Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL IV. No. 29, December 4, 2014

This week in Bahama Islands Info

National News

Nassau News

Grand Bahama News

Column: Humane Society of Grand Bahama update

Family Islands News

Arts & Entertainment News

Column: Weekly fishing report from Harbourside Marine

Prime Minister Christie celebrates 40 years as a parliamentarian

The monthly meeting of the General Council of the Progressive Liberal Party at its headquarters were the occasion and venue used to toast Prime Minister Christie on 40 consecutive years of public service as a parliamentarian. He celebrated with family, friends, parliamentary and cabinet colleagues, Stalwart Councilors and the party faithful. Paying tribute to the Prime Minister were National Chairman Bradley Roberts; Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. Fred Mitchell; Tall Pines MP Leslie Miler; Social Services Minister Melanie Griffin; the PM's brother Gary, who spoke for the Christie family and wife of 40 years Bernadette Christie.

It was the 27th November 1974 when 31 year Perry G. Christie, an attorney in private practice, was called to public service and front line politics by then Prime Minister Sir Lynden Pindling. Milo Butler Jr. had resigned his senate seat to take up a post overseas as Consul General in Miami and Mr. Christie would fill this senate vacancy.

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Cable Bahamas enhances TV signal quality with $400,000 42-foot mega satellite antenna

Cable Bahamas has invested more than $400,000 in a new satellite antenna that enables the company to reduce costs and enhance its REVTV signal quality on all digital and HD signals.

The new Simulsat 7 Multibeam Antenna, recently erected at Cable Bahamas' main technical facility on Robinson Road in Nassau, has the ability to simultaneously receive signals from up to 37 satellite feeds, with an enhancement in performance across the satellites. With these capabilities, the recently installed 42 foot mega dish has replaced as many as 18 parabolic antennae the company previously used to receive over 400 channels from different satellites.

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URCA sponsors students to regional training workshop in Antigua

The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) has made it possible for two technical education students to enhance their knowledge of the rapidly developing area of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) through a regional workshop.

The two recipients are Gerrard Russell, who studies Information Technology Management Security and Server Plus at The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) and Antonio Rahming who is a Computer Information Systems major at The Bahamas Baptist Community College (BBCC). The duo will represent The Bahamas at the Regional Youth ICT Innovations Training Workshop in Antigua and Barbuda December 8th through 10th.

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Fred Smith: Legislation on new immigration policy will be challenged in court

By Fred Smith, QC, GBHRA president

The Grand Bahama Human Rights Association cries shame on the Christie administration as a whole, and on Minister of Immigration Fred Mitchell in particular, for attempting to give their inhumane, immoral and illegal immigration enforcement policy the veneer of legitimacy by forcing a bill through Parliament, where they enjoy a substantial majority.

In the first instance, the tactics currently employed by immigration officers to terrorize the Haitian-Bahamian community constitute clear violations of the Bahamas Constitution, the supreme law of the land. Indiscriminate roundups and roadblocks are unconstitutional; the requirement that immigrants carry ID at all times is unconstitutional; detention without bail and in the absence of criminal charges is unconstitutional; and deportation without conviction by a court of law is unconstitutional. The government simply cannot retroactively legitimize such actions.

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Freedom of information block party to be 'celebration for a cause'

Hundreds are expected to fill Charlotte Street South Friday evening for a block party with stage, live entertainment, food, beverage, and roving microphone all aimed at building a growing groundswell of momentum demanding Freedom of Information.

"You always hear about a cause for celebration, this is a celebration for a cause," said Lindsey McCoy, CEO of Save The Bays, which is organizing the Freedom of Information street party set for 5-8 pm. Numerous organizations are joining the march toward what has been called the basic tenet of any democracy - the public's right to information, also known as transparency in government.

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Bahamas Waste starts their holiday season by giving back

The holidays aren't always very bright and cheery for those in need, however Bahamas Waste is helping to change that by donating time, food supplies and cheer to the residents of the All Saints AIDS Camp off Carmichael Road in Nassau. Bahamas Waste began donating solid waste services to the camp in 2007 and has also been donating medical and bulk waste services to the camp since 2010.

However, during the visits to the camp, the staff felt as if they could do just a little bit more. "I visited the camp several years back while we were making a donation of our services to them," said Ethelyn Davis, Operations Manager at Bahamas Waste. "During this visit, I realized that there was a great need to assist the folks at the camp."

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Bahamas Crisis Centre launches toy drive

The Bahamas Crisis Centre launched a toy drive at the Mall at Marathon on Saturday, November 29, 2014. The toys will be wrapped and presented to the boys and girls, who are clients of the organization, at its annual Children's Christmas Party on December 17, 2014 at St Matthew's Parish Hall. During the upcoming festive occasion the children and their parents will be feted to a traditional Christmas meal, games, prizes and surprises and volunteers will also ensure that no child leaves without a toy.

The toy drive will also be held December 6 and 13 at the Mall. The Bahamas Crisis Centre is a non-profit, ideologically independent organization primarily pledged to respond to the needs of all victims of sexual, physical and psychological abuse. The Bahamas Crisis Centre opened in 1982 and celebrated November as Crisis Centre Month under the theme: "Don't Stand By, Stand Up!"

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Meli� Nassau Beach Resort launches signature restaurants

Meli� Nassau Beach Resort officially opened four new ultra-chic restaurants yesterday, offering guests a dining tour ranging from a gourmet gastronomic experience to casual fare, complete with local culinary delights. The sophisticated new restaurants - three of which are located on the fourth floor of the hotel with sweeping panoramic views of the turquoise Bahamian waters - mark the completion of Phase I of the resort's $19 million renovation.

The restaurants were renovated over approximately eight months and created 70 jobs for Bahamians. They will serve as one of several signature features in what will be the only all-inclusive resort in Nassau's $3.5 billion luxury resort destination, Baha Mar, once the remaining renovations are completed in early 2016.

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Prince Lewis joins MCR as estate agent after nearly 20 years of being like Mario Carey's adopted son

Mario Carey still remembers the first time he met Prince Lewis. He was a curly-headed kid, not quite six years old, holding a book nearly as big as he was. "He was reading the encyclopedia," said Carey. "Said he didn't have TV or a computer, but he was proud of that encyclopedia and he carried it everywhere."

Over the next two decades, Prince became the third child, the adopted son in a household brimming with activity, a home where his mother worked while his aunt worked at the company where Carey was employed as a real estate broker and where he would later become a director before striking out on his own in 2008, opening MCR. Wherever the Careys went, Prince went with them. "He just became part of the family, like an adopted son," said Carey.

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The Home Gallery opens new location at Harbour Bay

The Home and Sleep Gallery celebrated the opening of its new location in the Harbour Bay Shopping Plaza on November 23rd 2014. Customers living and working in the eastern area of New Providence will now be able to make mattress selections, as well as bed bath and home items from the new location. The store features scents and candles, mattresses and beds, as well as unique items for interior d�cor.

The official launch event held on November 23rd 2014 featured members of the Sleep Gallery team, as well as family and excited previous customers, who were able to have a first-hand view of the spacious showroom floor, with an upstairs showroom as well.

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Quantum of the Seas makes inaugural call to Nassau

The world's third largest ship - Quantum of the Seas - made its inaugural voyage to the Port of Nassau on Thanksgiving Day - bringing with it thousands of passengers from the frigid east coast of the United States. The cruise liner, which is part of the Royal Caribbean International's fleet, has the capacity to carry 4,905 passengers and is the first ever smart- cruise to dock at the Port of Nassau.

The massive ship includes a number of amenities including luxury retail stores like Michael Kors, Cartier, Bvlgari among others, 11 restaurants, a skydiving simulator, a north star tower, adult and children swimming pools, a roller skating and bumper car ring, a casino, a music hall for live entertainment, a flow rider surfing simulation and a state-of-the-art fitness centre.

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Old Fort Bay casino style fundraiser to aid Ranfurly Home for Children and RBPF Dependents Trust

A group of business leaders and professionals, members of a well-known lodge, are gambling on open hearts and willing players to raise money for the Ranfurly Home for Children and the Royal Bahamas Police Force Dependents Trust when they host a charity fundraising casino night at Old Fort Bay Club on Friday, December 12th, 2014.

"Last year, we raised more than $2,300 with Havana Night, which was a great success," said Romi Ferreira, RWM (Rt. Worshipful Master), Lodge St. Joseph #1838 S.C. "This year we are taking it a step further to incorporate a casino-like atmosphere where everyone is a winner because funds raised are shared between the RBPF Dependents' Fund and Ranfurly Home for Children."

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Give the gift of holiday cheer at Festival Noel - TOMORROW

To help celebrate the 20th anniversary of Festival Noel, Bristol Wines and Spirits has once again signed on as the major sponsor and will provide an array of wines for tasting and pairing at this wonderful holiday event to be held this Friday at the Rand Nature Centre. This year, Bristol Wines and Spirits will be showcasing thirty-three wines from the USA, Italy, New Zealand, Australia, Chile, Argentina and France.

The red and white wines will be displayed by country, with the sparkling wines having a section for themselves. Additionally, there will be a wide array of wines ranging from the well-known Chardonnay to lesser known Toscana Bianco, and lessons on wine pairing from the knowledgeable staff at Bristol Wines and Spirits. Tickets for this year's Festival Noel are on sale now at the Rand Nature Centre, Bristol Wines and Spirits, The Art of Giving and Barefoot Marketing.

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Grand Bahama Shipyard's 'Lend a Hand, Give a Can' drive to assist the less fortunate this holiday season

They say giving back is good for the soul, now into their 5th year of collecting goods for the less fortunate, the Grand Bahama Shipyard (GBS) family is spreading their donations even further in the community. GBS started their annual food drive a few weeks ago at local shopping stores throughout Grand Bahama.

This year they plan to donate to both the Salvation Army and the less fortunate in the West Grand Bahama community. The Lend a Hand, Give a Can campaign will continue through to December 10th, after which, Shipyard apprentices will deliver the goods to the Salvation Army and various homes in the West Grand Bahama community.

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Humane Society of Grand Bahama unveils 2015 calendar

The first ever Humane Society of Grand Bahama calendar is here! Under the leadership of Board Member Lisa Pakosh, it was launched on September 1st with a fun photo contest. HSGB adopters were invited to submit photos of their adopted pets (only pets adopted from HSGB) for consideration for the twelve months, and the coveted cover shot. Over 200 photos were sent in and our panel of impartial judges had their work cut out for them. Truly every picture sent in was a winner.

After the judging was done, both adopters and the public were able to purchase dates of their choosing, and send in photos to appear on those dates in each calendar. 119 dates filled later, Lisa completed the calendar layout and it was off to the printers. The HSGB is very proud of this calendar - the quality is amazing, and the wonderful pet photos make it a joy for any animal lover to display in their home or office. Just in time for holiday gifts, the calendars are available at the HSGB office on Coral Road, Dolly Madison, and Del Sol (at the harbour), for only $20 each.

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Technical Cadet Corp Programme receives a boost in support from the GBPA

The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA) has recently made a contribution to the Technical Cadet Corp Programme (TCCP) which serves as a valuable extracurricular activity impacting over 100 high school students from some 10 schools on Grand Bahama.

Joseph Hall, programme Assistant Director said he was most appreciative of GBPA's support as he and his team seeks to fulfill the mandate charted by the Bahamas government some years ago. "We are trying to fulfill our mandate that the government has implemented years ago. Being in Grand Bahama, this is what you call the industrial center of The Bahamas, so we want to be able to produce young bright minds who when they finish high school, they will be able to fill those roles in any company," he said.

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Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina offers free wedding deal with a catch ... or would that be bite?

For those dreaming of holding a wedding on a Bahamian island, with travel by seaplane, a honeymoon suite named for Ernest Hemingway, tasty local food and beverages and a ceremony performed by a local sea captain, then the historic Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina just might have a deal of a lifetime for you. It's complimentary, free, no charge for the couple - and for friends and family in the wedding party who stay four nights, they will get the next two nights free.

What's the catch, you may ask? Well, the wedding ceremony will be performed in an at-the-dock shark cage, with a front row view of huge, hungry bull sharks, which arrive daily for their feeding.

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New moorings installed at Conception Island National Park

As the trusted protectors of The Bahamas National Parks, the Bahamas National Trust and its staff constantly struggle to maintain the pristine waters that surround its parks all while welcoming the thousands of visitors to these parks. Thanks to the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Bagwell, who love Conception Island National Park, the BNT has been able to install three new moorings at the Conception Island National Park, ensuring that large yachts can anchor safely without damaging the seabed.

"We cannot thank Mr. and Mrs. Bagwell enough for their very generous donation to the BNT," said David Knowles, BNT Director of Parks. "These anchorages will assist in protecting the seabed, especially precious coral reef resources that occur in the Park."

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Resorts World Bimini helps raise money for children's charities at Miss World Pageant

Children around the world will have one more reason to smile in the coming year, thanks in part to a generous donation by Resorts World Bimini. The resort recently donated a week's stay at its beautiful property on picturesque Bimini to be sold at auction during the annual Beauty With A Purpose Miss World Charity Gala and Auction, held at the Grosvenor Hotel in London on November 30. The gift was presented by Miss World Bahamas Rosetta Cartwright who is currently competing in the Miss World pageant.

The Miss World Charity Gala and Auction is one of Miss World's quintessential events, featuring an evening of beauty, generosity, and talent. Twenty-four national gifts were put in groups of 3, to auction off 8 packages. The highest bids were over $7800 and the audience was fierce in their bidding wars.

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Freeport Players' Guild and YARD present 'A Christmas Carol Scrooge' - opening TONIGHT

The YARD Group of the Freeport Player's Guild presents 'A Christmas Carol Scrooge', an iconic family production that will take audiences by surprise. During this, the season of giving, this production tells the perfect story of the importance of gratitude, love, family and friendship. In this fantasy drama-comedy attendees will experience a glimpse into the past, present and future of Ebenezer Scrooge who will be left to decide his own fate.

With the extremely talented members of the Freeport Players' Guild and the YARD group 'A Christmas Carol Scrooge' is definitely one to see. The production hits the stage for three nights - Thursday, December 4th and Saturday, December 6th at 8:00 p.m. and the matinee on Sunday, December 7th at 4:00 p.m. Tickets are $15 and available at Kelly's Freeport Ltd. and the Seventeen Shop & $20.00 at the door.

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Christmas concerts to benefit COB scholarship students

The Nassau Renaissance Singers present their annual Music for Christmas concerts under the direction of Mrs. Audrey Dean-Wright. Performances will be held in the Government House Ballroom on Thursday, December 11th and Saturday, December 13th at 8:00pm. Featured guests include percussionist Gilliard Louis, who has just returned from performing in New York's famed Lincoln Center and the Colour of Music Festival in South Carolina. Also featured is an 11 member singing ensemble out of COB - the Voices of Paradise.

Tickets are available at Custom Computers in the Harbour Bay Shopping Plaza and at Cable Beach and at the door, as space allows. Proceeds from the concerts benefit the Nassau Renaissance Singers' COB Music Scholarship Fund.

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Have you written your Dear Santa letter? LYTS has

The local Lucaya Youth Theatre Society is fully in production and ready to present Grand Bahama with its production of DEAR SANTA on 12th and 13th December, 2014. Dear Santa, written by the most prolific playwright in Canada, Norm Foster, is his first Family Christmas Comedy, entertaining enough for adults to enjoy and innocent enough for children to love. This is the third Norm Foster play presented by the LYTS directorial team and, as such, Norm Foster has taken an interest in the group and personally agreed to sponsor the production.

Director Jackie Dack said, "Mr. Foster has agreed to gift away the royalty fees which has saved this small non-profit a fair sum of money, that was initially budgeted for. Mr. Foster heard about the success of the last production by LYTS, Bedtime Stories in March 2013, and made this incredible offer."

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Miss Universe Bahamas wins Miss Coco International pageant in Colombia

She came, she saw, she conquered! Miss Universe Bahamas Tomii Culmer has emerged the winner of the Miss Coco International pageant, besting beauty queens from across the Caribbean and Latin America in the process. The event was held on November 30 in San Andres, Colombia following a 16 year hiatus.

The contestants competed in the areas of poise, beauty, national dress, national costume, and judges interview. They were treated like celebrities during their 10-day stint in Colombia, meeting dignitaries, appearing on television, at musical, cultural and food festivals, and as the featured guests at regattas, float parades, municipal visits and press conferences. Tomii quickly won the hearts of the people of Colombia, and emerged as an early favourite.

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Bahari unveils Fall fashion collection in time for the holidays

BAHARI is back, and once again the popular fashion line that made its debut for Independene is turning heads. As promised, the Fall lineup goes beyond the signature t-shirts which were an instant success amongst consumers. Bold, vibrant colours and classic Bahamian symbols are still the central theme, but this time they're available as shirts, dresses, rompers, and yes, even linen shirts.

"July was phenomenal. Our t-shirts literally sold out almost immediately," said Bahari's CEO and Creative Director-Men's, Morgan Fernander. Whether online, or in stores, local residents and even persons overseas fully supported Bahari's entrance onto the local fashion scene, with patrons proudly wearing the definitive look at numerous Independence events throughout the islands. Even after Independence, persons all over the country can still be spotted wearing BAHARI.

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Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival introduced with Grand Bahama launch party

The Right Honourable Prime Minister Perry G. Christie officially introduced Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival in Grand Bahama on Friday, November 28th during a launch party in the Count Basie Square at the Port Lucaya Marketplace where residents and visitors turned out for the spectacular event.

The stage was transformed into a Carnival runway party, Bahamas-style when the Grand Bahama Junkanoo Carnival Company unveiled its eight prototype costumes and two signature pieces under its 'The Grand Life' theme.

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Lyford Cay International School football teams play in Turks and Caicos

On Thursday, November 13th, 2014 the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) welcomed the Lyford Cay International School (LCIS) Elite and Development Sports Football teams for three days of friendly matches and local hospitality.

The three day invitation was extended after TCIFA Technical Director Craig Harrington spoke to LCIS Head Football Coach, Dean Jacobs, whom he had known since days working together for LA Galaxy FC in Los Angeles, California. After months of planning TCIFA welcomed the Boys U12 and Girls U15 teams from LCIS kicking off the first two games of the match up.

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Bahamas weekly fishing report from Harbourside Marine

Fishing report as of November 27, 2014

The weather has been bad for most of the week so we have limited reports.

Nassau: The wahoo fishing has been decent when the weather has been good enough to fish! One charterboat reported catching 24 wahoo on a half day charter last week!

North Exuma, Highbourne Cay: The wahoo bite has been good.

South Andros: The wahoo have been running down south.

Photo: Exuma Sound - Oliver, Parker and Kane with a few wahoo caught in the Sound on Monday.

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Letter to the Editor: Haitians don't really give a crap about their poor countrymen, women and children living illegally is another country

Dear Editor:

I'm still following the illegal immigration debate in our beloved Bahamas with great interest. The hypocrisy of Haitians toward illegal Haitian migrants and their children in our country is unbelievable. I have heard Haitians from the east, west, north and south talk about us Bahamians, and our lack of Christian love and charity toward their illegal brothers, sisters and children residing in The Bahamas.

I submit, that they don't really give a crap about their poor countrymen, women and children living illegally is another country. As a Justice of the Peace, I can tell you that there are thousands of children of Haitian parents who were born and raised in The Bahamas, and who do not know Haiti; and they have not even tried, for whatever reason - to apply for Bahamian citizenship in the legal required time: by 18 years old and before 19.

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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.

December 4: The Bahamian Project - Exhibition opens TONIGHT. Click HERE to read more.

December 4-14: Bahamas International Film Festival - Visit http://www.bintlfilmfest.com/ for more info. Click HERE to download the official schedule.

December 5: Ivory to Ashes - Raising awareness of African elephant poaching, at Doongalik Studios 6-9pm. Click HERE to view the poster.

December 5: Freedom of Information Block Party - Charlotte Street South 5-8pm. Click HERE to read more.

December 6-7: "Christmastide 2014" - Presented by Bel Canto. 6th: Gala Event begins at 7pm, Sunday Concert begins at 7pm at St. Andrews Presbyterian Kirk, Peck's Slope. Click HERE for video preview.

December 7: Wrapping up the Celebrations - Yodephy Dance and Modeling Academy holiday season spectacular. Click HERE to view the poster.

December 11: US Memorial Service for Dr. Myles Munroe - and his wife Pastor Ruth Munroe at Faith Center in Sunrise, FL. 7pm.

December 11 & 13: Nassau Renaissance Singers Christmas Concert - To benefit COB scholarship students. Click HERE to read more.

December 12: Old Fort Bay Casino-Style Fundraiser - for the Ranfurly Home for Children and the Royal Bahamas Police Force Dependents Trust. Click HERE to read more.

December 13-14: Authentically Bahamian - Christmas Arts & Crafts Market at Marlborough Square.

December 20-21: Authentically Bahamian - Christmas Arts & Crafts Market at Pompey Square.

December 27-28: Authentically Bahamian - Christmas Arts & Crafts Market at Pompey Square.

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.

January 31: Annual Red Cross Ball - at the Melia Nassau Beach Resort. $250. Save the date!

February 7-8: Ride For Hope #9 RFH now in Nassau. 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.

November 22: Bahamas Half Marathon - Half Marathon Relay and 10K event. Sold-out in 2014, don't miss it! Click HERE to visit the 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

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 event page and join in.

December 6: LIS Turkey Trot - Fun run/walk to aid the Grand Bahama Children's Home, 8am at Banana Bay. Register at Lucaya International School (LIS). Click HERE to view the poster and HERE to download the form.

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: The Youth Screams - Art competition and exhibition at Geneva's Restaurant, 7pm until. A Rotaract Club of Freeport charity fundraising event.

December 12: Se�or Frog's 2nd Anniversary Party - Located in Freeport Harbour. Party Mardi Gras style from 6pm. Click HERE to view the poster.

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. Click HERE to view the poster.

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

December 14: Regency Singer's "Yuletide Joy" - 4PM at St. Paul's Methodist Church.

December 20: Blackout - K.O. Productions Christmas party st Freeport Harbour. 9PM-until.

December 25-26: Boxing Day Celebrations - KB, Geno D, Junaknoo Rush out, Marching Bands and all of the island's Top DJs. Presented by West Grand Bahama District in conjunction with the EMR Boxing Day Committee. Sunset Village, Eight Mile Rock from 10pm on.

January 10: Humane Society's "President's Cocktail Party" - at Bones Bar, Pelican Bay Hotel. 7 p.m.

February 7-8: Tour of Grand Bahama Bicycles Races - NEW! Charity fundraising event with cyclists of all levels. Prizes! Click HERE to view the poster.

February 14: International Love Cultural Festival - Committee for the Advancement of People in conjunction with the Hunter's Community. 11:08AM-4:08PM in the Hunter's Community.

February 21: 12th Annual Charity Golf Classic Golf Tournament - Grand Bahama American Women's Club. 12PM at the Grand Lucayan Reef Course.

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

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 6: MMTS auditions - ELEUTHERA. Music, model and talent search at Daddy D's Restaurant on Dunmore Street in Harbour Island. Click HERE to visit the website for info.

December 6: 11th Annual Abaco Christmas Festival - Marsh Harbour, Abaco.

December 23: Christmas Caroling - Hope Town, ABACO. Meet at 5:15pm in front of Hope Town Clinic. Bring a flashlight. All welcome!

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.

December 27: 242 Colour Run Abaco - Back for a second great year! Visit run242.com for details and registration.

January 8-10: Sixth Annual Great Harbour Cay Wahoo Weekend - NEW DATES - Top tier BERRY ISLAND event. Click HERE for your invitation.

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 6: Pineappleman Sprint Triathlon - Gregory Town, ELEUTHERA. 500 meter swim, 16k bike and 5k run part of the annual Pineapple Festival. There will also be a 5k fun run/walk event. email tom@bahamasadventures.com for more info. Click HERE to read about 2014's race.

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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Portrait exhibition highlights positive Bahamian spirit

NASSAU, Bahamas -- The Salus Project announces the opening of The Bahamian Collection exhibition TONIGHT, Thursday, December 4th, 2014 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm.

The collection of classic, dramatic black-and-white legacy portraits that will be exhibited are part of the Bahamian Project's first year body of work created by photographer, and Bahamian Project founder, Duke Wells.

The Bahamian Project was created to capture the spirit of the people of The Bahamas. The body of photographs produced in the first year - "The Bahamian Collection" - comprises about 60 classic black-&-white portraits of Bahamians and made a spectacular debut at the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas as part of the Bahamas' 40th Independence anniversary celebrations. Approximately 24 of those legacy portraits will be exhibited at The Salus Project Gallery from December 4th and into the new year.

"It's a celebration of the good in our society. This Collection has put faces to the spirit that makes us Bahamian - these are but a few of the many Bahamians that reflect that spirit," said project manager, Lisa Wells.

The photographic portraits being exhibited are of men and women from all walks of life, who together represent the heart, soul and spirit of the Bahamian character.

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