Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL IV. No. 46, April 2, 2015

This week in Bahama Islands Info

National News

Nassau News

Grand Bahama News

Column: Humane Society of Grand Bahama

Family Islands & Abaco News

Arts & Entertainment News

Column: At the Movies

Sports News

Column: Bahamas fishing report

Third lunar eclipse of the tetrad to make night sky glow this weekend

This Easter weekend the world will experience a Total Lunar Eclipse or "Blood Moon", on April 4, 2015 and will be visible in most of North America, South America, Asia and parts of Australia. The Moon will be totally eclipsed (totality) for about 5 minutes. From beginning to end, it will last for 3 hours and 29 mins. This is the third eclipse in the 2014-2015 tetrad.

A tetrad ( meaning four) is a series of 4 Blood Moons. During a total lunar eclipse, the Sun, Earth and Moon form a straight line. The Earth blocks any direct sunlight from reaching the Moon. The Sun is behind the Earth, so the Sun's light casts the Earth's shadow on the Moon. This shadow covers the entire Moon and causes a total lunar eclipse.

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Student leaders inspire action at BREEF environment summit

Seventy young environmental leaders from around The Bahamas gathered to take part in the first ever BREEF Eco-Schools Youth Environmental Leadership Summit. The two-day summit was sponsored by the US Embassy and held at the New Providence Community Centre.

Student environmental leaders joined the two-day summit from eighteen schools from Abaco, Grand Bahama, Eleuthera and New Providence. All of these young people are taking action for the environment through Eco-Schools - an international sustainable schools programme that BREEF runs in The Bahamas.

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Aerospace engineer Aisha Bowe encourages STEM education

As an aerospace engineer, Aisha Bowe has used her imagination and creativity to contribute to space exploration. But it wasn't until college that anyone ever encouraged her to pursue studies in a science discipline. When that happened, it became a life changer.

A former aerospace engineer and mission engineer at NASA Ames Research Centre and the current Co-Founder and CEO of STEMBoard - an engineering and development enterprise - Bowe is a passionate proponent of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. She is also of Bahamian descent.

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Astra Armbrister-Rolle new Director of Development for the BNT

The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) is pleased to announce the hiring of Astra Armbrister-Rolle as Director of Development. Armbrister-Rolle is a fundraising professional in the non-profit sector, specialising in annual giving management, prospect development and donor stewardship. She is a graduate of McMaster University and a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

She worked as the Programme Centre Manager for the University of Waterloo in Ontario where she recruited and trained student volunteers, optimised the university's advancement plan by conducting statistical analysis and managed the telephone fundraising programme for the University.

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Cuban specialist shares best practices with local AMMC historic preservation team

When Cuban Historic Preservation Specialist Maria Martinez Oliver landed in Nassau earlier this month, her agenda was packed with site visits and meetings. During the 5-day trip, arranged through the Antiquities, Monuments & Museum Corporation (AMMC) and the Cuban Embassy, Oliver assessed historic landmarks and sites on the island.

"In our quest to restore and preserve key historical assets on New Providence, we partnered with the Republic of Cuba to seek technical support from experts who have successfully preserved the City of Old Havana," said Alicia Oxley, Historic Preservation Architect at AMMC. "The visit focused specifically on sites like Clifton Heritage Park where we evaluated the great house, slave village, Lucayan site and the Johnston Plantation."

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28th annual Antique Auto Show & Cook-Out a roaring success

There was something for everybody at the 28th Annual Antique Auto Show & Cook-Out at Arawak Cay on a beautiful sunny Saturday at Arawak Cay organized by the Antique Auto Club of The Bahamas. For those seeking food there were steak and chicken dinners from the grill plus hamburgers and hot dogs from the Rotary Club of East Nassau's well known Hamburger Van. For those with "sweet tooths" the Kiwanis K-Kids Club were on hand selling desserts and Rotary's Interact Club provided ice cream.

Activities for the children included a bouncy castle and miniature car rides at no cost and an art contest, at which children up to age 15 draw their favourite cars at the show. On sale was a large variety of model cars, fire extinguishers, t-shirts and even a few paintings. Asa H. Pritchard also had various auto accessories at their booth. In addition, a raffle was going on throughout the day with various prizes and a grand prize of a flat screen TV.

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Foreign Languages Festival sharpens focus on language diversity

Advancements in technology are shrinking the divides of national borders as the world becomes a global village. It means that mastering multiple languages and becoming familiar with various cultures other than one's own is advantageous.

The Foreign Languages Department of the School of Communication and Creative Arts (SCCA) at The College of The Bahamas recently staged its 10th Annual Foreign Languages celebrations, showcasing some of the cultures of the world, in a cultural show and international food fair.

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U.S. Embassy marks delivery of 15-passenger van to YESI Bahamas

On March 23, U.S. Charg� d'Affaires Lisa Johnson visited Gambier Village in New Providence to mark the delivery of a 15-passenger van to Youth Empowerment through Soccer International (YESI) in The Bahamas. She was accompanied by Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Deputy Director for Western Hemisphere Programs Susan Snyder and the U.S. Embassy's INL Section.

The van, which will allow YESI to transport youth to and from its afterschool, weekend, and summer programs, was provided to YESI with funding from the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative. During the visit, Charg� Johnson toured the Gambier Village facility that provides specialized tutoring services taught by local high school students.

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Commonwealth Bank ladles support for 7th annual Empty Bowls

With ever increasing national poverty and unemployment rates resulting in strained resources, many families and individuals are faced with the burning dilemma of where their next meal will come from. Launched seven years ago, by Joann Behagg, Empty Bowls Bahamas, a not-for-profit organization created to assist organizations that feed the hungry in the community, has received support from Commonwealth Bank.

"Commonwealth Bank has a profound belief in the importance of giving back to the community," said Mavis Burrows, Vice President of Operations. "It reinforces our institution's mandate to develop a culture of service. Particularly in recent years, there are many people in our Bahamas who were affected with the loss of jobs and income and found themselves and their children in need of a hot meal."

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Garvin Tynes Primary School wins 'Science Matters' for the third time

For the third time Garvin Tynes Primary School has won the annual Science Talk Competition, "Science Matters." The 4th Annual Science Talk Competition, held this year at Uriah McPee Primary School, is an initiative introduced by the Primary Science Unit of the Department of Education. It is a competition developed for fourth grade students at the primary and all aged schools throughout the islands.

The content is based on the primary school science curriculum and topic questions focus on "life," "earth," "space" and "physical science." The goal of the competition is to promote and increase interest in science among students" and the objective is to "provide a forum for interaction and friendly competition among primary school students" while "strengthening oral communication."

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Deputy Director of Education for Grand Bahama passes suddenly

The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology is deeply saddened at this time as we mourn the loss of our colleague and friend, Mrs. Sandra Edgecombe, Deputy Director of Education for Grand Bahama.

Mrs. Edgecombe entered the public service in 1974. She was transferred to the Grand Bahama District in 1978. The consummate professional and a career educator, Mrs. Edgecombe ascended from trainee teacher to trained teacher, reaching the pinnacle of her career as Deputy Director of Education with responsibility for Grand Bahama, Bimini and Grand Cay.

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Get ready for the 17th Annual Pelican Point Coconut Festival

Plans for the 17th Annual Coconut Festival in Pelican Point, East Grand Bahama, on Easter Monday were announced this week. During the festival, which will be held from 11am to 8pm on Monday, April 6, there will be a showcase of culture with live performances by The Grand Bahama Royal Bahamas Police Force Pop Band, Veronica Bishop and "K.B." Bodie.

Describing cultural festival as an integral part of the island's tourism product, Elaine Smith, Coordinator Product Department of the Ministry of Tourism said, "we recognize the importance of these celebrations that tell the story of our past and highlight the rich value of our Bahamian history." As is the custom of the festival, all things made from coconuts will be on display.

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Increased tourism activity boosting local economy

Bustling with a diverse demographic of clientele, Port Lucaya has seen an inflow of one-day cruise ship passengers, spring breakers making the most of their college holiday experience, as well as families enjoying the amenities of surrounding hotels. Needless to say, this bodes well not only for the marketplace and its tenants, but for residents and businesses of the island at large.

According to local tour operators, the New Year has brought increased tour activity as a result of the high occupancy levels at surrounding hotels and the influx of cruise and flight passengers. Local businessman and recipient of Carnival Cruise Line's Tour Operator of the Year Award, Hadley Forbes, expressed his enthusiasm on the upswing of guest arrivals.

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When dogs bite, chase or attack

The wonderful thing about living on Grand Bahama is our temperate climate, our great roads and paths, our fairly low crime rate, and how conducive all this is to pursuing a fit and healthy lifestyle. Whether your thing is walking, running, cycling, or even skating, Grand Bahama's roads, sidewalks and bike paths make it easy for you. The down side to this utopia are the few stray or roaming owned dogs who sometimes spoil this nirvana for everyone. We have been made aware recently of several instances of runners, cyclists and walkers being threatened by dogs. In all but one case the dogs are known to be owned.

Last week, a runner was severely mauled by an owned dog, and it evidently took some doing for authorities to take this seriously. The outcome of that particular case remains to be seen; as it is an ongoing police investigation we will not provide many details. We WILL say this. In this case, the person attacked did not do one thing to provoke the dog.

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Hutchison Port Holding's employee councils host pre-Easter Fish Fry

In a move to foster a greater bond between its members, the employee councils for Freeport Container Port (FCP), Freeport Harbour Company (FHC) and Grand Bahama Airport Company (GBAC) hosted a Fish Fry at FCP Cafeteria on Friday.

The objective of the employee councils is to function as an advisory group to the administration of FCP, FHC and GBAC and to the staff it represents by providing an operational framework for discussions and communication of issues, policies and activities relating to the staff. Those issues include health and safety matters, performance and productivity concerns, social events, welfare of staff, development of training programs and working conditions.

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Bahamas dubbed 'Official Home of the Swimming Pigs'

The Bahamas is the 'Official Home of the Swimming Pigs'. Visitors to the islands are happily embracing the unique and special experience of swimming with the pigs on the uninhabited island of Big Major Cay, which is home to these special creatures and affectionately called "Pig Beach". The swimming pigs join the vast selection of aquatic activities already popular with visitors to The Bahamas, from snorkelling with tropical fish and sea turtles to shark and eel sightings to scuba diving.

The family of pigs, dubbed 'adorable' by tourists, locals and media alike, have become incredibly popular. They live freely on the sandy beaches, and after basking in the sun for hours, they swim in the surf. The pigs, though feral, are exceptionally friendly, running from under the shade of the almond trees to greet visitors that bring them treats.

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Stars write new chapter at historic Bimini Big Game Club

If only the spirit of Ernest Hemingway could have joined in the conversation at the Bimini Big Game Club Bar and Grill this past weekend-it was just the type of apr�s fishing camaraderie that Papa would have immensely enjoyed.

While a seemingly endless stream of college teams competed for a chance to stay alive in the NCAA Men's Division "March Madness'" playoffs on the multiple TVs, basketball Hall of Famers Bob Knight and John Havlicek joined with fishing legend Stu Apte to share bucket list memories-fishing with Presidents, tennis with Ethel and Teddy, fishing trips with the mercurial Ted Williams, collegiate salad days at Ohio State and bailing out of a fighter jet at 20,000 feet seconds before it exploded.

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Governor General visits the Berry Islands

Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling, Governor General, visited the Berry Islands on Friday, March 27, where she enjoyed a Special Assembly with students of R.N. Gomez All-Age School during her first official visit to the islands.

The school's dance troupe 'conch styled', spun, and hopped around to the sound of good Bahamian music as they wooed the Governor General -- swirling on their toes as they celebrated her first official visit to their school in Bullock's Harbour.

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Immerse Bahamas launches new magazine

Immerse Bahamas, Grand Bahama's newest public relations, project and destination management company, has launched its new magazine featuring ordinary Bahamians who are doing extraordinary things. Immerse Magazine is a compilation of all things Bahamian; the people, the culture, the communities and the experiences.

"It tells the untold stories of some who are known, and often many who are unknown; the young and the not so young; the newbies and the legends; the islands and the culture. We capture and covey, the heart, soul and spirit of The Bahamas," Immerse Bahamas President & CEO Ginger Moxey said on the launch of her new magazine.

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At the Movies: Cinderella

The tagline for this movie: Midnight Is Just The Beginning. When a young woman's father unexpectedly dies, she finds herself at the mercy of her cruel stepmother and her two bullying stepsisters. Her luck begins to change after she has a chance meeting with a dashing young man in the nearby woods. With so many things working against her, it may take a little magic to make her wildest dreams come true.

With Kenneth Branagh directing a screenplay by Chris Weitz you would have expected this to be a guaranteed hit for me, but it was a miss for me on account of this not being an original movie and just a live action remake of a much better animated film. In all honesty I found the short film Frozen Fever which was shown before the feature presentation far more enjoyable in every way possible.

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Cable Bahamas and HBO team up to bring two full seasons of Game of Thrones to newcomers for free via REVTV's video on-demand service

HBO's Game of Thrones phenomenon is about to enter its fifth season, returning April 12 exclusively in The Bahamas on Cable Bahamas' REVTV digital television service. For those that have heard so much about the Emmy Award-winning series but haven't yet indulged in the fascinating fantasy universe, REVTV and HBO are bringing the first two seasons for free to any REVTV digital subscriber via video on demand.

Cable Bahamas REVTV Manager Teneile Simmons said that non-HBO subscribers now have the opportunity to join in on the Game of Thrones craze with HBO Free Pass on 500 REVTV On Demand. Beginning Sunday, March 22, non-HBO subscribers can access HBO Free Pass to enjoy the entire first two seasons of Game of Thrones, at no added cost.

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Bahamas weekly fishing report from Harbourside Marine

North Eleuthera: It has been an incredible week for wahoo fishing off of north Eleuthera wth some very big fish landed.

Abaco: There have been some big wahoo and tuna caught since the wind shifted later in the week. There are tuna at Hole In the wall but also plenty of sharks which makes catching them difficult. The reef fishing for snappers on the bar at Hole in the Wall has been good.

Long Island, Clarence Town: Everything this week! You name it: wahoo, mahi, yellowfin tuna, marlin and the odd sailfish mixed in!

Photo: Nassau - Mary Jane Sands and her son Christopher Sands with a bull mahi.

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RBC Royal Bank Client Invitational Golf Tournament raises thousands for the Salvation Army Women's Shelter

RBC Royal Bank held its 5th Annual RBC Client Appreciation & Invitational Golf Tournament in partnership with Royal Fidelity on March 10, 2015. Participants, including RBC clients and business partners, enjoyed a day of exciting golf and friendly competition on the Ocean Club Golf Course. RBC established the tournament as a way to thank RBC clients and make a significant impact on local charities.

RBC Royal Bank, Royal Fidelity and tournament participants scored a hole-in-one at this year's tournament as it raised $30,000 for The Salvation Army Women's Shelter.

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West End 4th Annual Junior Sailing Regatta to set sail April 11

The community of West End will come alive with excitement on Saturday, April 11, as Junior Sailors from throughout Grand Bahama raise their sails for the start of the 4th Annual West End Junior Sailing Regatta. The tourney will take place at 11:00 am with activities, exciting live performances from various artists like Lil Joe, the Legends Marching Band, and a live Junkanoo performance by the Bayshore Warriors.

Elaine Smith of the Ministry of Tourism said "as we prepare for the first Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival, which will launch on Grand Bahama Island, Junior Sailing Regatta goers will enjoy a dose of Carnival fever with an appearance by the Carnival models and a surprise song performance by one of Grand Bahama's Carnival Semi-finalists."

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Bahamas Softball Federation Hall of Fame induction ceremony held at Government House

Her Excellency Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling hosted the Bahamas Softball Federation Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Government House Wednesday evening, March 25, sponsored by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture. Stellar Bahamian softball icons Romell Knowles and Oria Wood-Knowles were honoured by President of the International Softball Federation, Dale McMann, as International Softball Federation Inductees.

Oria Wood-Knowles is known as 'the best batter The Bahamas has ever produced.' In her 34-year softball career, she has participated in many C.A.C. Games, Pan American Games and World Championships.

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Capt. Billy Black launches charters at Old Bahama Bay

Guy Harvey Outpost Resorts announced this week that legendary sportfishing Captain Billy Black has joined the company's Expedition Outfitter program, and will operate sportfishing charters out of Old Bahama Bay Resort & Yacht Harbour on West End, a member of the company's Expedition Collection portfolio, starting April 15th.

Black, who has spent the last 40 years as a charter captain and operated a premier charter service out of Walker's Cay from 1977 to 2004, has held, at one time or another, many of the Bahamian record catches for Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Bluefin Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna, Dolphin, Wahoo and Sailfish. The Duchess, his 50-foot Hatteras has just come out of the yard, having been fully updated and re-powered to offer exceptional comfort and safety.

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Muddasick! What's bugging you?

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.

April 2: World Autism Ceremony - 6:30pm in Rawson Square.

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. Call 326-5291 for tickets.

April 11: Cycling time trial - 15 mile start/finish at Lyford Cay race time is (8am)? shotgun start. Contact: npcyclingassociation2013@gmail.com.

April 12: Cycling Road Race - start/finish at Goodman's Bay Beach starting at 8:15am travel to Clifton pier and back 26 miles. Juniors and women will cover 20 miles, registration starts at 6:50am until race time. Contact: npcyclingassociation2013@gmail.com.

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.
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GRAND BAHAMA EVENTS

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

April 2: Junkanoo Carnival Block Party - at Fish Fry in Eight Mile Rock, 8pm.

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 4: Easter Egg Hunt - and Family Fun Day at Garden of the Groves/Cafe, 11am. Call 374-7779.

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 11: West End Junior Sailing Regatta - Exciting competition, great food, and cultural entertainment. 11:00am-8:00pm, West End.

April 11: Special Olympics 5K Walk/Run - Pre-registration required. Details on the form, click HERE to download.

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 25: Rugby Semi Final - Freeport v Cuckoos 2.30pm, 4.30pm Freeport Old Boys v Ottawa Old Boys.

April 26: Junior Rugby Fund Raiser - 50-mile Cycle Ride. Sign up to take part and raise money for our youngsters to travel. Contact robspeller@hotmail.com.

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 15-17: Junior Rugby Festival - Teams from Florida, Nassau and Cayman will be visiting and competing.

May 23: Rugby - Freeport Old Boys v ORBS at the Rugby Club on Settlers Way.

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.

June 22-26: Sir Jack Hayward Soccer Camp - Mark the dates for this popular camp! More details soon.

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 13-15: FRFC Official 50th Birthday Bash Weekend - Events are in the planning to celebrate the history of rugby in Freeport.

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

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.

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Yonell Justilien wins National Teacher of the Year award 2015-2017

Under the theme, "Celebrating Quality Teachers, Recognizing Pathways of Excellence", forty-seven educators were honoured for exceptional performance in the teaching profession during the 2015-2017 11th National Teacher of the Year Awards. After months of planning, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, in conjunction with The Bahamas Union of Teachers, showed their gratitude by hosting teachers in celebratory activities from Wednesday, 25th March, 2015 to Saturday, 28th March, 2015.

Before an audience of hundreds at the Atlantis Theatre on Saturday, 28th March, 2015, Mr. Yonell Justilien, a Performing Arts educator at the Government High School, captured the prestigious title of National Teacher of the Year. Mr. Justillien, a veteran teacher of twenty-four years, said that it was a joy for him to be recognized for something he is passionate about, which is teaching and teaching the performing arts. He encouraged his colleagues to do all that they could for the betterment of their students.

Mr. Justilien paid tribute to his fellow nominees and declared, "If it was up to me, all of us would have gotten the same prize because all of us share in molding each child that comes our way. It is important for us to keep this drive going and just identify the talents of our kids. The most important thing we can do is steer them in the right direction so that they can know their calling and purpose in life."

Justillien has himself secured fourteen scholarships for his students at tertiary institutions abroad between 2012 and 2013. He thanked the staff of Government High School, Colours Junkanoo Group, AMBASSAH Band, The Bahamas All Stars Marching Band, the National Teacher of the Year Awards Steering Committee and his family for their love and support. He ended his winners' response by saying, "I give God the glory for the success that I have experienced throughout the years."

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