Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL IV. No. 50, April 30, 2015

Reality check

Written by Sarah Kirkby

There is a fine line these days between REALITY and creative "PR" reality ... I know of which I speak on this one.

Recently, I was listening to a radio talk show and I really began laughing at the creative information the announcer was spewing about a recent event on the island of which I live -- Grand Bahama. I mean, I am all for creative facts:

"It was the best turnout"
"We almost sold out"
"I'm exhausted from keeping up with ringing in sales"

BUT, I am baffled as to where exactly 30,000 people parked as they attended Carnival in Freeport a few weeks ago. I mean, we only have 50,000 residents in Grand Bahama -- so did they all decide to drive there themselves -- really, no one went together? And where did they park? Wouldn't the island tip over if everyone who owned a car on the island tried to park at Taino Beach?

Of course, you might say it was ALL those tourists that attended -- they made up the numbers! That would make sense, but according to the two hoteliers I spoke to, the local hotels were sold out ages ago from Sunwing and regular guests who were not here for Carnival. Sure, they had a few tourists who did make it out there (free buses and all), and it was funny seeing the very posed pictures of "tourists" with the costumed models. But was Carnival this huge success in Grand Bahama?

To say the least, I'm a bit baffled by it all.

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This week in Bahama Islands Info

Commentary: Reality check

National News

Nassau News

Grand Bahama News

Column: Humane Society of Grand Bahama update

Family Islands & Abaco News

Arts & Entertainment News

Sports News

Column: Weekly fishing report

50th anniversary of 'Black Tuesday' commemorated

The 50th anniversary of historic 'Black Tuesday' was observed in special ceremonies Tuesday night at Rawson Square.

Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie and Government Ministers, pictured, spoke at the ceremonies commemorating the pivotal event on Tuesday, April 27, 1965 when Sir Lynden Pindling threw the Mace, the symbol of the Speaker's authority, out of the window of the House of Assembly and set the course of Bahamian history on the path to Majority Rule.

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U.S. Embassy provides Bahamas with $2.7M to bolster transnational security

On Monday, April 27, U.S. Chargé d'Affaires a.i. Lisa Johnson joined Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration The Hon. Fred Mitchell in an official signing ceremony to further strengthen the joint efforts of the United States and The Bahamas in addressing transnational security challenges. Chargé Johnson and Minister Mitchell formally signed the Seventh Amendment to the Letter of Agreement on Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement, an agreement that supports a shared interest in preventing illicit trafficking and increasing citizen security in The Bahamas. The agreement was originally signed on September 24, 2010 by the U.S. and Bahamas governments.

In her remarks, Chargé Johnson noted the significance of the funding provided to The Bahamas under the U.S. government's Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) that seeks to reduce illicit trafficking, increase public safety and security, and promote social justice.

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BREEF hires new environmental educator with a grant from The Moore Bahamas Foundation

The Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) announced April 23 a grant from The Moore Bahamas Foundation (MBF) to hire Ms Chantal Curtis as its new Environmental Educator. Her combined experiences in teaching and forensic science make her a valuable asset to the BREEF team as it seeks to expand citizen science leadership in its coastal field studies and underwater activities.

The latest staff expansion comes as BREEF continues to successfully lead local marine conservation efforts around The Bahamas. BREEF's education initiatives provide public and private school children with hands-on opportunities to learn about the Bahamian marine environment. The new environmental educator position and many ongoing education programmes are made possible by grants from MBF, local affiliate of The Moore Charitable Foundation founded by Louis Bacon in 1992.

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Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority chapter provides scholarships to the best and brightest females

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. - Under the distinguished patronage of the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Senator the Honourable Allyson Maynard-Gibson, QC, the Eta Psi Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., awarded six awards and scholarships during its 37th Annual Honours Day Programme. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is the first sorority for women of colour and was founded on the campus of Howard University in 1908. The Honour's Day Programme, introduced in 1978, is the signature programme of the Eta Psi Omega Chapter, which has actively served the Bahamian community for 51 years and counting.

Nanditha Guruvaiah, of Queens College, won the Most Outstanding Honouree Award and received a $5,000 scholarship to be used at her college of choice. Cecelia Cartwright of N.G.M. Major High School in Long Island won the Most Outstanding Family Island Student Award and received a scholarship of $2500 payable to the college of her choice.

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Exhibition brings global issues to life in LCIS classrooms

Each year, grade six students at Lyford Cay International School (LCIS) plan and organize a full day of presentations on social and environmental issues. The presentations, called Exhibition, are a requirement of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP). Countless hours of research, listening, learning, writing and designing are put on full display during 20-minute presentations to parents, teachers, community members, students from LCIS and neighboring schools.

This year LCIS students presented under the transdisciplinary theme Sharing the Planet - Rights and responsibilities in the struggle to share finite resources with other people and living things. The Exhibition topics for this year were ocean pollution, child health, poverty, genetically modified organisms (GMO's), child abuse, poaching and animal cruelty.

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Four students from Anatol Rodgers High School each win $57,000 in scholarships

Four students from Anatol Rodgers have secured scholarships for Hospitality and Tourism Management to some of the best universities in the industry. Vernajh Pinder, Ameera Poitier, Dezeraye Dean and Jeanie Farris were the winners of the 2015 American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI), International Hospitality and Tourism Management Competition.

This annual event welcomes high school students from around the world to Orlando, Florida to display their skills in a two-day competition that challenges the students with situations inspired by real-world job scenarios in the hospitality industry.

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Phi Beta Sigma supports Harrold and Wilson Ponds National Park

Harrold and Wilson Ponds National Park continues to struggle with invasive cattails, as a result the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) has been working with a number of corporate and volunteer organizations over the past two years to clear the invasive cattails at Harrold and Wilson Ponds National Park. Recently, members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity in Nassau have come forward with a long -term commitment to help with the removal of these invasive wetland plants.

Members of the fraternity have volunteered at the Nassau national park previously and have agreed to carry out quarterly cattail removal at the park as a part of their community outreach. Last weekend was one of their first such clean ups and they were supported by Bahamas Waste who donated dumpsters free of charge for the cattails to be discarded in.

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WSC hosts Community Fair in Pinewood

The best way to spend a Saturday is with your family, engaging in activities full of fun for people of all ages, and the Water and Sewerage Corporations (WSC) brought that to life over the weekend for families in the Pinewood Gardens Community.

The Corporation organised a Community Fair to advise residents in Pinewood Gardens about water services that will soon be available in their area. A project is expected to begin shortly, to lay water lines to serve over 700 households that do not currently have access to city water and currently rely on untreated private water supplies.

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BTC iVolunteers deliver meals, groceries to Gambier community

Honouring a pledge to tackle hunger by feeding Bahamians that need it most, the BTC iVolunteer team, a group of dedicated BTC employees that donate their time and talent to the community, prepared bags of groceries and delivered hot meals to over 200 families in need in the Gambier community. BTC is no stranger to the Gambier community. For the last two Christmas holidays, the iVolunteer team has provided hot Christmas meals for residents without means.

For this event, in an effort to spread the spirit of charity, the iVolunteers also invited the BTC sponsored Junior Achievement team, BTC Flight 242, along with the Key Club to assist with the distribution of the items and to meet and greet the friendly residents. The event was a part of a larger series of iVolunteer initiatives that addresses hunger by providing meals and groceries in underprivileged communities and institutions throughout the Bahamas.

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Queen's College alumni launch 'Rev Neville Stewart Memorial Prize for Critical Thinking'

A group of Queen's College alumni have organised an academic prize for senior QC students in memory of the school's former principal, Rev Neville Stewart, who died last August at the age of 86.

Titled the Rev Neville Stewart Memorial Prize for Critical Thinking, cash awards of $1,000, $750 and $500 will be given to the students who submit the best essays chosen from three set options. The deadline for submissions is September and the awards will be given out in October.

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GBPA's Invest Grand Bahama Promotional Unit taking the island to the 'Big Apple'

New York City will be the next stop, for the Invest Grand Bahama Promotional Unit of The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA), as the team prepares to promote the benefits of doing business in Freeport, at the 2015 International Franchise Expo (IFE) in June.

Unlike previous promotional efforts, Freeport Decorators, a licencee of GBPA, will accompany the team on this business charged three-day excursion. Eloise Stephens, owner of Freeport Decorators won the raffle and walked away with an all-expense paid trip, compliments of GBPA, during its recent Customer Service Training Workshop hosted by the Invest Grand Bahama Small Business Bureau (IGBSBB). The two-day event held at the Pelican Bay resort, catered to nearly 200 GBPA licencees.

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Rotary Club of Freeport leaders recognised for charitable efforts

The Rotary Club of Freeport was abuzz this past Thursday as District 6990 handed down top honours to two of its senior members. District 6990 includes South Florida and the island of Grand Bahama.

Club President Queen Rolle was awarded Top President of the Year for her accomplishments this year. Under her leadership the club has injected well over $25,000 into the local community including installing hurricane shutters on the GB Children's Home, renovating the bathrooms and plumbing at the new GB Centre for Performing Arts and supporting other local charities.

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Blessings from afar and a renewed focus on humane education - help needed!

We were blessed the last two weeks with the presence of one of our favorite supporters. Elaine Charter of Ottawa, Canada came bearing gifts of medical, educational, and other supplies, that she has been collecting for months. Elaine spent a lot of time here on Grand Bahama years ago, so our island is special to her and over the last two years, she has done so much to help the Humane Society of Grand Bahama.

Elaine is particularly interested in helping us with our humane education programme. Last week she assisted our Education Chair Doreen Jamieson on several days with visits to four Grade Two classes at Hugh Campbell Primary, and on Friday we visited Grade Two at LIS. The LIS class is sponsoring a shelter dog named Ginger, and Ginger was quite excited to go see "her" class again!

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ICAN to hold 'This is my day student workshop'

Launched in 2010, the ICAN children's empowerment organization, which is designed to inspire creative learning through creative expression, will be hosting its first "This is my day student workshop" on May 2, 2015 at the Grand Bahama Cultural Arts Center (formerly the Luis de Torres Jewish Synagogue) on East Sunrise Highway at 10am-2pm.

Hosted by Mr. Kevin G. Tomlinson, founder, Mrs. Janae Cash, Ms. Kaylah Pinder, both of whom serve as teachers at the Freeport Primary School, along with Ms. Mira Ferguson, a Lab Technician at the Bahamian Brewery Company, came together to plan an event which will inspire, educate, enterntain, and motivate students across this island to live more responsible and productive lives.

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E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival comes to Long Island

Scenes from the E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival on Monday, April 27, on Long Island.

Students displayed their talent in Dramatized Characterization, Individual Verse Speaking, and Dance.

Pictured: Individual Verse Speaking, Eulano Rolle, Deadman's Cay Primary School.

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American ex-pats raise money to rebuild the Exuma Straw Market

American ex-pats residing in the Elizabeth Harbour community garnered support from friends and family back home in the United States to raise thousands of dollars to rebuild the Exuma Straw Market that was burnt down to the ground on April 16. A Town Meeting was held at the Kettel Centre of the Exuma Foundation, George Town, on Monday, April 20, attended by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works the Hon. Philip Davis, at which Exuma residents discussed last week's straw market fire in George Town, and the next steps.

At the meeting Adam Stenftenagel of Boulder, Colorado, an Exuma resident, said so far, Exumian ex-Pats have already raised about $20,000, which will go to building a facility similar to the Straw Market in New Providence, equipped with appropriate common amenities, particularly indoor public bathrooms.

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Baker's Bay to employ additional 250 Bahamians

Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie led a delegation of Cabinet Ministers and government officials on a tour of Baker's Bay Golf and Ocean Club, April 23. During the visit, Mr. Christie met with the principal and some key stakeholders of the development.

He said that he has been advised that an additional 250 Bahamians will be employed in construction of the expanding resort: the move was necessary in order to meet the demand for skilled workers, which exceeds the capacity of the local Bahamian workforce and local specialty subcontractors. He said that Bahamians actually make up 94% of all construction jobs and vast majority of full-time operational jobs.

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Cultural warrior honoured at St. John's College

St. John's College Alumnus Raphael Munnings, leader of the famous 'Beginning of the End' band of "Funky Nassau" fame was honoured at a Special Assembly at the school on Thursday morning. Students from primary through secondary school levels learned of his achievements as an international entertainer - his band "Beginning of the End" was named one of the '41 Bahamian Cultural Warriors' acclaimed during the Bahamas 41st Independence Anniversary Celebrations in 2014. The band's hit song "Funky Nassau" sold a million copies in 1971.

Forty-six years since his band started and after a long and successful career as a songwriter, entertainer, and producer, Mr. Munnings said he was honoured and impressed by the students of all ages, backgrounds and races at St. John's who filled the auditorium; and he was touched by the nostalgia of the moment - there was once a time he was just like them.

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Sandals 'Vibes on the Island 2015' concert raises funds for the P.A.C.E. Foundation

The Sandals Foundation, the non-profit arm of Sandals Resorts International hosted a sold out crowd of over 800 guests at Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island for an exciting evening of gourmet food, premium brand spirits and great music all in support of a great cause. This year's "Vibes on the Island 2015", featured live performances by famed Jamaican recording artists Tarrus Riley with special guests Dean Fraser and the Blak Soil Band, and Chronixx with ZincFence Redemption.

"This year's turnout was even bigger and better than last year's and we're so pleased that the proceeds will go to assist P.A.C.E. with the critical completion of their multi-purpose facility for young girls who are pregnant and in need of a safe space to further their education and development," said Adam Stewart, Chief Executive Officer of Sandals Resorts International and President of the Sandals Foundation.

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Pioneer of marching bands on Grand Bahama recognised

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Urban Development, the Hon. Philip 'Brave' Davis, M.P. citing humanity's greatest weakness as its reluctance to recognize and commend the contributions of great men and women while they are still alive, led a chorus of accolades for Vittie Thomas of Pelican Point as he was saluted for his contribution to the advent of Marching Bands on Grand Bahama.

The tribute to Vittie Thomas was held beachside at the site of the Annual Coconut Festival in his home community of Pelican Point, and drew an audience from far and wide. It was the highlight of a series of celebrations to a handful of musicians who gave birth to the music and pageantry of marching bands on Grand Bahama over 50 years ago.

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Antique Auto Club announces art competition winners

The directors and members of the Antique Auto Club of the Bahamas wish to take this opportunity to congratulate those children who took part in the 11th Annual Art Competition held during the Annual Antique Auto Show & Cook-Out at Arawak Cay on March 21st. The focus of the competition being for the children to draw one of the vehicles featured in the show. We are further very pleased to announce the winners of that competition.

Every year it becomes more difficult to select just three winners from each of the four age groups as the number of contestants and the quality of their pictures grows each year. The first year we had just two children take part; this year we had 51 artists who collectively entered 64 pictures.

And the winners are ...

Cuban National Circus performs in The Bahamas

As part of the cultural exchange between Cuba and the Bahamas, a group of circus artists members of Circuba, acted for the second time in this country, presenting their performances in Nassau. Previously the Cuban artists had acted in Freeport, second largest city of this Caribbean archipelago.

The presentations of the Cuban artists are delivered as part of a project that aims, among other things, to expand and develop bilateral cooperation in the cultural area between the two countries, took place mainly in schools and where delivered to entertain primarily at younger generations of Bahamians. This project intends to take the Cuban circus to other territories of the Bahamian archipelago in 2016.

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IAAF/BTC World Relays opening ceremony to be 35-minutes of 'Bahamazing'

Local Organizing Committee (LOC) Events Director, Fred Ferguson said everything will be timed, and precision will be first and foremost. "The opening sets the tone for everything that is going to be happening. It is going to be short and sweet and it is going to showcase The Bahamas in its best light," Ferguson said. "From the moment the military bands take the center field they are going to bring the full majesty to the opening of the event.

The IAAF/BTC World Relays Bahamas 2015 will take place on May 2nd & May 3rd at The Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium.

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Sponsor support strong for Pineappleman race day; participants needed

With its Saturday, June 6 race day now quickly approaching the sponsor support for the annual Pineappleman Sprint Triathlon has been, if not overwhelming, very impressive. Leading the way once again are featured sponsors: Think Simple, Island Made Gift Shop, Rainbow Inn, Sands Beer and Pineapple Fields Resort.

Featured sponsors pledge financial support as well as race rates and prizes, equaling a grander race day experience, and enabling race registration proceeds to benefit the Zion Children's Home of Current Island. To date the prize list reads: 3-night stay at Pineapple Fields, Sands Beer cases, $50 gift certificates (2) to Rainbow Inn, 1 hour massages by Island Touch Massage and Body Works Bahamas, Dinner for 2 at Ocean Tally, Timex Watches (2) by Mystery Shopper, and Lunch for 2 at Laughing Lizard Café.

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Great Bahamian tradition of sculling excites the crowd at National Family Island Regatta

Over the weekend, the beautiful Exuma Harbour set the scene for the Sands 'Man in the Boat' sculling races at the 62nd National Family Island Regatta in George Town, Exuma. The sculling races were the talk of the crowd during the regatta weekend and provided a great deal of truly Bahamian excitement.

"All day the regatta fans carried on conversations on who they thought would be the Sands 'Man in the Boat' sculling winner for the National Family Island Regatta," said Lynden Johnson, Bahamian Brewery's Sales Manager. "In fact, Exuma residents were reminded that, two years in a row, someone from Andros won the sculling race in George Town, encouraging Exuma residents to register to scull the boat."

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Grand Bahama Sailing Club announces new Summer Sailing Adventure Camp for 2015

The Grand Bahama Sailing Club (GBSC) is excited to announce it is accepting enrolment for its very popular Summer Sailing programme, which runs from June 22nd until August 14th. The camps allow children to be immersed in the Bahamas national sport of sailing, along with increasing the child's knowledge and confidence in the waters we are surrounded by. This year an extra adventure component will involve additional exciting activities being offered depending on each child's skill and maturity level.

The camp is split into four sessions, of two-weeks each. There is no limit to the amount of camps the child can attend, as GBSC is very flexible. Additionally, a special 'Tadpoles' option can be arranged for children aged 5 to 7 years old whereby little children can be collected earlier if the parent feels this is best.

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62nd National Family Island Regatta [photos]

The 62nd National Family Island Regatta held its Closing Ceremony and Awards Night on Saturday, April 25, at the Government Complex in George Town, attended by Her Excellency Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling, Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie, and many officials, sailors, and regatta supporters. Photos by BIS Photographer Patrick Hanna capture moments of the salute to a longtime Bahamian tradition.

Photo: Junior Skippers with the Prime Minister.

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Grand Bahama Health Services takes floating trophy in BJC Beach Olympics

The Grand Bahama Health Services Bahamas Shock Wavers now has bragging rights as the Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival (BJC) 2015 Beach Olympics Winners, following an impressive showing at the games on Saturday, April 18th on Taino Beach.

Seven teams, including the Cable Bahamas Connection, Grand Bahama Shipyard Sharks, Grand Bahama Port Authority Regulators, Polymers International Ltd. Reactors, Grand Bahama Health Services Shock Wavers, Grand Bahama Power Company and the Ministry for Grand Bahama, participated in the Beach Olympics, toughing it out through a rigorous obstacle course, Tug O' War, Dunk Tank, Basketball and Volley Ball competitions.

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Bahamas weekly fishing report from Harbourside Marine

Fishing report as of April 23, 2015

Nassau: The charter boat captains are reporting that they continue to catch mahi offshore this week.

North Exuma, Highbourne Cay: They are catching mahi and wahoo off of Highbourne Cay.

North Eleuthera: There have been wahoo and lots of yellowfin tuna caught off of the north Eleuthera points.

South Eleuthera, Cape Eleuthera: The fishing has been good with mahi and wahoo being very steady. There have also been a number of marlin released this week.

Photo: Double Vision - David and Paul Mellor with a couple of thick yellowfin tuna caught off of Freeport.

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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 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 1: Youth Culture Fest - 5pm to 10pm at Da Cultural Village (Western Esplanade). Part of Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival for young people.

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

May 7-9: Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival - New cultural event featuring four exciting musical concerts and parties. Click HERE to visit the official website.

May 20: Chamber AGM - 6:00pm, followed by a membership mix and mingle networking reception. Location TBD.

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.

August 23: Colour Run - 3rd annual bash of colourful fun! 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.

September 5: Keith Urban at Atlantis - Click HERE to learn more and book.

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

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 - Registration deadline April 30th! Click HERE to download the form (PDF). Click HERE to visit the FB page. Proceeds to benefit the Humane Society of Grand Bahama.

May 4: Freeport Players' Guild Meeting - Open to anyone interested in live theater! 7pm at the Regency Theater.

May 8: Finding Joy Art Exhibition - Artists celebrating the joy of friendship, passion and creativity through the visual art of painting: Claudette Dean, Chantal Bethel, Laurie Tuchel & Paula Farrington. The Grand Gallery (Grand Lucayan) 6 p.m.-9 p.m.

May 9: 'The Upside of Down' - Buddy Walk Grand Bahama 2015. 7am start at GB Port Authority. Click HERE to view the poster for details. Contact 351-4355 for more information.

May 15-17: Junior Rugby Festival - Teams from Florida, Nassau and Cayman will be visiting and competing. Click HERE to view the poster.

May 16: Pollo Tropical 6th Annual Ride for Charity - Cycling event in aid of REACH - Autism Awareness. 6am start. Call 351-4077 or 352-3839 or stop at Pollo Tropical for information. Click HERE to view the poster.

May 23: Posh Paws Fashion Show - to benefit the Humane Society of Grand Bahama. 6-8pm in Port Lucaya.

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

May 24: Cycling Time Trial NEW! Cyclists battle the clock for the win! 4pm on GB Hwy across from the airport. Click HERE to e-mail for more info.

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 13: Mitchell "Mitch" Mortimer Golf Tournament - at the Reef Golf Course. Registration Fee: $75 and Juniors Registration: $36. For more information contact 373-2002/3/4.

June 13-14: Lois Seiler Academy of Dance presents "CLASS ACT" - 2 Shows, Saturday, June 13th at 7:30pm & Sunday, June 14th at 4pm - REGENCY THEATER.

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! Click HERE to view the poster.

June 22-July 3: Grand Bahama Sailing Club Summer Camp #1 - Click HERE for complete information and registration form.

June 25-28: Bonfire Beach Bash & Tournament - at Old Bahama Bay, West End. Click HERE to learn more.

July 6-17: Grand Bahama Sailing Club Summer Camp #2 - Click HERE for complete information and registration form.

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

July 20-31: Grand Bahama Sailing Club Summer Camp #3 - Click HERE for complete information and registration form.

July 25: Lionfish Derby - Rid the reef of this predator before crawfish season opens in a fun event with prizes. Click HERE to contact the organiser for more info. Only $25 per boat, benefits the Rotary Emergency Water Plant.

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 3-14: Grand Bahama Sailing Club Summer Camp #4 - Click HERE for complete information and registration form.

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

May 1-2: Kentucky Derby - Contact the Abaco Inn 366-0133 for information on this fun way to join the races.

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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Bishop Michael Eldon High School wins Earth Day Challenge competition

More than 50 high school students entered this year's Earth Day Challenge, some even travelled from Grand Bahama in the North and Long Island in the South, all in hopes of winning the coveted golden trophy - in the end, Bishop Michael Eldon High School secured both the first and third prizes.

The competition, now in its third year, is a product of ecologist & attorney Romi Ferreira aiming to encourage high school students to examine environmental issues while providing a platform for offering solutions. This year, for the first time, the American Embassy joined the team as well with members of their organization acting as judges.

Under the theme, "It Is Our Turn To Lead", students presented projects on a number of projects on environmental issues including solid waste, renewable energy, pollution, wetlands, fresh water resources, environmental assessment and marine resources. Judging was based on the exhibits created, along with presentation materials and the written report provided.

Grand Bahama's Bishop Michael Eldon High split eight students into two groups. One of them, presented a compost tea as a natural alternative to artificial fertilizers which garnered a third place trophy, individual trophies for students and iPod Shuffles. But it was the second team's Aquaponics project that won the first place trophy, individual trophies, iPod Shuffles and an all-expense paid trip to the Plastic Summit at the Island School in Eleuthera.

The winning team managed to flush excrement from gold fish via a tube potted plants which were then supplied with water and nitrates, needed to grow before releasing the unused water, now purified, back to the fish tank.

Last year's winner, Aquinas College, took second place this year. Other participating schools included: Jordan Prince Williams, C.R. Walker, St. John's College and N.G.M. Major from Long Island. All participants were given certificates of appreciation for their participation and reminded to continue to be leaders in innovative thinking.

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