Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL IV. No. 31, December 18, 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: At the Movies

LETTERS: An open letter to Prime Minister Perry Christie

Minister Mitchell speaks at special meeting of the OAS

On behalf of Prime Minister Perry Christie, the government and Peoples of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, I appear here today to deal with a serious matter: the reputation of The Bahamas. Nothing is more important to us than that in the international arena, whether in the hemisphere or in the sub region or around the world. Reputation is everything. The respect which we have around the world depends upon our reputation.

In Shakespeare's Othello, he writes: But he that filches from me my good name robs me of that which not enriches him And makes me poor indeed. My nation of less than 400,000 souls thrives off its reputation. Tourism is our main business. People come to The Bahamas as tourists because they believe and perceive that it is better in The Bahamas, and it is.

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Four BTVI students headed to Canada for study opportunities

Four students of The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) are being afforded the opportunity to study in Canada for two semesters on Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) scholarships.

Lynderia Clarke and Renel Pierre will both be studying Electrical Installation at Vancouver Island University, while Cordelia Dean and Mystique Stevenson will be in the Computer Systems Technician program at Fanshawe College. The scholarships, granted by the Canadian government, provide Latin America and Caribbean students with short-term exchange opportunities at the undergraduate and graduate levels. BTVI's Coordinator of Student Affairs, Racquel Bethel will also be headed to Fanshawe College on a two-week faculty exchange.

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Bahamas Tourist Office, Florida, collect gifts for kids in Florida's farming communities

In celebration of the Christmas season, members of the staff of The Bahamas Tourist Office Florida, during the first few weeks of December bought gifts to be presented to children in Florida's farming communities of Immokalee and Lake Trafford. The farming communities are mostly populated by immigrant and migrant families who work the fields which produce a large amount of the United States' fresh produce.

Crops include cucumbers, bell peppers, citrus and a large percentage of the nation's tomatoes that are harvested during the winter months. The all-Bahamian staff of The Islands Of The Bahamas' Tourist Office, Florida, represents the Sales, Marketing and Communications teams of the country's Ministry of Tourism. A representation of the staff is pictured around the office Christmas tree with some of the toys collected.

Bahamas' top aviation lawyer renews call for drone guidelines

As investigators released findings Friday revealing that a drone came within 20 feet of an incoming Airbus flight over London's busy Heathrow Airport in July, declaring the incident a "serious risk" to human life, local aviation lawyer Llewellyn Boyer-Cartwright renewed his call urging Bahamian authorities to regulate or, at a minimum, implement guidelines for operators of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

"The findings that were released on Friday of the investigation into a close call over Heathrow, one of the world's busiest airports, in July between a 180-seater Airbus A320 and a drone flying at an altitude of 700 feet declared there was a 'serious risk of collision', giving the incident the highest risk rating, something regulators and investigators do not take lightly," said Boyer-Cartwright, a former commercial pilot and the first attorney from the Bahamas to be admitted to the Lawyer Pilots Bar Association.

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Nassau residents join the campaign to 'trash' cancer

Cancer awareness definitely has a new face thanks to Bahamas Waste and their #BigPinkPics selfie campaign, where everyone in Nassau is encouraged to take selfies with their pink garbage truck to help raise awareness of the importance of cancer screening and prevention. Since the #BigPinkPics campaign began in October, which is breast cancer awareness month, men, women and children have been posting their selfies to Bahamas Waste's Facebook page exclaiming how they too want to help 'trash' cancer.

"Although the truck is bright pink, we want to note that Bahamas Waste advocates for the screening and prevention of ALL cancers," said Francisco de Cardenas, Managing Director at Bahamas Waste. "The pink truck is eye catching, but our very own cancer survivor Hartley Strachan has survived two different types of cancers. Our main goal is to encourage everyone to get screened for cancers as often as their doctor suggests."

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Cable Bahamas celebrates grand opening of state-of-the-art flagship store

Cable Bahamas unveiled its new flagship store in the Mall at Marathon on Saturday with promises of an in-store experience unlike any other in the country. The company is calling the new location the 'REV Customer Experience Centre', which is designed to expand its range of services, increase its capacity to serve its subscribers, and provide a new venue for new and existing customers to experience the products and services the company provides.

The launch event featured a live performance by Bahamian music sensation Angelique Sabrina, who was accompanied by nearly 100 dancers in an exciting 'flash mob' medley of her popular songs. The Royal Bahamas Police Force pop band also brought a rousing selection of traditional Bahamian songs and Christmas favourites.

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'1000 Bricks in 100 Days' campaign launched to support P.A.C.E.

The Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International, and The Nassau, Bahamas Alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (DST), have kicked off their "1000 Bricks in 100 Days" fundraising campaign. The call-to-action challenge will aid the partnership's P.A.C.E. programme, (Providing Access to Continued Education) in the building completion of a first-of-its-kind support center that will ensure young teenage mothers and their children are provided with a resource that accommodates administrative, counseling and academic services.

Staying committed to P.A.C.E.'s mission of hope and inspiration, the "1000 Bricks in 100 Days" will further promote awareness of policies designed to counter the growing epidemic of teenage pregnancies specifically within The Bahamas where over 500 teenagers become pregnant annually.

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Downtown Nassau comes to life in the name of greater transparency

A hub of activity during the day, downtown Nassau is usually quiet and unpeopled after the sun goes down. Last Friday though, historic Charlotte Street North burst into life, light and sound as Bahamians once again gathered to call for a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) in the name of greater transparency and accountability in public life.nThe FOIA Street Party was organized by fast-growing social and environmental advocacy group Save The Bays (STB) in conjunction with a number of its community partners. It was the second successful event of its kind, following a rally in Rawson Square in July in which drew more than 20 groups representing 60,000 members.

Bahamian superstar and FOIA warrior Kirkland 'KB' Bodie and his Rhythm Band headlined the entertainment, while speakers included newly-elected chairman of the opposition Free National Movement (FNM) Michael Pintard, outspoken activist and church leader Rev. CB Moss and STB education director Joseph Darville.

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Phi Beta Sigma explores constitutional amendment bills

Phi Beta Sigma joined with the Constitutional Commission to learn more about the proposed amendments that are schedule to be voted on next year. Retired Supreme Court Justice Rubie Nottage is leading the public awareness campaign of the commission said that the audience that included members of the fraternity and the wider community should now be able to speak fluently about the bills

"Not to be told about them by somebody else," said Justice Nottage, "but to have their own ideas crystallized, to have their questions answered and then to be able to go out boldly and say 'This is how I understand the bills.'"

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Sea Breeze public park named in honour of former MP

Smelling his flowers now and loving it, the public park in Sea Breeze was officially named the Edward Charles Carter Community Park in honour of the former Holy Cross Member and Cabinet Minister, Charles Carter who pledged to become intimately involved in the development and upkeep of the park that now bears his name. The renaming ceremony, tree lighting ceremony and caroling service took place on Friday night, 12th December at the park. The current Sea Breeze constituency was the former Holy Cross constituency.

Also paying tribute was Transport and Aviation minister Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin and Prime Minister Christie who again pledged a tremendous policy thrust in the New Year to develop culture in The Bahamas. The Prime Minister told the large crowd on hand that as a country "we must do more" to assist Bahamian artists and artisans to access greater opportunities to realize their full potential to the benefit of the country.

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Shipyard's food drive a growing success

"We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give," said Winston Churchill. And in this vein the management of the Grand Bahama Shipyard are truly proud of their apprentices who are learning the meaning of giving back in their community. This week the Grand Bahama Shipyard (GBS) kept their holiday good deeds going by donating the collected food items from their 'Lend a Hand Give a Can' holiday drive.

"Christmas is a time of giving so it gives us great pleasure to be able to do this for others," said Carl Rotkirch, CEO of GBS. "This is also a great learning opportunity for our apprentices, as they learn the importance of being good corporate citizens and giving to those in need."

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Seasons greetings from the Humane Society of Grand Bahama [video]

Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New year from the Humane Society of Grand Bahama. Wishing everyone on Grand Bahama and far beyond, the joys of the season, and health and happiness in the coming year. Please remember our homeless animals who need us every day of the year. Without support we cannot continue to help them. With the advent of new taxes in 2015, we are very unsure what the future holds for us and the animals who need us. We are already struggling to keep our doors open.

We are so grateful for our faithful supporters both here and abroad, and hope 2015 will bring more new friends to our door, and our cause! I would especially like to recognize our staff - all of whom appear in this video at least once. They work hard 365 days a year - we cannot close on Sundays or holidays, because the animals still must be fed, cleaned and cared for.

Click here to read more and view video

Agave wins over the taste buds of everyone at Festival Noel

While Festival Noel might be over, the memories of the night remain, especially for everyone who tasted the food and drinks prepared by Agave Latin Fusion restaurant, who won Chef Noel at this year's Festival Noel. This is not Agave's first time winning the prestigious Chef Noel title! Agave won the award in 2008 when they had just opened.

"It was a great win for Agave and a great year," said Noel Clarke, co-owner of Agave in Port Lucaya. "This is our third year participating and each year gets more fun. My team really loves the event, and our Chef Dencil Bain did a superb job. We also want to thank the young students who worked with us as they worked incredibly hard."

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Save The Bays sponsored Youth Environment Ambassadors program kicks off with waiting list - nearly 80 sign up for 40 slots

Anyone who thinks teens are not interested in studying hasn't met some special students in Grand Bahama. More than 40 of them between the ages of 12 and 14 are trading Saturdays at the mall for Saturdays in the park, literally, preparing to be ambassadors for the environment.

The program called Youth Environment Ambassadors is funded by the fast-growing environmental movement Save The Bays and run in Grand Bahama by Save The Bays Director Joseph Darville with a group of assistants, including Rashema Ingraham, Jensen Farquharson, Javan Hunt, Nikie Severe, Robert Nabb and others. This year's course includes special leadership training with Sharon Glover, a volunteer from North Carolina with Bahamian roots.

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GBPA participates in 2014 Caribbean Exporter's Colloquium in Barbados

"Building Economic Resilience in the Caribbean Region" was the focal point for government ministers, private sector participants and donor agencies, as they gathered at the Caribbean Exporter's Colloquium 2014, held in Bridgetown, Barbados last month.

In keeping with the colloquium's agenda, discussions addressed key factors facing the Caribbean community, including the state of regional exports, innovation and entrepreneurship, issues affecting competitiveness, the role of alternative energy as a driver for increased competitiveness and opportunities for the Caribbean within the context of the Panama Canal's expansion.

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New ships for Celebration and Balearia increase capacity on Grand Bahama route

In an effort to continue ongoing recovery in the nation's second city, the government this week announced that two new ships will be heading to Grand Bahama's cruise port come 2015. During a special press conference at Grand Lucayan, Prime Minister Perry Christie announced that the Bahamas Celebration, which was destroyed by an accident on October 31, will be replaced with the Grand Celebration.

"The new 'Grand Celebration' replacement ship comes with 50 percent more capacity and projects some 280,000 year round passengers with not less than 100,000 electing to purchase a two or more night stay in GBI combination with the cruise boosting room nights sold from just under 50,000 versus full year 2014 to 125,000 minimum 2015," he said.

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Travel writer uses international platform to promote Family Island travel

One hundred Family Island properties and 44 off the grid or underrated local companies made the cut for hot spots in the Bahamas for a leading international travel publishing company, Travel + Leisure. The magazine recently appointed award winning Bahamian Journalist Noelle Khalila, The Domestic Tourist, as its local expert. Noelle produced a series of top five lists for the magazine's online campaign.

Over the past year, Noelle Khalila has been solidifying her mark as a travel writer with her island hopping travel blog, The Domestic Tourist. She was published in Caribbean Beat magazine, on the National Geographic Bahamas Geotourism website and by the North Carolina based company, Northstar Travel Media. Her recent gig with Travel + Leisure magazine, as the local Bahamas expert, is the latest of her accomplishments as a travel writer.

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Resorts World Bimini's gift-giving generates excitement across the community

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas on the island of Bimini, thanks in part to the generosity of Resorts World Bimini (RWB). The model corporate citizen has been lavishing the island's residents - from the young to the old - with gifts in keeping with the holiday spirit. The island's children were all smiles as they received an assortment of goodies from the Resort during the 6th annual Bimini Christmas Festival, an event sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism which brings the entire community together to celebrate the yuletide season with song, food, and the traditional Junkanoo rush.

Stuffed animals, developmental toys for toddlers, arts and craft kits, musical instruments, board games, sporting equipment and electronics were among the offerings, all of which whipped the children into a frenzy of excitement.

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End the year on a great note at Grand Bahama's Jingle Ball

What happens when one of the biggest acts from the US and one of the biggest groups from The Bahamas join forces to perform their biggest hits? You get the Jingle Ball - "the hottest event for the grown and sexy in Grand Bahama." Being held on the last Saturday of 2014, December 27th, in the Grand Lucayan Ballroom, the concert will feature the one and only Bobby Brown whose greatest hits include 'My Prerogative', 'Every Little Step' and 'Humpin' Around'.

In addition to Bobby Brown, The Bahamas' very own Visage will be rounding out the show as they're famous in their own right with hits like 'Hold Ya Head' and 'Still Need a Man'. "This is definitely an event the grown folks will love," said Leteasha Lord, Event Coordinator. The event will be on the last weekend of the year and GreatMinds will make it a party to remember. We decided to put on the show because we realized that there were tons of events happening this Christmas, but none geared towards the mature audience."

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Heart Ball Committee's Victorian High Tea a great success

Afternoon tea at one of London's luxury hotels, the ambiance of Government House's garden, a relaxing view of Nassau's harbour, soft orchestral music, hats, gloves, a fashion show, raffles and prizes, put them all together and you have a Victorian High Tea hosted by the 2014 /2015 Heart Ball Committee.

Under the theme, "Victorian High Tea" the 2014/2015 Heart Ball Committee hosted their 9th Annual Tea Party & Fashion Show, at Government House, Mount Fitzwilliam on November 23rd. The MC for the afternoon was Mrs. Sheila Bethel. She was dressed for the occasion. The event was deemed a great success by co-chair Coretta Owen. According to Mrs. Owen, "It was one of the best tea parties we've hosted. The logistics simply flowed."

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A number of Junkanoo groups on Grand Bahama receive financial boost

Some eight Grand Bahama based Junkanoo groups received a financial boost, as a result of an initiative spear headed by the Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA). In an effort to contribute to an event of tradition that represents the very fabric of Bahamian culture, GBPA officials saw it fit to sponsor the Junkanoo groups as the parade is scheduled for the holiday season.

The Bayshore Warriors, Classic Dancers, Kingdom Culture, Platinum Knights, Showtime, Superstar Rockers, Top Performers and the Swingers were the proud recipients of the donation.

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Hollywood actor makes history at Sapodilla Bahamas

Hollywood Actor, Roger Guenveur Smith, made history on Tuesday (9 Dec., 2014) by becoming the first artist to perform live theatre at Sapodilla of West Bay. The Obie Award-winning actor shared two one-man productions he wrote and directed, at the Sapodilla Restaurant multi-purpose venue, renowned for fine dining, weddings and events. The groundbreaking shows were official events of #BIFF2014, courtesy of the Embassy of The United States, the 11th Bahamas International Film Festival and Sapodilla Fine Dining.

Smith, an American actor of Caribbean heritage, performed his acclaimed Frederick Douglass Now, an historical, crossed contemporary look at the famed writer and abolitionist. He presented the matinee set outdoors, in the scenic Sapodilla Estate Kamalame Gardens, before an interactive audience, including fledgling student filmmakers and other pacesetters from H.O. Nash Junior High School.

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At the Movies: Horrible Bosses 2

The tagline for this movie: New Crime. Same Tools. When three friends decide to go into business for themselves, they soon find that it is not as easy as it seems. Due to the machinations of a duplicitous investor, they find themselves trying to pull of an impromptu kidnapping. Their harebrained scheme may cost them more than they bargained for when the target turns out to have his own scheme that is orders of magnitude better.

I am not really sure if this sequel was called for since the original tied up everything pretty nicely in my humble opinion but I guess its success made a sequel a foregone conclusion. This is is an unnecessary sequel for sure, but I did not find it as bad as so many people seem to think it is. All of the returning cast do a great job with the material they are given and Christoph Waltz does a surprisingly good job in his part as Burt Hanson. I think the problem here is that they didn't wait for Seth Gordon to come back as the director and Sean Anders was not as comfortable or confident in his position of directing this sequel.

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BAFF to play active role in youth clinic at the first Popeyes Bahamas Bowl

The highly anticipated inaugural Popeyes Bahamas Bowl is set for noon EST at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2014, in Nassau, Bahamas. However, the youth of the Bahamas will not be left out of events leading up to the big game. A youth football clinic is scheduled for Monday, December 22, from 3-5 p.m. at the Roscow A.L. Davies Field in Nassau. The clinic is open to kids ages 7-13 and will be held in cooperation between the Bahamas Bowl, USA Football and the Bahamas American Football Federation (BAFF).

The Bahamas has not had an active youth football season for the past two years. BAFF representatives were in attendance for the official announcement and were confident that the youth clinic would be one of the first steps in re-building the program throughout the Bahamas.

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YMCA Grand Bahama adds tennis to their facilities

"Thank you, thank you, thank you," were the words expressed by Sir Jack Hayward as the Grand Bahama Port Authority Honourary Chairman and YMCA Executive Board member officially opened the YMCA tennis courts in Grand Bahama on Tuesday. The four International Tennis Federation regulated courts are now open to the public. "It really is unbelievable," said Sir Jack. "I can't thank you enough for your generosity. The way you raised the money to put this together...I am overwhelmed."

"This is exactly what we needed," said Godfrey 'Gully" Bowe well known veteran tennis coach, who will run the courts along with Larikah Russell. "We know that we don't have any proper tennis facilities here, so this is going to boost our sport!" Gully went on to add that he and his co-coach, Russell, will be working on establishing a junior programme at the YMCA courts, which he feels is another great avenue for kids for possible further education and travel.

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Popeyes Bahamas Bowl expected to reach over 110 million viewers

Over 110 million eyes are expected to be on The Bahamas come Christmas Eve as college football teams the Western Kentucky University (WSU) Hilltoppers and the Central Michigan University (CMU) Chippewas faceoff in the first ever Popeyes Bahamas Bowl at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium. The Hilltoppers are under the Conference USA, while the Chippewas come under the Mid-American Conference (MAC).

The teams collectively will bring over 200 football players and their fans to the shores of The Bahamas and ESPN will bring sole live coverage of the game on that day. This is the first time since 1937 that a bowl game has been played outside of North America.

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Bahamas weekly fishing report from Harbourside Marine

Fishing report as of December 11, 2014

Nassau: Captain Andoni Lisgaris of "Reel Dream Charters" reports catching small wahoo and mahi off of Salt Cay and Green Cay earlier this week.

North Exuma, Highbourne Cay: Carolyn Cartwright from Highbourne Cay Marina reports that they have been catching wahoo from 25lbs to 45lbs in the Sound along with a few mahi.

Grand Bahama, Freeport: Doug Silvera reports that they have been catching mahi and wahoo when it has been calm enough to fish.

Photo: Nassau - 9 year old, Cameron Scioli, had to be patient and wait out the weather but it paid off. This wahoo was caught right off of Nassau trolling natural bait.

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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.

LETTERS: An open letter to Prime Minister Perry Christie by GBHRA president Fred Smith, QC

Dear Prime Minister,

Please accept this letter as an official request for your urgent and personal intervention in the growing debacle that is the Department of Immigration's iron-fisted and unconstitutional new enforcement policy, effective November 1, 2014, and the increasingly drastic and extremist utterances of Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell in his attempts to defend the same. In particular, the Grand Bahama Human Rights Association is alarmed over Mitchell's threat of bringing criminal libel charges against myself and GBHRA vice president Joseph Darville, along with his ominous declaration that "the Commissioner of Police must investigate what the GBHRA mean by their remarks".

The statement to which the minister refers concerns the testimonials of several detainees housed in the Carmichael Road Detention Center about the harsh, unsanitary and inhumane conditions they were forced to endure. If Minister Mitchell wishes to dispel these characterizations, he need only allow the GBHRA and other human rights groups to tour the facility and view the conditions firsthand.

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NASSAU EVENTS

Bahamas National Holidays - Click HERE to view the 2014 calendar. NEW - Click HERE to view the 2015 calendar!

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

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

December 22: Youth Football Clinic - FREE! Click HERE to read all about it!

December 24: Popeyes Bahamas Bowl - At the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium. Click HERE to visit the website.

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 Beach Resort. Save the date to save a child's heart! Click HERE to view the poster.

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 19: Downtown Freeport Shopping - Stores open downtown until midnight with lots of events and activities for the whole family.

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

December 24: Santa visits the Rugby Club - Great chance to let the kids run around while the adults enjoy a festive drink. Please bring a present, maximum $15. Santa should arrive at 3pm.

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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Call for nominations for the 2014 Lady Sassoon Golden Heart Award

The Sir Victor Sassoon (Bahamas) Heart Foundation and The Heart Ball Committee are pleased to announce that nominations are now being accepted for the Lady Sassoon Golden Heart Award.

Since 1968, the Lady Sassoon Golden Heart has been presented at the Annual Heart Ball. The award was initiated by The Heart Foundation to applaud and give recognition to individuals who have selflessly given of themselves to promote human welfare and dignity, thus making life better for their fellow men.

Oftentimes, these individuals go unrecognized by the wider community for their efforts; they don't ask for anything in return for their generosity. In most cases, they go beyond the call of duty, working outside of their normal scope of work, to impact our nation's social, education, health and economic systems.

This Christmas as you make plans, think about that person who has made a difference and submit a nomination for them to win The Lady Sassoon Golden Heart Award.

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