beach awaited the participants who were competing in the first Super Sprint Mixed Team Relay event on Sunday, September 7. Teams were made up of 2 men and 2 women, each member completing all three legs of a shortened swim, bike then run course before handing over to the next person.

13 teams battled it out in a tightly fought race which was eventually won by team 'If You Cant Beat Em Join Em' anchored by Cameron Roach. It was a fun and informal event with great camaraderie and everyone cheering until the last person had crossed the finish line.

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242 Colour Run hits Nassau with a splash Sept. 28

The 242 Colour Run season is about to start, with the first event taking place in Nassau on September 28th. The event is a 5km (3.1 mile) run or walk which leads participants on a course with various colour stations, which saturate them in colour. The non-toxic powder brightens participants from head to toe, many of which are already wearing bright and colourful costumes.

There are no winners in the event, and no official time is kept for the participants. Prizes are awarded at random to those who participate; last year five G-Shock watches were given out along with a myriad of other gifts. The family friendly event is designed to bring joy to all that participate, and past history proves that it does that quite well.

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Letter to the Editor: Bimini's waters are being ruined by Resorts World

Just as everyone predicted, the devastation caused by the Resorts World Bimini Superfast is astounding. What were once the clearest waters in The Bahamas, world famous for their beauty & bounty, are now becoming a disgusting plume of mud and silt. A passenger aboard the Bimini Superfast from this past weekend sent us the images attached. RWB is also now stating that they are going increase the schedule for the SuperFast, further polluting Bimini's waters and killing our reefs every day of the week.

This is terrible for all of Bimini's businesses and residents, and is making the island far less appealing to tourists. Resorts World is one of the WORST reviewed resorts on the island, despite their constant efforts to try to remove truthful & damning reviews from online.

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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 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 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 16: COB Career Symposium - Performing Arts Centre from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

September 18: COB Career Fair - Independence Park at The College's Oakes Field Campus.

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 20-21: iCreate Music All Access Seminar - at Atlantis. Registration is $250. For more info call: (242) 422-2738.

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 - Visit run242.com for details and registration or stop by The Sports Center in person.

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

October 4: Ranfurly's Annual Grand Raffle - Drawing takes place at the Ranfurly Homes for Children on Mackey Street from noon - 6pm. Get your tickets early! Live Radio/Bake Sale/Great Prizes.

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 20: Bill Cosby - Legendary comic performs at Atlantis. Call 363-6601 or visit the Coral Towers box office.

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 5-8, 2015: Ride For Hope #9 / Tour of the Bahamas - Combined bike riding events with a new date and place! RFH now in Nassau. Click HERE to visit the FB page. New website coming soon.

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 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 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: Pub Quiz - Popular Humane Society fundraiser at Red Beard's. Registration from 7pm, quiz at 8.

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: 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: All in One Dog & Car Wash and No Fleas Flea Market - at the Humane Society Shelter on Coral Rd. If anyone has donations for the flea market please contact Caraline Holding at cholding@coralwave.com.

October 25: GBCC Annual Business Excellence Awards - Will be held at the Regency Theatre. Save the date and start thinking about a nominee ... See ad HERE.

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. A joint effort to benefit the HSGB and the GB Sailing Club, at the Sailing Club.

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 - Non-competitive colourful fun start/finish at Garden of the Groves. 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.

November 15: Posh Paws Fashion Show - NEW DATE! At the GB Sailing Club from 6:30 p.m. until...

December 5-6: Festival Noel - Grand Bahama's most popular Christmas season annual event - 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 24: ABACO Business Outlook - "Charting the course for growth in Abaco" at the Abaco Beach Resort. 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. Course in the waterway of Marsh Harbour near Albury's Ferry. Also paddle board and kayak challenges. 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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PM highlights resort ownership opportunities for Bahamians during tour of Camp Grantanna

Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie applauds the entrepreneurship of Bahamian businessman Thomas Basden who envisioned and will soon operate a comfortable small resort on secluded Rose Island.

The Prime Minister recently led a delegation of Cabinet Ministers and several officials to visit Mr. Basden's 'Camp Grantanna,' a $10 million high-level special projects resort on three acres that will cater to groups. The resort boasts modern conveniences but in singular island remoteness - with an out-of-the-way appeal that often attracts the high-end visitor.

Mr. Basden, an elevator company proprietor, configured what had started as something for the grandchildren into a hotel with twelve air-conditioned guest rooms, beachside kitchen, docking facilities, two sources of water (filtered rain and well) and a helipad, which Mr. Basden said has received all of the certifications needed to meet FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) standards. When in operation, the resort will be powered by solar energy and generator, and will have wireless internet and conference facilities.

Mr. Christie said: "It is important that the public is made aware of opportunities that exist in the country. When I first met Mr. Basden and came to his resort and saw what he has been able to do here, I felt that it was necessary that his vision received the attention it deserves." The Prime Minister said that the government would also support the facility with marketing and publicity.

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