Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL V. No. 27, November 19, 2015

This week in Bahama Islands Info

National News

Nassau News

Grand Bahama News

Family Islands & Abaco News

Arts & Entertainment News

Column: At the Movies

Sports News

This week's featured article

Bahamas Press Club to honour Eileen Carron with Lifetime Achievement Award

On November 21st, 2015, Mrs. Eileen Carron (The Tribune) (Lifetime Achievement Award), Mr. Kenneth Francis (posthumously) for contributions at the Nassau Guardian, Mr. Wendall Jones (Bahama Journal, Love 97 & JCN Television), Mr. Anthony Ferguson (Guardian Radio), ZNS Radio & Television Network, MORE 95FM and Silbert Mills of Abaco Radio, will be presented with our Pioneer Awards, in recognition for their contribution to media.

Eileen Dupuch Carron is a unique woman, mother, artist, pilot and Barrister-at-Law who exemplifies The Tribune's unalienable founding motto of: "Being Bound to Swear to the Dogmas of No Master!"

Click here to read more

BNT interns help prevent sea turtles from extinction

The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) continues to contribute to the conservation of sea turtles, which remain on the global endangered species list. Each year, the BNT supports two or three sea-turtle tagging expeditions, which are designed to evaluate movement and distribution patterns of sea turtles in The Bahamas.

"The sea turtle internship allows us to immerse young people into a holistic experience that provides research training, boat, presentation and life skills," said Portia Sweeting, BNT Director of Education. This season's interns were from New Providence (Laron Bethel and Tavano Sweeting) and Grand Bahama (Raguel Nesbitt).

Click here to read more

Bahamas wedding suppliers featured at MOT's Signature Bridal Show in Atlanta, Georgia

Several destination wedding and honeymoon suppliers from the Islands of The Bahamas were featured during the Ministry of Tourism's (MOT) launched of its new Romance Circuit Signature Bridal Show, in Atlanta, Georgia.

Freda Malcolm, Director of Romance, at the MOT said "because of The Bahamas' unparalleled diversity of its multi islands chain, and its romantic and natural beauty, The Bahamas has become of the most sought after destinations for weddings and honeymoons in the Caribbean.

Click here to read more

Minister Fitzgerald supports peace-centered initiatives at the 38th General Conference of UNESCO in Paris

Just a week prior to the attacks in Paris, France, Minister of Education, Science and Technology, the Honourable Jerome K. Fitzgerald addressed the 38th General Conference of UNESCO during which he emphasized the role of education in the pursuit of world peace.

Speaking on behalf of the government of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, Minister Fitzgerald spoke of The Bahamas' commitment to global peace. "We commit our unwavering support in all peace-centred initiatives. We must continue to be relentless in our peace-seeking initiatives and we must use peace not just as the antidote to war but as a means of spreading universal love."

Click here to read more

Colonial Group International donates $100,000 to NEMA, Red Cross and Rotary for hurricane relief

Colonial Group International (Bahamas) donated a total of $100,000 towards Hurricane Joaquin relief efforts to three organizations in the frontline of assisting residents in the impacted areas to help get lives back on track.

On Thursday, November 12, during a press conference at Atlantic Medical on Collins Avenue, Linda Gibson, executive vice-president of Atlantic Medical, a member of CGI, presented the cheques as follows: The National Emergency Management Agency, $50,000, The Bahamas Red Cross Society $25,000 and Rotary Bahamas, $25,000.

Click here to read more

The Co-operative League hosts ILO workshop

In its ongoing efforts to strengthen the local cooperative societal movement and empower its membership, the Bahamas Co-operative League Limited partnered with the International Labour Organization to host a three day train-the-trainer workshop on the history, principles, establishment, bylaws and management of cooperatives.

On hand to facilitate the instructional and interactive workshop modules were veteran regional credit union official, Melvin Edwards; Stephanie Missick-Jones, General Manager of The Bahamas Co-operative League Limited and International Labour Organization (ILO) representative, Kelvin Sergeant, a sustainable enterprise and jobs creation specialist.

Click here to read more

New tour company Harbour Safaris launches to rave reviews

A new excursion has launched, adding adventure to the tourism excursions in Nassau. The Bahamian owned and operated company, Harbour Safaris, is based around a 30' Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) that can carry 12 passengers and 2 crew members.

The Parker 900 Baltic boat was purchased out of the UK and was shipped to Nassau. Parker Ribs has extensive experience in the "sea-safari" operation, with models operating tours throughout Europe and the rest of the world. The boat has many safety features and has great offshore seaworthiness. The RIB is powered by twin 250 Mercury Verado outboards enabling cruise speeds up to 40 knots and a maximum speed of over 50 knots.

Click here to read more

'Service Above Self' proclaimed to country via creative Bahamas Waste truck

Last week the Bahamas Waste team unveiled another new service truck to be added to their fleet. This one though carried a message dear to the Directors and Managers hearts, "Service Above Self!" Rotary's official motto, Service Above Self, traces back to the early days of the organization in 1911.

During a pre-ceremony to the annual Nassau Rotary awards, held at the Governor General's residence, the Waste team officially presented the truck to District Governor Stubbs, current Rotary Presidents, Rotarians and their guests. Stubbs unveiled the hidden design, which revealed two clasped hands and the motto on both sides of the white garbage truck.

Click here to read more

Jingle all the way to Jollification, November 21-22

On Saturday and Sunday, November 21st and 22nd, Bahamians and visitors will be 'Jingling all the Way' to the Bahamas National Trust's (BNT) Christmas Jollification. The annual event features arts and crafts created by some of the most accomplished artisans in The Bahamas and much more.

Commonwealth Bank is once again a major sponsor of the event and their staff will be handling the gate, ticket sales and banking for the event. "The support of Commonwealth Bank for the Christmas Jollification has been an amazing partnership. Their employees really love working at the event and Commonwealth's support for the advertising and promotion of this annual fundraiser provides much needed funds to support the Retreat Garden - one four national parks here on New Providence," said Sally Varani-Jones, Jollification Committee Member.

Click here to read more

Disney VoluntEARS spread cheer at Albury Sayle Primary School

On Tuesday, November 17, Disney VoluntEARS from the Disney Dream cruise ship - along with Mickey and Minnie Mouse - visited Albury Sayle Primary School in Nassau to spread a little bit of Disney cheer in celebration of this holiday season. The group visited classrooms, and Mickey and Minnie helped to inspire the children's love for reading by providing 600 Finding Nemo Read-a-Long books, one for each student.

Since 2013, Disney Cruise Line crew members have enjoyed visits to Albury Sayle Primary School classrooms as part of Disney Cruise Line's Reading Together program. Through the remainder of this year, Disney Cruise Line will host similar holiday visits in other ports of call throughout The Bahamas and Caribbean.

Click here to read more

Students applauded at 5th Annual Kingdor National Parkinson Foundation speech competition finals

At the 5th Annual Kingdor National Parkinson Foundation speech competition finals on Sunday, 15th November, 2015, Minister of Education, the Honourable Jerome K. Fitzgerald told the fourteen finalists that being a great orator takes great skill but most importantly, it requires an individual to possess self-confidence. "Your desire to participate in this 5th Annual Parkinson's Disease competition is a testament of not only your ability and intelligence, but moreover of your confidence in your ability."

Minister lauded the local Parkinson's Foundation for providing the students with a platform to not only learn more about the disease but also to participate in a competition that has multiple benefits for students.

Click here to read more

Celebration of the life of Father Robert Love to be held November 22

The National Reparations Committee joins with the Parish Community of St. Agnes Church, Blue Hill Road, in a celebration of the life of Father Robert Love at the Evensong celebration at 6:30PM, Sunday, 22nd November. The Parish and the community invites the wider Bahamian Community to join them in this celebration.

Robert Love, as he was more popularly known, lived an incredible life and had a great impact on the United States of America, the Republic of Haiti and Jamaica as he moved from one challenge to another. Friday, 2nd October 2015 marked the 175th anniversary of the birth of Joseph Robert Love in Grants Town; Saturday, 21st of November 2015 is the 100th anniversary of his death in Kingston, Jamaica.

Click here to read more

Shipyard staff reach into their pockets to donate to hurricane relief

After the management team of the Grand Bahama Shipyard learned about the devastation due to Hurricane Joaquin in the southern Bahamas, they challenged their staff to donate to the cause.

"We decided to throw this initiative out to the staff to see how much they would raise, and made the decision to match whatever donations they gave," said Katherine Smith, Director of Human Resources and Community Relations at GBS. "We were extremely pleased that staff members came pouring in to Human Resources to fill out the forms to make their contributions regardless of their personal circumstances."

Click here to read more

FNM Deputy Leader hosts Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce trade mission

On Monday November 16, 2015, Member of Parliament for East Grand Bahama and Free National Movement Deputy Leader, Hon. K. Peter Turnquest and Mrs. Sonia Turnquest hosted the President, 1st Vice President and members of the Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce (GHBCC), along with a representative of Prairie View A&M University Alumni Association and graduates resident on Grand Bahama to a reception.

The GHBCC is presently wrapping up a five day trade mission to Grand Bahama where they had an opportunity to view investment and trade opportunities on island. MP Turnquest welcomed this visit following an invitation some four years ago where he had the opportunity to address an international investment forum in Houston.

Click here to read more

Pastor Eddie Victor receives Golden Rule International Award

Years ago in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, Bahamians lived consciously by what is called, "The Golden Rule." While the actual words "Golden Rule" are not found in the Bible, the title was ascribed to Jesus' teaching during the 16th-17th centuries. What we call the Golden Rule refers to Matthew 7:12: "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." Jesus' Golden Rule gives us a standard by which ordinarily selfish people can determine their actions: actively treat others the way they themselves like to be treated.

Recently a local Pastor, Eddie Victor, was recognized by a global organization with the Golden Rule International Award for his unselfish acts toward people within his community. This international event was hosted by Ambassador Clyde Rivers CEO of I Change Nations and Executive Director of the Interfaith Peace-Building Initiative.

Click here to read more

BTVI cosmetology students treat seniors to beauty services at pop-up salon

Senior citizens have paid their dues and the Cosmetology department of The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institution (BTVI) in Grand Bahama believes they deserve a treat. Recently, the team held a pop-up salon at the Urban Renewal Center in the Harbour West Plaza and in a scene that was heart-warming, the young women gave elderly women manicures, pedicures and shampoo services.

Although the shampoo service was for a minimal fee, the manicures and pedicures were complimentary, with 14 senior citizens taking advantage of the opportunity.

Click here to read more

RISE programme officially launched in Eight Mile Rock

During a community meeting on Monday evening, Minister of Social Services and Community Development, the Hon. Melanie Griffin, officially launched the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, also known as RISE, at the Eight Mile Rock High Gymnasium.

Stressing the slogan "Together We RISE", Minister Griffin added there are people in the system who have been Social Service benefits for many years, and the new programme is a way of reversing the cycle. RISE (Renewing, Inspiring, Sustaining, Empowering) Programme has been launched in New Providence and North Andros already.

Click here to read more

Second crew of GBPC employees assist in Hurricane Joaquin recovery

As six Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC) employees returned from the Southern Bahamas on November 13th an additional four boarded a charter flight to replace their efforts to restore power to residents in the wake of the powerful Hurricane Joaquin that devastated the region in October.

The second crew of GBPC employees consisting of Wayne Gray, Gilbert Pinder, Keith Knowles, and Leslie Romer along with two bucket trucks and a drill rig were dispatched to Long Island on November 13th for a two week period. While there, the crew will work six days a week to maximize their time and resources to assist in restoration efforts.

Click here to read more

Cable Bahamas' facility and infrastructure repairs nearing completion on hurricane-affected islands

Cable Bahamas' efforts to repair facilities and other infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Joaquin are drawing closer to completion, Cable Bahamas Vice President of Marketing David Burrows announced. Over the past month, company technicians have been working to restore Cable Bahamas' facilities and services in the southern and central Family Islands and the latest reports from these repair teams show the majority of the restoration work has been completed, with remaining repairs to be carried out over the next several days.

Mr Burrows said the company is thrilled with the quick work technicians have made of the mammoth task and is pleased that residents are regaining access to services that will better connect them to the other islands, particularly through news programming.

Click here to read more

WSC pours on the hurricane relief

In the wake of Hurricane Joaquin, where devastation spread throughout the central and southern Bahamas, the Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) is going above and beyond to not only repair the water systems but to also install improved systems in these islands.

Last week the WSC hurricane team gave updates to the public, via Juan McCartney's, daily radio show 'The Revolution', about water restoration in the affected islands. Cyprian Gibson, Assistant General Manager and Head of Family Island Operations and Keith Beneby, Senior Engineer at WSC, appeared on the show and answered questions from callers regarding the Corporation's relief efforts as well as local callers' queries.

Click here to read more

First set of Government-bought trailer homes sent to Acklins and Crooked Island in hurricane relief effort

The Government purchased the first set of trailer homes to provide temporary housing for residents displaced following the passage of Hurricane Joaquin through the Central and Southeast Bahamas last month. The homes, part of a set of seven trailer homes and five motor homes at a cost of $204,500.00, were handed over to the National Emergency Management Agency during a press conference on Thursday, November 12, 2015 at the Arawak Port Development Company (APD).

Richard McCombe of APD, a strategic partner in the process, said before the trailer homes were to be shipped, they would be properly documented at the port in Nassau. And upon arrival to the designated island, the goods would be received by a team on the ground who would also properly document the arrival of goods and who would receive them.

Click here to read more

'Under the Sea' celebration theme for BREEF party

The Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation, (BREEF) will hold a fundraising party on Saturday November 28th at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas with a theme suitably reflective of their endeavors: 'Under the Sea'.

Hosted by BREEF co-chairs Eugenie, Lady Nuttall and Craig Symonette and Executive Director Casuarina McKinney-Lambert, guests will wine, dine and dance, likely dressed in suggested colour-ways of the ocean. As in previous years, dress code is casually-elegant island-chic to enable guests to dance and party-hearty to top entertainment band, 'Visage' without the restrictions of more formal attire.

Click here to read more

Henry Davis' book and CD 'My Country, My Island Stories' to be launched at Doongalik Studios

Doongalik Studios will host the book and CD launch of Henry Davis' 'My Country, My Island Stories' on Sunday, November 22 from 3-5pm. Henry Davis was born and raised in New Bight, Cat Island where he attended New Bight All Age School and Old Bight High School. The last son of sixteen (16) siblings, after graduating, Davis left Cat Island and relocated to Freeport, Grand Bahama where he currently resides.

The stories in Davis' book are all real and reflect the exciting life he experienced growing up in Cat Island where he was used to going in the field, going fishing on the boat, catching crabs, shooting marbles, running from 'sperid' (ghost), rolling tires and trains, singing, and playing musical instruments.

Click here to read more

Author Enisca L. Jones presents Just Write It!

When Ms. Jones wrote her first book having no idea where she would go with it, she asked someone about self-publishing and they told her simply that it is a lot of work. Now that she has learned the process and that it is indeed hard work she is willing to share with those who want the information.

"Every time I'm asked what I do and I say I write children's books people always say, you know I always thought about writing a book and I often ask them well why haven't you done it yet and its al-ways too expensive or what am I am going to do with it when I am done and that is how Just Write It! was born," says Jones. "Just Write It is an interactive seminar where we will talk about things like the writing process, where to get your isbn and your publishing options. We will also chat about how to market your book, there are lots of ways to do it, especially for the budget conscious."

Click here to read more

Bahamian artist's personal challenge inspires project to help special needs kids

by Xan Xi Bethel

One day, I woke up and God had FedExed me a truck load of responsibility. On April 1st, 2015, I discovered that my 8 week old son had retinal detachment in both eyes. My son is blind. In the flurry, fear, sadness, and confusion that followed - my purpose was born.

I am a painter, jewelry designer, and every so often, I write a poem and for years, I struggled with finding direction to my work and purpose to my art. But my beautiful son has shown me what I am to do.

Click here to read more

At the Movies: Woodlawn

The tagline for this movie: One Hope. One Truth. One Way (John 14:6). A talented high school football player must learn to explore his natural talent and embrace his faith in the midst of dealing with racial tension in and out of his sport's jersey. His spiritual awakening will be mirrored by most of his team, high school and surrounding area with the help of his high school football coach, his parents and an outsider who has seen the light.

In the wake of the Paris Attacks I found the message of tolerance that this film had to arrive just in time. As we find people fighting over where their prayers should be directed it was refreshing to see a movie that just encouraged the positive results of belief. The fact that it is based on a true story just helps to remind us that there are growing pains that come with the introduction of new ideas where people are set in their ways but the growth is needed to prevent stagnancy.

Click here to read more

C.V. Bethel Sailing Club preparing for 5th annual regatta

The students of the C.V. Bethel Sailing Club, along with their advisors, paid a visit to Deputy Director Joel Lewis at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology to promote their upcoming regatta, scheduled for November 22nd 2015 at Fort Montague Beach at 12 p.m.

Aaliyah Ferguson, student President of the Sailing Club, proudly boasted that the club "brings life" to C.V. Bethel and that C.V. Bethel is the only senior public school, a part from T.A. Thompson, to practice and promote the art of sailing. Students begin their training at a summer camp, which introduces them to the techniques of swimming and sailing and continue throughout the school year with regular meetings and participation in various regattas.

Click here to read more

Bahamian track star Jeffery Gibson inspires G.B. Girls' Soccer teams to succeed

The Grand Bahama Girls' Soccer Development League received a special visit from local track star Jeffery Gibson during a practice on Saturday, November 7. The Grand Bahama native, who won a gold medal at the 2015 Pan-American Games in Canada for his performance in the 400 metre hurdles, stopped by the Freeport Rugby Club to present local coaches with certificates of completion in soccer training and offer encouraging words to young girls in the athletic programme.

G.B. Girls' Soccer Development League Co-Founder and Director Mary Woodside-Knowles said the league was thrilled to have Mr Gibson visit and recognise the coaches who recently received their Level 1 and Level 2 Diplomas from the National Soccer Coaches of America Association. Mrs Woodside-Knowles noted that 40 local coaches had completed the training and she invited Mr Gibson to present them with certificates as a special gesture.

Click here to read more

Team 'Pachanga' from Miami takes top honours at Bimini Wahoo Smackdown

With 30 boats and over 120 anglers competing, Wahoo Smackdown VII, hosted by the Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina, set a record turnout this past weekend for the popular tournament series.

Taking home the first place trophy and a $6,750 check was team Pachanga, captained by Carlos Tosca out of Miami. The five-man team's top five wahoo weighed in at 248.9 pounds. This was Team Pachanga's first Wahoo Smackdown and this group of anglers had not fished together as a team for five years. Second place was Fishing-A-Loan from St. Augustine, FL with 232.1 pounds and third place went to Nervous Water from Hilton Head, SC with 195.8 pounds.

Click here to read more

D-Squad Basketball Tournament strengthens ties between public and private schools

The annual D-Squad Pre-Season Basketball Tournament wrapped up this weekend with reigning tournament champion CC Sweeting Senior High School walking away victorious once again.Celebrating its tenth year under the leadership of founder and director Harcourt McCoy, D-Squad is one of the few basketball tournaments that bring public and private schools together for friendly competition amongst senior boys.

Held at the A F Adderley Junior High School Gymnasium over the weekend, 16 schools representing 240 children competed in the tournament. The CC Sweeting Cobras also hold the reigning championship title in GSSSA and the popular Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic. With this pre-season win, they are poised to dominate the competition into 2016.

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.

NASSAU EVENTS

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

November 20: Book Launch and Panel Discussion - 7:30pm-11pm at The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas. How do we live & imagine in "paradise"? Click HERE for more info.

November 21: "Hands are for Seeing" Art Show - 6-9pm at Doongalik Studios. Click HERE to read more.

November 21: Bahamas Press Club Awards Banquet - at the British Colonial Hilton, 7pm. Click HERE to read about some of the honourees.

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 22: C.V. Bethel Sailing Club 5th annual regatta - at Fort Montague Beach at 12 p.m. Click HERE to read more.

November 22: Evensong Service at St. Agnes to honour Robert Love - Celebrate the life and work of the Reverend Doctor Joseph Robert Love, prominent son of early nineteenth century Grants Town, 6:30PM.

November 22: Henry Davis' book and CD 'My Country, My Island Stories' - to be launched at Doongalik Studios. Click HERE to read all about it.

November 25-27: Battle 4 Atlantis - Basketball tournament. Click HERE to visit the website.

November 27: 'Embracing the Void' - An Exhibition of Fine Artwork at Liquid Courage Gallery, 19 Patton Street, Palmdale. 6-9pm by resident local artist Malcolm Regnard. On display will also be select works by Maritza Tynes.

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.

November 29: Women's Rugby Team's 'all-female' sports day - at Winton from 2pm. There'll be 3 games - a soccer match, flag football match and a rugby match. Click HERE to view the poster.

December 5: Just Write It! - With Author Enisca L. Jones at the British Colonial Hilton from 10am-2pm. Click HERE to read more.

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 10: Free Classical Concert - by the Albek Duo in aid of The Children's Haven of The Bahamas. 6pm at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Lyford Cay. Cocktail Reception with Hors d'Oeuvres by Chef Simeon Hall to follow. Click HERE to view the poster.

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.
__________________________________________________

GRAND BAHAMA EVENTS

November 19: 'Lifestyle of Faith' Live Recording - on the Great Lawn of the Grand Lucayan, 3:30pm. Promo filming to promote 2016 Faith Fest Conference.

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. Click HERE to view the poster.

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: Grand Bahama Children's Home Carnival.

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.
_________________________________________________________________

FAMILY ISLANDS & ABACO EVENTS

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

November 25: Fall 2015 Exhibition - at the Princess Street Gallery. HARBOUR ISLAND. Featuring new works of paintings, collages and jewellery by artists Sue Katz-Lightbourn, Daniel Caldwell, Evelyne Drouot-Wassman and Kim Riedel. 6-8pm.

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.

December 21-23: Christmas Village - and ice skating in Hope Town, ABACO! Click HERE to view the poster.

February 16-21: 4th Annual Patrick Davis Hope Town Songwriters Festival - to be held on Elbow Cay, ABACO. Click HERE to learn more.

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.

__________________________________________________________________

Bahamian travel writer lands coveted gig with UK publisher

The Bahamas joined the ranks of 30 destinations featured in a popular mobile app for European travelers published by The Telegraph Media Group last month. Travel Guides by the Telegraph, which is available for free in the Apple store for iPhones and iPads, now includes The Bahamas, the only other Caribbean destination next to St Kitts.

Local travel writer Noelle Khalila landed the coveted job of local expert and lead writer for Telegraph Travel. She was responsible for writing the Bahamas travel guide and selecting the 89 featured businesses and attractions.

"The Telegraph reached out to me for the project having followed my work as The Domestic Tourist. I was of course excited to join their team and use the opportunity to truly highlight all islands of The Bahamas. Less than 30 per cent of the listings I chose were from Nassau and Paradise Island, as I remain committed to promoting travel to all Islands of The Bahamas and creating much needed exposure for businesses in the Family Islands," said Noelle Khalila, who is an award-winner journalist with extensive first-hand knowledge of the islands of The Bahamas.

She writes The Domestic Tourist ravel blog, which shares insider tips and stories from her explorations of the Bahamian archipelago.

Click here to read more