Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL V. No. 22, October 15, 2015

This week in Bahama Islands Info

National News

Nassau News

Grand Bahama News

Column: Humane Society of Grand Bahama update

Family Islands News

Arts & Entertainment News

Column: At the Movies

Sports News

NEMA receives over $250,000 from the Gaming House Operators Association

The National Emergency Management Agency received over a quarter of a million dollars from the Gaming House Operators Association towards Hurricane Joaquin relief efforts, October 13, 2015.

The total of $257,552.05 was presented during a press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister on Cable Beach. Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie confirmed that members of the gaming association notified him that they wanted make such a donation in the aftermath of the Category 4 storm, which left massive devastation in the Central and Southeast Bahamas.

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Cable Bahamas restoration programme in full swing for islands affected by Hurricane Joaquin

In the aftermath of Hurricane Joaquin, Cable Bahamas Ltd has completed its assessments of the affected areas in the central and southern Bahamas and the company has commenced its restoration programme. The assessment reports indicate that there has been significant damage to aerial infrastructure, structural and water damage to the television transport facilities on both Long Island and San Salvador.

Immediately after the official "all clear" was given, Cable Bahamas mobilised their assessment teams to the southeast of the country, specifically to Long Island, Crooked Island, Acklins, San Salvador and Rum Cay, the islands hardest hit by the powerful storm.

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Joseph Darville named Save The Bays Chairman

Respected educator, co-chairman of the Bahamas National Drug Council and well-known environmental and human rights advocate Joseph Darville, M.A., has been named chairman of Save The Bays, the fast-growing grass roots environmental movement with more than 18,000 Facebook friends and followers. Mr. Darville, a native of Long Island and resident of Freeport, Grand Bahama, takes the helm from Fred Smith, QC.

"This is a critical time for safeguarding our environment which is coming under increasing pressure and I can think of no one better positioned to lead the charge of protection and preservation than Joe Darville," said Mr. Smith. "I have worked with Joe for more than 30 years on sensitive human rights and environmental issues and I never cease to marvel at the progress he makes in his own politically neutral, dedicated way, packed with purpose and passion."

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BahamaGo booking portal integrates with Ministry of Tourism's call center

The Ministry of Tourism's Call Center is now ready and equipped to service inter-island travel through a new partnership with Bahamian-operated booking engine BahamaGo. Since its inception in January 2014, the Call Center - launched by Island Outsourcers - has remained a major asset to The Islands of The Bahamas through the Bahamas.com and 1-800-Bahamas communication tools.

This new partnership with the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and BahamaGo has now positioned Call Center agents to facilitate the booking process for both international and domestic travelers.

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Bahamas Striping Group of Companies donates twenty thousand bottles of water

In response to Hurricane Joaquin, The Bahamas Striping Group of Companies initiated its relief efforts with its partners Hi-Lite Global, Seaboard Asphalt, and Trans Ocean Photos, Inc to donate over twenty thousand bottles of water to The Bahamas Red Cross Society and The Salvation Army in aid of the organizations' hurricane relief and recovery efforts for the southern islands that were affected.

President of Bahamas Striping Group of Companies, Atario Mitchell said his company feels a responsibility to make sure that they assist in taking care of persons in the southern islands, who have lost all of their belongings. Many other small business should also find ways to contribute whatever they can to uplift and rebuild the islands affected because now is the time for all Bahamaians to band together to provide a sense of hope and assist in re-energizing the economies of all islands.

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#YOUTHRELIEF242 - Youth ambassadors mobilize for hurricane relief

Youth Ambassadors of the nation will spearhead plans for bringing aid to residents of islands affected by Hurricane Joaquin. The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture Director of Youth, K. Darron Turnquest held a press conference at the Ministry to announce the initiative.

Taking part is a group of concerned young people of the National Corps of Youth Ambassadors, who have assembled themselves under the brand "#YOUTHRELIEF242" -- with a view to coordinating the collection of relief supplies for young people and their families in the southeastern district of the nation recently impacted by Hurricane Joaquin. Items may be delivered to them on National Youth Relief Day - Saturday, October 24.

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BahaMar Joint Provisional Liquidators comment on stakeholder talks

Edmund Rahming of KryS Global (pictured) and Alastair Beveridge and Nick Cropper of AlixPartners, collectively the Joint Provisional Liquidators (JPLs) to the BahaMar resort development, this week held constructive all party talks with the development's key stakeholder groups

Chaired by the JPLs today's talks brought together representatives from the Government of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, financial sponsors Export-Import Bank of China, construction company CCA Bahamas Ltd. and parent company, China State Construction Engineering Corp. Ltd., and the resort's founder and Investor, Mr. Sarkis Izmirlian.

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Adam Stewart, Chief Executive Officer, Sandals Resorts International, named 'Caribbean Hotelier of the Year'

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) presented the "Caribbean Hotelier of the Year" award to Adam Stewart, Chief Executive Officer, Sandals Resorts International, during the Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF), which took place Oct. 2 - 4, 2015 at El Conquistador Resort, A Waldorf Astoria Resort in Puerto Rico.

In the nine years of Adam Stewart's stewardship, Sandals has experienced a period of unprecedented growth, innovation and development transforming the all-inclusive concept to Luxury Included� resorts that offer guests levels of exclusivity never seen before.

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Grand Bahama Power Company crew assists in restoration in the southern Bahamas

Six (6) Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC) employees departed Grand Bahama International Airport-Domestic Terminal on Sunday October 11, to assist the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC), with restoration efforts in the wake of Hurricane Joaquin. Upon receiving reports of the damage, GBPC quickly offered assistance to BEC and commend the members of its crew who did not hesitate to accept the assignment.

This initiative is in keeping with the Company's corporate responsibility philosophy, and compassion for residents impacted by the storm. The crew consists of overhead linemen who specialize in the construction, maintenance and repair of transmission and distribution assets. They will work 16-hour shifts, seven days a week for the full duration of their trip.

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Lucaya area gets fueled up for fall

No more running out of gas after a long drive to the east, with the new Five Palms Service Station that recently opened to cater to the eastern end of the island. No fuel, no milk? No problem ... as the full service station and convenience store will be fulfilling the needs of those in the Lucaya area of the island.

Five Palms, which is located on East Sunrise Highway and Arden Forest Drive, is now open daily from 7am to 7pm. It is situated just east of the Balao and East Sunrise Highway circle, a high traffic area for schools, residents and those who travel to and from east end of Grand Bahama. "We're incredibly pleased to be introducing the Five Palms Service Station to the Grand Bahama public, as we felt there just wasn't an accessible service station for this highly residential area," said Larry Albury, General Manager of Five Palms Service Station.

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Joseph Tate wins at 43rd Annual Conch Cracking Competition in McLean's Town

Residents and visitors alike flocked to the eastern end of the island on National Hero's Day, Monday, October 12, for the 43rd annual Conch Cracking Competition in McLean's Town. While there, guests were treated to cultural traditions, games and musical entertainment.

Among those enjoying their holiday at the festival were Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville; Deputy Leader of the Official Opposition and Member of Parliament for East Grand Bahama, Peter Turnquest; Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Tourism, Harrison Thompson; and former Member of Parliament for High Rock Constituency, Kenneth Russell.

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Humane treatment of animals topic of first session of EARTHCARE Eco Kids Saturday Environmental Education Programme

The topic on October 10th, 2015 for the EARTHCARE Eco Kids Saturday Environmental Education Programme was "Humane Treatment of Animals". The group discussed various types of animals, how to best maintain pets, and the implications for wild animals that become entangled in improperly disposed of waste.

EARTHCARE Eco Kids will learn about mangroves, pollution, habitat destruction, sustainable fisheries, climate change, invasive species, shark conservation and research, and the humane treatment of animals. The programme runs from October 2015 through April 2016 with the sessions being followed by a related field trip. Students will receive certificates at the completion of the programme.

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And the HSGB calendar winner is ...

Congratulations to our 2016 calendar cover winner Fiji! She was adopted by Karen Murchie in August 2013, and loves the beach and the ocean almost as much as she loves Karen. Thank you so much to everyone for entering our photo contest. We had so many wonderful entries we really wish we could have picked them all. If your photos were not chosen this time you can still have your pet in the calendar. If you have a special day that you would like your photo on in the calendar we are still selling dates for $20 which gets your photo on your selected date (first come first served) in all the calendars.

Brought back by popular demand the Humane Society's No Fleas Flea Market has something for everyone - as always with bargain price tags. Save the date! October 24th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This great sale day will be coupled with Dr Gibbs, our HSGB vet, doing pets' micro-chipping; this enables anyone who loses their pet to identify their pet in the event it may be lost.

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Prime Minister speaks on the government's recovery efforts following Hurricane Joaquin

The Prime Minister gave a press briefing Wednesday to serve as an update on the integrated efforts of agencies of the Government and by those private and public sector entities charged with direct responsibilities for vital infrastructure in the islands affected by the hurricane. "All areas of the emergency response are equally critical but I would like to begin by updating the country on the restoration of vital communication, electrical and water and sanitation and transportation infrastructure in the areas of concern," he began.

Note that this information is current as of Tuesday, 13th October, 2015 and focuses solely on what the Government of The Bahamas has done in response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Joaquin.

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Tourism partners assist in hurricane relief

Over the weekend, the Ministry of Tourism, Hotel Industry Partners, and Eastern Airlines formed a team to distribute hurricane relief items to residents in the Southern Bahamas who were affected by Hurricane Joaquin.

The team was based at Exuma International Airport, Moss Town: from there, volunteer pilots flew hurricane relief to those in need. Sandals Emerald Bay provided lunch to the relief workers both days, Saturday, October 10, and Sunday, October 11.

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HMBS Durward Knowles provides hurricane relief to Long Island residents in Clarence Town

The Royal Bahamas Defense Force patrol craft, HMBS Durward Knowles, arrived at Clarence Town, Long Island on Monday 5th October 2015. Acting Lieutenant Commander Carlon Bethel, Commanding Officer HMBS Durward Knowles, immediately contacted Mrs. Bootle-Bethel, the Island Administrator.

During discussions with Mrs. Bethel, it was revealed that parts of Long Island had been cut off due to flooding, which made streets impassable for impact teams to reach disaster stricken areas. Marines from the ship's company were quickly deployed to assist with relief efforts underway with locals within the community.

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Social Services Minister and staff assist in South Long Island

Minister of Social Services & Community Development Melanie Griffin tries to assist an elderly lady in South Long Island, who is trying to deal with the effects of Hurricane Joaquin on her home and her community.

Minister Griffin and Social Services staff were in Long Island when these photos were taken on Sunday, October 11, 2015 showing devastation of wind and water by Category 4 Hurricane Joaquin that pummeled the Southern Bahamas over a week ago.

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Cinemax on Prime and new premium movie package launching Thursday, October 15

Cable Bahamas subscribers will get a new movie channel added to their Prime basic cable service starting October 15. The premium movie channel, Cinemax, will be added to channel 21 and channel 462 in the basic package. SyFy will be moving to Prime Select and a new premium movie package, FOX+, starts a two-week free preview on the same date.

Cinemax is one of the top premium movie channels that includes content from the major Hollywood studios such as Buena Vista International, Columbia, Universal and Warner Bros. Cinemax will also feature special programs on Hollywood entertainment, movie festivals as well as exclusive original HBO series premieres. The new movie addition to Prime comes at no additional charge for REVTV subscribers.

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Launch of new Christian television network opens the door for ministry beyond the four walls of the church

While millions around the world may attend a local worship service at least once a week, there are some who have never sat on a church pew. But that doesn't mean they are out of reach. On Saturday, October 17, 2015, Just Praise Television Network (JPTV) invites you to its official international launch at the Grand Lucayan at 5:00 p.m. In addition to an all-star lineup, the first Live International Show will take place right at the launch.

The network, owned by Pastor Ritta Warren and co-owned by gospel recording artist and teen gospel sensations, Dem Warren Boyz (Rev. Savonte and Rev. Javonte Warren), will host shows 24/7 from all over the world, with unique hosts in designated cities to maximize coverage.

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International Culture Month proclaimed downtown in Rawson Square

International Culture Month was proclaimed at Rawson Square on Saturday, October 10, 2015. The National Proclamation also announced the 20th Anniversary of the International Culture Wine and Food Festival that in October regularly showcases cultures of different nationalities resident in The Bahamas.

The Proclamation states that "the International Culture Wine & Food Festival has organized a month of activities and events that are intended to increase awareness of the ICWFF and its role in The Bahamas, highlight significant milestones and recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the Festival's development."

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National Disabilities Commission launches logo design competition for high school students

Youth around The Bahamas are invited to think and talk about the rights of persons with disabilities by participating in the Logo Design Competition of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD). The Commission's Logo Design Competition is open to all junior and senior high school students in The Bahamas.

The design competition was launched at the beginning of October and will run through November 10, 2015, with the winning logo announced on December 3, 2015 -- which is the United Nation's International Day for Persons with Disabilities. The deadline for submission is Tuesday, November 10, 2015.

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At the Movies: The Perfect Guy

The tagline for this movie: Trust One, Fear The Other. After a painful breakup, a newly single professional woman makes the mistake of jumping into a passionate relationship with a charming stranger. When her ex-boyfriend resurfaces in her life she has to figure out who wants to share her future and who wants to end it.

This is a movie that works much better on the small screen in the privacy of your own home where you can shout at the TV as a character makes an obvious bad choice. Sanaa Lathan, Michael Ealy and Morris Chestnut play very unlikable characters which would work okay in a comedy, but in a thriller you kind of just hope they all end up killing each other.

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Ultimate Fitness Bahamas teams up with CIBC FirstCaribbean for 'Combat Cancer Challenge' obstacle course fundraiser

This weekend, fitness fans are invited to flex for a cause at CIBC FirstCaribbean's inaugural Combat Cancer Challenge Obstacle Relay. The bank has teamed up with The Ultimate U Fitness & Wellness Center, for a fun and fierce team obstacle course on Saturday October 17th. The Challenge will be held at 6:30 A.M. at The Ultimate U Fitness & Wellness Center on Bay Street (opposite the old Hotel Corona).

Fitness fans and fun-seekers across Nassau are invited to enter in teams of five to push their physical and mental limits in a fun, supportive environment. Entrance fees are $25.00 per team and 100% of proceeds will be added to the 'Walk for The Cure' proceeds to be distributed to local cancer organizations.

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Chickcharney Challenge ceators launch first obstacle course relay

The creators of the Chickcharney Challenge have designed a relay event like nothing ever seen in the Bahamas. The Chickcharney Relays will be the hottest ticket in town November 7th. The local obstacle-course-run pioneers, who recently donated a wheelchair to the Bahamas National Council For Disability out of proceeds from their inaugural events, are putting together the most exciting 400 plus metre, sprint course for four-man relay teams. And, now part of the proceeds from this event will go toward helping victims of Hurricane Joaquin.

"This course will be fast, with obstacles coming at you around corner and from every angle," said Chickcharney Chirren President, Jason Taylor. "We wanted to bring the excitement of relay competition to the grand excitement of obstacle course running. Think American Ninja Warrior, but with Bahamians."

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CIBC FirstCaribbean's Walk for the Cure blazes trails

The staff, corporate partners, and friends of CIBC FirstCaribbean showed up in multitudes this past Sunday to join the fight for life at the bank's 4th Annual Walk for the Cure.

The yearly fun walk kicks off the bank's Breast Cancer Month activities and is the climax of two months of awareness and fundraising events organized for the benefit of local Cancer organizations: Sister-to-Sister Breast Cancer Support Group, The Cancer Association of Grand Bahama, The One Eleuthera Foundation and the Cancer Societies in Abaco, Eleuthera, and New Providence.

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Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture's National Youth Awards Nominee Medal Presentation Ceremony

Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling, Governor-General, hosted the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture's National Youth Awards Nominee Medal Presentation Ceremony at Government House on Tuesday, October 6, 2015. One hundred and sixty-seven young people were nominated in fields such as leadership, education and sports.

Minister of Youth Sports and Culture the Hon. Dr. Daniel Johnson declared that the ceremony highlighted youth who are doing good things. In the photos, Governor General Dame Marguerite presents the medals as Minister Daniel Johnson looks on.

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Muddasick! What's bugging you?

What's bugging you? Got a Muddasick? Here's your chance to say your piece! Send your Muddasick to info@bahamaislandsinfo.com and we may just put it in print.

NASSAU EVENTS

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

thru October 16: Cuban Cultural Week in the Bahamas - Click HERE to view events schedule.

October 16: Benefit concert to help rebuild our Family Islands - with Visage at Pirate Republic $50. E: tess@piraterepublicbahamas.com for info.

October 16: All Ceramic Exhibition (ACE) - Opening at Hillside House Art Gallery, Cumberland Street, 6:30-9pm. 324-3533 for info.

October 16: Awards Ceremony - of the 32nd Annual Art Competition & Exhibition at the Central Bank's Art Gallery, Market St. 6pm. RSVP 302-2603.

October 17: Chan Pratt Inspiration Cocktail Reception - and Art Exhibition at Sapodillas of West Bay, 7-10pm. Donation: $100, Hors d'oeuvres, pastries and wine included. 544-4779.

October 17-18: 20TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CULTURE WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL - from 10 am to 6 pm at the Botanical Gardens, Nassau.

October 23-24: "I Get Jealous Even When the Sunlight Touches You" - AJ Watson's 24-hr Art Exhibition. Click HERE for the event's Facebook page.

October 24: Paint Da Streets Pink - 3rd annual Rotaract Club of South East Nassau Centennial event. Starts 6am at Arawak Cay, registration at 5am. Goodies will be provided with registration. Email rotaract.senc.bahamas@gmail.com for more.

October 24: Opening of R. Brent Malone: Reincarnation - a retrospective exhibition featuring more than 200 paintings, drawings, prints and sculptural pieces by legendary Bahamian artist Brent Malone.

October 28-31: Caribbean Muzik Festival - The biggest names in Caribbean music performing live! Click HERE for more info.

October 30-31: BNT Wine & Art Festival - at the Retreat, Village Rd.

November 7: Tru-Tru Bahamian Festival - 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Historic Charles Towne, on the scenic grounds of the historic 1789 Buena Vista Estate, home to John Watling's Distillery.

November 12: Art Exhibition/Concert: "Hallelujah" - with Antonius Roberts and Keri Sherman. 7pm, Hillside House Art Gallery, Cumberland Street. Tickets are $100. Includes Champagne and Hors d'oeuvres. RSVP by calling 242-322-7678 or email hillsidehousebs@gmail.com.

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

October 15, 22 & 29: Health Is Wealth Lunch & Learn Series

Be a part of the open discussion on various Health & Wellness Topics. 1 p.m. at Garden Delite (Pelican Bay, Canal House - 4th Floor).

October 15: FPG Auditions for The Grinch - 7-9pm at the Regency Theatre. Males and females of all ages wanted, no experience required.

October 16: The Warrior Campaign: Pink Party - @ The Grand Lucayan. @ 7 p.m.

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

October 18: VIPink Party - PINKTOBER event, 7:00 pm. Great Lawn. Ticket Box Office Ash Eye Institute. 727-0102.

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 23: 3rd annual Rotary Wine & Cheese - At the Sailing Club, 7pm start. Tickets available from Rotary Club of Freeport members or at the door. Click HERE to view the poster.

October 23: The Warrior Campaign: Rock da Block - At Entwined in The International Bazaar from 5 p.m.-until.

October 23: Small Business Fair - 10am-4pm, Petticoat Lane and Churchill Square downtown. Click HERE to view the poster.

October 24: 'No Fleas' Flea Market - and microchip clinic at the Humane Society, 10am-1pm. Click HERE to view the poster.

October 24: Pink Stiletto Strut - PINKTOBER event, 6:00 am leaving from the International Bazaar. For further information call 727-0102, see ad this issue.

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 28: Chamber of Commerce Monthly Business Meeting - 12:30 p.m. in Delphine's Room, Canal House at Pelican Bay. Speaker Paul Miller, Managing Director, GB Power Company discussing the rate case submission. 352-8329.

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

October 31: Book reading "Room on the Broom" - by our very own witch! Unexso, 10am.

October 31: Pink Fiesta Costume Party - PINKTOBER event, 7:00 pm at Taino Beach featuring DJ Daddy Steelie and live performances. Ticket Box Office Ash Eye Institute. For further information call 727-0102.

October 31: Thriller - A Michael Jackson tribute at the Regency Theater. Click HERE for more info.

October 31: 25th Anniversary of the Home for the Aged - Old Fashioned Ball "The Great Waltz" at Grand Lucaya Resort. Cocktails@ 7PM - Dinner @ 8PM.

October 31: Hope Ball Health Fair - At Family Guardian Insurance Co. in the Regent Centre Office.

November 1: GB Shipyard Open Golf Tournament

Click HERE to view the poster for complete details.

November 2: The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce Presents: 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.

November 5, 12, 19, 26: Health Is Wealth Lunch & Learn Series - Be a part of the open discussion on various Health & Wellness Topics. 1 p.m. at Garden Delite (Pelican Bay, Canal House - 4th Floor).

November 7: Conchman Triathlon - and Iron Kids races will take place at Taino Beach. No excuses, you can do it! www.Conchman.com

November 7: Meeting of the Minds: Culinary Fusion Expo - at Pelican Bay. Click HERE to read more.

November 7: Maurice Moore Primary School Walkathon - NEW DATE! 7:30 a.m. from Maurice Moore to Taino Beach. To register contact Keva Wilchcombe at 373-7981 or 7982.

November 11: Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce AGM - 12:30 p.m. in Delphine's Room, Canal House at Pelican Bay Hotel. 352-8329.

November 12: Cable Bahamas Corporate Mixer - 4 p.m. at Pelican Bay.

November 14: St. Jude's Anglican Church 1st Annual Baby Fair & Diaper Derby - At the Parish Hall @ 12 noon-5 p.m. Event will support St. Jude's Outreach Program.

November 14: Rotaract Club of Freeport Annual Art Exhibition and Competition - at the Grand Bahama Cultural Arts Center, Sunrise Hwy. Click HERE to visit the FB event page.

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 20: The Resonance String Quartet: "Bach to Hip Hop" - presented by the Grand Bahama Performing Arts Society. Save the date!

November 21: Mary Star of the Sea Parish Annual Bazaar - 12:00 noon - midnight.

November 21: Wine Tasting & Table Dressing for the Holidays - with ENTwineD at UNEXSO, 6:30pm.

November 27: Medical Air Services Association Customer Appreciation & Membership Drive - At #1 Seventeen Centre @ 10 a.m.-4 p.m. All members and interested members are welcomed.

November 28: Book reading with the Grinch! - 10am at Unexso.

December 4: Festival Noel - Grand Bahama's #1 holiday season event! At the Rand Nature Center 7-10PM. Click HERE to view the poster.

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 7: The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce Presents: 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.

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 25-28: Burning Wahoo Bonfire Series Tournament - at Old Bahama Bay. Click HERE to read all about it.

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.

April 16: Hair Fashion & Talent Extravaganza -

At Our Lucaya. @ 7 p.m. For more information contact 353-7101 or 646-2000.

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

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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NEMA gives detailed update on Hurricane Joaquin relief efforts

The National Emergency Management Agency NEMA, held a press conference on National Heroes' Day, October 12, 2015, to update the public on the relief efforts following Hurricane Joaquin's destructive path through the Central and Southeast Bahamas.

First Assistant Secretary at NEMA Chrystal Glinton explained that the 13 Emergency Support Function (ESF) groups, which make up the national disaster preparedness committee, are strategically involved in the NEMA-coordinated efforts to those islands impacted by the Category 4 storm.

She reaffirmed that the approximately 5,000 individuals on the islands of Rum Cay, San Salvador, Acklins, Crooked Island and Long Cay, Long Island and Mayaguana are being closely monitored and that disaster relief supplies are being equitably distributed throughout the impacted areas.

The ESF representatives who gave updates during the press conference held at NEMA on Gladstone Road and NEMA's Way were: Robert Deal, Deputy General Manager, Water & Sewerage Corporation; Lillian Quant-Forbes, Acting Director of the Department of Social Services; Andrew Thompson, Department of Environmental Health Services; Marcel Johnson, Director of Nursing, Ministry of Health; Brian Jacques, Bahamas Telecommunications Company; and Gayle Moncur, Senior Assistant Secretary, NEMA.

NEMA will continue to hold weekly press briefings to keep the public updated on the recovery efforts and other progress being made in the wake of Hurricane Joaquin's impact.

Click here to read more