News :: Events :: Opportunities
VOL V. No. 32, December 24, 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
This week's featured article
HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM BAHAMA ISLANDS INFO!

From the entire team at BahamaIslandsInfo.com we wish you a Happy New Year and all the best in 2016!

The Info Team
 

U.S. Embassy closure in observance of the New Year's Day holiday
The United States Embassy will be closed on Friday, January 1, 2016 in observance of the New Year's Day holiday. Please be advised that the Embassy will resume normal business operations on Monday, January 4 at 8:00 a.m. For any emergencies involving U.S. citizens, please contact the U.S. Citizens Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy's Consular Section via telephone: 242-322-1181.

General information on Consular services, including procedures for obtaining or renewing a passport or visa, is available on the U.S. Embassy's website at http://nassau.usembassy.gov.
 
Government and Nurses Union sign industrial agreements
Senior health officials from the Ministry of Health and the Department of Public Health Wednesday, December 30, 2015 signed off on two key Industrial Agreements with the Bahamas Nurses Union on behalf of the Government of The Bahamas.

Minister of Health, the Hon. Dr. Michael Perry Gomez, one of the signatories on behalf of the Government of The Bahamas, said the signing was a "Red Letter Day" with regards to the continued provision of primary healthcare throughout the Commonwealth of The Bahamas as public health nurses play a critical role in the delivery of primary healthcare to Bahamians.

Click here to read more
 
Caribbean states build capacity in ocean governance
The Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) and the International Ocean Institute (IOI) this month signed a new 5-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) to extend their longstanding cooperation towards building the capacity of Caribbean fisheries and marine resource management professionals in ocean governance. The partnership between the CRFM and IOI started in 2004 and it has provided nearly 40 Caribbean nationals access to high-level, specialized training and capacity-building support at IOI-Dalhousie University every year since then.

The renewed cooperation agreement, signed for the CRFM by Executive Director Milton Haughton and for IOI by Managing Director of its Malta headquarters, Antonella Vassallo, ensures that Caribbean nationals will continue to receive expert training on Ocean Governance: Policy, Law and Management at the Canada-based institute.

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CIBC FirstCaribbean helps for the holidays
CIBC FirstCaribbean was keen to do their part to help those most vulnerable this holiday season. The bank made donations to Unity House home for the elderly, and poverty relief programs Great Commission Ministries and The Salvation Army to assist the organisations with their holiday expenses.

L-R: Mayqueen Demeritte, Secretary, Great Commission Ministries; Melanese Coakley, Community Relations Associate, Salvation Army; Sherwin Hilton, CIBC FirstCaribbean Business Support Manager; Latoya Moss, Secretary, Unity House.
 
Minister Loretta Butler-Turner speaks at Rotary Club of Old Fort [photo]
The Member of Parliament for Long Island, Hon. Loretta Butler-Turner (L) and Rotarian Guerlancy Pierre (R), at a recent Rotary Club of Old Fort meeting.

Mrs. Butler-Turner gave an insightful talk on the Bahamian entrepreneurial spirit to a full house of young professionals in attendance.

GB Junkanoo groups receive additional seed funding
On behalf of the Minister of Youth, Sports & Culture, Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, on Thursday past presented additional seed funds to Divisions A and B Junkanoo Groups. Minister Darville said he was happy to have at the Ministry for Grand Bahama representatives from all Junkanoo Groups on the island who looked forward to participating in the 2016 New Year's Junkanoo Parade, which he understood to be bigger and better in music and choreography.

The Minister also thanked the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Dr. Daniel Johnson, and his entire team at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture on Grand Bahama. Registered to participate and recipients of seed money are, (A) Division: The New Life Classic Dancers, Harbour Boys, Kingdom Culture, Platinum Knights, Showtime, Superstar Rockers, Swingers, Top Performers, and Western Star Titians. (B) Division: Bushwhackers, Rotary Club International, and Sting.

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Abaco Police looking for two robbery suspects
Police in Abaco are searching for two males who they want to question in connection with a robbery.

Reports are that on Thursday 31st December 2015 shortly before 1:00am, a male reported that while in the East Bay Street area in Marsh Harbour, Abaco, he was accosted by two masked males armed with a machete who reportedly beat him about the body and robbed him off personnel property. Police are actively investigating this matter.

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Cultural community pays call on Bahamas Ambassador-Designate to the People's Republic of China
The Bahamas Ambassador-Designate to the People's Republic of China, Paul Andy Gomez, centre, welcomed members of the cultural community in a Courtesy Call, December 30, 2015 at the British Colonial Hilton.

Pictured from left are: Ronald Simms, Ron Johnson, George Bethel, Fred Munnings, Mr. Gomez, Patricia Bazard, Fred Ferguson, Stan Burnside, Julien Believe, and Sean Burrows.

(BIS Photo/Kemuel Stubbs)
 
Tips on caring for a loved one with cancer during the holidays
When someone you love has cancer, taking care of them comes naturally. You don't give a second thought to the long hours, the help with medication, bathing, dressing, navigating, preparing special dishes or encouraging your loved one to eat. You want to be the shoulder they lean on for spiritual and emotional support. After all, the two of you have the same goal - to ensure minimal suffering and maximum chance of recovery. You're in this together, the caregiver and the patient.

Freddie Munnings, a Bahamian musician, songwriter, performer, knows firsthand what it is like to care for a loved one during the holidays. Though his wife eventually lost her battle with cancer, Munnings was a devoted caregiver who offers this advice: "Just be there for your loved one. Your presence is reassurance that they are not alone. It is not necessary for you to have a conversation, if they do not feel like talking. SILENCE SPEAKS VOLUMES. The uncertainty of your loved one's future is a very scary matter. You may feel helpless, but you must do all that you can to encourage them and let them know that you love and care for them."

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At the Movies - Point Break

One of the taglines for this movie: The Only Law That Matters Is Gravity. An ex-extreme athlete joins the FBI and goes undercover to infiltrate a team of extreme athletes who are suspected of committing sophisticated corporate heists. Deep undercover he attempts to get proof that the team is responsible for the crimes without being seduced by the lifestyle he was once a part of.

It is a sad thing when a movie that would make a great film on its own is forced into the mold of a preexisting property. That being said this film had issues with certain ideas being stitched together from other films and if the tone of this movie was more fun and less serious then they could have gotten away with it. Luke Bracey does his best to play the character Keanu Reeves played originally but the problem is not in his acting, it is the character he is portraying.

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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

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 9-11: King Eric Gibson 'All for One' Regatta - on Montagu Bay.
 
January 16-17, 2016: Marathon Bahamas Weekend - Includes marathon, relay, half marathon and Susan G. Komen 5K. Click HERE to visit the website. 

January 25-26: Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic - The top golfers will return to The Bahamas to participate in the Pure Silk Bahamas Classic at the Ocean Club Golf Course, Paradise Island. www.puresilkbahamasclassic.com.

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. 

March 5: Travis Tritt - Grammy Award-winning artist comes to Atlantis. Click HERE for more information.
 
May 16-20: Bahamas Billfish Championship NASSAU - www.bahamasbillfish.com

September 24: 4th Potcakeman Triathlon - Fun for individuals and teams at Jaw's Beach. Click HERE for updates on their FB page.

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
 
January 9: Grassroots Soccer Clinic - for coaches, parents and all interested. FREE! Click HERE to read more.

January 9, 2016: Humane Society President's Cocktail Party - from 6:30 - 8:30PM at the Garden of the Groves. Click HERE to view the flyer for details.

January 23: Pawzapalooza - A Humane Society fun fundraiser.  

January 30: Chamber of Commerce's Annual Installation of Officers Banquet - More information soon. Call 352-8329. 

February 6: St. Paul's Night of Jazz Under the Stars - At the Royal Palm Hotel 7p.m.  For further information call 352-6225.

February 20: GB American Women's Club Golf Classic - at the Reef golf course. Celebrating 50 years of community service! Contact Norma Liedel  normaliedel421@gmail.com for corporate donations. On the web at www.grandbahamawomen.com.

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

February 26: The Grand Bahama Heart Association's Great Heart Affair Luncheon - under the patronage of Dr. Pamela Etuk, M.D. and Dr. Winston Forbes M.D., F.A.C.C. at Le Chateau on the Green 12 noon-2 p.m.

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.  

March 3: Grand Bahama Business Outlook - Call 352-8329 for more information.

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

January 1: New Year's Day Annual Cruising Regatta - Staniel Cay Public Beach, EXUMA.

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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REBUILD BAHAMAS ready to launch, invites applications

Two months after Hurricane Joaquin ravaged seven islands in the southern Bahamas with record rains and howling winds, tossing fishing boats onto land, closing businesses and schools and leaving many with little more than the clothes on their back, Rebuild Bahamas announced today it is ready to launch funds and volunteers into the re-opening of commerce, aiding schools and providing clean drinking water.

"The emergency relief efforts of government and other groups was amazing," said Edison Sumner, CEO, Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers' Confederation (BCCEC). "Because they met many of the immediate needs - water, food, staples, clothing, bedding - we were able to focus on a thorough needs assessment and framework for medium and long-term solutions. So with the teams from the Chamber and Rotary, we have had persons in the islands along with adjustors assessing conditions and helping us map out a detailed list of needs as they pertain to business, education and the provision of clean, potable drinking water. REBUILD BAHAMAS is now ready to go to work."

As Sumner spoke, funds continued to come in to the private sector partnership between the Rotary Clubs of The Bahamas which are well-known for hurricane relief regionally and the Chamber, which serves as the voice and conscience of business.

"Thanks to the telethon that was aired live on ZNS, Cable and Jones on October 27, all without charge or commercials, and to major donations like the Moore Bahamas Foundation which gave $120,000, we are now at $861,101.83," said Sumner. That amount includes a $250,000 pledge from the Bahamas Entrepreneurial Venture Fund. RBC has agreed to partner in assisting qualified small to medium sized businesses with revolving loans to get back on their feet and functioning.

Click here to read more





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