Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL IV. No. 22, October 16, 2014

This week in Bahama Islands Info

National News

Nassau News

Column: Billie Talks Business

Grand Bahama News

Family Island & Abaco News

Arts & Entertainment News

Sports News

Column: Weekly fishing report from Harbourside Marine

Feedback: Letter to the Editor

Citi and Junior Achievement support young Bahamian women with new 'Inspire Her' programme

Junior Achievement Bahamas, in partnership with Citi, has announced the launch of its new Junior Achievement 'Inspire Her' programme, an initiative for the empowerment and business development of young Bahamian women, between the ages of 15 and 30, who are challenged, marginalized and institutionalized.

This new programme aims to help young Bahamian women to maximize their potential of becoming highly skilled and well-prepared for a work environment, while at the same time promoting a spirit of entrepreneurship. Inspire Her is in alignment with Junior Achievement's pillars of entrepreneurship, financial literacy and work readiness, and will focus on providing training from the specific perspective of how the Bahamian economy works, as well as sharing insights on business development and sustainability.

Click here to read more

Advocacy giants Citizens for a Better Bahamas and Save The Bays join forces

Fast-growing social and environmental movement Save The Bays has gained a crucial partner in the fight for enhanced civic rights and government transparency in The Bahamas. Citizens for a Better Bahamas is a non-partisan advocacy group that believes the government should exist to serve the needs of society and provide peace, order and in particular, good governance.

"Citizens for a Better Bahamas is excited to join with Save The Bays as a community partner in our sustained commitment to create an engaged and informed society on matters of national importance," said the group in an official statement.

Click here to read more

Bahamas participates in World Investment Forum 2014

Members of the Bahamas Investment Authority are in Geneva, Switzerland attending the World Investment Forum (WIF). Under the theme "Investing in Sustainable Development" the forum will be held from October 13th thru 16th, 2014 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

Minister Khaalis Rolle is expected to speak on the topic of how to finance the sustainable development goals. The World Investment Forum (WIF) is a high level, biennial assembly that provides a global platform to engage policy makers, the private sector and other stakeholders in discourse on Foreign Direct Investment policy formulation and promotion.

Click here to read more

Top banker: Best return on investment? You might be surprised

A top banking executive is linking banking principles to parenting in an investment message that is taking hold like the kind of song you can't get out of your head. The best return on investment, says Mavis Burrows, Vice President of Operations, Commonwealth Bank, may surprise you - it may not be gold or shares or even real estate. It could very well be the time you spend with your children and their education.

"I am not discouraging anyone from investing in real estate, entrepreneurial endeavors, or shares of Bahamian companies, but the message I want to spread is that the very best investment any parent can make is an investment in their child," said Mrs. Burrows.

Click here to read more

BTVI holds Pink Wednesday to support cancer awareness

The fight against cancer continues and the staff, faculty and students of The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) joined in with their recent Cancer Awareness Day. Team BTVI supported 'Pink Wednesday,' a community service event in an effort to bring further awareness to the prevalence of cancer and early detection of the deadly disease.

Organized by the Student Affairs department, the informative and exciting event was vital, as early detection is known to raise survival rates. From pink cupcakes and cakes to pink lemonade and pedicures, BTVI's Pink Wednesday was bigger than last year's.

Click here to read more

Island Living turnaround expert shares secrets for success in commercial property management

Ten months ago, a two-story commercial building near a high traffic intersection in Nassau was in trouble -- the solidly built 15-unit plaza had four vacant units and three tenants moving out at the end of the month.

Cristobal Gomez, an energetic agent who specializes in commercial leasing and property management at Island Living Real Estate, was brought in. His task was clear: turn the plaza's occupancy around. That was in January. He hit the ground running, did a comprehensive market analysis and knew immediately what had to be done - lower price per square foot and raise the marketing. "In real estate, the old adage is three things matter - location, location, location. But in commercial leasing, it's pricing, pricing and pricing. The right pricing for the location and marketing."

Click here to read more

AKA chapter launches 'Pledge to R.E.G.' initiative

The Eta Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. kicks off its Pledge to R.E.G. initiative. This campaign is aimed towards young Bahamians in an effort to encourage them to register to vote, encourage others to register to vote and gain knowledge to ensure they are educated voters.

The Pledge to R.E.G. campaign is very simple and accessible. Interested individuals will visit www.akaetapsiomega.com, click the Pledge To R.E.G button. On the Pledge to R.E.G. page, a commitment statement and form is available for individuals to submit. The Eta Psi Omega Chapter would then share a monthly e-blast with all registrants on national issues, election procedures, registration processes etc. On a registrant's 18th birthday, they are encouraged to go and get registered. As an incentive, they are asked to submit a photo holding their voter's card and they will receive a birthday present from the chapter.

Click here to read more

CWCO touts Windsor and Blue Hills water plants as two of the most energy efficient in the world

Consolidated Water Co. Ltd. (NASDAQ: CWCO), which develops and operates seawater desalination plants and water distribution systems in areas of the world where naturally occurring supplies of potable water are scarce or non-existent, was a recent Platinum Sponsor at the leading regional conference for the water utilities industry, The Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association Conference (CWWA), recently at Atlantis Paradise.

CWCO Board Director Senator, the Honourable Joseph Curry, Vice President of the Senate, brought remarks at the opening ceremonies where the Prime Minister the Honourable Perry Christie was the Key Note Speaker. In his address, Senator Curry shared with the local and Caribbean-based attendees the company's ongoing commitment to the government of The Bahamas in its public-private partnership and its current research into the deployment of renewable energy.

Click here to read more

Billie Talks Business: Four ways for managers to master the art of doing more with less

Every time I conduct a leadership or management training session, I leave feeling a bit guilty. The weight of the world seems to rest on the shoulders of middle management. They must be managing employee performance, managing resources, making business decisions, mentoring, coaching, and disciplining, making hiring decisions, setting departmental and individual goals, all while managing their own responsibilities. Some may say, "Well that's what they are paid for. It comes with the job." But there has to be a better way to do more with less and still come out on top.

Here are four ways to enhance management's effectiveness and essentially cut them a little slack. Besides, a burnt out manager is of no use to the organization, their teams, or themselves.

Click here to read more

Opening of GBPA's VAT training sessions sees double the expected attendance

The Grand Bahama Port Authority's (GBPA) efforts to assist its licencees with pertinent information regarding the fast approaching implementation of VAT received rave reviews, as day one of the four day initiative began Tuesday, with many being asked to roll over to the following day as the room's capacity was full. Registration for the remaining days are encouraged, as the hosts cannot override the room's capacity.

Nearly 100 concerned persons from the island's business sector turned out for advice and practical assistance on the new consumer tax VAT. GBPA Vice Chairman Sarah St. George praised the event and noted its significance as it relates to the entity's licencees.

Click here to read more

Shipyard staff give to the Breakfast Club supporting the Grand Bahama Children's Home

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and staff of the Grand Bahama Shipyard (GBS) recently donated much needed breakfast foods to the Grand Bahama Children's Home. Last month, the staff at GBS joined the 'Breakfast Club' in which supporters pledge to donate $5 each month to help provide breakfast for children at the Home.

Ed Pavey, Director of Technical, Planning and IT at GBS said, "When I first received the call for help from Christine Van Der Linde for immediate assistance to the Children's Home last month, it was with great pleasure that I donated to the cause. Afterwards, Christine came up with the idea of the 'Breakfast Club' which she implemented at her office. I thought it was such a fantastic idea that I asked my employees if they wanted to join. Again, to my pleasure, they instantly offered their pledge of support each month and for many more to come."

Click here to read more

Grand Bahamian travels to Trinidad for Caribbean regional management consultants conference

Billie Bowe, President and CEO of Benchmark Consulting Services Ltd. was one of six other Bahamian delegates to attend the 4th Annual Caribbean Institute of Certified Management Consultants (CICMC) 2014 Conference held in Port of Spain, Trinidad earlier this month.

The conference was held October 1st through 3rd under the theme Strategic Partnerships for Knowledge Brokers: Caribbean Consultants Creating Value for Clients. Delegates from across the region from St. Lucia, Barbados, Jamaica, Dominica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Suriname and of course the host country Trinidad and Tobago, gathered for a power-packed three days of dynamic speakers from various industries including both the private and public sectors.

Click here to read more

Birding classes to return to Garden of the Groves, November 1

By Erika Gates

Certified Bahamas Birding Guide

Hello Birders! (and those wishing to become birders!)

One of the events during our annual International Migratory Bird Celebration at Garden of the Groves is the Basic Birding Class.

Over the past 13 years more than 150 residents from the Grand Bahama community have participated in these most enjoyable and educational classes. The program is sponsored by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Grand Bahama Nature Tours and yours truly will be the instructor. Classes begin Nov. 1st and run for five consecutive Saturdays.

Click here to read more

What's happening at the Grand Bahama Sailing Club this month

Starting Friday, October 17th Grand Bahama Sailing Club will be starting its by-monthly Happy Hour! Come out and enjoy the beautiful view that GBSC has to offer while enjoying a cocktail with your friends and family. There will be snack food available at the bar as well as inexpensive bar prices! The pool will be available for the kids as well. This is open to anyone and everyone so feel free to bring your friends!

Sailing Sunday's will be starting once again on October 26th at 1:00 PM. kids (and adults as well) will have the chance to get out on the water to race, sail for fun, and spend time on the water!

Click here to read more

New charter air service to fly to five Bahamas destinations

In introducing its new Saab 2000 aircraft at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) today, Texas-based Meregrass, Inc. announced plans to offer scheduled charter service to five Bahamas destinations from Fort Lauderdale and one from New York.

Jim Swieter, founder of IJet Charters, which is providing marketing and reservations for the scheduled charter, said the 30-passenger service will be unique to the market offering all premium class seating and high-speed travel. "Pricing will be competitive," said Swieter of the scheduled charter service.

Click here to read more

Bimini SuperFast begins Ft. Lauderdale service

The inaugural Bimini SuperFast cruise from Fort Lauderdale, Florida arrived to the Port at Resorts World Bimini on Tuesday October 14, bringing more than 800 visitors to the island. The influx of hundreds of visitors during what is traditionally the "slow" tourism season for the island was welcomed by business owners in the hospitality sector who had been eagerly anticipating the start of the weekday cruises.

"Business is great, it feels like a weekend," said water sports entrepreneur Edward Reckley. "When you look at the hundreds of people here today, I know this is the beginning of a great thing for the island. A lot of these people are in the media, so word is going to travel quickly and we will see a lot of repeat business. Biminites have been waiting to see this kind of thing for a long time and we are ready to welcome them with open arms."

Click here to read more

BTC celebrates opening of Harbour Island store

Underlining their commitment to open sixty-one BTC retail stores throughout the islands of The Bahamas before 2016, residents of Harbour Island and neighbouring settlements celebrated the opening of the twenty-eighth BTC 'Best In Class' Experience store on the North Eleuthera island. CEO Leon Williams, local Member of Parliament Theo Neilly, Senior Administrator for Harbour Island, Jolton Johnson and Patricia Walters, BTC Senior Vice President, Customer Services each brought remarks.

Mr. Williams said that as a Bahamian company, he was dedicated to making sure that BTC benefits the local economy and the peoples of The Bahamas. "I'm interested in how BTC can benefit Bahamians in this country," he began.

Click here to read more

Innovative long term boater slip program announced at Bimini Big Game Club

The historic Big Game Club Resort and Marina has launched an innovative plan providing boaters using club's long-term slip rental program with two free roundtrip cruise tickets per month to Bimini from Miami or Fort Lauderdale plus fuel credits, room discounts and other perks.

"With high fuel costs and unpredictable seas, especially during the winter months, boaters from southeast Florida have both financial and weather issues to consider before crossing the Gulf Stream to Bimini," said Diana Weber, Director of Sales and Marketing at the 51-room Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina. "Getting here and returning home is sometimes a dilemma for those boaters and fishermen."

Click here to read more

Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival launch continues in Atlanta, GA

Drum rhythms, beautiful costumes and colorful renditions of all things Bahamian was the highlight of the first international launch for the 2015 Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival, held on Wednesday, October 8th at Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, LLP, Atlanta Georgia. Organized by the Bahamas Consulate and Bahamas Tourist Office Atlanta, the event was complete with Bahamian food, art, and music. Culminating the evening was a performance by the world renowned Colours Junkanoo Group featuring a parade of vibrant costumed carnival dancers from the Bahamas.

The event attracted close to 100 key influencers within Atlanta's fashion and entertainment industries, hospitality, tourism and travel conglomerates. The introduction of the historic fusion of two internationally recognized festivals, Junkanoo and Carnival, to the world, beginning with Atlanta, has uniquely branded The Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival.

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Trio of artists rekindling the creative genius

In recent years, Subrennah Gomez-Higgs, Janet Jennings and Jeanine Lampkin have been firing up their ceramic works and appetites for artistic expression under the tutelage of experienced ceramicist, Joann Behagg. Now, the three artists are sharing their works and passion for lifelong creative growth in a show entitled 'Trio '.

The idea was Behagg's. Having taught the three women together in her Saturday ceramic art lessons, Behagg believed each woman's talents would complement the others in an exhibition. "They seem to gel really well as a group while doing the classes," explained Behagg. "I thought they were ready and had enough skills to have a show."

Click here to read more

242 Colour Run returns to Freeport on November 2nd

The 242 Colour Run is returning to Freeport on November 2nd. The 5km (3.1 mile) course adds splashes of colour along the route, which starts and ends at the Garden of The Groves. Participants are encouraged to run, walk, skip, hop or jump as the race is just for fun and times aren't recorded or places awarded. Prizes are awarded randomly to those who participate in the event.

Registration is now open online and at the Garden of the Groves and Playtime Sports. Registration is currently $40, children under 12 are $30 and kids under 5 are free with their parents. The organizers of the event, PROMPT, look forward to returning to Freeport. "We hope to more than double the participation with over 200 entrants." stated Lee McCoy, race director. "In Hope Town, Abaco, we had over 150 people, so we know we can definitely grow in Freeport."

Click here to read more

40 Grand Bahama soccer coaches earn NSCAA Level 1 & 2 diplomas

The Grand Bahama Girls' Developmental Soccer League sponsored forty coaches from Grand Bahama for a three day coaching course from September 23- 25, 2014. Participating coaches were awarded two qualifications, Level 1 and Level 2 National Coaches Soccer Association (NSCAA) diplomas.

The Level 1 Diploma is designed to help coaches implement developmentally appropriate training games to improve skill levels in a fun and safe environment. The diploma has three parts, classroom with theory of coaching U6-U8; field work with coaches; and field work with U6-U8 players.

Click here to read more

Bahamas weekly fishing report from Harbourside Marine

Fishing report as of October 9, 2014

Nassau: The charter captains report catching a few mahi offshore. There have also been a few small wahoo caught.

North Eleuthera: There have been some big yellowfin tuna and mahi caught at "Wide Open".

Andros: There have been a few mahi caught in the southern end of "The Tongue of the Ocean".

Abaco: There are reports of wahoo caught off of north Abaco up to Walkers Cay.

Click here to read more

Bahamian concern over Ebola

Can the Ministry of Health please inform us, the Bahamian people, as to:

1) when a Chief Medical Officer will be officially appointed and operational; and

2) mobilization plans for the country to combat this deadly disease, seeing as its potential to reach our shores is merely a few hours' plane ride away!

This is an extremely serious threat which we seem to be ignoring!

Click here to read more

Muddasick!

What's bugging you? Got a Muddasick? Here's your chance to say your piece! Send your Muddasick to info@bahamaislandsinfo.com and we may just put it in print.

NASSAU EVENTS

Bahamas National Holidays - Click HERE to view the 2014 calendar.

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

October 16: Absolut Art Ambition Exhibition - 7.30pm to 10pm at Sapodilla Restaurant, West Bay Street. Dress code: Chic. 397-1478 for details.

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 21-23: VAT workshops part 2 - 9 am, 2 pm OR 6 pm at the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce office on Shirley Street and Collins Avenue. 322-2145 to register.

October 23: TRIO - Subrennah Gomez-Higgs, Janet Jennings and Jeanine Lampkin have been firing up their ceramic works. Click HERE for complete details.

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 8: Diabetes Expo - 10am-2pm at the New Providence Community Center, Blake Rd.

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

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

October 16: GB Chamber Mix & Mingle - At the Dive-In Bar & Grill at UNEXSO, 5:30pm. Click HERE to view the poster.

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 26: Sailing Sundays - 1:00 PM at the Sailing Club. Kids (and adults as well) will have the chance to get out on the water to race, sail for fun, and spend time on the water. Click HERE for more Sailing Club events

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

October 29: Garden Cafe Halloween Party - Fun for young and all, from 6pm. Click HERE to view the poster.

October 29: Santa Margherita Wine Dinner - at Old Bahama Bay, 7pm. $75 including gratuity. Tickets can be purchased at Butler & Sands RND Plaza, Seahorse Plaza, and Port Lucaya Marina. Seats are limited.

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.

October 31: Rocky Horror Halloween Party - at the Regency Theater, 8pm. $10 admission. Click HERE to view the poster.

October 31 - November 30: Diabetes Month - Click HERE to download the calendar of activities.

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 1: Birding Classes - at Garden of the Groves. Click HERE to read all about 'em.

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...

November 21-23: Strong Faith - Weekend of worship at the Grand Lucayan. See ad this newsletter or click HERE to visit the FB page.

November 22: GB Shipyard Golf Tournament - at the Reef Golf Club. Contact 727-0657.

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 16: ABACO VAT workshop - New Vision Ministries, Marsh Harbour - 8:30 am- 4pm. Call 367-5828 to register.

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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Acklins wins Taste Our Bahamas competition

After a two-weekend tantalizing culinary competition involving several islands, Acklins has emerged the winner of the Ministry of Tourism's Taste Our Bahamas Competition. The event was held at Fort Charlotte on October 4th and 11th.

In the first weekend, Acklins took home the majority of the categories. Andros came a close second.

In the finale, the judges had the daunting task of judging seven delicious categories including best crab and dough, best alcoholic beverages, best rice, best conch salad, best crab dish, best native candy and best lobster dish.

In the best bread and crab and dough category, Tiffany Newton of Andros was the overall winner.

For alcoholic beverages, Preston Jones of Abaco was the overall winner.

Winning best rice was Christopher and Kelly Thurston of Acklins, best crab dish went to Cleo Cash of Andros, best native candy went to Naturally Bahamians of Acklins and Charles Stewart of Abaco won best lobster dish.

Click here to read more