Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL IV. No. 25, November 6, 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

Feedback: Letter to the Editor

Bahamas competing for UK/European business at World Travel Market

The Bahamas is looking to stand out among nearly 200 countries that are all seeking a greater share of the United Kingdom and European markets at World Travel Market (WTM) in London. The Islands of The Bahamas boasts a full team of exhibitors representing various destinations and hotel properties throughout the country including: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism (BMOT), Baha Mar, Grand Bahama Island Promotion Board, Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board and Tiamo Resort in Andros among others.

The goal is to strengthen ties with travel partners and tour operators in the European Market and increase traffic to the destination, with Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe leading the charge.

Click here to read more

Community leader participates in US State Department sponsored exchange on NGO management strategies

On October 27, Ms. Tehranique Miller, Executive Director of the iCan non-profit organization paid a courtesy call on U.S. Chargé d'Affaires Lisa Johnson to discuss her recent participation in the U.S. Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program focused on "NGO Management in the United States," held September 2-19, 2014. Ms. Miller was selected for her commitment to providing afterschool programs for at-risk youth in a positive learning environment.

During the meeting with Chargé Johnson, Ms. Miller explained how she plans to apply her experiences to positively impact NGO management initiatives in The Bahamas. The visit to the United States included stops in several U.S. cities including Washington, D.C., Minneapolis, Santa Fe and Miami.

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P3's - Government's proposed infrastructural development engine

Public-Private Partnerships (P3s) will be considered to meet the funding demands of massive capital infrastructural development going forward, said Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie at the Engineers' Conference 2014 conducted by the Bahamas Society of Engineers and the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering at Melia Nassau Beach Resort, October 31.

Historically, he said, it has been primarily the government that has built airports, roads, harbours, docks, and public buildings like hospitals and schools; however, increasingly the government has had to find new and innovative ways of funding such massive capital formation. Engineers are integral to the process of development implementation.

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QC: Stop the secrecy 'Every deal should be out on the table'

One of the country's top lawyers is calling for an end to secrecy in government, questioning how The Bahamas can compete in a global investment climate or how the public can believe in its system of governance or its leaders when every potential investor has to see the Prime Minister personally to make a deal. "Why is the Prime Minister of The Bahamas walking around with a private person deciding what land he should have or not have?" asked Fred Smith, QC, noting the practice was particularly flagrant outside New Providence. "The Family Islands are not colonies of The Bahamas."

"The biggest problem we face in The Bahamas is that we worship the people in power," said the legendary litigator whose court appearances draw law students and garner media attention. Blind worship of leaders, he said, leads to acceptance of practices that would not be tolerated elsewhere.

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Red Cross Center for the Deaf celebrates 50th anniversary

The Red Cross Center for the Deaf held a gala banquet on Saturday, 1st November, to commemorate its 50th Anniversary under the theme "Progress, Challenges and Change". Established in 1964, the center was birthed out of a need to cater to the growing number of hearing impaired children in Bahamian society. Today, it is a joint effort of The Red Cross Society and the Department of Education; a partnership in which the Red Cross provides the building while the Department of Education is responsible for the curriculum, staff (teachers) and professional development of the staff.

During its fifty year existence, the Red Cross Center for the Deaf has had stellar leadership, beginning with Miss. Hazel Buggs, the very first principal who came from England and served the school for thirteen (13) years.

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Big pink selfies get a splash of AKA pink and green

Although the big pink truck reminds us that "real men wear pink" it was the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) that showed off their pink and green by taking a #BigPinkPics selfie with Bahamas Waste's cancer supporting truck.

The Eta Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority in Nassau recently stopped by Bahamas Waste to take a group selfie with the truck to help raise even more awareness of early cancer screening. The sorority reached out to Bahamas Waste via their Facebook page to arrange to meet the truck out on the road but Waste invited the ladies to the yard for a personal meet and greet to support their initiative which is focused on health education and awareness.

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Lyford Cay International School to host two open house events

Lyford Cay International School (LCIS) will be hosting two open house events during the month of November. Open houses will be held at The British Colonial Hilton on Wednesday, November 5 at 6pm and on the school's campus in Lyford Cay on November 29 at 2pm.

Attendees can expect a presentation outlining the rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) academics, competitive athletics, creative arts opportunities, state-of-the-art STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) program and generous financial aid. There will also be an opportunity for a question and answer session with the school's Admissions Director, Mrs. Rose Taylor, and Principal, Ms. Stacy Bobo.

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Victorian High Tea Party & Fashion Show brings grandeur and style to important fundraising efforts

Hats and Gloves! Flowers and Fashion! Twinings! Art work! Lots of prizes and surprises! And a most worthy cause! Put them all together and you have a Victorian High Tea Party & Fashion Show hosted by the Heart Ball Committee. If you wish to experience Victorian grandeur and luxury, sip on a cup of tea, enjoy a relaxing time with family and friends, while seeing fashion on the runway, then you want to attend this event.

Under the patronage of Dame Marguerite Pindling, on Sunday, November 23rd, 2014, The Heart Ball Committee will host a "Victorian High Tea Party & Fashion Show" - hats and gloves are encouraged. The event will take place at Mount Fitzwilliam, Government House.

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Island Living Real Estate expands: New agent calls for low-rise condos to boost eastern district

One week after Kerryann Pearce settled in to her new post as an estate agent at Island Living Real Estate headquartered on East Bay Street, she popped up with an idea likely to stir strong opinions for and against, but one she believes will give one of Nassau's most established districts, Eastern Road, the shot in the arm it deserves and the market it needs. The East, she says, has a lot to learn from the West.

"The success story in New Providence real estate for the past decade has been west from the near side of Cable Beach all the way to Old Fort Bay and Albany," said Pearce. "There is a lot we can learn from what drove sales there and -- the demand for attractive condominium living. People want more security and less maintenance."

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Baha Mar helps to raise funds for breast cancer

Members of the Bahamas Breast Cancer Initiative Foundation (BBCIF) gave Baha Mar team members an overview of breast health, risk factors and protective tips, in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.

The visit was part of Baha Mar's BELIEVE Foundation's breast cancer initiative throughout the month of October, which included education and fundraising efforts to help fund research and genetic testing for breast cancer in The Bahamas. The BELIEVE Foundation is guided by three pillars - Community, Culture and Conservation, which all help to strengthen the community through helping those in need.

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Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce elects new board

Pursuant to the Annual General Meeting of the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce which was held Wednesday, November 5, 2014, the new board of directors is as follows:

Officers:
President: Kevin D. Seymour (PharmaChem Acquisition Company Ltd.)
1st Vice President: Mr. Dillon F. Knowles (Dillon F. Knowles Consulting Co. Ltd.)
2nd Vice President: Mr. Larry Albury (Freeport Jetwash & Auto Part)
Treasurer: Mr. Christopher Baker (HLB Galanis & Co.
Secretary: Mr. Dan Romence (Bradford Marine Bahamas Ltd.)

Directors (Newly Elected):
Mrs. Angelika Christie (Radiant Health)
Mr. Ralph Hanna (Underwater Explorers Society)
Mr. Charles Pratt (Grand Bahama Port Authority Ltd.)
Mr. Godfrey Waugh (Waugh Construction Bahamas Ltd.)
Ms. Lenicia Darville (Dupuch & Turnquest)

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Jonathan Gouthro Scholarship Fund recipients awarded

On May 8th, 2012, past president and founding member of the Rotary Club of Grand Bahama Sunrise, Jonathan Gouthro was killed in a hit and run while crossing the street in South Florida. After his death, through Rotary, his family and friends, a fund was started in his name with the goal of handing out scholarships to students hoping to further their studies in the field of accounting and business.

Both scholarship recipients visited the Sunrise Rotary Club to express their gratitude and to give a little more detail of their future educational plans. Mr Isaac Missick still has a few choices of universities, but he will be leaving next semester and he will be studying finance / accounting. Ms Simehia Williams is currently enrolled in her second year at the College of the Bahamas.

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Miss Universe Bahamas gives back with AIDS fundraising effort

Just a few months ago the current Miss Universe Bahamas, Tomii Culmer lost a very close relative who was born with the AIDS virus. Upon invitation to this year's Red Rose Ball as a guest presenter this beauty queen wanted to do more than just show up. With just a weeks notice she contacted the management of Sawyers Fresh Market requesting the use of their property to set up an area to raise funds. They immediately agreed and also made a donation to the cause.

For a total of eight hours over the course of two days Tomii along with her brothers Gustavus Cox and Alfred Anderson had a wonderful time interacting and educating shoppers on HIV/AIDS and the importance of supporting the AIDS awareness committee.

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Steve Bell addresses Rotary on new development project for Freeport

"Skepticism is what has been holding Grand Bahama back," said Steve Bell, Developer of the Ascot Project as he addressed the Rotary Club of Grand Bahama Sunrise on Wednesday morning. He said at first he was not interested in a project here as he believed a lot of people that nothing would work here, but after talking with a very positive Bahamian he thought there is no reason why the project could not work.

He stated that he has been working on the ground work for this 'Condotel' concept for Freeport for about a year and he has found other very interested investors and others on the island.

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Group seeking to buy Port Lucaya working with government

Statement by Peter Hunt of Bahamaland Investments Limited

We are delighted to have embraced Grand Bahama as a second home with significant investments made over the past 12 years. We are committed to this island's positive growth and development and are confident in the revival of its now rebounding economy. Among other projects, we see tremendous potential relative to the acquisition of Port Lucaya Market Place. The facility has a rich history and it is representative of a local and touristic treasure.

We commend the ongoing first class efforts of the Grand Bahama Port Authority to draw investors to this beautiful island. We continue to dialogue and cooperate with the Bahamas Government to have the Port Lucaya deal materialized.

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RotaRAK - Rotaract's Random Acts of Kindness initiative

When was the last time you did something kind for a stranger? The Rotaract Club of Freeport is paying it forward on the island of Grand Bahama through its new Random Acts of Kindness initiative also known as RotaRAK. Under the leadership of President Theron Moss and through the vision of Community Service Director Dramine Major this initiative will spread Rotaract's motto of fellowship through service and Rotary International's motto of service above self.

At the onset of the RotaRAK initiative, each Rotaractor was given the charge to take community service to another level by performing at least one Random Act of Kindness per day. However, the Rotaract Club wishes to extend this invitation to the public by asking everyone to perform at least one Random Act of Kindness a day as well.

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Latest Operation Puppylift almost covers the continent

On Friday, Oct 31st, 67 precious souls winged their way to new lives in Florida, Colorado, New York, Michigan, Wyoming and Montana! Big thanks to intrepid puppy washers Ivy Elden, Paul Sullivan, Jill Cooper, Susan Krupica, Sharie Benoit, Cassie Bolt-Meredith, and several HSGB staff. Also thanks to Barb Stollery, and Penny Ettinger for invaluable paperwork/crate labeling help Thursday. Potcake adopters Valerie and Leo Cegelka from Connecticut were visiting and came in last Wednesday to assemble crates for several hours which was a huge help!

For many reasons, this puppylift was so incredibly challenging to organize but the end result is worth every bit of it. Many tears were shed at our shelter Friday morning saying goodbye to so many long timers and more recent special favorites. It is always bittersweet to send them away.

Click here to read more

Magazine article on Exuma's swimming pigs wins CTO journalism award in London

A magazine article about swimming pigs, dancing dolphins, world-class golf courses and the hospitable people of The Bahamas caught the attention of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), and was awarded Best Consumer Feature at World Travel Market (WTM) in London.

UK Travel Journalist Peter Ellegard wrote about The Bahamas' Animal Magic in his four-page article in the UK high-end golf, travel and lifestyle magazine Great Golf, where he documented his experiences in Nassau, Freeport, Abaco and The Exumas. "As journalists we play a role as ambassadors. We are out to find out about the countries we visit, and then write about them for our readers. We have an important job to encourage people to visit these places and to let them know what's there," said the freelance travel writer.

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BTC opens revamped store in Spanish Wells

Regardless the size of the island or its community, BTC is giving the same retail opportunities, products and services in new and glamourous, full-service BTC stores throughout The Bahamas. The island of Spanish Wells is one such example, and Main Street was in a celebratory mood when BTC CEO Leon Williams led a BTC team to the store re-opening on October 29th.

Mr. Jolton Johnson, Senior Administrator, North Eleuthera district welcomed them and thanked the BTC CEO for the new store, which he said built on the community spirit of the island whilst boosting the local economy by way of employment.

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Cat Island Sailing Association invests in youth with technical scholarships

Cat Island's future is looking brighter as four young natives were recently awarded technical scholarships, thanks to the Cat Island Sailing Association.

Awarded were Clifton Bullard, Arley Merzius and Raphael Munroe, students already enrolled at The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) along with Donnamae Dean, who will join them in spring 2015. It was a huge moment for the association's president, Patrick Strachan, who was able to tick off one of his goals for his 2013-2015 tenure.

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IWFS heads to historical site for 6th installment

It's all going down at Fort Charlotte this weekend! Spectators for the sixth installment of Islands of the World Fashion Showcase will have awe-inspiring views of the island of New Providence and the imposing structure of the fortress for a backdrop as they view exclusive new collections from some 19 participating designers this year.

Organizers of the highly anticipated event are preparing to transform the historical fort into a Fashion Pavilion set to rival major runways around the world. Opening November 7th, the countries being represented this year include Bermuda, Cuba, Jamaica, Nigeria, Turks & Caicos, The Bahamas and the United States of America.

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Grilling for a cause: BUYDC to host third annual 'Men Who Cook' event

In a bid to raise much needed funds for its social outreach programmes, The Bahamas Urban Youth Development Center will be staging its 3rd Annual charity culinary competition "Men Who Cook", which will be held at the John Watlings on November 8, 2014.

The "Men Who Cook" event provides an opportunity for men to showcase their culinary and grilling skills for hundreds of enthusiastic locals and visitors to enjoy. With $20 for an adult ticket and $5 for children ages 3 - 9, guests can taste and vote for their favorite dish in each of the four categories: Appetizers, Side dishes, Entrée' and Desserts.

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BREEF: An artistic platform for reef protection

The Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) hopes that their Sir Nicholas Nuttall Coral Reef Sculpture Garden will be a platform for raising awareness about threats to coral reefs and the catastrophic harm that can be caused to The Bahamas if the damage continues.

"It is an absolute must that we have more coral reefs included within the Bahamian network of marine protected areas," said BREEF's executive director Casuarina McKinney-Lambert. "We need to further ensure that these areas are accessible for the majority of Bahamians to enjoy."

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Island MMTS shows phenomenal Caribbean talent

The Music, Model & Talent Showcase of the Islands, (Island MMTS) has made its way through South and Central America and according to CEO & Founder Pia Glover-Rolle of Nassau, the support has been overwhelming and the talent phenomenal. This new and exciting talent scouting event uniquely designed to bring global attention to the vast talent pool in the Caribbean has realized Casting Calls in Belize on October 4, Suriname on October 18, and Anguilla on Saturday, October 25.

It all began in New Providence on August 16 and moved on to Abaco on September 20, attracting talented participants between the ages of 5 to 65, males and females. CEO & Founder of Island MMTS Pia Glover-Rolle, of Nassau, The Bahamas says she's overwhelmed by the support of the Caribbean Islands for this inaugural Island MMTS event.

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At the Movies: Annabelle

This movie has no tagline. A couple experiences odd preternatural occurrences revolving around a porcelain doll soon after their home is broken into by bloodthirsty cultists. They must seek out the help of a priest and an owner of a bookstore to do battle with the unworldly force which has latched onto their family.

John Form is a young medical student who must deal with the pressure of being a new father and new responsibilities at the hospital when odd things start happening to his wife. Mia Form is a new mother handling a move to a new apartment and a discarded vintage doll which keeps turning up along with other unexplainable events. Father Perez is the priest who baptized the Form's daughter and is enlisted by them to get rid of the evil spirit haunting them, but his help may not be enough.

Click here to read more

Conchman triathletes battle the wind for the win

The 28th annual Conchman triathlon took over Taino Beach and the streets of the Lucaya area on Saturday, November 1st as athletes from Freeport, Nassau, the US, UK and Canada did battle in the swim-bike-run event.

As if on cue Grand Bahama's weather changed from the sultry summer-like temperatures enjoyed in October to cool and breezy conditions that signal the start of 'winter' on the island. The cool northwest wind meant that the swim at Taino Beach was still in the lee and race director Bert Bell dictated an anti-clockwise direction to take advantage of any push the wind may have given.

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Clayton Bain achieves a sculling three-peat

Over the weekend, sculling fans from both near and far gathered along the shoreline at Fort Montagu beach to see if Clayton Bain would once again emerge as the sculling champion. For the 3rd year in a row, he proved that he is indeed the champion!

"The trash talking started hours before the race," exclaimed Lynden Johnson, Bahamian Brewery Director of Sales and Marketing. "The scullers were all bragging about their ability and the spectators wondered who would be crowned the champion. The atmosphere at Montagu beach was fantastic for sculling and we couldn't hope for the day to have gone any better."

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Lively 242 Colour Run returns to Freeport

The 242 Colour Run in Freeport took place on November 2nd. The second instance of the 3-mile event in Grand Bahama added a large dose of colour to the lively crowd at the Garden of the Groves. The Rotary Club of Grand Bahama Sunrise and the Rotaract Clubs of Freeport were well represented and were the beneficiaries of the event.

Thanks to the sponsors, participants were able to enjoy ice-cold Vita Coco natural coconut water and Sands beer after the race. Shannon Barnes won a Timex Health Touch watch courtesy of Mystery Shopper Bahamas and other participants won free entries to any 242 Colour Run in 2014 or 2015.

Click here to read more

COB faces Florida Memorial in men's basketball

The College of The Bahamas Caribs is hoping that its home court advantage on the basketball court this Friday against the Florida Memorial University (FMU) Lions will give the team the momentum it needs to secure the win against its rivals.

COB's 40th Anniversary Basketball Game, scheduled for Friday, November 7th at 8:00 p.m. at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs Gymnasium will be the second time in nine months that the Caribs will face-off against the Lions, but will be the first game played on COB's turf. Head coach of the COB men's basketball team Bacchus Rolle says Friday's game is critical in evaluating the team's progress.

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Shipyard surprises Humane Society of Grand Bahama with dog food donation from fishing tournament proceeds

The Grand Bahama Shipyard (GBS) recently made a donation of dog food to the Humane Society of Grand Bahama to help carry the Humane Society through the rest of the year with pet food. Kay Smith, Director of Human Resources and Community Relations noted, "This donation came as a result of proceeds from the Grand Bahama Shipyard Fishing tournament. As we know the Humane Society does a lot of work in the community working with animals, caring for them and trying to find them loving homes."

The Humane Society of Grand Bahama is just one of the many needy organizations and schools that benefit from the Shipyard's fishing tournament each year. The Shipyard encourages everyone to save the date for the next upcoming tournament which will be March 13th and 14th, 2015.

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Bahamas weekly fishing report from Harbourside Marine

Fishing report as of October 30, 2014

Grand Bahama, Freeport: Doug Silvera reports that the wahoo fishing has been "lickin' off" with many fish in the 40 to 50lb range caught and the largest one in the 70lb range.

Abaco: The wahoo bite has been good and there have been a few mahi caught.

North Eleuthera: Big yellowfin tuna and wahoo have been caught this week off of the points.

Stella Maris: There have been lots of wahoo caught off of Simms Bar with the occasional mahi.

Click here to read more

LETTER: Minnis is bullying the Torchbearers

Minnis is losing his mind. I am a member of the Torch Bearers Association the youth arm of the FNM. We are a progressive minded group of young adults who want the best for the country. We have been recently trying our hardest to grow the organization but have been obstructed at all levels.

The leadership race has reached the association and has caused stress in the membership. The present president who has been travelling around the country with the leader has been imposing her will and the influence of her coaches to pressure the body of the group to support Minnis

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Muddasick!

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

NASSAU EVENTS

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

thru 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.

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: Ranfurly Homes for Children Walkathon/Run - Register at the Sports Centre Sandyport of Harbour Bay location. Click HERE to view the poster for additional instructions/information.

November 8: Men Who Cook - Grilling for a cause at John Watlings. Click HERE to read all about it.

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 28: Broadway Under the Stars - featuring Franz Hepburn. To benefit the Bahamas Humane Society, at Jacaranda House. Click HERE for more information.

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

November 8: MMTS auditions - 12 noon at the Sir Jack Hayward High School. Auditions are open to Models, Actors, Singers, Songwriters and Music Producers. Registration is required at IslandMMTS.com.

November 8: Culinary Fusion Expo - Second year for this unique event. Click HERE to read more.

November 8: Rotary Club of Lucaya's Moonlight Jazz - at Garden of the Groves, 7-11pm. Click HERE to view the poster for complete details.

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 - At the GB Sailing Club from 6:30 p.m. until... Tickets available now at the HSGB shelter. Only $30/advance!

November 17: GBEMAA re-launch meeting - Calling on all entertainers, meeting at Canal House, Pelican Bay. Click HERE for more info or contact natcambridge@gmail.com.

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: Franz Hepburn - 7pm at the Grand Lucayan. Enjoy his deep bass baritone voice singing favourite songs from the great musicals! Tickets $50 at Bahamas Developers on Logwood Rd across from the GB Power compound or call 352 7071.

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: Christmas City 2014 - at Freeport Gospel Chapel School featuring the Grand Bahama Youth Choir. Click HERE to view the poster for more info.

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 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.

December 5: Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony - in Regatta Park, George Town, EXUMA. Come out and bring the whole family. Contact: Mrs. Eula Morley (242) 336-2435.

December 26: Boxing Day Junkanoo Parade - Harbour Island, ELEUTHERA. This national festival of The Bahamas showcases several elements of local culture. Contact: Harbour Island Tourist Office / (242) 333-2621.

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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Ronnie Butler inducted into the Caribbean Hall of Fame

Godfather of Bahamian Music Ronnie Butler has been inducted into the Caribbean Hall of Fame, and is the fourth Bahamian to earn the distinction - after Sir Lynden O. Pindling, Sir Sidney Poitier, and Eddie Minnis.

He was unable to travel to the special gala event at the Jamaica Pegasus in Kingston, October 25, to receive his award. As such, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Dr. Daniel Johnson formally presented Mr. Butler with his plaque today at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture.

Ms. Deandra Hamilton of the communications company, Magnetic Media, had represented Mr. Butler at the ceremonies in Jamaica.

Also nominated in the Caribbean Hall of Fame music category along with Mr. Butler were: Shaggy, Beenie Man, and Taurus Riley.

Mr. Butler's distinguished musical career has spanned decades since he was 16 years old.

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