Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL IV. No. 20, October 2, 2014

This week in Bahama Islands Info

National News

Nassau News

Grand Bahama News

Column: Billie Talks Business

Column: Humane Society of Grand Bahama

Family Island & Abaco News

Arts & Entertainment News

Column: At the Movies

Sports News

Column: Bahamas weekly fishing report

Prime Minister Christie greets US President Barack Obama in New York

While in New York City to address the 69th session of the United Nations General Assembly on climate change, Prime Minister Christie and First Lady Bernadette Christie attended a reception hosted by United States President, Barack Obama. The reception was held at the Waldorf Astoria in New York on Tuesday evening, 23rd September 2014.

Pictured from left are United States President Barack Obama; Bahamas First Lady, Mrs. Bernadette Christie; Bahamas Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie and United States First Lady, Mrs. Michelle Obama.
(Photo courtesy of the White House)

Bahamas working to increase African-American visitors with two major events planned for 2015

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism (BMOT) has locked in two major events that are expected to attract thousands of African-American visitors to The Bahamas in 2015. According to BMOT's Director of the African-American market Linville Johnson, plans are underway for a black women's empowerment conference at Baha Mar, which is expected to bring 5,000 to 8,000 visitors to New Providence next year. A music festival for Grand Bahama is also in the making, and the proposed event is projected to attract anywhere from 3,000 to 5,000 visitors to that island.

"This market is very important to our tourism industry because we have a shared affinity for heritage and culture. African-Americans primarily travel in groups for reunions, fraternal, religious, and civic events, conferences and meetings," Johnson said.

Click here to read more

Caribbean wastewater conference coming to The Bahamas for the fourth time

The Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) recently announced that they will be hosting the 23rd Annual Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA) Conference and Exhibition which will be held at the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island October 6th thru October 10th, 2014.

CWWA is a regional umbrella association of professionals, scientists and utility operators, and vendors in the water, wastewater and the solid waste sector. The association's Mission Statement is "to advance the science, practice and management of water supply and waste disposal for the benefit of the Caribbean people through the development of human resources, public education and professionalism as well as promotion of appropriate technologies in the water and waste sector." In keeping with this mission, this year's Conference Theme is "Water and Waste and Energy in the Caribbean".

Click here to read more

Bahamas' VAT system - Triumphs and Pitfalls (Part II)

By John S. Bain Managing Partner at UHY, Bain & Associates in The Bahamas and member of UHY International

PART 2: Likely problems in the short, medium and long-terms

All tax to a greater or lesser extent relies on the voluntary cooperation of the population. UHY's experience with the tax regimes in many jurisdictions around the world indicates that there are some well-trodden paths in the short, medium, and long-term when different problems will be apparent at different stages of the implementation. These problems can be circumvented, or mitigated, to at least some extent, by forewarning, education, and pre-planning.

In the short-term, probably within the first six months after introduction, the government can expect mistakes and errors by businesses in their accounting procedures and VAT declarations. The declaration of wrong amounts of VAT and the omission of transactions, whether inadvertently or otherwise is a probability. Businesses will need to organise their cash flows with far greater control than previously in order to retain the VAT cash until it is due to be paid over.

Click here to read more

Water and Sewerage supporting young engineers

The Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) is helping to make the dreams of a young Bahamian engineer come true by awarding him a scholarship valued at over sixteen thousand dollars to continue his studies in the US.

Joshua Darville was the recipient of this year's technical cadet scholarship and is currently studying engineering at Fisk University in Tennessee. The budding engineer was chosen as the recipient due to receiving top grades throughout high school and excelling during his time in the technical cadet corps programme. Darville joined the programme during tenth grade while attending St. Augustine's College and continued with the programme until he graduated high school.

Click here to read more

Bahamas Ferries continues support of Bahamas Children's Emergency Hostel with $10,000 donation

In a move to advance its ongoing community service efforts, Bahamas Ferries recently made a generous donation of $10,000 to The Bahamas Children's Emergency Hostel. The monetary donation, raised through a charity golf tournament held in the hostel's honour, will go towards assisting administrators at that institution with their daily operational costs.

This donation is the latest in a number of contributions Bahamas Ferries has made to The Bahamas Children's Emergency Hostel since adopting the institution in November 2005. The company has established a committee specifically mandated to coordinate support initiatives for the not-for-profit organisation, including charity events and seasonal events.

Click here to read more

United Nations Development Program representative hails underwater sculpture garden

An environmentally friendly underwater museum to be deployed off the western tip of New Providence, has been praised for their proactive approach to climate change concerns and marine conservation. "The Bahamas is a Small Island Developing State that is vulnerable to climate change that may result in the loss of marine biodiversity. The coral reef sculpture garden is both timely and adequate to enhance the resilience of The Bahamas to the negative effects of climate change," noted Deon Stewart, GEF SGP Bahamas national programme coordinator.

The coral reef sculpture garden is expected to attract thousands of visitors to The Bahamas while simultaneously promoting healthier coral reefs which are of critical importance to the Bahamian economy as they produce sand on our beaches and act as a natural seawall to reduce costal damage during hurricanes.

Click here to read more

International Coastal Cleanup makes big impact in Nassau

More than 350 volunteers from all walks of life turned out to participate in the 29th Anniversary of International Coastal Cleanup in New Providence. To date, this global initiative has helped remove over 153 million pounds of marine litter from more than 312,000 miles of coastlines and waterways since it began 29 years ago. International Coastal Cleanup is the world's largest one-day volunteer event created to prevent and eliminate pollution of the marine environment. This year, volunteers in New Providence turned out to clean-up beaches and wetlands.

"We had an incredible turnout for this year's cleanup. So many volunteers from the local community, corporate and civic organizations, students and concerned neighbours came out in force to help rid South Beach from more than 11,139 pieces of trash," said Linzi Knowles-Belton. "In New Providence, we cleaned South Beach and found everything from mattresses, refrigerators, car parts, construction materials and so much more. Each volunteer was determined and together we made a huge impact. We also sent the message that we don't want trash to destroy our environment."

Click here to read more

Junior School boys exposed to technical studies

Eleven boys from L. W. Young Jr. School have been chosen to participate in a dual enrollment program at The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) as a special initiative to expose them to the art of painting, while providing the opportunity to channel their practical skills.

The ninth graders will participate in the 10-week program while simultaneously completing junior school. The three classes include Introduction to Painting along with Maths and English on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8 am to 3 pm. According to BTVI's Dean of Construction Trades, Alexander Darville, there is a misconception that people do not need formal education for painting; however there are many components including estimation and preparation of surfaces.

Click here to read more

CIBC FirstCaribbean bank employees decorate branches for cancer awareness fundraiser drive

If you stepped into a CIBC FirstCaribbean branch recently you were probably greeted with oodles of pink and a smile. In the bank's lead-up to its 3rd Annual Walk for the Cure on Sunday October 5th from Goodman's Bay Corporate Centre, employees adorned their branches with pink garlands and provided information on support groups and organisations. The decorations also supported an in-house CIBC FirstCaribbean branch fundraising competition.

The friendly, although still competitive, fundraising branch decoration competition was judged by members of the Sister Sister Breast Cancer Support Group. The judges evaluated the branch decoration on their creativity and design and on how informative and useful they found the collateral displays.

Click here to read more

LCIS attracts international educator as Development Director

As Lyford Cay International School (LCIS) commences its second five-year strategic plan and prepares for the expansion of the Secondary School, the school has recognized the need to strengthen their development efforts. With this primary goal in mind, LCIS is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Joanna Paul as the school's new Development Director.

Dr. Paul began her career as an educator in Los Angeles, California where she was embedded in the educational community as a teacher, a high school principal, and a district administrator for twelve years. Her desire for less city and traffic and more community and nature transported her to the island of Eleuthera where she headed the Deep Creek Middle School (DCMS).

Click here to read more

Billie Talks Business: Can a career coach benefit your career?

In my line of work, I often come across very experienced well-educated professionals who have found that their careers have plateaued. They are seeing no room for upward mobility with their current employers and while they have kept their soft and technical skills sharp with continuous education, still the challenge and excitement that a career should bring has waned.

Additionally, I have found persons with similar challenges who are unemployed and looking for career opportunities. Could a professionally trained career coach help these two categories of individuals find the career satisfaction they seek?

Click here to read more

Engineers get exclusive tour of Grand Bahama Shipyard

Grand Bahama Shipyard (GBS) recently showed their support of Grand Bahama's engineering community by hosting a tour of the yard during the Northern Branch of the Bahamas Society of Engineers (BSE) 3rd Annual Meeting & Workshop. The shipyard organized a bus tour of their facilities for the delegates, including the BSE board members, general members and the AutoCAD class from Jack Hayward High School who were recently adopted by the BSE Northern Branch.

The tour lasted about an hour and showed all of the shops, docks, and piers at the Grand Bahama facility, recently visited by the Prime Minister. Along with hosting the tour of the yard, GB Shipyard directors and engineers were on hand throughout the conference for various tours of industrial companies and for the annual popsicle bridge competition.

Click here to read more

Grand Bahama Chamber delivers their Vision Paper for 2015

Executives of the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce formally presented to the Government of the Bahamas an extensive analysis of targeted development opportunities, with specific recommendations for structuring the economic future of Freeport and Grand Bahama Island upon expiration of key provisions of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement in August of next year.

The product of many months of work and internal discussion within its organization, the Chamber has produced and presented its Vision 2015 -- a blue print for the future development of Freeport, Grand Bahama Island and by-extension the country for the remaining 40 years of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement. The document, directed to the Office of the Prime Minister, was presented to Minister Michael Darville at the Ministry of Grand Bahama on Friday.

Click here to read more

Hutchison Port Holdings Limited's (HPH) Bahamas group conclude clean-up campaign at the beach

Following a successful recycling initiative launched on 19 September which included terminal clean-ups and recycling campaigns, Freeport Container Port (FCP), Freeport Harbour Company (FHC) and Grand Bahama Airport Company (GBAC) wrapped up their participation in the joint environmental campaign launched by parent company Hutchison Port Holdings Limited (HPH) and DP World under the banner "Recycling Begins & Ends With You".

The "clean-up" team consisted of employees from all three business units as well as family members. A team from the Bahamas National Trust provided assistance with the collection of the large amount of debris found on the beaches.

Click here to read more

Lucaya International School to hold 3rd Annual Locks of Love Day

On October 6th, Mrs. Cordes, the Year 5 teacher at Lucaya International School, will host the 3rd Annual Locks of Love Day. Long-haired ladies and men who would like to donate their hair to this worthwhile cause are asked to e-mail Mrs. Cordes at: ecordes@lucayainternationalschool.com to let her know you would like to sign-up to participate.

The event will happen after school, at 3:10 p.m. in the Year 5 classroom at Lucaya International School.

Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada under age 21 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis.

Click here to read more

Humane Society of Grand Bahama readies for popular No Fleas Flea Market and Dog & Car Wash October 25

The popular event is back at the Humane Society of Grand Bahama. The No Fleas Flea Market and Dog & Car Wash will be held on Saturday, October 25th. Adding to the fun is a 'car boot sale'. Come on out and sell all your unwanted items, we have plenty of space! Load up your car.

$15.00 per seller's car (all proceeds to benefit the shelter). Sellers can set up from 9:30am onwards. If you would like to reserve a spot please email bevdobinson@aol.com. Sands beer, wine and sodas for sale to keep you refreshed, and homemade cookies and cakes to buy. While having your dog and/or car washed, browse our flea market for new and used goods. Anyone and everyone is welcome to attend whether there's any 'washing' included or not!

Click here to read more

BNT encouraged by Bahamian rock iguanas release

Now that the recently poached Bahamian rock iguanas are not only back in The Bahamas, but also back in the wild, the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) is reminding Bahamians to be extremely cautious when it comes to interaction with our rare Bahamian wildlife.

"The BNT is extremely pleased that these rescued endangered iguanas have found a home in the Moriah Harbour Cay National Park in Exuma," said Eric Carey, BNT Executive Director. "It is our hope that these iguanas will be part of the establishment of another population of this critically endangered subspecies. The fact that they are now protected within a national park gives them a much better chance of long-term survival."

Click here to read more

U.S. Embassy law enforcement officials strengthen cooperation with Bahamian counterparts during OPBAT training in Exuma

As part of continuing U.S.-Bahamian bilateral cooperation under Operation Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, the United States Embassy's Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Coast Guard, and the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Section teamed up to provide more than twenty Royal Bahamas Police Force officers from the Drug Enforcement and Marine Support Units advanced tactical training from September 9-11, 2014 in Exuma.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Anthony Ferguson welcomed attendees to the OPBAT event, where officers received emergency medical training, discussed helicopter operation strategies, and participated in a mock drug interdiction exercise at sea-all alongside their U.S. law enforcement counterparts.

Click here to read more

Yoga retreat to be held in Eleuthera

Yoga is simply better in The Bahamas. Yoga enthusiasts will have the opportunity to stretch their legs while taking in the most beautiful of settings, thanks to the first annual Lighthouse Center (TLC), a health and wellness business, which will host a yoga retreat at Pineapple Fields Resort scheduled November 5-9, 2014 in Governor's Harbour, Eleuthera. Featured yoga instructors include Kerri Verna and Irene Pappas who have a combined social media presence of over 1 million followers.

"I'm excited to share my passion for yoga and wellness in my home", said Kalin Griffin, Owner of The Lighthouse center. "I look forward to partnering with local Bahamian businesses to stimulate our island economy from the ground up."

Click here to read more

Cat Island and Richton Park, Illinois, forge ahead with Sister Cities relationship

After a fruitful four days in Richton Park, Illinois, a delegation from Cat Island and The Bahamas have set the wheels in motion for a mutually beneficial Sister Cities relationship with the people of Richton.

Cat Island Administrator Jackson McIntosh, Chief Councillor Kevin Brown, Superintendent of Education Garth King, Cat Island Sister Cities Association Chairman Danson King and member Melvin Seymour, along with Immerse Bahamas President and CEO Ginger Moxey, travelled to Illinois from September 22 to 25 to meet the people of Richton Park and develop a synergistic relationship.

Click here to read more

Nine distinguished Bahamians honoured in Andros

The Parish of St. Margaret, encompassing St. Margaret's Parish Church, Nicholl's Town, Andros and St. Mary Magdalene Church, Mastic Point, Andros celebrated its first Recognition Service on Sunday, 28th September, 2014 at 3:00 P.M.. Prior to the special service, the parish hosted a gala banquet as a vital ingredient of the recognition festivities on Saturday, 27th September, 2014 at the North Andros High School Cafeteria.

The Rt. Rev'd. Laish Boyd Sr, Bishop of the Diocese of the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands, in his keynote remarks, offered tribute and accolade to the honourees for their priceless contribution to the parish and their participation in nation building. He also offered congratulations and encouragement to the priest in charge of the parish, the Reverend Father Jude Edomwonyi and his parishioners.

Click here to read more

Marine wildlife artist Wesley Carter gives style to Wahoo Smackdown V tournament in Bimini

Accomplished modern marine and wildlife artist Wesley Carter once again delivers a winning combination of spectacular fine art and world-class graphic design for Bimini Big Game Club's Wahoo Smackdown V with artwork for the official tournament shirt and logo. From the Bimini Big Game Club logo itself to the 18 dynamic and relevant paintings installed throughout the resort Carter worked with the BBGC team to re-brand the resort in 2012.

Carter has worked extensively with conservation organizations like the Chesapeake Bay Foundation by developing whole series of paintings to educate and raise public awareness for conservation.

Click here to read more

TV's Scandal adds Bahamian flavour

The Bahamas is on the radar of one of television's hottest producers for future projects, after he filmed scenes of one of the year's highest rated shows in The Bahamas. Millions of viewers saw picturesque beach scenes of The Bahamas as the popular show Scandal made its season premiere Thursday night on ABC. The scenes were recorded at a Bahamas location weeks earlier.

Mark Wilding, the show's executive producer, said The Bahamas was the perfect location for the start of the new Scandal season. In last season's finale, protagonist Olivia Pope jetted off to an unknown location to start a new life with Jake Ballard. "Essentially, she wanted to get as far away from civilization as possible," said Wilding, who is also head writer on the show.

Click here to read more

Lucaya Youth Theatre Society gearing up for creative Christmas season

The Lucaya Youth Theatre Society, under the direction of Jackie Dack, is gearing up for a busy, creative and exciting season with auditions and training opportunities for just about everyone who ever wanted to be a part of live theatre, on-stage or behind the scenes. See below:

1. AUDITIONS:

Audition Dates: 7pm,Tuesday 7th October and Wednesday 8th October 2014 - Anyone can come any night!
Show: DEAR SANTA (A Christmas Family Comedy by Norm Foster)
Who: Lucaya Youth Theatre Society, LYTS Production, directed by Jackie Dack
Venue: The Dack House - Call 374-2879.
Rehearsal Schedule: 2 or 3 nights per week. Must attend all rehearsals in the final week.
Show Dates: Friday 12th & Saturday 13th December 2014

Click here to read more

Bahamian actor Matthew Wildgoose lands a new role

Matthew Wildgoose became a trailblazer when he chose to be a visual artist by day and stroll the red carpet by night. This Bahamian was cast and starred in a lead role for one of the largest running African American film festivals. This performance took place September 19-21 at the Paramount Theatre on Broadway. The audience was stunned with Matthew's ability to become his chosen character. Matthew's talents received notice and recruitment by celebrity acting Coach Tracey Moore to study the principles of acting.

The role literally landed in his lap three days after relocating to Atlanta, Georgia to further pursue his career in the arts and entertainment industry.

Click here to read more

Richard Coulson's fascinating memoir released, first book signing set for October 8

For most Bahamians, the name Richard Coulson conjures images of a man whose highly regarded and occasional columns in The Tribune are literary gems. Thought-provoking, free of political bias, Coulson's comments are packed with practical solutions to what seem like overwhelming decisions - what to do about direct foreign investment vs. domestic, how to handle privatization, what happens when education doesn't educate the masses.

But far beyond being the Nassau-born, world-travelled pundit whose observations generate cocktail party conversations and political round-table debates, Coulson is a man with a fascinating professional and social past that has taken him from the offices and living rooms of the top financiers of Europe to the deepest recesses of Iraq and Malaysia, with the beauty and the contrasts of Mexico a constant thread both in his work and his private life. In his just-released memoir, A Corkscrew Life, Coulson is the consummate storyteller, recalling details that no one of ordinary memory could remember.

Click here to read more

At the Movies: The Maze Runner

The tagline for this movie: Get Ready To Run. A young man wakes up trapped in the center of a maze with other boys with no memory of the outside world a part from strange dreams of a life he can not comprehend. He must piece together fragments of his past with clues he discovers in the maze if he hopes to find out their reason for being there and a path for escape.

I was expecting this to be another adaption of a young adult book set in a dystopian future with the the only real twist being that the main character is male instead of female. To be honest, that is what this is. However, I am very happy to report that it is told in a very smart way as we learn about what is going on in the film along with the characters. It is well acted with a firm premise and solid directing with a unique tone for this particular genre.

Click here to read more

Palm Cay's second annual Family Fishing Fun Day nets big smiles

Matthew Reid reeled in his catch grinning from ear-to-ear and, like any fisherman, knew luck was now on his side. He had landed a jack, a little blue runner. It weighed in at under a half pound. That was just enough.

"At least, we didn't get skunked," proclaimed the 8-and a half-year-old, mimicking his parents' phrase that means whatever the expense of having a boat and the cost of fuel, the fish are not laughing at you -- you've got something to show for a day of being out there on the water, doing your best to get dinner from anywhere besides the store or ramp.

Click here to read more

First event in 242 Colour Run series 2014 brightens a sunny Sunday in Nassau

The 242 Colour Run in Nassau took place on a beautiful Bahamian Sunday morning, September 28th. The second instance of the event saw 449 people registered, up from last year's attendance of 330. The revised course left Eastern Parade and headed east, rounding Montagu foreshore and heading back to finish at Green Parrot Nassau, a total distance of 5km.

The 242 Colour Run is different from the average walk or run, as teams and individuals are encouraged to get as funky and colourful as they possibly can. Individuals and teams consisting of friends, families, co-workers, athletic groups, and specialty groups dressed in funky clothing, tutus, wigs, and even a batman costume!

Click here to read more

New champions crowned at the Baark! Powerade Potcakeman Triathlon

The second annual Potcakeman Triathlon was a thrilling morning at Jaws Beach on Saturday, September 20th, 2014. Over 200 participants took part in the 750m swim, 21km bike and 5k run or the shorter distance 'Puppy Tri' for young people. Featuring chip timing sponsored by Purina, the first person over the finish line was Delroy Booth, part of the Freeport based team 'Executive Marine'.

Kelly Kramp was crowned overall men's winner finishing with a time of 1:12:08 and newcomer Ashleigh O'Mahony (pictured) won the women's division in 1:19:20. The new champions were presented with dog-bone shaped trophies plus an Ironman watch donated by John Bull and a Kenneth Cole leather bag from The Shoe Village. The fourth discipline - party - swung into action as finishers got to enjoy a refreshing Sands Light beer and kids a Dairy Queen dilly bar while they were entertained by paddleboard demos at the beach.

Click here to read more

Bahamas weekly fishing report from Harbourside Marine

Fishing report as of September 25, 2014

Nassau: The offshore bite has been quite good with mahi and decent sized tuna caught. There have also been quite a few sailfish and even the odd marlin released this week.

Abaco: Kevin Sawyer of Island Boy Tackle reports that the wahoo bite has started early this year. He also reports that the mutton snapper fishing has been very good this week.

Save the Date - Taurus Riley in concert. Tickets on sale at Harbourside Marine. This October, the Sandals Foundation and The Coca-Cola Company are once again turning up the vibe for this year's 'Vibes on the Island 2014,' a second annual benefit concert featuring internationally-acclaimed, Jamaican reggae artists Tarrus Riley and Chronixx and Zincfence Redemption, along with guests Dean Fraser and the Black Soil Band.

Click here to read more

Muddasick!

Dogs!

Prime minister needs to visit the West End to see how bad the stray dog population is now. You want money from tourism yet you do not one thing to help the seat dogs suffering in West End.

These Bahamians are not educated to at the very least know to call humane society in Freeport to pick up the litters if puppies. It is very sad to see these animals suffering.

Please help fund the Freeport humane society. They can only do so much without funds.

-RT

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.

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

October 4 & 11: Taste our Bahamas Festival - at Clifford Park. Click HERE to visit the Culinary Month website with all the events detailed.

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 5: CIBC Walk For the Cure - Short and long routes offered. 7am start from Goodman's Bay. Proceeds to cancer support organizations in The Bahamas. E-mail duquesa.dean@cibcfcib.com or stop in at any CIBC FirstCaribbean branch to register. $20. Great prizes too!

October 7: Rhythm and Youth - Sir Gerald Cash Primary School perform in New York. Watch on Dem Bahamianstv beryl Youtube channel.

October 12: "Dollyhouse" - The Caribbean's "King of Comedy" Oliver Samuels is bringing his latest theatre production to The Bahamas. Click HERE to read in The Tribune.

October 16: Doctors Hospital Lecture Series - Wellness following a cancer diagnosis. 6pm in the conference room, Dowdeswell St. Call 302-4600.

October 18: Rotaract Club of South East Nassau Centennial's Paint the Streets Pink - Back for a second great year! Walk/race starts at 6:00am at Arawak Cay, late registration at 5:30am. Early registration at Bahamas Breast Cancer Initiative Foundation (BBCIF) offices at the Cancer Society or email rotaract.senc.bahamas@gmail.com.

October 25: Sandals 'Vibes on the Island' - Private island concert with Tarrus Riley and Chronixx plus special guests. $195 inclusive of food and drinks. Click HERE to visit the website.

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.

November 23: Heart Ball Victorian High Tea Party & Fashion Show - with hats and gloves required. Pre-Tea Exhibition at 2 pm, main event at 2:30 at Mount Fitzwilliam, Government House. Click HERE to view the poster.

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.

January 24: 16th Cacique Awards - at Melia Nassau Beach Resort, Cable Beach.

February 5-8: 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.

February 14: 51st Annual Heart Ball - at the Melia Nassau Resort. Mark your calendar for this worthwhile charity event.

May 7-9: 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

October 4: 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.

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 6: 3rd Annual Locks of Love Day - at Lucaya International School. Click HERE for more information and hair donation guidelines.

October 7-8: Auditions - For 'Dear Santa' (A Christmas Family Comedy by Norm Foster). Male and female, singing and non-singing. Anyone can come any night to the Dack residence at 7pm. Call 374-2879 for directions and information. Click HERE to read more.

October 11: Relay For Cancer - Third annual 4 x 1 mile road race. 6am warm-up at Pelican Bay. Click HERE to view the poster.

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

October 14-17: VAT readiness seminars - Sponsored by the GBPA at Pelican Bay. Click HERE to read more.

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. 11am-3pm. Want to donate? Click HERE for more information.

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: 242 Colour Run Freeport - Non-competitive colourful fun start/finish at Garden of the Groves. Visit run242.com for details and registration.

November 2: Annual Red Rose Ball - HIV/AIDS education fundraiser and a night of glamour.

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 12-13: Dear Santa (A Christmas Family Comedy by Norm Foster) put on by the Lucaya Youth Theatre Society - Save the dates, more information coming soon.

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

March 2015: Exact day TBD - 6th Annual Join Me on the Bridge - Celebration of International Women's Day and Women's Expo.

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

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. Click HERE to download an entry form.

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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U.S. Embassy partners with local groups to promote social inclusion at 5th annual EKS Day celebration

For the fifth consecutive year, the U.S. Embassy partnered with Special Olympics Bahamas to host the annual Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day celebration at the U.S. Ambassador's Residence on Saturday, September 27. As in years passed, the front lawn of the residence was transformed into a "Mini Camp Shriver" where hundreds of Special Olympics Bahamas athletes and volunteers enjoyed a morning of fun, food and games.

The event served as an opportunity to honor the legacy of the founder of the Special Olympics organization, the late Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who spent her life committed to people with intellectual disabilities.

With the theme "Play Unified to Live Unified", U.S. Embassy volunteers led by Charg� d'Affaires Lisa Johnson joined with Special Olympics Bahamas volunteers, family members and representatives from partner organizations to promote social inclusion and the spirit of volunteerism.

Participating partners included the Bahamas Football Association, Bahamas Olympic Committee, American Women's Club, Eleuthera Special Olympics Program, Royal Bahamas Police Force, Bahamas National Council for Disability, REACH, the Kiwanis Club and Stapledon School for Special Needs Children.

The EKS Day youth activities included bocce, soccer, tennis, egg and spoon competitions, sack races, face-painting, dancing and the always popular dunk tank where athletes enthusiastically took turns for a chance to "dunk" U.S. Embassy volunteers into a large water tank.

Click here to read more