Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL IV. No. 52, May 14, 2015

This week in Bahama Islands Info

National News

Nassau News

Grand Bahama News

Family Islands & Abaco News

Arts & Entertainment News

Sports News

Column: Weekly fishing report

Feedback: Letter to the Editor

BNT takes notes from Hawaii on marine protected areas

Two Bahamas National Trust (BNT) staff members and Abaco community members, recently traveled to Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii to learn from the Hawaiian experience with local partnerships, government agencies, conservation groups and law enforcement agencies that are serving to support marine law enforcement.

David Knowles, BNT Director of parks, Elsworth Weir, BNT Grand Bahama warden, Paul Pinder, President of the Abaco Fly Fishing Guide Association (AFFGA) and Cindy Pinder, Secretary AFFGA took part in the meetings, which were coordinated by a number of community based enforcement groups and the Hawaiian Department of Conservation and Resources enforcement unit. Hawaii is home to a number of innovative programmes which provide community members with opportunities for the direct involvement in the management of near shore marine resources.

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NEMA director attends regional disaster emergency management meeting

Captain Stephen Russell, Director of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) recently attended the Sixth Meeting of the Technical Advisory Committee of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) in Bridgetown, Barbados.

During the meeting held April 16-17, 2015, CDEMA provided an overview of the 2014-2024 Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM) Strategy, in which it continues to seek Participating States support to buy into and integrate into key sectors of Government. CDEMA presented its Corporate Plan for the period 2014-2017, which outlines how the organization proposes to conduct its business over the said period.

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Cuban group participates in Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival

On Saturday, May 9, the Bahamian capital vibrated to the rhythm of the prominent Cuban group Manolito Simonet y su Trabuco who were invited to close the Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival, first of its kind celebrated in this territory.

The Cuban group visited the Bahamas invited by the Organizing Committee of the "Junkanoo Carnival Bahamas" and was part of a group of bands, mostly Caribbeans, that crowded the city last Saturday night. The presence of Manolito Simonet y su Trabuco reaffirms the expansion and development of the cultural cooperation between Cuba and the Bahamas.

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Bahamas Ferries delivers enhanced online user experience with newly-designed website

Bahamas Ferries is striving to develop the ultimate online experience for its customers and potential customers with the launch of its entirely new website, bahamasferries.com. The company recently unveiled the all-new website, which boasts dozens of expanded features and enhanced content all targeted at providing more information to its regular passengers and those considering inter-island ferry and freight services.

With its new, modern look, the website has not only seen a dramatic improvement in its aesthetic value, but has undergone a full rebuild to make the site easier to navigate and find the most relevant information each visitor is seeking. The new site also boasts a fully-responsive design that adapts for optimal viewing and functionality across all devices.

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Baark's busy start to 2015

Baark! (Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness) have been busy so far in 2015; Fundraising at their exciting new 'Carnivale Night' event and putting the money to work with their spay/neuter and education projects, creating cleaner, safer and more responsible communities in the Bahamas.

After being an integral part of Operation Potcat in January/February where 406 cats were spayed/neutered in just 5 days, Baark! has continued the important work to reduce the number of homeless animals on our streets through sterilization programs such as TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) and providing subsidies for low-income families with owned pets. To reduce the risks of Canine Distemper which was widespread in 2014, Baark! is also providing free vaccinations for dogs before their spay/neuter surgeries.

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St. Bede's becomes Sister Annie Thompson pre-school

The former St. Bede's Catholic Primary School has undergone a name change to become the Sister Annie Thompson Pre-School, which honours well-known Nun and Educator, Sister Annie Thompson. During the official ceremony held on the school grounds on Thursday, May 7, Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie said that he deemed it an honor to recognize Sister Annie in this special way.

"Given the rich life that Sister Annie continues to live, I cannot think of one more fitting to bestow this honor upon," said Mr. Christie. "Sister Annie Thompson has had a positive influence on the lives of so many Bahamians. What many people do not know is that Sister Annie Thompson has a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree in Education and began teaching in classrooms across the United States during the l960's."

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Ginger Moxey makes special delivery to Ronnie Butler

Ginger Moxey, founder of Immerse Magazine, The Bahamas' hottest quarterly magazine to explode on the scene this year, recently made an extra special delivery when she visited the Legendary Prince Ronald 'Ronnie' Butler at his home in New Providence. Butler, who is featured in the launch edition of the magazine, tells it all in his 'All For Love' piece, and is affectionately known as the Godfather of Bahamian music.

An elated Moxey explained to Butler why it was so important to have him featured in the first edition. "The magazine features ordinary Bahamians who are doing extraordinary things. It's a compilation of all things Bahamian; the people, the culture, the communities and the experiences and tells the untold stories of some who are known, and often many who are unknown," she said.

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Palm Cay phase 3 opens on heels of 95% sell-out in 1st 2 phases

Reservations for the third phase of Palm Cay's condominium project, The Anchorage, are brisk following a near sell-out of the development's first two condo offerings, a spokesperson for the popular oceanfront community on New Providence's southeastern shore said this week. "The response to our 2- and 3-bedroom condos was incredibly positive. We hit the 95% mark with 19 out of 20 units sold and we believe that augers well for our current offerings in Phase 3," according to a statement by the developer.

Phase 3 will consist of 12 units, four 2-bedroom units with a study and eight 2-bedroom. Developers are banking on continued acceptance of the condo offerings priced at between $344,000 and $399,000 in a secure community with clubhouse, private oceanfront, pools, 1,200 linear feet of beaches, restaurant, marina, tennis and an active calendar that includes sailing, yoga and jazz or soft live music at the restaurant.

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Grand Bahama American Women's Club continues charitable giving in their 49th year

On Monday May 4th the Grand Bahama American Women's Club at the Ruby Swiss restaurant awarded 16 students Scholarships for Academic Excellence and donated monies to 8 service organizations in the Grand Bahama community who hold summer camp programs.

The Grand Bahama American Women's Club has just completed its 49th year as an active service club on Grand Bahama and raises most of its monies each year in February at their annual Charity Golf Classic which is held at the Grand Lucayan Reef golf course. With the help of some 40 volunteers and donations from many community partners this year the tournament raised over $23,000 and was able to donate over $28,000.

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Royal Bank of Canada staff volunteer at the Rand Nature Centre

Recently, staff members from Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) in Grand Bahama volunteer visited the Bahammas Nataional National Trust's (BNT) Rand Nature Centre for a volunteer day, where they helped to clear and fill a new trails at the beautiful Grand Bahama national park, managed by The BNT located in Freeport.

"I was so surprised that staff members from RBC were able to take time out of their busy schedules to volunteer to make their island a more beautiful place to see," said Lisa Wildgoose, BNT Office Manager at the Rand Nature Centre. Pictured is the RBC volunteer team as they worked to clear the trails at the park.

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Knowledge Night series to present 'The HIV Myth Exposed'

On Sunday May 24th, 2015, Grand Bahama will once again hear from Mr. Jamal Moncur, herbalist, botanist, nutritionist and author. Last year in Grand Bahama, Mr. Moncur addressed a packed room about 'The Conspiracy of What is Killing You'. His focus this time - 'The HIV Myth Exposed'.

Let's face it, HIV is a taboo subject with a stigma attached. The objective of Mr. Moncur's HIV seminar is to expose the myth that many people believe is true regarding how HIV is transmitted as well as how persons can receive false positive results, which is a staggering number.

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Grand Bahama Sailing Club invites people to Curry Night event June 5

The Grand Bahama Sailing Club (GBSC) welcomes everyone to Curry Night on Friday 5th June, 2015. Back by popular demand, this is a family friendly event. This is a light hearted, fun, foody night where anyone can bring their best curry and enter the competition. Or, if you don't cook, but love curry, people can come along and eat safely knowing they are supporting an organization that makes great things happen for children in this community.

Curries should be brought between 5:30pm and 6:30pm in a disposable foil tray, either half or full chafing dish size, which will be kept warm. Each curry will be given a secret number so voting will be based on culinary merit.

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National Training Agency solidifies presence in Exuma

The National Training Agency (NTA) held its first Graduation Ceremony and Official Office Opening on the island of Exuma on Monday, May 4, 2015 at St. Andrew's Anglican Parish Hall. Graduates and other attendees battled inclement weather to attend the landmark event.

Minister of Labour, National Insurance and the Public Service the Hon. D. Shane Gibson addressed the Graduation Ceremony and officially opened the NTA offices. Thirty-three young people have been successfully NTA-trained and 50 percent have secured full-time employment

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E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival adjudications come to South Andros

The E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival adjudications took place on May 7 in South Andros.

Choral Verse Speaking, Individual Verse Speaking, Bahamian Folk Dance, Instrumental and Pop Solos were some of the talents displayed by both young and older students.

Pictured: Choral Verse Speaking, South Andros High School, Grades 7 & 8.

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Resorts World Bimini announces new summer schedule

Resorts World Bimini has announced a new summer sailing schedule, offering guests more time on Bimini during the weekends. Bimini SuperFast will now depart from Port Miami on Fridays at 7 p.m., returning on Sunday at 8 p.m. providing another full day on the island. Previously the ship returned to Miami at 1 p.m.

"Guest response was positively overwhelming when we shifted from a day cruise to an overnight cruise product," said Edward Farrell, president of Resorts World Bimini. "To afford our guests more time to enjoy the island of Bimini we're extending the port time on Sundays, making the experience a full weekend getaway."

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Ophie and the Webbsites and Tuff Skins bring Rake 'n' Scrape music to Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival

Exposing Bahamian Rake 'n' Scrape artists to the international stage gives residents and visitors a full understanding of what it is to be a Bahamian. A group from Arthur's Town, Cat Island, the Webb Family - called 'Ophie and the Webbsites' -- brought Rake 'n' Scrape to Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival this weekend.

Cleophas Webb said his family has played Rake 'n' Scrape from the time he was a child; he learned it from his father and grandfather, and all of the children play. It's regularly played in Cat Island for weddings and parties, he said, because it's all they have - that sound of fusion of European accordion, African goatskin drum, and the saw for "that scratchy sound and the African feeling."

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Sammi Star wins first ever Music Masters competition

Sammi Star won the Music Masters competition during the first ever Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival with his song "Everybody Jump in the Line." Sammi Star and nine other finalists performed to thousands of excited spectators on the second night of the Carnival at Clifford Park, Friday, May 8, 2015.

The entertainer went home with the $20,000 grand prize and a promotional partnership with international music conglomerate Sony Music Entertainment (SONY). He said, "Seriously, I am proud to be the front runner of the entire thing and proud to be the person that is now the flag carrier for the new Bahamian sound. I am floored and honoured and will do my best to represent The Bahamas."

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Photo gallery: Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival

Hundreds took part in the first Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival - Road Fever - which began at the Thompson A. Robinson National Stadium and finished at the Western Esplanade on Saturday, May 9, 2015.

Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival scenes at the Mega Stage at Clifford park that featured early in the evening on Friday, Visage and international artists; the Music Masters Competition Finals with Sammi Starr as the winner for his "Everybody Jump in Da Line"; and into the early hours of Saturday morning Baha Men and Machel Montano.

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Tourism Minister applauds Sunland athletic achievements

Minister of Tourism the Hon. Obediah H. Wilchcombe on Wednesday congratulated the students and staff of Sunland Baptist Academy for their athletic achievements. The Member of Parliament for West End and Bimini, Mr. Wilchcombe was the keynote speaker at a special assembly called to recognize the achievements of the winning Senior Boys Team, and the Under 17 Boys Basketball Team who were runners-up in the recent 'Obediah Wilchcombe/Derek "Bookie" Nesbitt 2015 Basketball League.'

Dubbed the Sunland Baptist Academy Stingers, the Minister while congratulating the squads, also recognized sprinter Brianne Bethel, a 16-year-old student who is making waves in track and field as the top athlete in the 100 and 200 metres in The Bahamas.

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ESPN Events acquires Popeyes Bahamas Bowl

The Popeyes Bahamas Bowl has been acquired by ESPN Events, a subsidiary of ESPN. The second Popeyes Bahamas Bowl will be played at Nassau's Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2015, showcasing schools from Conference USA and the Mid-American Conference. The bowl was acquired from Bahamas Bowl, LLC, which owned the inaugural game in 2014.

"We are excited to be adding the Popeyes Bahamas Bowl to our portfolio of events," said Pete Derzis, senior vice president, ESPN Events. "The inaugural game was a tremendous success, and we hope to build on that by bringing a one-of-a-kind bowl experience for our student-athletes, coaches and fans. The level of support from the entire country of the Bahamas makes this event truly unique - making this game a true destination event that fans across the country will want to attend and support."

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Bahamas weekly fishing report from Harbourside Marine

Fishing report as of May 8, 2015

The mutton snapper bite should be great for the next couple of days.

Cat Island, Hawks Nest: Randy Holder of Hawks Nest Marina reports that there are tons of mani, a few wahoo and that the billfish bite is strong.

Long Island, Clarence Town: There has been some mahi, good sized yellowfin and blackfin tuna along with white and blue marlin caught this week.

Photo: Captain Mark Kooskalis with a mahi caught last week-end off of the Dutch Bar.

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Nicolette Bethel writes on Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival

Dear Editor,

First things first.

Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival is over, and it was a rip-roaring success. As happened in Grand Bahama, in Nassau thousands and thousands of people thronged the festival site, hungry for the new experience, and for the first time ever The Bahamas entered the twenty-first century world of festivals, productions and events. For the first time ever, too, the government of The Bahamas understood and supported the need for real economic investment in bringing something like this off; the committee that was appointed brought local financial and production expertise to the table and ensured that the execution of the event would be top-class; Bahamians and international performers were hosted on the same stage and that stage was beamed to the world; and at long, long last the Fort Charlotte/Arawak Cay arena has been turned into the kind of festival village that has long been dreamed about.

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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.

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

May 16: Long Islanders Fair - New location! Eastern Parade 12 noon until.

May 17: Baark! 1-day FREE spay & neuter clinic - Click HERE to view the poster or call 427-SPAY.

May 16: Halsbury Chambers FREE Legal Clinic - Victoria Ballroom, Hilton hotel from 10am-1pm. RSVP 393-4551.

May 19: Moving Beyond the Statistics: Eliminating the Skills Gap - Forum at the Harry C. Moore Library Auditorium, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm. Register by calling the Chamber at 322-2145.

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

May 28: Broadway Under the Stars: Dinner & Concert - 9pm-11pm at Sapodilla, West Bay Street. Tickets at Logos or Sapodilla. A Rotary event.

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.

May 31: Opera in Paradise: Opera Concert - 8pm in the Atlantis Theatre, Paradise Island. A Rotary event.

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.

November 25-27: Battle 4 Atlantis - Basketball tournament. Click HERE to visit the website.

November 28: BREEF Gala - Theme: Under the Sea. More info coming, save the date!

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 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 17: Cat Island Association Monthly Meeting - 4 p.m. at Sister Mary Patricia Jr. High School. Cat Islanders and descendants are invited.

May 20: Spelling Bee - 10 a.m. at Freeport Bible Church. The public is welcome.

May 23: Special Olympics Torch Run - 5K with a 10am start. Click HERE to download the information sheet.

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. Click HERE for details.

May 24: End to End Band presents 'Sing Unto the Lord' - Single Release Concert 7:00 pm at BFM - Seahorse Plaza. Performing: Vanessa Clarke, Rsa Rs, Pastor Shandalene Grant, Minister Tracy Knowles. Box Office: Seventeen Shop.

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 5: Grand Bahama Sailing Club Curry Night - Competition and fun. Click HERE to view the poster.

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.

June 27: Mitchell "Mitch" Mortimer Golf Tournament - New date! Reef Golf Course. Registration Fee: $75; $36 (Juniors). For more information contact 373-2002/3/4

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

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!

October 9-12: Run For Pompey Marathon-EXUMA. Visit www.runforpompey.com.

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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The Island House opens

A Bahamian family has invested some $40 million on a luxury boutique hotel in the western district steps away from Lyford Cay. The newly opened Island House is a 'dream come true' for the Holowesko family who welcome this opportunity to make a contribution to the tourism sector.

Prime Minister, the Right Hon. Perry G. Christie led a delegation of Cabinet Ministers and senior government officials to take a tour of the new hotel facilities on Monday, May 11. He said that he believes that the future of the hospitality industry in The Bahamas is "very promising."

Said Prime Minister Christie: "Currently our hotel plant stands at some 8,000 rooms in Nassau/Paradise Island, with about 1800 more rooms on Paradise Island than Nassau. In addition, there are several thousand private homes being offered for rental to the travelling public, which are of considerable economic benefit to the local construction industry, employees and suppliers."

With the opening of Baha Mar and The Island House he projected inventory numbers in the capital will increase to almost 11,000 rooms by end of year, with most of that inventory based in Nassau.

The Holowesko Family invested over 40 million dollars developing the 10-acre, Island House property, which is considered a five-star, one-of-a-kind, intimate retreat, catering to international and local travelers. The hotel features six rental apartments, lap pool, a first class gym, Bamford spa, squash courts, a yoga movement studio, coffee bar, an 80-seat meeting room and a 48-seat theatre. There are also two restaurants on property: Shima, which features Asian cuisine, and the family-owned Mahogany House restaurant.

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