Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL IV. No. 24, October 30, 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

Column: Weekly fishing report

Letters to the Editor

Muddasick!

Ministry of Tourism launches media campaign in Canada

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism (BMOT) hopes to further infiltrate the Canadian market with the launch of an aggressive media campaign to promote The Islands of The Bahamas brand and several direct flights into the archipelago.

The campaign comes just in time to support the introduction of two new Sunwing Airlines direct flights into Grand Bahama from Calgary and Vancouver beginning November 1, 2014, bringing the airline's total number of Canadian cities with direct flights to The Bahamas to eight. BMOT also wants to promote Air Canada's direct flights to Exuma and Nassau, and West Jet's non-stop service to the capital.

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Attorney urges students urged to stand up for their rights

Local attorney Dawson Malone challenged College of The Bahamas (COB) students to stand up for their rights and join the nationwide groundswell of support for the swift passage of a Freedom of Information Act. Malone, attorney for pioneer social and environmental advocacy movement Save The Bays (STB), addressed a capacity crowd at COB's Harry C. Moore Library Wednesday during the first installment of the "Our Right to Know" lecture series.

"If I were to ask any of you in this room, do we have rights in this country, you would most likely say yes, we do. You would say, 'I have a constitution'. But it makes no sense to have a right if you don't have a way to ventilate that right," Malone said.

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Loretta Butler-Turner in Grand Bahama talking about her vision for The Bahamas

The Deputy Leader of the Free National Movement spent the weekend in Freeport meeting FNM delegates, attending the 5th Annual Chamber awards and greeting students at a local basketball tournament. The Long Island MP traveled to Freeport on Friday to meet with her team in Grand Bahama as she promotes her run for Leader of the FNM party.

"I'm pleased to be in Freeport, many people know the importance of Grand Bahama in our party and in The Bahamas generally," said Butler-Turner. "I've come to talk to my fellow FNM's and attend some events I've been invited to and listen to local constituents about their issues and where they see The Bahamas."

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Bahamian entrepreneur participates in U.S. State Department professional exchange

On October 28, Mr. Jaime Lewis, founder and president of Islandz Tours, paid a courtesy call on U.S. Chargé d'Affaires Lisa Johnson following his recent participation in the U.S. Department of State sponsored International Visitor Leadership Program, "Changemakers: The Impact of Social Entrepreneurs in the U.S." from August 10 - 29, 2014.

The professional exchange program focused on government initiatives that support civic engagement and innovation. Through his tourism company, Mr. Lewis works directly with local entrepreneurs to promote tourism, The Bahamas' leading industry. During the meeting with Chargé Johnson, Mr. Lewis discussed how he will apply his experiences from the professional exchange in the United States to make a positive impact in The Bahamas.

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First selfie winner of Bahamas Waste's #BigPinkPics promotion revealed

From now until the end of December, Bahamas Waste is hosting a #BigPinkPics selfie challenge to help raise awareness of cancer in The Bahamas and rewarding locals with tons of great prizes. Bahamas Waste recently unveiled their big pink garbage truck and are encouraging everyone to take selfies with the truck as it operates on its route in the St. Anne's constituency.

Patrick Terrance Robinson was selected as the first winner for his quickness to post his picture with the truck with his pink beard, which he tracked down to get his selfie!

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'Know Your Status' campus-wide testing at BTVI

Scores of students queued up for a recent campus-wide HIV/AIDS testing at The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), all in an effort to know their status and strengthen awareness of the deadly disease.

Highlighted during the day was the 1+1+1=0 campaign which means, one uninfected partner plus one condom plus another uninfected partner equals no HIV infection. Some staff and faculty members also participated.

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Baha Mar eco-reef attracts renewed marine life

Parrotfish, sea urchins, sponges and coral are flourishing in the crystal-clear waters off the $3.5 billion Baha Mar resort, as the luxury destination has completed the installation of more than 300 eco-coral antlers to enhance its artificial reef experience.

Steps to encourage coral and marine life at Baha Mar began in April 2014, when Baha Mar's environmental team began the installation of coral antlers and 48 reef balls on the seabed. The installation wrapped up in mid-July, when the final coral antlers were placed.

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COB hosts breast cancer survivors to special dinner at Choices

No one wants to hear that they have breast cancer, and for those who do, having a supportive network of family and friends plays a key role in how they respond to treatment. Culinary students and faculty at The College of The Bahamas Culinary and Hospitality Management Institute (CHMI) recently demonstrated their support of cancer survivors by hosting some of them to an evening of fine dining at Choices Restaurant.

The guests of honour were employees of The College and members of the Sister Sister Breast Cancer Support Group. Culinary students at The College came up with the idea as a way to show the members of the College community that they are appreciated and valued.

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Minister of Education promotes vocational education and training at Rotary Club of South East Nassau lunch

The Minister of Education, Science and Technology, the Honorable Jerome K. Fitzgerald, was the keynote speaker at the Rotary Club of South East Nassau's luncheon last week Wednesday, where he spoke on the importance of vocational awareness and training. The Minister noted that the month of October called for a focus on vocational matters for both the Rotary Club and the Ministry of Education, as both institutions celebrated Vocational Awareness Month and National Careers Awareness Month, respectively.

He stated that he "looked forward to continuing the partnership with Rotary to promote vocational development through activities that enhance knowledge and by guiding and training our young people to find gainful and fulfilling employment."

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Rotary Club of Freeport supports the Grand Bahama Children's Home

It is the intent to have a new president at the helm of Rotary Clubs every Rotary year. This allows for variety in new leadership during the period beginning July 1st through to June 30th of the following year. It is every president's desire to establish a signature project and be remembered by that specific project.

President Queen Rolle and the membership of the Rotary Club of Freeport planned and executed a successful fundraiser which took the form of a wine and cheese tasting earlier this month. The goal was to earmark proceeds from this event to funding hurricane shutters for a building at the Grand Bahama Children's Home (GBCH), and on Saturday, October 25th, the Rotary Club of Freeport realised that goal when the first of the shutters were installed.

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Entrepreneurs present VAT boot camp November 4

In response to their own clients' enquiries, three local entrepreneurs are hosting a practical Value Added Tax (VAT) seminar, aimed at preparing local businesses for the new tax slated for January 1, 2015. Leigh Termath, publisher of Bahama Buy and Sell newspaper, said that she has been bombarded with questions from her own customers about how to prepare their businesses for VAT.

Similarly, public relations expert Sarah Kirkby and well-known business consultant Billie Bowe (pictured), said their clients were also seeking practical advice. The three women, who have worked together as Directors of the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce, decided to create a one day "boot camp" seminar, using local experts to help businesses prepare for VAT.

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KGBC hosts island wide clean up

In an effort to ensure that residents do their part to help the island remain clean, green and pristine, members of the Keep Grand Bahama Clean (KGBC) group, along with a number of civic organizations, conducted a one day island-wide cleanup, which took place this past Saturday in predetermined areas throughout the island.

The loose debris collection project has become an annual event during the anniversary month of the Keep Grand Bahama Clean organization. The primary aim of this project targets residents, whom the KGBC team members hope to increase awareness of locals, that acts of littering and indiscriminate dumping destroy our island.

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GB Chamber of Commerce in spotlight with awards event

By: Mia Whylly, The Freeport News

It was a promising night for the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce. The GB Chamber of Commerce staged its 5th Annual Business Excellence Awards Ceremony, under the theme Excellence in Hard Times Saturday past at the Regency Theatre. These awards are designed to honour Grand Bahamian businesses and their executives.

The nominees were thrilled with the recognition alone. The winners expressed appreciation and took the time to praise their employees for their success. Tim Tibbits, owner of Flying Fish Restaurant and winner of the Developing Entrepreneur Award said that he and his wife owe everything to their staff.

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Contract signed for completion of G.B. Arts and Crafts Center

Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville along with Mr. Arnold A. Forbes M.P., Executive Chairman of the Bahamas Agricultural Industrial Corporation on Wednesday evening participated in contract signing for the completion of the Grand Bahama Arts and Crafts building. Patrick McDonald Construction Company has been awarded the contract for the completion of the construction and retrofitting of the facility located on East Sunrise Highway.

Dr. Darville explained that since the acquisition of the facility in 2011, the gallery has been renovated, but to date, certain parts of the facility are still not completed.

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BNT interns help with annual sea turtle tagging

Despite extensive conservation efforts globally, sea turtles still remain on the endangered list. Through its Sea-Turtle Tagging Internship the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) is contributing to the conservation of sea turtles. Each year the BNT supports two or three Sea-Turtle Tagging Expeditions which are designed to evaluate movement and distribution patterns of sea turtles in The Bahamas.

The expeditions have become amazing learning experiences for both interns and turtle researchers. Interns, Alliea Hanna, Marquis Rolle and researchers recently surveyed major sea turtle habitats around Eleuthera, paying special attention to small loggerhead turtles.

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Bid to protect Bimini mangroves goes international

International conservation experts are urging the government to fulfill its promise and protect Bimini's unique ecological heritage and the local industries that have depended upon it for generations.

The experts, hosted on a tour of Bimini by fast-growing social and environmental advocacy group Save The Bays (STB), called for the official establishment of the North Bimini Marine Reserve. Among other important natural resources, the NBMR would protect mangrove forests that serve as a nursery for the abundant sea life that has attracted so many visitors to the island over the years in the latest Save The Bay's release on their YouTube channel.

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1, 2, 3 blast-off for Bahamian from Exuma as Heineken 'The Voyage' winner

Exuma resident Michael Rolle recently returned from a five day visit to Amsterdam as the national winner of Heineken's The Voyage: Legendary Travelers Wanted campaign. The champion of the 11-week long competition walked away with the grand prize of 10 cases of Heineken, a $10,000 VISA gift card and an all-expense paid trip to XCOR Space Expedition camp in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

"It was awesome, amazing. I saw all these things I've never seen before and going into a space simulator, that was wow," said Rolle. "Who really thinks about visiting 'space'?"

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VAT Family Island clinics to begin

The Value Added Tax (VAT) Implementation Team along with a team from the Business License Department will be hosting a series of registration clinics in the Family Islands. There is also a registration clinic scheduled for Bimini on October 31st. The clinic will be held at the courthouse from 11:00 a.m.-3:00p.m.

Financial Secretary and VAT Comptroller John Rolle said it is important for businesses in the Family Islands to be registered. "It is crucial that we capture all potential residents far and wide so we have to reach all businesses from the north with Bimini to the south in Inagua," he said.

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Ongoing development in Bimini attracts new businesses

Resorts World Bimini's ongoing development is having a positive spin-off effect - the opening of several new business ventures on the twin islands. Among them is the 1 2 3 Floor Sports Bar - a joint venture between a Biminite and an investor; and The Bimini Times community newspaper and Blue Marlin FM (BMFM) radio station, both of which will be owned and operated by businessman Obie Roberts.

The Bimini Times will be a bi-monthly newspaper initially, however Roberts says the plan is to increase the frequency of the publication as the need arises. It will cover stories of interest surrounding Bimini's development, community life and sports.

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Trust celebrates 20 years of Festival Noel success

Under the beautiful twinkling lights of the Rand Nature Centre, hundreds will gather in early December for the 20th anniversary of one of Grand Bahama's favourite events - Festival Noel.

After a great deal of success last year, the Grand Bahama Regional Branch of the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) is gearing up for the annual fundraiser, which will be held Friday, December 5th at the scenic Rand Nature Centre (RNC). The annual event has become the kick-start to the Christmas season and launches the festive party season in Grand Bahama.

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Bestselling authors read for a worthy cause at the Old Fort Bay Club

Joining forces for a good cause, the second annual Salt Cay Writers Retreat partnered with the Inner Wheel Club of East Nassau, Dolphin Encounters, The Rotary Club of East Nassau, Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Realty and The Old Fort Bay Club to present an evening of readings by three New York Times and international bestselling authors. Held recently at the Old Fort Bay Club, the event - aptly titled "A Novel Evening" - benefited local adult literacy program Project Read.

Project Read is a non-profit program founded by the Rotary Club of East Nassau in 1991. The organization offers free, one-on-one literacy tutoring to adults and teenagers in a confidential environment, at Project Read's headquarters on Village Road.

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BREEF gains international attention for underwater sculptures

BREEF's Sir Nicholas Nuttall Coral Reef Sculpture Garden installed off the western coastline of New Providence Island in The Bahamas earlier this month is receiving international attention from scores of on-line journals and news outlets around the world. "We are excited by the recognition our project, and by extension The Bahamas, is attracting around the world," said Casuarina McKinney-Lambert, BREEF's executive director.

The "Daily Mail" which boasts average daily circulation of over 1.7 million copies, carried the headline "Weight of the ocean on her shoulders! 18ft Atlas sculpture dropped off coast of the Bahamas to form incredible underwater art garden" in its October 15, 2014 print and on-line issue.

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Baha Mar honours Golden Jubilee of Tourism with stamps

Baha Mar has been selected as one of the 'game changers' in tourism during the unveiling of a series of special commemorative stamps honoring the 50th Anniversary of Tourism in the Bahamas. Designed by Baha Mar's creative services manager Nadine Schuermann, the commemorative stamp showcases the majestic silhouette of the dramatic $3.5 billion gaming resort, representing a new chapter in the history of global glamour.

Baha Mar will introduce four luxury hotel brands to The Bahamas in late Spring 2015 - Grand Hyatt, Rosewood, SLS LUX and the dazzling centerpiece, the Baha Mar Casino & Hotel. "As a Bahamian, it has been an honour to design the historic stamp that will mark the opening of Baha Mar. I have the best job in the world," Schuermann said.

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At the Movies: The Black Moses

The tagline for this movie: Speak Of The God ... The Devil... And He Doth Appear. This documentary film dares to ask the question, "Was L.O Pindling, the first black Prime Minister of The Bahamas, one of history's greatest national Liberators, or was he one of history's greatest international Drug Dealers?"

It follows the man as he sets out on a course to bring about social, political, and economic revolution to the archipelago for better and for worse. It takes a look at the popular folk lore of the 'moses mythology' as it was manifested through the life and times of the longest running political leader of the Bahamian islands and his connection to other political leaders around the world at that time.

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28th Annual Conchman Triathlon now only a few days away

For a country as small and spread-out as The Bahamas it's a pretty exciting thing for athletes to know that there are 5 locally organised triathlons on the annual calendar. Each one of them is unique and offers a special experience for competitors of all levels.

The grand-daddy of 'em all however is the Conchman, celebrating 28 years of swim-bike-run challenges on the first Saturday of November annually. This year, Saturday November 1st is the date not to be missed and organisers are urging athletes to register now to avoid delays at packet pick-up. There is no race-day registration.

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Tribute to Olympic Gold winners Sir Durward and Cecil Cooke

It was 50 years ago in Tokyo when Sir Durward "Seawolf" Knowles and the late Cecil Cooke won Olympic Gold -- representing a first for The Bahamas. They won the Star Class Sailing in those Summer Olympics.

The Bahamas Olympic Committee along with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture paid tribute to the accomplishment of Sir Durward and Cecil Cooke at a banquet at Atlantis on Thursday, October 23, and to their sparking a tradition of excellent performance of The Bahamas at the Olympic Games. Sir Durward is pictured, seated, giving a handshake to the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie.

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Wahoo Smackdown V attracting record number of anglers

With some 30 boats already committed and at least another 10 anticipated, the November 13-15 Wahoo Smackdown hosted by the Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina will be the largest tournament in the history of the popular series.

Tournament Director Capt. Chase Camacho today released new final rules for the two-day tournament increasing fishing limits from 60 to 75 miles on Day One and unlimited miles on the Final Day (boats must remain in Bahamian Waters). Registered checkout starts at 5:15 am both days, lines in at 4:30 and back at the dock at 5 pm. Teams can weigh up to five fish per boat.

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Bahamas weekly fishing report from Harbourside Marine

Fishing report as of 10/23/14: I hope you like wahoo!

North Eleuthera: The wahoo fishing was great this past week-end with reports of big wahoo being caught at the Dutch Bar. One boat reported catching 6 in a couple of hours.

Nassau: The charter boat captains report catching a few small wahoo and mahi off of Nassau this week.

North Exuma, Highbourne Cay: There have been a few small wahoo and mahi caught. We would expect the wahoo bite to pick up after the next cold front passes through.

Grand Bahama, Freeport: There have been some wahoo caught off of the eastern end of Grand Bahama.

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Letter to the Editor: Loretta deserves a chance

Dear Editor,

I've watched Loretta Butler Turner over the last two years or so. She has been very impressive in the House of Assembly. She holds the government accountable and can think on her feet. She is always very well prepared.

What I've noticed is that on issues before the country she usually gets it right. She holds to her convictions and principles. I like the fact that she defends the FNMs record. She has the makings of a great leader.

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(Click on the graphic for additional letters)

Muddasick! Island Luck web shop refusal to pay on their back to school promotion

What's been bugging me for the past two months is Island Luck webshop failure to live up to their hype. During the summer months from May to August 29/14, Island Luck had a promotion geared to helping individuals with back to school funds. Each time you make a purchase from $20.00 and up, everyone was eligible to win $500.00 by filling out the bottom of their ticket, and dropping it in the box provided at the establishment.

I was one of the individuals whose ticket was picked. Unfortunately for me when they called me I missed the call because BTC was having issues with dropped calls.

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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 30: BIBA Banquet - Best business awards at Sandals Royal Bahamian. Contact the Chamber for details 322-2145.

October 31: Sapodilla Masquerade - Bahamas Masqueraders will put on a fashion showcase of their 2015 Junkanoo Carnival Fashions. Click HERE for FB updates.

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

November 1: Sundance Beach Party - Click HERE to read all about it!

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.

November 29: Heritage Village Christmas Festival - Click HERE to view the poster for details.

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 30-31: Conchman Packet Pick-Up - Manor House at the Grand Lucayan. Click HERE for times information. Last chance to register!

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, Movie at 8pm. $10 admission. Click HERE to view the poster. Party after the film.

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. Click HERE to view the poster.

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: Festival Noel - Grand Bahama's most popular Christmas season annual event - at the Rand Nature Centre.   Wine, art, food ... tickets on sale soon!

December 6: Santa's Grotto at UNEXSO - Ages 10-12 and 4-6 pictures with Santa to benefit the GB Children's Home. 373-1244 for more info.

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 1: Glow in the Dark Halloween Party - at Treasure Cay, ABACO. Click HERE for details.

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 15: Second Annual Abaco Open Golf Tournament - at Treasure Cay. To register call 242-365-8801 *must register by Nov. 8.

November 21-22: ANDROS Harvest Festival & People-To-People Experience Reception - Venue is the Lighthouse Club & Marina in Andros Town, Central Andros. Contact: Andros Tourist Office / (242) 368-2286 or (242) 368-2891.

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: 3rd Annual Patrick Davis Hope Town Songwriters Festival. ABACO. www.PDandFirefly.com

February 26-March 3: Salina Point Homecoming - ACKLINS residents and former residents celebrate in true Bahamian tradition. Contact: Mr. Steven Rose / (242) 464-8521, (242) 476-0363.

February 28: Marsh Harbour Reef Ball - ABACO. Contact Friends of the Environment fore more information: kwilliams@friendsoftheenvironment.org.

April 22-15: Bahamas Billfish Championship #1 - GUANA CAY, at Orchid Bay Marina. Fishing in the marlin rich waters of the Abacos. Registration/new website coming in January.

May 6-9: Bahamas Billfish Championship #2 - GREEN TURTLE CAY, at the Green Turtle Club and Bluff House. Registration/new website coming in January.

May 27-30: Bahamas Billfish Championship #3 - TREASURE CAY. Registration/new website coming in January.

June 10-13: Bahamas Billfish Championship #4 Wrap-Up - MARSH HARBOUR, Abaco Beach Resort will host. Registration/new website coming in January.

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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Bahamian actor Bert Williams recognized as a 'pioneer' in American film

The first Bahamian actor ever to be captured on film is being recognized as a pioneer during a five-month long exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York City.

Bert Williams is a name that is etched in the sands of time.

The late Nassau-native is one of few black men in the late 1800s and early 1900s who maintained a successful film and music career. With partner George Walker, Williams pioneered the advancement of black performances in integrated musical comedies.

After Walker died, he continued his dynamic career, winning a Tony Award and cementing his name in history.

The exhibition at MOMA titled "100 Years In Post Production: Resurrecting a Lost Landmark of Black Film History" began on October 24, 2014 and will continue until March 2015.

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