News :: Events :: Opportunities
VOL IV. No. 35, January 15, 2015
This week in Bahama Islands Info
National News
Nassau News
Grand Bahama News
Family Islands News
Arts & Entertainment News
Sports News
Letter to the Editor
Column: Humane Society of Grand Bahama update




This week we mourn the passing of Sir Jack Hayward, a man that has had broad and tremendous impact on the communities of Grand Bahama and The Bahamas.

Sir Jack is closely tied to the development of Freeport, as his father, Sir Charles Hayward, was an early investor and contributor to the formation of Freeport, and served as vice president of the Grand Bahama Port Authority starting in 1956.

Sir Jack was not only a co-owner and chairman of the board at Grand Bahama Port Authority, he was an tremendous supporter of many vital community organisations, including Freeport Players' Guild and the Regency Theatre, and the Humane Society of Grand Bahama, among many others. It would not be an overstatement to say that some of these organisations would not exist had it not been for Sir Jack's generosity.

Sir Jack certainly has a colourful and varied history, but it is his impact on the lives, economy and country that will be his lasting legacy.

Today, we pay tribute to Sir Jack and wish to thank him all he has done for the people of Freeport, the island of Grand Bahama and the people of The Bahamas.

Cheers, Sir Jack!


Bahamas winner to receive young leadership award from Her Majesty The Queen 
Among those selected to receive a Queen's Young Leaders Award, it was announced today that Alicia Wallace from the Bahamas is one of the 60 young people from across the Commonwealth who are being recognised as exceptional leaders in their community. These 60 young people are the first ever to receive this prestigious award. The award, which will be presented in London by Her Majesty The Queen in June, and is part of The Queen's Young Leaders Programme, celebrates the achievements of young people who are taking the lead to transform the lives of others and make a lasting difference in their communities.

This year's Award winners, aged between 18 and 29 and who come from all over the Commonwealth, are working to support others, raise awareness and inspire change on a variety of different issues including; education, climate change, gender equality, mental health and disability equality. Alicia Wallace, 29 from Nassau, has been selected in recognition of her work as director of Hollaback! Bahamas, which works to end street harassment, and also as co-founder of the Coalition to End Gender-based Violence and Discrimination.

Click here to read more

VAT Department issues help videos
The Value Added Tax (VAT) Department of the Ministry of Finance has released three short videos to assist VAT Registrants. The first video entitled "Navigation from Home Page" is a simple video explaining the ten key areas of the home page and the additional navigation and functions of The Government of the Bahamas Online Tax Administration System. The second video entitled "Manage User Access" explains for registrants how to enable other users to access the registrant's taxpayer account on the Online Tax Administration System, and how to manage that access.

The third video entitled "Change of Circumstances" demonstrates the process of allowing the account user to make changes to their existing information such as banking information, address/location and contact details etc.  However, the features presented in videos two and three will not be available until mid to late January, 2015.

Click here to read more

Prime Minister Christie delivers his inaugural address as CARICOM Chairman at the first China/CELAC Forum
A proposal to acquire funds from China's $3 billion dollar investment fund will be made on behalf of the Bahamas is among initiatives that the Bahamas will pursue in coming weeks. Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie made the announcement during his remarks at the first ministerial meeting of the CELAC-CHINA (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum in Beijing China on Thursday, January 8. Mr. Christie is representing CARICOM.

In addition, Mr. Christie said that the Bahamian government will also be promoting opportunities for investment in the energy sector, gas exploration, mining, forestry, tourism, airline services, financial services, agriculture and fisheries. He explained that given that energy, water, sanitation, coastal protection, and protection of critical coastal infrastructure are central to the capacity of CARICOM countries, all efforts must be considered to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Click here to read more

Cable Bahamas giving away $70,000 in prizes to new REVOICE subscribers 
Cable Bahamas is welcoming new REVOICE subscribers to the REV family in a major way this season with its Rejoice with REVOICE holiday campaign. As a follow up to the immensely successful 2012 and 2013 promotions, the company will give away more than $70,000 in prizes to some lucky customers. Residents in New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco and Eleuthera who sign up for any REVOICE home phone service between now and February 21 will be entered to win one of twelve great prizes in the holiday promotion through Cable Bahamas' weekly drawing, dubbed the "12 Days of Giveaways."   

During the promotional period, the company will reward a prize to one eligible subscriber over twelve different days, leading up to the promotion's grand finale, when the company will give away a 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited from Bahamas Bus & Truck, worth more than $60,000. 

Click here to read more

'Super Me!' program creating super kids
At one time or another, every child has wanted to be a super hero or a super version of themselves. Now children in public primary schools across The Bahamas have the opportunity to become "super" kids by participating in a program called "Super Me!"  

This week, through Friday January 16th, it is Super Me! week. Founders Cori Ashley and Kevin Ferguson along with Dr. Willard Barr, Chairman of Character Education and Director of Planning at the Ministry of Education, Zoe Powell, Chief Officer of all Guidance Counselors for The Bahamas, District Superintendents and The Honorable Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Mr. Jerome Fitzgerald, will visit schools to share in the Super Me! program experience and successes.

Click here to read more


Real men in pink saving lives in The Bahamas
Last October, Bahamas Waste unveiled their big pink truck to raise awareness of cancer and during this special unveiling, Hon. Melanie Griffin, Minister of Social Services and Community Development said, "You cannot fight breast cancer - or any other form of cancer - with ribbons alone, you fight it with a team."

During the unveiling ceremony, Minister Griffin took the first selfie with the truck and launched the #BigPinkPics cancer awareness selfie promotion. From October through December 2014, Nassau residents joined the Bahamas Waste team and various cancer groups by taking #BigPinkPics with the colourful big pink garbage truck to help raise awareness of cancer and to advocate cancer screenings and early detection.  

Click here to read more

Bahamas Ferries makes $12,000 donation to Bahamas Children's Emergency Hostel
Bahamas Ferries continued its support of The Bahamas Children's Emergency Hostel with a recent donation of $12,000 to aid with defraying maintenance and operational costs at the institution. The donation, made in December, came just months after the company's $10,000 contribution to the hostel to assist with covering similar expenses.

Bahamas Ferries is deeply committed to making a positive impact in various communities throughout The Bahamas, which has been a key factor behind its alliance with The Children's Emergency Hostel. Since adopting the institution in November 2005, Bahamas Ferries has pledged to make at least two significant financial donations annually. The company has upheld this commitment, and over the past nine years has donated more than $90,400 in cash and in-kind to the organisation.

Click here to read more

Baha Mar announces March 27 opening date
Baha Mar, the new $3.5 billion resort, will introduce a new era of luxury, glamour, gaming and excitement to The Bahamas when it begins hosting paid guests on March 27, 2015, at Baha Mar Casino & Hotel, Rosewood at Baha Mar and SLS LUX at Baha Mar. Grand Hyatt at Baha Mar will open shortly after.

"Baha Mar will bring a new level of sophistication and resort experience to one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the Caribbean with its March 27 opening. We are thrilled to welcome our first guests to 'The New Riviera' in time for the peak spring travel weeks," said Paul V. Pusateri, chief operating officer for Baha Mar.

Click here to read more

 

KFC Nassau helps the hungry with over $13K donation to the Bahamas National Feeding Network
Committed to giving back to communities in which its brand operates, KFC Nassau brought cheer to the start of the Bahamas National Feeding Network's (BNFN) new year with a sizable donation in support of its commitment to combat the epidemic of hunger in The Bahamas by supporting those in need of essential food resources.

On January 13th the franchise made the generous donation of over $13,000 to the Bahamas National Feeding Network, which reflects the brand's support in making a difference in the lives of many children and families facing hunger daily in the community and by increasing the access to nutritious food supply to those in need.

Click here to read more

Bahamas Realty 4-time top producer Silvina Andrews: Brighter days ahead for real estate market
While many professionals returned to work this month with baited breath, wondering what impact Value Added Tax (VAT), introduced January 1, will have on their futures, one top-producing property broker says she sees brighter days ahead.

Silvina Andrews, who recently returned to Bahamas Realty where she carved a successful career over 18 years before diverting for a short sojourn elsewhere, said the concern with VAT's impact going forward should be considered against economic realities of the recent past.

Click here to read more

 

Reservations brisk for Phase 3 Palm Cay condo project
Reservations were off to a brisk start this week when developers of Palm Cay launched 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.

"We don't want to discourage anyone from calling by announcing how many reservations we have received to date because a lot can happen between a reservation and a closing," said Zack Bonczek, director of sales and marketing at the nearly 70-acre development.  "But I will say that we have been delighted with the response to date and think the interest driven in part by the growing desirability of Palm Cay has exceeded expectation."

Click here to read more

Newest BTC franchise store opens on Gladstone Road
The Bahamas Telecommunications Company, (BTC) is well on its way to achieving its commitment to have more than 60 branded BTC retail stores across The Bahamas by 2016. The majority will be independently-owned neighbourhood franchise stores and kiosks, to complement BTC's flagship spaces not unlike those at the Mall at Marathon and South West Plaza.

On Saturday December 21st, surrounding communities and residents of Gladstone Road East celebrated with BTC at the opening of the latest franchise and conveniently, in their very own neighbourhood.  Astrid Rolle, Gladstone Road Manager, said that the location was selected to meet the needs of a diverse and dense populace, both residential and commercial.    

Click here to read more


Sir Jack Hayward dies at age 91
SIR JACK HAYWARD, Kt., OBE
14th June 1923 - 13th January 2015

It is with deep sadness that we (The Grand Bahama Port Authority) confirm the death of beloved Honorary Chairman, Sir Jack Hayward, who passed away peacefully in Ft. Lauderdale today after courageously battling illness for several months with the same fighting spirit and wit for which he was so well known.   Freeport has lost the last of its original founding fathers and a great philanthropist.

Sarah St. George, Vice Chairman of The Grand Bahama Port Authority and Group of Companies says, "Sir Jack is a cornerstone in Freeport's living history and this is a sad day for us all.  He was a truly unique man with an epic life and I was privileged to work side by side with him and experience firsthand his determination, bravery, passion and humour.  I will miss him immensely."

Click here to read more

Prime Minister expresses condolences on the passing of Sir Jack Hayward
I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing this morning of Sir Jack Hayward.  He was by common acclaim the single most important figure behind the economic development of the city of Freeport, Grand Bahama, in the post-Independence era, having succeeded to the leading position held by his late father, Sir Charles Hayward, in the Grand Bahama Port Authority.

Sir Jack was a colourful, larger-than-life personality who was held in great affection by the Bahamian people and by successive governments of our nation. He was widely admired for his candour, warmth, generous philanthropy, and deeply held dual patriotism for his native England and The Bahamas.  He was passionately committed to the advancement of Freeport in particular. Through good times and in bad, he remained steadfast in his loyalty to our nation's second city and never lost faith in its future.

Click here to read more

Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce expresses condolences on passing of Sir Jack Hayward
On behalf of The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce, its board of directors and members, I wish to extend sincere condolences on the passing of Sir Jack A. Hayward, OBE to his family, loved ones, the management and staff of The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited and members of the numerous organizations that he supported and was personally involved with.

Sir Jack Hayward, was an integral part of The Bahamas, having moved here in the 1950's after his father, Sir Charles Hayward, partnered with Wallace Groves, the pioneer and founder of Freeport. Sir Jack, as he is fondly referred to, devoted his life to the growth and promotion of Freeport/Lucaya and indeed, The Bahamas, he was a nation builder in the truest sense.

Click here to read more

Mini-Bootcamp to address VAT confusion on Grand Bahama
Since the implementation of Value Added Tax (VAT) on January 1, there has been a lot of confusion about how it works. Many consumers and business persons alike have not been able to get a handle on how the tax should be added and charged. In response to this confusion, the Practical VAT Bootcamp is back with a mini-camp. This training series, which started last November, offers practical advice for businesses on how to correctly implement Vat into their businesses.

Almost 100 people have attended the bootcamps, which is presented by 2B's Productions, comprising of business owners and entrepreneurs, Sarah Kirkby of Barefoot Marketing, and Leigh Termath of Bahama Buy and Sell newspaper.

Click here to read more

LIS raises $6,000 to benefit the Grand Bahama Children's Home
Although Lucaya International School (LIS) has been an amazing contributor to the Grand Bahama Children's Home over the years, this year's donation from their 4th Annual Turkey Trot was the largest to date! Former LIS teacher, Lee Rawlinson, started the annual Turkey Trot four years ago as a fundraiser for the Home. Having moved on to Germany, he left the race in the capable hands of his fellow teachers, Cath Hindley and Nigel Kirkby.

This year's event was held Saturday, December 6th, at Banana Bay and raised $6,000 for the Children's Home, over $1,500 more than the previous year. The event was organised by teachers Hindley and Kirkby with the Year 13 students.  

Click here to read more

Rotary Clubs on Grand Bahama welcome visitors at Freeport Harbour
Rotarians on Grand Bahama Island have embarked upon fulfilling the mandate of the Rotary International President, Gary C.K.Huang, to 'Light Up Rotary' and what better way to portray this ideal than to welcome visitors to the island. The Rotary club of Freeport partnered with Freeport Harbour to produce signage welcoming guest to our shores.

"We chose to share this initiative with all the Rotary clubs on the island by including them in the signage so that the greater message communicated is that Rotary has become a household name on Grand Bahama and all Rotarians share in the vision for our organization and the passion of our District Governor, to offer 'Service Above Self'," said club president Queen Rolle.

Click here to read more


Abaco's six national parks and wildlife sanctuaries to benefit from annual Art for the Parks event
This January, some of the most celebrated Bahamian artists will gather at Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbour Marina to share the beauty of their work while protecting the beauty of The Bahamas.  

Now in its 6th year, the Art for the Parks Festival will take place January 23-25, 2015 and is a collaboration between Abaco Beach Resort, the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) and corporate sponsors.  Over thirty artists and artisans will exhibit their work providing both residents and visitors a unique opportunity to view and purchase artwork, while raising awareness and funding for the preservation of Abaco's six national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

Click here to read more

Bahamas Ferries provides major support for Family Island Junior Junkanoo groups
Bahamas Ferries partnered with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture for the tenth consecutive year to provide transportation for Family Island students participating in the annual Junior Junkanoo parade. The inter-island transportation service provider, through its collaboration with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, arranged for 467 students and chaperones from schools in Abaco, Andros and Eleuthera to travel into Nassau for the event, held in December.

Four schools were represented in all, including two of the year's winners: Tarpum Bay Primary School - primary school division winner; Forest Heights Academy - senior high school division winner; Central Abaco Primary School; and Harbour Island All Age School.

Click here to read more

Save The Bays team see nature and technology work together at Cape Eleuthera Institute
It's rare that a school visit elicits a response so effusive it sounds like something reserved for eyeballing an Orca, but then neither the school nor the students were ordinary when the education team from Save The Bays landed at The Island School, Cape Eleuthera recently for a scientific symposium. It was environmental protection advocates meeting those who live, work, teach and breathe the environment, making the most of nature's bounty with sustainable energy and renewables while sharing lessons they have learned with those will become the future stewards of a fragile eco-system.

"The best part of this trip was actually seeing and experiencing how technology/development and nature can live and work together in harmony and peace without devastation and destruction," said Javan Hunt, Environmental Facilitator.

Click here to read more

Three Bahamas destinations to be served by new charter flights 
Owners of iJet Charters and Wildcat Touring announced Wednesday the launch of scheduled charter flights from Fort Lauderdale to three Bahamas destinations, Key West and a flight from New York to Marsh Harbour.  "With the approval of the Department of Transportation (DOT) today we will begin bookings for the start of scheduled service on April 2nd," said Jim Swieter, founder of iJet Charters in Fort Lauderdale.

Swieter said flights aboard Meregrass, Inc's new Saab 2000 aircraft, which features all premium class seating and high-speed travel, are now booking for roundtrip travel from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International's (FLL) Sheltair terminal to Marsh Harbour, North Eleuthera, Freeport and Key West.  A scheduled charter flight from New York to Marsh Harbour is also available. Scheduled charter flights from Fort Lauderdale and Miami to Nassau are also anticipated in the future.

Click here to read more

Damianos Sotheby's International Realty honours top producers for 2014
At the start of the company's 70th year as The Bahamas Luxury Real Estate Leader, and as the company celebrates sales that double the dollar amount than that of the entire Bahamas Multiple Listing Services (MLS) in 2014, Damianos Sotheby's International Realty is proud to announce Mark Hussey, Jonathan Morris and Stan Sawyer as their Top Producers of 2014.

Jonathan Morris claims Top Producing Agent for Eleuthera for the second year in a row and Stan Sawyer claims Top Producing Agent for Abaco in 2014. In speaking with Stan Sawyer he says, "I enjoy being a part of a predominant worldwide real estate network. I am a real estate expert and advisor and my clients appreciate the fact that I closely follow every transaction to closing. I am not finished until I am satisfied that my buyers are comfortable in their new home and my sellers can happily move on to a new beginning."

Click here to read more

 


16 couples arrive for 16 weddings in The Bahamas
The 16 couples who will be tying the knot here in The Bahamas Friday arrived in New Providence this week to put the final touches on their upcoming nuptials.  The couples were lucky to be chosen among 3,000 entrants of the Ministry of Tourism's "16 Islands, 16 Weddings, One Priceless Day" promotion.

The couples that arrived on Tuesday were treated to a welcome reception at Sapodilla Fine Dining Restaurant.  There, Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe thanked the participants saying that officials were surprised by the number of persons who applied.

Click here to read more

Fifth annual Love That Child concert set for Sunday
Once just a song, Love That Child has grown into an annual major musical production benefitting three children's homes. On January 18, 2015 at 3pm, local and international talent will come together at St. Andrew's Performing Arts Center to dance and sing for hundreds of supporters.

"Thanks to Bank of the Bahamas' (BOB) sponsorshipin past years and this year to the BOB Volunteers, we have been able to make significant and positive changes at the Ranfurly Home for Children, Children's Emergency Hostel and the Elizabeth Estates Children's Home," said Karen Rawlings, co-producer of the acclaimed musical benefit. "More than $25,000 has been raised to benefit these homes and Love That Child has built awareness of the ongoing needs as well as bringing so many children together to show support for other children."

Click here to read more

Miss Universe Bahamas meets and greets during pageant run-up
Miss Universe Bahamas Tomii Culmer receives a "thumbs up" from the boss, Donald Trump! Miss Culmer is in Doral Miami, Florida competing in the 63rd Miss Universe Pageant, scheduled for January 25th.

Tomii Culmer also met and posed with BVKMEKA CEO Herman Echevarria during the Miss Universe welcome reception in Doral.




Click here to read more
Writers workshop to be hosted at Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina in April
This tiny island in the stream, which has attracted its share of acclaimed authors looking for inspiration (not to mention some world class fishing), is reaching out to aspiring and experienced writers to participate in a three-day workshop this spring hosted by the historic Big Game Club Resort & Marina in Alice Town.

To be held in the resort's Gulfstream Conference Center and adjoining Hemingway's Rum Bar and Social Lounge, the Writer's Workshop is scheduled for April 23-26, 2015.  Leading the workshop will be Miami-based novelist, playwright and screenwriter Rafael Lima, a professor in the School of Communications at the University of Miami.  A well-known literary agent will join Lima, who conducts writing seminars and workshops around the country.

Click here to read more


Bahamian boxing champion Tureano Johnson brings his titles home
In the presence of a jam packed Madison Square Garden Theatre with The Hon. Dr. Daniel Johnson, Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture leading Bahamian supporters, 'The People's Champion' Bahamas' boxing middleweight contender Tureano Johnson out fought contender Alex Theran to win the World Boxing Champions (WBC) Silver Championship and the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) International middleweight belts last week.

Greg Rolle, Director of Sports for the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism joined the Minister, Tureano's family and a large contingent of Bahamians in New York as Johnson took to the ring on the debut event from Roc Nation Sport's "Throne Boxing" event that was televised on Fox Sports 1. Johnson landed and took power shots until referee Gary Rosato waved the fight off and declared Johnson the winner.

Click here to read more

Bahamas hosting International Tennis Week, January 12-16
Tennis teams from the USA, Great Britain, Canada and Barbados will be competing with The Bahamas in the third Bahamas International (IC) Tennis Doubles Week to be held at Breezes SuperClubs, Cable Beach through Friday 16th January.

Teams are from the International Tennis Clubs of the world (IC's). These are clubs of players who have represented their country, won national titles or who are strong players who have contributed to the development of tennis. For them, it is a means of keeping up the camaraderie and competition from younger days when many played Davis Cup and Fed Cup competition. Their motto is "Hands across the net, friendship across the ocean."

Click here to read more

Boys soccer on the upswing on Grand Bahama
Boys soccer on the island continues to quietly flourish as we move into 2015. Saturdays see over 100 young boys running around the fields at the YMCA enthusiastically under the careful stewardship of coaches Elcott, Mark, Paul and Jake. When you  note that over 80% of these boys are 7 and under then the true potential of the programmes can really be understood.

Despite the outward appearance (one parent says it is akin to herding cats!) the carefully planned and structured games for these youngsters ensure they leave each week contented and weary but, most importantly, nagging mum and dad to bring them out the following week.

Click here to read more

 

Antique Auto Club provides Christmas food and gifts for inner-city children
The Antique Auto Club of the Bahamas was very happy to confirm being able, again, to provide 80 food hampers and a Christmas gift for needy children at two inner-city public schools. 40 children at Stephen Dillett and 40 children at Uriah McPhee Primary Schools gave Club members rousing welcomes when they arrived on the last day of the Christmas term and royally entertained them with Christmas carols and short "thank yous."

Photo: Antique Auto Club Members at Stephen Dillette Primary School; Peter Armstrong, Richard Blake, President Don Pinder, Irene Pinder & Murray Forde pictured with some of the school children and School Principal Ms. Scavella.

Click here to read more

New 30 minute circuit training room just for ladies at the YMCA
The Grand Bahama YMCA is finally able to announce that the women of Grand Bahama are getting their very own 30 minute circuit training room thanks to a local resident's generous donation that has made it possible after years of waiting.

A room within the YMCA facility has been completely refurbished, new floors, new ceiling,  new walls, new electrical and air conditioning and a beautiful new ladies restroom. The YMCA had purchased the 30 minute circuit equipment years ago and it was being stored in a warehouse waiting for it's home at the "Y" to be ready.  Unfortunately the "Y" did not have the funds to make it happen until now.

Click here to read more

Bahamas weekly fishing report from Harbourside Marine
Fishing report as of January 8, 2015

Nassau: The fishing for wahoo continues to be good. Many anglers have been successful off of Green Cay.

North Exuma, Highbourne Cay: Carolyn Cartwright from Highbourne Cay reports that lots of large Wahoo were caught in these last two weeks and a few small Mahi.

North Eleuthera: They have been catching yellowfin tuna and wahoo off of the north Eleuthera points.

Abaco: Kevin Sawyer reports that the fishing is good: wahoo, tuna, mahi, and snapper. People from all over have had good reports of fish: from Spanish Key to Hole in the Wall.

Cat Island, Hawks Nest: They continue to catch wahoo in the 40lb to 60lb range.

Click here to read more

Letter: BTC, no VAT?
BTC bill arrives for January. Guess what?  No VAT!

Good to see our major companies being compliant.

 

And no TIN #  And no mention of VAT invoice.

 

-M.H.


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.        

   

thru January 16: International Tennis Week - For full details of individual match results visit http://www.icbahamas.com


January 15: Top Tips for Resolutions that Stick! - Doctors Hospital Lecture Series with 4 guest speakers who will help you to set and keep positive New Year's resolutions. 6pm in the Conference Room, Dowdeswell St. 302-4600.  

 

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 18: 5th Annual Love That Child Concert - At the St. Andrew's Performing Arts Center, 3pm. Click HERE to read more.     

 

January 24: 16th Cacique Awards - at Melia Nassau Beach Resort, Cable Beach.   

 

January 24-25: From the Stage to the Silver Screen - Presented by the Nassau Music Society, 7pm at Government House Saturday and 5pm at St. Paul's Church Hall, Lyford Cay on Sunday. Visit http://www.thenassaumusicsociety.org   

 

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.   

 

February 19: Blood Donation & How it Saves Lives - Doctors Hospital Lecture Series, 6pm in the Conference Room, Dowdeswell St. 302-4600.  

 

March 1: Super Sprint Mixed Team Relay - A fun type of triathlon for teams of all levels!  Click HERE to visit the website. 

  

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 website.  

 

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


Get your Nassau event listed in the Bahama Islands Info Calendar for free! Just write to info@bahamaislandsinfo.com with all the relevant information.

NOTE: All dates, times, locations and other details are subject to change.
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GRAND BAHAMA EVENTS

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 14: Rotary Day at Taino Beach - A fun day for the whole family.  More information soon.

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!

March 26-28: Grand Bahama Half Marathon - and Beach Beats 5K weekend.  NEW! HQ at the Grand Lucayan. Click HERE to visit the website.

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

thru January 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.

January 23-25: Art for the Parks - BNT annual event Marsh Harbour, ABACO. Click HERE to read all about it.

February 7: Hope Town Reef Ball - ABACO. Contact Friends of the Environment fore more information: kwilliams@friendsoftheenvironment.org.

February 17-22: 3rd Annual Patrick Davis Hope Town Songwriters Festival. ABACO. Click HERE to view the poster.

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. 

March 6-8: 'Bahamas and The World' 1st Annual Art Exhibition - Pink Sands Resort & Cocoa Coffee House Harbour Island, ELEUTHERA. Visit http://www.bahamasandtheworld.com

March 20-22: Great ABACO Family Fitness Weekend - at Treasure Cay. Swim race, run races, a kids race, cheerleading clinic and 2 distances of triathlon! Fun for the entire family! Visit GAFFW.com and click HERE to register now.
 
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. 

April 23-26: Writers Workshop - at the BIMINI Big Game Club. Click HERE to read more.

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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In Loving Memory of Sir Jack Hayward, O.B.E.
Written by the Humane Society of Grand Bahama

Sir Jack Hayward did so much for this country. He came here as a young man and carried on his father's work and he did so with enthusiasm and diligence.  He loved Freeport so much that he made it his home base, and he devoted his life to the betterment of Freeport, and indeed, the entire island of Grand Bahama.

He had an amazing life, filled with adventure and lived with gusto.  He was also a great patriot, an astute businessman, and a generous philanthropist. He was an incredible raconteur and could hold any audience, large or small, spellbound with his stories.  During meetings, he had a knack for putting everyone at ease immediately with his charm, but he would also never lose sight of the main point and never hesitated to express his views or give his thoughtful advice.  

One could not help but enjoy and appreciate his sharp intelligence and common sense, his humour, and his overall zest for life, all of which he retained until his very last days; just as he would have wanted it.  

HSGB President Joseph Darville says, "Even though Sir Jack is gone, we pray his legacy lives on.  Up until his last days, he shared his hopes with us for the return of the Magic City in all it glory, opportunities and beauty. We know that from the lofty abode in which he now finds total joy and full completion, he will still look down on this city with its enormous potentials, awaiting the day of its glorious resurrection."

The list of organizations and indeed, even individuals, that he chose to support or assist is too long to list here.  Actually no such list may ever be complete as Sir Jack always worried that if his name were attached too prominently to any cause, it would prevent others from contributing.  He wanted the entire business community and individuals too, to do their part philanthropically.  

Click here to read more






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