Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL IV. No. 21, October 9, 2014

This week in Bahama Islands Info

National News

Nassau News

Grand Bahama News

Family Island & Abaco News

Arts & Entertainment News

Column: At the Movies

Sports News

Feedback: Letter to the Editor

U.S. Embassy provides Bahamian law enforcement officials with advanced port security training

Continuing U.S.-Bahamian partnership on issues of mutual concern, the U.S. Embassy's International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Section and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) partnered to provide ten Bahamian Police Force, Defense Force, Customs, and Immigration officers with advanced training on port security September 14-20 at the Port of Miami (PortMiami).

The Bahamian law enforcement officials joined eight Customs and Excise Officers from Trinidad and Tobago at CBP's National Anti-Terrorism Contraband Enforcement School, where they discussed countering illicit trafficking in the seaport environment with their U.S. counterparts.

Click here to read more

Commonwealth Secretary General addresses youth empowerment

The youth of the Commonwealth - citizens between the ages of 15 and 29 - are three times more likely than their older counterparts to be unemployed, leaving these countries vulnerable to social and political instability, according to Commonwealth Secretary General His Excellence Karmalesh Sharma. Mr. Sharma was the distinguished lecturer addressing emerging leaders at The College of The Bahamas and members of the College community recently on "Youth Leaders In The Commonwealth".

Sixty percent of the Commonwealth's two billion citizens are age 29 and under. "Youth unemployment has become a huge global issue. The proportion of young people not in employment, education or training - they have an acronym for it NEET - has grown in a majority of countries for which data exist. Prolonged youth unemployment threatens the social and political stability," he said.

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BNT teams up with yachting website to safeguard our beautiful parks and seas

The sea is calling but who will save it from destruction or misuse? Well thanks to a new initiative, the super yacht industry that spends millions cruising the beautiful seas of The Bahamas, is now looking to protect the islands and waters they visit.

In an effort to gain funding for the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, the first national park in the world that conserves both land and sea, the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) and Ministry of Tourism recently traveled to Monaco at the invitation of SuperYachts.com. SuperYachts.com is currently working with the Ministry of Tourism to establish a conservation partnership between the BNT and the Blue Marine Foundation to provide support and funding for the park.

Click here to read more

FOI momentum still going strong; drumbeat for change continues to resonate months after landmark rally

The impact of June's groundbreaking Freedom of Information (FOI) rally in Rawson Square is still being felt across the country as key businesses, numerous NGOs and scores of concerned citizens continue to show their ardent support for increased transparency and accountability in government. The drumbeat for greater openness also continues to reverberate through the airwaves thanks to dozens of sympathetic TV and radio hosts, talk show guests and callers.

"We could not be more pleased with how the call for Freedom of Information has caught hold of the public imagination," said Lindsey McCoy, CEO of Save The Bays, the fast-growing social and environmental advocacy group that organized the rally. "One of the most encouraging signs is the durability of our message, as seen in the number of companies that continue to sport FOI t-shirts distributed at the rally during business hours on a regular basis."

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COB signs MOU with Taiyuan University of Technology

The College of The Bahamas has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Taiyuan University of Technology (TUT), paving the way for international education and exchange opportunities, particularly in Information Technology, as well as cross-cultural engagement between the two institutions. The formal relationship with TUT is aligned with The College's internationalization strategy.

The agreement permits collaboration in research projects based on common interests in economic development and education, cooperation on special projects to promote economic and cultural linkages between the People's Republic of China and The Bahamas. The MOU also provides for faculty, staff and student exchanges.

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Save The Bays praises government action, but says it took a crisis for a wake-up call

With massive globs of oil bogging down beaches, choking fish, smothering marine life and coating dive equipment and divers with a slimy black mask, the country's fastest-growing environmental organization today praised government for taking action following the latest oil spill in Clifton Bay, but lamented it took a crisis to give rise to a wake-up call.

"Respective governments have been given warning time and time again of oil leaks in Clifton Bay," said Save The Bays CEO Lindsey McCoy. "Those leaks have gotten increasingly worse and in recent months have erupted into oil spills covering vast areas of Clifton Bay, one of the most valuable marine environments in The Bahamas, a place that draws hundreds, if not thousands from all over the world, to dive its reefs every year. Now, those reefs are in danger of being smothered and divers are coming up with their wet suits and gear covered with a greasy coating that is like something from a bad movie."

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VIPs pack Chamber event at Palm Cay to mix, mingle and meet Carnival chief

More than 150 people packed the Billfish Grill at Palm Cay for the recent Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers' Confederation's 'Wind Down,' its annual mix and mingle for business owners, top executives and civic leaders. The drawing card - one of America's most prominent success stories, Arnold W. Donald, President & CEO of Carnival Corp., the massive cruise line company he has steered for less than two years, sailing through challenges to emerge as a $33 billion corporation with nine cruise ship brands and 121,000 employees.

Donald used the occasion to remind the audience and media of the company's role as the number one provider of visitors to the country - including 95% of all cruise passengers to Grand Bahama and 65% to Nassau, but he also urged care and attention to costs, security and overall visitor experience.

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BREEF's underwater museum an ecotourism 1st for the Bahamas

The Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation says their multi-phase Sir Nicholas Nuttall Coral Reef Garden now allows the Bahamas to boast of the "world's largest undersea artificial sculpture". Additionally, when completed would be a $500,000 investment into ecotourism. Casuarina McKinney-Lambert, BREEF's executive director said that our underwater museum is an eco-friendly addition to the Bahamas' growing ecotourism product.

"The Bahamas was already home to the world's deepest blue hole and the third longest fringing barrier reef," said McKinney-Lambert. "Now we have the world's newest coral reef garden located off the western tip of New Providence that incorporates many stunning works of art; The centerpiece being 'Bahamian Ocean Atlas' - a 60 ton and over 17 feet tall sculpture handcrafted by internationally renowned sculptor, Jason DeCaires Taylor."

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Sandals Royal Bahamian graduates 20 people from Hospitality Training Programme

Sandals Royal Bahamian recently prepared 20 individuals to enter the world of Hospitality after they successfully completed the resort's Hospitality Training Programme (HTP). The resort hired 65 percent of the graduates who were eligible to work, following the six week exercise.

This summer's HTP was special, as it included summer students who entered their final year of high school at the end of summer. The HTP is a chance for individuals to receive hospitality training throughout the various departments at Sandals' prestigious resort property. The training is carried on at Sandals Emerald Bay on Exuma as well.

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Baha Mar sponsors Rake n' Scrape Company

More than a dozen rake n' scrape band members embarked on the trip of a lifetime Tuesday where they will perform at churches and colleges in and around New York City. Over the course of this week, the Bahamas Rake n' Scrape Company, led by its director, Nathaniel Adams will perform at several landmark locations in New York including The Roman Catholic Church of the Epiphany and Vassar College, culminating in a one-hour concert at the United Nations.

Adams said the Bahamas Rake n' Scrape Company started with an idea and six Gerald Cash Primary School students. Now the band, which also goes by the name 'Rhythm n' Youth', has blossomed to 25 skilled members, ages five to 16-years from nine different schools across New Providence.

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Dundas Centre revamps with Bahamas Waste's help

Every great production has a great cast of characters, and Bahamas Waste is definitely a part of the cast helping beautify the Dundas Centre, as they continue to be a huge help to their clean-up efforts. In an effort to be the premier site for live shows in New Providence, the Dundas Centre is currently undergoing an extensive revamp, and there were no theatrics involved when it came to Bahamas Waste stepping up to help.

"The Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts continues to be grateful for Bahamas Waste's donation of garbage collection services at our premises," said Nello Lambert, Project Manager. "Their contributions have significantly assisted us with our restoration and enhancement efforts."

Click here to read more

Hundreds expected for massive Freedom of Information block party October 25

A massive downtown Nassau street party aimed at creating an urgent call for transparency in government transactions is expected to draw a capacity crowd Saturday, October 25.

Set for Charlotte Street South from 3 to 8 pm, the block party with a cause is part of an increasingly vocal campaign for a Freedom of Information Act. It is being organized by Save The Bays in partnership with a combination of diverse business and civic groups including the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers' Confederation, Citizens for a Better Bahamas and the Coalition for Responsible Taxation with numerous sponsors including Van Breugel's Restaurant, Bristol Wine & Spirits and Sands.

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Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce presents vision paper - 'The Future of Freeport - 2015 and Beyond'

The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce recently presented their vision paper, "The Future of Freeport - 2015 and Beyond" to the Minister of Grand Bahama, GBPA top executives and, on Wednesday, October 1, to their members at a meeting held at the Pelican Bay resort. Directors Kevin Seymour, Dillon Knowles, and Dan Romence lead the discussions along with First Vice-President, Leigh Termath, who served as the MC for the night.

Since then, Chamber President, Barry Malcolm, along with Dillion Knowles appeared on Real Talk Live with Ortland H.Bodie in Nassau. The Chamber is now releasing the Vision Paper to the public.

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Lucayan National Park highlighted at Caribbean Biodiversity meetings

During the 2nd Annual Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF) Meeting held last week, the Grand Bahama Branch of the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) hosted fifteen participants, including Board Chair, Jens Mackensen, to a tour of the most visited national park in The Bahamas, the Lucayan National Park.

"We are appreciative for the opportunity to host the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund Meeting group at our Lucayan National Park," said Lakeshia Anderson, Grand Bahama Parks Manager. "We hope the visit not only provided an insight on the history and unique features of Lucayan National Park, but also afforded the group with a view of the realistic needs of the park for which funding generated from the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund and Bahamas Protected Area Fund can support."

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Local investor ignites Carnival fever on Grand Bahama

Local investor Peter Hunt of BahamaLand Investments made a financial contribution to the combined Grand Bahama Carnival Company on Thursday October 2nd for the development of prototype costumes for the highly anticipated Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival set for May 7-9, 2015. Grand Bahama will also play a major role in Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival with major events on the road to Carnival, as well as its very own weekend of activities slated for April 17-19, 2015.

With the belief that the rich Bahamian culture should always be center stage and on display for visitors to the island to experience, Hunt explained that after being asked, he was delighted to come forward to assist the Junkanoo groups in getting ready to be a part of Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival. Grand Bahama, he believes, should be afforded every opportunity to share the culture of The Bahamas with the world.

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Shipyard supports Bahamian culture with Junkanoo donation

The Grand Bahama Shipyard donated to Bahamian culture by making a donation last Wednesday to the various Junkanoo groups on Grand Bahama.

Pictured left to right are Ken Ferguson, Classic Dancers, Jonathan Glinton, Bayshore Warriors, Lorine Miller, Swingers Junkanoo, Katherine Smith, Grand Bahama Shipyard Director Human Resources & Community Relations, Edney Sherman, Kingdom Culture, Terry Wildgoose, Showtime.

The Grand Bahama Shipyard and their staff wish all the groups the best of luck as they prepare for this year's Junaknoo festivals.

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Kiwanis Clubs of the Bahamas donates playgrounds to Cat Island schools

A native daughter of the soil, a descendant from Dumfries and New Bight, Lieutenant Governor Christine King's passion for service took her beyond the scope of New Providence where she settled the last 24 years. It took her back to her home town where she was raised, to give back to the children in those northern settlements; Dumfries and Orange Creek.

She was instrumental in the funding and organization of the construction of the two playgrounds which she and the Kiwanis Clubs of the Bahamas members flew down and officially opened last Saturday. About 30 Kiwanians, travelled to Cat Island to officially launch its 2013-2014 Kiwanis Bahamas signature project.

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U.S. Embassy's Abaco Youth Ambassadors host community dialogue on social inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities

On September 24, the U.S. Embassy's Youth Ambassadors representing the island of Abaco held an engaging community dialogue to promote social inclusion of Bahamians living with intellectual disabilities during a one-day forum at the Office of the Prime Minister in Marsh Harbour, Abaco. The community service project coordinated by the youth ambassadors was a direct follow-up to their participation in an international youth leadership exchange program sponsored by the U.S. State Department in February of this year.

The participants, Kandise Kelly and Catalina Albury, both students at Forest Heights Academy, Berthony McDermott of S.C. Bootle High School and Conrad Cornish of Abaco Central High School, were accompanied by Kimberly Rahming of the Ministry of Education who served as the group's chaperone. During the three-week exchange in the U.S., the youth leaders joined students from throughout the Caribbean in Denver, Colorado and Washington, D.C. to participate in hands-on community based activities.

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Historic Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina announces 'Writer in Residence' program

The creative muse of Bimini, which inspired writer Ernest Hemingway in the 1930s and Dr. Martin Luther King three decades later, is now calling out to writers interested in experiencing the daily ebb and flow of life on this tiny, Island in the Stream. The historic Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina has announced a "Writer in Residence" program providing complimentary lodging for published writers. Lodging, in a cottage once occupied by Dr. Martin Luther King (if available), will be limited to three days-Monday through Wednesday.

The Writer in Residence program, available to one writer each week starting January 2015 to April 2015, will be culminated in the spring with a Writer's Retreat Workshop that will be taught by seasoned professionals.

Click here to read more

Agriculture and marine science students start classes in North Andros

Sunday morning was spent at St. Margaret's Anglican Church where the Rt. Reverend Laish Boyd, Bishop of The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands, encouraged the first class of agriculture and marine science students of the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) in North Andros to take full advantage of their opportunity to learn, and he encouraged the community to be supportive.

September 29 -- Day 1 - Opening Day finally arrived for the historic class -- the first students of the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute, who were welcomed by Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Local Government the Hon. V. Alfred Gray, and also by President of the Institute, Godfrey Eneas, and Executive Director, Dr. Raveenia Roberts-Hanna. They were introduced to their lecturers and given their course outlines.

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Fred Mitchell gives address at Seventh Day Adventist church in Exuma

"Good morning Reverend gentlemen and ladies. My friend and colleague Anthony Moss MP and Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government. The Chief Councilor Leonard Dames and his Councilors. Ladies and gentlemen. It is good to be in Exuma and good to have been asked back a second year to this celebration of nations.

I flew here directly from New York where I delivered the country's national statement. This year's was a tough message and while we celebrate the comity between nations, we have some tough and unyielding work to do and we have to enlist your support in that work.

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Shakespeare in Paradise 2014 launches to an audience of 15,000 viewers on Cable 12

Cable Bahamas, a major sponsor of the annual Shakespeare in Paradise festival, lived up to its Cable 12 "Watch Us and See Yourself" maxim with the television premiere of the celebrated Bahamian folk opera "The Legend of Sammie Swain," which aired on September 28th. The broadcast of the stage production, as performed at last year's theatre festival, served as the official opening of the 2014 season, which began October 3rd and concludes on October 11th.

Nearly 15,000 Bahamians tuned in to Cable 12 last Sunday to view E. Clement Bethel's timeless tale about a disabled Cat Island man who sells his soul to the devil to be with the village beauty. The story resonated with thousands of residents, scores of whom took to Facebook to voice their opinion of the stage production. According to the viewers, many aspects of Bahamian customs and values were depicted in 'Sammie Swain,' penned by Mr Bethel in 1971.

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COB music students create conch salad with a melodic twist

Who knew that conch salad could be so melodic? The music students at The College of The Bahamas and the faculty members who helped them create a new compilation of original and classic Bahamian melodies. The result is a CD entitled Melodic Conch Salad, produced by the ensemble MUIN242, which will be launched on Friday, October 17th at 7:00 p.m. at the Bahamas National Trust, Village Road.

"The most rewarding part was hearing the final version in the studio. We could not believe what we accomplished," shares Lynden Sands, group member and second-year music major. This is just one of the ways that demonstrates how students of The College are not only learning from the quality instruction for which the institution is known, but are using that knowledge to create and produce quality work themselves.

Click here to read more and view video

Eden launches full carnival costume repertoire in lush style

All of Eden's colours were in full bloom Saturday night as the Bahamas Carnival band launched its full complement of costumes in front of a riveted audience. Female and male models displayed the bejeweled, feathered and glittered head pieces, belts, and tops and bottoms that Eden's masqueraders will don when they hit the road in May. Eden's theme for this very first carnival is 'Garden of Eden'.

"The costumes are based on this year's theme, which lends itself to more sensual and sultry designs, but we will have options for persons who want more coverage," said Eden's director Rachael Allahar. "We wanted to keep things lightweight and wearable to make sure our members are comfortable and can enjoy the parade. We focused on creating appealing designs that people not only want to wear, but also can wear for the entire day."

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Islands of The World Fashion Showcase gears up for sixth installment

It's almost here! The Bahamas is about to get a fashion facelift with the latest installment of Islands of the World Fashion Showcase (IWFS). Set for November 6-8 the award-winning show will feature some 15 designers from the Bahamas, Bermuda, Cuba, the Turks and Caicos and the United States of America. With less than a month before the big event, tickets are now available online.

"This year's event marks a turning point for Islands of the World Fashion Showcase as it moves to the next step envisioned in its development with the launch of a collection and label under a collaborative endeavour with several designers," said Owen Bethel, principal and producer of the event. "This will be an attractive alternative for both young and established designers from the islands who may not be ready to produce their own line or wish to create separate garments under a different label."

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At the Movies: No Good Deed

The tagline for this movie: First He Gets Into Your House. Then He Gets Into Your Head. A devoted housewife and mother of two has a ideal until her home and children are threatened by a charming stranger who talks his way into her house with a claim of car trouble. The unexpected visitor terrorizes her and her family and puts them in a position where they must fight for their survival.

Terri Granger is the mother of two children who has decided to stay at home to take care of her newborn son, but when she invites a supposedly stranded man into her home on a stormy night it escalates into a situation of life and death for all those involved. Colin Evans is a man bent on revenge against a world he feels has treated him unfairly and so he has found himself on the doorstep of Terri with a desire to sooth his bruised ego.

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Fishermen asked to 'release or return' if catch is carrying research tags

A shortfin mako shark and a blue marlin, both tagged by scientists this spring with expensive satellite tags, found their way onto fishing boats as catches in September. End of tag transmissions and fish migrations, but not end of story. The loss of tagged fish and the data they were providing is a concern for researchers, who not only lose the animal and important information it was transmitting or collecting but the equipment, which in some cases can cost up to $4,000 per tag.

One oceanographic research team in South Florida, for example, has lost seven satellite transmitter tagged sharks to fishing in the last two years, representing over 20 percent of the sharks they were tracking. Each tag will have a serial number and the manufacturer's contact information. The fishermen are asked to get in touch with the manufacturer and provide information on where and when the fish was caught.

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Grand Bahama based body builder en route to Central American Championships

Bernard Davis, a member of The Bahamas Bodybuilding & Fitness Federation will represent The Bahamas in the Central American Championships (CAC) being held in St. Marten slated for early October. Mr. Davis, deemed as Mr. Bahamas 2014 has received a donation from The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA) to compete in the upcoming event.

Pleased to receive the contribution, Mr. Davis said, "I am appreciative of GBPA's sponsorship and support in my bodybuilding career. I do consider body building as much like other sports, in that in order to be successful you must dedicate yourself 100% to your training, diet and mental approach."

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Aqua Titans triumph in Melia's departmental basketball tournament

On a daily basis, the staff at Melia Nassau Beach Hotel demonstrate their skills when greeting guests at the front desk, serving tropical drinks and local fare in the restaurants, maintaining the resort's public spaces and managing entertainment activities at the beach and pool. But recently, over a three day period, their dexterity and prowess on the basketball court was on display during a departmental basketball tournament held at the Cable Beach Police Station court.

With six teams leaving it all on the court, tournament stats had the Housekeeping Closers (2-1) leading the way into the third day of competition followed by the Storeroom Ballers (2-0), Aqua Titans (1-0), Beach & Pool Beach Dogs (0-2), Beverage Finishers (0-1) and the Bahamar Jetsetters (0-1).

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1st Annual GBCC Time Trial Championships pits cyclists against the clock

The 1st Annual GBCC Time Trial Championships was successfully held on Saturday, October 4th, 2014 and proved to be a competitive event. Racing against the clock, Category 1 men and women were set out at 2-minute intervals on a 25 mile loop while Category 2 men and women raced a 12 mile loop.

The day turned out to have beautiful weather with a westerly breeze. "Unfortunately, we had one mishap which occurred before the event," said organiser Rowshan Jones, "when one of our participants had a nasty fall, which resulted in injuries that concerned everyone. However, he persevered and insisted on participating."

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Protect our Bahamian businesses

In the Business Section of the September 17th edition of The Nassau Guardian, under the headline "Wilchcombe lauds PM's proposed straw goods delivery system" there is an upsetting reference to the cruise ships banning Bahamian straw goods due to a supposed 'red palm mite' infestation. As the co-founder of a new community organization called "Creative Nassau" whose mandate is to promote and celebrate the Bahamian straw industry and our Junkanoo traditions, I was quite concerned to read about this ban as it has the potential to have a direct detrimental effect on our straw industry.

Apparently the government has stated that the cruise ships were incorrect in their assertions and nothing further has been heard on the issue. It is hoped that government has taken a firm stance and made strong objection against any such incidents in the future, because once again there is an imbalance in our state of affairs when our dependence on external forces dictate how we must respond to them. Are we to be masters of our own fate, or be enslaved and beholden to them because of their threats to pull out from this destination?

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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 October 13: Shakespeare in Paradise - Performances nightly at the Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts.

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

October 11: Models Casting Call - For Islands of the World Fashion Showcase. Click HERE for info.

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 12-16: Small Art Auction House (SAAH) - Preview exhibition at Popopstudios.

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

October 17: Small Art Auction House (SAAH) - 3rd annual sale. John Watling's Distillery, 6pm. Over thirty emerging, mid-career, and established Bahamian artists as well as several regional and international artists.

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 18: VAT Seminar - British Colonial Hilton ▪ 9-5PM. Call 322-2145 for registration and information.

October 18 & 19: International Cultural Festival - A taste of the cultures represented in The Bahamas at the Botanical Gardens from 10am-6pm.

October 25: Freedom of Information block party - Set for Charlotte Street South from 3 to 8 pm. Click HERE to read all about it.

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 6-8: Islands of The World Fashion Showcase - 6th year will feature some 15 designers from the Bahamas, Bermuda, Cuba, the Turks and Caicos and the United States of America. Click HERE to read more.

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 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. 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. Wine, art, food ... more details soon!

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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CIBC FirstCaribbean's 3rd annual 'Walk for the Cure' raises funds for cancer treatment and prevention

The general public and CIBC FirstCaribbean staff, management, customers and corporate partners walked for the cure this past Sunday to join the fight for life at the bank's 3rd Annual 'Walk for the Cure' support initiative.

Walk for the Cure is a regional event with local iterations in each of CIBC FirstCaribbean's 17 locations throughout the Caribbean. The funds raised from the Nassau walk will be presented to Sister-to-Sister Breast Cancer Support Group, The Bahamas Breast Cancer Initiative Foundation, and the Cancer Societies in Abaco, Eleuthera, Grand Bahama and New Providence.

Three hundred and forty-eight walkers and runners of all ages smartly turned-out in bright new 'Walk for the Cure' T-shirts were in good spirits and anxious to get started as they set off for the Sandals Resort from the Goodman's Bay Corporate Centre in West Nassau. Two avid fitness fans of note were the Honourable Leslie Miller, MP and Miss World Bahamas, Rosetta Cartwright. The walk followed the bank's two-month pre-publicity awareness and fundraising activities that boosted the final amount raised by the walk.

At Goodman's Bay Corporate Centre walkers were refreshed with fresh fruit and water and gathered to listen to Jason Knowles moving narrative of his daughter, Zion's fight with Cancer. Necole Watson of Trinity City of Praise performed while Pastor Shawn McKenzie of Sunrise Ministries who gave a brief sermon.

The most moving part of the event was the release of balloons which brought those gathered to their feet in a moment of silence and contemplation.

Click here to read more