Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL V. No. 17, September 10, 2015

This week in Bahama Islands Info

National News

Nassau News

Grand Bahama News

Family Islands & Abaco News

Arts & Entertainment News

Sports News

Column: Weekly fishing report

Feedback: Letter to the Editor

Commemorative postage stamps celebrate longest-reigning British monarch

On the 9th of September 2015, at or around 17:30 local time in Great Britain and at or around 12:30 pm in The Bahamas, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will have surpassed the reign of her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, and become the longest-reigning British monarch. Queen Elizabeth II assumed her ceremonial duties as the Queen of England on 6th February 1952 at the age of 25 and her official coronation was held on 2nd June 1953. Her reign continues to this day and is the longest of the forty-one kings and queens of England since the Norman Conquest.

To commemorate this historic milestone in the life of the Commonwealth, the Bahamas Postal Service will issue Britain's Longest Reigning Monarch commemorative postage stamps.

Click here to read more

U.S. Chargé d'Affaires and USS Roosevelt host reception on Grand Bahama

On Friday, September 4th, U.S. Chargé d'Affaires a.i. Lisa Johnson in partnership with USS Roosevelt and the United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) hosted an evening reception onboard the USS Roosevelt at the Freeport Harbour. More than 200 invited guests included a cross-section of the Grand Bahama community representing central and local government, education, the business community and law enforcement.

In her remarks, Chargé Johnson noted that the USS Roosevelt's visit was another reminder of the strong, deep bilateral partnership between the United States and The Bahamas. She added that a key goal of our relationship is ensuring safety and security of the United States and The Bahamas, and of our citizens.

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National hotline upgraded

The increased focus for the National Hotline and its numbers (422-2763 or 322-2763) is in response to what officials say are increasing demands for assistance in a number of categories from residents.

A spin-off from the Child Abuse Hotline, the National Hotline answers calls on a 24-hour, 7-days-a-week basis dealing with matters from custody cases to child abuse, requests for shelter access, child abandonment, suicide prevention, financial assistance, behavioral problems, counseling requests, mental health issues and domestic violence matters, amongst others.

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Bureau of Standards and Quality members participate in international workshop

The Bahamas Bureau of Standards and Quality (BBSQ) recently participated in a "Calibration of Weights" workshop in Quito, Ecuador, from the 10th to 14th of August to provide a unique hands-on training experience for key personnel of the BBSQ.

Praising the progress that the BBSQ (which is a part of the Ministry of Financial Services)has made in pursuing training opportunities for technical officers was Minister of Financial Services, Hon. Hope Strachan: There is a new buzz word in town - "Metrology"; but it is simply the science of measurement.

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After TS Erika: BTC teams up with Bahamas Red Cross to help victims in Dominica

Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) is sending out a call to customers to join the company and the Bahamas Red Cross in helping Caribbean neighbor Dominica, post Tropical Storm Erika.

Associated Press reports that the Dominican government has sent out requests for aid to "every single leader in this world," Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said in a nationally broadcast speech late Monday. "This country needs all of the assistance it can receive from every legitimate and legal source of funding," Skerrit said. Answering that plea, BTC has set up a platform to donate to the Government of Dominica's relief efforts via text message. Customers can text "HELP" to the specially designated number "5200" to donate a dollar to the disaster relief effort.

Click here to read more

WSC staff dollars make back to school 'sense'

The Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) employees, management and executive management all joined in last week to help the children of the Bilney Lane Children's Home go back to school. By hosting a dollar day at the corporation they were able to raise five hundred dollars to present to the home's administrator, Olivia Major.

"The Charity Committee wishes to thank all staff who participate in this venture," said Samuel Percentie, WSC Charity Committee Chairperson."We all know the annual back to school costs and were pleased we could help these children in our community."

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Public/private partnership brings new computer lab for E.P. Roberts Primary School

E. P. Roberts Primary School on Lincoln Boulevard and Balfour Avenue is celebrating the gift of a state-of-the-art computer lab equipped with 40 new laptops, the result of a partnership with RBC Royal Bank.

The Acer laptops will allow students to tune into "TuneIn To Reading," an electronic music-based programme developed in the United States that uses techniques to help students improve their reading abilities, a project that was implemented by Mission Educate Bahamas in primary schools in The Bahamas.

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SuperClubs Breezes celebrates 20 years in The Bahamas

After being in The Bahamas for two decades, SuperClubs Breezes marked the occasion with a staff appreciation luncheon and awards ceremony. The event marking 20 years in the country was held on Wednesday, September 2, at the resort. In attendance was Prime Minister the Right Hon. Perry G. Christie, who hailed Chairman of SuperClubs John Issa as a pioneer who serves as an exemplar of a hotelier.

"Mr. Issa has been a pioneer in this industry, who has established a relationship with the people who work for his organization," said Mr. Christie. "He has seen the importance to communicate in a special way because he understands that the most important asset he has is his staff."

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CIBC FirstCaribbean donates to A.C.E. Diabetes

Diabetes is amongst the most common health issues facing the country, with 1 in 10 Bahamians categorised as diabetic or pre-diabetic.

Recognising the need for continued education on Diabetes within the Bahamas, CIBC FirstCaribbean has donated to Awareness Compassion Education Diabetes (ACE Diabetes). ACE Diabetes is dedicated to advocating for, researching and creating awareness of treatment and prevention for people with diabetes or at risk of diabetes. Through support groups, counselling and self-management education, the organisation aims to reduce the burden of diabetes on individuals, their families, and the country's healthcare system as a whole.

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Doctors Hospital welcomes Juicy Juice and McVities donation for blood donors

Doctors Hospital and premium juice and cookie brands Juicy Juice and McVitie's have partnered to sweeten the deal for those who help save lives by donating blood. Following blood donation, Doctors Hospital Blood Bank now treats donors to Juicy Juice and McVitie's cookies as a way to say thank you for helping to save patients' lives.

"Blood donation is one of the most selfless acts you can do to help another person. Once they have donated blood, we want our donors to stay for a while and begin to replenish and hydrate as soon as possible so these treats are a nice way to encourage that," said Doctors Hospital Blood Bank Supervisor Zonja Bain.

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Ambassador, Cuban delegation meet top Bahamian business leaders at Palm Cay Captain's Table

The cucumber mojitos were served on linen-draped trays and the white-gloved waiters quietly whisked plates to and fro, but make no mistake about it. The real meat of a recent evening at Palm Cay Club & Marina was serious business as Cuba and The Bahamas began talks about how they could work together to create a dual-destination product to attract a tourist market that is expected to explode as Cuba prepares to open its doors to millions.

The event, the first in a series called The Captain's Table aimed at bringing business and civic leaders together with a noteworthy guest of honour, was held September 2. It was the first day of the Cuban delegation's visit to The Bahamas and the private setting was designed for exploratory overtures.

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Sandals Royal Bahamian graduates 11 from its hospitality training programme

Sandals Royal Bahamian recently set 11 individuals out into the hospitality world after they successfully completed the resort's Hospitality Training Programme (HTP). The resort is attempting to place some of the programme's participants permanently into different departments across the resort. Many of them became star employees during their six week stint.

At the graduation ceremony, General Manager of Sandals Royal Bahamian, Gary Williams, encouraged the participants to keep a good attitude and continue to work hard.

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Bahamas ZIP - 100% Bahamian owned venture to make its mark in GB's tourism sector

"I am impressed by the diversity of the Arawak Adventures Group; they have created a partnership, not only as a team of talented individuals, but as investors as well," shared Ian Rolle, President of The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA) as he congratulated stakeholders of the Arawak Adventures Group on the ground breaking of Bahamas ZIP this past weekend.

"As we can see, the result is a $1.4M tourism product which lends support to an important market need, the creation of employment opportunities for locals, and a catalyst for substantial 'spin-off' opportunities for like-minded visionaries," he stated.

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Nation's leader urges GB Shipyard graduates to take advantage of opportunity

The Grand Bahama Shipyard has invested heavily in their apprentice graduates, who were urged by Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie on Thursday to take full advantage of the opportunity afforded them.

While addressing the 11th annual Apprenticeship Graduation and Introduction of New Apprentices Ceremony at Grand Lucayan Resort, the Prime Minister said he was sure it was an exciting evening for all those on the programme, and a very proud one for parents, families and friends.

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Benchmark Consulting Services CEO now a Certified International Speaker

President and CEO of Benchmark Consulting Services, Billie Bowe, has added Certified International Speaker to her list of qualifications. Bowe recently graduated from Speaking Empire's, Speaking and Marketing Academy following a one day intense training course held on August 31, 2015 in Clearwater, St Petersburg, Florida.

Speaking Empire's, Speaking and Marketing Academy is internationally acclaimed for empowering business leaders to mold their message and offerings using a dynamic and proven framework. The company is lead by David Vanhoose and Dustin Mathews, also known as The Speakers' Dream Team.

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Coalition of Concerned Citizens: Lower global oil costs should lower power bills

Two years ago the Coalition of Concerned Citizens launched the Lower the Cost of Power Campaign on September 16, 2013 on the grounds of the closed Fenestration Glass Company, a company that closed its doors due to the high cost of electricity. The high electricity rate is still a hurdle for the operation of business on Grand Bahama Island. Thousands of people still live in darkness and businesses continue to close.

In recent months businesses like the International Sewing Center which is a business that was in existence for more than 40 years has closed. Animale another very popular clothing store in Port Lucaya also recently closed. Many businesses continue to scale back operations and potential investors are turned away from Grand Bahama due to excessive electricity cost.

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Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina to host 'Great Hammerhead Weeks' dive encounters

The Bimini Big Game Club Divers is designating four weeks-from December to March-as "Great Hammerhead Weeks" for divers to have a bucket list opportunity to get up close and personal with these elegant creatures.

The endangered and elusive Great Hammerhead-the second largest predatory shark in the ocean- will be returning to the sand banks off the tiny Bahamas out-island of Bimini starting in December 2015.

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Deployment of family medicine specialists ensures physician coverage for all inhabited islands

The Government of The Bahamas took another "significant" step in its ongoing heath systems strengthening initiative with the recent deployment of five Family Medicine Specialists (physicians) to key Family Islands.

The deployments ensure that the Government, through the Ministry of Health, the Department of Public Health and the Public Hospitals Authority, now has placed resident doctors on every inhabited island of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas - a first for the local public healthcare system.

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Emerging designers dazzle at Miss Bahamas contest

Having created a dramatic, avant garde evening gown that was considered the best depiction of the theme, Beauty by Nature, emerging fashion designer Trineil Hanna recently snagged the coveted Miss Bahamas Organization's (MBO) Top Designer Award.

The 23-year-old's strikingly beautiful yellow dress incorporated a myriad of things Bahamian from branches, flowers and beads to straw, butterflies and birds. His piece wowed the audience at Sapodilla Restaurant, as his model, Miss Universe New Providence, Sienna Evans, sashayed down the runway.

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Exclusive preview of 'The Landlord' to raise funds for iconic Dundas theatre

The Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts recently unveiled its plans to once again become a central fixture in Bahamian culture. The performing arts centre also announced an exclusive fundraiser and special preview of the classic play, The Landlord, which will benefit The Dundas' renovation and expansion plans.

Established in 1930s, The Dundas was created as a training centre for individuals in the tourism industry and was transformed into a theatre in the early 1960s. During its heyday in the 70s and 80s, The Dundas was a key partner in regional cultural exchanges and showed performances from Bahamian playwrights such as Sam Bootle, who wrote The Landlord in 1978. Set in Grant's Town, Nassau, the play is a comedy that address social issues about the gulf between Bahamians and Haitian migrants.

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Grand Bahama's Junkanoo Festival winners announced

The Ministry of Tourism in Grand Bahama announced the winners of the Summer Junkanoo Festival on Thursday evening at Sunset Village in Eight Mile Rock. The Summer Junkanoo Festival was also held in West Grand Bahama. The partnership with local Junkanoo groups enabled the vibrant cultural festival dispay to attract some 400 visitors, despite inclement weather for two weeks.

Director of Tourism for Grand Bahama, Betty Bethel, was on hand to thank and encourage organizers and committee members for a job well done. She also said that all of the Junkanoo groups received prizes because the Ministry of Tourism wanted to show its support to all groups that helped to make this festival a success. The winners of Summer Junkanoo Festival were The New Life Classic Dancers; Swingers were second; and the Western Star Titans were third.

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New COB faculty member gives voice to women writers

Sometimes, it is about finding the voice that is not there, hearing the words that have not been recorded and trying to determine why, according to Dr. Brianne Jaquette, Assistant Professor in the School of English Studies at The College of The Bahamas.

Discovering that voice is vital for Dr. Jaquette, who began her faculty appointment at The College this Fall as one of 11 new members of the teaching staff. She is one of nine who have terminal degrees and are conducting research in various academic disciplines, and sees writing, research, and critical thinking skills as integral parts of creating well-informed citizens.

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Youth soccer to start up again at Freeport Rugby Football Club

With the aim to re-establish grass roots soccer in the Grand Bahama community, the Freeport Rugby Football Club is starting a new boys' soccer league on September 19th, for ages 7 to 14.

The new league will:

Be organized and structured
Be competitive but fun
Offer additional first class coaching
Promote sportsmanship, respect, and sensitivity to the other players, coaches, parents, and referees
Enhance player self-esteem, confidence, emotional development and overall character
Provide equal access to the highest quality and most appropriate of programs of development for all boys

Click here to read more

CWCO helps D-Squad build character through basketball

Thanks to dedicated volunteers and generous donors, such as Consolidated Water Company (CWCO), The D Squad Summer Basketball camp, now 10 years running, had another excellent summer helping children build character through basketball. CWCO, which develops and operates seawater desalination plants and water distribution systems in areas of the world where potable water is scarce or non-existent, has sponsored the camp for two years stepped up to the plate again to assist this summer.

The camp, which accepts children ages 5 through 19, hosted 115 kids, many of which were admitted free of charge from the surrounding neighbourhoods of the A.F. Adderley gymnasium where the camp is held.

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Bahamian sailors take second and third in 5.5 Metre World Championship in Sweden

After five days of intense fleet racing and 8 races in the beautiful archipelago of Nynäshamn, Sweden, 'Artemis XIV' helmed by Norwegian sailor Kristian Nergaard and his crew composed of Johan Barne and Trond Solli Säther won this year's edition of the 5.5 Metre World Championship with the perfect score of 7 points.

Finishing in second and third position respectively, the two Bahamian boats, 'John B' (Gavin McKinney, Lars Horn Johannessen, Thomas Halberg) and 'New Moon' (Mark Holowesko, Peter Vlasov, P.Morland Pedersen) with 3 points only separating them. It is interesting to note that The Nassau Yacht Club and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas will be hosting again the 5.5m Worlds in 2017.

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Bahamas weekly fishing report from Harbourside Marine

"Lords Of The Deep" Fishing Tournament

The tournament will take place Saturday, September 12th, from 6:30am to 3:00pm. Everyone is invited to particpate and attend the weigh at at the Green Parrot on East Bay street.

For more info email saltytackle@coralwave.com or call Chris Lloyd at (242) 477-2941.

Photo 3: Pictured is weigh master Ron Rolle lifting a massive grouper that was caught in last years tournament.

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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.

Letter to the Editor: Persecuted in my own country

To Whom It May Concern,

My name is Louby Georges and I am a Bahamian of Haitian descent currently residing in New Providence, The Bahamas. I am the founder of a group called The Connection which is a voluntary group comprised of young Bahamians of Haitian descent who seek to make a positive contribution and impact in the Bahamas through education and voluntary projects.

I am a talk show host at ZSR Station 103.5 hosting a bilingual show with my cohost Mr. Leyvon Miller on topical issues in and around the Bahamas and seek to bridge the gap between the Bahamian and Haitian community. I am also a human rights activist advocating for the enforcement and protection of basic human rights in The Bahamas especially, those of Haitian migrants.

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NASSAU EVENTS

Bahamas National Holidays - Click HERE to view the 2015 calendar.

September 12: Lords Of The Deep Fishing Tournament - 6:30am to 3:00pm. Everyone is invited to participate and attend the weigh at at the Green Parrot on East Bay street. For more info email saltytackle@coralwave.com.

September 13: The Landlord - 4 p.m. at The Dundas. Click HERE to read about this exclusive performance.

September 17-19: James Catalyn & Friends present Summer Madness 2015 - 8pm Nightly at the Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts, Mackey Street. Click HERE to visit James Catalyn & Friends' Facebook page.

September 19: Halsbury Chambers FREE Legal Clinic - Consultations only. Call 393-4551 to RSVP.

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 3-4: Green Earth Festival - at the BNT Retreat, Village Rd.

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

October 28-31: Caribbean Muzik Festival - The biggest names in Caribbean music performing live! More details to come.

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

November 22: Bahamas Half Marathon & 10K - Third year for this ultra-popular running race. Click HERE to visit the website and register. Sold out in 2014.

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 9-12: BIFF 2015 - The 12th annual Bahamas International Film Festival returns. Rated one of the 25 coolest film festivals by MovieMaker Magazine! Click HERE to visit the BIFF website.

December 17-20: Atlantis Crown Gymnastics Invitational - Imperial Ballroom. Male and female gymnasts from Nassau and Freeport ages 6 and up will be represented as well as athletes from the United States and Canada. www.atlantiscrown.com.

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

September 12: Rugby - Freeport vs Miami - Kick-off 12:30pm at the Rugby Club. Food and drinks available.

September 13: Road Rally and Family Fun Day - to benefit the Humane Society. Register at the Shelter on Coral Rd. See the ad this newsletter for info.

September 18-19: UsToo GB Annual Prostate Cancer Screening Clinic & Health Fair - 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the PHA Community Clinic, Pearce Plaza, Coral Road (18th) and @ 9 a.m. to 5 p.m (19th).

September 19: Boys soccer - Ages 7-14 at the Rugby Club 11am. Click HERE to read more.

September 23: Chamber of Commerce Monthly Business Meeting - Mr. Derek Osborne will be discussing the implementation of National Health Insurance. 12:30 p.m. in Delphine's Room, Canal House at Pelican Bay Hotel. 352-8329.

September 24: Health Is Wealth Lunch & Learn Series - Open discussion on various health related topics. 1 p.m. at Garden Delite (Pelican Bay, Canal House - 4th Floor).

September 25: Freeport Rugby Club President's Cocktail Party - Save the date!

September 26: Toastmasters Club Destiny 10 Year Anniversary Celebration - Installation of Club Officers At Ruby Swiss from 7 p.m.-11 p.m.

October 3: Rotary Club of Freeport Wine & Cheese - Third annual event! Sailing Club, 7pm start. Tickets available from Rotary Club of Freeport members now. Click HERE to view the poster.

October 3: Coco Chanel Principles of Business for Women - Free to attend and will be hosted at the Grand Lucayan Resort.

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 12: Freeport Players' Guild Zombie Run - Visit the FPG Facebook page for info.

October 12: 43rd annual McLean's Town Conch Cracking Festival - the holiday Monday of Heroes Day. How fast can you crack out a conch? Click HERE to read more.

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

October 19: Grand Bahama Home and Daycare for the Aged and Children 25th Anniversary Raffle - Grand Prize is the painting "Finding Joy" by Chantal Bethel. Call 352-5408 for tix.

October 24: Zion Baptist Community Church Health Run/Walk - Zion Baptist Community Church grounds start 6:30 a.m. 373-6797.

October 24: Chamber of Commerce's 6th Annual Business Excellence Awards - At the Regency Theater. Cocktails at 7 p.m. Award Show begins at 8 p.m.

October 30: HSGB Halloween Party - Stay tuned for details!

October 31: Thriller - A Michael Jackson tribute at the Regency Theater.

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: Meeting of the Minds: Culinary Fusion Expo - at Pelican Bay. Click HERE to read more.

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

November 11: Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce AGM - 12:30 p.m. in Delphine's Room, Canal House at Pelican Bay Hotel.

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

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 7: Ride For Exuma - NEW! Ultra exclusive charity bike ride to benefit the soon-to-be-opened hospital in Georgetown. Click HERE to visit the website.

November 12-14: Wahoo Smackdown VII - BIMINI Big Game Club & Marina. Click HERE for information.

November 26: Hope Town Turtle Trot - Contact Friends of the Environment for details.

December 1-4: BIFF 2015 in Harbour Island - The Bahamas International Film Festival travels to ELEUTHERA. Click HERE to visit the website.

December 5-8: BIFF in Governor's Harbour - The Bahamas International Film Festival travels to central 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.

March 18-20: 5th Annual Great Abaco Family Fitness Weekend - Swim, run, triathlons and fun during a weekend at fabulous Treasure Cay. Click HERE to visit the website.

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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Two new champions crowned at the Powerade Potcakeman Triathlon with over $25,000 raised for Baark!

A beautiful calm ocean greeted participants as they arrived for the third annual Powerade Potcakeman Triathlon at Jaws Beach on Saturday morning, September 5th. With a record number of participants this year the Potcakeman has firmly established itself as the biggest triathlon in The Bahamas.

Featuring chip timing sponsored by Purina, the first person over the finish line was Olympic hopeful runner O'Neill Williams representing team 'Rusty Nuts' in a course record of 1:00:24. Simon Lowe and Julie Salas became the new male and female individaul overall champions in times of 1:11:15 and 1:16:20 respectively.

'Golden Knight' 400m athlete Ramon Miller presented the awards to the winners.

The adults competed in a 750m swim, 21km bike and 5k run. Following this there were two kids races with different distances for children ages 5 up to 14.

"We try to make the Potcakeman fun for all levels of triathletes," said race director Lori Roach. "We had more than 20 people completing their first ever triathlon which is a huge achievement and we want to encourage as many people as possible to get into the sport, especially the younger generation."

Click here to read more