Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL IV. No. 45, March 26, 2015

This week in Bahama Islands Info

Guest Editorial

National News

Nassau News

Grand Bahama News

Column: Humane Society of Grand Bahama update

Family Islands & Abaco News

Arts & Entertainment News

Sports News

Column: Muddasick!

Guest Editorial - Let them hear you ROAR!

By Sarah Kirkby

Recently, I have seen dissenting voices making a difference in The Bahamas. One group travelled to the United Nations to plead the case for fair treatment of illegal immigrants, one was able to get bonded fuel to remain bonded and one made sure that a production company cleaned up their mess.

The choice to speak up and have people hear you ROAR, is not an easy one. I was saddened to learn that Fred Smith, QC, and Joseph Darville, a former educator, have been repeatedly threatened with physical abuse and more (read more). It's not the only case. I often go on Facebook chat forums and am horrified by the comments and viscious threats that people say to each other. It gets quite nasty and sadly quite racist very quickly.

For those that do have the nerve to stand up to illegal activities, unfair practices and just plain old "the right thing to do," I want to applaud them.

Click here to read more

Bahamas Governor General remembers father of the nation

"For the last fifteen birthdays, I have been laying a wreath at my husband's mausoleum just to say 'happy birthday' and to thank him for all he has done for me and my family and for the people of The Bahamas." These were the reflections of Governor General and widow of the father of the nation Dame Marguerite Pindling as she laid a wreath at Sir Lynden's mausoleum on Sunday, 22nd March 2015 - the day that would have marked his eighty-fifth birthday.

The Dame told reporters that once during an interview, Sir Lynden was asked how he wanted to be remembered and Sir Lynden simply replied, "I just want to be remembered."

Click here to read more

U.S. Chargé d'Affaires presents RBPF with state-of-the-art vessel to bolster maritime security

On Monday, March 23, U.S. Chargé d'Affaires Lisa Johnson, accompanied by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement's Deputy Director for Western Hemisphere Programs Susan Snyder and other senior U.S. Government officials, participated in a formal handover ceremony of a state-of-the-art, fully-equipped 41' Apostle Interceptor police vessel to the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) at the Marine Support Services Branch on Bay Street.

This latest donation by the United States Embassy valued at more than $668,000 will increase the operational capacity of the RBPF to participate in interdiction operations under Operation Bahamas, Turks and Caicos (OPBAT).

Click here to read more

BNT receives global recognition for shark conservation

The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) was one of the first groups to advocate for the protection of sharks in The Bahamas and Caribbean. The BNT was invited by the Pew Environment group in 2010 to partner with them to protect sharks in The Bahamas from commercial exploitation.

When Pew first came to the BNT, they had successfully created shark sanctuaries In the Maldives and Palau. The BNT already had a history for protecting sharks, as the BNT along with other NGO's had lobbied against long line fishing in 1994, which resulted in the prohibition of this fishing practice in The Bahamas.

Click here to read more

WSC supports the Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Programme

The Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) is proud to have once again supported the Primary School Student of the Year Programme by donating a $1,000 cheque towards the programme which aids in providing a scholarship award to the country's best and brightest primary school students during the Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year award programme.

"We are happy to sponsor the Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Programme once again," said Cheri Hanna, Assistant General Manager, Human Resources Division, WSC. "We have been sponsors for a number of years, and support the foundation in their efforts."

Click here to read more

Hundreds of students flock to hear from terrorist survivor

More than 430 students from schools across the island recently got a lesson in learning to forgive from a man who spent more than half his life learning it himself following the brutal terrorist attack that left most of his teammates dead and forever changed the face of the Olympics.

Dan Alon, one of four survivors of what has come to be known as the Munich Massacre, headed to the 1972 Games with dreams of earning a medal. Instead, the spirited young athlete at the top of his game as Israeli national fencing champ flew home, silenced, saddened beyond words, accompanied by the coffins of his teammates.

Click here to read more

CIBC FirstCaribbean donates to S.T.R.A.W. Inc. and leads financial seminar for teenage girls

To mark International Women's Day, CIBC FirstCaribbean Bahamas contributed to one of the nation's leading programmes for adolescent and teenage girls and young women - the after school leadership and development programme S.T.R.A.W. (strengthening, transforming, restoring, affirming young women) Incorporated ™ Centre for Young Women©.

As a part of the bank's corporate outreach and in recognition of International Women's Day, CIBC FirstCaribbean locations across the region donated to select organisations benefitting women and girls as a way to honour women in the communities where their banks operate.

Click here to read more

Healthy living encouraged at BTVI Wellness Fair

Making healthy choices was the focus of a recent health and wellness fair held by the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), attracting scores of students and professionals. The lively fair had health, fitness and beauty all rolled into one as 28 exhibitors provided information, samples and demonstrations of their products and/or services.

According to BTVI's Dean of Student Affairs, Racquel Bethel, the approach to wellness is holistic as January's focus was on spiritual wellness, while February was financial fitness and matters of the heart, topped off with physical, mental and emotional health during this month.

Click here to read more

Oakes Field Primary School renamed in honour of Mrs. Eva Hilton

In a bid to formally recognize Bahamians who dedicated their lives to education, post Independence, the government has continued with a school renaming exercise, which commenced a few years ago. On Thursday, March 19, the Oakes Field Primary underwent a renaming exercise and now bears the name of veteran educator and avid gardener, Mrs. Eva Hilton (nee Godet).

Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Perry was in attendance to cement the event. The Prime Minister said that he was 'humbled' and privileged to participate in the ceremony. He said that Mrs. Hilton's legacy in the field of education was synonymous with excellence.

Click here to read more

Check mate boater discovers life size game

A boater who had just docked at Palm Cay after sailing the Exumas discovered being on land was pretty interesting if you could just figure out how to play chess walking on the board to make a move.

Photographer caught up with him and captured this moment at Palm Cay Marina & Beach Club, the successful new community rising on New Providence's southeastern shore. The larger-than-life chess set that attracted this gent's attention is adjacent to the Palm Cay Marina recently awarded the highest rating by ActiveCaptain.com, the online user review site that does for those aboard yachts what TripAdvisor does for land and cruise visitors.

Click here to read more

Deep Water Cay filled with stars

Grand Bahama's best-kept secret may not be so 'hush-hush' anymore thanks to last week's visit from Tom Brokaw, Huey Lewis, Yvon Chouinard, Bill Klyn, and legendary fly-fisherman Bernard 'Lefty' Kreh.

Last week the Orion Production team, under the guidance of their CEO Chris Dorsey, flew into Deep Water Cay for a week of the world's best bonefishing, deep-sea fishing, Junkanoo, hermit crab racing, and a little singing too! The team was back again to this premier boutique resort to film a portion of season six of "Buccaneers and Bones," projected to air in America in early 2016 on the Discovery Channel.

Click here to read more

Junior Minister of Tourism winner pinned as Ambassador of 'the Grand Life'

Sixteen year old LaTess Bartlett, winner of the Junior Minister of Tourism competition for Grand Bahama, was officially pinned as an Ambassador of 'the Grand Life' on Grand Bahama by Betty Bethel, Director of Tourism for Grand Bahama at Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Academy on Tuesday. The 11th grade student emerged the winner over four other participants of the competition held on Thursday at Grand Lucayan Resort.

According to Ms. Bethel, LaTess is an "excellent candidate" for the Junior Minister competition to be held in Nassau, and whether she returns to Grand Bahama as the overall winner or not, "she is already a winner" and is expected to participate in Ministry of Tourism activities here.

Click here to read more

Preserve and protect our island ecosystems by supporting Grand Bahama park expansion plans

The Grand Bahama branch of the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) is on a mission to protect and preserve the ecosystems of Grand Bahama. They have launched a new website to highlight the need to expand two existing national parks and two new areas that they want get established as national parks.

The areas proposed in the Grand Bahama national park expansion initiative, include expansions of Peterson Cay National Park and Lucayan National Park, and the addition of East Grand Bahama and Northshore/Gap areas. The new proposed national parks will be managed for multiple use, which will be determined through consultations between local stakeholders and the BNT as the manager of the national park system.

Click here to read more

Terence Gape speaks at the GB Chamber of Commerce - The Forgotten Island

My speech today is titled "The Forgotten Island" because for years I have been saying that the only Investors that we get in Freeport are either those that are ship-wrecked or those that get off by plane by accident (But it is remarkable to note that those few who do by happenstance arrive very often fall in love with what Freeport has to offer).

Let me say immediately that, aside from the depressing state of the economic affairs of Freeport, I am excited about the prospects we have before us in this exciting year of 2015, to bring about change in our wonderful town, to cause it to be the work engine and job production engine that it should be for the whole Bahamas.

Click here to read more

Save The Bays Youth Environment Ambassadors experience nature at its finest

With chances to experience nature in its purest form becoming increasingly rare, students in Grand Bahama are being offered that opportunity twice a month, thanks to a popular program organised by the fast-growing environmental movement, Save The Bays.

More than 40 youngsters are participating in the classroom and field exploration program called Youth Environment Ambassadors. In recent weeks, they've explored national parks, kayaked through mangroves and heard from experts involved in park management and eco-tours.

Click here to read more

Happy trails for potcake Quincetta in Colorado

We're not often able to meet in person the wonderful people from abroad who adopt our potcakes. It was our absolute pleasure two weeks ago to have one of them visit our island and our shelter. Emily FitzRandolph of Denver, Colorado adopted our amazing and beloved Quincetta two years ago.

Quincetta spent almost two years in our shelter, after coming in as an abandoned stray with her litter of tiny puppies in July of 2011. She quickly became a staff favorite with her calm and loving demeanor and we were overjoyed when she was adopted by Emily via Operation Puppylift in March of 2013. It was a match made in heaven as our readers can see here via Emily's article!

Click here to read more

Community Service Day helps beautify Rand Nature Centre

Protecting our natural resources takes a team effort and there was no better example of this than when Grand Bahama students, Bahamas National Trust (BNT) staff and board members from the Grand Bahama regional branch of the BNT teamed up for a community service project at the Rand Nature Centre.

Jack Hayward High School and Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Academy students worked with BNT staff and board members to develop a new trail at the Rand Nature Centre leading to the watchable wildlife pond and native tree arboretum.

Click here to read more

Biminite earns 'Captain' at United Airlines

Wilmore Jerome Stuart a product of Bailey Town, Bimini, is making a name for himself in the airline industry and likewise making all Bahamians proud of his accomplishment. The fifty-two year old Biminite who resides in Davie, Florida was on Monday morning en route to United Airlines Headquarters for the first phase of obtaining his Captain's upgrade.

The son of Veronica Pritchard, also a Bimini native and a resident of Freeport, Grand Bahama, Mr. Stuart says he is living a dream. "As a little boy growing up on the island of Bimini, I would look to the skies as the Chalk's plane flew over the Catholic school to land in the water, and dreamt of being able to fly airplanes someday.

Click here to read more

Historic Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina scheduled for a $4.4 million renovation

Southern California-based Hankey Group of Companies, announced plans this week for a $4.4 million renovation of the historic Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina. The renovation program is now underway and entails a new pool and pool furniture, updating for the 75-slip marina (primarily docks A, B and C), rebuild for the resort's 60-foot glass-bottom dive boat and several other capital improvements to the property, including landscaping , painting, and new windows and sliding glass doors.

In 2010, the resort underwent a $3.5 million renovation that included all guest rooms, the new Bimini Big Game Bar & Grill, Hemingway Rum Bar & Social Lounge and the Outfitter Shop. The hotel is currently managed by the Horizon Hotel Group.

Click here to read more

Day 5 of the E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival in Nassau

It's music to the ears as talented young people perform during Day 5 of the E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Nassau.

Photo: Rake N' Scrape Band, 12 years & under, Gerald Cash Primary School.

Click here to view more photos

Learn the Art of Debate - LYTS offers 5 week course for middle school students

The Lucaya Youth Theatre Society (LYTS) is happy to announce they are accepting registrations for a new Art of Debating Course open to every middle school child on the island of Grand Bahama. This course was tested in 2014 with a group of students and much was learned.

Children and teens have a natural love of arguing and this course channels that strength in a positive way and trains them in the skills needed to be a leader in life. The Art of Debating course is a beginner's level and will be led by a unique collaboration of experienced coaches who are engaged in the fields of drama and of international law.

Click here to read more

Minister for Grand Bahama tours new Junkanoo Village and Museum

Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville on Thursday visited the Junkanoo Village and Museum and observed the progress of Freeport's newest attraction, the brainchild of Junkanoo enthusiast Fred Black and his partner Rashad Amahad, located on Yellow Pine Street, directly across the street from the Grand Bahama Millwork Building.

Dr. Darville told the owners that understanding Junkanoo and our heritage is very important and that he wants to make sure the venture is sustainable; he also offered suggestions to improve the facility as well as how the owners could tie into Government funding to complete the project properly.

Click here to read more

GBCCC and Agave partner to launch Carnival Cocktail Collection

The Grand Bahama Cultural Carnival Company (GBCCC) has partnered with Agave Port Lucaya to officially launch the Carnival Cocktail Collection. The new collection was launched as an expansion of the GBCCC brand as the company gets set for the launch of Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival 2015.

Public Relations Coordinator for the GBCCC Nathaniel P. Lewis spoke to the occasion saying, "It's so amazing to be able to partner with our friends at Agave to launch this collection. Agave is renowned for their incredible mojitos and margaritas and it's a place where locals and visitors alike come to unwind and relax. This atmosphere is classy, yet chill and we could not think of a more perfect brand to partner with to launch our signature cocktails."

Click here to read more

Victoria Wilchcombe debuts sci-fi novel 'Neob'

For the planet Neob and its oldest and perhaps first inhabitant the Taro Menor the world is harmonious with all conflicts between species handled and pacified. That is until the arrival of a strange and threatening creature whose ship holds a cargo of unfortunates - humans. It is inevitable that the newcomer Thylin, an Adenetian, and the Taro Menor will cross paths.

What is not inevitable is the outcome. Victoria Wilchcombe creates conflict on an alien world that perhaps might only be concluded by the weakest of the three species - but what has Thylin been doing to the humans, and how will that affect their future?

Click here to read more

Local women make a run for a good cause - introducing the Dog Days Half Marathon, 5k and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk

On May 2, 2015, runners, joggers, walkers and even dogs will take to the roads of Grand Bahama for the first Dog Days Half Marathon Run, 5k and One Mile Fun Run/Walk. Participants of all ages and even four-legged friends are encouraged to participate in this fun-filled day. The events will begin and end at the Bahamas Adventures beach club located on Jolly Roger Drive in the Freeport/Lucaya Taino Beach area.

'Through disappointment rises determination,' and that is exactly why Nikki Waugh and Siobhan Antoni-Bates have taken action to benefit their community. After hearing the news that the proposed inaugural Grand Bahama Half Marathon was postponed until 2016 these local ladies decided to organise one themselves.

Click here to read more

Bahamas vs Bermuda in an epic rugby battle

The Bahamas' men's national rugby team took on the national team from Bermuda this Saturday at the Winton Rugby Ground in Nassau. It was an epic battle played between the two teams that had polar opposite game plans. Bermuda was methodical with lots of straight running while The Bahamas was free flowing and innovative, always trying to release their players with pace.

The lead changed throughout the game with a back and forth battle culminating with The Bahamas being the eventual winners holding a 21-15 lead through a concerted attack in the final minutes by Bermuda. The Bahamas will now go to The Turks and Caicos Islands on April 18th to play their national team in hopes of winning the North America Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) northern division.

Click here to read more

Corporate Bahamas join in for second edition of IAAF World Relays

With only thirty-nine days to go before the second edition of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Relays Bahamas 2015, the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) today revealed its first five sponsors. Caribbean Bottling Company Limited through Coca-Cola; Atlantic Medical Limited; Commonwealth Brewery Limited, through its brand Kalik Radler 0.00%; the National Sports Authority (NSA) and Bahamas Waste have all signed on to be a part of this "BahAmazing" event.

To date, some 47 countries have registered for the event with over 1,000 athletes and coaches set to flock to Nassau for the relays on May 2nd & 3rd. The world's top athletes are expected to be in action in front of an estimated 30,000 spectators at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium.

Click here to read more

2015 Easter Monday Potter's Cay Dock Boat Show to bring awareness of Bahamian traditions

Advancing the Sloop Sailing Sport to bring awareness of a Bahamian tradition, the Ministry of Agriculture, Marine Resources & Local Government is sponsoring a one-day boat show in honour of Captain Emmett Munroe, a well-known Boat Captain, Engineer and Sloop Sailing pioneer, who championed many sailing competitions over the last 40 years.

Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources & Local Government, the Hon. V. Alfred Gray on Monday announced the opening of the Potters Cay Boat Show in the Ministry's Conference Room at the Island Traders Building, East Bay Street, as the start of the summer sailing calendar which will launch Easter Monday, April 6.

Click here to read more

First Baptist Church to hold Fun Walk and Health Fair

On Saturday, April 25, 2015, First Baptist Church will hold a Fun Walk and Health Fair from 6:00 a.m to 12:00 noon at the First Baptist Pre-School Auditorium.

Registration for Fun Walk - $15.00.

The event will also include free Health Screenings, Seminars and a Kids Corner. For further information contact the church at 352-9224.

Click here to read more

Muddasick! To the disgusting people that trashed Fortune Cay Beach

To the DISGUSTING people that had a party over the weekend (I think on Sunday) at Fortune Cay Beach (just west of Banana Bay, first beach access) you should be ASHAMED of yourselves.

The filth and garbage you left behind was mind blowing to me and the pictures I took this evening do not portray the magnitude of garbage (mostly clear plastic cups, bottles, and cans) that were EVERYWHERE.

Click here to read more

----------
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 26: Forum: "Who Framed the Constitution and What were They Thinking?" - 7pm at the Parish Hall of Holy Cross Anglican Church with Sir Arthur Foulkes. FREE!

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 28: Parkinson Moving Day - Fun run/walk, 6am at Montagu. Click HERE to view the poster.

March 28: Bahamas Red Cross Society Fair 2015 - 12 noon-until ... Government House Grounds, Lower Gardens. Enjoy fun-filled family entertainment.

March 28: Mind.Body.Spirit Festival - 12noon-6pm at The Place for Art, Doongalik Studios grounds, Village Road. Click HERE for more info at the Festival's Facebook page.

March 28: Kingdor National Parkinson Foundation 15th Annual Walk/Run Competition - at Montagu. 6am start.

March 28: Bahamas Masqueraders Mas Camp 2015 - 9am-3pm at Bahamas Welding & Fire grounds.

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

April 4: Breeze-a-thon Triathlon - and Family Fun Day at Goodman's Bay Park. Sprint and Olympic distances, kids race and relays. Click HERE to learn more.

April 6: Sail Away to Colonial Beach - Soca, sun, sand, beach fete at Colonial Island. Boat leaving Prince George Wharf every 30 minutes from 10am.

April 11: 'It's a Bahamian Ting' - Concert at Arawak Cay, 6pm-midnight. Click HERE to read more.

April 11: Kingdor National Parkinson Foundation Gala Ball - at the Melia Nassau Beach Resort. Guest Performing Artist is American Soul Singer, Mr. Freddie Jackson.

April 15-16: Conclave of Chambers of Commerce - at the Melia Resort. Contact 322-2145.

April 17: BAARK Carnival - Let's Pawty! Click HERE to view the invitation and support your four-legged friends. All proceeds from the event go to our spay/neuter & education programs all over the Bahamas.

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.

June 21: Potcakeman Sprint Mixed Team Relay - Another chance for your team of 4! Click HERE to learn more.

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.
__________________________________________________

GRAND BAHAMA EVENTS

March 26: GB Chamber of Commerce Mix & Mingle - Location to be announced. Call 352-8329 for details.

March 27-28: GB Agribusiness Expo - at Goombay Park from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

March 28: Mission Beauty - Beach clean-up along Port o' Call Drive Beach. All day.

March 28: RBPF Steak-out - and family fun day at Taino Beach 12-6pm.

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

March 28: El Pinko's All White Birthday Celebration - With live music and the country's top DJs. Click HERE to view the poster. Grand Lucayan, doors open at 10pm.

April 2: Junkanoo Carnival Cocktail Contest - at Agave in Port Lucaya.

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 6: Easter Egg-Stravaganza - Primary School Egg Relays and Pre-school Easter Egg Hunt at Burger King Ranfurly Circus Field, 9am. FREE!

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 18: Farewell Appreciation Dinner - Recognizing Nurse Administrators, Ms. Audrey Rolle, Deputy Principal Nursing Officer and Mrs. Pearline Young, Senior Nursing Officer. 6:30 p.m. at Le Chateau on the Green. RSVP 350-6700 Ext. 2053.

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

April 25: First Baptist Church Fun Walk and Health Fair - 6am-noon at First Baptist Pre-School Auditorium. $15 to walk, free Health Screenings, Seminars and Kids Corner. Contact the church at 352-9224.

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 2: Dog Days 1/2 Marathon and 5K - NEW! - Registration now open for this exciting local event. Click HERE to download the form (PDF). Click HERE to visit the FB page. Volunteers also needed to assist. Proceeds to benefit the Humane Society of Grand Bahama.

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.
_________________________________________________________________

FAMILY ISLANDS & ABACO EVENTS

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

March 28: Bond... James Bond - Party at Staniel Cay Yacht Club, EXUMA. Costumes fun and prizes from 6pm.

April 4: Easter Party - at Firefly Sunset Resort, Hope Town, ABACO. Easter egg hunt and face painting for the kids from 11:30am.

April 12-19: Marsh Harbour Restaurant Week - ABACO. Visit AbacoBuzz.com for details.

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 1-3: 11th Annual Island Roots Heritage Festival - in historic New Plymouth on Green Turtle Cay, ABACO.

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. Registration now open! Click HERE. 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.

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 17-18: Barefoot Man at Nippers - Guana Cay ABACO. Popular rum-soaked lyrics and fun from the Cayman Islands' #1 musical artist. Accompanied by the Sea & B band.

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!

November 12-14: Wahoo Smackdown VII - BIMINI Big Game Club & Marina. Click HERE for information.

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.

__________________________________________________________________

2015 Bahamas National Spelling Bee winner - Charles Hamilton, Jr.

Grooming National School-Aged Top Spellers in various districts to compete, in hopes of winning the coveted title of top speller, the Bahamas National Spelling Bee (BNSB) held its 18th Annual Bahamas National Spelling Bee Final Competition on March 22 at in the Crown Ballroom at the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island.

Minister of Education, Jerome Fitzgerald, said that the dedication and commitment displayed has propelled the participants to have the opportunity to be chosen to represent The Bahamas at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington D.C.

Winner Charles Hamilton, Jr., declared: "I was very nervous, with all the people there, how I was severely outnumbered by girls, I didn't think or have enough faith within myself to think that I could actually come first or come out victorious. I emerged First Place and I'm so happy."

Young Mr. Hamilton said that he's going to Washington, D.C. and what pushed him along was his 'wonderful coach,' Dr. Ruth Brown, who, he said, always wanted to see Washington, D.C. again. Charles attends St. Anne's School and was representing the BAISS District.

Second Prize winner was Jasmine Adamson of Stephen Dillet Primary School.

Third Prize winner was Prachi Kondapuran of Queen's College, who was the winner last year.

Click here to read more