Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL V. No. 3, June 4, 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

Recycling facility officially launched, expected to save the country millions

The Government of The Bahamas is now in a position to save over $6 million annually after divesting its waste management programme to Renew Bahamas. Prime Minister, the Right Hon. Perry G. Christie said that the government's decision to outsource waste management to the private enterprise has been a positive move, which will save taxpayers millions of dollars annually.

During the official launch of the Renew Bahamas Materials Recycling Facility on Thursday, May 28, Mr. Christie said that he was 'elated that the government no longer has this bill to pay.' "This is a wonderful day for our country," said Mr. Christie.

Click here to read more

MOU signed for Bahamas - China air service

A significant stride was taken to strengthen tourism as the Ministry of Transport and Aviation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the People's Republic of China for air service between the two countries on Thursday, May 28, 2015 at the Office of the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister of The Bahamas the Right Hon. Perry G. Christie said that the move came months after the Bahamian Government held discussions with the Government of the People's Republic of China with a view to bring Chinese air service to the country.

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The College of The Bahamas hosts Commencement Ceremony; 557 graduates

The 2015 Commencement Class of The College of The Bahamas was encouraged to be the vessels for national transformation on Thursday in what was intended to be the final Commencement Ceremony under the banner of The College of The Bahamas before the institution transitions to university status.

Among the 557 graduates approximately 26 percent are males. The vast majority of the 2015 Commencement Class are from the School of Education and the School of Business.

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WSC flood the airwaves in May

The team from the Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) took to the airwaves in May to not only help celebrate Water Month, but to show off their recent success with their Non-revenue water reduction programme as well.

Speaking on Guardian Radio, Star 106.5FM, Love 97, Radio Abaco, Praise FM Andros and the Breeze in Eleuthera, both the management of WSC and their Public Relations staff were busy explaining sign up promotions, school visits and the success of the company's IDB loan work.

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The Moore Bahamas Foundation funds shark education outreach in local schools

Thanks to a generous grant from noted conservationist Louis Bacon and his Moore Bahamas Foundation, the Bahamas affiliate of The Moore Charitable Foundation, researchers from Stony Brook University School of Marine Science again spent time with local students at several schools after traveling Bahamian waters last week to study the migration and population of sharks and rays. This was the third year of the "Shark Week" education outreach program.

Casuarina McKinney-Lambert, Executive Director of BREEF, commented, "Once again, BREEF is grateful for the support of The Moore Bahamas Foundation, which enabled us to host our third 'Shark Week' with Stony Brook University. Students are always excited and curious to learn more about these majestic creatures and hear stories from the expedition.

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Statoil SRP sponsors budding engineers of BETA Camp 2015

Multinational oil and gas company Statoil South Riding Point has committed to support future engineers as the Platinum Sponsor of Bahamas Engineering and Technology Advancement's (BETA) 2nd annual BETA Camp.

The generous $10,000 sponsorship will enable more public school students, girls and family island students to attend the camp, which focuses on creating an awareness of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) opportunities among young Bahamians. The 5-day summer camp will be hosted July 13-18 at the College of the Bahamas under the theme "Connecting Worlds: STEMming the bridge to the future."

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SpaceX to retrieve Fairing that washed up in Bahamas

Although spokesman John Taylor wouldn't confirm it, SpaceX has agreed to retrieve the Falcon 9 fairing that washed up on the tiny Bahamian island of Elbow Cay in late May, people familiar with the matter said.

News that the fairing had washed up on the beach spread after South Carolina businessman Kevin Eichelberger started tweeting pictures of the wreckage May 29.

Eichelberger was thrilled with the find, but not everyone felt that way.

"We are on a small island and there is no dump here," said Sherri Waddell, a part time resident who lives in the U.S. but owns a house on Elbow Cay with her husband. "Removing this trash will not be easy or cheap."

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CIBC FirstCaribbean rewards distinguished Junior Achievers

Six outstanding Junior Achievers have received partial scholarships and cash prizes sponsored by CIBC FirstCaribbean. At the Annual Junior Achiever's Banquet the students were selected as top ten finalists in the competition for 'Most Distinguished Achiever' and presented with awards ranging in size from $200 to $750.

Nia Cambridge of St. Augustine's College and Gabriela Collie of Jordan Prince William tied for 10th place, each receiving a $200 cash prize. CR Walker's Shelayah Smith, 9th place, received a $300 prize and 8th place finalist Moreice Forbes of St. John's received a $400 prize. Gabrielle Hollaender of Lyford Cay International School placed 7th and received a $600 prize and Makayle Roberts placed 6th overall, receiving a $750 cash prize, all sponsored by CIBC FirstCaribbean.

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Potter's Cay Dock trees pruned to allow for new parking lot development

The pruning of trees at the southern foreshore of Potter's Cay Dock has been completed in preparation for their removal: once the trees have been removed work can begin on creating a parking lot for patrons of the vendors on the dock.

Tree pruning is a programme of the first phase of re-development of the eastern end of Potter's Cay Dock. The Government has allocated $3,122,989.00 for the re-development project, which is going to take place in three phases.

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Chinese delegation tours LPIA air traffic control facilities

The Ministry of Transport & Aviation welcomed a delegation from the People's Republic of China on a tour the new multi-million dollar Bahamian air traffic control facility at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) on May 27, after a brief reception at the International Diplomatic Lounge upon their arrival in The Bahamas. The delegation of aviation officials of the People's Republic of China arrived to sign agreements implementing air service between China and The Bahamas.

Minister of Transport and Aviation the Hon. Glenys Hanna Martin told the delegation as she conducted the tour that the facility has cutting edge technology at world-class standards.

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A Sure Win ushers in 'new era' with board of directors

Local gaming organization, A Sure Win, is "poised to lead the way" in the local gaming industry according to recently appointed Chairman of the Board, Leroy Archer at the company's recent general staff meeting.

The meeting served as an opportunity for the company's newly appointed board of directors to meet the rest of the A Sure Win family while illustrating the company's plans for the foreseeable future.

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Island Luck and IL Cares Foundation launch OWN Bahamas mentorship program

Island Luck Cares Foundation announces the start of the OWN Your Bahamas specially designed course at the College of the Bahamas, for grant recipients. The seven grant recipients began their first course on "How to Start and Operate a Small Business" at COB this past Friday. Through this course, participants will learn additional skills and knowledge in the areas of business management, financial planning responsibility and start up practices and policies of the Bahamas.

The course will run for 6 weeks during which time program participants will also receive mentorship from some of the country's leading executives, business leaders and entrepreneurs.

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Grand Bahama's very first Pet Expo this Friday, June 5

Grand Bahama's very first Pet Expo will take place this Friday, June 5th, at Goombay Park (behind the Intl. Bazaar) from noon until 6pm. The brainchild of young entrepreneur Alexandrea Beckles, owner of Simple Favors, this event will have something for every pet lover on Grand Bahama!

The Humane Society of Grand Bahama will be there with:

Adoptable dogs & pups...
Potcake Collars & Tshirts...
Homemade dog cookies...
Discounted microchips...
Grand Bahama: No Bite Zone literature and merchandise...

Click here to read more

GBPA researching viable alternative energy solutions

A major alternative energy company has its sights on Grand Bahama Island as a possible location for future projects. The organization currently owns and operates several renewable energy facilities, as well as a research laboratory located at a prominent university campus.

Earlier this month, a 4-member delegation from The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited, (GBPA), were invited to Cleveland, for meetings and site tours with executives of the Ohio based company.

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Save The Bays supports summer boatbuilding and sailmaking program

When school closes for the summer, a group of students will set aside their smart phones, tablets and high tech gadgets to pick up canvas and sail needles, saws and epoxy. Thanks to a summer camp sponsored in part by Save The Bays, they'll learn traditional boatbuilding and sailmaking skills that many of their ancestors depended upon to survive in The Bahamas.

The two-week hands-on boat-building and sailmaking course is part of the larger Nature Experience Summer Camp with sessions held on the grounds of the Charles Hayward Public Library in Grand Bahama. Some 70 youngsters attended last year and Executive Director Geneva Rutherford expects the number to be higher this summer.

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Grand Bahama to get new $6 million fire station

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Urban Development, the Hon. Philip Brave Davis, was on island Friday for the contract signing at the Ministry for Grand Bahama for a $6M fire station for that island.

Residents of the island will not soon forget the names 'Francis' and 'Jeanne', the two hurricanes that devastated Grand Bahama in 2004 including the fire station of East Settlers Way.

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Big G's in Pinder's Point benefits from duty free concessions

Minister for Grand Bahama the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, on Monday toured re-opened Big G's Seafood & Restaurant, a business that has benefitted from duty free concessions from the government. The Minister said duty free concessions present great opportunity for small businesses throughout Grand Bahama, in particular East and West Grand Bahama, to compete, grow, and hire more persons.

Business owner, Dwight Moore, was pleased to have been given the opportunity to utilize the duty free concessions as without them, he said, it would not have been possible to re-open his business, much less expand.

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Presentation to the Committee to review The Hawksbill Creek Agreement by C.A. Smith

Distinguished members of the committee

Please accept my thanks for providing me with the opportunity to appear before you to give you some personal perspectives for your consideration as you carry out your mandate "To advise the government on whether to or not to extend certain provisions of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement namely the property tax and business license fees provisions and to make recommendations for future economic development of Freeport.

Yours is an awesome task as any advice which you give, if adopted by the government, will have a profound effect on the economic future of Freeport, Grand Bahama and indeed The Bahamas.

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Freeport Bible Church spreading love to its neighboring communities

In keeping with the church's vision, "Love God, Love People and Serve the World", Freeport Bible Church (FBC) is recognizing June as "Love Thy neighbor" month, spreading love to the church's neighboring communities of Pine Tree Subdivision, Sunset Subdivision and Belgrave.

The Outreach Ministry of the church, led by Associate Pastor, Karol Roache, has planned several activities for the above mentioned communities during the month of June:

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Residents express fears of further Guana Cay destruction from new round of dredging activities

Distraught residents are calling on the Ministry of Environment to urgently investigate a new round of dredging off the coast of Guana Cay, Abaco, which they fear is leading to the destruction of invaluable areas of protected wetland.

Having been forced to watch helplessly while the fragile offshore reef system suffered extensive damage over the last five years due to the controversial Baker's Bay development, locals now want the government to step and save what is left of this once pristine island before it is too late.

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Eleuthera's Pineapple Festival to 'Bring Back Da Ole Days'

The 28th Annual Pineapple Festival gets underway Wednesday June 3 to Friday, June 5 in Gregory Town, Eleuthera, with the usual fun, frolic, and festivities celebrating the 'sweetest pineapples in the world.' Sponsoring the pineapple jubilee will be Kalik, Island Luck, Sands Beer, and the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. The theme this year is 'Bring Back Da Ole Days.'

On Saturday, sporting types can enjoy 5K Fun Run /Walk Road Race, Pineappleman Sprint Triathlon, Aquathon, and World-Beater Road Race! Contact tom@bahamasadventures.com for race registration and information.

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Abaco's Kaitlyn Francis receives 13th annual CIBC FirstCaribbean sponsored scholarship at Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year

Kaitlyn Francis, a 6th grade student from Central Abaco Primary School, has been named the recipient of the 13th annual CIBC FirstCaribbean sponsored scholarship award in the Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Award (BPSSYA) program. Miss Francis who was amongst the 12 finalists, ranked 7th place out of the 121 participating students. Kaitlyn received her award at 19th annual Primary School Student of the Year Award this past Saturday.

The 12 finalists were selected by an independent panel who evaluated the students on academics, extracurricular activities and leadership amongst other criteria.
Kaitlyn, who is Deputy Head Girl at Central Abaco Primary School, meets the criteria for the programme with flying colours. Her resume is a consummate display of well-rounded extracurricular activities and stellar grades.

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Sandals team members win big in annual Prestige Awards

When the applause quieted at Sandals Royal Bahamian and Sandals Emerald Bay last month, Antwan Thompson and Antone Munnings gratefully accepted their awards for being the top team members of their properties for the year 2014.

Mr. Thompson, who is a Club Sandals agent at Sandals Emerald Bay and Mr. Munnings, who supervises the banquet setup department at Sandals Royal Bahamian, both won the coveted 'Team Member of the Year' award for their excellent service in their respective resorts.

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NEMA prepares for the 2015 hurricane season

The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, kicked off National Disaster Preparedness Month with a church service at the East Street Gospel Chapel on Sunday, May 31, 2015. The month will focus on hurricane preparedness under the theme: "Building Disaster Resilient Communities Through Mitigation, Preparedness and Effective Recovery." The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs June 1 to November 30.

During the month of June, one of the activities NEMA will stage is a disaster Conference for the Southern Bahamas in New Providence. The islands involved are Acklins and Long Cay, Cat Island, Crooked Island, Inagua, Mayaguana, San Salvador and Rum Cay.

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PM paints bright future for the northern Bahamas

Prime Minister of The Bahamas, the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie on Wednesday painted a bright future for the Northern Bahamas during the 2015/16 Budget Communication in the House of Assembly.

The Prime Minister said Resorts World Bimini has launched its soft opening of the 305-room Hilton Hotel and when completed will be staffed by some 700 Bahamians. The owners are also constructing additional housing for employees. Bimini continues to outpace growth in all other Family Islands and is considered the fastest growing destination in The Bahamas.

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At the Movies: Poltergeist

The tagline for this movie: They Know What Scares You. A family that has fallen on hard times moves to a new house and it becomes apparent that their new home already has supernatural occupants. When the haunting starts to escalate the family must come together to rescue one of their own with the help of a group of paranormal investigators.

The thing about a remake is that you want to give people what they liked about the original but you also have to put in enough new stuff so that modern audiences will relate to it. This new version of the horror franchise is heavy on action and special effects, however it is very light on the horror. As they tried to hit certain beats in the film to act as touchstones for those who liked the original it just ends up pointing out how mediocre this take on the subject matter is. In the 1982 movie the parents are the stars as they deal with what is happening to their kids, but in this remake the kids are the stars with the parents taking a backseat when it comes to the ramifications of the haunting.

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National Children's Choir's 25th anniversary celebrations concert [photos]

Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling, Governor General, attended the National Children's Choir 25th Anniversary Celebrations Concert at the Performing Arts Theatre, College of The Bahamas, Sunday, May 31, 2015. Dame Marguerite, the choir's first patron, is in the front row at right, with Sir Durward and Lady Holly Knowles just a few seats along.

Other photos show children in performance, and an appreciative audience.

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Tributes at the Home Going of Leviticus 'Vittie' Thomas in Pelican Point

A Home Going Service was held for Mr. Leviticus 'Vittie' Thomas in Pelican Point on the weekend. Mr. Thomas was dearly appreciated, and missed, by the Grand Bahama community. The Deputy Prime Minister the Hon. Philip Davis said that even before there was Urban Renewal, 'Vittie' Thomas assisted the development of marching bands and organized music, and was known as the 'disciple of music' in East Grand Bahama.

Mr. Thomas was known to have assisted settlements, churches and bands to reach their goals. "When asked, without question, he got to it and got the job done," said Mr. Davis.

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Bahamas weekly fishing report from Harbourside Marine

Harbourside Tuna Classic this Friday & Saturday. There is still time to enter. Call 393-0262 for more info. The captains meeting will be Thursday at 12:30pm at the Green Parrot in Nassau and at 6pm at Bones Bar in Freeport.

Pictured is last years winner, Patrick Waugh of "Rake & Scrape", with a 66lb yellowfin. From all indications we will have more participants than previous years as the tournament has been expanded to have weigh in stations in Freeport, Abaco and Long Island.

The question is: who will be braggin' on Saturday night? The veterans or the new comers?

Fishing Report as of June 3, 2015.

Nassau: The charter boat captains are reporting that they have been catching a few mahi but other than that it has been slow offshore this week.

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Grand Bahama girls' soccer - Chelsea victorious

The newly re-vamped Grand Bahama Women's League wrapped up for the season with Chelsea emerging victorious. The standings were close all season long and all the players worked hard to place their team on top.

An awards presentation to wrap up the season will take place at Delphines Room (2nd floor of Canal House) Pelican Bay on June 12th at 7pm. Tickets are $6 players and $12 for guests. Tickets are on sale now at Town and Country #5 Yellow Pine Street. All uniforms and training tops must be handed in before any awards will be given out.

And the final standings are ...

NBA referee group call on Minister for Grand Bahama

Xcel Management Group International and the NBA Professional Referee Development Team of the United States made a courtesy call on the Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville on Thursday at the Ministry.

The Minister expressed pleasure in having the group on the island and that sports tourism has become a niche market in The Bahamas. Bahamians in sports, he said, should be certified and able to perform according to international standards.

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West End 5th Annual Snapper Fishing Tournament announced

Plans for the West End 5th Annual Snapper Fishing Tournament, June 20, were announced Wednesday during a press conference at the Ministry of Tourism.

The tournament will have a 7:00 a.m. start, when hand line fishermen will compete for the largest poundage of snappers, largest fish caught, and the most fish by pounds.

Being held in honour of the late James "Jimmy" Bowleg, known for being the first bone fishing guide and active in the boating business all his life, the tournament will end at 4:00 p.m. when the festival will begin, said Elaine Smith, coordinator at the Ministry of Tourism. Featured artists will include Lil Joe Cartwright, The Grand Bahama Police Force Pop Band, Junkanoo and KB.

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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.

June 6: Save The Bays Beach Clean Up - At Arawak Cay 8am - 12 noon. Click HERE to view the poster.

June 13: 2015 Doc's Pharmacy Cycling Classic - at the National Cycling Track at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex. 10am start, men, women and juniors. Contact npcyclingassociation2013@gmail.com.

June 13: Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga at Atlantis - Imperial Ballroom. Call 363-6601 or visit the Atlantis Box Office.

June 18: Doctors Hospital Lecture Series - Men Only! Health talk 6pm, Conference Room, Dowdeswell St.

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

July 11: Bahamian Icon Awards - at the Melia Nassau Beach. Tickets on sale now. 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

June 5: Simple Favors Pet Expo - at Goombay Park. Click HERE to view the poster.

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

June 6: Pilot Club of Lucaya Installation and Banquet - At Le Chateau on the Green, cocktails 7:00p.m. and dinner at 8:00p.m. Tickets $45.00 call 357-5010.

June 11-14: Toastmasters 1425 Reunion - Meeting Thurs, 7pm at Geneva's and banquet Fri at Le Chateau. Fun walk/beach day Sat and church service Sunday.

June 12: Grand Bahama Health Services Hospital Chaplains Appreciation Luncheon - under the theme "Health, Help, Hope and Healing". 11 a.m. at The Foster B. Pastaina Auditorium.

June 13: The Lucaya Lion Club of Freeport Charter Night Installation Dinner - 7 p.m. at The Police College, Pioneer's Way West. Dress: Smart Casual Cost: $40. RSVP contact Arnell Kelly at 374-4864/5/6.

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 19: "The World Famous Bahamas National Youth Choir" - and The Grand Bahama Youth Choir and Georgia's School of Dance in a

Grand Gala Cultural Folkore Jamboree. Regency Theatre - 8pm.

June 20: St. Paul's Methodist College 50th Anniversary Celebrations - Family Fun Day. Noon-8 p.m. at St. Paul's Field. Gate Pass: $1.00. Inter-High School Sound Clash. 8 p.m. in the Auditorium. Cost: $2.00.

June 20-21: Bahamas Dance Theatre - Always a sold-out show at the Regency Theatre. Call 351-DANS.

June 22-26: Sir Jack Hayward Soccer Camp - Mark the dates for this popular camp! Click HERE to read more and get registered.

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.

June 27: Rotary Club of Lucaya 2015 Installation Ceremony and Gala Concert - at the Regency Theatre. 6:30pm cocktails followed by a short Installation ceremony and then the Gala Concert. Tickets/$50 can be purchased from any Lucaya Rotarian or at the Bell Channel Inn. Click HERE to view the poster.

July 1: Humane Society Calendar Competition - Kicks off. Contact the HSGB for information.

July 4: Stride for Pride Glow Run - 8pm at Taino Beach. Late registration starts from 6:30pm. Click HERE to visit the FB page.

July 6-9: Potcake Pals Summer Camp - Click HERE to view the poster. Contact the Humane Society for information.

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.

September 13: Road Rally and Family Fun Day - to benefit the Humane Society. Save the date!

October 30: HSGB Halloween Party - Stay tuned for details!

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.

January 9, 2016: Humane Society President's Cocktail Party - How's that for advance notice?

January 23: Pawzapalooza - A Humane Society fun fundraiser.

February 27-28: 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: 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 30: Bahamas Billfish Championship #3 - TREASURE CAY. 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 13-14: All-Andros Crab Fest - at the Festival Site in Fresh Creek, ANDROS.

June 23: Taylor Hicks Concert - Everyone's favorite American Idol winner LIVE at the Green Turtle Club, ABACO. info@greenturtleclub.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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First Underwater Atlas of The Bahamas published

The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation, along with the Bahamas National Trust (BNT), recently presented a new Underwater Atlas of The Bahamas to the Right Honourable Perry Christie, Prime Minister of The Bahamas and the Honourable Khaalis Rolle, Minister of State for Investments.

This is first underwater Atlases published from the world's largest coral reef study, The Global Reef Expedition, that was launched right here in The Bahamas in 2011.

The Atlas of Shallow Marine Habitats of Cay Sal Bank, Great Inagua, Little Inagua and Hogsty Reef, Bahamas is a result of months of underwater research to survey and map the seafloor.

In 2011, scientists and divers from the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation, Bahamas National Trust, the Department of Marine Resources, The Nature Conservancy, the National Coral Reef Institute, and the Atlantic and Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment Program joined forces to complete comprehensive scientific surveys of Bahamian reefs. The research was part of the Foundation's Global Reef Expedition, a six-year study to map and characterize coral reefs around the world.

The Expedition was launched in The Bahamas. Captain Philip Renaud, Executive Director of the Foundation said, "The Bahamas was the first country to participate in our Global Reef Expedition program and we hold their conservation efforts in high esteem. Our hope is that this atlas will be vigorously used to stimulate new initiatives for the preservation of the amazing water-world of The Bahamas."

Click here to read more