Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL V. No. 26, November 12, 2015

This week in Bahama Islands Info

National News

Nassau News

Grand Bahama News

Column: Humane Society of Grand Bahama update

Family Islands & Abaco News

Arts & Entertainment News

Sports News

Letter to the Editor

This week's featured article

'Taste of The Bahamas' a smashing success with patrons at African American Research Library in Fort Lauderdale

Some three hundred patrons attended a special '"Taste of The Bahamas" Reception held this past Friday at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center in Fort Lauderdale. The event, which showcased the diverse culture of The Bahamas, was part of the Broward County Library Destination Friday's program and was facilitated by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism (BMOT).

An art exhibition, that featured more than 100 personal artifacts, including awards from The Bahamas of the Late Esther Rolle, famed actress of Bahamian descent, was also on display at the Library.

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COB study abroad students say 'gracias' to Santander Bank and Trust Ltd.

Deneesha Williams a College of The Bahamas student was earlier this year afforded the opportunity to study in Mexico to learn the Spanish language and to be immersed in the Mexican culture. She summed up her experience as being "maravillosa" (marvelous in English).

Ms. Williams is just one of many College of The Bahamas students who have studied abroad because of the gracious donor Santander Bank and Trust Ltd. On Tuesday, November 3rd The College showed its appreciation to the bank for the investment in education by hosting them to a donor reception where they heard of students' study abroad experiences.

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Bahamas targets Asian market as Minister of Financial Services makes presentations at key events

Speaking at the 5th Annual China Offshore Summit on Wednesday morning in Shanghai, China, to an audience of over 500 professionals, Minister of Financial Services, Hon. Hope Strachan, took the opportunity to highlight The Bahamas' Financial Services industry as a global leader in the financial sector that could provide appealing investment opportunities for the Chinese and wider Asian market.

The speaking engagement came in the midst of a Financial Services trip throughout key Asian markets, including presentations at the Bahamas Landfall events organized by the Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSB) in Beijing and Hong Kong.

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Successful inaugural Homecoming at The College of The Bahamas

The College of The Bahamas' inaugural Homecoming under the theme, "Connecting Across Time and Space" incorporated a full week of activities which included a church service, official opening ceremony, induction of the Homecoming King and Queen, Alumni Homecoming Annual Fund reception and a pep rally.

On Sunday November 1st, College faculty, staff and students joined collectively in worship at St. Ambrose Anglican Church to receive blessings for the College and the impending Homecoming week. A number of representatives from their respective sectors at The College took part in the service, including President Rodney D. Smith and Keyron Smith, President of The College's Union of Students.

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Mission Day event engages BTC staff

On Oct. 29, BTC and Cable and Wireless Communications entities, around the entire Caribbean, celebrated Mission Day. Employees were encouraged to wear their brand colours proudly as the company focused on the importance of 'always going above and beyond to assist our customers, and the communities that we serve.'

CEO, Mr. Leon Williams, lead the charge for employees to always strive to live up to BTC's mission and values, via a live stream available to all employees. All team members, around the country, were also given mission cubes, that emphasized the key mission and values of the company, as well as sweet treats.

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Primary school students make the pledge to conserve water

The Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) has been hard at work improving their services and recently launched their Win Back campaign showing the improvements they have made. Additionally, WSC continues to teach students about our most important resource, WATER, and why we should treasure it.

Last week the WSC PR team visited Stephen Dillet Primary School to show students the importance of water conservation. "Water, water, everywhere!" exclaimed S. Scavella, Principal of Stephen Dillet Primary. "Water and Sewerage really cares and it showed in their lesson, which was informative and well presented. It aligns with the Ministry of Environment's prescribed curriculum topics in Social Studies and the students really benefited from this timely and detailed presentation."

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Anatol Rodgers students argue that 'Marijuana Should Be Legalized in The Bahamas' and win this year's Southwestern District debate

Anatol Rodgers captured the win against Government High School at the Southwestern District annual debate held on November 5th at A.F. Adderley Junior High School Gymnasium. The teams put forth compelling arguments to support their perspective on the topic: "Be it resolved that the Government of The Bahamas Should Legalize Marijuana."

After an hour of intense debate, the judges awarded Government High School (The Opposition) with 301 points and Anatol Rodgers High School (The Proposition) with 329 points. Mr. Kemel Mitchell, third speaker for Anatol Rodgers and the only young man in the competition, was awarded overall best speaker.

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'Cathedral Nassau City Week' awards ceremony honours historic residents and businesses

An awards ceremony to honour historic residents and businesses in the City of Nassau, as part of the Celebration of the Establishment of the City of Nassau, was held on Wednesday evening, November 4, 2015 at Christ Church Cathedral.

Awarded were: Sean Albert for Scotiabank; Virginia Baker, A. Baker & Sons; Nathaniel Beneby, Royal Bank of Canada; Suzanne Black, Black's Candy Kitchen; the Hon. J. Henry and the Hon. Janet Bostwick for Bostwick & Bostwick Law Chambers; Eunice Albertha Brown for the Straw Market; Rui Domingues, the British Colonial Hilton; Dr. Andrew Esfakis for Medicine; Dr. Michael Gerassimos for Medicine; Roosevelt Godet, Godet's Jewellery; Fred Hazlewood, the John Bull Group; Trevor Kelly for Kelly's Group, and more.

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Tristar pledges $50,000 to Education Optimization Program

Tristar Insurance Brokers & Agents Ltd. has pledged to invest more than $50,000 to education through the Tristar Education Optimization Program (TEOP). TEOP is a pilot program designed to provide targeted corporate mentorship and financial support to the Government High School for the 2015/2016 school year. Thirty students in grades 11 and 12 were inducted into the program on Wednesday at the official launch event held at The British Colonial Hilton.

"Under the theme 'I am the change,' our goal is to influence a new generation of leaders in our communities through education and character building programs," stated Harold Antor, CEO of Tristar Insurance Brokers & Agents Ltd.

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BTVI and C.I. Gibson dual enrollment program motivates high school students

Daniel Smith is determined to not become a grim statistic. He is making an effort to change his outlook on life and specifically education. The 16-year-old is one of 11 senior students from C. I. Gibson Senior High School, chosen to participate in a dual enrollment program at The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institution (BTVI).

The 10 boys and one girl are being exposed to the art of painting for fall 2015 and spring 2016. The three classes include Introduction to Painting along with Math and English two days per week. For Daniel, the trip to BTVI is a sacrifice, as he is a Kemp Road resident who is accustomed to walking to his nearby school on Marathon Road.

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Future teachers given the charge to be 'fearless, committed and innovative'

Assistant Director of Education, Mrs. Keyshan Bastian addressed 49 students from cohorts in public and independent schools throughout New Providence, who were installed in the Future Teachers programme on November 4th during a ceremony at St. Joseph Fellowship Hall. The students received pins and certificates signifying their induction in the programme, also known as the Teacher Cadets.

In her charge to the students, Mrs. Bastian commented on the changing role of the teacher. She encouraged the group of future teachers to "reach [their] students with methods other than 'chalk and talk'" and to be "innovative and educational," as the theme suggested.

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Memories Grand Bahama wins best overall at Culinary Fusion Expo for a second time

The 3rd annual Culinary Fusion Food & Beverage Expo took place on November 7th at Pelican Bay and for the second consecutive year, Memories Grand Bahama Beach & Casino Resort took Best Overall and Best Presentation.

"We are indeed proud of our entire culinary team and their hard work and dedication; their creativity and talent has surpassed even last year's vision," said Denise Adderley, Bahamas Director of Sales & Marketing for Blue Diamond Hotels and Resorts responsible for all sales & promotions at Memories Grand Bahama Beach and Casino Resort.

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Hubei, China to The Bahamas: A coming together for business development

As the anticipation steadily grows throughout the business community for the upcoming 'Hubei China To The Bahamas - Investment & Trade Mission" scheduled for 29th November - 2nd December 2015, businesses on both Grand Bahama and New Providence, have united their resources to ensure that the four day initiative is a successful venture that could possibly open the door to a reservoir of opportunities for Bahamian entrepreneurs and established business owners throughout The Bahamas.

A network of private businesses and organizations has signed on as partners to the Investment and Trade Mission which is being led by Hubei Province Government Officials and consists of a delegation of executives representing various enterprises in Hubei China.

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Lucayan National Park continues to be a popular destination

Recently the Grand Bahama branch of the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) hosted two special groups to a tour of Lucayan National Park, which is one of the most visited parks in the BNT national park system.

The first group included French travel agents who visited the park along with the Ministry of Tourism. The second group of visitors were Discovery Club students from Treasure Cay Primary School. The BNT welcomes groups of any size to visit all of the parks in their national park system including Lucayan National Park.

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Have a heart and soul for the animals this holiday season

Earlier this year, the Humane Society of Grand Bahama launched a campaign to recruit sponsors for our shelter pets. With the holidays fast approaching, we are hoping that our wonderful supporters, both past and new, will step up once again for our dogs and cats. Our animals would all like nothing more than safe, loving homes for the holidays but in reality, that is not going to happen for many of them, with our local adoption rate hovering at around 10% of our intake.

Would you consider to sponsor a deserving dog or cat even just for these next two months? Any monetary amount is welcome but we generally say $30 a month, or $1 a day, helps us feed and care for them, and also gives them more time to find loving homes. Our website now has a great new feature for this. You can choose which pet you'd like to sponsor, and pay via Paypal right then and there.

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Fall migration in full swing at Garden of the Groves

Members of the Grand Bahama Birding Group were treated to a variety of magnificent species during their October fieldtrip at Garden of the Groves. Erika Gates, who was leading the group explained that several of the birds observed only remain on Grand Bahama for a short time to feed and rest before they continue their migratory journey further south to the South American continent.

On this beautiful fall morning at the Garden 22 species were observed. After birding during social time on the Caf� Deck the group submitted its observations with Cornell University into the eBird database, thereby making a "Citizens Science" contribution to the largest Ornithological institution in the world!

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Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. celebrates Founders' Week

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. paid a courtesy call on the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, Minister for Grand Bahama, on Monday. The young ladies of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority are celebrating Founders Week this week.

This institution was founded some 83 years ago and its main thrust is service, scholarship and sisterhood. The National Project for the sisters is to help prevent teenage pregnancy and unplanned pregnancy in general. Minister Darville applauded the women for the many initiatives they are doing on the island such as being a sponsor for the girls at P.A.C.E, Healthy Lifestyles where they provide fruit and water, and also reading at the various schools.

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Grand Bahama Power Co. to replace 9,000 street and night guard lights with LED bulbs

The Grand Bahama Power Company is pleased to announce plans to replace more than 9,000 street lights and night guard lights with LED energy efficient luminaires over the next twelve (12) months. The new lights will replace high pressure sodium (HPS) lamps in a move designed to decrease the amount of energy consumed by street lighting on the island. The company is in the early stages of the project with initial preparation starting November 2015 and the actual change out to LED bulbs is scheduled to begin in 2016.

This move toward the installation of LED lights is in keeping with GBPC's plan for improving energy efficiency along with reducing both carbon emissions and fossil fuel usage. LED lights are more environmentally friendly, consume less electricity, require less maintenance and last longer than the HPS lamps that are currently being used.

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Luxury yachts offer hurricane relief to The Bahamas

As relief efforts continue in the islands hit hardest by Hurricane Joaquin, a pioneering international aid organization has offered an invaluable helping hand to The Bahamas. YachtAid Global (YAG) delivers humanitarian, developmental and conservation aid onboard yachts to isolated and underprivileged coastal communities worldwide. In times of natural disasters, YAG has the ability to mobilize and shift resources quickly to provide disaster relief in ways that others have not explored.

"Yachts are essentially self-contained disaster relief platforms that work perfectly in the geographic arrangement of isolated island communities," said Mark Drewelow, YAG founder.

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Save The Bays praises government for Marine Protected Areas but urges protection of North Bimini, 'under worsening threat every day'

Fast-growing environmental movement Save The Bays has praised Environment Minister Kenred Dorsett and government for what it called "the single most important act ever undertaken to protect the waters of The Bahamas" - naming 18 new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

"The incredible waters of The Bahamas are what defines us geographically and sets us apart from all other nations and destinations," said Save The Bays Chairman Joseph Darville. At the same time, Darville continued, Save The Bays and its community partner Bimini Blue Coalition are increasingly worried about what is happening to those waters and urged government to "take the bold and necessary step of creating the long-promised North Bimini Marine Reserve before it is too late and we lose some of the most precious coral reefs and wetlands on the planet."

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URCA presents $1 million cheque to NEMA for rebuilding efforts in the Central and Southeast Bahamas

The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) officially presented a cheque for over $1 million to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), November 6, 2015 - fulfilling a pledge made recently for hurricane relief at the Office of the Prime Minister.

The donation of $1,054,256.43 was made to NEMA to assist with restoration and rebuilding efforts in the islands of the Central and Southeast Bahamas devastated by Category 4 Hurricane Joaquin at the beginning of October. URCA indicated it would like to work with NEMA, where possible, to assist in disaster preparedness efforts in the future.

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Miss Heritage Bahamas 2015 Kylie Butler leaves for South Africa

Miss Heritage Bahamas, the beautiful Kylie Butler, left Monday, November 9th, 2015 for Johannesburg, South Africa to compete in the Miss Heritage Global Pageant. The Miss Heritage Global serves as a platform to promote Heritage exchange amongst the participating Queens and promotes and preserves World Heritage, implementing UNESCO World Heritage convention to achieve the Millennium Development Goals Declaration. The final coronation for Miss Heritage Global will take place this Sunday, November 15th, 2015.

Kylie is empowered to achieve her goal of effectively carrying out her platform "Generation REBOOT." Kylie's objective is to encourage preservation and restoration of Bahamian heritage. Kylie believes that over years the world has become more modernized, and, as a result, a lot of young Bahamians have lost their appreciation for our native Bahamian music, folktales, and traditions; all the things that make us authentically Bahamian.

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Chantel O'Brian gearing up to compete in 65th Miss World pageant

The countdown is on to the 2015 Miss World pageant! The 65th edition of Miss World kicks off on November 21, with the arrival of the first contestants in Sanya, China, culminating with the Grand Finale on Saturday 19 December at the Beauty Crown Grand Theatre. "As the country's representative to this global summit of Beauty with a Purpose, I am equally honored and thrilled to begin this new and exciting journey," says Miss World Bahamas Chantel O'Brian.

This year, the Miss World Organization has introduced several new challenges which require the support of the Bahamian people. The Beauty with a Purpose Award is at the heart of the Miss World Organization. Miss World national titleholders take part in charity projects within their respective communities and these projects are presented at the pageant.

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New Junkanoo season addition - a poster competition

The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture in conjunction with the National Junkanoo Committee launched the 2015-2016 Junkanoo Season with a press conference Thursday, November 5, at the National Art Gallery.

A calendar of dates for the Junkanoo parades and events associated with Junkanoo, such as the Junkanoo Legends Awards set for December 15, Junior Junkanoo set for December 12, and Junior Junkanoo on various Family Islands was handed out. A new initiative, a poster competition, was also introduced. This applies to all school-aged children.

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New musical artist Guidance brings a message to his music

Guidance is a new musical artist on the scene, trying to spread a positive message while breaking away from the mindless music out now. Guidance, or "Vandeco" was born and raised in Nassau, Bahamas. Being introduced to music from a young age, he sang in the church choir as a boy, eventually playing a few instruments, mainly piano and trumpet. Over time he started getting into poetry.

Being a fan of rap music he got into writing and eventually making songs. He got the opportunity to visit a few studios, and was in love with it ever since.

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Freeport Rugby and Football Club gets ready to celebrate Golden Anniversary weekend

It was the year Winston Churchill died, man first walked in Space, Canada got it maple leaf flag, and The Beatles took the US by storm. It was also the year when half a dozen sport-loving pioneers founded what has become one of the Bahamas' biggest and best-known sporting organisations - Freeport Rugby and Football Club, which celebrates its 50th anniversary on November 13.

From humble but dramatic beginnings - several of the original seven, who were volunteer firemen, had to rush off from that first practice because of an alarm - it has grown into a remarkable organisation with a youth playing membership which runs into the hundreds, helping guarantee its future.

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Tristan Eldon wins Subway's Cecil G. Cooke Regatta 2015

2015 was the second year The Bahamas National Sailing School and Nassau Yacht Club have hosted the Cecil G Cooke Memorial Jr Regatta. Sponsored by Subway and organized by Sandra Cooke, this regatta honors the late Cecil Cooke, one of this country's great sailors who competed with Sir Durward Knowles' in the 1960 Tokyo Olympics when they won the first ever gold medal for The Bahamas. Having a great interest in youth sailing, he would have thoroughly enjoyed this weekend's event, as did all the youth and parents who participated.

This regatta was the largest junior sailing event ever in Nassau and is one of four major junior regattas held each year in The Bahamas, attracting sailors from a number of family islands. With 57 Participants from New Providence, Grand Bahama, Harbour Island, Long Island and Abaco, the results showed just how competitive our young sailors are throughout the country.

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Grand Bahama Shipyard golf tournament raises $10,000 for Urban Renewal

Last weekend 75 golfers participated in the annual Grand Bahama Shipyard (GBS) Golf Tournament, which raised in excess of $10,000 for Grand Bahama Urban Renewal. Although the tournament has been an annual event for the past few years, this was the first year that proceeds were donated to a cause, and as a result organisers of the tournament were happy to see an increase in golfers this year.

"The tournament couldn't have had a better day to play," said Evan Baumberger, Tournament Organiser. "Perhaps for some it was a little warm, but for the avid golf enthusiast, it was a wonderful day."

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Top high school athletes to compete in upcoming National Volleyball Tournament of Champions

The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, in conjunction with the Bahamas Volleyball Federation (BVF), will present the third annual "National Tournament of Champions," sponsored by J.S. Johnson Insurance Agents and Brokers Limited on November 19 - 21, 2015.

Fourteen teams, seven male and seven female, from across the country, will compete for the titles this year. The four high school sporting associations that will take part in the tournament are; the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools (BAISS), the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association (GSSSA), the Bahamas Scholastic Association (BSA) in New Providence and the Grand Bahamas Secondary Schools Athletic Association (GBSSAA). The tournament will once again feature a round robin format in the preliminary round with the top teams advancing to the playoffs.

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Members of National Sports Hall of Fame 2015 begin Sports Heritage Month at church

Several members of the National Sports Hall of Fame 2015 worshiped with Rev. Dr. William Thompson and the church membership of Faith United Missionary Baptist Church, Faith Way, on Sunday morning, November 8, 2015.

The honourees are: Foster Bethell, softball; Kim O'Kelley, tennis; Sydney "Butts" Outten, baseball; Jim Duncombe, golf; Judy Lundy-Miller, track and field; Oralee Fowler, track and field; Linda Woodside-Major, track and field; Leslie Miller; track and field; Neville Wisdom, sports administration; Shonel L. Ferguson, track and field; Hubert Alexander Dean, sports journalism and sports administration (deceased); Anthony "Bando" Bostwick, baseball/basketball (deceased); Kenneth "Six" Francis, sports journalism and sports administration (deceased); Mizpah Archer, bowling (deceased); and Kenneth Rolle, Sr., sailing (deceased).

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The sun shines on Conchman #29

With the change back to Eastern Standard Time having occurred the weekend before, it was a bright and sunny morning that greeted athletes as they set up at Taino Beach on Saturday, November 7, 2015, for the 29th running of the annual Conchman triathlon.

As is always the case, Conchman attracts competitors from a variety of locales: California, Massachusetts, Florida, Georgia, Nassau and Grand Bahama to name a few. This year's race also featured a number of both male and female past champions who were eager to stay on the podium, preferably on the top step.

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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.

GBHRA: Bahamas human rights defenders living in fear

Already harassed, threatened and intimidated by senior state actors, human rights defenders in The Bahamas are more fearful than ever following the revelation that the state may be seeking to silence us by branding one of our number as a criminal.

Last night, Bahamas Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell announced on a national news program, that during the interception in Bahamian waters of a vessel containing undocumented migrants from Haiti, a cell phone was found containing messages from an unnamed local activist, warning the migrants that the authorities were about to descend upon them. He said the phone was turned over to the police.

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NASSAU EVENTS

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

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 14: Bahamas Medical Centre Health Fair - 12noon - 4:00pm - Bahamas Medical Centre, Blake Road.

November 14: ACE Diabetes Expo 2015 - 10am-2pm at New Providence Community Center. www.acediabetes.org.

November 15; 'The Colourful History of The Bahamas' - book launch at Doongalik Studios, 3-6pm. Click HERE to learn more.

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's Under the Sea Celebration - 7pm at the National Art Gallery. $350 includes: dinner, dancing to Visage, multi bars, food stations, Silent Auction. Free secure parking or $10 Valet Parking. Call 327-9000 for tickets/table.

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.

December 24: Popeye's Bahamas Bowl - at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium. Click HERE to visit the website.

January 16-17, 2016: Marathon Bahamas Weekend - Includes marathon, relay, half marathon and Susan G. Komen 5K. Click HERE to visit the website.

May 16-20: Bahamas Billfish Championship NASSAU - www.bahamasbillfish.com

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

November 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 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 18: Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce Monthly Business Meeting - Houston Chamber of Commerce Trade Mission. Guest Speaker Vernita Harris, President, Greater Houston Chamber of Commerce. RSVP: 352-8329.

November 20: The Dollar That Could - Charity event at Pelican Bay, 7pm. Click HERE to view the poster.

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.

November 28: 4th Annual Corks & Canape's - Presented by Entwined & Mark Winder Photography, at Pelican Bay in Delphine's Room 7-9:30 p.m. to aid The Columbus House. Tickets $35.

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 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 22: Fashions with a Flair - at the Hope Town Harbour Lodge, ABACO. Call 366-0095.

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 4-6: Comedian Carlos Mencia - at Resorts World Bimini. Click HERE to read more.

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.

May 2-6: Bahamas Billfish Championship at Guana Cay - ABACO. www.bahamasbillfish.com

May 29-June 3: Bahamas Billfish Championship at Harbour Island - ELEUTHERA. www.bahamasbillfish.com

June 13-17: Bahamas Billfish Championship at Cape Eleuthera - www.bahamasbillfish.com

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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REBUILD BAHAMAS creates 'new gold standard for unity' say organizers

It took nearly 200 people, untold hours of planning, and the camaraderie of companies more accustomed to competition than cooperation, but when it was over, the national telethon REBUILD BAHAMAS proved that the people of The Bahamas are unparalleled when it comes to wringing success out of adversity and helping fellow Bahamians in need.

The telethon, a project of the Rotary Clubs of The Bahamas and the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers' Confederation, was broadcast live from Atlantis for five hours on October 27. It raised $237,390 in pledges that night and more continued to come in to the Chamber's offices in following days.

Funds, which will be managed by the two organizations, are earmarked for long-term rebuilding efforts, particularly for education and commerce, following the devastation wreaked by Category 4 Hurricane Joaquin of so much of life as it was known in the southeastern Bahamas.

"REBUILD BAHAMAS was historic," said Rotary District Governor Felix Stubbs. "People from every walk of life felt a part of it whether they were in that room with the Governor General, the Prime Minister, and other political, business and civic leaders or whether they were watching from the comfort of their living rooms and were moved by the scenes of utter devastation of homes and churches and schools, even some that were supposed to be shelters."

Chamber CEO Edison Sumner said the organization of the telethon and the response it ignited were record-setting.

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