Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL V. No. 30, December 10, 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

Column: At the Movies

This week's featured article

BTVI student off to Canada for opportunity of a lifetime

When Jonathan Harris-Smith began attending The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institution in 2012, he never dreamt he would have the opportunity to participate in a student exchange program at a Canadian college. Come December 30th, the 22-year-old Information Technology major will leave the sunny isles of The Bahamas en route to Canada, where he will most likely experience a white winter.

That, however, pales in comparison to the wealth of knowledge and cultural experience he is expected to receive while as a student at Fanshawe College for the 2016 spring and summer semesters. Jonathan is being afforded the chance to study in Canada on an Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) scholarship.

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Local environmentalists at Paris climate change talks

Representatives of Waterkeeper Alliance Bahamas have arrived in Paris, France, where over the next several days they will participate in a key global summit on the threats posed by climate change.

Joseph Darville and Vanessa Haley-Benjamin are part of the Bahamas delegation to the United Nations Framework on Climate Change Convention (UNFCCC), Conference of the Parties (COP) 21. The summit will see world leaders come together to chart the course for a global response to the continuing rise in temperatures and sea levels.

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Callenders law firm partners pay tribute, pledge 'Everything Colin stood for will inspire and drive us'

Hours after news broke that Colin Callender, QC, passed away Sunday after a long and courageous battle with cancer, partners of the firm gathered to pay tribute and pledge 'Everything Colin stood for will inspire and drive us.'

"Colin Callender occupied a singular position in the legal community and the broader world of The Bahamas," said Lester J. Mortimer, QC, one of seven partners in the country's only firm that until Callender's death had three practicing attorneys awarded Queen's Counsel honours.

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BTC donates to over 30 charities for the holidays

This Christmas, BTC will donate over $50,000.00 to more than 30 charities in The Bahamas as part of its annual holiday giving program. The donations go to diverse organizations to enable them to spread cheer during the holidays. Each year, BTC provides millions of dollars in support for numerous organizations nationwide.

Chief Executive Officer at BTC, Leon Williams said that "Yearly, BTC provides millions of dollars in support for organizations all over the country. This year has been phenomenal as BTC has sponsored key events including the IAAF/BTC World Relays and Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival. We have also supported CARIFTA and provided athletic endorsements for four promising Bahamians: Arianna Vanderpool Wallace, Ramon Miller, Demetrius Pinder and Shaunae Miller.

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Insurance Company of The Bahamas continues to support business majors at COB

The Insurance Company of The Bahamas Limited (ICB) recently presented a cheque in the amount of $5,000 to The College of The Bahamas at its headquarters. The Insurance Company of The Bahamas Entrance Scholarship established in 2009, is awarded to a first year student pursuing a degree in Business Administration. ICB's longstanding corporate support of The College continues annually. Roberts Pitter, a Bachelor of Business Administration in Computer Information Systems major is this year's scholarship recipient.

Mrs. Darnell Osborne, Financial Controller at ICB, proud COB alumna and one of The College's Outstanding 40 expressed the importance of giving back. The ICB Entrance Scholarship is based on academic merit.

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China delegation impressed with new investment and trade link to The Bahamas

Impressed with the caliber of businesses and entrepreneurs in The Bahamas, Zhou Caijuan, chairwoman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Hubei Sub-Council, is singing the praises of organizers hot on the heels of an investment and trade mission in Grand Bahama. Immerse Bahamas President and CEO Ginger Moxey was pleased with the outcome of the first ever investment and trade mission, in partnership with the Bahamas government, the Hubei Provincial People's government, the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce (GBCC), The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), and all of the businesses and entrepreneurs who came on board.

Event participant, Bishop Kermit Saunders said while he thoroughly enjoyed the experience and is grateful for the opportunity to witness such an event, he was most impressed with the level of competence of the young Bahamian interpreters speaking Mandarin.

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LPIA conducts full-scale crash emergency drill

Approximately 100 members of emergency response and investigative teams joined Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) to conduct a full scale, three-hour emergency drill, on December 2, 2015 at Windsor Field. The drill took place on a vacant runway to simulate an aircraft crash accident, and test emergency response procedures and business continuity plans, following an event of this magnitude.

"This is a full crash scenario that's done every two years. This is of vital importance to us as an airport and as a country to be able to handle these kinds of scenarios," said Jan Knowles, NAD Vice-President of Marketing & Communications. "We will be looking at how we handle the emergency in terms of putting out the fire that's going to be simulated and the time frame as it relates to that."

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HMBS Lawrence W. Major arrives in Nassau

The fifth and largest vessel in the new fleet of the Royal Bahamas Defense Force as part of the government's Sandy Bottom Project, the auxiliary landing craft HMBS Lawrence W. Major, arrived in Nassau on Friday evening, 4th December. The vessel is currently docked at the Prince George Dock undergoing final testing and inspection before the formal handover to the Bahamas government by Damen executives.

At 180 feet (56 meters) in length and 39 feet in width (12 meters), this internationally certified auxiliary Roll on-Roll Off (RORO) vessel is just over 500 tonnes in weight, can carry up to forty 20-foot containers, 60,000usg of cargo fuel and sleeps 24 crew.

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Save The Bays Director, Fred Smith, 'We want peace'

Declaring 'we don't want war, we want peace,' Save The Bays director of legal affairs Fred Smith, QC said this week that the hundreds-strong environmental group would be willing to talk with fashion mogul Peter Nygard to end battles over land and marine environmental issues "if and only if he abides by the law."

Smith's comments came during a sometimes fiery hour on the midday talk show, Issues of the Day, with host Wendell Jones on Love 97.5. Several times during the show, the heated debate turned to what is often mistaken for a personal battle between neighbours, the successful designer Nygard and Louis Bacon, a decorated conservationist.

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NAD continues hurricane relief donation efforts

Nassau Airport Development (NAD) Company presented the Bahamas Red Cross Society and The Salvation Army with donations this week. Portions of the donations were received from passengers through NAD's "Give. Change." donation boxes, which are stationed in the US and Domestic/International terminals at Lynden Pindling International Airport.

The Bahamas Red Cross has pledged to use the funds to assist victims of Hurricane Joaquin, which battered the islands of the Southern Bahamas in October. The Salvation Army will use the funds to also assist those in need during the holidays. Reach Bahamas, Persis Rodgers Home for the Aged, the Children's Emergency Hostel and the Antiquities, Monuments and Museum Corporation have all received donations through the "Give. Change." program to date.

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BFSB board and staff bid farewell to outgoing CEO

BFSB's Board of Directors said farewell to Aliya Allen, as the 3rd CEO of the public-private sector promotional agency demits office, hosting a private reception on December 2nd at Luciano's of Chicago. Amongst the various gifts from Directors and member, Ms. Allen was presented with a framed print of the cover of the July-December, 2012 issue of The Bahamas Investor by the staff of BFSB and office tenants AIBT and STEP. The print itself was provided by Etienne Dupuch, III of Dupuch Publications - publishers of the magazine.

D. Nguyen-Comito, Executive Consultant at BFSB, said this was considered a fitting gift as that issue of The Bahamas Investor was just months after Aliya had assumed the position of CEO and Executive Director, and an honour that she held dear to her heart.

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Old Fort Bay Town Centre holding late-night shopping event Friday

Late night shopping on upcoming Friday, December 11th, brings convenience and an added attraction to the twenty-four exceptional Old Fort Bay Town Centre shops in Nassau's western district.

Now jingle-bell pretty and Santa-ready, the Old Fort Bay Town Centre is holding a Christmas party with all the trimmings - shopping bargains, prizes and surprises, Christmas music and carol singers, food and wine pairing sampling, Junkanoo and a chance to win $500.00.

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MobileAssist™ mobile app makes debut

On December 4th 2015, MobileAssist™ officially launched at Green Parrot Bar & Grill during its Happy Hour Blitz. As MobileAssist TM personnel carried out app demonstrations, many witnessed the birth of the new age of business and consumer communications in The Bahamas.

Donovan Moxey, President and Co-Founder of MobileAssist™ shared, "this app will be revolutionary to the way we do business in The Bahamas." MobileAssist™ users will now be able to receive information, updates, special communications, promotions and exclusive coupons from their favorite stores, restaurants, organizations and more. The mobile app allows customers and businesses or organizations to connect in a new way in real-time."

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Heavy rain could not dampen the Festival Noel Christmas spirit

Despite the heavy rains that surrounded the first weekend in December, the holiday spirit of Festival Noel was not dampened. "We are astonished and thrilled with the turnout," said Lakeshia Anderson, Grand Bahama Parks Manager. "We changed our whole layout at 10am the morning of Festival Noel and we got everyone under cover!"

Rain was forecast for the entire weekend but it held up for the 21st Annual Festival Noel, which is a Grand Bahama staple event during the holiday season. Over 300 residents turned out to attend the wine tasting, art show and Chef Noel competition, which supports the Grand Bahama branch of the Bahamas National Trust.

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Grand Bahama Birding Group visits sites around Freeport

During the Grand Bahama Birding Group's November fieldtrip, several sites within the Freeport area were visited and exciting new finds were recorded. At the Ruby Golf Course a new bird for most of the participants was a Savannah Sparrow, a small seed-eating migrant that may begin its fall journey as far north as Alaska or the arctic circle and travel all the way to Southern California, Mexico, Florida and the Bahamas to spend the winter.

Everybody had a good view of this long-distance traveler as it perched comfortably in a small bush for the longest time. 16 species were observed at the Ruby.

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Deep Water Cay promoted as one of the 'World's Best Diving Resorts'

While Deep Water Cay (DWC) Resort is known for being a fishing resort like none other, the private island resort has recently been expanding their services to provide fun for the entire family with scuba diving, be it on the many reefs surrounding the cay or in underwater caves.

To help bring awareness to the once-in-a-lifetime dive opportunities available at the resort DWC recently promoted their dive amenities in a video that was published on both ScubaDiving.com and SportDiver.com websites, estimated to reach 300,000 visitors.

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Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board re-elects executive board

The Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board (GBITB) held its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, December 1, 2015. In a strong sign of confidence reflected by the Board members, Chairman Russell Miller and all Board Executives positions were uncontested.

Along with Mr. Miller as Chairman (CEO, Modalena Limited), Mr. Benjamin Davis (General Manager, Grand Lucayan Beach & Golf Resort) - Vice Chairman, Mrs. Jackie Carroll (Resort Manager, Old Bahama Bay Resort) - Secretary and Mr. Gabriel Varela, General Manager (Memories Grand Bahama) - Treasurer were all returned to office to serve for another year.

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Young Rangers making the environmental switch

The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) recently announced the rollout of its Navigator youth environmental education program on Grand Bahama. Over the past three years the BNT has engaged in a strong partnership with the Grand Bahama Royal Bahamas Defense Force (RBDF) Rangers, and the Navigator program is the latest addition to strengthen the already existing connection between these two organisations.

"The Navigators program is a wonderful opportunity for children that are interested in marine science or for those who love nature," said Cheri Wood, BNT Grand Bahama Outreach Officer, who leads the program.

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VIDEO: Happy Holidays from the Humane Society of Grand Bahama 2015

Featuring K.B. with 'Potcakes Howl'

Please enjoy our 2015 holiday video. Many thanks to everyone who contributed to our staying afloat this last year!

It has been a really rough year for the shelter, and we are still working hard to achieve better financial stability. Now, more than ever, we need your support. Remember we are a private non-profit and we receive no support from the Bahamas Government. Despite government having no agency on Grand Bahama to deal with animal issues.

Click here to read more and view video

International best-selling author Janet Switzer visits Grand Bahama

California native and revenue strategist Janet Switzer recently paid a courtesy call on Minister for Grand Bahama Dr. Michael Darville during a brief visit to Freeport. Mrs Switzer, coauthor of the best-selling book "The Success Principles", discussed the island's state of affairs, including best approaches to promoting economic growth while meeting with Minister Darville.

In photo from left are: Acting Permanent Secretary for the Ministry for Grand Bahama Melvin Seymour; Mrs Switzer; Minister Darville; and President and CEO, Benchmark Consulting Services, Billie Bowe.

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Early Christmas for primary students in Grand Bahama

There were big smiles and full hearts for some 200 students in Grand Bahama on Tuesday, as they were hosted to a gift-giving and luncheon at Freeport Harbour. Christmas came early for the students as the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association and the Ministry of Tourism, with the assistance of Santa's Helpers from Norwegian Cruise Line were the bearers of gifts.

Photo: Students of the Maurice Moore Primary School, having received their gifts along with staff of the Ministry of Tourism and the Norwegian Cruise Line.

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CIBC FirstCaribbean staff come together to help with hurricane relief

CIBC FirstCaribbean staff across the country have joined together to donate three palettes of much needed supplies to the National Emergency Management Agency's Hurricane Joaquin Relief efforts.

"We were moved by the tragedy that happened in the Southern Islands after Hurricane Joaquin and wanted to support in whatever way we could," said CIBC FirstCaribbean Director of Human Resources Antionette Turnquest. "This was a collective effort; our branches and staff members really took this to heart and were passionate in their drive to provide supplies to the residents of the stricken islands."

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Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina ready to start 'Great Hammerhead Weeks' dive encounters

A bucket list diver opportunity to encounter the usually elusive Great Hammerhead shark starts next week-December 11-18- when Bimini Big Game Club Divers kicks off its Great Hammerhead Weeks program.

The endangered and elusive Great Hammerhead-the second largest predatory shark in the ocean-frequent the waters surrounding North and South Bimini in the winter months with cooler water temperatures and abundant sea life. Great Hammerhead encounters are considered the pinnacle of shark diving in the Bahamas, and Bimini is one of only two places in the world where you will find a congregation of these elusive animals, which can grow to 20 feet or more.

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National Disaster Reconstruction Committee to provide support to hurricane damaged islands

The business community throughout the settlements of Long Island were among the hardest hit as a result of the devastation of Hurricane Joaquin. A recent visit to the island provided members of the recently appointed National Disaster Reconstruction Committee an opportunity to inspect businesses, meet with owners, and see face-to-face the impact of the hurricane that ravaged the southern Bahamas in early October.

"Unfortunately, a number of small and medium size businesses did not have hurricane insurance. With the loss of property, inventory and having to rebuild it's very challenging. Progress is being made. In our discussions with business folks they have already begun that restoration slowly, on a small scale, but you can see some support is needed," said Committee chairman Nat Beneby.

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Eight Mile Rock High School's Chloe Stuart wins international poster competition

Eleventh grade student of Eight Mile Rock High School, Chloe Stuart, was the winner of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association's 2015 Children's Environmental Poster Competition, and was presented with a plaque and cheque on Monday, December 7, during a brief ceremony onboard the Carnival Fantasy in Freeport Harbour.

During the ceremony, the Captain of Carnival Fantasy, Stefano Battinelli said he was pleased to make the presentation on behalf of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association, and was happy that the topic would teach future generations how to protect the environment. Following the ceremony, the group was taken on a tour of the cruise ship and then given lunch.

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11th annual National Art Exhibition shows the power of art to motivate and inspire students

The foyer of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MOEST) was transformed into an art gallery on Friday, 4th December, 2015 for the 11th Annual National Art Exhibition. Each year, the students of the National After-School Art and Craft Enrichment Programme are given the opportunity to showcase their art and craft pieces and in so doing, showcase their talent.

Deputy Director of Education for Curriculum and Instruction, Ms. Serethea Clarke in her remarks credited those responsible for the growth and development of the programme since its inception in 2005.

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Students ring in Christmas at annual Festival of Carols

Hundreds of students representing public and private schools from throughout New Providence welcomed the yuletide season and celebrated the Saviour's birth with music, dance, prayers and scripture readings at the Festival of Carols, Wednesday, December 2.

The annual event, a tradition of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology was held at Evangelistic Temple, Collins Avenue. Deputy to the Governor-General Dr. Gail Saunders led the list of Government officials at the service. Also in attendance were education directors, deputy directors, principals, administrators, teachers and parents. The event was organized by a committee chaired by Jennifer Miller, senior education officer and Shenique Collie-Sweeting, education officer. The theme for the event was "Jesus Our Lord and Saviour."

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Bahamas Red Cross Society gets ready for annual ball

The annual Ball of the Bahamas Red Cross Society, the premier ball of the country, will be held on Saturday, the 30th of January, 2016, at the Melia Nassau Beach, Cable Beach. Again this year, Her Excellency, Dame Marguerite Pindling, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, has graciously agreed to lend her patronage for the event, along with The Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, and Mrs. Christie. The theme this year is Passion. Pride. Pizzazz.

Tickets are priced at $250.00 and the dress code is Black Tie. The evening will begin with cocktails at 7pm, followed by dinner at 8pm. "We will be providing the BEST entertainment in the country," say committee members.

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'Coming Home' exhibition by Alexia Roach opens Thursday, December 17

Doongalik Studios will bring its year to a close with an exhibition of mixed media artwork by Alexia Roach entitled "Coming Home" which will open on Thursday, December 17 from 6-9pm. The artist, who has come home for Christmas to mount the exhibition, made these statements about her newest works:

"While I do not consider myself an existentialist by any means, my work does center on themes of coexistence which I express through the use of layering and gathering, both methodically and materially. Often times I find myself forcing contradictions of medium and theory to work together harmoniously, not only to bring about aesthetic cohesion, but also to make valid unlikely or unimaginable ideals, breaking the rules of convention to form my own utopia."

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The Bahamas Dance Theatre presents Christmas production 'Beauty & Her Beast'

The Bahamas Dance Theatre, a non-profiting organization, will be presenting their Christmas Broadway production, "Beauty & Her Beast" at the Dundas Theatre. Two evening showings: Dec. 18 and 19 at 8 pm and a Sunday matinee on Dec. 20th, at 3 pm.

Tickets are 30.00 for evening showing and 35.00 for Dress Circle, 25.00 for Matinee showing.

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At the Movies: CREED

The tagline for this movie: Your Legacy Is More Than A Name. A young man seeks out his late father's closest friend to train him to become a champion boxer. In the process the young man learns what it takes to step out of his father's shadow while earning the respect of his fans and critics.

I had high hopes for this movie when I heard about it and I am happy to report that it is right up there with the best of the Rocky movies. For a while I thought it was going to end up being as bad as Rocky V, but director Ryan Coogler shows that he has as much love for the Rocky Balboa universe as Sylvester Stallone himself. Michael B Jordan, Phylicia Rashad and Tessa Thompson are all at the top of their game in this spectacular production. Ludwig Goransson does an epic job of composing a musical score that relates the epic bombastic feeling generated by the scores of Bill Conti and Vince Dicola in the previous Rocky films.

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Young soccer stars win personalised soccer cleats

Four beaming faces - and rightly so. Each showing off the personalised soccer cleats they won at this year's Grand Bahama soccer camp to help make them stand out in the new season. Maeve McCrea, Daniel Brown, Frank Saldano and Nick Lane were the four youngsters who in the view of the visiting coaches most took the eye at the Sir Jack Hayward Camp. The high quality cleats monogrammed with their names were the top of a host of prizes awarded to kids who took part in the event.

The three pro coaches from the UK selected them from among scores of worthy campers for their all-round contribution to the event which has become an island sporting institution in its 11-year life.

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International sailors join Bahamians at Montagu

Montagu foreshore has been the site for regattas in New Providence from the early 1960's and Wednesday was no different, yet history was made. The bay witnessed for the first time in recent years native Bahamian sailing sloops being captained by international sailors from the Star Sailors League and crewed by seasoned Bahamian sloop sailors on "Crazy Partner", "Fugitive", "Sweet Island Gal", "The Thunderbird", "Lady Margaret", and "Flash".

In relatively high winds and choppy seas the regatta began. A total of three (3) short races were held with "Crazy Partner" dominating and declared the overall winner.

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Indiana Colts appreciation weekend group visits Grand Bahama

Approximately 200 skybox owners and executives of the Indiana Colts arrived in Grand Bahama, Friday, via a charter flight for the weekend. The group stayed at Grand Lucayan and according to Kyle Kinnett, principal owner of the event group, Bullseye, the trip was organised as a way of showing their appreciation to their guests. They take trips every year, and as a personal fan of The Bahamas, he brings groups whenever possible.

The game between the Colts and the Pittsburg Steelers was viewed by the group on Sunday.

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Photo: Tiger Woods and Prime Minister Christie at Hero World Challenge Tournament at Albany

Tiger Woods, left, host of the Hero World Challenge at Albany Golf Club in New Providence, is photographed at the Closing Ceremony with Prime Minister of The Bahamas the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie on Sunday, December 6, 2015.

(BIS Photo/Peter Ramsay)

Minister Daniel Johnson introduces new BAAA executive team

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Dr. Daniel Johnson held a press conference Wednesday, December 2, 2015 to introduce and congratulate the United Purpose team members on their victory of becoming the executive team for the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) for 2015-2018. During the visit to the Minister's office, Wednesday, Minister Johnson and the executive team held discussions on goals moving forward, and he expressed the government's support of their endeavors.

Minister Johnson congratulated the new BAAA President Rosamunde Carey, and on this occasion presented her with a copy of the Ministry's Olympic Dreams catalogue. Seated from left are: First Vice-President Tonique Williams-Darling, President Rosamunde Carey, Minister Johnson and Secretary-General Drumeco Archer. Standing are team members and members of the ministry's staff.

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Muddasick! What's bugging you?

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

NASSAU EVENTS

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

thru December 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: Come On Over to The Island House - Unwinding Hour and to view a selection of brand new pieces from Nadia Irena jewellery and handbag line, 5-8pm. Island House, Western Rd.

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

December 11-12: Dance Bahamas School presents 'Mystical Christmas' - 7.30pm at The Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts. In conjunction with the National Dance Company of The Bahamas. Click HERE for info.

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: 'Coming Home' - exhibition by Alexia Roach at Doongalik Studios, 6-9pm Click HERE to learn more.

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 18-20: Bahamas Dance Theatre "Beauty & Her Beast" - at the Dundas. 18-19 at 8 pm and a Sunday matinee on 20th, at 3 pm. Tickets are 30.00 for evening showing and 35.00 for Dress Circle, 25.00 for Matinee showing.

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

December 26: Junkanoo - Click HERE to visit JCNP's Facebook page for information.

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

January 1: Junkanoo - Click HERE to visit JCNP's Facebook page for 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. Click HERE to read more.

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 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: 4th Annual Wahoo Tournament - at the GB Sailing Club. Click HERE to visit the FB page for details.

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 16: GBTSC Christmas Carols Evening - at the Tennis & Squash Club 7:30pm. Click HERE to view the poster.

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

December 22: A Christmas for the Family - Musical entertainment by the Kevin G. Tomlinson After School Academy. Grand Lucayan starting at 6:30 p.m. Click HERE to view the poster.

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

December 11-13: Art for the Parks Christmas Festival - ABACO. Click HERE for the BNT page.

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 19: Christmas in the Park - at the Treasure Cay Primary School park, ABACO. 12 noon - 12 midnight with Junkanoo! 559-8938 for info.

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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Bahamian's paintings 'making tracks' in Europe

Trains carrying images by world famous body painting artist Monty Knowles

In The Bahamas, Monty Knowles is a soft-spoken, regular sort of guy. Architect by profession, photographer by choice, artist by design. And in recent years, that artistry has taken him to new places, focusing his architecturally trained eye on marrying external form and inner beauty of the human body, using bones, muscle and skin, hands and arms, torso and legs, feet and even fingers as a blank canvas begging for attention.

This is the Monty Knowles The Bahamas knows -- a humble guy who lives on a 40-something- year-old boat, who asks questions and proposes new ideas in equally rapid fire succession and who confesses his fear about a major personal defect - an absolute inability to remember names. The talented Monty Knowles, an unassuming national treasure and non-celebrity personified.

But in Europe, just about everyone knows his name. Monty Knowles is hot. He's so hot, you can literally see the steam coming off his work. This summer he painted the women who make up the Danish national women's handball team. Their images are everywhere. Since September, the national champion's painted body -- poised for offense, ball in fingertips ready for power shot -- has wrapped a high speed train, taking Knowles' creation zipping back and forth across the landscape at over 200 miles an hour. And this week, as Denmark gears up to host the Heart of Handball, the world championship, Knowles will be on display himself.

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