Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL V. No. 12, August 6, 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: Muddasick!

Bahamian forestry officer participates in U.S. State Department exchange focused on environmental protection

On Tuesday, July 29, Ministry of the Environment Forestry Officer Danielle Hanek paid a courtesy call on U.S. Chargé d'Affaires a.i. Lisa Johnson to discuss her recent participation in an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) focused on "Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation." Ms. Hanek, the only participant from the Caribbean region was joined by conservationists representing both the private and public sectors from seventeen different countries.

During the program, participants engaged their American counterparts about efforts in the United States to protect biodiversity through environmental protection policies and sustainable land and water management programs. The group explored governmental and non-governmental programs designed to encourage biodiversity protection and sustainable land and water management and they also considered climate change realities and renewable energy alternatives that could mitigate the effects of climate change on the environment and biodiversity.

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Improving the survival rate - the PMH BTC Oncology Telemedicine Lab

Where children live, plays a major role in determining their likelihood of surviving cancer. Countries across the Caribbean tend not have a health-care system that supports the best possible management of paediatric cancer - from proactive screening to early diagnosis and fast intervention. This means some children are not diagnosed until it is too late and those that are, often have difficulty accessing the treatment needed.

The SickKids Foundation of Toronto, Canada is spearheading telemedicine labs throughout the Caribbean region. The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) is an ongoing partner in the initiative through the Caribbean-SickKids Paediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders (CPCB) Project. Since July 2013, when a cutting edge Telemedicine Lab opened in the Oncology department of the Princess Margaret Hospital thanks in large part to a five-year financial pledge by BTC, more informed diagnosis and treatment plans for sick kids in The Bahamas is now a reality.

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Royal Bahamas Defence Force Damen RoRo 5612 launched in Vietnam

This month, a Damen RoRo 5612 was launched at Halong Shipyard in Vietnam. The RoRo is one of nine Damen vessels ordered by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force as part of its Sandy Bottom Project. The vessel's multi-purpose capabilities will be put to use by the Defence Force in a range of situations including law enforcement, aids to navigation (ATON), replenishment at sea (RAS), the re-supply to Defence Force bases and the provision of disaster relief throughout the island nation and the wider Caribbean community.

The Bahamas' location in the Hurricane Belt makes it important that the country has this capability. The Defence Force works with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for the provision of disaster relief. NEMA has pre-deployed warehouses throughout the country, stocked with all the necessary food, fuels, tools and equipment that the Defence Force is responsible for transporting in the event of an emergency.

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Rotary Club of Old Fort helps Gambier Primary School

The members of the recently formed Rotary Club of Old Fort (RCOF), the newest Rotary club in The Bahamas, organized a cleanup day at Gambier Primary School in Gambier Village. The cleanup initiative was undertaken to create a space for a student garden. Bruce Ferguson, President of the RCOF said, "Our club is proud to help children in our community to understand the importance and joy of growing their own food and forming healthy eating habits."

The club engaged a business partner from the community, Caribbean Landscaping, to assist its members with the project. Pictured are Rotary Club of Old Fort members and volunteers from Caribbean Landscaping after a hard day's work at Gambier Primary School.

Fox Hill MP Fred Mitchell speaks on Emancipation Day

"May I ask you at this time to remember our fallen member of the Fox Hill Festival Committee, Mrs. Paula Tynes and our late friends and brothers Frank Edgecombe, William Rahming, Charles Johnson and Eric Wilmott. May they rest in peace.

Today we mark the 181st anniversary of the emancipation of the slave trade in the British Empire. In 1834 when this act came into force, The Bahamas or the Bahama Islands as they were then known were part of the British Empire. The slave masters received compensation for their slaves in The Bahamas from the imperial parliament. The slaves got not a penny. Today we are still fighting the issue of reparations for the labour which was given up for free and without their permission.

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Government 'jumped the gun' over Rubis leak risks

The government displayed poor judgment and risked giving false hope to Marathon residents by releasing incomplete findings on the health risks associated with the Rubis fuel spill on Robinson Road, Vanessa Haley-Benjamin said. Lending her support to last week's protest by Marathon residents outside the station, Haley-Benjamin, CEO of fast-growing social and environmental movement Save The Bays (STB), said authorities were wrong to tell residents they have nothing to fear from the toxic chemicals to which they were exposed for upwards of two years, as medical tests are far from complete - and likely to be less than conclusive when they are.

"The release of these premature results is unfortunate," she said. "The government clearly jumped the gun. In reality, there is no satisfactory way in the short term to verify conclusively whether a person has been exposed to low levels of certain chemicals, for example benzene."

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Sandyport presents prize to young engineers

Vernon Moss, General Manager of Sandyport Beaches Resort and Hotel presented a prize of a remote-controlled Drone to each of the winning team members in the recent Bahamas Engineering and Technology Advancement Camp (BETA) annual interdisciplinary engineering design competition. The Sandyport Resort was a Gold BETA sponsor and provided a portion of the accommodations for 34 Family Island student participants for the recent week-long science, technology, engineering and math learning experience in Nassau.

120 aspiring engineers, ages 11 to 14 attended the educational camp, which culminated in a competition under the theme, "Innovating from the Backyard to Market." 'Da Juice' electrical engineering team were the third place winners of the Drone prizes for their design of a start to finish process and plan for the manufacture of tasty, healthy juices made from fruit and bush medicines.

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GBPA donates $3 million and 50 acres of land to dormitory construction at northern College of The Bahamas campus

The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) has partnered with the Bahamas Government to fund the construction of a student dormitory and multipurpose facility at the College of The Bahamas Northern Campus. During a press conference on Thursday, the GBPA announced that through its agreement with the Government, it has pledged to contribute 50 acres of land near the campus in East Grand Bahama and $3 million toward the cost of construction. "This is a happy illustration of the enduring partnership between the Government of the Bahamas and the Grand Bahama Port Authority to promote education, employment and job opportunities for our talented young Grand Bahamians," GBPA Vice Chairman Sarah St. George said.

The proposed dormitory will accommodate 88 students and include 14 rooms, a courtyard, communal kitchen, offices and a health clinic. The student housing project, which will be built by the Almaco Group, is anticipated to provide 30 to 50 construction jobs and is slated to begin in early 2016.

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Grand Bahama Shipyard announces new apprenticeship programme with COB

During a ceremony held last week, Grand Bahama Shipyard (GBS) announced their revamped apprenticeship programme in conjunction with The College of The Bahamas (COB) where all future apprentices will graduate from the programme with an associate degree.

"The Grand Bahama Shipyard is extremely pleased about our new partnership with College of The Bahamas and we are happy to be able to now offer our apprentices an Associate Degree in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Technology upon completion of their academic training," said Katherine Smith, Director of Human Resources and Community Relations. "This program will continue to have a very strong practical component and the Shipyard is also improving how we deliver the practical training to the students."

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Education Minister announces five scholarship recipients in Grand Bahama

Minister of Education, Science and Technology, the Hon. Jerome Fitzgerald on Thursday afternoon announced the five high school graduates from the public school system in Grand Bahama who have been awarded full scholarships to attend colleges abroad.

The five are: Angelo Dames and Ajayi Oliver from Sir Jack Hayward High School and Livia Duncombe, Lemuel Bain and Ebony Bowe from the St Georges High School. Duncombe, Bowe and Bain will attend Holland College, while Dames and Oliver will further their education at Monroe College.

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The do's and don'ts of rabbits and pocket pets

It's inevitable. Every new pet "fad" is going to result in more pets ending up at animal shelters. It seems there is at least one rabbit breeder on the island now, and a couple of pet supply stores that are also selling rabbits and other pocket pets like hamsters and guinea pigs.

In the last week our shelter has taken in two hamsters and one rabbit (our fourth rabbit for the year). That may not sound like a lot but when a shelter is not set up to take care of a particular kind of pet, it does entail significantly more time and expense. We do not have any rabbit or hamster cages, never mind quiet areas to house them. Luckily the hamsters were surrendered with their cage - although it was far too small for two hamsters, and very cheaply made - and some food and bedding (shavings). And very luckily we only had them two nights before they were adopted by an experienced hamster lover so we know they're now in a good home.

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Cooperation established between Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute and Ocean University of China

The Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) is poised to benefit from a partnership between the Bahamian Government and The People's Republic of China. On Wednesday, July 29, a contract signing was held at the Office of the Prime Minister between Ocean University of China (OUC) and the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI).

Prime Minister, the Right Hon. Perry G. Christie said that the decision to partner with the university followed a recent trip to China. "Last January 9th, 2015 when I led a delegation to The People's Republic of China, the Minister of Foreign Affairs signed on behalf of my government a Memorandum of Understanding between Ocean University of China (OUC) and the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute, known as BAMSI," said Mr. Christie.

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Cable Bahamas expands Cash N' Go partnership in Abaco

Cable Bahamas has relocated its operation in Abaco from the Dove Plaza on Don Mackey Boulevard to the BAF Financial & Insurance building as part of its extended partnership with Cash N' Go. "We are thrilled about this partnership and the opportunity for our customers to do everything that they need to do in one location, at one time and in less time," Cable Bahamas Northern Bahamas Operations Manager Edris Wilson-Elliott said. "The location is centrally located in the heart of downtown Abaco, has ample parking and is wheelchair accessible."

At this site, Cash N' Go will serve as the bill payment collection agent, while a full-time REV customer service representative will be available to handle account inquiries, service transfers, new service activations, service reactivations, service disconnections and more.

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Hennessy celebrates 250 years of elegance and indulgence

In a fairytale like setting, dozens of Nassau's elite gathered at Commonwealth Brewery Limited's (CBL) invitation to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Hennessy, the cognac of cognacs.

"For one quarter of a millennium Hennessy has been the cognac of choice for discerning aficionados, tastemakers and drinkers around the world," said CBL Managing Director Hans Neven. "It has a rich history, enjoyed by the kings of Great Britain and czars of Russia. In The Bahamas, it is eagerly relished and enjoyed from Lyford Cay to Bain Town, from West End to Matthew Town."

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Regional filmmakers to attend 2015 CaribbeanTales Incubator Program

Ten teams of Caribbean filmmakers from nine different countries have been selected to attend the 2015 CaribbeanTales Incubator Program (CTI), taking place in Toronto, Canada, from September 8th to 13th.

The CTI, now in its sixth year, is a marketing and financing platform that offers selected Caribbean and Diaspora filmmakers an opportunity to hone their creative and business skills in the context of an international marketplace environment. The intensive six-week programme includes an intensive five-day workshop in Toronto, and culminates in a Caribbean Pitch Breakfast at the TIFF Bell Lightbox attended by high-profile industry delegates, The overall goal of the CTI is to increase the pool of strong, monetisable, world-class, indigenous film and television content from the Caribbean and its Diaspora, in order to build the region's audio visual capacity.

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At the Movies: Southpaw

The tagline for this movie: Believe In Hope. When tragedy hits an undefeated boxer he soon finds his life spiraling out of control with no end in sight to the troubles facing him at every turn. When he turns to the trainer who trained the only boxer he feels ever defeated him besides what the boxing judges said at the time, he must find a way to become the winner his daughter needs him to be.

Billy Hope is the World Light Heavyweight champion who suffers a loss outside of the ring that turns his life upside down and he must find the will to overcome the tragic event to make his family whole if he can be lead in the right direction by a trainer who he believes can make him a winner again. Titus 'Tick' Wills is the owner of a local gym who looks out the young boxers who train there from his rough neighborhood, but when Billy comes to him for help he must decide if he can break him of his bad boxing habits as he breaks his rule of never training a professional boxer.

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Walk for the Cure campaign off to record start

CIBC FirstCaribbean's region-wide cancer fundraiser launched to an enthusiastic response this week. This is the fourth year that CIBC FirstCaribbean is hosting Walk for the Cure, held in all 17 Caribbean countries where CIBC FCIB operates, in conjunction with parent company CIBC in Canada. The event has grown to include lead up fundraising and awareness activities.

100% of Bahamian proceeds go to local cancer organizations. Past beneficiaries: Sister Sister Breast Cancer Support Group, Bahamas Breast Cancer Initiative, Cancer societies in Nassau, Abaco, Eleuthera and Grand Bahama and the Cancer Association of Grand Bahama. $43,200 raised last year in the Bahamas, $200,000 across the Caribbean. Last year was the first year the Walk and fundraisers were open to the public and sponsors. In the first three years, CIBC FirstCaribbean raised over $335,000 across the Caribbean. For the first time, Grand Bahama, Abaco, and Eleuthera will host Walks on October 4th.

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Sandals Royal Bahamian participates in PADI women's dive day

Sandals Resorts recently participated in PADI's women's dive day, giving women the chance to get certified to dive at a fraction of the cost. Sandals, which was recently recognized as having one of the premier dive centers in the world, saw women's dive day as an opportunity to entice more women to learn to dive.

On average, 38 percent of divers worldwide are female. About 30 percent of Sandals and Beaches guests who dive are women. Sandals wanted to encourage more women to become certified as well as reinforce the chain's position as the leader in certifications in the Caribbean.

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Muddasick! Wake up Bahamians!

Wake up Bahamians! When are we going to say no to government, biggest employer, raise gun permits, very high traffic fines, no cars over 10 years old, tax evasion laws we are loosing all freedom to many lawyers we need to come together before it is to late. - M.O

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.

Goombay Summer Festival - Fridays during August at Arawak Cay. Fun for the whole family, locals and visitors!

August 8-9: Junior Cycling Invitational - Visit Cycles Unlimited, Mackey St., for more information. Click HERE for a PDF.

August 22: Miss Teen USA pageant - at Atlantis. Click HERE to visit the website.

August 23: Colour Run - 3rd annual bash of colourful fun! Click HERE to learn more.

August 25: National Health Insurance Open Forum - at the Poop Deck West, 6:30pm. A Rotary Club of New Providence event.

August 30: Miss Bahamas Pageant - at the Atlantis Theatre on Paradise Island. www.missbahamas.net.

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.

September 26: St. Ambrose 5k & 10k - at Arawak Cay. Click HERE to register.

October 3: Paradise Plates - 7-11pm at Atlantis. Funds raised towards Hands For Hunger.

October 4: Walk for the Cure - 100% of Bahamian proceeds go to local cancer organizations. Click HERE to read more.

October 30-31: BNT Wine & Art Festival - at the Retreat, Village Rd. Artist applications available until September 11.

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

August 7: Chili Night - At the GB Sailing Club. Click HERE to view the poster or call 727-SAIL.

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 13-15: Kidz4Kidz International Youth Conference - Visit http://kidz4kidzconference.com. For more information contact Cornelius McKinney at 442-4024.

August 15: BASRA marathon swim - and the best beach party on Grand Bahama! Bahamas Air Sea Rescue's largest annual fundraiser at Coral Beach. Click HERE to download the official entry form.

August 20: Resume Writing & Interview Enhancement Skills Workshop - 10 a.m. at The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce. Cost: $30. To register call 352-8329.

September 7: The Legal Desk - Free business legal advice from Attorney Rengin Johnson at the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce, 5:15 p.m.-6:30 p.m. To register call 352-8329.

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 5: The Legal Desk - Free business legal advice from Attorney Rengin Johnson at the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce, 5:15 p.m.-6:30 p.m. To register call 352-8329.

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 21: 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.

December 5: UNEXSO Wish List Event with Santa -- to aid the Grand Bahama Children's Home. 10am - 12 noon and 4-6pm. Call 373-1244 for details.

December 12: 2nd Annual Santa's Bahamian Sleigh Parade - to benefit BASRA. Home port at UNEXSO, 6pm. Call 373-1244 for details.

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

August 7-28: Goombay Summer Festival - ANDROS. 7th (Friday) Stanyard Creek, 6:00pm - Until. 21st (Friday) Morgan's Bluff, 6:00pm - Until. 28th (Friday) Morgan's Bluff, 6:00pm - Until.

August 14-16: Back To School Party - BIMINI. Click HERE to view their promotional flyer listing all of the summer events and daily activities.

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

September 23-27: Rock Sound Sailing Regatta - ELEUTHERA. Class B and C sailing sloops will compete in a series of races. Contact: Administrator's Office / (242) 334-2034.

September 26: EXUMA Fishy Fest Handline & Lion Fish Tournament - Venue is the Regatta Site in George Town. Contact: Exuma Tourist Office / (242) 336-2430, (242) 336-2456.

September 26: Ali's Antique Car Show - ELEUTHERA. Venue is Hatchet Bay in Central Eleuthera. Contact: Ms. Indera Rolle / (242) 332-3828.

September 26: Annual Hope Ball: Long Island - Come on out and join the Bahamas Cancer Society Long Island Chapter as they host their Cancer Ball. Venue: Community Center Clarence Town. Contact: Mrs. Iris Pinder / (242) 337-0036 or Mrs. Ramona Taylor (242) 337-1036.

October 8-10: Coppice Festival - The venue for this Street Festival is Nicholl's Town, North ANDROS. Contact: Ms. Daisy Bowleg / (242) 329-2025 or Andros Tourist Office / (242) 368-2286, (242) 368-2891.

October 9-12: Run For Pompey Marathon-EXUMA. Visit www.runforpompey.com.

October 9-12: North Eleuthera Sailing Regatta - Class A, B, and C native sailing sloops taking to the waters off North Eleuthera, Harbour Island, and Spanish Wells. Contacts: Mrs. Lucy Johnson-Butler, Regatta Committee / (242) 333-2275 or Harbour Island Tourist Office / (242) 333-2621.

October 9-12: Wemyss Bight Homecoming Festival - ELEUTHERA. It features talent shows, Bahamian food and drinks, live band performances and local crafts. Contact: Mr. James Young / (242) 334-0162.

October 12: Inagua Conch Fest - This festival is similar to the Salty Fest, but on a smaller scale. There will be live entertainment, a variety of games for the whole family, plus local food (with an emphasis on conch) and drinks for sale. Contact: Mr. Samuel Nixon, Jr. / (242) 339-1471.

November 2-8: Governor's Harbour Homecoming Festival - ELEUTHERA. This festival attracts locals and visitors for fun-filled activities that include Junkanoo, live band performances and games. Contact: Mr. Arthur Turnquest / (242) 332-2748.

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.

December 12: Berry Islands' Christmas Festival - Christopher Roberts Memorial Park / Time: 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Contact: Mr. Kevin Wallace / (242) 451-0404.

February 26, 2016: Rum Cay Day Festival - Residents from neighboring Cat Island and San Salvador join in celebration with Rum Cay natives, former residents, and international visitors. It is held each year on the last Friday in February, in Port Nelson's historic Milo Butler Heritage Park. Contact: Ms. Anne Strachan - Chairperson, Rum Cay Day Committee / (242) 471-0910.

July 7-9, 2016: All Andros & Berry Island Regatta - Class A, B & C boat race. Venue is the Regatta Village in Morgan's Bluff, North Andros, which is 20 miles from the San Andros Airport. Contacts: Mr. Alphonso Smith (242) 329-2336, (242) 329-2278 / Mr. Frank Hanna (242) 323-2451, (242) 325-3306 / Administrator's Office (242) 329-2278.

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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Commonwealth Bank announces 10-year $500,000 pledge donation to the Cancer Caring Centre

In an impassioned presentation flanked by cancer survivors including members of its own staff, Commonwealth Bank announced today that it would make the greatest contribution to the fight against cancer in its history - a 10-year, $500,000 pledge to the Cancer Caring Centre.

The announcement was made by bank President Ian Jennings during a press conference at Commonwealth Bank's headquarters, Mackey Street.

"Published statistics have revealed that there is no corner of the world, no country, no society and no people who have not been afflicted by the ravages of cancer," Mr. Jennings said.

The Bahamas, he noted, ranks among the countries with the highest cancer rates in the world and among the top 20 countries the number of women diagnosed with breast cancer. The bank's staff has not been immune.

"Our Commonwealth Bank family, like many others in our country, has been touched by the disease. Ms. Marion Lewis is a valuable CB team member for the past eleven years and a cancer survivor. She has bravely battled cancer, endured multiple rounds of chemotherapy and today is heralding 21 years, cancer free," Mr. Jennings said. "Fortunately, her cancer was detected early and treatment and recovery were made manageable due to the care and support of individuals similar to those that are seated at this table today; dedicated healthcare professionals and volunteers that provide assistance beyond their walls to the general public."

While Ms. Lewis' was Nassau-based during treatment, other patients from the Family Islands have come to depend on the Cancer Caring Centre off Collins Avenue, a residential facility that is more than a home away from home, a tranquil oasis during a time of emotional and physical turmoil.

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