Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL V. No. 18, September 17, 2015

This week in Bahama Islands Info

National News

Nassau News

Grand Bahama News

Column: Humane Soceity of Grand Bahama update

Family Islands & Abaco News

Arts & Entertainment News

Column: At the Movies

Sports News

Feedback: Letter to the Editor

PM in London: Creative industries must feed into main economic pillars

With 60 percent of the Bahamian population under the age of 30 and a propensity for our youth for the pursuit of excellence in sports, art, music and cultural endeavours, Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie stated at the 2015 Caribbean Investment Summit that "we must find ways to invest more in the creative industries that can feed into our main economic pillars and develop sustainable linkages across sectors of our economy." In his address of the summit in London, September 10, the Prime Minister said the climate is ripe for inward investment in the Caribbean.

He noted, a "substantial" amount of foreign direct investment must continue to build on the traditional sectors such as tourism, financial services, business service outsourcing, fisheries and agro-processing -- where the Caribbean has a competitive advantage. He observed that foreign investors are now venturing into previously unexplored sectors of the economies like natural resources, infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, real estate, transport, telecommunications, stem cell research and medical tourism, which, he said, as a single market develops will reap real rewards over the long term.

Click here to read more

National Youth Awards - Apply online!

"The Bahamas government through its Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture has annually sought to recognize the outstanding contributions of youth in all facets since the establishment of the National Youth Awards programme more than 30 years ago," said Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Daniel Johnson during a press conference to officially launch the programme with the Ministry's new website (www.celebrateyouthbahamas.org), September 10.

Young persons are now able to submit online applications for various awards through the website. The website allows for online participation of youth across the country in various programmes, including registration for initiatives offered by the Department of Youth.

Click here to read more

Support the Bahamas National Trust and win!

Sky Bahamas, The Island House, Pelican Bay, and Pineapple Fields all team up to offer an Exclusive Island Hop for two!

Joining the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) definitely has its perks, but this September the perks just got a little sweeter. For the next three months the BNT social media team will be encouraging their Facebook fans to turn their friendship into membership!

The promotion will be running exclusively on Facebook, the goal being to convert the BNT's 20,000 Facebook fans into members of the Trust. Increasing membership numbers strengthens the voice of the BNT and gives greater credence to their calls for conservation and protection of Bahamian ecosystems.

Click here to read more

Save The Bays praises government for 'a huge step forward' in environmental protection

The establishment of 18 new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) is being hailed as an important victory in the ongoing fight to protect the unique ecological heritage of The Bahamas.

Vanessa Haley-Benjamin, CEO of fast-growing social and environmental movement Save The Bays (STB), praised the Christie administration for fulfilling its promise to establish MPAs in environmentally significant areas around the country. She also highlighted the value of conservationists and government working together to preserve the country's natural resources for the benefit of future generations. "This is a huge step forward," Haley-Benjamin said.

Click here to read more

Bahamas National Feeding Network to host best practices seminar

Nearly 50 churches, soup kitchens and feeding centres are expected to take part in a groundbreaking workshop when the Bahamas National Feeding Network (BNFN) hosts the Ambassador Frank Crothers Inaugural Best Practices Seminar featuring one of America's leading authorities on feeding programs. The seminar is set for September 18 from 8:30am to 2pm at the Independence Ballroom of the Melia Nassau Beach.

The Network will also launch an awareness campaign to increase the public's consciousness on the hunger plight faced by many people in the country.

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BahaMar joint provisional liquidators comment on Delaware court ruling

BahaMar Joint Provisional Liquidators (JPLs) said late Tuesday that a decision by the Delaware court dismissing Baha Mar Ltd's Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing would not change their role. "Our role from the outset has been to protect and preserve BahaMar's assets and focus on bringing all parties to the table such that the resort can open," said Edmund Rahming, Managing Director, KRyS Global, the Bahamas-based firm appointed along with UK-based AlixPartners as joint provisional liquidators.

"As we have stated previously, the successful opening of this significant development is in everybody's interest," Rahming said. "Therefore we are focussed on our court-appointed obligations rather than on proceedings outside our control."

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Disney Cruise Line VoluntEARS celebrate reading with children at Albury Sayle Primary School

Schoolchildren from Albury Sayle Primary School in Nassau experienced the magic of Disney storytelling thanks to a visit from Disney Cruise Line crew members Wednesday. As part of a Disney VoluntEARS program called Reading Together, crew members read classic Disney tales and other stories to classrooms full of students to open their imaginations and inspire their love for reading.

The Disney Cruise Line Reading Together program launched more than 10 years ago, and since then, crew members have shared the gift of storytelling and encouraged reading at schools across the Bahamas and U.S. Virgin Islands. Disney Cruise Line crew members have enjoyed visits to Albury Sayle Primary School classrooms since 2013.

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Ministry of Transport partners with Commonwealth Brewery to promote responsible drinking

With the number of traffic fatalities hitting 38 so far for the year, the Ministry of Transport & Aviation is taking steps to promote road safety. To this end, the Ministry is participating in a promotion in collaboration with Commonwealth Brewery.

The event is the company's 'Enjoy Responsibly Day' sponsored by Heineken, one of the organization's top-selling brands. 'Enjoy Responsibly Day' is scheduled for Friday, September 18. In addition, the partnership will also include participation by the Bahamas AIDS foundation.

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Brokers get sneak peek at Palm Cay's furnished Starfish Isle

Ahead of this Saturday's open house for prospective buyers and real estate agents, a select group of top brokers toured the recently released high-end oceanfront townhomes at Starfish Isle at Palm Cay.

"The response was excellent," said Clara Alcime, sales. "We wanted to see what the response of a few key persons would be since this is the first time we were unveiling our new four-bedroom townhomes fully furnished and move-in ready. We are very excited about our September 19 open house when anyone who buys a Starfish Isle townhome on that day will get a golf cart."

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Fire safety and medical units opened in Downtown Straw Market

A ribbon-cutting ceremony September 10, marked the official opening of new Fire Safety, Surveillance, and Nurse's Facilities at the Downtown Straw Market, Woodes Rogers Wharf, Bay Street. Government officials, Straw Market vendors, members of the Straw Market Authority recognized the occasion with a special ceremony in the Downtown Straw Market.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Urban Development said the First Aid Station is "essential" for creating a first class facility. The Straw Market Authority has also installed a CCTV surveillance camera in the Downtown Straw Market and organized a Surveillance Unit to facilitate the system.

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Nassau designated 'Emerging Sustainable City'

The Inter-American Development Bank, in conjunction with the Office of the Prime Minister, designated the City of Nassau as an Emerging Sustainable City on September 2, 2015 at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas. This Emerging Sustainable City Initiative (ESCI) was started in June 2015 and is being spearheaded by the Economic Development Planning Unit within the Office of The Prime Minister.

The Emerging and Sustainable Cities Initiative (ESCI) employs a multidisciplinary approach to address the sustainable urban development challenges facing emerging cities in Latin America and the Caribbean. The ESCI incorporates environmental sustainability, comprehensive urban development, fiscal sustainability and good governance. The ESCI framework provides a set of policy tools which will offer well-integrated and sustainable solutions to Nassau's development challenges.

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Svitzer Bahamas continues investment in Freeport with commissioning of three new tugboats

Just one year after establishing a maritime training centre on Grand Bahama Island, Svitzer Bahamas has further invested in its Freeport operation by adding three new tugboats to its fleet. The official commissioning of the Svitzer Hanne, the Svitzer Yuma and the Svitzer Freeport brings the towage company's total fleet in Grand Bahama to eight.

The company marked the occasion with a ceremony on Wednesday at Freeport's Lucayan Harbour where Svitzer officials, government representatives and Freeport stakeholders shared positive views on the effect the tugboats would have on the economy and future of Grand Bahama's maritime industry.

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Local investors creating economic impact on Grand Bahama

Executives at The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA) continue to express their enthusiasm over the increased participation of Bahamians in the local economy. GBPA Group President, Ian Rolle, noted during a recent interview that he is pleased to see the level of domestic investment projects taking place on Grand Bahama at such a sensitive time in the nation's economy.

"Despite some of the notable challenges facing our economy, local investors are taking steps to move the country's economy forward. This is especially true of Freeport, the nation's second city, where domestic investment has increased considerably in recent months," Rolle said.

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New video a highlight of this week's Humane Society of Grand Bahama update

Our deepest apologies to everyone regarding our postponing the road rally event. At 10 a.m. Sunday, weather conditions were dismal and no less than four major weather websites forecast thunderstorms and 80% chance of rain for the rest of the day. Mother Nature loves to make fools of us humans and indeed she did just that. Please forgive us and do consider coming out this Sunday for what will absolutely be an amazing fun and unique event!

We are deeply grateful to Keen i Media for producing this amazing video for us. As most of our readers know, we have really been struggling for the last few years to keep our doors open and to continue serving the community and the voiceless animals of Grand Bahama. We hope this conveys not only our plight, but our positive impact on this island, and the need for our services to continue, to the benefit of all Grand Bahamians, both two-legged and four-legged!

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TEDxGrandBahama 2015 videos now available online

On August 08, 2015, TEDxGrandBahama returned for its second year and featured four young Bahamian speakers who used their experiences to bring different perspectives on the event's theme of "Furthering Bahamian Development."

Following the talks, the audience engaged with the speakers during a moderated panel discussion, at which time they were able to explore further the ideas put forth by the presenters and even share their own ideas. A number of persons expressed disappointment that they were unable to attend so it is with great pleasure that the organizers of TEDxGrandBahama announce that the 2015 video talks are now freely available for online viewing.

Click here to read more

Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce accepting nominations for the 6th Annual Business Excellence Awards

The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce is continuing to accept nominations for the 6th Annual Business Excellence Awards. These prestigious awards are designed to honour outstanding Grand Bahamian businesses and executives.

Any individual who knows of a businessperson that is excelling and meets the judging criteria can make nominations. Self-nominations are acceptable. The nominator should ensure that the nominee would show a willingness to participate in this award program. The deadline for nominations is October 2, 2015.

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Retirement reception honours Road Traffic's Basil Rahming

A retirement reception was held on Wednesday, September 16, for Basil Rahming, retired Deputy Controller of the Road Traffic Department and former Senior Police Officer. The event was held in the Conference Room of the Administrator's Office -- Mr. Rahming was recognized and thanked for his contribution to not only the traffic department, but the Grand Bahama Road Safety Committee as well.

Mr. Rahming assisted the Grand Bahama Road Safety Committee realize a number of their initiatives, namely the Courteous Driver of the Quarter Award, done in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Lucaya. Approximately 24 awardees have been recognized.

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Bimini's Wahoo Smackdown VII introduces exciting, expanded format

Chasing wahoo in November has become an annual ritual in Bimini with anglers competing for bragging rights and thousands of dollars in cash and prizes. The Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina, which for several seasons has hosted the popular Wahoo Smackdown Tournament series, is adding new species categories, youth and women's divisions and an open bounty of $1,000 for anyone breaking the current IGFA all tackle Bahamas record for a wahoo.

Wahoo Smackdown VII, scheduled for November 12-14, will be a "must fish" weekend for anglers with a chance to make fishing history and earn a cash bonus, according to Tournament Director Misty Wells.

Click here to read more

Government ministers attend Town Meeting in Exuma

More than 300 residents of Exuma and the Cays attended the Exuma District Council's Annual Town Meeting on the evening of September 10, 2015. Representatives for local government districts, Cabinet Ministers of the Government of the Bahamas, and the Member of Parliament for Exuma, had the opportunity to speak to residents in Georgetown.

Exuma's Chief Councillor and others went over community announcements, accomplishments and budget allocations for the current fiscal period. The floor was then given to national Government leaders to update residents on issues of concern on the island, including infrastructure, healthcare, and immigration.

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Nine illegal immigrants apprehended in Abaco

Police in Abaco have in their custody nine illegal immigrants.

Reports are that on Friday 11th September 2015 shortly before 1:00am, Officers of the Sandy Point Police Station, acting on information, went to an area near the Sandy Point Dock and apprehended nine illegal immigrants namely; eight males and one female. Further reports indicated that they had illegally landed via a boat earlier that night.

Investigations are continuing in this matter.

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Disaster preparedness show airs second installment TODAY

The second installment of the programme A Familiar Walk...Enhancing Disaster Preparedness in the Bahamas is set to air this Thursday on ZNS, as the Caribbean continues to watch the development of potential tropical systems in the Atlantic.

Hurricane season, which ends November 30th, has been relatively quiet this year, but there is always a need for disaster preparedness advice. Mario Newry, host of A Familiar Walk, produced this latest installment of his show with guests Caroline Turnquest, Director General of the Bahamas Red Cross and Captain Stephen Russell, Director of the National Emergency Management Agency.

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REVTV offers enhanced HBO package with first run Showtime originals

Cable Bahamas has announced that effective October 15, its REVTV subscribers will enjoy some of their favourite first run Showtime series on the HBO Caribbean channel, just 24 hours after the US premiere, bringing greater value for REVTV subscribers. Effective October 15, 2015, Showtime will be replaced with an enhanced HBO subscription package providing subscribers immediate access to additional video on demand (VOD) content, with a change in rate to $17.99 per month; HBO-Showtime subscribers transitioning to this HBO package can see a 28 per cent reduction in their monthly subscription costs.

The Showtime network will be removed from REVTV October 15th. This transition has also made way for 350 free hours of VOD content including Showtime original series to the HBO On Demand service available on 500 REVTV On Demand.

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Music Voyager Bahamas gets ART & TUR award nomination

The Ministry of Tourism is pleased to announce that the Music Voyager Bahamas' episode "The Heartbeats of The Bahamas" has been nominated at the ART & TUR 2015 International Tourism Film Awards to be held in Crotia, Portugal next month. Music Voyager is in Season 6 and broadcasting with over 200 top broadcasters across the world, including International In-Flight, cruise ships and A+ hotels worldwide.

The series focuses on the story of a location as told to the world directly by the local artists, while using local music as its story vehicle. In January, the show filmed three episodes in Grand Bahama Island, Nassau and Cat Island in hopes of capturing the musical soul and culture of The Bahamas.

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Andrew Knowles to open first solo show at Doongalik Gallery

Doongalik Studios will open the first solo show of artist, Andrew Knowles, entitled "Bahasquiat" on Tuesday, September 22 from 6-9 pm. Born in Nassau on September 12, 1996, the teenaged Knowles is a 12th grade student of St Anne's School who considers art as a saving grace in his life. By attributing the name (with a Bahamian spelling twist) and artistic elements of the exhibition to American artist, Jean Michel Basquiat (1960-1988) Knowles is paying homage to how the late artist has influenced his work.

Like Basquiat, Knowles has a challenging life, having grown up with a mother addicted to drugs (with whom he still keeps in touch), not knowing his father, having his eldest brother die a year ago (the Opening date of the Exhibition will be the first anniversary of his death), the other brother in jail, and not really knowing his two sisters. At the age of 13 Knowles went to live at the Elizabeth Estates Home and transitioned, at the age of 17, to Coleby House. However, since Knowles is still in school and does not have a regular paying job, he has had to leave Coleby House and is presently living with friends.

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FOX+ acquires Starz, movies and first run original series to be included on Cable Bahamas lineup

Cable Bahamas has announced that its REVTV Starz subscribers will soon enjoy their favourite first-run Starz series on FOX+ beginning November 1st, bringing hit movies, original series and specials like WWE pay-per-view events to FOX+ subscribers on REVTV.

FOX+ is a new premium multi-channel TV service that delivers exclusive TV series, films and specials, including hit shows from Starz such as Power and Outlander, as well as the Showtime series Homeland.

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'Poetic Justice' open mic series at Kevin Tomlinson C.A.S. a hit

The "Poetic Justice" open mic series has been a success thus far and organizer Nat Cambridge looks forward to the support of the public in continuing to develop young Bahamian talent.

The series gives young Bahamians an outlet for their musical and poetic talents. It features a young Bahamian performer each event and is scheduled to re-occur every two weeks. The next installment is on Thursday September 17th and begins at 8pm.

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At the Movies: Transporter Refueled

This movie does not have a tagline. An ex-mercenary is now living a less dangerous life transporting classified packages for questionable people, but when his father pays him a visit for some father-son bonding things take a turn for the worse. He is forced to do more than he intended for a client and her three associates in a bid to take down a crime kingpin who used their bodies to service his customers.

Frank Martin is a special ops mercenary who uses his knowledge of fast cars and fast driving to deliver sensitive materials for people with less than spotless reputations, but when his father's life is on the line he must play a chess game with whoever has him in their web of deceit. Frank Martin Sr. is an ex-spy who has been using the cover of a water salesman and has come to the south of France to visit his son after retirement, but soon finds that his covert weapons and field medic training are needed when he finds himself kidnapped and used as bait for his son in a dangerous cat and mouse game.

Click here to read more

11th Annual Grand Bahama Road Cycling Championships set for September 19

Cyclists, you've been waiting a long time but finally it is here. The 11th Annual Grand Bahama Road Cycling Championships has set the date: this Saturday, September 19th, 2015. There have been pitfalls along the way, but the year could not be complete without this annual event.

Cyclists will compete in Categories 1, 2, & 3 to see who will take home the crown of Grand Bahama Road Cycling Champion! 2015 marks 11 years since the first G.B.C.C. Cycling Championships was held on Grand Bahama, but the event has only had 8 editions with 8 male and 2 female champions in its history.

Click here to read more

Caribbean Wellness Week 2015 Fun Run/Walk [photos]

Conscious of the importance of good health, athletes of all ages rose early to participate in the Caribbean Wellness Week 2015 Fun Run/Walk that left Arawak Cay before daylight on Saturday, September 12, and continued to West Bay Street, on to the Cable Beach Post Office, and back to Arawak Cay.

Photo: First place -- Cadeau Augustin, centre; second place, Ramon Williams, left; and third place Kendron Adderley, right.

Click here to view more photos

Triathlon season continues with Conchman #29 - November 7

Now that Nassau's successful Potcakeman triathlon has gotten everyone's feet wet this season, athletes and multi-sport enthusiasts are looking forward to the annual Conchman triathlon on November 7th at Taino Beach.

In its 29th year the Conchman has long been a fixture on the calendars of both local and international athletes. Past winners have come from many of the Bahamian islands, the US, Canada and the UK to name a few. The course is superb, the hospitality friendly and the vibe - decidedly laid back.

Click here to read more

New boys youth soccer league kicks off this weekend at the Freeport Rugby Football Club

Local players, parents and coaches will all receive a boost this weekend when the Freeport Rugby Football Club expands its successful soccer programme to offer for the first time a BOYS YOUTH SOCCER LEAGUE.

The Youth Programme has run for over thirteen years on the island and, as well as helping promote the game, has helped countless boys obtain overseas college scholarships, receive national recognition and even play professional soccer in Europe!

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.

Letter to the Editor: EMV credit cards

I would like to know when the commercial banks in The Bahamas will be informing the general public about the EMV (Europay, Mastercard, Visa) chip 'smart' credit cards. This new technology, which appears as a gold coloured square on the front of the credit card, embeds a special chip inside the card for greater security, and apparently, as of October 1, 2015 worldwide, all cards with the EMV feature will transfer liability, in the event of fraud, to the banks. A few days ago the Canadian bank that I deal with for merchant services, sent out an email notice stating that 'soon' merchants will be able to accept and process the EMV cards.

A few weeks ago, my bank recalled credit cards stating that there had been a 'possible security breach' but refused to give any detailed information on what exactly happened. We were advised that new cards would be issued and meanwhile credit card use was suspended. Strangely enough, another Canadian bank also recalled customer credit cards and used this same explanation. What is going on? Should this be cause for greater concern?

Click here to read more

NASSAU EVENTS

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

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 17: 'Poetic Justice' open mic series - at Kevin Tomlinson C.A.S. 8pm. Call 441-8439 for more 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 19: FREE tennis and squash lessons - for kids ages 7-17 at the GB Tennis & Squash Club. Individual and corporate memberships available, contact GBTSC President d'Sean Smith 727-1833 or look for the club on FB.

September 19: The Grand Bahama Cooperative Credit Union Expo - At the Four-Way Co-op Plaza grounds from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

September 20: NEW DATE! Road Rally and Family Fun Day - to benefit the Humane Society. Register at the Shelter on Coral Rd.

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 10: Relay for Cancer - A Fast Track Management event at Taino Beach, 6am. Click HERE to download the entry and information form.

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 14-18: Deeper Life Ministries Conference: Going Beyond the Norm - Featuring guest speaker Pastor Claudette Basden. At Pelican Bay Hotel in Delphine's Room @ 7 p.m.

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.

April 9: Dog Days Half Marathon #2 - Popular new event returns for a second year bigger and better with an added 10K and Health Expo! Click HERE to visit the official website or HERE for the FB event page.

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 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 - at the Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina. To register click HERE or call 970-708-7997 Misty Wells Tournament Director.

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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People-to-People makes visitor's birthday memorable

When 80-year-old Rasheeda Ali-Seck arrived at Prince George Wharf on September 9, she had no idea what special surprises were in store. The Cincinnati, Ohio native always dreamed of coming to The Bahamas to celebrate her birthday. But what she didn't expect was to have a full-on welcome ceremony complete with a special performance from Bahamian cultural icon John 'Chippie' Chipman and others playing 'Happy Birthday.'

Later, she and her family were treated to a special luncheon at Lady Igrid Darling's home. Lady Darling is the widow of the late Sir Clifford Darling, a former Governor General of The Bahamas. There, the family enjoyed Bahamian favorites like peas and rice, baked chicken, stew conch, fried fish, cole slaw, baked macaroni and cheese, guava duff, pineapple and coconut tarts and potato bread.

To wash it all down, guests had choices of Goombay Punch, homemade lemonade and Vitamalt. They also saw some Bahamian arts and craft on display.

Describing the experience, Mrs. Ali-Seck said it was a dream come true.

The experience was part of the Ministry of Tourism's People-to-People programme. Now in its 40th year, the People-to-People programme matches interested tourists based on their personality and interests with Bahamian ambassadors, who welcome them into their home to share a meal and other authentic Bahamian experiences.

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