Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL IV. No. 34, January 8, 2015

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 Moviews

Feedback: Letter to the Editor

2015 New Year Address by FNM Leader Dr. Hubert A. Minnis [video]

Leader of the Free National Movement party and the official opposition in The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, Hon. Dr. Hubert A. Minnis gave his 2015 New Year's address on Wednesday, January 7, 2015.

In it he touched on crime, transformation of the inner city, the newly-implemented VAT, unemployment and labour unrest, education, immigration and development of Grand Bahama and the Family Islands.

Click here to view the video

Bahamian journalist invited to speak at regional conference on immigrant rights

Bahamian freelance journalist Noelle Nicolls accepted an invitation to speak at a regional seminar on communication rights for migrants in the Caribbean hosted by the World Association for Christian Communication (WACC) in Puerto Rico this weekend. From January 8-10, 2015, journalists, scholars, activists will participate in the regional seminar and assembly under the theme: "Strengthening Communication Rights of Migrants in Host Countries in the Caribbean - Strategies for Integration and Survival".

Taking note of her previous investigative work and body of personal commentary on immigration issues in the Bahamas, WACC President Embert Charles formally invited Noelle to present issues concerning immigrant rights in the Bahamas. Ms Nicolls' contribution speaks to the reality of life for Bahamians with Haitian ancestry and migrant workers of African descent, with a particular emphasis on low wage workers of Haitian ancestry.

Click here to read more

Tourism declares January 'Romance Month'

With the Ministry of Tourism's 16 Islands, 16 Weddings, One Priceless Day promotion only a week away, Ministry of Tourism officials have declared that January is "Romance Month". On February 14, 2014, the ministry launched the promotion that would see 16 couples get married simultaneously at 4:00 p.m. (16:00) on January 16. The promotion got widespread attention as over 3,000 registered for a chance to tie the knot in The Bahamas.

Deputy Director General of Tourism Ellison Thompson said declaring January "Romance Month" is all in a bid for The Bahamas to claim its spot as the number one romance destination. "What is so important is the fact that with this promotion we were able to feature a multitude of destinations that The Bahamas has to offer and indeed we are going to have 16 different weddings in 16 islands and so we have a couple of things going on here. Strategically, we are pointing out to travel and trade persons that The Bahamas is not just one island, we are a number of islands and that each island is completely different," he said.

Click here to read more

Hope Strachan appointed new Minister of Financial Services

The Cabinet Office announced Monday that pursuant to Article 73 of the Constitution, the Prime Minister, the Rt. Honourable Perry G. Christie, has advised Her Excellency the Governor-General, Dame Marguerite Pindling, to make the following ministerial appointments:

The Hon. Hope Strachan, Member of Parliament for Sea Breeze, is appointed the new Minister of Financial Services with effect from Monday, January 12th, 2015. In the meantime, Mrs. Strachan will be the acting Minister of Transport & Aviation during the absence of the Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin who is travelling on state business.

The Hon. Arnold A. Forbes, the Member of Parliament for Mount Moriah, is appointed Minister of State in the Ministry of Works & Urban Development, also with effect from Monday, 12th January, 2015.

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Chocolate is for people, not for pooches

You can spoil your loved one with chocolate and spice your chicken souse with onions, but if you care about your pet, make sure you never feed them either. That was part of the message delivered by Bahamas Veterinary Association Dr. Bridgette Johnson last month when she addressed more than 100 students at St. Anne's School.

Dr. Johnson's appearance was part of a campaign by the Washington, DC-based Pet Food Institute to increase awareness about the importance of proper diet and care for dogs, cats and other domestic pets. Nearly every student at the school knew bones were bad for dogs, cats love tuna and every pet should be taken to a vet early in life for shots. What they didn't know was why or why foods like chocolate, onions and grapes are bad for dogs.

Click here to read more

Everyday angels provide a happy holiday for children

This holiday season residents throughout Nassau joined the Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) to give gifts to children and proved that there are angels on earth. During the holiday season WSC established their 'Be an Angel' gift-giving initiative and encouraged people to donate gifts to the children at the Elizabeth Estates Children's Home for Christmas. Thanks to the public's support, 30 gifts were collected and WSC donated an additional 25 gift certificates for the teenagers.

"The Corporation is very pleased that during this festive season it could help bring joy to the hearts of the children at the Elizabeth Estates Children's Home," said Visna Ambrister, Public Affairs Manager. "Like children everywhere these children also deserve to have a happy Christmas."

Click here to read more

URCA employees include Children's Emergency Hostel on their Christmas shopping list

During the holidays, each child at the Children's Emergency Hostel received a personalized gift from the employees of the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA). The gifts were selected and paid for by URCA's employees.

Keva Robinson, Human Resource and Administration Officer, said it was a joy to see the children's excitement as the gifts were presented to the assistant administrator of the Hostel Ms. Nakita Adderley Smith. The presentation was the initiative of URCA's Outreach Committee and spearheaded by Linda Francis, Administrative Assistant.

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Reservations now open for Phase 3 of Palm Cay condo project

Developers of Palm Cay opened reservations Wednesday for Phase 3 of The Anchorage, its luxury condominium project that is emerging as the most sought after product to date in the fast-growing, oceanfront community on New Providence's southeast coast.

"When we opened reservations for the first two phases, demand exceeded supply and even with bank financing approval to complete sales, both phases were 90% sold out prior to completion," said Zack Bonczek, director of sales and marketing at the nearly 70-acre development. "That early success with phases 1 and 2 pushed us to release Phase 3 slightly ahead of schedule. Since the November announcement that we would be taking reservations soon, there's been a great deal of interest so when 9 am comes today it's going to be exciting to see what happens. We could be 'sold out' in a matter of hours."

Click here to read more

Celebrate 2015 at the Humane Society of Grand Bahama's President's Cocktail Party

Happy New Year! The Humane Society of Grand Bahama is ringing in 2015 with our President's Cocktail Party, this Saturday, January 10, 2015 with the help of wonderful sponsors Red Beard's Pub and Sands Brewery. Enjoy drinks and appetizers while listening to the smooth sounds of Ryan Carroll. And perhaps - renew your membership, or sign up to become a member of the HSGB while there! Current (2014) members will receive two free drinks as our thanks for their support.

We are asking non members for a $10 donation which will include two drinks and as a bonus, if you sign up for a membership on the night we will deduct the $10 from your membership dues. You may ask - why become a member of the HSGB? Our members receive a 10% discount on services and pet supplies, and also get first notice of upcoming events. Starting this year, we will be offering members discounted tickets for all our events. We also have some pretty cool keychains to give our members. If all that isn't enough, how about the satisfaction of knowing you have helped the 1400+ animals that our shelter takes in every year, and helped us to continue providing a vital community service as well.

Click here to read more

Guy Harvey Outpost signs major sponsors for Bonfire Tournament Series

Guy Harvey Outpost announced Monday it has signed SeaHEX Drones and American Marine Design as major sponsors for its 2015 Bonfire Tournament Series. Outpost kicks off the season with its upcoming Burnin' Wahoo tournament and festival to be held February 26th - March 1st at Old Bahama Bay, West End, Grand Bahama Island. In June and September, the Bonfire Series moves to Bimini and Islamorada with the Burnin Marlin and Burning Tarpon Tournaments.

"Bonfire Tournament interest among the big sportfish crowd has been strong going into the start of the year," commented Cliff Jensen, Director of Fishing and Watersports Programs for Guy Harvey Outpost. "Corporate sponsors are taking note of the market reach offered by Outpost and the family of Guy Harvey brands, and our Bonfire Series with its art and food festival format delivers an audience that transcends just anglers."

Click here to read more

Will the next 'big star' be discovered at MMTS auditions in Exuma this weekend?

With 365 cays and one cay for every day of the year, Georgetown in The Exumas will host auditions for the Caribbean's top talent search for Models, Actors, Singers, Music Producers, Singing Groups and Songwriters on Saturday, January 10, 2015 at Saint Andrew's Community Centre located in Georgetown, Exuma. Auditions will begin promptly at 11:00am, and all interested are encouraged to register online at www.islandmmts.com to avoid a long line.

With successful auditions already taking place in Dominica, Trinidad and Tobago, Belize, Suriname and Anguilla as well as several islands in The Bahamas including Abaco, Eleuthera, New Providence and Grand Bahama, the next stop for Island MMTS is Georgetown, Exuma. Island MMTS in an international competition founded by Bahamian Entrepreneur Pia T. Glover-Rolle. MMTS representatives are holding free auditions in each of 37 participating islands in 23 countries around The Bahamas and The Caribbean as only the top talent are being invited to attend the annual week-long conference in July 2015.

Click here to read more

February's Bimini Wahoo Smackdown VI registration underway

A world class marine artist and an award winning sportfishing photographer are onboard for the next installment of the highly popular Wahoo Smackdown fishing tournament series-scheduled to return to the docks at the historic Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina on February 19-21 with some $50,000 in cash and prizes on the line.

Returning to the tournament series for Wahoo Smackdown VI is the celebrated marine wildlife artist and accomplished angler Carey Chen, who has been named Grand Marshal. Chen has again been commissioned to "paint a trophy" that will be awarded to the top team for Smackdown VI. A Carey Chen original is typically valued at $15,000 or more. Joining with Chen as "Official Tournament Photographer" is Pat Ford, an avid angler whose dramatic action shots can be found on the covers of sportfishing magazines around the world.

Click here to read more

'A Place in the Sun' opens at Doongalik

Doongalik Studios announces its first Exhibition for 2015 - a watercolor show entitled "A Place in the Sun' featuring works by Nancy Maloney which will open on Thursday, January 8 from 6-9pm. Born and raised in western Michigan, Nancy fell in love with The Bahamas on her first trip to Nassau over twenty years ago. Since then, she has been inspired by the sea, the architecture, and the Family Islands of The Bahamas.

Nancy has been working in watercolor since she was a teenager. Although not formally trained, she has taken workshops from nationally acclaimed artists like Frank Webb, Charles Read, and Diane Faxon; and has studied at the Art Students League in New York. She favors seascapes, and landscapes as subjects, but also produces interiors and still life studies. Nancy divides her time between Nassau, where she has a home in Lyford Cay, Connecticut, where she raised her family, and her native Michigan.

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Miss Bahamas Organization addresses costume controversy issue

In light of recent remarks that have been circulating on social media and elsewhere regarding the costume to be used by Miss Universe Bahamas Tomii Culmer at the forthcoming Miss Universe pageant, the Miss Bahamas Organization (MBO) wishes to set the record straight as to its decision not to use the Sea Goddess costume designed by Javotte Bethel.

There are several reasons for this decision. First of all, there are structural issues with Miss Bethel's costume which would make it very difficult for Miss Culmer to manage in a competitive environment - specifically, she is unable to get into or out of the costume without considerable help from at least 2 people. While one may argue that she would receive such help at the Miss Universe pageant, a greater problem exists in the fact that due to its excessive weight, the costume leaves Miss Culmer visibly bruised each time she wears it. Clearly we cannot have her competing in the Miss Universe pageant (particularly the swimsuit competition) with visible bruises that would result from her wearing the said costume.

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Victory for Valley Boys in 2015 New Year's Day Junkanoo parade

By Nico Scavella/The Tribune

The Valley Boys Junkanoo group was named the unofficial winner of the 2015 New Year's Day Parade, rebounding from their disappointing fourth place finish in the 2014 Boxing Day Parade. The One Family Junkanoo group took second place, the Roots Junkanoo Group third and fourth were The Shell Saxons Superstars, according to Douglas Hanna, chairman of the Junkanoo Parade Management Team.

The unofficial results came after Junkanoo officials controversially reduced the number of laps the major groups would make in a bid to shorten the parade. Instead of the usual three laps, each A group performed two laps - one on Bay Street and one on Shirley Street. The decision received mixed results, however. Officials from both the Saxons and Valley Boys condemned the change, viewing it as further stifling of Junkanoo.

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Swingers are 2015 New Year's Day Junkanoo parade winners on Grand Bahama

From the Freeport News

Nearly one week after the New Year's Day Junkanoo Parade was held on Pioneer's Way and some controversy over the unofficial results, the Grand Bahama Junkanoo Committee (GBJC), yesterday, announced the official results. The overall winner of Division A was indeed the Swingers Junkanoo Group with a total of 1,101 points.

New Life Classic Dancers Junkanoo Group followed, in second place, with 1,005 points, and remaining in third place were the Platinum Knights with a total of 955 points. The fourth place position was awarded to Kingdom Culture Junkanoo Group with an overall total of 886 points. Following closely behind in fifth place were the Superstar Rockers with 868 points and the Bayshore Warriors came in at sixth with a total of 678 overall points.

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At the Movies reviews Exodus: Gods And Kings

The tagline for this movie: Once Brothers, Now Enemies. The story of one man's struggle to bring his people out of slavery from the ruler he grew up with. As he becomes the leader his people require him to be he will take the journey of escape with them in defiance of the ruling minority.

Moses is the leader of the slaves in Egypt and soon takes it upon himself to free them from their oppressors, but first he must convince the family who adopted him to agree to his terms of freedom or suffer a fate worse than anything they have ever experienced. Ramses II is the ruler of Egypt and finds it hard to let the slaves of his country leave with Moses who he once saw as a sibling but now sees has an obstacle to his rule. Joshua is a slave who believes that Moses has the force of will to free them all from the tyranny of Ramses II, but first he must convince Moses of the strength he know he has within.

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Letter: Half full or half empty

If we look at the wide range of challenges that face this country today we can either wallow in despair or look for the silver lining - it all depends on your attitude.

We are being bombarded with anxiety due to the imminent rise in prices associated with impending VAT taxes....so we need to re-evaluate our spendthrift nature that has come about with 'progress' and revert to the sage wisdom exercised by our ancestors who, although they had little materially, made the most of it. This might be the silver lining opportunity to have more respect for 'our own tings'.

Think of how we blatantly waste water and electricity nowadays....so let's learn to cut them off when not in use.....imagine it is hurricane time and we have to use our water sparingly! Think of all the electrical appliances and products we have in our homes and offices and how we turn them on and leave them on indiscriminately.....each one drawing massive reserves of energy collectively.....so let's all cut back and become more energy efficient and thrifty - and that applies to one of the main offenders: government office energy guzzlers!

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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 2015 calendar.

January 8: 'A Place in the Sun' - opens at Doongalik Studios. Featuring works by Nancy Maloney from 6-9pm. Click HERE to read more.

January 10: RUGBY - At Winton Rugby Centre, the British Navy are in town in the form of HMS Severn.

1:00pm - Baha Juniors v HMS Severn (Soccer Match)
3:00pm - Baillou RFC v HMS Severn (Rugby 10-a-side)
4:00pm - Cuckoos v Buccaneers (Final Nassau Cup Game)

January 10-12: All For One Regatta - A, B, C class and Junior sloop sailing at Montagu. Opening ceremony Saturday at 1pm.

January 16-17: SWIFT Swimming/Gunite Pools Invitational - Swim meet at the Betty Kelly-Kenning National Swim Complex.

January 17-18: 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: BNT Pig Roast - 2:00-10:00pm at the Maillis Farm.

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

January 10: Humane Society's "President's Cocktail Party" - at (new location) Red Beard's Pub. Click HERE to read all about it.

January 12: Grand Bahama Entertainers Musicians and Artists Association (G.B.E.M.A.A.) 1st Monthly General Meeting at the Grand Bahama Tennis and Squash Club at 7PM.

January 23: VAT mini boot camp - Still confused about the new VAT? Click HERE to learn about this seminar, 10am-2pm at the Chamber of Commerce.

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 visit the website and register.

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.

February 26-March 1: Bonfire Tournament Series - at Old Bahama Bay, West End. Click HERE to read more about this fishing tournament.

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!

May 25: 2nd Annual Grand Bahama Time Trial Championships - Cyclists battle the clock for the win! Click HERE to visit the GBCC events page for information.

August 3: 11th Annual Grand Bahama Road Cycling Championships - B.O.C. sanctioned event. Click HERE to visit the GBCC website and learn more.

August 15: BASRA marathon swim - and the best beach party on Grand Bahama! Bahamas Air Sea Rescue's largest annual fundraiser at Coral Beach.

October 31: 25th Anniversary of the Home for the Aged - Old Fashioned Ball "The Great Waltz" at Grand Lucaya Resort. Cocktails@ 7PM - Dinner @ 8PM.

November 7: Conchman Triathlon - and Iron Kids races will take place at Taino Beach. No excuses, you can do it!

November 15: Mary Star of the Sea Parish Annual Bazaar - 12:00 noon - midnight.

December 4: Festival Noel - Grand Bahama's #1 holiday season event! At the Rand Nature Center 7-10PM.

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

January 8: Local Vibe - Live band performance at Firefly Sunset Resort in Hope Town, ABACO. 366-0145 for info.

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. Paddleboard races on the 18th! Call 366-0133 for all the details.

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 19-21: Wahoo Smackdown VI - Popular fishing tournament returns to BIMINI Big Game Resort & Marina. Click HERE for info and registration link.

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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New Year's message by Prime Minister Christie

As another year dawns, we pause to give thanks to Almighty God for all his many blessings during the year that has just ended.

It was a year of great challenges for us as a nation and as a people, and for many families as well, as the scourge of crime continued to menace us, and as unemployment and underemployment continued to affect too many of our citizens.

At the same time, however, we were able to achieve commendable progress in tackling a number of pressing issues.

TAX REFORM

For one, tax reform is now in full stride with the introduction of VAT on the 1st January 2015. This is the single most fundamental change to our public revenue system in the modern history of The Bahamas. It may not be the most popular move for a government to make but it is an absolutely necessary one.

Moreover, I have complete confidence that once we get beyond the inevitable growing pains that always attend the early days of important changes, the Bahamian people will see that we were right to introduce VAT and do it when we did.

We were right because VAT is going to expand the revenue base in a way that will enable the Government to better meet the social and infrastructural needs of the Bahamian people, now and well into the future.

Click here to read more