Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL V. No. 7, July 2, 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

Bahamian delegation embarking on 19-day cultural expedition to China

Education continues to be the bridge to deepening cultural awareness, understanding and friendship between The Bahamas and the People's Republic of China, with the Confucius Institute at The College of The Bahamas playing an essential role.

Over the next few weeks, 14 college students - most of whom are from The College of The Bahamas - and nine Bahamian educators from the public and private school system will experience the culture of China and learn its language and customs by traveling throughout Nanjing, Shanghai, Hangzhou and Wuxi.

Click here to read more

BNT staff members begin their journey to become regional conservation leaders

Two Bahamas National Trust (BNT) staff members recently traveled to Grenada to take part in the Conservation Leadership in the Caribbean (CLiC) programme to work on improving their skills in environmental leadership. BNT Education Officer Scott Johnson and Science Officer Agnessa Lundy traveled to Grenada to take part in the programme and completed two weeks of training at St. Georges University on conservation in the Caribbean.

The CLiC programme is a multi-disciplinary programme that aims to strengthen the conservation capacity in the Caribbean. Twenty participants from thirteen countries in the Caribbean and Central and South America came up with five projects focusing on five major conservation issues faced in the Caribbean: wildlife trafficking, invasive species, endemic and endangered species, critical habitats, and critical threats.

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Cable Bahamas expands partnership with Cash N' Go, bringing more payment locations across multiple islands

One month after providing more payment locations to its customers in New Providence, Cable Bahamas has announced that it has expanded its partnership with Cash N' Go to bring the same option for bill payment to subscribers in Grand Bahama, Abaco and Exuma.

Beginning this week, subscribers in Grand Bahama will have two new pay centres: Cash N' Go in the BAF Financial & Insurance building on Queen's Highway and the Cash N' Go Bill Express location in Rigby's Plaza, Eight Mile Rock. Similarly, customers in Exuma will gain a new site for bill payments in the Cash N' Go centre located in the BAF Financial & Insurance building in Georgetown, while customers in Abaco can pay for their REV services at Cash N' Go in the BAF Financial & Insurance building on Don Mackey Boulevard, Marsh Harbour.

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RBC Royal Bank partners with Save The Bays to clean Coral Harbour Beach

In honour of the sixth annual RBC Blue Water Day, celebrated globally in the month of June, RBC Royal Bank hosted a series of events geared toward water and environmental preservation. These activities included a tree planting at Sadie Curtis Primary School and a clean up initiative at Coral Harbour Beach where over 100 bags of garbage were collected and disposed of.

RBC's Blue Water Project is a $50 million global initiative to help provide access to drinkable, swimmable, fishable, fresh water, now and for future generations.

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Miss Bahamas Organization and AIDS Foundation team up in the fight against HIV/AIDS

On Wednesday, June 24th, The Bahamas AIDS Foundation joined forces with the Miss Bahamas Organization to sell tickets for the Foundation's annual raffle, which raises funds to offset the costs of the organization's day to day expenses.

Representing the Miss Bahamas Organization were Miss World Bahamas, Rosetta Cartwright, and Miss Bahamas Teenager, Davette Strachan - the two reigning beauty queens worked their magic as they aided in drumming up enthusiasm and support for the raffle amongst passersby.

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Duke of Edinburgh Gold Cup at Atlantis yields prizes and GGYA cheque

Governor General Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling attended the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Cup Tournament Luncheon and Prize Presentation at the One and Only Ocean Club House, Paradise Island, Sunday afternoon, June 28. The Governor General brought remarks and made presentations to First Place Winners, husband and wife team Scott and Krystal MacKenzie, and Second Place Winners Jeff Hood and Phil Andrews.

At the Luncheon and Prize Presentation, the Governor General's Youth Award (GGYA) Programme received a cheque from Atlantis.

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Social Services Minister introduces RISE at Town Meeting

The Hon. Melanie S. Griffin, M.P. Minister of Social Services and Community Development introduced the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme called RISE at the Community Meeting for the programme's pilot on Wednesday evening, June 24, 2015 at Uriah McPhee Primary School.

The Town Meeting provided an update on plans for the introduction of the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, RISE, which is part of the Social Safety Net Reform Programme being undertaken by the Government through the Department of Social Services.

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CIBC FirstCaribbean staff 'reach out' to Grand Bahama youth

The staff of the Freeport branch of CIBC FirstCaribbean recently donated their time and talent to assist the Reach Out Community Centre in Grand Bahama. The eager bunch of volunteers dedicated a weekend to spend time with the boys at the centre and to repair and renovate the space. The bank also provided the organisation with a donation toward supplies for the daily operations and renovation project.

The volunteers painted the interior and exterior of the community centre building, rebuilt the centre's stage and tidied and organized the library with the assistance of the centre's students. To Ms. Patrice Russell, Wealth Associate at CIBC FirstCaribbean and organizer of the initiative, this interactive component set the volunteering experience apart.

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Danish investor in Freeport dies, aged 81

Written by Denise Maycock
The Tribune

Long time Freeport resident and wealthy Danish investor Erik Christiansen died on Saturday after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 81.

Mr Christiansen had a successful career in real estate, oil and gas and financial services before he retired and came in 1993 to live in the Bahamas, where he also was involved in several significant investments in Grand Bahama.

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Humane Society of Grand Bahama: Our week in review

What a busy week! Thanks to our amazing MBA student volunteers from Colorado, we launched our new pet supplies shop, and numerous other initiatives are in the works as well. We are very pleased to announce the addition of some unique and special artwork to our shop - hand painted one of a kind conch shells by Grand Bahama's own Nikki Kelly. We so appreciate Nikki's support. For every shell sold through our shop, our shelter animals receive a wonderful commission.

We also, as usual, rescued a number of animals. We were asked to set cat traps at the cement plant at the harbour last week. So far we have caught a few cats, one puppy, and now two tiny kittens. Covered in cement dust they were pretty scared and hissing and spitting, but turns out they are all talk and cuddly action. The minute you pick up one of these teeny babies they melt into your hands.

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Camp Healthy Head-to-Toe returns to East Grand Bahama

For a third year, university students from the United States will travel to Grand Bahama to plan and stage a healthy-lifestyle-focused summer camp for the East End children (grades 1 - 9). The five foci of the camp, nutrition, exercise, hygiene, the environment, and safety were the points of interest suggested by the East End nurses of the Grand Bahama Health Services in 2013, the year the first camp was hosted.

Two nutrition majors from Drexel University in Philadelphia plan the camp menu (morning and afternoon snacks as well as lunch) and share their nutritional expertise with the campers in age appropriate ways. These nutritionists share nutritional facts and skills with the seventh, eighth and ninth graders by having those students help prepare the afternoon snack for the campers.

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Grand Bahama Sailing Club invites local children to Kid's Sleepover Fun Night

The Grand Bahama Sailing Club (GBSC) welcomes all children 8-15 years old on the island to the GBSC Sleepover Fun Night on Friday 3rd July, 2015. This night offers kids the chance to socialize with others kids their age and have fun in a relaxed but carefully monitored environment.

There will be movies, board games, and a huge water balloon battle where kids can bring along water guns to help their team! Kids attending the event will be allowed to bring electronics however there will be a set usage time strictly enforced so that conversation can flourish. Hotdogs and popcorn will be available for every child and snacks will also be sold.

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Exuma Straw Market vendors receive Government grant assistance

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Urban Development the Hon. Philip Davis, announced the grant of $2,300 to each of the twenty-three Straw Market vendors who suffered losses resulting from a fire which destroyed the Straw Market in George Town, Exuma two months ago.

The Deputy Prime Minister led a delegation to George Town, Monday, June 29, to present cheques and join the Exuma Christian Council and the Straw Market Authority in a Service of Thanksgiving. The delegation included the Hon. Arnold Forbes, Minister of State in the Ministry of Works and Urban Development; Kevin Simmons, Chairman of the Straw Market Authority; members of the Straw Market Authority; senior Government officials and New Providence Straw Market vendors.

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Cheque presented to Cat Island Regatta Committee

Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources the Hon. V. Alfred Gray presented a cheque to the Cat Island Regatta Committee during a press conference Monday, June 29, at the Ministry's offices.

Pictured from left: Rev. McPhee, Permanent Secretary Rena Glinton; President Pat Strachan; Chairman Marcian Mortimer; and Race Committee Chairman Maxwell Burrows.

(BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)

Water & Sewerage Corporation donates to North Andros Youth Marching Band

Recently the Water and Sewerage Corporation gave a donated to the North Andros Youth Marching Band to assist with the purchase of instruments for the band.

"The Corporation is pleased to support the youth of our nation by donating to such a wonderful cause. The Corporation hopes that the funds would assist not only the North Andros Youth Marching Band with the purchase of instruments but would make way for other young people in the North Andros Community who might be interested in being apart of the band to join as they recognize that they do have support from the corporate community," said Cheri Hanna, Assistant General Manager, Human Resources Division, WSC.

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Bahamian Icon Awards to be featured on South Florida's local ABC Network affiliate

The Bahamas' most glamorous event has attracted the attention of the international media. WPLG Local 10 news out of South Florida has confirmed plans to provide coverage of the 3rd Annual Bahamian Icon Awards. Additionally, Emmy Nominated News Anchor Constance Jones will be on hand to present the Bahamian Icon Award for Outstanding Live Entertainment Ensemble. WPLG is South Florida's local ABC Network affiliate and boasts of over 5.4 million viewers.

The event will be broadcast live locally on Cable 12 throughout the Bahamas and streamed live worldwide at www.bahamianiconawards.com. Android users can also follow up to the minute live coverage by downloading the Novio app from the Google Play store free of charge.

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Miami Bahamas Junkanoo Festival to take place July 26 in Coconut Grove

The City of Miami's Mayor Tomas Regalado along with representatives of the Bahamas Government joined forces and announced the formation of the Miami Bahamas Junkanoo Festival, scheduled to take place in Coconut Grove on July 26, 2015.

The unique cultural festival which will feature Bahamian entertainers and musicians, authentic Bahamian cuisine, art and a live Junkanoo rush out, is one of several activities planned for the 42nd Annual Bahamian Independence Celebration in Miami and is expected to bring together families and residents of Florida and the Bahamian diaspora at large.

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Summer festivals announced on Grand Bahama

Goombay Summer Festival will once again be held at Taino Beach, and run for five weeks, July 2-30, the Ministry of Tourism announced during a press conference on Monday. In recognition of the cultural excitement and expression of Bahamian heritage, a series of festivals will be held. According to Director of Tourism for Grand Bahama, Betty Bethel the event will be held on Thursdays, with the exception of Independence Day, July 10, when it will be on that Friday with a special Independence celebration.

The Junkanoo Summer Festival will then begin on Fridays, July 31 and run through August 21 at Sunset Village, in Eight Mile Rock. Included in the festivities will be West End, where the festival will be held on Saturdays, from August 1 to 22.

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ZNS Northern Service re-launches Power 104.5

ZNS Network on Monday re-launched Power 104.5 FM and rebranded 810 AM, as a gospel station, at the Bahamas Government Complex, when Minister of National Security and Minister with responsibility for Broadcasting, the Hon. Dr. Bernard Nottage, was on hand to officially turn on the switch.

Minister Nottage said Monday marked a new day for the Corporation as the Northern Service becomes more responsive to the needs of the Northern Bahamas. Innovations are underway as the Corporation carries out its mission to inform, educate and entertain the people of The Bahamas.

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Minister Darville visits ICAN

Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, on Friday morning paid a visit to the Grand Bahama Cultural Arts Centre where he spoke with campers attending ICAN. The Minister encouraged the children to take advantage of opportunities presented to them and added they should be prepared for the opportunities when they arise and they will be successful.

Shown is Minister Darville with two campers as they sing a song.

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At the Movies: 'Insidious: Chapter 3'

One of the taglines for this movie: This Is How You Die. When a haunted yet gifted psychic reluctantly agrees to use her ability to contact the dead in order to help a teenage girl it becomes a battle for her soul. When a malevolent supernatural entity latches on to the girl it is up to the psychic to gather the strength to fight her own personal demons from the past to save the girl's immortal soul.

Quinn Brenner is a teen aged young lady dealing with the loss of her mother and an uncertain future after she graduates high school who decides to contact her mother in the spiritual realm but instead ends up attracting the attention of a nefarious ectoplasmic being with designs on her eternal spirit.

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Stakeholders review proposals for greater regulation of fly fishing

Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources the Hon. V. Alfred Gray met with a wide range of stakeholders at the Ministry, Monday, June 29, at a consultative conclave to review and discuss the Consultation Draft Regulation and Legislations, which detail proposed changes to the Fisheries Act and Regulations to allow for greater regulation of the Fly Fishing Industry in The Bahamas.

Minister Gray said the consultative conclave comes as the Ministry of Agriculture and the Government is deeply committed to the protection of the country's marine resources, particularly the fly fishing industry, for the use and future employment of all Bahamians and visitors.

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Deep Water Cay offers unique catch-and-stay summer deal

On the heels of the new bonefish record set at Deep Water Cay in June at 15.44 lbs, just shy of the world record, Deep Water Cay is offering all guests booked in July and August the chance to win an entire free day for any bonefish caught weighing in at 10 pounds or more. Guests who catch a 10+ pounder each day will end up with a trip that is practically free!

Plus, if any bonefish caught surpasses the world record at 16lbs, the guest will be invited back for an all-expenses paid trip for two, including three night's accommodations, two days of fishing and all meals.

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Bonfire Beach Bash & Tournament at Old Bahama Bay leaves a sizable community footprint in West End

Partying pirates, a junkanoo celebration topped with a burning wahoo beach bonfire, fisherman hoisting catches, checks and trophies, and more than $4,000 donated to a local school and business artisans is just how Guy Harvey would describe a successful fishing tournament.

"This is what the Guy Harvey Outpost brings to its unique collection of waterfront properties-adventure mixing with education, sustainability and community outreach," said Mark Ellert, President of Fort Lauderdale-based Guy Harvey Outpost. "The Bonfire Beach Bash & Tournament at Old Bahama Bay this past weekend touched on all of the above."

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Bahamas weekly fishing report from Harbourside Marine

Fishing report as of June 25, 2015

Nassau: Captain Teddy Pratt and Adam Russell report that they have been catching quite a bit of blackfin tuna and some nice mahi. There has also been quite a few marlin this week.

North Exuma, Highbourne Cay: They have been catching mahi and the occasional marlin.

South Eleuthera, Cape Eleuthera: Al Curry reports that they have been catching some mahi and small wahoo off of south Eleuthera.

Abaco: There continues to be blackfin tuna and mahi caught these week. There have been a lot of big marlin passing through the northern Abacos.

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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: Celebrate Life Through the Arts - Appetisers & Cocktails: 7pm/Dinner at 8pm. Jacaranda House, Parliament St. An evening of art by talented Bahamian artist Je'Rome Harris Miller and delicious cuisine created by Chef Horatio Smith accompanied by Calypso music and dancing. $65 call 426-5215.

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.

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 4: America the Beautiful - Celebrations in Port Lucaya. Click HERE to view the ad.

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 20-24: Camp Healthy Head-to-Toe - For Grades 1 thru 9 in East End. Click HERE for details.

July 20-31: Grand Bahama Sailing Club Summer Camp #3 - Click HERE for complete information and registration form.

July 29: Chamber of Commerce Monthly Luncheon - 12:30 p.m. in Delphine's Room, Canal House at Pelican Bay Hotel. Call 352-8329 for more info and RSVP.

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: 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.

August 26: Chamber of Commerce Monthly Luncheon - 12:30 p.m. in Delphine's Room, Canal House at Pelican Bay Hotel. Call 352-8329 for more info and RSVP.

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 7: Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce 6th Annual Business Excellence Awards - Venue: TBD. Call 352-8329 for more info.

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

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.

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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Government statement on Baha Mar - June 30, 2015

Government statement on Baha Mar - June 30, 2015

Yesterday, without notice, Baha Mar filed a bankruptcy Chapter 11 petition in Delaware USA. This action was taken at a point when my personal intervention over several months with all three parties involved, led to substantial agreement on a packaged solution for additional funding by China Export Import Bank, the resumption of construction work by the general contractor, and the project completion. This is supported by exchange of correspondence as recently as June 26.

The Government wants to reiterate that the number one priority of all stakeholders involved with the Baha Mar project should be its swift completion and opening. It is of great importance to the nation and to all Bahamians that Baha Mar opens successfully. We must all work towards this goal as a matter of national priority. This is not the time to play politics, but rather, we must unite to ensure the best interest of The Bahamas and all Bahamians is met. In the interest of promoting transparency and national unity on an issue that clearly transcends partisan politics, I invite the Leader of the Opposition to attend a briefing on the matter.

The Government remains committed to being open and transparent with the Bahamian people, as it has since the beginning of this project. Any claim that the Government or I have been misleading the public as it relates to the status of Baha Mar is completely false. The Government has been working with all parties and negotiating in good faith, and with an end goal of a successful opening of Baha Mar. The decision by Baha Mar to file for Chapter 11 under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code does not change our end goal.

Negotiations must continue to progress immediately to ensure the successful opening as soon as possible. As previously stated, the Government will not take sides, but rather continue to support all stakeholders in coming to a resolution. As the Government of The Bahamas, we take the side of the Bahamian people, and we are acting to ensure the needs and interests of the people are first and foremost.

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