Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL IV. No. 30, December 11, 2014

This week in Bahama Islands Info

National News

Column: Billie Talks Business

Nassau News

Column: At the Movies

Feedback: Letter to the Editor

Column: Muddasick!

It's December and you can almost hear people chanting, 'Mama, bake the Johnnycake, Christmas comin'!"

Of course, this is also the time for big events and spending fun time with family and friends. In Grand Bahama, Bobby Brown and Visage will be performing at the Jingle Ball and we're giving away two tickets to two lucky people! Just click HERE to do a quick and easy and fun quiz, enter your e-mail address and you could win!

And thank you for continuing to subscribe to Bahama Islands Info -- the number one source for news and information about The Bahamas!

Immigration Minister updates the public on enforcement exercises

A press conference was held at the Department of Immigration on Hawkins Hill, Nassau on Sunday, 7th December 2014 to address reported claims of abuse by suspects at the hands of Immigration Officers in connection with the enforcement of immigration laws through routine interdiction exercises. Following is the press conference text delivered by the Minister of Immigration, Hon. Fred Mitchell:

I wish to thank the Bahamian public for their continued support of the immigration checks, regulations and exercises that are ongoing. While I understand that there has been increased scrutiny of immigration operations over the past thirty days since the new administrative measures were announced, I want to remind the public that what the Immigration Department has been doing since 1st November is what it has been doing since the day I became minister. There is nothing new or special.

Click here to read more

Lowell Mortimer named non-resident High Commissioner to India

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration confirms the appointment of Mr. Lowell J. Mortimer OBE as the non-resident High Commissioner of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to India. Mr. Mortimer, an attorney-at-law, is the principal of Mortimer & Co. and the President of Campbell Shipping Company. He is also the founder of the LJM Maritime Academy, a high-tech maritime school that is an engine of maritime sector development and education in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

For his contributions to nation building, he was named Distinguished Officer of The British Empire (OBE) on the Queen's Birthday Honours List in 2009.

Click here to read more

The Moore Bahamas Foundation applauds government, BREEF on grouper season closure

One of the largest supporters of marine conservation in The Bahamas today lauded government for its decision to declare a fixed closed fishing season and BREEF for its campaign that helped lead to that decision allowing the critically endangered Nassau Grouper a chance to spawn.

Kudos came from The Moore Bahamas Foundation, an affiliate of Louis Bacon's Moore Charitable Foundation, following the announcement that legislation was being introduced to ensure a three-month safe season for the prized fish to reproduce. In the past, whether or not to close the season to commercial or recreational fishermen was made by the sitting Minister of Agriculture & Fisheries and there was no guarantee that there would be any protection period to enable the species that has shown a 60% decline over the past three decades to regenerate.

Click here to read more

Noted QC: 'We should have the right to vote for our Prime Minister'

A noted Queen's Counsel attorney is calling for an overhaul of the political process, saying the time has come for Bahamians to choose their prime minister.

"Under the present system, we have the right to cast one vote, that of our Member of Parliament," said Fred Smith, QC. "We have absolutely no say in who is prime minister. The party has already chosen its leader through an arcane and archaic process of convention, which is really a big political party with negotiations, and rewarding generals and backbenchers who show allegiance. That's not reflective of what the public wants or who the public would choose.

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Billie Talks Business: Managing change in the workplace

I believe it is fair to say that The Bahamas has undergone a tremendous amount of change over the past two years and will continue to do so. Many of these changes, whether viewed in a positive or negative light, may have impacted us emotionally, physically or even financially. While we all know that change is inevitable, there is a resistance to change that is natural to all human beings. It's not just a Bahamian thing. Undoubtedly as the world, our country and our lives change, so do our workplaces.

For many of us who spend most of our time at work, changes on the job may present even bigger challenges when it comes to adjusting. However, once we understand the change process as individuals and as leaders, we are better able to weather the storm and adjust without sacrificing our wellbeing in the process.

Click here to read more

WSC urges 'Be An Angel This Christmas' with gift drive for Elizabeth Estates Children's Home

With Christmas right around the corner, the Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) is embracing the spirit of the season by giving back to the Elizabeth Estates Children's Home. Earlier this year, MIYA Bahamas partnered with the WSC to host MIYA's annual 'Good Deeds Day' at the Elizabeth Estates Children's Home where they beautified and upgraded the facility. The home and its occupants made such an impression that he WSC decided to ask the community to join them in giving these children a wonderful Christmas.

To help fulfill the children's wishes WSC is encouraging everyone to be an angel this holiday by purchasing a gift for a child at the home. The children at the home have created angels with gift requests that have been hung on a Christmas tree in the foyer of the WSC main office on Thompson Boulevard.

Click here to read more

A Good Samaritan: How a complete stranger saved a life

It isn't every day that we hear about the positive things happening in our society, but a recent act of kindness and a measure of perfect timing collided, resulting in a life being saved. Monique O'Kelleher, born and bred in Marsh Harbour, was just leaving work when she saw Doctors Hospital ICU Nurse Bernardita Cordova, known affectionately as Bernie, waving her hands hysterically in the middle of Collins Avenue south.

"I thought she was running from somebody. I thought somebody was attacking her and she wanted to get away," Monique recalls. Rather than speeding away from what she thought could have been a dangerous situation, she stopped the car and Bernie managed to get in. It turned out that Bernie was having a massive asthma attack.

Click here to read more

LPIA soars at feeding the hungry

The airport community helped to fill cupboards and stomachs when workers joined forces with Hands for Hunger to provide the equivalent of 400 meals - a critical supply of food for the hungry. During the two-week exercise, donation containers were set-up in strategic locations around the airport for convenient food drop-off by employees of Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) and the Airport Authority.

The airport's donation included non-perishable food items such as soup, grits, cereal, rice, evaporated milk, tuna, oats, corn beef and the like. Walkine joined Milo Butler, III, General Manager at Airport Authority to hand over the donation to the non-profit group. A humanitarian organization, Hands for Hunger distributes food supplies to 14 agencies and feeding programs throughout New Providence.

Click here to read more

Jerome K. Fitzgerald gives a $15K gift to Claridge Primary School

Scholastic books flooded the campus of Claridge Primary School as the Member of Parliament for the Marathon Constituency chose to give the gift of reading this holiday season. "As Minister of Education, I realized that the best gift I could give this holiday season would be related to promoting education. Last year, I donated toys to the children, but this year, I wanted to give something more tangible something that I know could have a lasting impact and remain relevant even beyond the holiday season."

Claridge Primary is the only primary school in the Marathon Constituency and so they have been privileged to receive many much needed items from their Member of Parliament. The Minister used the resources available in his ministry and engaged the expertise of educators to ensure that the books were appropriate for the ages and reading levels of the students.

Click here to read more

Small world - ERA's newest agent met boss-to-be over 20 years ago

The first time Adam Duncombe met the man who is now his boss, Peter Dupuch, he was hardly old enough for pre-school. And Dupuch, now one of the leading names in real estate locally, was just starting out, showing the house where young Adam lived.

"It was my first listing and there was this little kid running around the house pointing out exactly what the buyer didn't need to hear," laughed Dupuch. "But this child had a lively spirit, a zest or zeal -- still does -- and when he came to me decades later and said he was interested in going into real estate, I invited him to join my team as an intern and after he qualified, to become an agent. From the first day on the job, I could see Adam had that indomitable spirit he showed as a tyke."

Click here to read more

Sandyport Hotel supports International Day of Persons with Disabilities

In recognition of the annual International Day for Persons with Disabilities celebrated globally each December 3rd, and in support of their public education outreach activities, Nassau's Sandyport Beaches Resort and Hotel hosted prominent advocate for the visually impaired, Ancil Torres, president of the Torres Foundation for the Blind, to a complimentary stay during the conference in Nassau.

Mr. Torres was in The Bahamas to speak at the Ministry of Social Services' annual conference on improving services for the disabled at the Holy Cross Church Hall. Torres was the key note speaker, addressing the conference's theme "Sustainable Development: The Promise of Technology."

Click here to read more

Shipyard donates $30,000 to Eight Mile Rock High School towards new bus

Santa came early this year for high school students in Eight Mile Rock as the Grand Bahama Shipyard helped them tick something off of their Christmas wish list. This Christmas Eight Mile Rock High School (EMRHS) received a huge present from the Grand Bahama Shipyard (GBS) in the form of a much needed $30,000 cheque towards the purchase of a school bus.

"Our financial donation towards the purchase of a school bus was desperately needed and will allow the students to continue to participate in academic and athletic programs throughout the community," said Kay Smith, Director of Human Resources and Community Relations.

Click here to read more

BORCO spreads Christmas cheer in their community

Buckeye Bahamas (BORCO) helped spread a little Christmas cheer by ensuring families won't go hungry this holiday season. Last weekend the BORCO family handed out 400 food parcels (including turkey, rice, grits, sugar and flour) to the Pinder's Point and Lewis Yard communities.

"This gift giving initiative continues to be an annual drive for BORCO/Buckeye," said Kim Pratt, Business Coordinator at Buckeye Bahamas. "It is a joy for me to organize this event each year, on behalf of the company, and it pleases me that the spirit of giving is so prevalent with everyone who volunteers each year to go out in the community."

Click here to read more

Will these dogs and cats get to go home for the holidays?

Announcing our HOLIDAY ADOPTION SPECIAL! Our amazing dogs and cats really deserve a chance to go home for the holidays. Everyone who adopts a pet between Dec. 1, 2014 and Jan. 3, 2015 will be entered into a drawing to win a fabulous gift basket.

One for dog adopters and one for cat adopters. These baskets contain carefully chosen items for your new family member including designer dishes, toys, blankets, a three month supply of Vetri-Science flea/tick preventative, car magnets, collars, vouchers for a free bath, veterinary exam and nail clip, and a microchip discounted price of only $15, among other useful and fun items. Both baskets have a value of approximately $150! The drawing will be held on Monday, January 5th.

Click here to read more

Hospital patients blanketed with warmth thanks to corporate partnership

Every patient in hospital on the day of the Governor General's visit will be presented with a blanket to take home and on Christmas Day those patients in hospital on that day will be presented with blankets as well. "We are very pleased to be able to do this for the Rand Memorial Hospital," said Kay Smith, Director of Human Resources and Community Relations. "The Grand Bahama Shipyard has always been a huge supporter of the community in Grand Bahama so we're happy to make this donation and to continue to support our local medical facility in their efforts to provide the best care to its patients."

The administration team at the hospital was incredibly grateful for the donation and hopes that this effort will be the start of more great corporate partnerships with the hospital. The Shipyard donated 91 blankets, 86 for each bed in the hospital and 5 blankets for the Physiotherapy Department.

Click here to read more

Wide World Forwarding and Travel staff complete customer service training seminar

Wide World Forwarding and Wide World Travel continued to place emphasis on service to customers through a Customer Service Training Seminar for its staff conducted by Shannondor H. Evans of Apex Progressive Solutions.

"We have a capable and competent staff of professionals experienced in all aspects of travel and freight forwarding, however to remain on the cutting edge of service to our customers, we continue to offer our staff these seminars," said Martin Munroe, President of Wide World Forwarding Ltd.

Click here to read more

Students at Jack Hayward learn about careers in ship repair

Inspiration can come in many forms, but nothing beats a personal recommendation. Last week a number of Grand Bahama Shipyard (GBS) staff members shared their personal stories to inspire students at Jack Hayward High School to consider careers in ship repair.

The Jack Hayward students have been participating in a series of entrepreneurial workshops which featured a variety of speakers from the industrial community. Various persons from the Shipyard addressed the students including Katherine Smith, Director of Human Resources and Community Relations, Don Forbes, Training Manager, Justan Campbell, Junior Project Planner and some of the 2014 first year apprentices.

Click here to read more

Over 100 vendors involved in '16 Islands, 16 Weddings, One Priceless Day' promotion

The Ministry of Tourism's "16 Islands, 16 Weddings, One Priceless Day" promotion continues to make a lasting economic impact as over 100 local vendors will be involved in getting brides and grooms ready to tie the knot. The promotion is scheduled for January 16, 2015 at 16 islands in The Bahamas at 16:00 (4:00 p.m.).

Out of over 3,000 contestants, 16 couples have been selected from different areas in the United States to experience the once-in-a-lifetime event. And while these couples may be excited about their upcoming nuptials, Director of Weddings and Romance Freda Malcolm says the vendors are equally excited.

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MOT to develop 'master plan' with Out Island Promotion Board

Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe recently encouraged members of the Out Island Promotion Board to be a part of developing a "master plan" to promote each island of The Bahamas. The minister was speaking at the Out Island Promotion Board's annual general meeting at the British Colonial Hilton.

"Each island will decide where it goes because...what are we going to do next for Exuma? Is it predicated upon Sandals or the Grand Isle? Are we going to build a new clinic? What are we going to do? How are we going to develop this master plan and are you involved in this master plan," Minister Wilchcombe said.

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Damianos Sotheby's International Real Estate signs exclusive brokerage deal with French Leave Eleuthera

Damianos Sotheby's International Realty announces an exclusive brokerage deal with Shaner Bahamas, the developer of the 270-acre French Leave Eleuthera and an off-shoot of the Shaner Hotel Group - the same company that owns and/or manages the Marriott, Holiday Inn, Crown Plaza and Renaissance hotel brands.

Commanding the site of the former Club Med, the elevated sea-to-sea property serves as the first development in the Caribbean by the Shaner Hotel Group. The property, which was purchased in 2004, will be completed in two phases. The first phase, which overlooks the historic Governor's Harbour, celebrated its grand opening on November 30.

Click here to read more

Festival Noel packs them in

The lights were twinkling, the wine chilling, the food simmering, the art displayed, the band tuned - all just in time for over 300 guests to pour into the Rand Nature Centre to enjoy the 20th annual Festival Noel.

The popular event, held by the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) Grand Bahama Regional Branch, officially opens the festive season on the island. Sponsored by Bristol Wines and Spirits each year, the event is held at one of Grand Bahama's three national parks under the stars (with help from thousands of Christmas lights). Spread out over the grounds of the park there were six different sections to visit, offering a variety of wines, food, art and more. Pictured: Two Left Feet were back for a second year performing at Festival Noel and really got the crowd dancing.

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Cerulean art show at Melia raises funds for environmental protection

When Andros-based artist Judith Papillon faces a blank canvas, she merely looks beyond it to see the cerulean sea that is her back yard. As she works re-creating the swirling blues and greens of the water, the powder-soft sand, the brilliant sky above, her brush flows as smoothly, as gently, as the waves flow to the lee shore. The result - breathtaking visuals that make you want to sink your feet into the sand, dip your toes in the water and close your eyes to make time stand still.

Papillon's vivid sea and beach scenes were so sought after at a recent art show that three buyers wanted one of her acrylics, ironically titled Cerulean long before she knew that was the name of the art show it would be in. The show, held at Melia Nassau Beach Resort, which co-sponsored the event, was the first art event organized to raise funds for Save The Bays.

Click here to read more

New Bahamian brand BAHARI signs distribution deal with online retailer

New kid on the block on the Bahamian fashion scene, BAHARI, is already making waves on the international scene. Designers of the now iconic Independence t-shirts that hit the country by storm back in July, recently unveiled their new Fall collection featuring shirts, dresses and rompers with Bahamian emblems and symbols in stunningly regal colours.

This full ensemble of limited edition men's and ladies wear has been well-received by local consumers and has also caught the attention of the multi-million dollar online retailer, Karmaloop�. Specializing in streetwear e-commerce, Karmaloop is a multi-platform web retailer, community style and media company.

Click here to read more

Cable Bahamas & HBO bring top Hollywood feature films to television in December

Cable Bahamas and HBO are committed to providing viewers with premium programming, films and television specials, and this December, the longtime partners will bring some of Hollywood's biggest films to television once again. During the entire month, REVTV HBO subscribers will be able to enjoy exclusive film premieres every Saturday at 9 p.m.

Cable Bahamas REVTV Manager Teneile Simmons stated that Cable Bahamas, through its strong working relationship with the television network, has been instrumental in HBO's efforts to customise its content for Bahamian subscribers. She noted that Cable Bahamas, through its creative agency Keen i Media, regularly collaborates with HBO's marketing team and added that the company has often offered suggestions on programming based on subscriber reviews.

Click here to read more

At the Movies: Beyond The Lights

The tagline for this movie: Open Your Heart. Find Your Voice. When the pressures of fame begin to take its toll on the music world's latest superstar, a blossoming romance with a young cop and aspiring politician may be the only thing that can save her. As they are drawn to each other, despite protests from those around them who urge them to put their careers first. It may be the love they share that gives them the courage to break free and become who they are meant to be.

Noni Jean is a hot new artist with an album about to be released, but when the pressures of success lead to her nearly taking her own life it is the love of the young police officer assigned to protect her which may allow her to grow into the artist of substance that her talent grants her the power to become. Kaz Nicol is a rookie cop with political aspirations given the protection detail of a superstar singer who he saves in the line of duty, but what comes after makes him question the future he once saw for himself and the reasons behind the effort he put into making that future come true.

Click here to read more

Junior sailors 'mix it up' with world class champions on the high seas of Montagu Bay

Twenty youngsters ages 12-16, members of the junior division of the Bahamas National Sailing Club, 'mixed it up' on the high seas of Montagu Bay over the weekend with a number of world class champion sailors. Competing over the last four days in the world Finals of the Star Sailors League in waters off the Nassau Yacht Club (NYC), several of the champion sailors showed the youngsters winning skills and maneuvers in the Star Class sail boats.

The Nassau Yacht Club was ground zero for the 2014 Championship Finals of The Star Sailors League where sailors competed in four days of racing, December 2nd through 6th.

Click here to read more

New charity cycling event for Grand Bahama

Mark your calendars and save the date for the first G.B.C.C. event of 2015. On Saturday February 7th and Sunday February 8th 2015 the Grand Bahama Cyclists Club will partner with the Operation Christmas Child organization to host the Tour of Grand Bahama. This will be a two-day event with three stages.

On Saturday February 7th 2015, there will be a short Time Trial followed by a short Criterium cycling race.
On Sunday February 8th, 2015 there will be a long road race, with the distances varying by categories.

The times of each stage will be combined to produce overall winners.

Click here to read more

Central Michigan vs WKU matchup for inaugural Popeyes Bahamas Bowl

The Mid-American Conference's Central Michigan Chippe was and Conference USA's WKU Hilltoppers have accepted bids to play in the inaugural Popeyes Bahamas Bowl on Wednesday, December 24 in Nassau's Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium at Noon ET. The game will be televised on ESPN and carried by ESPN Radio.

The 7-5 Chippe was and 7-5 Hilltoppers will be the first two teams to play a postseason NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) game outside of either the United States or Canada since the 1937 Bacardi Bowl, a 7-7 tie between Auburn and Villanova.

Click here to read more

Pam Burnside writes: A Christmas Story

Dear Editor,

A Christmas Story

Once upon a Christmas time in the islands of The Bahamas the golden emperor, aka 'he who knows all things' decided that it was time to fertilize the money trees recently planted by Mr Bamsi in the blue holes of Andros by adding some more rich manure, because his friend Bob had a 100 million dollars of the people's money to throw away in them (and we all know the blue holes are bottomless!)

Whilst loftily directing his minions to complete this task, he also ordered them to carry him in his golden chariot to the Bamsi money tree fields so that he could pick off another 900 million dollars to use as decoration for NHI to bring in the New Year in a style that was befitting of his stature. It was of no concern of his that the hundreds of millions spent on the 'new' Critical Care Block at PMH were going to waste ...

Click here to read more

Muddasick: Grand Bahama Human Rights Association

Will Muddasick: Shame on the Human Rights association for believing that only foreigners especially Haitians have rights in the Bahamas.

In February, 2003 when my sister's only child was murdered and left on Grand Bahama Highway like a dog after being in Police Custody, I approached Mr. Smith, Mr. Darville and their other counterparts on what I believed was a violation of his constructional rights. I was put on the backburner of their stove and I am still there.

I applaud Mr. Mitchell and the Prime Minister for enforcing the Immigration Policy. It should have been done 20 years ago.

Click here to read more

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

December 11: Seventh National Exhibition (NE7) "Antillean: An Ecology" - 6pm-9pm at the NAGB. An extensive group exhibition featuring the works of 47 Bahamian contemporary artists addressing issues around Caribbean identity. Click HERE to visit the NAGB's website.

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

December 12: Festival of Lights Boat Parade - with fireworks at 7pm.

December 12: Pre-Christmas Concert - 7pm at Christ Church Cathedral. This is the first of a series of opera events scheduled over the next several months and is a joint venture by Rotary Clubs of The Bahamas, Nassau City Opera and the Ministry of Tourism. VIP Tickets $75 include a Cocktail Reception after the concert at the British Colonial Hilton. Concert-only tickets are $35. Box Office at the Cathedral, telephone: 322-4186.

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 12-13: Dance School Bahamas: "Gems" - 8pm nightly at The Dundas Centre, Mackey Street. Call 328-7588 for ticket info.

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

December 14: The Sounds of Christmas Concert - 7pm at Ebenezer Methodist Church, Shirley Street. In celebration of the life of Marshall A. Albury, a committed, loved, and long-serving musician in the music ministry of Ebenezer church.

December 20: Christmas Concert at COB - 7:30pm

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 1: Junkanoo - Tickets now available at the Kendal G.L Isaacs Gymnasium.

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 30-31: BNT Wine & Art - New dates. Members' night Friday. Click HERE for the BNT's website.

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.

March 1: Super Sprint Mixed Team Relay - A fun type of triathlon for teams of all levels! More information as the date approaches.

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.

September 5: Potcakeman Triathlon - at Jaw's Beach. Individuals and teams compete in this swim-bike-run-party charity race. Click HERE to visit the FB page.

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 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. Click HERE to read all about it!

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 to register your boat or hop on theirs 373-1244.

December 13: Rugby - Bahamas Cup Game - Freeport vs the Bucc's out of Nassau. Kick-off 2:30pm at the Rugby Club field on Settler's Way.

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.

December 27: Jingle Ball Holiday Event - at the Grand Lucayan with Bobby Brown and Visage. Click HERE to view the poster.

January 10: Humane Society's "President's Cocktail Party" - at Bones Bar, Pelican Bay Hotel 6:30 - 9:00 pm, call 352.2477 for more info, details TBA soon.

January 24: Gouthro Memorial Golf Tournament - At the Grand Lucayan Reef Course. Proceeds to Rotary for the Jonaton Gouthro Scholarship Fund. Click HERE to view the poster.

January 31: Grand Bahama Chamber Annual Banquet - and installation of officers and directors. Grand Lucayan Ballroom with cocktails from 7pm and dinner at 8pm. Click HERE to visit the FB page. Call 352-8329.

January 31: Junior Junkanoo - Talented and colourful school groups take to the street of downtown Freeport. Click HERE to read more.

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 7: HSGB Annual Dog Show & Family Fun Day - from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., HSGB grounds, Coral Road.

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 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.

January 12-18: Seven Days of BASRA - Hope Town Fire & Rescue fundraising event at the ABACO inn. Click HERE to view the poster.

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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Autism non-profit R.E.A.C.H. Bahamas celebrates 15 years

Dozens of guests filled the State Room at Government House on Thursday as William Hilton joyfully sang the National Anthem a cappella, to begin an Evening Under the Stars commemorating R.E.A.C.H. Bahamas' fifteen year anniversary.

The audience erupted in warm cheers and laughter as William, a charismatic 10-year-old student at the Autism Unit of Garvin Tynes Primary School took a bow following his rendition. William was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) just before his first birthday. "William is my first child, when he started having seizures I took him to the hospital and that's when they told me that he was not developing at a normal rate," stated Jacqueline Whylly-Hilton, William's mother. Nonverbal until the age of five, William would hum the tune of his favourite songs but would not speak. He is a testament to the benefit of early detection and intervention treatment services and how they can greatly improve a child's development.

"When children are diagnosed, early intervention is essential to assist them in reaching their full potential," stated Kim Gibson, VP of R.E.A.C.H. and the mother of a son with ASD. "Unfortunately, there are few therapy options here and those that are available are out of the financial reach of many parents. It is our dream to make therapy available to all children diagnosed with autism in The Bahamas regardless of their financial position, thus giving all children on the spectrum the same opportunity to success."

ASD affects 1 in every 68 children according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. It is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in The Bahamas. It occurs in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups, but is almost five times more common among boys than among girls.

R.E.A.C.H. has been promoting ASD awareness and education in The Bahamas since 1999, providing free services and resources for children and families affected.

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