Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL IV. No. 27, November 20, 2014

This week in Bahama Islands Info

National News

Nassau News

Grand Bahama News

Column: Humane Society of Grand Bahama update

Arts & Entertainment News

Column: At the Movies

Column: Weekly fishing report from Harbourside Marine

Feature: Students renovate historic Cat Island kitchen

16th Cacique finalists revealed

After weeks of submissions from the general public, the Blue Ribbon Panel has revealed its selections for finalists for the 16th Cacique Awards. The nomination process began in early October and since then members of the public have nominated hundreds of tourism's finest.

Nominations were submitted for the following categories - Transportation, Local Airlines and Tour Operators, Human Resources Development, Sports and Leisure, Special Events, Creative Arts, Handicraft, Sustainable Tourism, the Clement T. Maynard Lifetime Achievement Award and the Minister's Hospitality Award.

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GBHRA: Immigration raids denounced as 'institutional terrorism'

Fred Smith, president of the Grand Bahama Human Rights Association (GBHRA) charged that the government's mass round-up policy is unconstitutional and a flagrant violation of the fundamental concept that individuals are innocent until proven guilty. The harsh new tactics being used by immigration officials have been denounced as illegal, immoral and designed to strike terror in the Haitian-Bahamian community.

"It can only be described as institutional terrorism, if by that term we mean an inhuman and degrading policy designed to strike fear in the hearts of an entire community," Smith said. "They are breeding 'Haitian hatred', racism and discrimination. It seems The Bahamas is now into ethnic cleansing."

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U.S. Embassy supports seminars on five islands against domestic violence

A series of seminars themed "Inspiring Change by Raising Voices" will help familiarize 300 community leaders, including young people, with social crime prevention strategies to prevent gender-based and teen dating violence. This series will take place between Monday and Tuesday, November 24 - 25, 2014 on Nassau and four Family Islands-Abaco, Exuma, Eleuthera and Grand Bahama-in recognition of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

These seminars are being launched with support from the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF), the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), the U.S. Embassy in Nassau, The Crisis Center Bahamas, Ministry of Social Services and Community Development, and the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

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OAS wants more Bahamian scholarship seekers

Representatives from the Human Development, Education and Employment Department (DHDEE) of the Organization of American States (OAS) met with Bahamian stakeholders to apprise them of increased education and training opportunities for Bahamians through the expanded scholarship programs offered by the OAS. The meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday November 17. Led by DHDEE coordinator for the partnership program, Juliete Mallet Phillip, the group also discussed ways to improve on the relatively low level of Bahamian participation in the myriad of scholarship opportunities provided by the OAS.

Of particular interest was the partnership program for higher education and training. Created in 2000, the OAS Consortium of Universities currently comprises over one-hundred higher education institutions and has significantly increased the number of scholarships recipients over the years.

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RBC Royal Bank provides support to deserving students at Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute

RBC Royal Bank recently made a $10,000.00 donation to The Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute (BTVI). The donation represents the third and final installment of a $30,000.00 RBC commitment to BTVI which provides tuition assistance to three deserving students. RBC has invested in hundreds of youth development programs throughout The Bahamas and remains committed to educational programmes that make a difference to the community.

The recipients of the 2014 RBC tuition assistance are Victorian Knowles, Dexter Laidley and Philip Curling. Philip Curling is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Technology Management. Dexter Laidley is working towards a Certificate in Electrical Installation and Victorian Knowles is enrolled in the Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology Management programme.

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Island Luck appoints Board of Directors

In keeping with the newly regulated gaming environment, Playtech Systems Limited trading as "Island Luck" is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Board of Directors.

Island Luck continues to lead the way in the evolution of the gaming industry in The Bahamas. On Thursday November 13th, 2014, Island Luck announced the appointment of its Board of Directors comprised of some of the country's brightest minds in banking, law, business, marketing, human resources and accounting. The board consists of: Barry Malcolm (Chairman), Sebastian Bastian (President and CEO), Wesley Bastian (Secretary), and Directors Paul Major, Dirk Simmons, Theresa Moxey-Ingraham, Julian Francis, James Moxey, and Ed Rahming.

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Sigmas work to clear invasive cattails at Harrold and Wilson Ponds National Park

The Delta Epsilon Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity volunteered this past Saturday at Harrold and Wilson Ponds National Park to remove invasive cattails. Working alongside Bahamas National Trust (BNT) President Larry Glinton and park staff, the Sigma teamed cleared a large area of cattails which are threatening to take over the park, an Important Bird Area.

"Cattails occur naturally in wetlands and can become aggressive and invasive," said Lynn Gape, Deputy Executive Director of the BNT. "What has happened at Harrold and Wilson Ponds National Park is that the cattails have become so thick that the lack of air circulation around the boardwalk has caused major maintenance issues."

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Primary school students tour the Wonderful World of Waste

If anyone is going to love playing in dirt, it's kids! That's why Bahamas Waste really loves school visits as young children seem to embrace their work and are keen future recyclers.

In late October and early November Bahamas Waste hosted both fourth grade students from St. Andrew's and students from Columbus Primary to a tour of their facilities. "The tour was enlightening and of high interest for our students," said Sonia Storr, Guidance Counselor at Columbus Primary. "We appreciate the fact that Bahamas Waste has always supported our efforts in exposing our students to the various job options in the waste management business. The staff at Bahamas Waste were extremely informative and patient with students and made the experience very enjoyable."

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BREEF'S underwater sculpture garden draws hundreds of tourists

Many people would be surprised to find that New Providence's latest tourism attraction is not on land. Instead, it's the Bahamas Reef Environment Education Foundation (BREEF) Sir Nicholas Nuttall Coral Reef Sculpture Garden-the largest underwater sculpture garden in the world located in southwestern New Providence just behind the Clifton Heritage Park.

Made from sustainable PH-neutral materials, the statues will gradually transform into an artificial reef, attracting coral and other marine life. And according to Executive Director of BREEF Causuarina McKinney-Lambert, the park, which is not even been opened for a month yet has attracted hundreds of visitors to The Bahamas. "We wanted to create a good marine habitat for visitors and locals to enjoy," she said.

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BTVI donates to breast cancer support group Sister Sister

The Sister Sister Breast Cancer Support Group recently got a helping hand from The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) in the fight against breast cancer. BTVI's manager and consultant, Dr. Iva Dahl, made a cheque presentation to the group's president, Andrea Sweeting, after a successful event dubbed, 'Pink Wednesday.'

Coordinated by the Student Affairs Department, the community service event brought awareness to the prevalence of breast cancer, early detection and the battle against the deadly disease. Dr. Dahl noted that it was all a part of the effort to educate people about the disease.

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Baha Mar launches new employee recruitment advertising campaign

Baha Mar has launched its new employee recruitment advertising campaign: 'Baha Mar Nation'. During the past two years, the $3.5 billion luxury resort has been actively seeking out and recruiting the best and brightest Bahamians both in The Bahamas and abroad, resulting in outreach to over 10,000 students and professionals. Leading up to its Grand Opening celebration scheduled for late Spring 2015, the luxury resort is ramping up its efforts to find team members from diverse backgrounds with an aptitude for hospitality.

The new campaign, produced locally, features Baha Mar employees in various hospitality roles that demonstrate the values of Baha Mar team members, also called 'Baha Mar Citizens'.

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Business people pack VAT Boot Camp seminar

In early November, two local entrepreneurs hosted a VAT Bootcamp Seminar to a packed room of 80 local business people. The attendees received valuable information about VAT Registration and preparing their businesses for the impending new tax, slated for January 1, 2014. Sarah Kirkby of Barefoot Marketing and Leigh Termath, of Bahama Buy and Sell, organized this seminar in response to the concerns of their clients.

Due to the huge response to the first sold out seminar, another one is scheduled for November 25th, to be held at the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce. The VAT Bootcamp Express will give the latest information on Vat Guidelines, Registration and accounting records. This is an all day event for $125 with limited seating and then an afternoon session for $50 giving an overview of all of the industries guidelines.

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Loretta Butler-Turner pledges new initiatives to enthusiastic Grand Bahama crowd

Pledging to keep the FNM united and make it stronger, Deputy Leader of the FNM Loretta Butler-Turner addressed the Grand Bahama national convention delegates in Freeport Saturday night, under the theme, "Leadership for a Better Bahamas".

Speaking at the FNM Headquarters in Grand Bahama, she assured the large audience that she was in it for the long haul: "I choose the FNM, be clear here, this was my decision and I have worked tirelessly for the record we have in this country," she told the packed room. "No matter the outcome of the leadership race, I will always be an FNM and I will work to put the FNM back in control of the government."

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Garden of the Groves celebrating the annual miracle of bird migration

During November of each year nature enthusiasts, conservation leaders, researchers and bird lovers throughout the Bahamas and the Caribbean promote public awareness of the amazing journeys that birds undertake each year. Birds fly over thousands of miles between their breeding grounds in North America and Canada and their winter homes in the Bahamas, the Caribbean and South America.

It has become a tradition over the past six years at Garden of the Groves to host a variety of events during this time and Mrs. Marilyn Laing, coordinator, states: "We want to share the message of bird conservation with the Grand Bahama community and we offer bird and conservation related activities for all ages throughout the month whereby we focus on education, fun and exercise!"

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GBPA joins forces with REACH Grand Bahama

Autism, a disorder that occurs four to five times more in boys than girls has been characterized by impaired social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior.

As this disease affects a number of persons within The Bahamas, The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA) has joined forces with REACH Grand Bahama, the local chapter of a national organization to assist in its upcoming efforts geared towards informing persons about the disorder that affects neurodevelopment.

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Petro Express makes a commitment to superior customer service

On September 29th, 2014, employees of Petro Express, a newly constructed gas station and convenience store located on Queen's Highway adjacent to the northern entrance to the Freeport Harbour, participated in a power packed training session facilitated by Billie Bowe, President and CEO of Benchmark Consulting Services, under the topic "Customer Service Excellence: Critical Elements of Customer Service."

The training covered the 'six critical elements' of customer service. "The first and most important," according to Mrs. Bowe, "is having a customer service focus. Without a customer service focus a company is essentially shooting themselves in the foot. Having a customer service focus means that as a business, you view customer service not as a department or the responsibility of one or two individuals, but as a business philosophy."

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Devon Franklin and Meagan Good hosts of the 2014 Strong Faith conference

From glory to glory, Grand Bahama continues to be the hub for religious tourism initiatives and conferences. Attracting hundreds of attendees and global viewership, faith based travel remains an area of intent focus for the island. With the affinity that has been developed for the island by the religious market, Grand Bahama remains the choice destination for international religious events such as Dr. Myles Munroe's Global Leadership Forum, Angela Pipersburgh's International Women's Summit and TBN's Praise the Lord.

The Ministry of Tourism's Religious Tourism unit in its mandate to boost the economy during the shoulder season, September- November, has set out to maximize religious events on Grand Bahama by reaching out to churches and religious groups in a spirit of partnership. In it in this vein that the Ministry of Tourism has extended their support to the Freeport Seventh- Day Adventist Church in holding the 2014 Strong Faith Leadership Conference, November 21st- 23rd at the Grand Lucayan Resort.

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Creative Posh Paws Fashion Show event a 'paws-itive' winner for the Humane Society of Grand Bahama

It was a beautiful night for cocktails and fashion under the stars at the GB Sailing Club this past Saturday night. Over 125 people enjoyed The Humane Society of Grand Bahama's "Posh Paws Fashion Show" making it a resounding success for our furry friends at the shelter. D.J. Unkle Sammy provided mellow party music all night and M.C. Kenton Pinder learned a lot about fashion while he entertained the crowd with his usual blend of wit and aplomb.

The drinks flowed and guests enjoyed the delicious array of appetizers presented wonderfully by our student servers, as they perused the clothing sale - with fantastic bargains on designer clothing - and the Chinese Raffle items. The amazing HSGB 2015 calendar also debuted at this event and sales were brisk! Calendars are on sale now at the shelter for only $20 - they would make great holiday gifts. They will also be available for sale later this week at Dolly Madison and DelSol.

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'Rocking around the Christmas tree' at annual BNT Jollification this weekend

Christmas Jollification features some of the finest arts and crafts in The Bahamas, a variety of food and a tasting of holiday spirits provided by Bristol Wines and Spirits and Bahamian Brewery all taking place at the Bahamas National Trust Retreat on Village Road this weekend.

Welcoming patrons to the event will be the friendly staff of Commonwealth Bank, who are also major sponsors. These keen bankers will assist the BNT at a number of booths at the event. Once again Jim Whitehead - the Nassau Florist will decorate the pavilion, creating the holiday mood for the event.

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Grand Bahamian bands and restaurants set to provide holiday enchantment at Festival Noel

With everyone beginning to cement their holiday plans, the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) is hoping that Festival Noel is on the holiday calendar of everyone that will be in Grand Bahama this festive season. The planning of this year's festival, which celebrates 20 years of success, is underway with the highlights of the festival - the food and the music - confirmed for December 5th.

"After last year's exciting event, we are thrilled to see most of our restaurants returning," said Sarah Kirkby, Festival Noel Committee member. "Agave and Red Beard's both secured their spots for this year and we are delighted that 'Dive-In Restaurant and Bar' will join us for the first time."

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Cable Bahamas & TBS reward five lucky customers with HDTVs

Cable Bahamas has partnered with American media conglomerate Turner Broadcasting System to make television viewing a little more enjoyable for five households. Through its Crossbones-REVTV HD/Prime Select Promotion, the companies rewarded five customers, and fans of the hit television series "Crossbones," with all-new high-definition televisions during the month of October.

REVTV subscribers in Nassau, Grand Bahama, Eleuthera and Abaco who signed up for Prime Select with REVTV HD during the promotional period - between August 20 and October 31 - were given a chance to win a brand new 42-inch LG high-definition television, along with "Crossbones" merchandise. In the end, Perry Swan, Monica Toote, Franco Adams, Karen Ingraham and Tavari Dorsett were the five lucky winners selected through weekly random drawings.

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BTC one million dollar title sponsor of Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival

BTC's community support in youth, sports and culture continues with the announcement that they are the one million dollar title sponsor of Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival and the first corporate partner to join the newly developed tourism initiative.

In a joint press conference, BTC CEO Leon Williams said they had been in discussions with the Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival and a split between cash and in-kind services for a mutually beneficial $1M sponsorship was agreed. "$750,000 will be in cash and $250,000 will be in-kind services to consist of joint marketing and branding opportunities."

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Triumphant Bahamian story a hit at Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival

"Every Child Counts " the poignant and touching documentary about a school in The Bahamas providing an educational opportunity for children with special needs, recently premiered during the 29th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival.

The documentary written, produced and directed by Wendy Loten, a seasoned producer and director, tells the story of a school in Abaco Bahamas, founded by a resident of the community, Lynn Major. Major the administrator of the school, along with her husband, adopted twin boys at the age of 3 1/2. The couple discovered that both boys had severe developmental delays and would need special education, and because the island did not have an educational option for the twins, the Majors determined to create an option.

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Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival set to launch on Grand Bahama

The countdown to Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival is on and with the event now just six months away, Grand Bahama is gearing up to roll out its costume line with an official launch party on Friday, November 28. The Right Honourable Prime Minister Perry G. Christie will travel to the nation's second city for 'The Grand Life' Costume Unveiling by The Grand Bahama Cultural Carnival Company in the Count Basie Square of the Port Lucaya Marketplace beginning at 8:00 p.m.

Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival is a three-day event set for May 7-9, 2015 and is expected to rival the 200-plus other carnivals around the world. It is also anticipated to help to rebrand the country as a viable entertainment destination. Come Friday, November 28th, The Bahamas National Festival Commission, in conjunction with the GBCCC, will be celebrating the launch of Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival Grand Bahama Island.

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All Dead, All Gone - A ceramic exhibition by Joann Behagg

All Dead, All Gone - A ceramic exhibition by Joann Behagg opened November 18 at Doongalik Studios on Village Road. This ceramic environmental exhibition is attempting to bring awareness about The Bahamas' failing fishing industry and the frightening rapid depletion of its resources. This depletion is an ongoing daily process that is being exacerbated through poaching, over fishing, the fishing of undersized fish, bleaching of the coral reefs, the dangerous erosion, blockage and destruction of mangroves, environmental pollution, and coastline degradation!

When will it all stop? How can we halt this process? All Dead, All Gone will hopefully awaken the public's consciousness and spurn them into action to avert this crisis. The Exhibition will be on display Monday to Wednesday from 10am to 4pm and on Saturday from 9am until 1pm. It closes on Saturday, November 29.

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At the Movies: Addicted

The tagline for this movie: Every Woman Needs An Escape. A successful businesswoman appears to have attained it all but is still drawn to temptations she cannot escape or resist. As she pursues a secretive life she finds herself risking it all as she travels on a perilous journey she may not return from.

Zoe Reynard is a married gallerist who enters into an affair with a talented painter and slowly begins to unravel as she loses control of her family and business. Quinton Canosa is a world famous artist who agrees to work with Zoe in exchange for her attention but as his appetite for her becomes more insatiable the illicit relationship begins to overpower their sanity. Dr. Marcella Spencer is a psychotherapist specializing in sexual addiction who tries to help Zoe see the root of her destructive behavior before it costs her everything she holds dear. Jason Reynard is Zoe's husband who works as an architect and has no idea about Zoe's extramarital activities as he tends to the needs of their 2 children with the help of her mother.

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Click on the graphic to read more At the Movies reviews

Team 'Cash Out' takes heaviest wahoo at 47.6 pounds in Bimini Big Game Club's Wahoo Smackdown V

With 29 boats and over 200 anglers competing, Wahoo Smackdown V, hosted by the historic Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina, provided heavy action this past weekend. Taking home the first place trophy-an original painting by renowned marine artist Carey Chen- and a check for heaviest wahoo caught (47.6 pounds) was Team "Cash Out" captained by Jimmy Wickett from Broward County, Florida.

"This was one of the largest tournaments in the history of our popular Smackdown Series and were looking forward to surpassing these numbers when we host Smackdown VI this February," said tournament director Chase Camacho. "The Big Game is back in Bimini and our intention is to continue to grow this series as well as other types of future tournament action."

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Bahamas weekly fishing report from Harbourside Marine

Fishing report as of November 13, 2014

Nassau: The captains are reporting catching small to medium sized wahoo this week.

Abaco: Kevin Sawyer reports that the wahoo bite has been in high gear. Lots of fish but not huge ones yet. There have been a few mahi too.

Grand Bahama, Freeport: The wahoo bite has been strong off of the east end of the island near Sweetings Cay this week. Lots of fish in the 30-60lb range.

Photo: Boss Hogfish - Joseph Lynch speared this hogfish off of the southwest side of New Providence last week on 'Pourquoi Pas.'

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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 20: Bill Cosby - Legendary comic performs at Atlantis. Call 363-6601 or visit the Coral Towers box office.

November 20: "The Rise of the Female Artist in The Bahamas and The Family Phenomenon" - Discussion/talk at the NAGB. Call 328.5800/1 for information.

November 21-23: 'Jollification' - Annual Christmas Festival at the Retreat, Village Rd. Friday is Members' Night. Click HERE to view the poster for details.

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 24: "Inspiring Change by Raising Voices" - Seminars are free and open to the public. To register, visit: http://goo.gl/lTKHKG. 8:45-11:00am at Transfiguration Baptist Church Hall, Market Street.

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.

December 4-9: Bahamas International Film Festival - Visit http://www.bintlfilmfest.com/ for locations and schedules.

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 now up! Click HERE to learn more and register.

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 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 22: Cocktails & Conversations - To benefit Down Syndrome Society. 7pm - midnight under the stars at Nesbitt Rentals grounds. Click HERE to view the poster.

November 25: VAT Boot Camp Express - A no-frill hands-on seminar on how to become VAT compliant. Click HERE to view the poster or call 352-4578 to register. Spots going quickly!

November 25: "Inspiring Change by Raising Voices" - Seminars are free and open to the public. To register, visit: http://goo.gl/lTKHKG. 5:30-7:30pm at Sir Charles Hayward Library, The Mall Drive, Freeport.

November 27: GB Chamber of Commerce Monthly Luncheon - Call 352-8329 for details on who's speaking, where, and when.

November 29: Da Market - Is da place for local produce, crafts and gifts! Rand Nature Centre in the morning.

November 29: Grand Bahama Diabetic Awareness Month - Circle the Sea in Blue. Port Lucaya Marina at 7:30PM.

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.

November 30: Legendary Cooling Waters 50th Golden Anniversary - "The Journey Continues" at 7PM at Freeport Bible Church.

December 4, 6 & 7: A Christmas Carol Scrooge - At the Regency Theatre. 8pm Thurs & Sat, 4pm Sunday. No show Friday. Click HERE to view the poster. Tickets at Kelly's and the Seventeen Shop.

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! Click HERE to visit the FB events page and join in.

December 6: Santa's Grotto at UNEXSO - Santa and his elves will be in-store from 10-12noon and 4-6pm. $5 per photo, proceeds 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 in the Garden - Annual event at Garden of the Groves. 11am-5pm. Call 374-7778 for info.

December 13: Christmas Boat Parade - Part proceeds to benefit BASRA. Click HERE to view the poster, contact UNEXSO at 373-1244.

February 21: Kamalamee Honours Concert - At the Regency Theatre. Click HERE to read more about the honourees.

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 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 25: "Inspiring Change by Raising Voices" - Seminars are free and open to the public. To register, visit: http://goo.gl/lTKHKG. 5:30-7:30pm at St. John the Baptist Parish, Marsh Harbour, ABACO.

November 25: "Inspiring Change by Raising Voices" - Seminars are free and open to the public. To register, visit: http://goo.gl/lTKHKG. 5:30-7:30pm at St. Andrew's Anglican Parish Hall, George Town, EXUMA.

November 25: "Inspiring Change by Raising Voices" - Seminars are free and open to the public. To register, visit: http://goo.gl/lTKHKG. 5:30-7:30pm at St. Patrick's Anglican Parish Hall, Governor's Harbour, ELEUTHERA.

November 25: "Inspiring Change by Raising Voices" - Seminars are free and open to the public. To register, visit: http://goo.gl/lTKHKG. 5:30-7:30pm at North Andros High School, Nicholls Town, ANDROS.

November 27: Thanksgiving Turtle Trot in Hope Town, ABACO. More information soon.

November 29: Men's Health Awareness - Mustaches for 'Movember' finale party to benefit the ABACO Cancer Society. Snappa's in Marsh Harbour, call 367-2278.

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.

January 10: Rotary Club of ABACO Golf Tournament - at Treasure Cay. Click HERE to view the poster for additional info.

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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Award winning Indaba Project students renovate historic Cat Island kitchen

Fulfilling a promise to Cat Island native, the late Margaretta Rolle, students of the award winning Indaba Project are working hard to restore Mrs Rolle's historic detached limestone kitchen in the mystic island. After securing a $6,000 grant from the International Development Bank (IDB), the Indaba Project organized a multi-island project team to help preserve this important part of Bahamian material history.

The Indaba Project (TIP) is a registered non-profit organisation aiding in community development in the historic African townships of Bain and Grants Town. Two of its main pillar projects are an After School Programme and an island-hopping summer camp, known as the Island Stewards Camp (ISC).

Stewards who participate in the ISC are hardworking high school students who actively take part in the Indaba Afterschool Programme. In 2012, stewards were first introduced to Mrs Rolle when they visited Cat Island on the third ISC. This was the start of a lasting relationship with Mrs Rolle and her wider family. Now, 16 stewards from C R Walker, T A Thompson, D W Davis, H O Nash, C C Sweeting are working in Cat Island on the kitchen restoration project that is expected to extend over six to eight weeks.

"I was excited about the opportunity to visit Cat Island because I have never been to Cat Island before, and I wanted to learn about the way of life on the island. Also, with the kitchen project, I feel proud of myself knowing that our work can help bring a family closer together. The kitchen is on a family compound and when it is finished, the family will be able to use it so they can talk how they used to," said Rose Pierre, a ninth grade student at T A Thompson.

To restore the kitchen, stewards will have to clear out the interior, which was being used as a makeshift storage facility. They will rebuild the doors and windows, and collect field stones and sand to mix with cement, in order to reconstruct the exterior walls and create an authentic Cat Island finish. They will also have to demolish and rebuild the roof. Another core component of the project is for stewards to document the stories of the family members in the compound and the history of the kitchen.

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