Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL IV. No. 43, March 12, 2015

This week in Bahama Islands Info

National News

Nassau News

Grand Bahama News

Column: Humane Society of Grand Bahama update

Family Islands & Abaco News

Arts & Entertainment News

Column: At the Movies

Sports News

Column: Tom Purvis reports

Column: Weekly fishing report

Column: Muddasick!

Freelance journalist to speak at conference in New York on gender equality

Freelance journalist and young entrepreneur, Noelle Nicolls was invited to speak at an event on equality and nationality laws in New York during the high profile United Nations meeting of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). At the event, Noelle will be representing a local, civil society organization working to advance constitutional equality, which she supports as a part of her community service.

The event on March 12, 2015 will be hosted by the Global Campaign for Equal Nationality Rights, an initiative of the Women's Refugee Commission; an international, non-governmental organization (NGO). This is the first time a civil society member of the national delegation has been invited to be a speaker at an NGO Side Event.

Click here to read more

Commonwealth Day recognized in The Bahamas in 'Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth' ceremony

The Commonwealth Flag was raised in The Bahamas at 10:00 a.m. in Rawson Square, downtown, Nassau, in accord with the raising of Commonwealth Flags around the world -- throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, UK Overseas Territories and Commonwealth Countries in a shared celebration of Commonwealth Day 2015, Monday, March 9.

Hoisting the flag were boys and girls from the Scout Association of The Bahamas, Bahamas Girl Guides Association, and the Boys Brigade who marched from the General Post Office on East Hill Street to Rawson Square in the centre of town, where they conducted the flag raising to the theme, 'Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth.'

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Newly appointed CEO of Save The Bays to spearhead renewed focus on groundbreaking Youth Environmental Ambassadors program

The effort to protect the environment is ultimately a struggle to preserve the country's natural heritage for the benefit of future generations, according to Vanessa Haley-Benjamin. That is why the newly appointed CEO of fast-growing social and environmental movement Save The Bays (STB), believes nothing could be more important than inspiring young Bahamians to take up the mantle of environmental stewardship.

"The environment and its protection has always been an integral part of my life," she said. "Being raised to respect the environment for what it is and what it has to offer us has inspired me to pursue a career to work to protect it and ensure its sustainable use."

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$16 million COB transformation project launched - towards University of The Bahamas

Aimed at strengthening the institution in key areas that will undergird the future University of The Bahamas, The College of The Bahamas Transformation Project was launched on Wednesday, March 4th during a special ceremony held at the Harry C. Moore Library and Information Centre.

The project is the direct result of a USD$16.18 million loan that the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) is extending to the Government of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas. The loan is to fund specific capacity-building initiatives at The College as it advances in its university transition. The Bahamas government has affirmed that The College of The Bahamas will attain university status by the end of 2015.

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Straw vendor Mariam Jones shares her late sister's gardening passion at the 2015 GRAC Agricultural Expo

A labour of love drove Mariam Ferguson Jones to share her late sister's passion for home gardening with her fellow Bahamians at the recent 2015 Gladstone Road Agricultural Expo. Mrs. Jones said she took the time this weekend to remember her sister by displaying the jarred fruits and pickled vegetables to give something back to her sister.

"I'm representing my sister, who is now deceased as of last year. Her name was Rowena Fox. She was a schoolteacher for 47 years. Now, I'm here sitting with her daughter, who is now the principal of a high school in the South," said Mrs. Jones. "My sister made jams, which my niece continued: making guava jams, raspberry jams, hogplum jams, jerk pepper jam, ya got the sweet pickles, pickled kale, pineapple, and native plants, if you wish to plant them in your yard -- all from my sister's garden out South Beach. My niece was an agriculture teacher, but she's now a principal, but she never forgets her work, so she puts her hands in the dirt all day."

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Forestry Week to highlight Primeval Forest National Park

Last weekend the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) participated in an exciting opportunity to highlight forestry in The Bahamas by hosting the Forestry Unit of the Ministry of the Environment and Housing at the BNT Primeval Forest National Park. They were also pleased that the Minister of the Environment and Housing, Hon. Kenred Dorsett, was able to attend and tour the park and see the visitor services facilities there.

"Minister Dorsett was overjoyed being at the park," said Cameron Saunders, BNT Deputy Park Warden. "He was impressed with the design of the Visitor Centre, the layout of the park and the environmentally friendly composting toilets, which he felt should be emulated in all parks."

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Ports International donates to the Bahamas AIDS Foundation

Local medical supplier Ports International Limited recently made a donation towards the Bahamas AIDS Foundation. The Bahamas AIDS Foundation is a non-profit, non-government organization dedicated to the fight against HIV/AIDS in the Bahamas and worldwide with numerous education and treatment initiatives.

To help support the fight against HIV/AIDS in the community or to make a donation to the AIDS Foundation, call 242-325-9326 or email aidsfoundationbahamas@yahoo.com.

Pictured L-R: Michele Rassin-Moodie, VP Ports International, presenting a check to Cardell McClam, Career Development Coordinator for the Bahamas Aids Foundation.

Smart new uniforms for Nassau Flight Services' porters and ramp workers

Porters and Ramp workers at the Lynden Pindling International Airport are now wearing smart new uniforms sporting the distinctive Bahamas Telecommunications Company, (BTC) brand logo and tag, 'BTC Everyday.' BTC provided the uniforms to Nassau Flight Services and an Alacatel Pop C2 cell phone along with $50 phone cards for each of the 125 employees. BTC also brightened up and branded the Nassau Flight Services employee bus.

BTC CEO Leon Williams spoke at the airport presentation calling the Porters goodwill tourism ambassadors for the country. "Our visitors and our locals alike are welcomed every day, by a group of men and women, who provide assistance, and make our arrivals or departures that much more memorable. These group of individuals are the airports porters and ramp workers that go above and beyond the call of duty every single day. As they are goodwill ambassadors for the country, they will likewise be goodwill ambassadors for BTC."

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Baha Mar launches 'Be Seen & Win' promotion

As Baha Mar welcomes its first guests to the 'New Riviera', Bahamians will have the chance to win big, even before the casino opens. Baha Mar launched its 'Be Seen & Win' promotion Sunday, following a day of exciting musical performances, culinary delights and a stunning fireworks display at historic Fort Charlotte.

Until April 15, 2015, all New Providence residents have the chance to win thousands of dollars in prizes and experience at the world-class resort. Motorists flying a Baha Mar flag can win indulgent signature spa treatments at ESPA, dining experiences at Baha Mar's top dining venues and overnight stays in some of the resort's best suites.

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Carey Leonard presents at the Grand Bahama Business Outlook: Hawksbill Creek Agreement - Where Do We Go?

2015 is a very important year, not only for the stakeholders here in the Port Area on Grand Bahama, but also for our country, as a whole. This year we are faced with an opportunity; we are at a crossroads; we are at a point in time when we can either make decisions that are as truly, innovative and life changing as the original Hawksbill Creek Agreement in 1955 or we can take a conservative, botched up, band aid approach as we did in the 1990's.

All that was done in the early 90's was to extend, to 2015, that which had already existed. The results were a couple of new investments, container port and shipyard, though nice, which can in no way be compared to the massive investment that created the infrastructure and massive development that were created in the first 20 years of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement.

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Committee announced to review Hawksbill Creek Agreement

A six-member committee to review the Hawksbill Creek Agreement was announced by Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie on Thursday during a press conference at Grand Lucayan.

The committee is headed by Dr. Marcus Bethel, businessman and former Minister of Health. Other members include: Sir Baltron Bethel, member; Mr. James Smith, member; Mr. Kevin Seymour, member; Mr. Maurice Moore, member and Ms. Cassietta McIntosh, member. W. Albert Gray is a consultant, and Dr. Doswell Coakley, Ms. Chevonia McBride of the Ministry for Grand Bahama, and Mr. Terrance Roberts of the Ministry of Tourism, make up the Secretariat.

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6th annual 'Join Me on the Bridge' a huge success

On March 8th, women and men of all ages from The Bahamas, along with international visitors and special guests, joined together at the Garden of the Groves to celebrate International Women's Day. With perfect springtime weather and the peaceful garden as the backdrop, more than 100 guests gathered around the Grand Bahama Labyrinth for an afternoon filled with music and art, refreshments, and signing the celebration banner. The afternoon culminated with its ceremony that included the event's annual high school essay and art competition awards and guest speakers, artists and musicians.

Lynette McInnes, who has organized "Join Me on the Bridge" in Grand Bahama since its inception in 2010 said, "I couldn't be more thrilled about our sixth event. This year's theme was 'Inspiring Women', and with our talented line up of musicians, singers, students, and special guest speaker, Alicia Wallace, we were successful in doing just that, inspiring!"

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Proud pups and parents strut their stuff at the Humane Society of Grand Bahama's 30th Annual Dog Show

Despite intermittent afternoon showers, the HSGB's 30th Annual Dog Show was a howling success, held last Saturday, March 7th, on the shelter grounds on Coral Road. An incredible array of handsome dogs showed off their skills, or sometimes just their beauty, to the delight of all. Guest Judge Kim Aranha, Bahamas Humane Society (Nassau) President, certainly had no easy task choosing the winners in each group, and then in the most difficult of all, the incredibly tough Best in Show finale. Mrs. Aranha said, "Truly every single participant here today is a winner, and these dogs' owners should be very proud of themselves and their dogs."

Congratulations to Gnasher, a gorgeous 3 year old Potcake mix, and his proud parents, Mick and Caraline Holding, who walked away this year with the coveted President's Trophy for Best in Show.

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GBPA assessing micro enterprise development and business incubation for Freeport

Business incubation has become a growing trend in Caribbean countries over the past 10 - 15 years. Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Trinidad and Tobago are a few neighboring jurisdictions that have recently established business incubators as launch pads for start-up of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME). The programme acts as a catalyst for growth and offers much needed support, business expertise and access to funding for businesses with strong growth potential during its most critical phase.

The World Bank and Inter-American Development Bank statistics show that incubators increase the survival rate of start-up businesses from 35 per cent to as high as 87 per cent. And, according to President of The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA), Ian Rolle, the concept is being eyed as a short term initiative to assist Freeport's small business sector.

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'Best Beach Photo Competition' winner arrives in Grand Bahama

Winner of the 'Best Beach Photo Competition' Paula Fishman of New York -- arrived in Grand Bahama on Wednesday. Paula entered the Best Beach Photo Competition, using about six pictures taken in the Exumas. Exuma is well-known for its exotic wildlife and spectacular beaches.

Paula, having won a trip to The Bahamas is thrilled to be here, where she feels all beaches are gorgeous. This is her second time on Grand Bahama where she is looking forward to eating some conch salad, hanging out with the beautiful people of The Bahamas, relaxing on the beach, and doing a little shopping.

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Village of Richton Park, Illinois delegation visit Cat Island

A four-day visit to Cat Island last week has yielded plans for a subsequent trip by Mayor Richard Reinbold and a delegation from the Village of Richton Park, Illinois, for a formal signing of a Sister City agreement between the two communities. The seven-member delegation's trip followed a similar visit which a group from Cat Island paid to the people of Richton Park in September 2014.

At the dinner reception Monday, the special guests got a taste of the island life, from the down-home sounds of the Cat Island original Lassido Boys and the Gully Roosters Rake 'n' Scrape live band to native Bahamian dishes like conch salad, crab and rice and guava duff.

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2015 Great Abaco Family Fitness Weekend is coming

The 2015 Great Abaco Family Fitness Weekend is coming to Treasure Cay, March 20-22nd! The weekend of events for all ages begins on Friday:

Fri, 5pm - 1 Mile Open Water Swim
Sat, 7:30am - Sprint & Olympic Triathlons (Ind & Relay)
Sat, 11am - 1 Mile Kids' Run
Sun, 8am - 5k/10k Fun Run/Walk

Proceeds benefit the Rotary Club of Abaco and Friends Of The Environment.

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Governor General visits Mangrove Cay, Andros

Governor General Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling made an official visit to Mangrove Cay, Andros, on Friday, March 6, 2015.

Also visiting Mangrove Cay were the Minister of Education, Science and Technology the Hon. Jerome Fitzgerald and Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Dr. Daniel Johnson, and His Excellency Picewell Forbes, High Commissioner to CARICOM and MP for Mangrove Cay and South Andros, and other government officials.

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Lucaya International School Year 13 Visual Arts students prepare for exhibition March 16-17

Year 13 Visual Arts students of Lucaya International School Jessica McBrayer, Audrey O'Brien, Sophie Paine, Marlena Leonard and Sydney Pakosh are finalizing work for their upcoming International Baccalaureate Art Exhibition.

This exhibition will feature exciting and original work done over a two-year period. Studio pieces and student workbooks will be on display and the students are looking forward to greeting guests, presenting their work and answering questions. The exhibition will be held in the I.B. student lounge at Lucaya International School from March 16th-20th.

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The Bahamas National Youth Choir to mark 25th concert season

One of The Bahamas' true cultural treasures, The Bahamas National Youth Choir, will mark its 25th concert season March, 25th - 28th, 2015 at The Dundas Center for the Performing Arts, Mackey St. Nassau, New Providence. Preparations for this milestone concert season are well on their way and it promises to be a grand performance covering a wide genre of music. The event will be under the distinguished patronage of Her Excellency, Dame Marguerite Pindling.

Established in 1990, the choir has become well-known for a repertoire that showcases both the vocal talent and engaging stage presence of the members. The Choir maintains a reputation for delivering performances of the highest calibre and has filled concert halls across the Caribbean, Europe and North America.

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Full house at first Save The Bays Grand Bahama concert fundraiser

Scores of people from every walk of life packed a concert this weekend hosted by Save The Bays, singing along with performers, dancing and helping to raise funds for the fast-growing environmental movement. Organisers hailed the February 28 fundraiser, Chillin' by the Dock of the Bay, a success.

The event was held at the popular Flying Fish Restaurant, home of Chef Tim Tibbitts, a Bahamian who returned to his roots after a successful performing career in Canada and is now ranked as one of the Caribbean's 25 best chefs. The concert brought five performers together with one common goal - protecting the waters of The Bahamas.

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Jazz vocalist boosts Palm Cay Facebook likes by 1,000

The advent of a sultry and sophisticated voice has catapulted Facebook likes for a popular southeastern shore development in record time. Less than two weeks after adding Bahamian jazz vocalist Naomi Godet-Taylor to its restaurant's Friday night line-up, Palm Cay's Facebook page jumped by more than 1,000 Likes.

"We're always looking for innovative ideas and offerings for residents and members to make Palm Cay the most exciting and friendly place to live," said Palm Cay's lifestyle manager Garry Godfrey. "Naomi Godet-Taylor was the perfect addition to our Friday night. The numbers prove that -- we've had a full house of 150 for the last two weeks and have had to turn away many who called for reservations."

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Celebrating our Bahamian icons - 'Culture 101'

The local group, "Cultural Legacy", is putting on a production to showcase Bahamian culture starting from the 1900's through the 1960's. This will include music, dance and drama works from Bahamian trailblazers such as Paul Meeres, Blind Blake, Freddie Munnings Sr., George Symonette, Eloise Lewis, Maureen DuValier, "Peanuts" Taylor, John "Chippie" Chipman and the BBC Singers. There will be a Gala event at the Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts on Friday, March 20th at 8:00pm with a cocktail reception immediately following and a second performance on Saturday, March 21st at 6:00pm.

Today's artists will be depicting each cultural icon in song and dance. The Dicey Doh Singers and Freddie Munnings Jr. will join in as well as others to share the works of our talented trail blazers. Peanuts Taylor and John 'Chippie' Chipman will be on stage together, doing what they do best - drumming! Other featured performers include Ronald Simms, Claudette 'Cookie' Allens, Patricia Bazard, Sweet Emily, Chase Miller, Ryan Albury, Marcel Sherman and more.

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'TNCS' The Nat Cambridge Show launched with discussion of 'The Road To Carnival' on Grand Bahama

On Monday TNCS was pleased to have Nathaniel Lewis of the Grand Bahama Cultural Carnival Company and Yolanda Hanna representing The Bahamas National Festival Committee. A spirited discussion about the opportunities available to the Grand Bahamian public via the events scheduled for April 17th-18th as GB becomes "The Road To Carnival".

Events will transpire on Taino Beach and will include a concert series that features each and every semi-finaliste in the BJC Song Competition. Grand Bahama! This is your opportunity to get involved in and benefit financially from this series of planed yearly events. Get on board!

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UNESCO's International Jazz Day planned for Pompey Square in April

The year 2015 marks the 70th anniversary of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)," said Dr. Leon Higgs, Secretary-General of UNESCO-Bahamas, who spoke on behalf of Minister of Education, Science and Technology the Hon. Jerome Fitzgerald during a press conference to announce plans in observance of the anniversary.

UNESCO-Bahamas announced it will hold its 2nd annual UNESCO International Jazz Day scheduled for Thursday, April 30, in Pompey Square, downtown, Nassau. The opening session will be at 1:00 p.m. followed by continuous music from 2:00 to 10:00 p.m. A grand concert that evening begins at 6:00 p.m. "This will mark UNESCO's 4th International Jazz Day," said Dr. Higgs.

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At the Movies: Focus

One of the taglines for this movie - Never Drop The Con. A con artist takes on a wet-behind-the-ears apprentice during a prime multi-level con, but soon he must figure out if he is conning himself when feelings become involved. When a con must now be played in another country it is not clear who is on the side of the other or who may be playing the other for their own gain.

Nicky 'Mellow' Spurgeon is a veteran con man with a very talented crew of con artists of varying accomplishments at his disposal for an annual con job which could make them a combined score of millions, but when he takes a new rookie con artist under his wing she may be the one who proves his father's nickname for him correct. Jess Barrett is a small time con artist running scams in the lower leagues, but when she meets Nicky he opens up opportunities for her to show what she can really accomplish in the big leagues and as they get closer to each other it becomes clear that she may be in over her head.

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GB Shipyard's 5th annual fishing tournament casts off this weekend

Not only do they fix ships but they love to be on them too! This year will make the fifth year that the staff of the Grand Bahama Shipyard (GBS) will host their popular annual fishing tournament, set for Saturday, March 14th, 2015 at the Grand Bahama Yacht Club on Midshipman Road.

With "Donating to our Youth" as this year's theme, the management team and dedicated workers of the yard will take to the seas and to the Grand Bahama Yacht Club to raise funds for the Grand Bahama Children's Home, the Grand Bahama Youth Choir, the Sir Charles Hayward Library, local schools on Grand Bahama, and members of the 2nd IAAF World Relay Team from Grand Bahama. "We have been very successful over the years since we started with only 13 boats five years ago," said GBS COO Reuben Byrd and Tournament Director.

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Tom Purvis on sports: Is Harry Kane England's answer?

Harry Kane was born in Chingford a town close to London and played for local club Ridgeway Rovers which has produced some great young players the most famous being David Beckham. At age 8 Harry signed for Arsenals youth academy Harry stayed there for 3 years before signing for Tottenham at age 11. In the 2009-2010 season Harry played for the under 18s scoring 18 goals in 22 appearances.

The next season Harry was loaned to Leyton Orient as Tottenham believed that first team experience playing in a lower divison would be good for his overall experience. Harry scored his first senior goal against Sheffield Wednesday in a 4-0 win for Leyton. In 2011 Harry Kane returned to Tottenham and made his senior debut in a Europa league tie against Scottish side Hearts.

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Bahamas weekly fishing report from Harbourside Marine

Fishing report as of March 5, 2015

The offshore fishing will be great through out the archipelago for the next few months. The wahoo bite is still strong, the mahi are passing through, especially in the Exuma Sound, and there are plenty of big tuna offshore.

North Eleuthera: Everything: tuna, some wahoo and lots of mahi were caught off of north Eleuthera this week.

Andros: There have been some wahoo caught off of south Andros.

Cat Island, Hawks Nest: Lots of mahi with the occasional wahoo.

Photo: Cat Island - 'Water Sampler' Captain Sonny Walker with 49lb Mahi a few days ago.

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Muddasick! 'Operation Snatch Back' - what a misnomer!

I understand the police operation on Friday in Freeport was called "Operation Snatch Back". That was a poorly chosen name for the operation. It should have been named "Operation Snarl Up". It "snarled" the entire island.

If the police were trying to impress me and hundreds of other motorists with their crime fighting diligence they failed miserably. All they ended up doing was frustrating hundreds of law abiding drivers unnecessarily. The fact is that if the traffic division of the police force was doing its job with reasonable diligence on a daily basis such horrific traffic log jams would be completely unnecessary. A traffic stop here, a small road block there etc. would get the same results without stacking traffic up for miles.

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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 12: Exhibition: Evolution of Colours - 6pm - 9pm, The Central Bank of The Bahamas Art Gallery

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 19-20: Nassau Music Society presents Polina Leschenko & Nathan Braude - Thursday, 7pm | St. Paul's Church Hall, Lyford Cay and Friday, 7pm, Government House Ballroom, Mt Fitzwilliam. Click HERE to visit the website.

March 20-21: Celebrating our Bahamian icons - 'Culture 101' - Gala event Friday at the Dundas. Click HERE to read all about it.

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 22: Xzotica Fashion Show - All male exotic fashion review. Click HERE to view the poster.

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

March 25-28: Bahamas National Youth Choir 25th concert season - at The Dundas Center for the Performing Arts, Mackey St. Click HERE to read more.

March 30: Exhibition: Spring Forward - 6pm at COB's Performing Arts Centre. Artwork by: Cameron Johnson (AA, Art) and Now� Harris-Smith (BA, Art Education). Click HERE for event's Facebook page.

April 18: Atlantic Medical Fun Walk - Make a date with your shoes to join this popular annual event! Call 326-8191 for registration details.

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.

April 30: UNESCO's International Jazz Day - Pompey Square, downtown, Nassau. The opening session will be at 1:00 p.m. followed by continuous music from 2:00 to 10:00 p.m. A grand concert that evening begins at 6:00 p.m.

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

May 7-9: Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival - The dates have been set for this new event featuring four exciting musical events. Click HERE to visit the official website.

June 13: Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga at Atlantis - Imperial Ballroom. Call 363-6601 or visit the Atlantis Box Office.

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 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 14: Rugby - Freeport vs Old Blue out of New York. 4:30pm kick-off.

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 17: BNT Lecture - Free public lecture on a new bonefish management strategy with Grand Bahamian Justin Lewis. Click HERE to view the poster.

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 20-22: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Sir Cecil Wallace-Whitfield - FNM GB events. Friday) Youth Ablaze Talent Explosion, 7 p.m. at the Sir Cecil Wallace-Whitfield Center (FNM HQ). Saturday) Council's Family Fun Day. At 12 noon at the Sir Cecil Wallace-Whitfield Center. Sunday) Annual Church Service, 10 a.m. at The Pro Cathedral of Christ the King.

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: Toastmasters presents '1600 Shades of Grey Ladies Night' - This is a night where the ladies are pampered by the men. A fun filled event at the Grand Lucayan. Click HERE to view the poster.

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

March 26-28: Grand Bahama Half Marathon POSTPONED - and Beach Beats 5K weekend. Tentative new date April 9, 2016. Click HERE to visit the event website.

March 28: UsToo GB Prostate Cancer Awareness Golf Tournament - At the Bahama Reef Country Club.

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. Parties at Taino Beach. Click HERE to visit the website.

April 18: Atlantic Medical Fun Walk - Make a date with your shoes to join this popular annual event! Call 351-3960 for registration details.

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 12: Exhibition: Paintings by Elizabeth Berry - 6pm to 9pm, Princess Street Gallery, Harbour Island. ELEUTHERA.

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 now up: www.bahamasbillfish.com.

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 open www.bahamasbillfish.com.

May 27-30: Bahamas Billfish Championship #3 - TREASURE CAY. Registration/new website at www.bahamasbillfish.com.

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 now open www.bahamasbillfish.com.

June 27: 7th Annual Green Turtle Cay Lionfish Derby - Cash prizes, trophies, lionfish tasting and helping out the environment by lowering the numbers of the invasive Lionfish. info@greenturtleclub.com. ABACO.

July 3-11: Regatta Time in ABACO - From north to south, sailing fun and festivities throughout the cays. www.regattatimeinabaco.com.

July 18: Seagillian Cycling Fest - 1st annual cycling event on Spanish Wells! Organised by Chad Albury. This race will be run the same weekend as the Legendary Spanish Wells Fisherman's Fest, so we welcome you to come for the race and stay for the Fisherman's Fest. More information coming soon!

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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U.S. Embassy Nassau honours disability rights activist Sheila Culmer with prestigious Woman of Courage award

On Friday, March 6, U.S. Charg� d'Affaires Lisa Johnson hosted a reception at Liberty Overlook in honor of Ms. Sheila Culmer, U.S. Embassy Nassau's nominee for the 2015 U.S. Secretary of State's Award for International Women of Courage (IWOC). Among the invited guests on hand for the event were Mrs. Anne Marie Davis, wife of Deputy Prime Minister Philip Davis, Minister of Labour and National Insurance The Hon. Shane Gibson and Member of Parliament for Long Island Loretta Butler-Turner.

The U.S. Secretary of State's International Women of Courage Award was established in 2007 and honors women around the globe who have exemplified exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for human rights, women's equality, and social progress, often at great personal risk. U.S. Embassy Nassau has established a tradition of hosting an event in March in honor of both the local Woman of Courage nominee and Women's History Month. Mrs. Culmer was nominated for the 2015 Secretary's Award for International Women of Courage for her role in advocating for laws to protect disabled people. Her persistence and tenacity played an integral role in bringing legislation to Parliament, resulting in the July adoption of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities) Act of 2014.

In her formal remarks, Charg� Johnson lauded Mrs. Culmer for being a nation builder who has given her life to assisting members of the disabled community and for her efforts to ensure full access and equality. "Her efforts have empowered the disabled to further their education, seek employment and become productive citizens of the society," she said. The Charg� added, "Ms. Culmer's work is an inspiration and encouragement to many, including the parents and caregivers who give tirelessly of themselves day in and day out to provide a safe and nurturing environment for disabled children and adults."

In her response, Mrs. Culmer stated, "I am honored, privileged and humbled to have had the opportunity to be a voice for those who are often not heard or lost in the crowd: the disabled community." She added, "I sincerely thank the United States Embassy for recognizing me for what I now know is my vocation and passion."

Click here to read more