Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL IV. No. 42, March 5, 2015

This week in Bahama Islands Info

National News

Nassau News

Grand Bahama News

Family Islands & Abaco News

Column: Weekly fishing report

Arts & Entertainment News

Column: At the Movies

Sports News

COB students join Bahamas National Culinary Team

It was a throw-down the likes of which left mouths watering and palates yearning to be satisfied. Culinary students at The College of The Bahamas' Culinary and Hospitality Management Institute (CHMI) recently demonstrated their mastery in the kitchen and flair for preparing imaginative cuisine during the Junior Culinary Cook-Off.

Five COB student chefs competed for the chance to fill the junior chef and apprentice positions on The Bahamas National Culinary Team. The team will compete in the Taste of The Caribbean culinary competition scheduled to be held in Miami, Florida, June 12th -14th, 2015.

Click here to read more

Bahamas Aviation Academy to take flight

Beach Aviation's Bahamas Aviation Academy and the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) are proud to announce the historic launch of the only comprehensive Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Private Pilot Flight Training course offering in The Bahamas.

BTVI, in fulfillment of its mission, "To provide opportunities that enable individuals to be globally competitive and economically independent," recognized the benefit of partnering with Beach Aviation to train the next generation of private and commercial pilots in The Bahamas. The historic partnership will provide students the opportunity to be trained in a myriad of FAA approved courses while remaining in Nassau.

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Cable Bahamas wins seven international marketing awards for excellence

Cable Bahamas' innovative marketing strategies were recently recognised by an international panel of industry professionals, who selected the company as a multiple winner in the 2014 Telly Awards. The annual award honours excellence in film and video production, commercials and television programming.

Cable Bahamas received two Silver Telly awards for its short film of The Bahamas National Anthem (filmed as a tribute to the country's 40th anniversary of independence) "March On, Bahamaland" and "Get Your REVOICE", a Junkanoo-themed production promoting the REVOICE Merry Mortgage Campaign. The Silver Telly is the top honour given by the Telly Awards Committee.

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International research publication chronicles highlights of COB's 40-year history

A respected research publication that chronicles the evolution of the nation's premier tertiary education institution has been released, tracing the historical highlights of The College of The Bahamas and documenting its accomplishments in higher learning over a 40-year period.

The International Journal of Bahamian Studies (IJBS) has published the second edition of its 20th Volume which commemorates the 40th anniversary of The College of The Bahamas. The volume captures The College's evolution in administration, academic schools and departments, collegiate culture, and scholarly life. It also chronicles various aspects of COB's involvement in the community.

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WSC continues to improve water quality in New Providence

The Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) recently began a 3-month pilot programme to improve the overall water quality in New Providence, beginning in areas that encompass approximately 70% of the island's water demand.

The pilot programme has introduced SeaQuest, a certified drinking water corrosion control sequesterant, which is used by water industry professionals in the USA, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Guyana, Virgin Islands, and Trinidad. The pilot is testing the effectiveness of the product SeaQuest to address water quality challenges generally associated with aging infrastructure and aggressive water such as desalinated sources.

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'72 Munich massacre survivor to speak at Melia

Hundreds are expected to flock to the Meli� Nassau Beach on Tuesday, March 10, at 6:00pm, to hear the story of a man who survived the first live broadcasted terrorist attack. Sponsors of the event include Andbank, Ansbacher Bank, Colina Insurance, Diane Phillips & Associates, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, Restaurants Bahamas Ltd. and Union Bancaire Priv�e.

Dan Alon, an Olympic Fencer is the keynote speaker, and will share the harrowing tale of his narrow escape from the 1972 Munich Massacre in Germany. The event, which is free and open to the public, is organized by the Nassau Jewish Community. "The Munich Massacre is a vital part of history to remember," said Rabbi Sholom Bluming. "It is important that people know the story, especially as it relates to events such as terrorism, which is so rampant in the world today."

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Bahamas Institute of Financial Services (BIFS) hosts Train-the-Trainer workshop

On February 18 and 19th, 2015 the Bahamas Institute of Financial Services hosted 76 business teachers from the public schools in a two-day Train-the-Trainer workshop for the second consecutive year. The workshop was conducted in collaboration with the Business Studies Unit, of The Ministry of Education, Career and Technical Education Division.

Hosting the teachers in this two-day workshop is another way of BIFS giving back to the education system by enhancing the education experience of teachers who are preparing students to move from the classroom to the job market.

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VAT task force to host free seminar

As filing and payment for quarterly filers approaches, the Value Added Tax (VAT) Private Sector Education Task Force has decided to host a VAT Seminar on Filing and Payment of Returns. The seminar will be held on March 11th, 2015 beginning at 9:00 a.m. to 5:00P.M. and will be held at the Melia Resort on Cable Beach.

While the task force understands that many of the larger businesses have accounting firms or have employed accountants to assist with their filing and payment, there is a need for the small and medium size businesses to understand the filing and payment process.

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Grand Bahama welcomes Balearia's new larger cruise ferry 'Bahama Mama'

On Thursday, February 26th, 2015, what can be described as a new era in South Florida cruise ferry transportation began for the neighboring shores of Fort Lauderdale and Freeport. Over 100 special invited guests from throughout the travel and tourism industry climbed onboard the luxurious, state-of-the-art, 1,000 passenger capacity vessel for the official inauguration ceremony of Balearia Bahamas Express's newest addition, the "Bahama Mama" superfast Alhucemas.

Impressed with the service of the new vessel, Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, Joy Jibrilu stated that "This brand new ship will cut the time it takes to ferry passengers between us in half..." signifying "a most outstanding performance."

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Small businesses in Grand Bahama get VAT return ready

The latest 'bootcamp' presented by 2B's Productions was successfully completed last week at an all-day seminar held at the Pelican Bay Resort. Local Grand Bahamian businesspersons learned how to complete their first VAT return, which for most small businesses will be after the first quarter of the year.

The bootcamps were started by businesswomen and entrepreneurs, Sarah Kirkby of Barefoot Marketing and Leigh Termath of Bahama Buy and Sell, in response to the need for practical information about VAT. In the first part of the seminar, Chartered Accountant Christopher Baker, a local accountant and VAT expert, went over the official VAT return forms, which must be filled out online on the Government of the Bahamas' website.

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'Join Me on the Bridge' holds 6th annual International Women's Day celebration

On March 8th, women and men from The Bahamas, along with international visitors, will be joining together at the Garden of the Groves to celebrate International Women's Day. Grand Bahama's 6th annual International Women's Day celebration, "Join Me on the Bridge", will be held on the Labyrinth at the Garden of the Groves on Sunday, March 8th 2015 at 3 P.M.

Attendees of this social event will enjoy guest speakers, music, art and refreshments. They will sign the Women's Celebration banner and join together "On The Bridge" in the peaceful surroundings of the Garden. The special guest speaker is Alicia Wallace from Nassau.

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Archdeacon Bain's address at the late Sir Jack Hayward's Memorial Service

"On this February 23, 2015, we as a Grand Bahama Community, and by extension, a nation, gather to pay tribute, celebrate, and memorialized the life of a great British - Bahamian son. On behalf of the membership of the Pro Cathedral of Christ The King, the entire Anglican Diocese, my wife Ann and I, I extend condolences to Sir Jack Hayward's family, colleagues, and friends.

Many adjectives, stories, and accolades have been echoed with regards to Sir Jack's life. After all, this was a man knighted by the Queen, a hero in his homeland, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. Reports indicate, thousands lined the streets to bid final farewell in the UK earlier this month. Sir Jack, by all accounts, lived an epic life. The late Honorary Chairman of the Grand Bahama Port Authority was a pioneer who persevered, produced, demonstrated passion, understood partnership, was full of pride, and more meaningful to God and others, he was a philanthropist.

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Royal Bahamas Defence Force helps to keep Grand Bahama clean

Not only do the men and women of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) serve our country, they also serve the community. During a two month tour of duty to the island, members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Northern Command Centre tackled the shoreline of Williams Town beach on Wednesday.

The dedicated crew removed litter which appeared to wash up on land from passing vessels as well as litter left behind from persons who visit the area. "It is our mandate to guard our heritage on sea and on land, so carrying out this community service project was two-fold by beautifying the area and helping to prevent the spread of diseases as it relates to breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other pests and rodents" stated Chief Petty Officer Marcello Charlow.

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BNT takes members on a journey under the sea

Patrons of the Bahamas National Trust's (BNT) public lecture series during February were able to go on a journey exploring the world's oceans from their seats as the Grand Bahama Regional Branch of the BNT saw another packed house at their lecture on Opulent Oceans, featuring Dr. Melanie Stiassny of the American Museum of Natural History.

Dr. Stiassny provided insight on selected marine species highlighted in her book Opulent Oceans, as well as providing accompanying illustrations from the American Museum of Natural History's rare book collections. The lecture took the audience back in time, introducing some of the pioneering explorers that defined oceanography and completed remarkable work that future generations can learn from.

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Resorts World Bimini celebrates outstanding employees

The excellent work ethic of outstanding Resorts World Bimini (RWB) team members was recently celebrated in the first annual SuperService Awards and employee luncheon held at the resort. The event marked the beginning of a series of new and exciting events that are being planned to honor the company's best performers.

Thirty-three (33) outstanding nominees were recognized and applauded by their peers and managers before the big moment - the announcement of the Employee and Supervisor of the Year. Emerging as the best of the best were Kashera Hart, a Sports Book Teller from the Resorts World Bimini Casino who walked away with the Employee of the Year title; and Anthony Taylor, Laundry Supervisor from the Property Operations department who was crowned Supervisor of the Year.

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Cat Island to host Richton Park, Illinois delegation

The Cat Island Sister City Association is hosting a delegation from the Village of Richton Park, Illinois, over the next four days to conclude talks on the formation of a Sister City relationship. The seven-member delegation trip come on the heels of a similar visit a group from Cat Island paid to the people of Richton Park in September 2014 that was facilitated by Immerse Bahamas, a destination management company, which set the wheels in motion.

Heading the Richton group is Mayor Richard Reinbold and his wife, Tammy, who will be given a brief tour of New Providence before flying in to Cat Island where they will spend the majority of their visit becoming familiar with the people and its cultural and educational makeup.

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Bahamian Music and Heritage Festival returns to Exuma

Domestic tourism will get a major boost this month as Ministry of Tourism officials are preparing to host the Bahamian Music and Heritage Festival in George Town, Exuma. The event, which is scheduled for March 12-14, is going on its 11th year. Its theme this year is "Celebrating The Islands of The Bahamas."

Bahamian Music and Heritage Festival has various activities like educational storytelling, poetry readings, Bahamian history corner, arts and crafts, Bahamian dance lessons, sugar cane peeling, onion peeling and conch eating contests and culinary and bartending competitions. It will also feature gospel and secular music concerts each night of the festival. "It provides an opportunity for the small and large businesses to show their stuff and make some money. But what is most important about this event is that it encourages domestic tourists to explore the islands," said Director of Domestic Tourism Jacqueline Ramsey.

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Bahamas weekly fishing report from Harbourside Marine

Fishing report as of February 26, 2015

North Exuma, Highbourne Cay: Carolyn Cartwright form Highbourne Cay Marina reports that they have had numerous boats in this week, each catching at least 5 or 6 large Wahoo in the 60lb - 80lb range. They are also catching a a few mahi in the 30lb - 50lb range as well.

South Eleuthera, Cape Eleuthera: Captain AJ Curry reports that they are catching nice quantities of Mahi-Mahi, up to 25lbs, nice wahoo and that the seas are calm and beautiful over here.

Cat Island, Hawks Nest: Anton Mackey reports that the wahoo bite is still going strong with a 99lb wahoo caught yesterday along with a few mahi and tuna mixed in.

Photo: Berry Islands - Team 'Gusto' winners of the Great Harbour Cay Wahoo Tournament.

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Call for entries: BIFF screenwriters residency program unveils panel of Hollywood mentors

The 2015 Screenwriters Residency Program at the Bahamas International Film Festival opens for entries today! This program connects talented emerging writers with top Hollywood mentors at a world-class film festival. The program will select 4 winning screenwriters for an all-expenses paid trip to The Bahamas in December. The program consists of 4 days of screenplay development, mentorship and networking with some of Hollywood's top professionals, set against the backdrop of The Bahamas' breathtaking natural beauty and rich culture.

The Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF) is a 501(c)(3)nonprofit organization committed to providing the local community and international festival attendees with a diverse presentation of films from The Bahamas and around the world. In addition to showcasing films that might not otherwise be released theatrically, BIFF provides unique cultural experiences, educational programs, and forums for exploring the past, present & future of cinema. This screenwriting competition is open for original feature film & TV pilot entries until July 22nd.

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Chef Simeon Hall, Jr. in Atlanta for COTW 2015

Bahamian Chef Simeon Hall, Jr., is among the two dozen chefs in Atlanta, Georgia for the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation 10th Annual Chefs of the World: A Taste of Fame event and the only one from the Caribbean representing The Bahamas. Chef Hall will be the highlighted chef having travelled the farthest and plans to unveil his "fire engine bites and fried guava duff" at the cook-off at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta.

Chefs of the World (COTW) is a fundraiser which showcases top chefs and recognizes their culinary creations. Proceeds from the event will support scholarship programmes for students pursuing a degree in the fields of Hospitality or Culinary Arts.

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Artists of Grand Bahama turn their eyes to the stars

The Grand Gallery is pleased to announce Nocturnes, a group exhibition of artists based on the island, curated by Boryana Korcheva and Del Foxton. Nocturnes will open on 12 March 2015 with a curatorial tour at 6 pm, followed by opening reception at 6.30 and will last till 24 April 2015. Nocturnes explores the eternal subject of the Night, as interpreted by contemporary artists of varied cultural backgrounds living in Grand Bahama.

"The night is a constant of our physical and spiritual existence, an inherent element of our biological rhythm. It has a special symbolism in all cultures and is one of the eternal themes of the arts," said curator Boryana Korcheva. "Technology has changed our relationship with the night and yet its spiritual dimension has not diminished, nor has it lost its impact on human imagination."

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'Bring Your Own Cooler' novel beach party takes off

We are no strangers to BYOB (Bring Your Own Beer) parties. But, BYOC (Bring Your Own Cooler) - a whole cooler - unheard of! Enter Aloha, the Ultimate Cooler Beach Fete, a novel beach party set for Sunday March 15th 2pm to 9pm at Niirvana Beach that will change the way the Bahamas does soca beach fetes forever.

"ALOHA" is promised to be an event like none other. It's a Hawaiian themed beach party with a twist, where patrons can bring their own coolers with their preferred drinks," said organiser Stephan Rolle. "A fully stocked bar with bottle specials will be available for those who opt not to bring coolers. It features a non-stop mix of music from heavy hitters like Trinidad born and current South Florida resident, DJ Sinistar & Steelie Back and New Providence's DJ John Doe."

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The Amazing Love Story' contest winners revealed

End to End Band, Grand Bahama's newest and hottest bands, understanding the power of music and love, launched an exciting 6 week promotional campaign The Amazing Love Story - A Celebration of Love. The Amazing Love Story a social media based contest, got the involvement of the Grand Bahama community who nominated engaged couples who would wed in 2015 for a chance win free live wedding entertainment, saving them significantly.

The public voted for their favorite Amazing Love Story and on Valentine's Day End to End Band was pleased to announce the winners Mr. Dominick Nixon, cameraman at the Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas and Miss Ashley Penn, Public Relations Officer at the Grand Bahama Port Authority.

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Vibes on the Island returns to Sandals Royal Bahamian

The Sandals Foundation, The Coca-Cola Company and Caribbean Bottling Company Bahamas are excited to announce that "Vibes on the Island" has been rescheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2015. This year's fundraising concert in support of the Providing Access to Continued Education programme (P.A.C.E.) will also be sponsored, in part, by: Flight Centre Travel Group, JetBlue Airways, Columbian Emeralds, and The Nassau Guardian Limited.

"Vibes on the Island 2015" will once again take place on Sandals' Private Island at Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island in Nassau, Bahamas. The charity fundraiser will feature live performances from internationally acclaimed reggae recording artist, Tarrus Riley with special guests Dean Fraser & the Blak Soil Band and reggae sensation, Chronixx and ZincFence Redemption.

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At the Movies: The SpongeBob Movie - Sponge Out of Water

One of the taglines for this movie - Making Waves In Our World. When a secret formula disappears, a sea dwelling invertebrate must team up with his nemesis to find out where it is and who has it. If they are not able to return the special recipe to its rightful owner it could mean the end the their undersea society.

SpongeBob Squarepants is a fry cook at the Krusty Krab fast food restaurant in the undersea town of Bikini Bottom and he guards the secret formula to making the Krabby Patty for his boss, but when the formula vanishes he takes it upon himself to find out what happened & in the process clear the name of his enemy for the crime. Plankton is the owner of the Chum Bucket and has been trying to get the formula for making Krabby Patties for years, but now he finds himself falsely accused of a crime he almost successfully committed and must team up with his rival to find out who took his ill gotten goods before he could use it.

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Commonwealth Bank Pirates pedal 250 miles in Ride for Hope

The CB Pirates, a 10-member cycling team, pedaled a combined total of 250 miles raising $3,000 during the ninth annual Ride for Hope (R4H) biking event held in New Providence. The ride is held annually to raise funds to aid the fight against cancer.

The Commonwealth Bank team, a green sponsor of the ride, headed to the starting line with the plan of biking 20 miles each as they were originally signed up for, but once at the location and with the excitement swirling, the Pirates added an additional five miles to their overall goal. "The Bank is excited about having had the opportunity to participate as a corporate sponsor in the 2015 R4H charity event," said Mrs. Anthea B. Cox, Vice President Human Resources & Training.

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FIFA royalty views launch of new Grand Bahama Women's Champions League

A leading figure from FIFA, the governing body for world soccer, was at FRFC on Sunday to see the launch of the new Grand Bahama women's Champions League. Prince Ali Bin Al-Hussein, third son of the late King Hussein, is vice president of the organisation's Asia region.

The appearance of the Prince, who has been a champion of the women's game and has been prominent in the campaign to spotlight corruption, was the icing on the cake for an event which had sparked imaginations and had already brought out a record crowd. Sixty women and girls are taking part in the league with four squads representing Chelsea, Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, and Real Madrid, with all players wearing authentic club kit. The ages range from the mid-20s (all graduates of the girls' league which plays at the club on Saturday afternoons for five months a year) to 12.

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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.

March 7: Rugby at Winton - 2:00pm - Baillou v Freeport (Heineken Cup) and 4:00pm - Cracked Conchs v Bayonne Bombers (New Jersey)- Over 35s Tour Game.

March 10: 1972 Munich Massacre survivor tells his story - free to the public at the Melia Nassau Beach Resort at 6 pm. Click HERE to read more.

March 10: Special Screening - Las Vegas Story - at Zio Gigi's in Caves Village. $10.00 including assorted crostini and discounted drinks. 6:30pm Age 18+.

March 14: Uncle Lou Road Race - Rawson Square east to Prince Charles Dr. For more info: thesacalumni@gmail.com, FB St. Augustine's College Alumni Association, poster HERE.

March 14: Blak & Read - An Evening of Jazz, Art and Poetry at Sapodilla Estate, West Bay Street, 7pm. Click HERE to learn more.

March 15: Aloha, the Ultimate Cooler Beach Fete - 2pm to 9pm at Nirvana Beach. Click HERE to read more.

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

March 21-22: Transforming Spaces bus tour - Art lovers can't wait for this trip to 6 galleries with over 40 collections on display. Click HERE to read all about it.

March 25: Bahamas v Bermuda - FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 Qualifier at the Thomas A. Robinson Stadium. Click HERE to visit the BFA website.

April 25: Vibes on the Island - The charity fundraiser will feature live performances from internationally acclaimed reggae recording artist, Tarrus Riley with special guests Dean Fraser & the Blak Soil Band and reggae sensation, Chronixx and ZincFence Redemption. Click HERE to read more.

May 2-3: IAAF World Relays - at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium. Click HERE to read more.

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.

February 14: Ride For Hope - The Bahamas' most popular charity event on two wheels will be offering up some Valentine's fun in 2016. Click HERE to visit the website for updates throughout the year.

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

March 7: GB FNM Women's Association Health Fair & Walkathon - In aid of the Cancer Association of Grand Bahama. Click HERE to download information and entry form (PDF).

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 12: Grand Gallery's "Nocturnes" Opening Reception - At The Grand Gallery on Retail Street (Grand Lucayan) at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free. Click HERE to read more.

March 13-14, 2015: Fifth Annual Youth Benefit Fishing Tournament - And Family Fun Day. Click HERE to view the poster.

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

March 14: Annual Flower Show - Mary, Star of the Sea School 2-5pm.

March 14: Free Legal Clinic - and financial advice at the Circle Mall - Click HERE for information. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Freeport.

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 20: Rock your Socks - Celebration of World Down Syndrome Day event. Contact Wende Hanna 351-4355 for more information. Click HERE to view the poster.

March 21: ZNS Fun Run/Walk and Mini Health Fair - Click HERE for complete details and an entry form.

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

March 21: Sloppy Sloop Regatta - Race your man made, man powered "sloop" in the canal adjacent to the GB Sailing Club. Click HERE to visit the FB page.

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 3: Fish Fry - Hosted by the Freeport City Council. Independence Park from 12 noon-6 p.m. Contact: Chervita Campbell at 457-5656.

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.

April 26: "To Have and to Hold" Bridal Show 2015 - Grand Lucayan Ballroom at 4 p.m.-until. Tickets/$25 at After Seven Bridal & Formal Wear, The Seventeen Shop and Frith's Bridal.

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

May 9: 'Down Right Perfect!' - Buddy Walk Grand Bahama 2015. Contact Wende Hanna 351-4355 for more information.

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 28-31: Blue Marlin Cove Springtime Tuna Event - BSFN event at Blue Marlin Cove Resort & Marina. Click HERE for complete details.

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 18: Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament - at the Grand Lucayan Reef Course.

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

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 7: Treasure Cay Marketplace - Yard sale and Family Fun Day at Yankee Clipper Park, Treasure Cay, ABACO. Click HERE to view the poster.

March 12-14: Wahoo Smackdown VI Tournament - NEW DATE! Held at the Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina. Click HERE to read more.

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.

March 23-25: 4th Annual Hang 'Em High Challenge - at Hawk's Nest Resort & Marina, CAT ISLAND. Click HERE to visit the website.

March 25-29: Eleuthera all that Jazz - in Central Eleuthera. Click HERE to download the PDF.

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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Bishop Michael Eldon School receives bronze eco-award

Bishop Michael Eldon School (BMES), during their 50th Golden Anniversary, just received the bronze! BMES is one step closer in pursuit of being classified as an eco-school and to wave the prestigious Green Flag.

The Eco-Schools programme is the largest sustainable schools programme in the world. There are presently over 40,000 registered schools in more than 50 countries across Europe, Africa, the Middle-East, Asia, the Caribbean, USA, Mexico and The Bahamas.

Under the assistance of the Keep Grand Bahama Clean initiative, BMES joined Hugh W. Campbell Primary School in the quest for both obtaining the international certification.

During the 50th Anniversary of Bishop Michael Eldon School, the school has chosen to focus on three (3) core areas to meet their goal of waving the green flag, which includes: energy, biodiversity, and waste and litter. Under the direction of Mrs. Selim-Dela Pena, various high school students were given action goals to lead and ensure that the entire student body gets involved.

Sarah Gibbs, 11th grader and primary school coordinator states "It's very important that we include the entire school body. This is not just a project for us; it's a way of life we're trying to incorporate into our school and community."

Throughout the school year, the Eco-committee has made steps to obtaining the Bronze award by conducting an environmental review of the school, developing and sharing an action plan with the entire school, and incorporating environmental issues within the curriculum.

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