Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL IV. No. 32, December 24, 2014

This week in Bahama Islands Info

National News

Nassau News

Grand Bahama News

Arts & Entertainment News

Sports News

Column: Weekly fishing report

Feedback: Letter to the Editor

Bank of The Bahamas holds AGM - Directors confident about the bank's future

Bank of The Bahamas (BOB) held its Annual General Meeting Thursday at the British Colonial Hilton, a highly-anticipated event that presented shareholders with positive news and left them with re-assurance that the post-recession challenges are largely behind the Bank. The meeting of shareholders, bank executives and directors involved a frank discussion of the Bank's future and included votes on measures critical to the continued implementation of new methods and regimes. Both Chairman Richard Demeritte and Managing Director Paul McWeeney spoke directly to attendees about what changes have already been made, and what will be implemented going forward to streamline the Bank and return it to profit.

"We will continue to work tirelessly to increase shareholder value and return the Bank to a measure of profitability as it had enjoyed for 20 consecutive years before 2012," said the Chairman. "We are moving forward and making changes to ensure that Bank of The Bahamas continues to provide the highest quality products to our loyal customers and that the Bank can return to providing the value and returns that our shareholders have historically enjoyed," said Mr. McWeeney.

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Human rights group calls for voluntary repatriation period

A local human rights group has called for an amnesty period in which undocumented migrants living in The Bahamas without legal status can voluntarily repatriate before immigration officials proceed with a "fair and humane" enforcement of immigration law. Joe Darville, vice president of the Grand Bahama Human Rights Association (GBHRA), said this amnesty period could be facilitated through cooperation between human rights advocates and immigration authorities. A comprehensive, archipelago-wide public information program would be critical as a supporting measure, he added.

In a "Ten Point Plan" for immigration enforcement prepared by the human rights group, which has been sharply critical of the manner in which the government is engaged in immigration enforcement in recent weeks, Darville said costs of the voluntary repatriation of any people who come forward during this time to their countries of origin could be shared between those individuals themselves, the Department of Immigration, and businesses which have employed the undocumented workers in The Bahamas.

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Bahamas launches branded wedding and honeymoon gft registry with wedding website program

The Islands Of The Bahamas are offering a white label honeymoon registry program to couples for a free account allowing them to create a registry for their wedding or honeymoon throughout the Islands Of The Bahamas. The greatest benefit of a wedding and honeymoon website perhaps lies in its emotional value of providing a treasured record of one of the most extraordinary events of a person's life.

But not all websites are created equal and it is for this reason that The Islands Of The Bahamas have created a premier white label wedding and honeymoon gift registry and website platform. Partnering with honeymoonwishes.com, the world's only full service Honeymoon Registry, couples may utilize The Islands Of The Bahamas wedding website program, wedding blogs for brides and grooms, and a branded online photo albums.

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Baha Mar Santa spreads joy at Seahorse Institute

Students and teachers of the Seahorse Institute got an early Christmas present, as Baha Mar's resident Santa Claus spread holiday cheer throughout the school Friday. Senior Vice President of Resort Operations, Niklaus Leuenberger, greeted students as Santa Claus, bearing gifts selected by their parents.

"This is what Christmas is about - bringing joy to others. The children's smiles remind us of all that is good in the world," Leuenberger said. The excitement was visible on the faces of the students, ages 2-22, as well as their parents and instructors.

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Bringing in the new at Old Fort Bay Town Centre Christmas party

A traditional wood-fired Pizza oven at the new Wildfire pizzeria and bar has added another food option to the already successful mix of retail offerings and commercial enterprise at the Old Fort Bay Town Centre in Western New Providence.

At their recent late night Christmas Extravaganza, patrons in party mood, many with youngsters in tow, took advantage of the extra-special seasonal shopping discounts, festive entertainment and specialty foods and wines, staples at the annual event. One lucky shopper, Rhonda Rolle, won $1,000 shopping spree when one of her receipts from an evening of shopping, was pulled by Solomon's Fresh Market Santa Claus.

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Young Bahamian entrepreneurs take on Bay Street

On Saturday December 13th 2014, the Pompey Square buzzed with young entrepreneurs of Junior Achievement Bahamas New Providence Programme as they presented their annual Open House Exhibit. A unique trade show that takes place every year to afford the JA companies an opportunity to promote and sell their products and services.

In creative displays these achievers have the opportunity to gain hands on experience in entrepreneurial activity, team development and customer service. Locals and tourists flocked to the creative stalls that enticed them to shop, support and find out more about young Bahamian entrepreneurs creative spirit and undeniable talent.

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Bahamas Crisis Centre holds children's Christmas party

The Bahamas Crisis Centre held its Annual Children's Christmas Party on Wednesday, December 17, 2014 at St Matthew's Anglican Parish Hall on Shirley and Church Streets. An estimated 210 children accompanied by their parents, who are clients of the Centre, were feted to a night of traditional Christmas meal, games, toys and prizes.

Leading up to the party, the Crisis Centre held three toy drives at the Mall at Marathon on November 29, December 6 and December 13 - in an effort to ensure that each child attending the party would receive a gift. The Crisis Centre is happy to report that it actually happened.

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A Sure Win gives early Christmas gift to local charities

Happy kids and Christmas celebrations rocked Mario's Bowling Alley last Friday as local gaming company, A Sure Win, hosted over 100 youngsters and representatives from various local charitable organizations to a Christmas party complete with a jolly Father Christmas and lots of presents.

The event was traditionally catered with seasonal foods and beverages, and perennial pleasers, colourful cotton candy and snow cones. Live music, games and local party favourite, Charlie the Yellow Bahamian Bird, kept the children amused until Santa and his little helpers arrived with a loaded sleigh. However, the children weren't the only recipients of Christmas cheer. Principals of A Sure Win donated gifts to The HIV Foundation and Families of All Murder Victims, (FOAM) and made a cash donation of $3,000 to the Bahamas Urban Youth Development Center.

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Welding programmes receive holiday donation from GB Shipyard

In the spirit of giving and looking to improve Bahamian opportunities to work in the Grand Bahama Shipyard (GBS), over two thousand pounds of welding electrodes were given to various welding programmes in Grand Bahama.

These costly and much-needed electrodes, used to practice with, were donated to St. George's High School, Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), Pineyard Steel and Technical Cadet Corp. "Welding is a very large programme at BTVI at the Freeport campus," said Veronica Collie, Assistant Manager at BTVI. "This donation of welding rods will definitely be beneficial to many of the students here."

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Foreign Affairs Minister visited by Lucaya International School's MUN debate team

In the spirit of the season, the Honourable Fred Mitchell M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, received a visit from the students of Lucaya International Model United Nations Debate Team on the 12th of December 2014. The students presented the minister with a digital portrait by student artist Caitlin Farrington (MUN 2014-15). The Honourable Fred Mitchell has, and continues to be, a role model and an inspiration to LIS MUN Debate Team members as well as students in the upper school program at LIS.

Left to right: Andrew Goodrum, Head Boy LIS, Fmr Head Delegate LIS MUN; Madame Blanchet, LIS MUN Coach, Caitlin Farrington, Artist, LIS MUN, H.E. Fred Mitchell, Sophie Paine Head Girl LIS and Asif Robinson Head Delegate LIS MUN.

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15 new operators for BORCO

Thanks to an intense training programme at BORCO, a team of 15 Bahamians has completed an 18 month training course and are now fully certified to work at the international oil terminal in Freeport, Grand Bahama.

Eight land operators and eight marine operators completed the training - they are: Eljin Morrison, Kenron Clarke, Luther Martin, Lashawn Bain, Edward Adderley, Chadrick Sweeting and Samuel Ramlochan who are land operators as well as Darren Rollins, Mario Williams, Sharad Saunders, Gerrard Russell, Demarco Saunders, Terrance Strachan and Desmond Stuart who are marine operators.

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Jingle Ball contest winners announced

Congratulations to JACKIE CARROLL and ERIN CORDES, the winners of the two Jingle Ball tickets in our contest!

Thank you all for participating and we encourage all of you that didn't win to get your tickets today for this exciting event in Freeport.

Click HERE to learn more now.

Enjoy the show, ladies!

COB faculty among Cacique Award finalists

From the kitchen to the studio, College of The Bahamas faculty are mixing passion with imagination to produce inspiring masterpieces. Although creatively different, Pamela Stubbs-Collins and Addiemae Rolle-Farrington - both of whom are faculty at The College of The Bahamas - share the same intrinsic motivation to make splendid works of art.

A culinarian par excellence, Chef Addiemae's natural ability to create palate-pleasing delights and Pamela's skill as an effervescent gospel singer have earned them nominations in the 16th Cacique Awards, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism's prestigious honours. They have also advanced as finalists in their respective categories - Addiemae in the Chef of the Year division and Pamela in the gospel category of the People's Choice Music Award.

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CIBC FirstCaribbean supports Junkanoo with donations to 15 A and B groups

In the spirit of Christmas, and the Boxing Day Parade, CIBC FirstCaribbean gathered leaders from15 Junkanoo groups at its Shirley Street headquarters for its annual donation presentations. The Junkanoo groups received donations again this year, a two-decade tradition, to help defray the many expenses involved in preparing for the Bay Street parades.

CIBC First Caribbean's Director of Treasury Balance Sheet Strategy and Management, Lakeisha Moss, says that the longstanding commitment to Junkanoo is a part of the bank's efforts to give back to the community while upholding Bahamian culture and the arts.

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Ministry of Tourism bolsters relationship with the Miami Dolphins

The Ministry of Tourism further cemented its relationship with the Miami Dolphins recently as officials sponsored a week of events with the football team as they honoured one of its own. The Ministry of Tourism was a major sponsor of the Miami Dolphins association as they honored Manny Fernandez, who played in three Miami Dolphins Superbowls. He is now in the Miami Dolphins' Hall of Fame.

Events included an opening ceremony, golf tournaments, a Miami Dolphins cocktail party and ended with game at the Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens. At that game, Dolphins won over the Minnesota Vikings 37- 35. Officials also used the opportunity to promote Dan Marino and Friends 2015 and the Bahamas Carnival scheduled for May 7-9, 2015.

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February's Wahoo Smackdown VI opens with early bird registration discount

The early bird catches the wahoo? Well that might be true in some fishing circles, but the advantage of registering early for the upcoming Wahoo Smackdown VI hosted by the historic Bimini Big Game Club amounts to a savings of $250.

Tournament Director Chase Camacho announced Monday the early bird savings for those registering before December 31st. "It's currently $1,250 per boat entry (which includes four anglers) and will go up in January," said Camacho. "Based on our record 29 boat turnout in November we already have several boats registered for Wahoo Smackdown VI, scheduled for February 5-7. Everyone wants to fish the Smackdown tournaments."

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Bahamas weekly fishing report from Harbourside Marine

Fishing report as of December 18, 2014

Nassau: Wahoo, wahoo, wahoo and mahi! Captain Adam Russell reports catching.

North Exuma, Highbourne Cay: They have been catching wahoo and mahi in the Sound.

North Eleuthera: There have been loads of wahoo and even large yellowfin tuna caught in the last week.

South Abaco: Lots of wahoo off of Hole In The Wall.

Photo: Fish & Chicks - Brianna and Catherine spent the day fishing with their dads and caught these wahoo off on Booby Rocks last week end.

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LETTER: The impact of the new U.S. stance on Cuba (on Grand Bahamian tourism and culture industry)

Cuba is opening for business. If there was ever a time in a post independence Bahamas that the entertainment and arts sector needed to be prominent and prepared for competition, it is now. Our tourism and travel markets are set to take on competition from a formidable opponent. Cuba has been off limits for 5 decades and there are many persons in the USA that have been seeking new experiences and better experiences for that matter. They have come to our country, partly because there was no major tourism market as close but off shore and sovereign.

I urge the government, private enterprise and entertainment bodies nationwide, to prepare for the coming new more competitive market place. Lets get our collective acts together. Provide a better and more complete product. We, the industry partners and primaries, must work more closely together and as a team to boost the quality, viability and positive visibility of our tourism and cultural product.

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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. NEW - Click HERE to view the 2015 calendar!

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 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 24 - January 1: Mary, Star of the Sea Church Services - Click HERE to download a schedule.

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.

December 31: Se�or Frog's Winter Wonderland Party - Transportation available from Port Lucaya out the Freeport Harbour. Click HERE to view the poster or call 727-3249 for info.

December 31: Ring in 2015 at the Grand Lucayan - See masthead this newsletter or click HERE for activities options.

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 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 - Join us for the end of the second season as we return to the Firefly Sunset Resort for a fun-filled morning! Registration is available online, at the Ferry Terminal in Marsh Harbour, or the Peggy Thompson Welcome Center in Hope Town. The race starts at 8am PROMPT and there is no race-day registration. Packet Pickup is on Saturday from 12-5, location to be announced shortly on the website. Albury's Ferry will be running a special round-trip to Firefly for $15 ($10/kids)! Departs at 7am and returns at 10:30am. Visit run242.com for details and registration.

January 2: Michael Hayes Exhibition - An exhibition by Northern Californian artist Michael Hayes will open 6-9pm in the presence of the artist at Princess Street Gallery in Harbour Island, ELEUTHERA. Click HERE to learn more.

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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U.S. Embassy staff brings Christmas cheer to children of Nazareth Centre

On Thursday, December 18, American and Bahamian staff from the U.S. Embassy gathered at the Nazareth Centre to participate in a festive holiday event bringing yuletide cheer to 42 of the home's children. U.S. Charg� d'Affaires Lisa Johnson and Embassy staff participated in the program that treated the children to snacks and a special appearance by Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.

Santa and Mrs. Claus distributed gifts donated by the Embassy community as well as toys donated by the American Women's Club as part of the U.S. Marine's annual Toys for Tots program. "The Embassy is excited to be visiting the Nazareth Center again this year," said Charg� Johnson. "The staff really looks forward to sharing the spirit of Christmas with all of you."

In line with the U.S. Embassy's efforts to engage local communities through outreach, the event marks the eight consecutive year that the U.S. Embassy has reached out to children at Nazareth Centre during the Christmas season.

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