Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL V. No. 8, July 9, 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

Our BahamaIslandsInfo team want to wish all of our readers, advertisers and contributors a very safe and FUN 42nd Independence.

There is a lot happening in this small country of ours as of late but nothing we cannot overcome, fix or repair.

As you and your family and friends head out to national celebrations, beach fun or just relaxing at home - we hope you take a moment to realize how lucky we are to live in this paradise we call home.

We wish you a wonderful HOLIDAY tomorrow and a great weekend. We thank you for your continued support of our online newspaper.

Thank you,
BahamaIslandsInfo Team

Government signs $100 million contract for new aircraft for Bahamasair

After months of negotiations, the Bahamas Government, Monday, signed a $100 million contract with Avions de Transport Regional for the purchase of five ATR 600 model aircraft on behalf of Bahamasair, the country's national airline.

The new aircraft comprise three 50-seat ATR 42-600 and two 70-seat ATR 72-600, an upgrade to the existing fleet of Bombardier Dash 8-300's. The aircraft are expected to be delivered between November 2015 and June 2016. The two 70-seat ATRs will be delivered before the end of 2015.

Click here to read more

First Bahamian woman elected ICAC president

The Institute of Charted Accountants of the Caribbean (ICAC) is pleased to announce that Ms. Jasmine Davis has been elected as it new president for the period 2015-2016. Ms. Davis was elected on June 25th, 2015 at the ICAC's 72nd Annual General Meeting held in Port of Spain, Trinidad. She is the first Bahamian woman to hold the prestigious post with the only other Bahamian being Philip Galanis.

After Ms. Davis was elected, in her closing address at the AGM, she outlined several goals for the body to achieve including raising the profile of ICAC both regionally and internationally through "thought leadership."

Click here to read more

PM Christie officially opens Bahamian-led cancer treatment centre in Antigua

It was with a great sense of pride that Prime Minister the Right Hon. Perry G. Christie, officially opened The Cancer Centre Eastern Caribbean, June 26th, at the Medical Pavilion, St. John's Medical Centre, St. John's, Antigua.

"It is with profound joy and overwhelming pride that I join you today, speaking with the voice of the entire Caribbean brotherhood as we celebrate the grand opening of The Cancer Centre Eastern Caribbean here in beautiful Antigua, " said Mr. Christie." This facility represents the realization of years of planning and diligent effort by partners in the public and private sectors across geographical and geo-political boundaries cooperating with united purpose and singular vision."

Click here to read more

$2,000 in prizes to autism spectrum awareness essay contest winners

Autism Spectrum comprises the fastest growing developmental disorder in The Bahamas. For the third year, dozens of students throughout The Bahamas accepted the challenge posed by FirstCare Medical Plan in association with The Ministry of Education and REACH Bahamas to pen an essay under the theme "Autism in The Bahamas: A Nation Without Boxes."

A panel of judges from The Ministry of Education and REACH chose two grand prize winners and three honourable mention winners among junior and senior students. LaTess Bartlett of Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Academy was the Senior Grand Prize Winner, and Amaya Fowler of St. Anne's School, Junior Grand Prize Winner.

Click here to read more

U.S. Embassy and USNORTHCOM celebrate the 4th of July with a tribute to the American Southwest

On Thursday, July 2, the United States Embassy commemorated the 239th Anniversary of Independence of the United States of America by hosting a celebration in Nassau, at Liberty Overlook. The event was held in partnership with the United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and included more than 500 of the Embassy's key contacts representing the government, the business community, civil society, media, and the arts.

The evening's theme, the American Southwest, was a tribute to the spirit and struggle of the Wild West frontier and honored ordinary Americans' unyielding spirit in the 19th century that served as an inspiration for generations of Americans.

Click here to read more

Bahamian developer breaks ground on new $40 million development

ARISTO Development, a leading real estate development company, broke ground, July 7, on their $40 million ONE Cable Beach new luxury boutique residences and state-of-the-art, all new, curve construction design project on Cable Beach. The 69-unit, master planned development has a 20-24-month timeframe for completion once construction begins, and anticipates "employing and investing in 200 Bahamians with good work ethic, qualified sub-contractors and other professionals related to the field over the life of the project."

"We are grateful for the efforts and dedication of all who supported this project and we look forward to being a part of the Bahamian works and urban community development for years to come," said Bahamian developer and real estate expert, Jason Kinsale, Principal of ARISTO Development.

Click here to read more

New Rotary Club brings additional 'Service Above Self' to New Providence

The recently formed Rotary Club of Old Fort (RCOF) is the newest Rotary club in The Bahamas. RCOF is the newest club in the Rotary Bahamas family as well as the Rotary District 7020 family. This district comprises 10 countries and 14 islands in the northern Caribbean including Turks and Caicos, Haiti, Jamaica, The Cayman Islands, The U.S. Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, and islands in the French Antilles and Netherlands Antilles.

The club, which was chartered in May, celebrated its highly anticipated charter presentation ceremony with the outgoing 7020 District Governor, Paul Brown, of Jamaica and the District Governor Elect, Felix Stubbs, of The Bahamas. The Rotary Club of Old Fort meets Wednesdays at 6:30PM at Blue Caviar in the Lyford Cay Shopping Centre.

Click here to read more

RBC Royal Bank sponsors summer science camp

RBC Royal Bank recently sponsored the 2015 Innovative Science Camp in an effort to encourage creativity, and spark constructive curiosity in primary school students.

In its fifth year, Sheena Davis, Camp Director, explained that this has been one of the most successful camp sessions to date. "Innovative Science has hosted this science camp for the past five summers exposing primary school students to the joys of hands-on science. We are very appreciative of the support provided by RBC Royal Bank. Knowing that two children who would ordinarily not have had this experience are now learning and having fun with science concepts is so rewarding. The scholarships are a blessing and an investment in our future," said Davis.

Click here to read more

Sandals Foundation helps send record numbers of student chefs to Johnson and Wales

Seven aspiring chefs will participate in Johnson and Wales' summer immersion programme and four are able to begin its school year on full scholarships, thanks to the assistance of the Sandals Foundation. This year's Island Flare Food Fight saw many more participants than the previous two years thanks to a generous donation of more than $2,000 from the Sandals Foundation.

Twelve students went head to head, pitting their plantain dishes against one another to see who could best titillate the taste buds of the judges from Johnson and Wales. Subsequently, a record number of students are traveling to attend Johnson and Wales' career exploration programme in a few weeks.

Click here to read more

National Pride Day celebrated in Rawson and Parliament Squares

National Pride Day Flag Raising Ceremony in honour of the 42nd Anniversary of Independence was held Friday in Rawson and Parliament Squares. Governor General Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling attended and brought remarks. The Royal Bahamas Police Force Youth Band also performed during the 42nd Independence National Pride Day Flag Raising Ceremony.

Photo: The Bahamas All-Stars Band performs during the 42nd Independence National Pride Day.

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Last official interview with Sir Jack Hayward set to air

The last official interview with Sir Jack Hayward is scheduled to air this coming Monday on ZNS TV 13. This important final talk with one of Grand Bahama's most important businessmen is the latest episode of the programme 'A Familiar Walk', with host Mario Newry.

"This most recent edition to the programme's series has captured intimate and often touching moments with Sir Jack," said Mr. Newry. "His words of wisdom and memories of Grand Bahama dating back to 1955 makes this programme unique in every way."

Click here to read more

UNEXSO proudly supports BNT dive tag campaign

As many of the Bahamas National Trust's (BNT) marine national parks are spectacular dive areas for both locals and visitors, the BNT recently launched a dive tag programme. This initiative provides divers with an opportunity to support conservation and national parks by purchasing a tag that can be attached to their dive equipment.

UNEXSO, Grand Bahama's oldest and largest dive centre, generously decided to support the programme by selling the dive tags in their retail store. Customers purchasing a dive tag are supporting infrastructure at the marine parks managed by the BNT, such as mooring buoys and monitoring of the reef structures.

Click here to read more

Sweeting's Cay potcake puppy captures the heart of West Palm Beach visitor

A nice lady from West Palm Beach was with family and friends on their boat at Sweeting's Cay two weeks ago and found (and fell in love with) a malnourished, mangy tick infested puppy. With it being a weekend she didn't know how to make arrangements for the puppy but she contacted us after she got back home to ask if we could help, saying she would like to adopt this puppy if we could rescue him. She also made a generous donation to defray our costs for the trip.

After much scrambling and organizing, we put as many crates and traps in our little Ford Explorer as it would hold and set off last Wednesday morning. Our Colorado State MBA students/volunteers met Lucille and Tip in McLeans Town to assist.

Click here to read more

Pre-Independence celebration and Junkanoo rush out held in West End

Minister of Tourism and Member of Parliament for West Grand Bahama and Bimini, the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe, on Saturday participated in pre-Independence celebrations 'Street Fair and Junkanoo Rush Out.' This particular festival is a part of the series of events planned for the summer of 2015.

The crowd was moved by an exhilarating performance of well-known Bahamian artist, 'Stiletto.' Following were the sweet sounds of the Bahamas Brass Band. Making the event more lively, there were invigorating sounds of the goat-skinned drums as dancers moved to the beat of Junkanoo, giving visitors a taste of Bahamian culture, and reminding residents of what it means to be Bahamian.

Click here to read more

TEDxGrandBahama returns for second year

Following a successful inaugural event in 2014, TEDxGrandBahama returns for its second year and will take place on Saturday, 08th August, 2015 at the Coral Reef room of the Pelican Bay hotel.

One hundred of Grand Bahama's most impassioned TEDx enthusiasts will come together to dialogue around the theme, Bahamian Development: How Can we Further It? The event will feature an impressive lineup of presenters sharing their ideas on topics ranging from gender to ecosystem conservation and the role of the performing arts in economic development.

Click here to read more

Grand Bahama Sailing Club continues kids' events with a Pirate Treasure Hunt to help celebrate Bahamian Independence Day

The Grand Bahama Sailing Club (GBSC) welcomes all children 12 and under on the island to come and help celebrate the Bahamian Independence Day at the GBSC Pirate Treasure Hunt on Friday 10th July, 2015.

This exciting event means plenty of fun for all kids and their adults too! Each child gets a special pirate map leading them to age-appropriate quizzes and activities which leads them to, of course, where X marks the spot. Upon collecting six golden tokens, they can then pay the Ferryman to take them to "Booty Bay," the special island where they can search and dig up the prize ingots. Later back at the Clubhouse the Treasure Hunters can exchange their ingots for prizes. Every child will win a prize.

Click here to read more

Record-breaking numbers as Romora Bay Marina becomes prominent sportfish and mega-yacht destination

Two days before American Independence, Romora Bay Resort and Marina reported experiencing record numbers of boaters with 100% occupancy at its docks, one of several marina-business trends its general manager said bode well for Harbour Island. Among those trends - larger boats, longer stays, with yachting visitors contributing more to the Bahamian economy.

"Yachting numbers in The Bahamas have seen a steady increase over the last three years," said Romora Bay Resort and Marina General Manager Joe Dargavage. "The yachts are getting larger and the length of stay per yacht is increasing. At Romora Bay Resort and Marina we have seen an increase of 20% in yacht traffic over 2014. With both the US and Bahamian Independence in early July, our marina is full to capacity with record breaking numbers, which equates to higher tourism revenue for the entire island."

Click here to read more

Two Americans in custody over breach of the fisheries act in Bimini

Police in Bimini have in their custody two male American citizens who were arrested for breach of the fisheries act and failing to declare Bahamas Customs.

Reports are that on Saturday 4th July 2015 at 5:00pm, a team of law enforcement officers, while on marine patrol in the Port Royale area of South Bimini, arrested the two males after a search of their vessel uncovered a large number of fish, turtle meat and undersized conch. It was also discovered that they had failed to clear Bahamas Customs.

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At the Movies: Magic Mike XXL

The tagline for this movie: Back To The Grind. Three years after a male entertainer leaves the industry to start his own custom furniture business he returns to his old stomping grounds to help his friends with one last performance. As they travel to the venue of their final show they must find the courage to pursue the lives they dream of having after the music fades.

The thing about this movie which I must warn any cougars looking to feel young again or any young women sucked in by what the trailer seems to promise is that you are going to have to eat your vegetables before you can scarf your eye candy. The movie realistically portrays guys dealing with the prospect of being put out to pasture and having to contemplate the scary reality of starting a second career after your first one has moved on without you and each character must deal with it in his own unique way.

Click here to read more

Tourism kicks off Junkanoo Summer Festival in Nassau

It looked like a prelude to the annual Boxing and New Year's Day parades as thousands flocked to Arawak Cay for the opening of the Junkanoo Summer Festival on Saturday, July 4, 2015. Organized by the Ministry of Tourism, the festival will be held every Saturday during the month of July. It is aimed at showcasing the best in culture, dance and food fare.

The event will also give Junkanoo groups, on a smaller scale, an opportunity to compete in music, dance and choreography for prizes and of course, bragging rights. Participating B Groups and their themes were: The Fancy Dancers -- Welcome to The Bahamas; Engerleston Pioneers - Sun, Sand & Sea; Conquerors for Christ - All Things Bahamian; Body of Christ - Crusaders; Genesis - Our Bahamas, Our Children, Our Future; and Colours - Junkasplash.

Click here to read more

Goombay Summer Festival kicks off at Taino Beach

Director General of Tourism Joy Jibrilu officially launched Goombay Summer Festival at Taino beach on Thursday, inviting visitors and residents alike to fully enjoy the vibrant Bahamian cultural experience.

To melodies of the Grand Bahama Youth Choir she described the series of festivals - five weeks of cultural expression featuring Bahamian foods, music, arts and crafts - that will be offered on Grand Bahama as Goombay Summer heats up, and rolls into Junkanoo Festival, showing off what makes the multifaceted island of Grand Bahama so special.

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Bahamian journalist a panelist at Beijing Film Festival event

Bahamian photographer and journalist Eric Rose was a panelist at the recent Beijing International Micro-Film Festival "Young Directors in Hollywood" training camp programme, held in the scenic Sanqing Mountain area of Shangrao, the People's Republic of China.

Mr. Rose, who is a Senior Information Officer in the Bahamas Information Services. encouraged the young directors to develop their story ideas and to bring the visual aspects of their micro-films up to the standard that would best represent their final vision of their product. He also promoted the appeal of The Bahamas as a possible partner for future projects, including as a filming location and for entering their films into Bahamian film festivals, all of which could be done through contacting The Bahamas Embassy and Ministry of Tourism representative in Beijing for more information.

Click here to read more

SWIFT Track Club gets boost with donation towards new gear from Consolidated Water Company

Consolidated Water Co. Ltd. (NASDAQ: CWCO), which develops and operates seawater desalination plants and water distribution systems in areas of the world where potable water is scarce, recently donated to track & field club SWIFT Athletics. The donation will assist with purchasing competition gear for 64 young athletes who might not otherwise afford it.

CWCO General Manager Bryan Russell said that the club's mission, to provide an equal opportunity for youth to participate in track & field at an elite level, is what prompted the company to donate to the growing club. "We are very impressed by SWIFT Athletics' mandate to focus on young athletes from public schools and inner-city areas. ports have long been associated with increased self-confidence and higher development in children and young adults, and we support SWIFT's belief that all Bahamian youth should have access to its benefits."

Click here to read more

Bahamas weekly fishing report from Harbourside Marine

Fishing report as of July 2, 2015

Nassau: Captain Adam Russell and Captain Teddy Pratt report catching some nice sized mahi offshore along with blackfin tuna. Captian Andoni Lisgaris reports catching mutton snapper on the deep reefs.

North Exuma, Highbourne Cay: The fishing has slowed a bit but they are still catching mahi in the early morning.

Abaco: They have been catching some wahoo and yellowfin in the north but it is reported that down south that the offshore bite has slowed down a bit so many anglers have taken to reef fishing and deep dropping.

Cat Island, Hawks Nest: They are still catching large marlin and mahi.

Click here to read more

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 9: Independence Celebrations - at Clifford Park, 8pm.

July 10: People's Love & Unity Rush - 1am on Bay St.

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 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 20-21: Bahamas Womenpreneur Power Conference & Expo 2015 - "At the Helm in High Heels". Local professionals will coach and mentor attendees on building and expanding your brand, marketing, networking and more. Call 646-9127 to register.

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 3-14: Grand Bahama Sailing Club Summer Camp #4 - Click HERE for complete information and registration form.

August 8: TEDxGrandBahama - One hundred of Grand Bahama's most impassioned TEDx enthusiasts will come together to dialogue around the theme, Bahamian Development: How Can we Further It? Click HERE for complete details.

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 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 14-15: Freeport Rugby Club's 50th Anniversary Events - Bash and Pig Roast on Saturday, Celebration and BBQ, Old Boys vs Nassau/Boston on Sunday.

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 July 11: Regatta Time in ABACO - From north to south, sailing fun and festivities throughout the cays. www.regattatimeinabaco.com.

thru July 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.

thru July 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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Bahamas Independence Day message from U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas as you celebrate 42 years of independence on July 10.

The Bahamas is a trusted partner and friend. Your country's abundant natural beauty is why Americans, such as Ernest Hemingway and Martin Luther King, Jr., flock to your shores. And it is why more than six million Americans follow in their footsteps each year.

I congratulate you on your successful CARICOM chairmanship. You have helped invest in our collective citizen security, energy diversification, and youth development. The United States is a committed partner in working to build a safer and more prosperous Bahamas.

On this day of celebration, I wish all Bahamians a joyful Independence Day.