Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL IV. No. 23, October 23, 2014

This week in Bahama Islands Info

National News

Nassau News

Grand Bahama News

Column: Humane Society of Grand Bahama update

Family Island & Abaco News

Arts & Entertainment News

Column: At the Movies

Sports News

Column: Weekly fishing report

Feature article: Big pink selfies

Government establishes task force to focus on Ebola awareness

The Government has assembled a task force to ensure that the Bahamas is prepared in the event of Ebola cases entering the country. Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie made the announcement during a press conference held at the Office of the Prime Minister on Wednesday, October 22.

"This task force, which includes a cross-section of professionals and experts from various agencies of government and the private sector, has been organized in order that we ensure that in the face of this calamitous disease - Ebola - reaching our country, we would be poised to provide maximum protection and assistance to our people and visitors alike," said Prime Minister Christie.

Click here to read more

U.S. Embassy presents local NGO's with PEPFAR small grants to support the fight against HIV/AIDS

On Tuesday, October 14, U.S. Embassy and Ministry of Health officials participated in a signing ceremony at the Ministry of Health to announce the recipients of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) small grants program. The objective of the PEPFAR initiative is to support national programs in the prevention of HIV/AIDS, while strengthening the capacity to monitor current cases and collaborating with civil society groups to reach key at-risk populations.

PEPFAR funds totaling over $14,000 were presented to four community-based organizations dedicated to the fight against HIV/AIDS in order to assist with their outreach programs on New Providence and the Family Islands.

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New research gives insight into teen aggression in relationships

Girls are more likely than boys to be aggressive in their intimate relationships with the opposite sex, according to new research published in the International Journal of Bahamian Studies (IJBS) Volume 20(1), The College of The Bahamas' online research journal.

The groundbreaking study gives insight into how teenagers view their roles in relationships with significant others and is based on the results of a survey more than 1,000 10th and 12th grade students in eight schools in New Providence completed. The College of The Bahamas and the Bahamas Crisis Centre collaborated on the research. More than half of the boys surveyed (51.6%) indicated that their significant other had called them names and almost a third (28.1%) reported that their girlfriends had been physically abusive by hitting or slapping them.

Click here to read more

BTC business tour marks 3rd quarter of first year for LIME CEO

Marking a nine month milestone in his first year as the CEO of Cable & Wireless Plc (CWC) Phil Bentley is leading an employee 'getting to know you' BTC Team Talk Live visit that will bring him in touch with BTC employees nationwide.

$65M will be invested in BTC by CWC through year-end for improvements and expansions of network and product services including fixed mobile conversion, IP T.V launching in 11 markets across the region and B2B commercial customer solutions. He drew attention to the better price value for customers once they were able to have BTC provide high speed internet, fixed line and mobile phone service and internet television in one package.

Click here to read more

Over 150 people visit Primeval Forest for family fun day

This past holiday weekend, 155 visitors descended upon Primeval Forest National Park in Nassau for a family fun day to celebrate National Heroes Day. Tucked away in the southwest portion of New Providence, Primeval Forest features dramatic sinkholes, unique limestone caverns and an impressive 150 year-old, old growth forest. Visiting families were treated to adventure tours of the park during the fun day.

During the event, in addition to adventure tours, children were treated to story time and great learning activities. The family fun day was such a success that the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) had to add several tours and additional story times to accommodate the families attending.

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Heart Ball Committee meeting: What's to come from the Heart Ball Committee

The Heart Ball Committee is back at it again. Despite current economic challenges and imposing changes to the economy, The Heart Ball Committee recently met to plan their upcoming events. This group of dedicated volunteers give their time and efforts to raise funds to help repair the hearts of children. When Committee members Zelia Bethell (recent honouree) and Linda Lafleur (treasurer) were asked, why they do what they do, they replied as follows:

Mrs. Lafleur, " I do it because it's a charity I have become passionate about; it's something I enjoy doing. I do it to assist the children. The reality is, this is the only avenue most children diagnosed with heart disease have to obtain heart repair." The Heart Ball Committee is the fund raising arm of The Sir Victor Sassoon (Bahamas) Heart Foundation. It is a non-profit entity established in 1961 that helps to repair the hearts of children.

Click here to read more

WSC rewards customers for being technologically savvy

In our fast-flying world of technology, getting your news, updates and bills faster is the key! The Bahamas Water and Sewerage Corporation teamed up with BTC Bahamas for July, August and September to reward customers who joined their new e-Notification system with smartphones for being tech savvy and willing to try this new system.

The e-Notification system gives customers updates about service and payments via their smart phones. Customers can also manage their accounts, file complaints and see frequently asked questions through e-Notifications, which is a free service available when you sign up via the company's website. Visna Armbrister, WSC Public Affairs Manager said "The Corporation is very pleased with the results of the three-month long e-Notification campaign. Over 11,000 customers have signed up for e-Notifications."

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Local AKA chapter sorority members take on international posts

The Eta Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated continues to trail blaze within the international region and the sorority at large as six local members are appointed to international committees. On the heels of the chapter's 50th anniversary, and the 66th International Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina the following members were acknowledged and appointed to international committees by the 29th International President Mrs. Dorothy Buchanan-Wilson who also introduced a new platform "Launching New Dimensions of Service".

The region has been recognized over the years for its outstanding participation and service through the appointment of its members to serve on international committees.

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Sandals employees conduct post-holiday coastal cleanup

After having to forgo a coastal cleanup for Coastal Cleanup Day 2014, a team at Sandals Royal Bahamian chose the day after National Heroes Day to make New Providence's beaches clean once again. Headed by the resort's Environmental Health and Safety Manager, Donny Johnson, the cleanup covered Delaporte's community park, where the team removed more than 15 large bags of waste.

The group initially visited Goodman's Bay Beach, which endures heavy traffic and littering during public holidays, only to find a group of students had already removed a laudable amount of trash from the coastline and park.

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Sunwing to start non-stop service from Western Canada to Freeport

Tourism officials are expecting a significant increase in the number of visitors to Grand Bahama Island due to the introduction of new weekly direct flights into Freeport from two Canada gateways. Residents of Western Canada can look forward to a faster and easier way to get to The Bahamas when Sunwing Airlines launches its new services from Vancouver and Calgary on November 1, 2014.

It has been more than 30 years since Grand Bahama welcomed a direct flight from Vancouver. With the introduction of the non-stop Vancouver and Calgary flights, Sunwing will offer direct service into Grand Bahama from eight Canadian gateways.

Click here to read more

GBPA's VAT education sessions branded a success

The Grand Bahama Port Authority served as host to the four day Value Added Tax (VAT) Training Sessions, which officially came to a successful close Friday, October 17th, at the Pelican Bay Hotel. With an overwhelming attendance of almost 400 licencees over the four day span, business persons showed a keen interest in the information that was made available to them by way of a dual partnership between VAT Unit representative, Keith Worrell and Dario Roberts of Bahabeach Web/IT Development. Both Worrell and Roberts served as the event's key presenters.

Sale of goods & services, trade/industrial manufacturing, transport and professional services were the headlining sectors targeted at the informative undertaking. GBPA Business Services Manager LaShawn Dames said that she was pleased to lead the event, noting its importance to licencees in the Freeport area.

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Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce announces 5th Annual Business Excellence Awards nominees

The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce will recognize businesses and business persons who have demonstrated commitment to community building at the 5th Annual Business Excellence Awards Ceremony scheduled for Saturday, October 25th at the Regency Theatre. These prestigious awards are designed to honour outstanding Grand Bahamian businesses and executives. Nominations closed a few weeks ago with several businesses from throughout the community being nominated for the various awards.

Final winners will be chosen by the Awards Committee based on several factors including: Business age; nature of activities; historical performance - business achievements; contribution to Bahamian economy; management/employee relations; contribution to employment and employee training; commitment to fair and honest conduct in the marketplace; contribution to the community, or a charity.

Click here to reveal the nominees

Foreign Affairs Minister visits Lucaya International School debating champs

Lucaya International School (LIS in Freeport got a visit from the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, the Hon. Fred Mitchell, on October 10, following the return of the school's Model United Nations debate team's visit to New York City, where they attended the Minister Mitchell's address at the 69th General Assembly of the United Nations on September 30th 2014. LIS earlier this year emerged the winner of the National Model United Nations Debate Competition against 17 teams from schools across The Bahamas, and was awarded the visit to the United Nations by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Rotary Clubs of The Bahamas.

According to Alisa Rolle and Cheryl Jennings Blanchet of LIS, Mr. Mitchell's diplomatic skills were on stage for the students as he shared stories about his childhood, growing up in New Providence - telling them about his desire to be a politician at the age of ten.

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Bahamas Consul General in New York visits Freeport for 'Diplomatic Week'

His Excellency Forrester J. Carroll Consul General, Bahamas Consulate, New York, made an official visit to Grand Bahama, and as part of 'Diplomatic Week' - this week -- he visited schools on the island - this morning speaking to faculty and students in the capacity of diplomat during this special week that nationally recognizes the diplomatic corps.

Mr. Carroll introduced himself to the youngsters as an honorary Grand Bahamian who has lived on Grand Bahama since 1963. His participation for 'Diplomatic Week' involved speaking at various high schools and giving young people a glimpse of what the diplomatic corps is all about, explaining the functions of diplomats in representing the interests of Bahamians, abroad. Mr. Carroll spoke to the children about the role of consulates, nationhood and The Bahamas's place in the world.

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Neglected: Too many animals are suffering

Too many people on Grand Bahama are breeding small dogs and pit bulls. We have a steady stream of toy dogs, pit bulls and pit bull mixes entering our shelter in various stages of neglect. Please spread the word - anyone breeding these dogs on Grand Bahama really needs to take a step back and reconsider. There are obviously not enough good homes for them all because many of them are ending up at our shelter.

This poor soul was brought in on Tuesday; found roaming in South Bahamia. The collar that was embedded in her neck was cat size, and probably fit just fine when she was a small puppy but was never removed as she grew. She is going to be fine and hopefully we can find her a good home. Several little ones have come in this past week in terrible condition.

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Florida couple ecstatic about winning dream wedding in Abaco

"Super thrilled and beyond belief" are the sentiments shared by Pierre Alex Demonsthene, a legal aide, when he found out that he and his fianc�, WanJira Banfield, a travel writer and fitness instructor had won a complimentary dream wedding in Abaco, The Bahamas.

The couple who refers to each other as 'Mayor' (because of Pierre's diplomatic disposition) and 'Majesty' (the regal-style treatment WanJira administers to others) are one of 16 couples from throughout the United States of America (USA) who recently won the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism's (BMOT) unique social media "16 Weddings 16 Islands, One Priceless Day" contest.

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Out Island arrival numbers improve

Foreign air and sea arrivals to the Out Islands have improved by 10 per cent between January and July 2014, compared to the same period in 2013, according to the latest data from the Research Statistics and Scanning Units in the Ministry of Tourism. The statistics, which were released recently, shows that foreign air arrivals to the Out Islands increased by one per cent.

However, in 2014, air and sea arrivals increased every month except March, which saw a decrease of 7.5 per cent compared to 2013. "Air arrivals increased to Andros, Berry Islands, Bimini, Cat Cay, Exuma, Inagua, Long island and San Salvador between January to July 2014 compared to the same period of 2013," officials said.

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Resorts World Bimini, AMMC & Ministry of Tourism preserving Bimini's history with Heritage Trail

Resorts World Bimini (RWB) is working closely with the Antiquities, Monuments & Museums Corporation (AMMC) and the Ministry of Tourism to establish a Heritage Trail on the twin islands of Bimini. The trail, which is being conceptualized by Caribbean Heritage Concepts (CHC), will be the first step in the development of a comprehensive plan for the promotion of the islands historical offerings.

Work has been ongoing for several weeks, beginning with on-site evaluation and reconnaissance of the heritage opportunities on the island. CHC with the direction and assistance of AMMC developed interpretive signage for 13 locations in North Bimini, drafted text, located assets in the form of photographs or artwork, and provided a design template for the signage and framing systems. A Nassau-based graphics and printing company will fabricate the signage and framing systems, based on the design templates created by CHC, which are to be installed by the end of October 2014.

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Houston couple win dream wedding in Acklins

It was a chance meeting at a gas station in Houston, Texas that LaShaundra Coleman saw her soul mate Roderick Dowell, owner of a transportation company, for the second time. LaShaundra said that "when she first saw this "very attractive" man, she was in a relationship and decided not to speak to him at that time."

Months later, the then-single LaShaundra, who was hanging out with some of her friends, stopped at a gas station across town in Houston. She looked to her right and in amazement there he was again, this time sitting in a car right next to her. "If you let him tell you the story, he would say it was fate that brought us together," says LaShaundra, an accountant and finance officer.

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19th Annual International Cultural Festival [photos]

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, the Hon. Frederick Mitchell (at the podium) officially opens the 19th Annual International Cultural Festival on Saturday October 18, 2014, at the Botanical Gardens.

The weekend cultural festival was originally conceived to recognize United Nations Day and celebrates the culinary arts, music and dance of many countries represented in The Bahamas.

Photos caught some of the moments of the event.

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E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival/Exhibition opens

The E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival /Exhibition 2014 officially opened Monday at the Pro Gallery of the College of The Bahamas. The art exhibition will continue until the 27th October 2014.

Pictured are members of the organizing committee and ministry officials who made this event all possible. They are from left Austin Mullin; Dr. Linda Moxey-Brown, Director of Culture; Eddison Dames, Assistant Director of Culture; Keva Cartwright, Senior Cultural Officer; Ellery Deveaux, Cultural Officer and Heino Schmidt.

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Another local businessman supports Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival

Another Grand Bahama businessman has come forward to assist the initiatives of The Grand Bahama Cultural Carnival Company [GBCCC] as it presents 'The Grand Life - Grand Bahama Island: The road leading to Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival'. Mr. Mario Donato has sponsored a prime shop space in the Regent Centre, Down Town Freeport for the business operations and sale of costumes and authentically Grand-Bahamian products for GBCCC, a Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival company.

Grand Bahama Island is poised to benefit from events leading to Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival May 7th - 9th 2015, with its own events scheduled for April 17th - 18th 2015. GBCCC will also proudly represent Grand Bahama Island in Nassau in May 2015.

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At the Movies: The Boxtrolls

One of the taglines for this movie: Dare To Be Square. An orphaned human boy is raised by a community of trash collecting creatures who have built a cavernous home beneath the streets of the town. When one of the town's people comes up with a plot to improve his social standing by capturing the creatures it becomes the human boy's duty to protect them. He must team up with a feisty human girl and they must devise a daring plan to save the creatures before any harm comes to them.

This adaption of the Alan Snow's Here Be Monster! is faithful to the spirit of the book, but tries too hard to condense the rich story into a feature length movie. My feeling is that they spent so much time on certain aspects of the film that they lost sight of the tale they were trying to tell with a climax that was practically the definition of anticlimactic. The detail paid to the characters in this stop motion production is something to be marveled at and admired along with the voice talent which brought each of them to life.

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North Eleuthera Regatta brings sloop races to Harbour Island

The 25th North Eleuthera Regatta (Regatta) hosted by the North Eleuthera Regatta Association (NERA) October 6-13, 2014 marked the last event on the country's 2014 Regatta Calendar. The Regatta activities kicked off with a Church Service at the Wesley Methodist Church on October 6th.

Other events held during week under the Fig Tree on Bay Street included Cultural Activities, Live Band Entertainment, and Beach Bashes. The Bahamian Sloops took to the waters on Friday, October 10th for three (3) days of sailing ending on Discovery Day, Sunday, October 12, 2014. The HI 2014 Regatta races featured only B-Class and C-Class sloops.

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Grand Bahama Sailing Club heads to Long Island for Opti Nationals

Over the weekend of October 4th and 5th, the Grand Bahama Sailing Club had the opportunity to travel to Salt Pond, Long Island, for the CBS Bahamas Optimist National Championship hosted by the Mack Knowles Junior Sailing Club. GBSC brought 10 sailors who competed in the Championship Fleet as well as the Green Fleet Including four sponsored sailors from the West End and Freeport Communities.

The sailors who represented GBSC included Hugo Alnebeck, Rory Dack, Tallulah Dack, Aaron Farrington, Joshua Nizamudin, Matthew Nizamudin, Jaheim Russell, Ryan Smith, Dylan Smith, and Henry Taylor. The regatta included over 70 junior sailors from all different Islands throughout the Bahamas.

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Bahamas weekly fishing report from Harbourside Marine

Fishing report as of October 16, 2014

Nassau: The charter boat captains report that it has been a bit slow. They have, however, managed to catch a few mahi and the occasional wahoo. Most have spent their time bottom fishing.

North Eleuthera: There have been some medium sized (50lb) yellowfin caught off of the north Eleuthera points.

Abaco: There have been no reports for offshore fishing however the inshore fishing for yellowtail and mutton snapper has been good.

Where this big one was caught?

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Letter to the Editor: Where is our spunk?

Dear Editor,

Where is our spunk?

I have just returned from an interesting lecture on 'Our Right to Know' at the College of The Bahamas, and was intrigued by a comment made by one of the panelists, Retired Justice Jeanne Thompson, who bemoaned the sense of apathy that exists amongst the students at that institution as well as the complacency that has pervaded the country on the whole. She was asking, quite rightly: where is our spunk?

As the foremost tertiary institution in the country, COB has a crucial role to play in molding the young minds of this country and shaping our future as a nation. It is at institutions such as these where the younger generation should be encouraged to constantly 'question the obvious" (as my late father-in-law, Dr Jackson Burnside, would say) by getting involved in, and carrying out in-depth research in all aspects of our society and environment whilst agitating for change.

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 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.

October 31-November 2: Home Builders Trade Show & Energy Expo - at the Melia Nassau Resort. Booths available. Click HERE to view the poster.

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: Classical, Jazz & Folk Concert - 7:30pm sharp at Government House Ballroom, Mount Fitzwilliam. Click HERE for more info at The Nassau Music Society's website.

November 8: Arte y Moda - Direct from Havana, Cuba. Click HERE to view the poster.

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

October 23: Jesus Christ Superstar AUDITIONS - At the Regency Theatre, 6-9pm. Actors, singers and dancers from ages 16 up. Find more information on Facebook.

October 23: "Rum Running in The Bahamas" - Antiquities, Monuments & Museum Corporation lecture series at St. Mary Magdalene Church, West End, 7pm.

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: Port Lucaya Marketplace Halloween Party - 6pm until ... Click HERE to view the poster.

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 4: 'Practical VAT' Business Boot Camp - 8:30am-5pm at Pelican Bay. Register early at 352-4578. Click HERE to view the poster.

November 4-5: Colour & Design 101 Road Show - at Paint Fair. Click HERE to view the poster or call 352-9788. RSVP required.

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.

November 29-30: Grand Bahama Cyclist Club's Season Closer Races - Two days of bicycle racing for all levels. Day 1 - 18 mile time trial. Day 2- 36 mile road race. Contact gb-cyclist@hotmail.com for all the information.

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

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 8: Guy Fawkes - Held in Green Turtle Cay, ABACO, features the historical Guy Fawkes Competition. 365-4336 or www.islandrootsheritagefestival.com.

November 13-15: Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina "Wahoo Smackdown V" - www.biggameclubbimini.com reservations@biggameclubbimini.com or 1-800-867-4764.

November 13-16: ABACO Open Golf Tournament & Family Weekend Festival - On Treasure Cay's 18-hole championship golf course. 65-8801 or www.treasurecay.com.

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.

July 3-11: Regatta Time in ABACO - From north to south, sailing fun and festivities throughout the cays. www.regattatimeinabaco.com.

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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Big Pink Selfies initiative to help trash cancer

Bahamas Waste unveiled their big surprise, a huge pink garbage truck bearing the slogan "Real Men Wear Pink, let's trash cancer" to the public last week. This week they're launching the #BigPinkPics selfie campaign to help raise awareness of cancer, through social media. Now until December 31st the public are invited to take selfies with the 'Big Pink Truck' to win great prizes.

"When the public take selfie pictures with the truck and post them on our Facebook page they are eligible to win some amazing prizes and, most importantly, we hope become more aware of early testing," said Disa Campbell, Bahamas Waste CFO. "There will be ten winners, one a week until the end of the year and each winners' packet includes a FREE mammogram."

Campbell extended her heartfelt thanks to all of their clients who donated graciously to Bahamas Waste to make the promotion possible. "We sent letters out hoping for a few gifts but were overwhelmed by our clients' generosity. My thanks to Bahamas Ferries, FOCOL Sun Oil, John Bull, Starbucks, Caribbean Bottling (Coca-Cola), Micronet, and Fourth Terrace Diagnostics."

The Big Pink Truck, which was officially launched by Minister of Social Services, Honourable Melanie Griffin last week, bears the picture of Hartley Strachan, a two-time cancer survivor and Bahamas Waste employee. In addition, the garbage truck also has the websites for Komen Bahamas and Ride for Hope representing six cancer associations.

Click here to read more