News :: Events :: Opportunities
VOL IV. No. 40, February 19, 2015
This week in Bahama Islands Info
National News
Nassau News
Grand Bahama News
Family Islands & Abaco News
Arts & Entertainment News
Sports News
Column: Tom Purvis reports

Bahamian journalist participates In U.S. State Department sponsored IVLP exchange focused on Investigative journalism 
 On Wednesday, February 18, Bahamian journalist Travis Cartwright-Carroll paid a courtesy call on U.S. Chargé d'Affaires a.i. Lisa Johnson to discuss his recent participation in the U.S. State Department sponsored International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) focused on "Investigative Journalism." Travis, a journalist at The Nassau Guardian, participated in the professional exchange held in the United States from November 17-December 5, 2014.

The program was designed for investigative journalists, reporters and editors from print, radio, television as well as professors of journalism.  During the professional exchange, Travis, along with twenty media professionals selected from around the world, had an opportunity to visit several U.S. cities including Washington, D.C., Chicago, Milwaukee, Salt Lake City and Tampa Bay to share investigative journalism best practices with their counterparts in the United States.

 

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Bahamas participates in climate change meeting in Geneva
 The Ad hoc Working Group on the Durban Platform for enhanced Action (ADP) on the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) met in Geneva, Switzerland from 8 - 13 February. The UNFCCC is designed to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases which adversely affect climate change. Ambassador Rhoda M. Jackson, Bahamas Permanent Representative in Geneva and Mr. Philip Weech, Director of BEST Commission represented The Bahamas.

The ADP centred discussions on elements for inclusion in the negotiating document to be adopted at the 21st session of the Conference of Parties (COP-21) scheduled to be held in Paris, France in December of this year. Among those issues discussed during the week were climate financing, adaptation, mitigation and support for technology and capacity building.

 

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PM updates Parliament on 26th Inter-Sessional Heads of Government of Caricom meetings

On the 26th -27th February 2015, the Commonwealth of The Bahamas will again find itself on the world stage as we host the TWENTY-SIXTH INTER-SESSIONAL MEETING OF THE CONFERENCE OF HEADS OF GOVERNMENT OF THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY (CARICOM).   

 

These meetings will be preceded by a meeting of the regional Foreign Ministers. But before I update the House, I wish to congratulate the people of St. Kitts and Nevis for the peaceful manner in which polling at the general elections was conducted on Monday, 16 February 2015; I do so on behalf of the government and people of The Bahamas and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).     

 
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C.R. Walker Knights shine during poetry and spoken word performance featuring Internationally renowned poet, Omekongo Dibinga
From February 2-6, the U.S. Embassy, in partnership with American poet, author, and motivational speaker, Omekongo Dibinga of UPstander International, facilitated a five-day workshop focused on poetry and spoken word with over fifty students in grades 10-12 at C.R. Walker High School. Through his work, Mr. Dibinga inspires people, in particular youth populations, to take a stand when they witness an injustice. His 1,000,000 Youth Campaign has impacted more than 100,000 young people worldwide. 

Under the Poet-In-Residence Program with the motto, "Think before you speak. Write before you fight," Mr. Dibinga's workshop focused on building cultural and community pride through the use of poetry and the spoken word.

 

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Palm Cay named choice marina for Bahamas, awarded 5 stars
Active Captain, the TripAdvisor.com-like service for boaters based on user feedback, awarded Palm Cay Marina its coveted Choice Marina status this week after rave reviews shot it to 5-star rating, the highest ranking available.

"We were thrilled," said Demaro Demeritte, dockmaster of the 194-slip facility inside the popular seafront community on New Providence's southeastern coast. The marina, which opened last year with full fuel service and other amenities, is the closest combined residential and transient marina to Exuma and has attracted numerous vessels traveling to the island chain known as the boating capital of the Western Hemisphere.

 

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Water & Sewerage makes understanding VAT charges as easy as 1,2,3
The Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) wants to make the transition to VAT as easy as possible for their customers, and is helping to do so by rolling out a video which illustrates how customers' bills will look when VAT charges have been added.

"The Corporation produced this video because we want our customers to know that we care, and because we care, we recognize that the transition from not having to pay a direct tax to now having to, would not be easy for all of us," said Visna Armbrister, Public Affairs Manager WSC. "By producing this instructional video, the Corporation's goal is to assist customers with understanding their bills which would look slightly different particularly for the first quarter billing statements for 2015 due to VAT."

 

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BORCO meets with Contractors to improve 2015 Business
Buckeye Bahamas (BORCO) met with over 100 of their local and international contractors recently to review their successes and improvements from 2014 and set the goals for the new year.

"We've been working with many of these companies and their teams for years," said Robert Gaffney, V. P. International Operations. "Our goal today is to review our accomplishments, explain our goals for 2015 and beyond, and most importantly remind our partners about our new safety requirements, new VAT invoicing and our guidelines to meet both local and US regulatory compliances."

 

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Explore 'Opulent Oceans' with the BNT
After the great success of their first public lecture for 2015, the Grand Bahama branch of the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) is gearing up for the second lecture which will feature Melanie Stiassny from the American Museum of Natural History, presenting on her newly published book, 'Opulent Oceans

"There are many things about our ocean's history that we are not aware of," said Shamie Rolle, Chairman of the Grand Bahama Regional Branch of the BNT. "This would include adaptations or evolutionary developments of all marine creatures and their habitats. On Tuesday, February 17th, at 6:30 pm ,we'll be featuring Melanie Stiassny, who will lecture on her book 'Opulent Oceans' revealing the research behind this new book on evolutionary biology of fish and other marine life.   We welcome all of you to join us for this interesting and timely lecture which will be held at the Rand Nature Centre."

 

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Three American sport icons coming to Bimini to chase Bonefish 
Fly Fishing for elusive grey ghosts and the lure of Hemingway's Bimini is bringing together two basketball greats and a legendary fishing Hall of Famer and author for a March 20-22 gathering at the historic Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina. 

More than 50 years ago John Havlicek and Bob Knight, racked up three post season NCAA final appearances as Ohio State teammates. Havlicek went onto a storied Hall of Fame career with the Boston Celtics with 8 NBA World Champion titles while Knight, also a member of the Hall of Fame, became one of college basketball's most successful coaches, winning three NCAA Men's Division Basketball Titles at Indiana University and amassing 902 Division I wins over a 43 year career.

 

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The worth of the artist
Recently I took the reins of the Grand Bahama Entertainers Musicians And Artists Assc. (G.B.E.M.A.A.). In the short time that I have been at the helm of this once again fledgling organization some things have become clear to me, some disturbing and some reassuring. One reassuring thing I have discovered is that there is a wealth of talent and skill present in the entertainment and arts community of Grand Bahama and in even in the everyday not interested in that artsy stuff Grand Bahamian.

More than you would normally find, per capita, just about anywhere in the world. This is due primarily, in my opinion, to the fact that talented and skilled entertainers and artists frequented this little island from the 60's trough early 90's and invariably left offspring that carried the genes of musical and artistic geniuses. Everyone from Teddy P to Pebo and even the great bands of the 80's were here in Freeport. And it was documented. All but the after party activities of course. Add to that the already immensely talented locals. The Swain, the Kemps, the Penns', the Mitchells, the Coakleys and the list goes on.  


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At the Movies: Fifty Shades of Grey

One of the taglines for this movie: Mr. Grey Will See You Now. A college student and a businessman begin a steamy masochistic relationship after she interviews him as a favor for a sick friend for her college's newspaper. As she gets drawn closer to him, she soon discovers a side of him that he keeps from those around him and he soon learns things about her which intrigues him to the point of obsession. As they try to navigate within the others' world, the boundaries crossed show that the thing between them will not be so black and white.   

 

Anastasia Steele is a student about to graduate from Washington State University Vancouver with a degree in English Literature when she meets the young CEO of Grey Enterprises and soon finds herself thrust into a world of privilege as she begins a relationship with him which may cost her more than she is willing to pay.

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Rough seas lead to rescheduling of Wahoo Smackdown VI
Wahoo off Bimini got a reprieve today, albeit only a short one, as the Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina announced due to inclement weather it has rescheduled the Wahoo Smackdown VI Tournament for March 12-14. 

"Safety is paramount and it just wasn't going to be a comfortable crossing of the Gulf Stream nor a good fishing experience with 30 to 40 mph winds Friday and Saturday," said Tournament Director Captain Chase Camacho. Camacho said five boats with captains and crew did cross over early in the week in anticipation of the tournament, and they will be feted with gifts and three days free dockage.   

 

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Boys' Youth Soccer Academy holds skills competition
Freeport Rugby Football Club recently said farewell to a long standing member and valued of the club and a key coach in their successful youth soccer programme, Adolfo Vargas.

Coach Vargas has been a mainstay of the youth academy ever since he arrived on the island 4 years ago and, his on the field coaching and off the field advice, demeanor and leadership has been instrumental in developing the academy's programme for the boys aged 15 to 19 . His honour, the Club recently held a skills competition evening for the youngsters and a friendly exhibition soccer game in which the Club's Senior Players (the Oldies) played the up and coming players (Da Yout'). In the game, the effectiveness of Coach Adolfo's (and Coach Jake's) hours of fieldwork with the youngsters was highlighted as they strolled to an easy win over the Oldies to grab 'bragging rights 'for the remainder of the season!


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Letter: West End 'The Capital of Grand Bahama' - feast or famine
West End is known as the "capital" of Grand Bahama yet it is under siege by known assailants who look like any normal person you might find walking the streets. If you have taken a trip to the settlement recently you will notice the shoreline and roadways leading into the community is lined with trash thrown from the cars of persons who have no heart for the earth that God has given us to care for.

You may also notice that there are many motor scooters and self-drive vehicles filled with tourists looking for interesting places to stop, chat with locals, and perhaps leave a few dollars in the local economy. You may be visiting West End for a "value deal" on conch and fish from local fishermen. Whenever a major holiday occurs swells of Grand Bahamians head west in search of seafood which is starting to take a downward spiral turn in availability of our natural resources. Overfishing is an area of concern that will be highlighted further in this story.
 

 

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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.      

   


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

 

February 19-22: Dan Marino and Friends Weekend - Football star comes to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium. Click HERE to read more.      

 

February 21-22: Time Trial & Road Races - Cyclists, for details contact Barron Musgrove - npcyclingassociation2013@gmail.com - call or text 425-1057.    

 

February 22: BIFF Oscar Party at Compass Point - Put on your Sunday's best and join us screening the Oscar awards Live! We'll also reveal the winner of the Bahamian Poster & Bahamian Film Oscar Awards.  More info HERE.

 

February 22: Wood Artists' Exhibit - Opening 3-6pm at Doongalik Studios. Click HERE to read more.  

 

February 27-28 & March 1: Rum Bahamas - A festival of food, rum and culture at Fort Charlotte. Click HERE to read more.

 

February 28: Bahamas Heart Association Heart Walk - Fun Run Walk starting at 6:00am at Arawak Cay.   

 

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

 

March 21: Antique Auto Show & Cook-Out - at the Arawak Cay Fish Fry and Cultural Centre. Click HERE to read all about it.

  

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 Jaws 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.   

 

December 5-12: BIFF 2015 - The 12th annual Bahamas International Film Festival returns.  Click HERE to visit the website.

 

January 16-17, 2016: Marathon Bahamas Weekend - Includes marathon, relay, half marathon and Susan G. Komen 5K. 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
 
February 19: VAT Returns Boot Camp - Get ready for your first VAT returns filing at this clinic. Click HERE to view the poster.

February 20-22: 'Raisin in the Sun' Musical - at the Regency Theatre Gala Night at 7pm Friday, 8pm Saturday and Sunday matinee at 4pm. Advance tickets at Seventeen downtown or call 727-0811. Click HERE to view the poster.

February 21: 12th Annual Charity Golf Classic Golf Tournament - Grand Bahama American Women's Club. 12PM at the Grand Lucayan Reef Course.

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

February 27-28 & March 1: 'Raisin in the Sun' Musical - at the Regency Theatre 8pm. Sunday matinee at 4pm. Advance tickets at Seventeen downtown or call 727-0811. Click HERE to view the poster.

February 28: Rotary Past-Presidents Walkathon - Sponsored walk in aid of the Educational Scholarship fund.  For info and to make a donation contact bahamapro@hotmail.com

February 28: Dock of the Bay 'FUN' Raiser - from 4pm until at Flying Fish Restaurant. Featuring #1 Bahamain Recording Artist KB along with local singers Marina Gottlieb, Derek Gape and Chef and Singer Tim Tibbits to support Save The Bays.  More info to come.

March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: The Journey of An Entrepreneur -
Entrepreneurship Development Training. 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm at Jack Hayward High School. For more information or to register call 352-6301.

March 7: GB FNM Women's Association Health Fair & Walkathon - In aid of the Cancer Association of Grand Bahama.  The route will begin at 6am at the Cancer Association West Atlantic Drive. Registration Cost is $10.00 - Adults and $5.00 - Students. It includes a Race Packet.  

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

March 7: LIS Spring Fling - Alice in Wonderland Gala. Click HERE to view the poster.

March 8:  6th Annual Join Me on the Bridge - Celebration of International Women's Day, 3pm at The Garden of the Groves. *Grand Bahama High School Student Essay & Art Competitions* RSVP to FreeportBridge@gmail.com. Facebook event HERE.

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 14: Spring in Bloom Fashion Show - at UNEXSO. Click HERE to view the poster.  

March 15: Exhibit of art class works - Students of Angelika Siska's art class show their works at Garden of the Groves, 11am - 2pm.

March 21: Rotary Day at Taino Beach - NEW DATE! A fun day for the whole family celebrating the charity works of Rotary in the Grand Bahama community. Taino Beach 11am-5pm. 

March 21: Freeport Players Guild Twirp Ball - More details coming soon.

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

April 11: Kamalamee Awards - NEW DATE! At the Regency Theatre.

April 17-18: Music Masters Concert / Junkanoo Carnival on Grand Bahama - Top 10 finalists for Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival song will be selected.  More info soon. 

April 24-26: Georgia School of Dance - Always a sold-out show at the Regency Theatre. 

May 1-3: Georgia School of Dance - Always a sold-out show at the Regency Theatre.

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.  

May 30: Hugh W. Campbell Primary School 2nd Annual Family Fun Day & Fair - Food, fun, and entertainment including live performances by various local artists. The proceeds from this event will go towards upgrading the school. 

June 20-21: Bahamas Dance Theatre - Always a sold-out show at the Regency Theatre.

July 31-August 3: FAHS/BMES 50th Anniversary Celebrations - School alumni and friends get-together for lots of fun activities.  Click HERE to view the poster with all the details.

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.  

February 27-28, 2016: Tour of Grand Bahama Bicycle Race - To benefit Operation Christmas Child. Second annual event for cyclists of all levels.  Visit the website HERE for details throughout the year. 

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

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 7: Art Show & Wine Tasting - 18th annual event at the ABACO Inn from 11am-4pm. Call 366-0133.

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.

December 1-4: BIFF 2015 in Harbour Island - The Bahamas International Film Festival travels to ELEUTHERA.  Click HERE to visit the website.

 

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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Miami Dolphins legends to hold free football clinic for Bahamian youth 


For a second year in a row, legendary NFL great Dan Marino and the Miami Dolphins alumni will hold a free football clinic for Bahamian children ages 6 to 14 years old, this Saturday, February 21st, 2015 at 9 a.m. at the Thomas A. Robinson Stadium.

Opened to boys and girls, registration can be made online at Bahamas.com/danmarino or registration forms can be collected and dropped off at the Thomas A. Robinson Stadium, Wednesday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and at the Stadium at 8 a.m. on Saturday, February 21st, 2015.  


"These youth can expected to receive one-on-one training by some of the top professional players including Dan Marino, along with Miami Dolphins Alumni Dick Anderson, Keith Byars, Mark Clayton, Mark Duper, Hugh Green, Jim Jenson, Sam Madison, O.J. McDuffie, Louis Oliver, Joe Rose, Pat Surtain, Dwight Stephenson, Shawn Wooden and myself'", says Nat Moore, Miami Dolphins organizer.  


"We are coming together to teach the kids football fundamentals, motivate them to do the right things," he said. "We are encouraging all the Bahamians to come out and be a part of this weekend. It's good when we come down but it is also better when we meet all of the Bahamian people and make friends and it gives us incentives to keep coming for more than just an event."   

 

Former Miami Dolphin Linebacker Twan Russell, who is leading the charge in the Youth Clinic, said the attendees can expect to benefit from the years of football experience that the Legends will provide. "We are excited about doing this because the last time we did it we found that the kids wanted to learn. And we are excited to return to see if the kids retained what we taught them. Who knows? We might be building the next football star coming out of here. But at the end of the day it is about giving a positive message," he said.  

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