Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL V. No. 6, June 25, 2015

This week in Bahama Islands Info

National News

Nassau News

Grand Bahama News

Column: Billie Talks Business

Column: Humane Society of Grand Bahama update

Family Islands & Abaco News

Arts & Entertainment News

Column: At the Movies

Sports News

Column: Weekly fishing report

Feedback: Letter to the Editor

Minister of Immigration updates on recent operations and criticisms

"I am responding this morning to a number of events in connection with immigration in The Bahamas. This is prompted by a report in this morning's press quoting statements on immigration by the former Minister of State Zhivargo Laing. There was also a report on an immigration check at the Straw Market which took place yesterday.

I want to say that the statement by Mr. Laing is the second such statement by him within a week on the subject of immigration. This morning's statement was a more general philosophical statement about the nature of migration and the value to the economy than the earlier statement. Both however require some response.

Click here to read more

BFSB hosts landfall event in Mexico City

Bahamas Landfall: Destination Mexico brought together approximately 50 attendees comprising lawyers, accountants and intermediaries. The event was hosted last week on Wednesday, June 17, at the exclusive Four Seasons Hotel, Mexico City. On the day prior BFSB, the Ministry of Financial Services, and sponsor firms participated in a panel presentation during the Private Wealth Mexico City Forum addressing over 300 delegates.

The Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSB) "Landfall" branded events provide an opportunity to update intermediaries in jurisdictions of strategic importance about new developments in The Bahamas and also allow The Bahamas to reinforce its brand message as a compliant and experienced gateway for wealth and asset management to the Americas and beyond. Mexico Landfall was the first official Landfall event of the year following briefing visits in Miami and Brazil earlier this year. Upcoming landfall events are planned for Brazil and Asia, to coincide with STEP Latam and STEP Asia in the Fall.

Click here to read more

85 Bahamians selected for first China-Bahamas bilateral training programme

A reception was held in honour of the 85 Bahamians who have been selected to take part in the first China-Bahamas Bilateral Training Programme, at Choice Dining Room, The College of The Bahamas on Friday, June 19, 2015.

Lin Xianjiang, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in The Commonwealth of The Bahamas explained that the China-The Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) Cooperation Planning (2015-2019) which was released at the 1st Ministerial Meeting of China-CELAC Forum in January 2015, announced that China will provide 6000 full government scholarships, 6000 short-term training opportunities and 400 one-year master's degree scholarships to Latin America and Caribbean countries during 2015-2019.

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Thousands of supporters chant 'Turn Us On' during REV Jam Fest at Fort Charlotte

Thousands of enthusiastic supporters that showed their support for Cable Bahamas receiving the next cellular licence descended on Fort Charlotte on Saturday to enjoy live entertainment, at Cable Bahamas' REV Jam Fest. This family event brought together the country's top performers to entertain Cable Bahamas subscribers in this free event.

Scores of residents answered that call and took the opportunity to show their support for Cable Bahamas in the cellular licence race by chanting "Turn Us On," during several high points of the event. Cable Bahamas Vice President of Marketing David Burrows said REV Jam Fest was an overwhelming success. "Since the launch of our 'Turn Us On' initiative in January, we've been building anticipation among our supporters and this celebration has really exceeded our expectations," Mr Burrows said.

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Commonwealth Bank 'most profitable of all banks' execs tell shareholders

For the second consecutive year, Commonwealth Bank reported it was 'the most profitable of all (retail) banks' with net earnings of $53.3 million, $16 million higher than its nearest competitor and up from $48.7 million over the year before.

That news of a 7% increase in profits topped a list of positive performance figures for fiscal 2014 reported by the bank at its annual general meeting at SuperClub Breezes May 27, a standing room only event with the crowd applauding and breaking out in cheers more than 30 times.

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Lyford Cay International School holds NET.3 Unconference

Under the theme Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Mathematics (STEAM), Lyford Cay International School (LCIS) held the NET.3 Unconference - a technology-based professional development opportunity for Bahamian educators - on 22 June 2015. The event was generously supported by major sponsor BTC with additional support from RBC and the One Eleuthera Foundation that sent a contingency of 14 educators to the event.

While LCIS has hosted technology conferences for Bahamian educators over the past two years, this year's conference had a different format. The NET.3 event was an unconference, the first of its kind ever to be held in The Bahamas. The concept of an unconference holds that there is no keynote speaker or formal programme for the professional development workshop.

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Sandyport Beaches Resort wins awards

Sandyport Beaches Resort won the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, and -- for the second consecutive year -- the RCI Gold Crown Award for Excellence in Resort Accommodations and Hospitality.

Pictured from left are: Suzanne Pattusch, Executive Vice-President of the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association; Vernon Moss, Sandyport Beaches Resort General Manager; and Joy Jibrilu, Director General of Tourism.

Nygard ordered to appear in high profile contempt case

Despite the best efforts of his lawyers, controversial Canadian fashion designer Peter Nygard was yesterday compelled to appear before a Bahamas Supreme Court judge to defend against an application for his committal to prison for contempt of court. In a tense appearance which Nygard's legal team had struggled to avoid - and in which the designer had to be reminded several times to address the court respectfully, raising eyebrows by referring to the proceedings as "the biggest waste of my time ever" - he was ordered to reappear on September 28 for cross-examination.

For more than three years, Nygard has been embroiled in a bitter fight with local environmentalists who claim his ostentatious, Mayan-themed development on New Providence Island was built without the proper permits and has caused serious damage to the surrounding marine environment.

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Environmentalist warns of a third possible Rubis leak

A leading environmentalist has called for a full investigation into a third suspected fuel leak from a Rubis station in New Providence. Ecologist & Attorney Romi Ferreira, a director of fast-growing social and environmental movement Save The Bays (STB), said highly toxic and environmentally destructive substances may have leaked, or may be continuing to leak into the ground at Porky's Service Station on East Street South.

"What seem to be test wells, some perhaps recently drilled, along with mobile recovery tanks can be observed at the station," Ferreira said. "It would seem they are attempting to recover whatever spill material is in the ground - whatever hydrocarbon it is, either gas or diesel - as part of an ongoing exercise.

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Changed lives for group of L. W. Young boys

Nine boys from L. W. Young Junior School have been positively impacted since participating in a dual enrollment program at The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institution (BTVI).

The reintroduction of the special initiative, which ran between September 2014 and April 2015, exposed the youngsters to the art of painting while providing them the opportunity to channel their practical skills. They learned about surface preparation, drywall finishing, basic painting and they refinished two vintage chairs.

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D. W. Davis students learn table etiquette at Sandals Royal Bahamian for third year

Last week 80 students from D.W. Davis Jr. High School learned the principles of table etiquette at Sandals Royal Bahamian. The Modern Language classes gathered in the resort's ballroom as public relations manager, Chester Robards, and Food and Beverage training manager, Sharon Cartwright, shared their expertise on good table manners and etiquette for the third consecutive year.

Six students sat at the demonstration table that was completely set for a four course meal. These students practiced the techniques shown to them as the other students looked on and asked questions.

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Dear Billie, I hate my job but I can't leave it because... (Part III)

She sat across my desk sharing all of her hopes and dreams for the future. She wanted to be self-employed, be her own boss. She wanted to pave her way through life from the sweat of her own brow. It was about creating her future. As I think about that day sitting across from this clearly ambitious and creative woman, I couldn't help but wonder, why the future, why not now?

In the two previous articles in this series, we allowed ourselves to dream a little. Then you read a bit of my journey to starting and now owning my own company. In this article, you'll read about one of many women who have taken that leap into the deep end, not knowing what creepy crawly things may lay below. These women felt that fire in their bellies, and it wasn't acid, it was a strong desire to act upon their dreams. Here is the story of one of those brave women.

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Hawksbill Creek Agreement report presented to the Prime Minister

Former Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement Review Committee Dr. Marcus Bethel and other committee members presented Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie with a completed report of recommendations with respect to Grand Bahama's Hawksbill Creek Agreement on Monday, June 22, 2015 at the Office of the Prime Minister.

The government had appointed a committee on March 5, 2015 to address issues and complete a report of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement. Following its submission, Prime Minister Christie said that the report would be presented to the Cabinet on Tuesday, June 23, for review by Cabinet Ministers.

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Okyanos cell therapy welcomes community in first Open House

Okyanos, the leader in adult stem cell therapy, opened its doors Friday, June 12th, to an illustrious crowd of visitors to celebrate the approaching milestone of its first year safely treating patients. Located in the First Commercial Centre on East Mall in Freeport, Grand Bahama, the Open House welcomed nearly 200 visitors providing guided tours, refreshments from local chefs, and a demonstration of the science behind adult stem cell therapy.

Visitors took advantage of the tours offered, and many got to see a depiction of how stem cells are processed from fat along with real examples of human fat (in bio-hazard bags) processed with the technologies used by Okyanos to separate the stem cells from the fat tissue.

Click here to read more

Retail space at the Humane Society boosts local economy

... and a great puppy rescue by visitors to Grand Bahama

The Humane Society of Grand Bahama is debuting a new retail space, now open to the public. "Before, I would just come to drop my dog off for baths or shots, now I can buy food, medicine, toys, treats and everything else I need in one location - it's fantastic," said one customer, a proud owner of an adopted HSGB dog.

The response to the new pet supply offerings has been overwhelming and will help the Humane Society to increase their efforts of controlling animal overpopulation and keeping Freeport a beautiful city that tourists will continue to want to visit.

Click here to read more

Grand Bahamian rated as Florida 'Super Lawyer'

Roig Lawyers, a minority-owned multi-practice litigation law firm in Deerfield Beach, is dedicated to serving clients across six offices throughout Florida. Last week they announced that partner, Stephen G. Mellor, a Bahamian living in the US with his family, has been selected to the Super Lawyers, 2015 Florida Rising Stars list.

Mellor grew up in Freeport, Grand Bahama and went to school with his brothers, Paul and David at Sunland Lutheran and Freeport Anglican High School.

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BNT to hold Sweeting's Cay and McLeans Town public meetings on proposed parks

The public are invited to attend either or both of the Bahamas National Trust meetings being held on proposed parks for Grand Bahama, particularly the East End area and the Northshore Gap.

Please read more about the proposals via this link, see maps and videos on the proposed areas: http://bahamasparks.org/

All are welcome to attend.

Click here to read more

Eleuthera students' artwork featured in international calendar

In 2016 the artwork of five young Eleutheran students will be featured in the International Kirtland's Warbler Calendar. Recently, the students' artistic work was acknowledged when Camilla Adair, Deputy Manager of the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve in Eleuthera, visited their schools to present them with the newly printed calendars featuring their drawings.

This all stems from a visit last year from Bahamas National Trust (BNT) Education Officer, Scott Johnson, who gave them lessons on the Kirtland's Warbler and then invited them to participate in a poster competition where their art could be featured in the calendar. To everyone's great delight the children's works were featured in the calendar, they include: Nahjee Symonette - Grand prize winner (front cover), Candon Farrington - Runner-up (August 2015 cover page), Abigail Ramnarine- Runner-up (May 2016 cover page), Tyesha Morley - Runner-up (bottom March 2016 page) and Javanna Rankine - Runner-up (bottom September 2016 page) all from Tarpum Bay Primary School.

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COB interns delve into everything naturally Bahamian at BNT's Levy Preserve

Seeking to create enriching experiences in the Sciences for Bahamians, the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve (LLNPP), operated by the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) welcomed three students from the College of The Bahamas to participate in their summer internship programme.

Shannan Yates, Francesca Rahming, and Tamarind Johnson arrived at the Preserve in May ready to learn and prepare for their careers. So far they have participated in lectures, mapping, data collection and even planting Bahamian plants at the Preserve.

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Bahamian wins a top award in photo competition in China

Bahamian photographer and journalist Eric Rose recently became the first foreigner to win a top prize in a prestigious photography competition in Beijing, China. The contest is named 影事聚 (Ying Shi Ju), which means "Taking photos, Telling story, Being together".

Mr. Rose won the top prize in the still-life photography category, marking the first win for a foreigner in its 12 years of existence. His win was even more noteworthy because he had two photographs in the finals, an even rarer accomplishment. Both photographs were taken in The Bahamas, with the winning photograph being taken in San Salvador.

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BAHARI Bahamas launches Summer 2015 collection

Rising Bahamian Brand, BAHARI, has released their highly anticipated Summer 2015 Collection to rave online reviews. Since their launch in June 2014, the popular Bahamian clothing brand has quickly amassed an avid customer base, both domestically and internationally, with a strong online customer base in Australia, Canada and Europe.

The significant increase in international sales and awareness is attributed to online mega retailer Karmaloop. The multi-million dollar online retailer signed a distribution deal with BAHARI in November of 2014.

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Padrino returns to the Bahamas to launch his album

Padrino is a raconteur. He is a journalist's dream. He pours out his life's stories with little beckoning. And one cannot help but get taken by the enthralling stories of his journey from the streets, to the studios of Grammy Award winning producers. That, coupled with his commanding baritone that will likely become the signature of Padrino music, demand an attentive ear.

His demeanor as he sat awaiting his grouper burger in one of Nassau's best known dives was in stark contrast to his social media mannerisms. This day there was jollity and a brevity in his stories about home, friends and the road to the launch of his record. He was certainly happy to be back home after grueling over his upcoming album 'RNIP' for almost three years. He was even more happy to be giving his new single Sound Bwoi Killing to the Bahamas before sharing it with the rest of the world.

Click here to read more

Grand Bahama Sailing Club invites people to 'Sculling Gullywash' event and competition

The Grand Bahama Sailing Club (GBSC) welcomes all adults on the island to the Sculling Gullywash Event on Friday 26th June, 2015. Gullywash should be brought between 6:00pm and 6:30pm in the serving method of your choice, one to five gallons are recommended but more will be greatly appreciated. Each gullywash will be voted on discreetly through a tally system.

This will be a great event for adults and parents on the island where they can enter and share their best gullywash recipes and enjoy classic Bahamian music. Thanks to the Grand Bahama Sailing Club's instructors the Clubhouse will be fully decorated to meet the coconut theme and great Bahamian tunes will be playing all night along with old school reggae and dancehall.

Click here to read more

At the Movies: Jurassic World

The tagline for this movie - The Park Is Open. Years after the catastrophic events that took place during a preview tour we find a fully functioning theme park of cloned dinosaurs. A decade of being in operation has gone by with a decline in the rate of visitor attendance and a new attract is created to reinvigorate interest. Unfortunately the new attraction has its own agenda and chaos ensues.

As a fan of the late Michael Crichton's books Jurassic Park and The Lost World I was happy to see that this movie featured elements from both books especially the I-Rex's ability to camouflage itself. They definitely hedged their bets on the profitability of this installment of the franchise with enough product placement to choke a Brontosaurus.

Click here to read more

Bahamas Waste helps Special Olympics team travel to LA Games

Bahamas Waste has been a long time supporter of Special Olympics Bahamas and is proud to help this year with their travel expenses for the 2015 Games in Los Angeles. "Bahamas Waste is well known for our record of supporting local athletes," said Francisco de Cardenas, Bahamas Waste Managing Director. "But it's always very meaningful when we can help our Special Olympic athletes who truly exemplify the inspirational and amazing success of sports in their lives!"

Pictured (left to right) are Amada Moncur, National Director for Special Olympics Bahamas, Austin Green, a Special Olympics Athlete and World Games Competitor, Francisco de Cardenas, and Aleah Major, Special Olympics Bahamas Athlete.

Old Bahama Bay recaptures fishing tournament title in West End

Old Bahama Bay walked away once again as winners of the West End 5th Annual Snapper Fishing Tournament on Saturday. On hand to briefly address the crowd, Tourism Minister the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe, MP for West Grand Bahama, said the honouree, James 'Jimmy' Bowleg, was worthy of being recognized during the fishing tournament. Jimmy Bowleg was known for being the first bone fishing guide and active in the boating business all his life.

During his remarks, The Minister said that even if they did not win, the participants should remember that they are building brotherhood, friendships and partnerships which will all contribute to building a wonderful Bahamas.

Click here to read more

Junior Instructor Bootcamp in progress at the Grand Bahama Sailing Club

The Grand Bahama Sailing Club (GBSC) successfully trained 19 teenagers in the first ever Junior Instructor Bootcamp (JIB). The 'JIB Kids,' as they have become named, learned many important life skills from sweeping and mopping to repairing boats and docks, communicating and taking turns at group leadership. This group were responsible for creating a beautiful, clean, healthy place for the first Summer Camp which started on 22nd June.

Each of the graduates has been offered sailing places throughout this summer which will effectively be a fast track to Junior Sailing Instructor status. They will spend half their time working and helping and the other half, having fun and enjoying sailing including completing Advanced Racing Tactics (ART) courses.

Click here to read more

Bahamas weekly fishing report from Harbourside Marine

Fishing report as of June 18, 2015

Nassau: The charter boat captains are catching a few mahi offshore. There have been a lot of blackfin and skipjack tuna caught along with a few yellowfin caught in the late afternoon.

North Exuma, Highbourne Cay: The are catching some mahi in the mornings. There has also been the occasional wahoo in the mix.

North Eleuthera: Sharks, Sharks, Sharks! The report is that the yellowfin are there if you can get them past the man in the grey suit!

Abaco: There have been a lot of blackfin tuna caught along with a large number of marlin especially in the northern Abaco Islands.

Click here to read more

Letter to the Editor - House of 'Tards'

Finally they decide to pay the entertainers for a job that was done a long time ago. If I had not intervened, the Music Masters winners would still be waiting to be paid. They chose to go on vacation and not take care of their bills, all and all no respect for Bahamians. This whole carnival venture was a waste. This could have been done at less of a cost to the taxpayers and would have garnered more attendees if the committee had only listened to the majority of voices and removed the word carnival in the first place. This was not a successful event although all of the spin doctors claimed it was.

The government branded this event a success because they see Bahamians as fools who only see in political rally numbers. The government lied and the truth is coming out day by day but time will tell when, and if, they bring the forensic report on the carnival, that they have promised to bring to the public some time ago. I am sure that they will cook the books in their favour. No that crowd did not represent $8 million, not even close to it.

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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.

Saturdays in July: Junkanoo Summer Festival - 7pm to midnight at Arawak Cay. Click HERE for details.

thru July 16: "Split Personality" - by artist Lemero Wright. At Antonius Robert's Hillside House Gallery, Cumberland Street.

July 2: "The New Knowledge" - Exhibition by by artist Frecinda Mullings focuses on personifying spirituality and the study of multiple psychological and emotional perspectives of the mind. 7-9pm at The Salus Gallery, Family Medicine Center, Blake Rd.

July 4-5: 2015 Independence Cycling Time Trial and Championships - Cat 1-3, Masters, Women and Juniors. Contact bahamascyclingfederation@gmail.com.

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

Thursdays in July: Goombay Summer Festival - 6pm - midnight at Taino Beach. Except July 9 - party on the 10th for Independence instead.

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 28 & 30: Public Meetings - on the BNT proposed national park expansions for Grand Bahama in the East End areas and North Shore Gap. Sweeting's Cay All Age School & McLean's Town All Age School, 3:00pm & 6:30pm. All interested are invited to attend.

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: FREE Legal Clinic - 5-6:30pm in the GB Chamber of Commerce's Office. To make an appointment call 352-8329.

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 11: 1st Annual Downtown Summer Festival - Presented by the Downtown Freeport Business Association (DFBA). 12 noon-5pm, Petty Coat Lane - Churchill Square. Call 352-6301 for more.

July 11: I Love Soca - Featuring superstar Destra at the Grand Lucayan. Click HERE to view the poster.

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. For further info contact 443-5873.

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: 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

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.

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

October 3: Rotary Club of Freeport Wine & Cheese - Third annual event. Mark your calendars!

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

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.

June 28: Annual Bridal Show: Harbour Island - The main feature of the Bridal show will be transformation of an area into a Wedding/Reception scene by local Wedding Coordinator, Little Island Design. Time: 5:00 p.m. Contact: Harbour Island Tourist Office / (242) 333-2621.

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 8-12: Savannah Sound Heritage Festival - ELEUTHERA. Activities include cultural/fashion shows, down home cooking, dancing and live band performances. Venue is Savannah Sound, Central Eleuthera. Contact: Mr. John Gibson / (242) 332-2891.

July 8-12: The Bluff Homecoming Festival - ELEUTHERA. This homecoming brings descendants of the settlement back home to have fun and frolic with family and friends. Venue is The Bluff, North Eleuthera. Contact: Ms. Ena Sweeting / (242) 335-1880.

July 11-12: Junkanoo Summer Festival ABACO - BAIC Grounds, Marsh Harbour. 6pm - 11pm.

July 11-12, 18-19, 25-26: Fish Fry EXUMA - George Town. 7pm - Midnight.

July 16: Junkanoo Summer Festival ELEUTHERA - Bayfront Park, Governor's Harbour. 5pm-midnight.

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.

July 18-19: Junkanoo Summer Festival LONG ISLAND - Regatta Site, Salt Pond. 2pm - Until.

July 22-26: Bannerman Town Festival - ELEUTHERA. Local residents of John Millars and Bannerman Town, plus visitors from other islands, come together to interact and enjoy cultural activities, Bahamian music, food, drinks and games. Venue is the Public Park in Bannerman Town, South Eleuthera. Contact: Mr. George Bullard / (242) 334-6362

July 26: Junkanoo Summer Festival ELEUTHERA - Rock Sound. Ocean Hole Park 12noon-midnight.

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.

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Bahamian culture on display at 19th CCEM

Bahamian culture took centre stage during the Official Opening Ceremony of the 19th Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers at the Atlantis ballroom on Tuesday, June 23, 2015.

Moderators Val Maura and Claudette "Cookie"Allens added more Bahamian flavour with their banter and dialogue filled with jokes in the Bahamian vernacular, which evoked laughter from delegates in the packed ballroom.

The Cultural Show followed opening speeches led by the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, who reinforced the message that "every child must count and none must be left behind."

And, although their performance preceded the cultural segment, winners of the 19th CCEM Song Competition by St. Anne's High School Choir with lead singer Sammie Star certainly set the tone with the winning song: "We Can Change the World."

The well-travelled National Children's Choir under the directorship of Patricia Bazard performed a medley of Bahamian folk songs. A popular tune "Bonefish Biting...Every Married Man Got His Own Bonefish" got the crowd bobbing to the rhythm.

Then came a captivating performance by the National Dance School - Drum and Dance Show. The students moved to pulsating sounds of goat-skinned drums, which provided the rhythmic foundation for their sensual and very skilled movements on stage in front of flags of the Commonwealth member-countries.

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