Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL V. No. 29, December 3, 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

Feedback: Letter to the Editor

This week's featured article

December 3 - International Day of Persons with Disabilities: A Day for All

Message by ILO Director-General Guy Ryder

Today, the United Nations and the world celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The ILO and other international organizations in Geneva have come together to join persons with disabilities in declaring this day A Day for All.

A Day for All invites us to recognize the contributions of disabled persons to our workplaces, our families, our schools and our communities. It also asks us to reaffirm our commitment to welcoming and celebrating disability as part of human diversity.

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Nassau Grouper season now closed

The Nassau Grouper Closed Season begins on the 1st December and will now take place every year. BREEF would like to applaud the strong commitment that the government has taken to protecting the Bahamian fishing industry by legislating the annual Nassau Grouper Closed Season between 1st December and 28th February.

This clear legislation eliminates any confusion related to the closed season that in the past had been announced on a year-by-year basis. The closed season is a critical tool for protecting this important fish for future generations of Bahamian fishers and the public.

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Women leading the charge to protect The Bahamas from climate change

Climate change is quickly becoming a large problem across the globe and particularly affects us in The Bahamas as we are surrounded by water. The Bahamas is made up of 90% water and contains coral reefs which break down wave energy and minimize impacts from storms such as hurricanes. If climate change worsens, many of our coral reefs will die and in addition, we will lose most of our land due to rising level of the sea around our islands.

To get students, particularly young women, involved in putting a stop to climate change, Hon Melanie Griffin, Minister of Social Services and Community Development, and the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) recently organised a webinar titled 'Women and The Environment: Our adaptation to Climate Change' which was broadcast to over 100 female students throughout the archipelago and chaired by College of The Bahamas Professor, Margo Blackwell.

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BIFS partners with Turks & Caicos in financial services training

The Bahamas Institute of Financial Services was honoured to have established a vital partnership with the Turks and Caicos Financial Services Commission in 2010 for the development and training of professionals in financial services for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

This strategic and viable relationship between the Institute (BIFS) and The Financial Services Commission (FSC) has led to the collaboration of seven seminars and workshops which included; Credit Risk, Compliance & Corporate Governance, Anti-Money Laundering, Trust Administration and The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA).

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Bahamasair receives first of five new aircraft in Toulouse, France

Bahamasair took possession of the first of five brand new aircraft, November 27, 2015. The ATR 72-600, a 70 seater was received by Chairman of Bahamasair Valentine Grimes. He was accompanied by Captain Augustine Roberts, Director of Flight Operations and Prince Storr, Senior Manager for Maintenance & Engineering. The aircraft will be flown to the Bahamas by Captain Shannon Galanis, accompanied by First Officer Cameron Pratt in addition to an ATR Training Pilot.

It is anticipated that the aircraft will be cleared for its inaugural flight service on December 10. The acquisition of the new ATR 72-600 will provide Bahamasair more lift capacity for Marsh Harbour/Palm Beach and Freeport/Fort Lauderdale routes, as well as provide much needed support for other high density international and domestic routes.

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URCA delegation meets Bahamas' Ambassador to United Nations in Geneva

The Bahamas' delegation to the World Radio Communication Conference 2015 (WRC-15) met with Bahamas Ambassador to the United Nations' Office in Geneva H.E. Rhoda M. Jackson, as a way of introduction, for the purpose of exploring opportunities where the Permanent Mission can assist the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) in advancing its work in the International Telecommunication Union located in Geneva, Switzerland.

The delegation, headed by Mr. Randol Dorsett, Chairman of URCA's Board, participated in WRC-15 held by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) in Geneva from 2 to 27 November.

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Rebuild Bahamas, Rotary and Chamber of Commerce express 'extreme appreciation' for Louis Bacon's Moore Bahamas Foundation award for southern islands

Louis Bacon's Moore Bahamas Foundation announced Wednesday its donation of $120,000 to the Rotary Clubs of The Bahamas for the rebuilding of the southern islands devastated by Hurricane Joaquin.

"My family and I think of The Bahamas as a second home, and so we wanted to do whatever we could to reassure those affected by the devastation caused by the hurricane that they have remained in our hearts, and we are happy to support Rotary's efforts to rebuild homes, lives and communities," said Louis Bacon. "Today, we are very pleased to announce our donation to the Rotary Clubs of The Bahamas. We fully support their focus on economic recovery, specifically of the fishing, agriculture and livestock industries damaged by the storm."

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LPIA American Airlines employees win Customer Cup award

American Airlines employees at Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau (NAS) have much to celebrate as American honors the team with the Customer Cup award for the third quarter of 2015.

The Customer Cup award is categorized by market size from largest to smallest airports according to flight activity. The award recognizes employees for providing excellent customer service at the airport. NAS was awarded the Customer Cup for demonstrating the strongest performance and exceeding two out of five metrics, including Customer Complaints and Overall Airport Experience. NAS competes for this award against international airports with a similarly sized operation.

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Palm Cay Captain's Table: Hats off to Guardian Managing Editor Candia Dames

Nassau Guardian Managing Editor Candia Dames whose powerful pen and political analysis fills National Review weekly turning those it aims its gun at into mush and those it praises into heroes was herself toasted and roasted at a leaders' event November 19. Dames, considered by many to be the most influential journalist in the country, was the guest of honour at The Captain's Table, an event bringing together leaders in thought at Palm Cay Marina & Beach Club.

Among those present to honour Dames was American Embassy Charges d'Affaires Lisa Johnson, Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner, Chief Magistrate Joy Ann Ferguson Pratt, BISX CEO Keith Davies, Callenders Law Offices partner Llewellyn Boyer-Cartwright, architect, artist and international photographer Monty Knowles, real estate broker Tim Rodland, Cable Bahamas Media Operations Manager Alexia Coakley, attorney and former senator John Bostwick, restaurateur Manjit Pawar, Palm Cay General Manager Richard Browning and public relations exec Diane Phillips, who organized the event.

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Celebrating outstanding student achievement at COB

Amidst shouts and cheers of congratulations from family, friends and well-wishers, 400 students of The College of The Bahamas walked across the stage of the Performing Arts Centre, Oakes Field campus, where they were recognized for achieving the distinction of making either the President's or Dean's Honour Roll for Fall 2014 and/or Spring 2015.

The students received a President's List pin, if they achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.50 to 4.0, or a Dean's List pin, if they achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.0 TO 3.49. They were also given a shirt with "Brainiac" inscribed on it, which they will proudly wear around campus.

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Ports International supports The Bahamas AIDS Foundation

To show support and solidarity on World AIDS Day, December 1, local medical supplier Ports International recently made a donation to the Bahamas AIDS Foundation. The Bahamas AIDS Foundation is a non-profit, non-government organization dedicated to the fight against HIV/AIDS in the community and worldwide, by providing programs and activities to continuously fight HIV/AIDS in the Bahamas.

As stated by Mrs. Michele Rassin-Moodie "We have come such a long way in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Huge global efforts such as the UNAIDS Strategy Getting to Zero have proven results as more people are accessing treatment and prevention services; but we are not there yet. Corporate partners must assist the Bahamas AIDS Foundation in raising awareness, prevention, treatment and reducing HIV/AIDS in the Bahamas."

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Cruises Inc.� partners with Sandals Foundation to donate school supplies in the Bahamas

Cruises Inc. � during a national travel conference aboard the Norwegian Escape, partnered with the Sandals Foundation to donate school supplies to Bahamian children as part of Pack for a Purpose�. Independent Vacation Specialists who participated in this fundraiser donated close to 500 pounds of school supplies that will be distributed to schools across the Bahamas.

Education and community are two important pillars of the Sandals Foundation and the mission of Pack for a Purpose is to positively impact communities around the world by assisting travelers who want to make meaningful contributions to the destinations they visit. The partnership between the Sandals Foundation and Pack For A Purpose was therefore an easy fit.

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Hubei Province China trade mission visits Sapodilla in Nassau

A delegation from Hubei Province China Trade Mission are in The Bahamas for trade exchange ideas with local Bahamian businesses. The delegation has already travelled to Grand Bahama to meet with small business owners on that island. They are now in Nassau, where they have met with several business owners to discuss and exchange ideas on small businesses, investment and trade opportunities.

The group stopped at Sapodilla restaurant, West Bay Street, on Tuesday, December 1, to meet with owner, Mrs. Elaine Pinder (standing, centre) and her staff. They were treated to a reception and tour of the grounds of the facility. The group was accompanied by the Bahamas Ambassador-Designate to the People's Republic of China Paul Andy Gomez (seated left), and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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Inaugural Myles Munroe leadership lecture held at The College of The Bahamas

Following in his late father's footsteps of motivating Bahamians and citizens of the world to strive for excellence, Myles Munroe Jr. recently told high school and College of The Bahamas students that "greatness is in each and every one" of them.

Mr. Munroe, the only son of the late Dr. Myles and Ruth Ann Munroe, was the featured speaker at The College of The Bahamas' Inaugural Myles Munroe Leadership Lecture recently held in the Performing Arts Centre, Oakes Field campus. Students, faculty and staff eagerly listened to what words of wisdom Mr. Munroe had to impart.

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Get ready to sample over 30 wines at Festival Noel

The lights are twinkling, the artwork is up, the food is prepped and with Festival Noel just days away, the wines courtesy of Bristol Wines and Spirits are ready to be opened! As the main sponsor of Festival Noel for its existing years, Bristol is ready to dazzle the palates of wine connoisseurs and wine amateurs alike.

"Bristol Wines and Spirits is once again proud to be a major sponsor of Festival Noel," said Rusty Scates, Wine Manager at Bristol Wines and Spirits. "This event, which is now in its 21st year, gives us the opportunity of showing many of our current wines while supporting the Bahamas National Trust, an extremely important NGO in The Bahamas."

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Trade and investment delegation from China eyeing Grand Bahama

Acting Minister for Grand Bahama and Minister of State for Finance, the Hon. Michael Halkitis officially opened the Investment and Trade Mission: Hubei China to The Bahamas on Monday morning, November 30. A large delegation of business persons from the Hubei Province of China were in the nation's second city with the main objective being to see the potential Investment opportunities in The Bahamas and to promote bilateral trade.

Addressing a large audience of Bahamian and Chinese business persons and other invited guests assembled in the Grand Ballroom of the Grand Lucayan Beach and Resort, Mr. Halkitis said that given Grand Bahama's strong industrial sector, it was not by chance that our visitors selected the island as the destination for the Investment and Trade Mission with businesses throughout The Bahamas.

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Women's business empowerment event a success

Over 100 women gathered at The Grand Lucayan for last month's Coco Chanel Principles of Business for Women event, their hopes set on learning the fundamentals of succeeding in business. President and CEO of Benchmark Consulting Services Billie Bowe delivered on that expectation, providing the 125 women in attendance with an extensive guide to turning their passion into prosperity through her first women's empowerment event.

Mrs Bowe explained that the business empowerment conference was intended for women aspiring to take their small businesses to the next level, young women interested in launching their own enterprises, and women feeling unfulfilled in their current jobs. Mrs Bowe said she was motivated to host this conference because it was necessary to show that their dreams are valid and the community needs their ideas.

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16 graduate from Save The Bays international YEA leadership training program

On the eve of the opening of the largest gathering ever assembled for an environmental conference, the Paris conference on climate change, 16 Bahamians joined the ranks of those equipped to teach leadership and the environment.

They are the graduates of this year's Youth Environment Ambassadors (YEA) training, a cooperative effort between the growing local environmental movement Save The Bays and the internationally acclaimed Center for Creative Leadership, Financial Times Top Five Worldwide in Executive Education. The training sessions were made possible in part by a grant from RBC to Save The Bays.

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Christmas celebrations underway in West Grand Bahama

The second annual West Grand Bahama 'Tree Lighting and Gospel Concert' proved to be a big hit this past Sunday as hundreds turned out at the Martin Town Primary School for the event.

Exciting the crowd was performances by the Fabulous Cooling Waters, Simeon Outten, and school choirs from West End School, Martin Town, Holmes Rock, Bartlett Hill and the Lewis Yard Primary School to name a few. The high point of the evening was the Tree Lighting ceremony and the appearance by Santa who gave out hundred of gifts to the many children assembled.

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GBPC rate application published

The Regulatory Framework established between GBPC and GBPA was created with residents in mind; this framework brings improved transparency to the rate regulation process. As the independent regulator of the power sector, GBPA has responsibility to approve the rate structure of GBPC and to ensure operational standards are in line with international prudent utility practice.

GBPA along with a regulatory expert consultant have been reviewing GBPC's rate filing. As in other regulated businesses, GBPC has had to submit a number of studies and statistics in order to justify any change in rates.

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Hope Town Primary School's book 'UP Keeps The Light On' to launch at Doongalik Studios

The public is invited to enter the magical world of "UP", the beloved Bahamian character found in an exciting new children's book entitled UP Keeps The Light On which will be launched at Doongalik Studios in Nassau on Friday, December 4 from 6pm-9pm.

The book is a fanciful, yet factual, story about the famous candy-striped lighthouse in Hope Town, Abaco. It was written and illustrated by the young, talented students of grades 3 to 6 at the Hope Town Primary School in Abaco who have successfully created a children's book to expose the rest of the world to their lightstation's special and unique workings, with all funds raised from purchases going to their school and the lighthouse.

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Gibson promoted to Assistant General Manager at WSC

Earlier this year the Water and Sewerage Corporation promoted Senior Engineer Cyprian Gibson to Assistant General Manager in charge of the Family Island Division. "This promotion could not have come at a more opportune time," said Glen Laville, WSC General Manager. "When Hurricane Joaquin hit our islands - Cyprian was more than ready to take care of this situation. He has shown us very quickly why we made this call."

"I'm excited about joining the Family Island team at WSC," said Gibson. "We have a diverse team of water professionals throughout our islands and cays, and I'm excited for the opportunity to work with the team to improve our water systems and services throughout The Bahamas."

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New homes on the horizon for hurricane devastated islands

Approximately 60 new one-, two- and three- bedroom homes are on the drawing board for residents in the southeast islands wiped out as a result of Hurricane Joaquin. Most of the new homes will be constructed in Long Island, the island with the largest population impacted the most in terms of number of homes, and Crooked Island, the island hardest hit in terms of impact of devastation.

According to Jack Thompson, administrator of the Government's recently- formed National Recovery and Reconstruction Unit (NRRU), the second phase is construction of new homes.

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New mobile homes for Crooked Island and Long Island

NEMA and Social Services earmark four RV Mobile Homes for Crooked Island to assist persons whose homes were completely destroyed by Hurricane Joaquin; and three trailer homes for families in Long Island. The trailers are expected to leave by mailboat on Thursday and to be in the designated Islands by the weekend.

Touring the RVs were Captain Stephen Russell, Director of NEMA, and Barbara Burrows, National Recovery and Reconstruction Unit.

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Minister Griffin officially opens Exuma Women's Backyard Farming Workshop 2015

Dozens of Exumians joined the Women's Bureau of the Ministry of Social Services and Community Development in a Women's Backyard Farming Workshop on November 27 in the Kettel Centre of the Exuma Foundation in George Town. The theme of the workshop was "Women and the Environment: Creating Partnerships for Sustainable Development."

The workshop was part of "National Women's Week" and one of a number of activities presented over the past week by the Bureau of Women's Affairs of the Ministry of Social Services. The Women's Bureau organized the Backyard Farming Workshop in collaboration with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), and the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Cooperation (BAIC).

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BTC continues $850K commitment to Junkanoo

BTC will once again sponsor the national Boxing Day and New Year's Day Junkanoo Parades as a part of its five year commitment to the Junkanoo Committee of New Providence. In 2011, BTC pledged $850,000 to the furtherance of Bahamian culture through an ongoing sponsorship of the nation's most colorful native display, the annual Junkanoo Parades.

"Junkanoo is perhaps one of the most important national celebrations in the country. It's one of the few activities that brings together all Bahamians as we celebrate who we are as a people. We're happy that we have been able to partner with the JCNP to put on the annual Boxing Day & New Year's Day Parades, said Leon Williams, CEO."

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At the Movies: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2

One of the taglines for this movie: Nothing Can Prepare You For The End. The reluctant face of a rebellion must bring together the different factions in order to make a successful offensive against the head of government they are rebelling against. While all she holds dear hangs in the balance, a young warrior must find the courage to move past the propaganda and strike at the heart of the problem.

First let me state that I am still not a fan of splitting the final movie for a film franchise based on a trilogy of books in two if that final book is the same length or less in size of the two which preceded it. Luckily this film faithfully brings to life events depicted in the source material and the deaths of certain characters with brutal accuracy.

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FIFA officials score 1st Beach Soccer World Cup goal - full government cooperation

Two of the top officials in the world of football met with Acting Prime Minister Philip 'Brave' Davis, Minister of Youth, Sports & Culture Dr. Daniel Johnson and Ministry of Tourism Permanent Secretary Harrison Thompson this week, and scored their first goal - assurance that government would provide "the highest level of cooperation" as the country prepares to host the FIFA 2017 Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas.

"We appreciate the fact that The Bahamas has been selected to host the Beach Soccer World Cup in 2017 and we want to assure you that you will receive the highest level of support and cooperation from this Government," said Davis during a meeting at the Office of the Prime Minister attended by local and international officials including Jaime Yarza, FIFA Director of Events Worldwide and Juan Cusco, President FIFA Beach Soccer Worldwide. "We are 100% behind the program."

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SSL Finals 2015 in Nassau ready to kick off

Racing starts on December 2nd for the Star Sailors League Finals in Nassau, Bahamas. For the third year in a row, some of the best sailors in the world will compete for the 2015 title and prize money of 200,000$ in the clear blue waters in front of Nassau Yacht Club.

As always the quality of athletes competing is astounding, ten of the teams are here as top ranked Star sailors, based on the Star Class regattas held in 2015 around the world, and the remaining ten are VIPs from the world of sailing.

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Ten college basketball teams in Grand Bahama for Junkanoo Jam

Ten college teams from throughout the United States visited Grand Bahama for the Annual Junkanoo Jam Thanksgiving Women's Basketball Tournament. A special reception was held on the Great Lawn at the Grand Lucayan on Thursday evening to formerly welcome the ten ladies basketball teams to Grand Bahama Island.

Some 500 persons, inclusive of players, coaches, family members and team supporters arrived in Grand Bahaman for the classic, held at the St. Georges Gym. The teams: Baylor University, Boston College, Denver University, Louisiana Tech University, Michigan State University, Oklahoma University, University of California at Los Angeles, University of Cincinnati, University of Notre Dame, and University of Utah.

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UCLA players participate in Samaritan Feet shoe project

Players from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) on Grand Bahama for the Annual Junkanoo Jam Basketball Tournament participated in a special community programme, called Samaritan Feet on Thursday morning.

The programme was organized by Religious Tourism executive, Pastor Eddie Victor. The Primary School children in West End were the recipients of 180 pairs of tennis shoes.

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Muddasick! What's bugging you?

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

Letter: Who is representing the consumer in this NHI debate?

Dear Editor,

As The Bahamas embarks on the implementation of national health insurance I wonder if I am the only one feeling clueless. I'd really like to know who is representing the consumer's interest in this NHI debate.

I feel somewhat ashamed to admit that as a consumer I have no idea what the hell is going on in this NHI debate. I'm ashamed because I am a pretty educated person who keeps up with current affairs but I have no idea what is going on. I know I don't trust one word that comes out of Bradley Roberts' mouth, so when I see his name next to an NHI headline, I don't read the article. The same goes for any NHI stories that have a whiff of a political angle. I am probably shooting myself in the foot by doing so, but I refuse to get spun around by the madness of political propaganda.

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NASSAU EVENTS

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

December 4: Jingle Bell Jazz - Collins House, 7-11pm. Pop and Christmas music - for dancing! Tickets at Bahamas National Stadium or Woodside Brokerage.

December 4: 'UP Keeps The Light On' - book launch at Doongalik Studios, 6-9pm. Click HERE to read more.

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

December 5: Rugby at Winton - 2:00pm* - Buccaneers v Freeport. Heineken Cup. *The early kick off is because Freeport have to make their 6pm flight.

December 8: Functional Sculpture - Featuring works by Antonius Roberts, Tyrone Ferguson, John Beadle, Robin Hardy and John Cox. 6-9pm at Hillside House Gallery, 25 Cumberland Street.

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 10: The Bahamas in American History - by Dr. Keith Tinker. Okay, its in New York, but if you're there, it is free and open to the public! Click HERE to view the poster.

December 12: Baark! Christmas Bake Sale & More - 11am-3pm at Solomon's Fresh Market, Old Fort Bay Town Centre. 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.

December 31: Diana Ross - New Year's Eve at Atlantis. Call 363-6601 for more information.

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

January 30: Red Cross Ball - Under the patronage of Governor-General, Dame Marguerite Pindling, and the Prime Minister, Perry G. Christie.

February 14: Potcakeman Super Sprint Triathlon - Part of a fun series to get you warmed up in the sport of triathlon. Click HERE for more info.

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

December 3: HSGB Trivia Night returns - at LIS school, 6:30pm sign-up. $5. Click HERE to view the poster.

December 3, 5-6: How da Grinch teef Christmas - at the Regency Theatre, 8pm Thurs & Sat. 4pm Sunday. Bahamian version of How the Grinch stole Christmas.
Tickets at UNEXSO and Seventeen Shop. $15. Visit our facebook page for more information.

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 5: The Rotary Club of Lucaya Annual Moonlight Jazz - At the Garden of the Groves, 7pm. For information contact Debra Delancy at 727-6321 or 727-8808.

December 12: 2nd Annual Santa's Bahamian Sleigh Parade - to benefit BASRA. Home port at UNEXSO, 6pm. Call 373-1244 for details.

December 12: BMES Winter Wonderland - On BMES grounds @ 4 p.m.

December 13: Women's Aglow 30th Anniversary Celebration Luncheon - Geneva's Place @ 2:00 p.m. Contact Constance McDonald for more information.

December 13: The Grand Bahama Chorale & The Apple Elliott Ensemble - Jesus God's Promise Fulfilled. At Church of Ascension (Arden Forest & West Beach Road, Lucaya) 4 p.m. Donation: $15.

December 19: All I Want for Christmas Expo - Everything you could want in one spot! Masonic Temple Grounds, 1pm on.

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.

November 5: Conchman Triathlon #30 - A spectacular race and celebration of 30 years of the Bahamas' best triathlon! Iron Kids too at Taino Beach. www.Conchman.com

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

thru December 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 19: Little Harbour Winter Art Soiree - ABACO. Proceeds to the medical fund for Ashley Hall. Click HERE to view the poster.

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

January 9: Rotary Club of Abaco Golf Tournament - 13th annual charity event at Treasure Cay. 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.

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U.S. Embassy announces 10th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. essay competition

The United States Embassy in Nassau is pleased to announce the launch of the 10th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. essay contest. The purpose of the contest is to encourage students to explore the life of Dr. King and his impact on the civil rights movement.

All high school students in The Bahamas ages 15-18 years old are invited to participate in the contest.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave a famous speech entitled, I Have A Dream, on August 28th, 1963. Dr. King shared his dream of a world where all people lived in peace and harmony.

Students nationwide are asked to write an essay in 500 words or less about how peace and harmony can be achieved here in The Bahamas.

The deadline for essay submissions is January 10th, 2016 at 5:00 PM. Winners will be announced on January 18th, 2016.

Top prizes include Apple iPads, Apple iPad Minis and Microsoft Surface tablets.

Click here to read more