Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL V. No. 5, June 18, 2015

This week in Bahama Islands Info

National News

Nassau News

Grand Bahama News

Family Islands & Abaco News

Arts & Entertainment News

Column: At the Movies

Sports News

Feedback: Letter to the Editor

Column: Muddasick!

Bahamas High Commission in Canada hosts meet and greet with the Minister of Foreign Affairs & Immigration

The Bahamas High Commissioner, His Excellency Dr. Calsey Johnson hosted a meet and greet reception in Ottawa, Ontario on 30th May for the Honourable Fredrick A. Mitchell Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration. Minister Mitchell was in Ottawa on official business as he has been paying courtesy visits to each of the Bahamas Embassies, Consulates and High Commissions abroad.

During the Minister's visit, he met with Members of the Canadian Government, CARICOM Heads of Mission and the Chargé d' Affaires of the Embassy of the Dominican Republic. The event was held at the Sheraton hotel in downtown Ottawa. Guests were treated to sounds of The Bahamas and scrumptious food. Bahamians in the Ottawa-area had an opportunity to meet and mingle with Minister Mitchell and members of the Bahamas High Commission staff.

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CIBC FirstCaribbean supports Cancer Society of the Bahamas telethon

Eight volunteers from CIBC FirstCaribbean assisted the Cancer Society of the Bahamas in their collection efforts during its 4 hour live telethon, kicking off the centre's $3 million campaign to expand the Cancer Caring Centre. The volunteers operated the point of sale terminals, provided by Tripoint Communications, and collected donations from those who opted to pay via their credit or debit cards.

CIBC FirstCaribbean Managing Director Marie Rodland-Allen commended the volunteers and stated that Cancer is an issue dear to CIBC FirstCaribbean. "Persons living with cancer need all of our support and at CIBC FirstCaribbean we are happy to lend assistance wherever we can. Through our 'Walk for the Cure' event and other donations the bank and staff continuously support cancer support organisations like the Cancer Society and we are proud to see our staff putting in their time and effort to make a difference."

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Twenty-two females help launch 'Women in Politics' course

Twenty-two women from diverse age groups, backgrounds and political views, became the first participants of the inaugural Leadership for Women in Politics course hosted by The College of The Bahamas (COB) in conjunction with the Ministry of Social Services and Community Development.

Hosted by the Centre for Continuing Education and Extension Services (CEES) Division of COB and the Ministry of Social Services and Community Development through the Women's Bureau, the six weeks course, which runs from June 12 through July 25, 2015, is intended to "enlighten, educate and inspire more Bahamian women to rise to leadership roles in the political arena."

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Cable Bahamas proposes share split

Cable Bahamas Ltd (CBL) announced Monday that it would be proposing at its upcoming annual general meeting a three-for-one (3:1) share split of its ordinary shares, providing greater marketability and liquidity in the market and making shares more affordable, especially to potential smaller investors. If approved, the directors of the company will determine the timetable for the share split.

The BISX-listed company has been publicly traded since its initial public offering (IPO) in 1994. The company purchased all foreign-held shares in 2010, becoming 100 per cent Bahamian owned at that time. "For some time now, the market has demonstrated confidence in Cable Bahamas' current and future performance demonstrated, among other things, in the gradual increase in the price of the shares on BISX," said Gary Kain, Chairman of the company.

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Zonta Club continues support of Betty Kelly-Kenning Endowment at COB

Continuing a partnership that underscores the higher education of women as a national priority, the Zonta Club of New Providence has made a $5,000 contribution towards the Betty Kelly Kenning Memorial Endowment Fund at The College of The Bahamas. The endowment perpetually funds scholarships for female students of The College who are 25 years old and over, have already earned an Associate's degree and want to pursue a Bachelor's degree. The fund was established in 2012 with an initial $50,000 contribution, a bequest of Mrs. Kelly-Kenning.

Director of Development at The College of The Bahamas Ms. Davinia Blair accepted the contribution and thanked the Zonta Club for its philanthropy and support of higher education.

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Lyford Cay International School graduates 10th class

Lyford Cay International School (LCIS) hosted the graduation ceremony for the school's 10th graduating class on June 10, 2015 in the Independence Ballroom at the Meliá Nassau Beach.

The Commencement Address was given by Sen. the Hon. Allyson Maynard Gibson. Senator Gibson and her husband, Maxwell Gibson, are both past Board of Directors and both her daughters, Demetra and Zoe attended the school.

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Save Our Summer' launch deemed a big success

Save The Bays (STB) is calling its inaugural 'Save Our Summer' event a big success, with turnout exceeding expectations and much-needed funds raised to support the fast-growing environmental group's diverse range of programs and initiatives.

CEO Vanessa Haley-Benjamin said more than 100 attendees learned about STB's efforts to protect the environment from threats such as oil pollution and unregulated development, through a unique approach that combines public advocacy, education and - when necessary - court action.

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Consolidated Water Co. supports S.C. McPherson Junior High School's Fourth Annual Interschool Mathematics Competition

In an effort to encourage interest in mathematics, Consolidated Water Co. Ltd. (NASDAQ: CWCO), was a major sponsor of S.C. McPherson Junior High School's Fourth Annual Interschool Mathematics Competition. The company, which develops and operates seawater desalination and water distribution systems, supported the nearby school as it celebrated Mathematics Month under the theme "Mathematics to the Core."

The initiative was launched to revitalize mathematics within the junior high schools and raise awareness of the importance of mathematical skills to later life. Throughout the month the teachers and students of S.C. McPherson engaged in fun educational activities to promote numeracy, culminating in the Annual Interschool Mathematics Competition hosted by the school in its auditorium.

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BTC-adopted schools celebrate Teachers Appreciation Day

With the help of BTC and the iVolunteers, the students of five Nassau schools each treated their teachers to a special day of celebration for Teacher's Appreciation Day. Eva Hilton Primary School, H.O. Nash Junior High School, Thelma Gibson Primary School, Stapledon School, and Gambier Primary School all held special Teachers Appreciation assemblies in conjunction with their adoptive sponsor BTC to honour their teachers with performances and prizes.

The five schools have been 'adopted' by BTC through their adopt-a-school program, and regularly receive support and financial assistance from the company and its' community service corps, the BTC iVolunteers.

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Rotkirch retires from Grand Bahama Shipyard - COO Byrd named Acting President

Friday marked the final day for Carl Rotkirch as Chairman & CEO of the Grand Bahama Shipyard, as he retires after seven years as its CEO. Rotkirch joined the company in 2008 and has seen the company develop into a world-renowned ship repair facility with an extensive array of customers during his tenure. The company now brings in more than a hundred vessels yearly, ranging from cruise to container ships, tankers, research vessels, tugs, barges offshore support vessels and drill ships.

"When I came here, the yard was in its infancy," said Rotkirch. "However, what we have done in the past years is become an organized company. We have evolved far beyond where we were in terms of safety and production, and I think people are just starting to see what we're capable of."

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Brewery continues to revitalize the Grand Bahama Regatta

The Grand Bahama Regatta committee is on a mission to revive the Grand Bahama Regatta. Coincidently, this goes hand in hand with the Bahamian Brewery and Beverage's mission to revive the art of sculling in The Bahamas. As a result, the Brewery recently donated a cheque to the committee to assist with putting on this year's regatta.

"We're proud to receive this donation," said Chervita Campbell, Chairman of the Grand Bahama Regatta Committee. "Since we've began our revival the Brewery has been a major supporter of our regattas. They know the importance of our heritage with this national sport, they travel to all of the Family Islands supporting regattas, and we know their support will encourage others throughout Grand Bahama to join us."

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GBPA eyes medical device manufacturing

The island of Grand Bahama continues to spark attention from the international marketplace as more and more companies learn of the benefits of Freeport. Sr. Manager of Business Development at The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA), Derek Newbold, was a guest speaker last week, at the Medical Design & Manufacturing East Conference and tradeshow (MD&M), held in New York City.

The 3-day event is a major annual hub for the medical and healthcare profession, a trusted source for innovation and cutting edge advancements in medical product development. The conference offers the widest array of products and services for every medical application.

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Grand Bahama's Ministry of Youth 'Fresh Start' programme to receive a larger budget

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Dr. Daniel Johnson said the Ministry's Fresh Start Programme's will received a bigger budget in the future. Minister Johnson was speaking at the graduation ceremony for 60 students of the Fresh Start Class of 2015 at the Foster B. Pestina Hall, Friday, June 12, 2015.

Fresh Start is a 15 week long programme that provides young people with skills to become productive citizens. They take courses in the areas of Welding, General Maintenance, Computer and Business Application, Accounts and QuickBooks and Acrylic Nails.

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Volunteer MBA students assist with transformation at the Humane Society of Grand Bahama

Months of correspondence and conference calls have resulted in an amazing blessing for our shelter. In late January, Julia Hebard, a Colorado State graduate student, reached out to us with a unique proposal. (Julia knew of us from volunteering with one of our Colorado rescue partners, and one of her best friends adopted one of our potcakes last year.)

Fast forward to today. Julia, along with Carmelo Mannino, Long Tran, and Eric Alm; are here in Freeport, until the end of July, on a voluntary basis. They are helping us build a more sustainable business model, including streamlining shelter operations to be more efficient, improving community outreach, and increasing shelter revenues. They are also conducting an economic analysis of the HSGB's impact on the local economy. They are all MBA students at CSU's business school with an emphasis in Global, Social and Sustainable Enterprises.

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Marco's Pizza Freeport store wins company award

Marco's Pizza owners Terry and Chris Tsavoussis, with a store in Freeport, Grand Bahama, were awarded top honors at the company's national award ceremony last month.

Marco's is the fastest growing pizza company in the U.S. with 625 stores in 35 states, and strives to be the pizza of choice, the employer of choice and the partner of choice in each community. The Tsavoussis's earned the award by being one of the top international performers within Marco's Pizza and a good business partner within the Freeport community.

Photo: (l-r) Jim Strachan, Terry Tsavoussis, Jack Butorac, General Manager Yolanda, Director of Operations for Aetos Bahamas Randy Sands, President Bryon Stephens.

Cat Island and the Village of Richton Park, Illinois sign Sister Cities agreement

In an historic move, Cat Island signed an agreement with the Village of Richton Park in Illinois on Friday to form a Sister Cities relationship. Cat Island MP Deputy Prime Minister Philip Davis, Village of Richton Park President Mayor Richard Reinbold, Bahamas Honourary Consul to Chicago Michael Fountain and Immerse Bahamas President and CEO Ginger Moxey were in Cat Island for the special occasion.

The Village of Richton Park is a small community located 30 miles from the City of Chicago in northeast Illinois and home to some 13,500 residents while Cat Island, which is positioned in the center of The Bahama Island archipelago, 325 miles southeast of Miami, Florida, has a population of approximately 1,600 people.

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Deputy Prime Minister attends annual Crabfest in Fresh Creek, Andros

Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Philip Davis lead a government delegation to Fresh Creek Andros on Saturday to attend and show his support for the annual Crabfest there. DPM Davis, BEC Chairman Leslie Miller and CARICOM High Commissioner Picewell Forbes mingled with the huge crowd of mostly young people at the event.

The delegation is also pictured with local businessman, avid sportsman and co-founder of Superwash Adrian D'Aguilar (in the wheelchair) at his business establishment. PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts is pictured to the far right.

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Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina completes phase one of a $5.6 million renovation

"Come on in - the water's fine" is the new mantra for the Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina. Featuring a new family-sized pool, two completely re-built docks at the 75-slip marina, and several improvements to the boutique resorts' 51-rooms, the popular Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina is looking forward to a very busy summer season.

Phase I of the renovation program entailed demolition of the existing pool and rebuilding a brand new, larger pool (44' by 60'), updating for the 75-slip marina (docks A and B), and several other capital improvements to the property, including landscaping for the entire resort, painting interiors and exteriors, and new windows, sliding glass doors and ceiling tiles.

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Nassau represented at prestigious UNESCO Creative Cities meeting in Japan

The Annual Meeting of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) was held May 25-28 in Kanazawa, Japan, a member City of Crafts and Folk Arts. Nassau, designated a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Arts on December 1, 2014, was represented by Bahamian delegates: Pamela Burnside, President of Creative Nassau, and Gevon Moss of the Downtown Nassau Partnership. During the conference, the Nassau delegation placed a bid to host the 2017 Meeting in Nassau, in competition with Brazil, Paris and Italy. The results will be relayed to the Network within a few months.

"If we win the bid, the meeting will attract hundreds of persons to Nassau which would certainly provide a boost to our tourism industry and give us a chance to expose our arts and crafts tradition to the world," Mrs Burnside said. She described the conference as "an amazing experience."

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Kids know their Conchservation

Everyone loves eating conch, and with the Bahamas National Trust's (BNT) recent children's Conchservation campaign, children are learning to protect the conch just as well. The children's campaign was a partnership between the BNT, Wendy's, the Sandals Foundation, the Tribune and Harbourside Marine, and included a cartoon Conchservation PSA launched via social and mainstream media, a kid's activity booklet that was available with all Wendy's kids' meals and the conch colouring competition, which was a highlight for primary school students in both Nassau and Grand Bahama.

After five weeks of colouring fun provided by the Conchservation campaign weekly winners were: Gemma Cafferatta (GB), Tiffany Rutherford, Ashanti Marshall, Elias Hanson Fair Bhatti, Debra Dorval, Sean Lynes, Jayden Gardiner, Kennard Rolle Whymys, Tianique Thurston and Tyreik Jones. Additionally, Sean Lynes and Ashanti Marshall were selected as the grand prize winners of the competition.

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Blue Sail ocean front restaurant opens at Sandyport

A new casual dining restaurant named Blue Sail has opened on the beach at Sandyport Beaches Resort and Hotel, offering spectacular beach bar and outdoor dining views with a Mediterranean French fusion menu with Bahamian favourites.

Vernon Moss, General Manager of the Sandyport Beaches Resort and Hotel, is pleased that his guests have another dining option. "Currently we are open only for dinner with a reservation but in a few weeks, when I feel we are ready, we will open at 11:00 a.m. straight through until 11:00 p.m. seven days a week. We won't close between lunch and dinner."

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Cable Bahamas launches new REV web site optimised for mobile users

After a radical rebranding exercise in 2011, Cable Bahamas has reinvented itself yet again by giving its web presence a complete makeover. The upgraded company site, which goes live on Thursday, June 18 at cablebahamas.com, has been entirely rebuilt to include an ultramodern design, streamlined user experience, enhanced content and expanded features.

"Smartphones and tablets have become an integral part of our lives and a very important component of the company's growth strategy," said David Burrows, Cable Bahamas' vice president of marketing. "Coming into this process of redesigning our company site, our goal was to ensure that we provide the best possible user experience for visitors accessing the site via mobile and desktop devices."

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At the Movies: Entourage

One of the taglines for this movie: Dream Large. Live Larger. A movie star and his friends & family must deal with all the insanity of their lifestyles on the eve of the premiere of the film that marks his directorial debut. In the midst of all the personal politics his agent-turned-studio head must fight to get the film in theaters with no tampering from the people funding the project.

Vincent Chase aka Vince is one of the most famous actors on the planet, but when he wants to direct his first feature film it becomes a question of whether being a first time director of a multi-million dollar motion picture is a sound decision or just a recipe for a flop that could sink the careers of all those involved.

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Grand Bahama soccer camp set for international calibre play

Next week's Grand Bahama soccer camp could set local kids on the path to international soccer stardom. Youngsters who have been exposed to the top class professional coaching the camp offers each year are already playing for the Bahamas at tournaments abroad and others have used the skills they have learned to win valuable scholarships at US colleges.

Three full-time pro coaches from the UK's soccer governing body, the Football Association, fly into Freeport this Friday to lead the fun. The three, Lauren Phillips, Ady Penrose, and James Lofthouse, have drawn on the experience of previous years to tailor-make a programme aimed at bringing out the best in the kids who sign up whatever their skill level. There are still places to be had at this year's camp but there is no time to waste in signing up.

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Potential $75,000 in cash and prizes on the line at Bonfire Beach Bash & Tournament at Old Bahama Bay

Like the rising tide, as more anglers register for the June 25-28 Fun Fish Tournament hosted by Old Bahama Bay, the prize pool potential also moves higher. "With 30 boats entering every category we do have a potential for $75,000 in cash and prizes," said Tournament Director Cliff Jensen. "The guarantee is $15,000 but with more involvement we will see that figure climb. We're also offering anglers a 10 percent discount on rooms and are increasing sponsor gifts."

Jensen said The Fun Fish Tournament, featuring categories for wahoo, tuna, dolphin and kingfish with a special category for billfish, will be part of a three-day Beach Bash celebration co-hosted by Loggerhead® Marina, the major tournament and awards dinner sponsor.

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'Ladies, Let's Go Fishing!' plans Bimini adventure Sept. 11-13

Ladies, Let's Go Fishing, the renowned producer of weekend fishing universities, based in South Florida, is offering a trip to Bimini for a weekend of fishing and fun, Bahamas style. While the focus remains on women, participants are encouraged to bring male significant others.

"While there are other areas of the Bahamas we intend to visit, we are starting with Bimini, a quaint island close to the U.S. yet a destination many have not had the opportunity to visit," commented LLGF Founder Betty Bauman. "Traveling with a group that has similar interests generates new friendships."

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BAF announces 'Run For Pompey'

Executives of BAF Financial & Insurance (Bahamas) Limited announced the historic Run for Pompey this week, which is expected to be the next big thing in Bahamian tourism and one of the most authentic and meaningful highlights of the year.

The Run For Pompey race will feature a 5km "fun run" for the entire family, a 13mile (21.5km) half marathon, a 26mile (42km ) marathon and a grueling 31mile (50km) ultra marathon. It is scheduled to take place October 9th to October 12th, with the actual race occurring on National Heroes Day in George Town, Exuma. An all-day cook out, live Bahamian entertainment and a Junkanoo Rush in George Town's Regatta Park are also being planned for National Heroes Day.

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Misty Wells named tournament director for the Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina

Misty Wells, a competitive angler and outdoors events marketer known as the "Outdoor Darlin", has been named as Tournament Director for the Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina.

A Florida native, Wells is a lifelong angler having participated as a member of a women's team competing in numerous Florida tournaments, including Key West Marlin, Key West Kingfish, King of the Beach, Islamorada Sea Hunter Owners and Suncoast Kingfish Classic & Bill Curry Ford Ladies Tournament. Wells, a pro staff angler, is also the first female selected to fish in the Offshore Fishing League (OFL), which is launching its debut on NBC Sports to premiere in the fall of 2016.

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Letter: Questions resurface about the Cat Island Airport

Dear Editor,

I notice in the news that plans for the Cat Island Airport are being touted once again. Since I do not see any reference to which firm (local or foreign) has received the contract to design and build same, I would like to resubmit a letter below which I wrote in 2012 dealing with the matter, just in case it is still applicable. In the meantime, can the government please inform the Bahamian public as to who has won the contract for this project?

Today (November 14, 2012) I wish to comment on another article in the Business Section of the Tuesday, November 13 edition of The Nassau Guardian under the headline "Cat Island airport to triple capacity".

I am shocked to read that the government is 'considering a joint venture' with Cat Island Partners, the developers of the $220 million Professional Golf Association Village, to design the "new 21st century" New Bight International Airport and that these developers have hired an architectural design firm, Fortitude Design, based in Georgia U.S.A. to design it! Where is the outcry from the Institute of Bahamian Architects, the Bahamas Contractor's Association and the Bahamian public?

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Muddasick! Leaving trash on the beach

I read your article about the trash at Fortune Cay Beach. It disgusts me as well. I will tell you that I am on the clean-up committee for BASRA each year on Sunday after BASRA and last August the biggest mess left was by boaters in VERY expensive boats who had anchored in front of Rivera Towers and walked up to the event and enjoyed themselves.

Just before they pulled off they took all their trash and discarded it onto the beach and then pulled off. There were white garbage bags full of trash. It looked to us as though they were cleaning out their boat and used the beach as a trash can (on the sand) and just figured "someone" would get it during the cleanup. This is NOT acceptable.

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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 18: Freedom of Information Act Luncheon - Be sure to attend so that you can ask questions and hear the facts directly from the Government. BCH 12:30-2pm. Call 322-2145 to register.

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

June 20: Rev Jam Fest - Fort Charlotte 6-9pm. A Cable Bahamas event with lots of entertainment.

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 8-9: Junior Cycling Invitational - Visit Cycles Unlimited, Mackey St., for more information.

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 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: Resume Writing & Interview Enhancement Skills Workshop - Workshop will focus of effective resume writing and interviewing skills. 10 a.m. at The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce. $30. To register call 352-8329.

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 25: Chamber of Commerce Mix & Mingle - 5:30 p.m. at the GB Cultural Arts Center with performances by The Grand Bahama Youth Choir. 352-8329 for more.

June 26: Sculling Gullywash Night - at the GB Sailing Club. Click HERE for more info.

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: Camp Centre Stage - at the Regency Theatre for ages 7-13. Click HERE to view the ad.

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

July 13-14: Pastors Conference at Solid Rock Church of the Nazarene in Conjunction with Whitten Baptist Church -

@ 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at Solid Rock Church of the Nazarene.

July 13-24: Science & Discovery Summer Camp - At The Rand Nature Center. For more information call 727-0471.

July 17-18: Grand Bahama Regatta - Click HERE to read about some of the planned events.

July 17-18: GBSC "Kings of the Grill" - will host a BBQ cook off on the GB Regatta weekend at the Sailing Club. Click HERE for more info.

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 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.

August 20: The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce Resume Writing & Interview Enhancement Skills Workshop - Workshop will focus of effective resume writing and interviewing skills. @10 a.m. at The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce. Cost: $30. To register call 352-8329.

August 22: Lionfish Derby NEW DATE - Help rid the reef of this predator 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.

August 24: The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce Monthly Business Meeting - Featuring Mr. Hermann Otto who will be speaking on Success with Network Marketing in Micro and Macro Commercial Markets with special emphasis on employment, trade and services. @ 12:30 p.m. in Delphine's Room, Canal House at Pelican Bay Hotel.

August 25: The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce Mix n' Mingle - @ 5:30 p.m. at the GB Cultural Art Center with performances by The Grand Bahama Youth Choir.

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

October 17: Cancer Society Hope Ball - @ 7p.m. in the Grand Ballroom, Grand Lucayan Resort.

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 June 21: 32nd Annual Treasure Cay Billfish Tournament -

Make the trek up-island ABACO to catch all the fun!

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 4: Regatta Race 1 party and awards at Green Turtle Cay, ABACO - 6pm at the Bluff House with live music. 365-4247.

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 17-18: 5th Annual Fishermen's Fest - The community of Spanish Wells is preparing to celebrate it's 5th Annual Fishermen's Fest and we invite you to join us! Please visit our website at www.fishermensfest.com

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!

July 31-August 3: ACKLINS Regatta - Contact the Ministry of Tourism or Bahamasair for travel info.

September 11-13: 'Ladies, Let's Go Fishing!' - BIMINI adventure. Click HERE to read more.

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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Second annual COB Flamingo Ball celebrates alumni inducted into Hall of Fame

A forty-one yearlong legacy of leadership in the Bahamian community could not have happened for The College of The Bahamas without the talents, sacrifices and perseverance of the faculty, staff, students, administrators and alumni who have walked its halls.

So it was more than fitting to honour a cadre of selfless builders of that legacy and alumni who represent the best of the institution at The College's 2nd Annual Flamingo Ball held at the Melia Nassau Beach Resort on Saturday, June 13th.

By the end of the evening Executive Director of the Bahamas National Trust Eric Carey; Principal of Graphite Engineering Ltd. and PACE Foundation Chairman Sonia Brown; President of the Grand Bahama Port Authority Group of Companies Ian Rolle; Neurologist Dr. Charles Rahming; Atlantis Senior VP Stuart Bowe and Managing Director of Caystone Solutions Wendy Warren were inducted into the COB Alumni Society Hall of Fame.

Additionally, eight other COB alumni were honoured for their inspiring achievements and ten former employees were awarded for their contributions to building the institution.

An institution whose mission of supporting and driving national development makes it inextricably linked to the future of The Bahamas, The College is transitioning to become the University of The Bahamas. COB President Dr. Rodney Smith said the occasion highlighted the best of the past as the institution moves into the future.

"The size of the country does not matter. What matters is the passion, the willingness, the drive, the determination to succeed beyond any odds whatsoever. I believe with all my heart that we have the potential, we have the option to create an internationally recognized institution of higher education in The Bahamas known as the University of The Bahamas," said President Smith.

Click here to read more