Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL IV. No. 51, May 7, 2015

This week in Bahama Islands Info

National News

Nassau News

Grand Bahama News

Column: Humane Society of Grand Bahama update

Family Islands & Abaco News

Arts & Entertainment News

Column: At the Movies

Sports News

Column: Weekly fishing report

New security measures at U.S. Embassy expected to impact U.S. visa applicants

On May 15, new security measures will be implemented at the U.S. Embassy in Nassau that are expected to impact the U.S. visa application process. To better streamline security screening, the U.S. Embassy will no longer provide storage services for restricted articles that are not allowed to be brought into the building. Under the new regulations, U.S. visa applicants who arrive at the U.S. Embassy carrying restricted items will be refused entry and risk missing their visa appointments.

Restricted articles include electronic devices such as mobile phones, car alarm remotes, tablets, MP3 players, notebook computers, headsets and any device with a power plug or battery. Other items not permitted include cigarettes, lighters, matches and any article that could be used as a weapon.

Click here to read more

Prime Minister Christie attends ground-breaking of Resorts World Las Vegas

Remarks by Prime Minister Christie at Resorts World ground-breaking in Las Vegas, Nevada

I am delighted to have been invited by the Chairman of Resorts World, Tan Sri Lim to be in Las Vegas along with the Minister of Tourism for the ground-breaking ceremony for what will be an iconic Resorts World hotel, casino and entertainment centre. This fascinating hospitality project, of very distinct design is being built at a cost of some $4 billion, and will when it opens in 2017 become one of the foremost attractions in the gaming, entertainment and convention capital of the United States.

My presence here today as Prime Minister of The Bahamas, speaks to the growing relationship and partnership which exists between The Bahamas and Resorts World and the Genting Group, one of the world's leading resort, gaming and cruise ship conglomerate, led by its visionary Chairman Tan Sri Lim. They have made significant investments in The Bahamas in the Resorts World Resort & Casino on the fabled island of Bimini.

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Defence Force patrol ship named after legendary Bahamian sailor

The fourth of nine patrol vessels has been named after legendary Bahamian sailor, Mr. Rolly Bertram Gray. Her Majesty's Bahamian Ship, Rolly Gray was commissioned during an official ceremony held at the Marina at Emerald Bay in Exuma on Thursday, April 30.

Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie led a delegation of Cabinet Ministers and Senior Government officials to attend the ceremony. Bahamians and a number of international guests were present despite the overcast weather conditions. Prime Minister Christie said that he was honoured to participate in the event. He said that Mr. Gray was a great Bahamian who contributed much to The Bahamas.

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BTC wins gold and silver in international phone book awards

Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) has won gold and silver medals in the highly competitive regional, Telephone Directory awards competition held by The Association of Directory Publishers (ADP), an international trade association serving the Yellow Pages industry since 1898.

BTC won two, 1st-Place Golds in the 'Excellence in Cover Design & Art - Product Branding,' and 'Excellence in Cover Design & Art - Print' and a 2nd Place Silver for 'Excellence in Print Directories.' Entries are judged by a jury of peers and knowledgeable industry experts at the Annual Convention and Trade Show.

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Government issues statement on the Rubis fuel spill at Robinson Road

May 3, 2015 (Nassau) - We wish to correct the record in the matter of the Rubis Fuel Spill at the Robinson Road Service Station, and in so doing, highlight Government's actions to ensure the care and safety of residents in the area, particularly the 5 households directly affected by the spill.

A review of actions taken after the original spill demonstrates the following:

Rubis has accepted responsibility for the spill.

The Bahamas Government immediately compelled Rubis to remediate the situation by:

Removing all contamination in water and soil.
Containing the spill and preventing cross contamination to other locations or sites.
Testing and reporting on contamination levels for wells, residences and local businesses.

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WSC hosts 'Bake For the Cure' for cancer

Recently the Water & Sewerage Corporation Social and Sporting Club hosted a 'Bake for the Cure' cake sale outside the Corporation's head offices.

"In September of 2012, I was reading an article that stated that large numbers of Bahamian women were being diagnosed with breast cancer," said Ingrid Strachan, WSC Social and Sporting Club President. "Most of these women had little or no means to getting proper treatment. I was so touched - particularly for the Family Island residents that had to commute to New Providence-some with no place to stay. So in keeping with the call to serve, the 'Bake for the Cure' initiative was born."

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Baha Mar presents 'BELIEVE in the Nation' beautification campaign

New Providence beaches, neighborhoods and public spaces will get a helping hand as more than 1,500 Baha Mar team members volunteer their time in a month-long community service initiative. The initiative, BELIEVE in the Nation, launched on Monday April 24, 2015 at Yamacraw Beach with Baha Mar employees spending hours clearing debris and trash from the Eastern New Providence beach.

Baha Mar Director of Community Relations, Matthew Aubry said, "The BELIEVE Foundation was created for moments like this that allow Baha Mar to partner with communities to build a Bahamas we can all be proud of for generations to come. As Baha Mar citizens we are not only showing our pride for where we work, but also for where we live and play."

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National Water Month celebrations are good for all

Throughout May, the Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) will celebrate National Water Month. As many know, water is the gift of life and is something no one can do without. During the month of May the WSC family will host several events such as customer appreciation days, visits to schools and organisations as well as offer great incentives for those who are not already WSC customers.

Recognising the transformative role of young people today and in the future to safeguard our water resources, the WSC team will join their working partners MIYA Bahamas and the Bahamas National Trust to visit local primary schools to advance their knowledge of water and water conservation. They have also launched a fun junior high school challenge called 'Wet & Wise'.

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Hawksbill Creek Agreement town meetings begin in Grand Bahama

A series of town meetings hosted by the Hawksbill Creek Agreement Review Committee began in Freeport at the Foster B. Pestaina Centre at Pro Cathedral of Christ the King on Monday.

The purpose of the town meetings is to garner information from residents so as to review and make recommendations with respect to the expiration of certain provisions within the Hawksbill Creek Agreement, while suggesting other appropriate measures to promote and sustain economic growth in Grand Bahama. The six-member committee to review the Hawksbill Creek Agreement was announced by Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie in March.

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HSGB on a roll with Dog Days, Posh Paws and a new website

First, the Humane Society of Grand Bahama would like to publicly thank the organizers of last weekend's Dog Days Half Marathon, 5K & 1 Mile Fun run/walk held in memory of Sir Jack Hayward. Nikki Grasso-Waugh and Siobhan Antoni-Bates did an absolutely incredible job of organizing this amazing successful event and the HSGB is so very grateful they chose to support our shelter and the work we do. Big paws up, tail wags and meows from all our furry critters, and to all the many sponsors and participants too!

Mark your calendars for our next event. On Saturday, 23rd May, Port Lucaya Marketplace will be hosting the Humane Society of Grand Bahama's (HSGB) Posh Paws Fashion Show 2015 to benefit the shelter's dogs and cats, in partnership with many of its restaurants, boutiques and shops. In addition to the fashions, the entertainment will include Johnny Mathiesen on guitar playing some old classics and the ever popular Luchan as DJ.

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GBPA Building and Development Services hosts college-bound Sunland students

The Building and Development Services Department of The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited welcomed three twelfth grade students of Sunland Baptist Academy who are interested in the field of architecture. Jhalan Taylor, Rollajia Cooper and Vashanti Simmons got a firsthand view of the various fields of practice associated with the Building and Development Services department as they all prepare to embark on their tertiary studies this fall.

Building and Development Services President, Arthur Jones said "Architecture must be supported by the related engineering disciplines in order to be complete; and each discipline can be a fulfilling and or lucrative career."

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Ascot Grand Bahama development previews virtual tours of beachfront tower residences designs

Ascot has been pushing its differences since Australian developer, Steve Bell, first announced his intentions late last year, and the freshly released interiors, by international designer Bianca Boie, have certainly proven this.

"Anti-glitz, pure elegance and substance" is Bell's key phrase on all design aspects, and with the help of Archiform 3D each part has been painstakingly shaped to reflect that. Having done countless modern, hard-edged developments; Bell openly admits that he feels it is time for a change.

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AMMC expands second city historic offerings -three new museums slated for Grand Bahama

From Freeport to West End, three new heritage projects are set to open in the nation's second city-a welcomed addition to the island's tour offerings. The Grand Bahama office of Antiquities, Monuments and Museums Corporation (AMMC) is collaborating with the Ministry for Grand Bahama and the Ministry of Tourism on the projects.

One of the more significant of the development projects for the island is the construction of The Museum of Grand Bahama. This project is supported through a partnership with the Grand Bahama Port Authority, local businesses and The Bahamas Government. The proposed museum will be located on the grounds of the old Shannon Lakes Country Club which is situated next to the Garden of the Groves, Freeport.

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Five national parks established in San Salvador

It was a momentous occasion for the San Salvador Living Jewels Foundation, the people of San Salvador and The Bahamas National Trust, as they gathered on Almond Tree Park for the public announcement of five new National Parks for San Salvador.

After working with the Government and with support from the Gerace Research Centre, the Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF), and the Nature Conservancy for ten years, the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) is pleased to announce that the Government has formalized the San Salvador National Parks, to be managed by the BNT, as the latest additions to the Bahamas' National Park System.

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Cat Island students show their talent at E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival

The E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival took expression on Cat Island, Monday, May 4.

Singing, dancing, rake 'n' scrape, choral verse speaking and drama were covered by students on that island.

Photo: Pre-school, Choral Verse Speaking, Dumfries Primary School.

BIS Photos by Patrick Hanna

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Corey Wood joins Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina as Dive Shop Manager

Corey Wood, a PADI IDCS Instructor, has been selected to head the dive operations team at the renowned Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina.

Wood comes to Bimini from The Pirate Haus Inn in St. Augustine, Florida where he served as manager and previously at Barefoot Divers in Roatan, Honduras and Sea World Dive Center in South Korea where he was employed as an assistant instructor.

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Rum Cay artist turning trash into treasures

As the old saying goes, "one man's trash is another man's treasure" and for artist and sculptor Bobby Little, recycling discarded materials into art has literally become a larger than life mission. For nearly a quarter of a century, Little has built a cottage industry around dead coral, trashed conch shells, abandoned oil drums and discarded metal that have either been washed onto the beaches by the Antilles Current or dumped at the local landfill on tiny Rum Cay.

From soaring "Burning Marlin and Wahoo" metal sculptures, recycled for the popular Bonfire Tournament Series created by Guy Harvey Outpost Resorts in Bimini and West End Grand Bahama to two-inch pink tinted turtles caringly shaped from conch shells, Little's work defines the eco-challenges of conservation and public education and awareness.

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Grand Bahama team heads to New Providence for Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival

With only a few days left before The Bahamas stages yet another inaugural world class event, 'The Grand Life' team based in Freeport, Grand Bahama, has already begun making its way into New Providence where all roads now lead for the highly anticipated Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival. The momentum has been building for months to what is touted to be the largest cultural street festival in the country to date, come May 7-9, 2015.

Hot on the heels of a successful kick-off weekend in Grand Bahama, the nation's second city, on April 17th and 18th, which drew more than 30,000 spectators to Taino Beach, organizers are preparing for up to 100,000 residents and visitors during the three-day celebration. Participants will have an opportunity to become immersed in Bahamian cuisine, culture shows, arts and crafts, street parades and Rake 'n' Scrape music.

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New exhibit 'Beyond These Doors'

Doongalik Studios is proud to open the exhibition Beyond These Doors a selection of watercolor paintings and drawings by Bahamian artist, Nastassia Pratt. This is Pratt's second opportunity to exhibit at Doongalik having been a part of the 2012 Transforming Spaces 'Fibre' Show.

"My art practice always begins with exploration. I visit the neighborhoods that I paint and engage with their inhabitants as I find that this makes the creative process more enjoyable. I continue to be fascinated by the traditional Bahamian homes found in the more historic neighborhoods in Nassau. Beyond These Doors was particularly inspired by several interesting doors that I've photographed. I'd like the viewer to explore a few of them with me and go 'beyond' them. This country is rich with architectural history and this body of work draws from structures in New Providence and scenes in Acklin's Island, Bahamas. These scenes are worthy of deep reflection whether I'm studying a door, a structure or a seascape. I hope that Beyond These Doors can exist as a love poem to these homes and a simpler time and place," says Pratt.

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At the Movies sits down to watch Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2

One of the taglines for this movie: The Stakes Have Been Raised. After 6 years of keeping his mall safe, a security guard heads out of state for a convention with his teenage daughter. He sees it has a vacation, but soon finds out that all is not what it seems and that he will have to call on his fellow security guards to save the hotel the convention is being held at.

Paul Blart is happy as a security guard at the mall he saved on Black Friday years ago, but he takes a vacation to spend time with his daughter at a security guard convention in Las Vegas after the death of mother and being newly on the market after his divorce.

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First annual Dog Days Half Marathon a huge success

'Sold Out' was the cry heard on the streets of Freeport as a hundred and fifty runners and walkers registered for the first annual Dog Days Half Marathon, 5K and One Mile Fun Run/Walk in Memory of Sir Jack Hayward. The race which was in aid of the Humane Society of Grand Bahama raised enough money to spay and neuter about 300 dogs for the very needy shelter which is funded solely by public donations.

Winner of the Half Marathon men's race was Oneil Williams from Nassau, who completed the 13.1 miles in 1:13:56 and was followed closely by Grand Bahamian Kiethrell Hanna. The women's Half Marathon was won by Julie Salas, also from Nassau, with a time of 1:54:00 and followed closely by well-known UNEXSO head diver Cristina Zenato. The first place award for the 5K race for men went to Max Williams. Race organisers and her parents were blown away by the impressive ladies winner, Phoebe Wilson - only nine years old!

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US wins IAAF/BTC World Relays, Bahamas finishes 10th

The United States team won the IAAF/BTC World Relays Bahamas for the second consecutive year, with a total of 63 points. The Bahamas finished 10th with 11 points. The IAAF/BTC World Relays Bahamas 2015 were held May 2-3 at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium, which brought together more than 1,000 of the best athletes in the world and coaches from 50 countries.

The following races were held: 4x100m, 4x200m, 4x400m, 4x800m and a Distance Medley with qualifying rounds for the 4x100m, 4x200m and 4x400m (male and female). A number of records were made during the Bahamas relays: the United States won the Men's Distance Medley relay with a time of 9:15:51, setting a new World Record; shaving off 0.06 off the world record. The team received a bonus cheque of $50,000 and was awarded the Golden Baton.

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Grand Bahama Sailing Club announces unique free opportunity - Junior Instructor Bootcamp (JIB)

The Grand Bahama Sailing Club (GBSC) is inviting teenagers to apply for a place on its free Junior Instructor Bootcamp (JIB). It will be held from 9am to 3:30pm, on 15th to 19th June and is aimed at 13 to 17 year old boys and girls.

JIB has a dual aim of giving children the opportunity to learn from Director, Toby Olssen, who has taught and inspired many of the older Senior Instructors and also for GBSC to recruit volunteers to help with preparations for the Summer Programme. The opportunities to learn will be plentiful.

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Bahamas weekly fishing report from Harbourside Marine

Fishing report as of April 30, 2015

Nassau: The charter boat captains report that the bite has been slow this week which is expected with the wind blowing out of the west.

North Eleuthera: The tuna bite slowed a bit last week but there are still a few mahi passing through.

Cat Island, Hawks Nest: They have been catching lots of white marlin and a few bull mahi.

Photo: West End, Grand Bahama - Karen Black with a mahi caught on 'Duchess'.

Click here to read more

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.

thru May 9: Traveling Caribbean Film Showcase - At the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas. Movies from Mexico, Cuba, Trinidad and more. 6pm start.

May 7-9: Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival - Rake & Scrape stage opens at noon today! Junkanoo stage, Bahamian stage and Mega stage feature exciting musical concerts and parties. Click HERE to visit the official website. Watch for road closures on Sunday as Road Fever hits the streets.

May 8-10: Theatre "A Longing Fulfilled" - Patrice Francis' original stage play returns to Dundas Black Box Theatre, Mackey St. 8pm Fri/Sat and 6pm Sun. Tickets $25 call 364-5234, 429-2432 or at the box office.

May 14: Cyber Crime Workshop - A BIFS event at the British Colonial. Contact 323-0871/2 to register.

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

May 29-30: Freeport High alumni in Nassau events - Meet & Greet on the 29th, 6pm at Seafood Haven, Arawak Cay. Beach Bash at Saunders Beach on Sunday. Contact fahs.bmeswarrior@gmail.com for more info.

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 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: Johnny Kemp Wake/Memorial - At Taino Beach, 7:30pm.

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 - in Port Lucaya. Click HERE for all the details.

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 for information and registration form.

May 24: NewLife Natural Vegetation Presents Knowledge Night - 3pm at Le Chateau on the Green ($20). Knowledge, entertainment and good food. Special Guest Mr. Jay Mitchell.

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.

May 31: Island-wide scavenger hunt - A Freeport Players' Guild event. More information coming soon.

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 18: Rotary Club of GB Sunrise Annual Cigar Night - 7 p.m. in Canal House, Pelican Bay. For further info contact James Sarles at 351-9081.

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.

March 5, 2016: Dog Days Half Marathon - Popular new event returns for a second year! Click HERE to visit the official website. See you there!

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

thru May 9: Bahamas Billfish Championship #2 - GREEN TURTLE CAY, at the Green Turtle Club and Bluff House. 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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Bahamas 4x400m relay team looks to Beijing and Rio

Chris 'The Fireman' Brown looked somewhat disappointed as The Bahamas 4x400m Men's Relay team lost to the United States during the final and much anticipated race of the IAAF/BTC World Relays Bahamas 2015 on Sunday night.

The relays held May 2-3 at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium attracted a more than 20,000 raucous and enthusiastic crowd against the backdrop of pulsating Junkanoo sounds cheering on the athletes of their choice.

The United States team anchored by LaShawn Merritt finished with a world-leading time of 2:58.43 for the gold medal. The Bahamas finished second with a season best time of 2:59.81 for a silver medal, while Belgium finished third with a national record time of 2:59.33.

Following the race, Brown, still obviously loved and appreciated by the home crowd, said "Thank the Lord we were able to perform before the Bahamian people."

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