Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL V. No. 35, January 21, 2016

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

Sports News

This week's featured article

Prime Minister Christie chats with PJ Patterson and Owen Arthur in Kingston

Bahamas Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie, centre, chats with former Prime Minister of Jamaica PJ Patterson, left, and former Prime Minister of Barbados Owen Arthur at the Jamaica Pegasus, Tuesday, January 19, where Mr. Christie addressed the Official Opening of the Jamaica Stock Exchange 11th Regional Investments and Capital Markets Conference 2016 with his focus being, "Positioning the Caribbean in the International Arena."

Click here to read the Prime Minister's address

BTC's Carlyle Roberts to share 'Smart City' vision at Bahamas Business Outlook

Attendees of the Bahamas Business Outlook (BBO) on January 21st at the Melia Nassau Resort will be given a glimpse into the future with speaker and BTC executive Carlyle Roberts presenting on the opportunities of 'Smart Cities.' Following the conference's theme "A Bold Agenda: The Next 25 Years" Mr. Roberts' address will detail how integrating new technology into government and all levels of public life is the way forward.

Mr. Roberts, who is BTC's Vice President of Enterprise Sales and Strategic Solutions, hopes to impress upon attendees that the Smart City route is not just possible for The Bahamas, it is inevitable, and it will present many benefits. "The way forward is toward a Smart City and I want to highlight the opportunities for The Bahamas and for telecommunications players," said Mr. Roberts.

Click here to read more

Bahamas Ambassador to the Holy See attends annual audience of the diplomatic corps with Pope Francis

The Bahamas non-resident Ambassador to the Holy See, His Excellency Sean McWeeney, QC, attended the annual gathering of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See, held in the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican this week. His Holiness Pope Francis received in audience, and exchanged greetings with the assembled Ambassadors, including Ambassador McWeeney, who was first received in audience by Pope Francis in December 2014.

The high point of the meeting was the Pope's "state of the world" address on Monday past. An annual event, his speech to the diplomatic corps is considered one of his most important as it is given at the beginning of the year and sets the diplomatic tone for the rest of the year.

Click here to read more

National Center for State Courts and judiciary partner on judicial writing workshop

The National Center for State Courts (NCSC) and the Chief Justice partnered together to deliver a Written and Oral Judgments Workshop for approximately 50 Supreme and Appeals Court Judges, Registrars, and Magistrates January 8-9 in Nassau. The workshop was funded by the U.S. Embassy's International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Section through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) and was part of ongoing U.S.-Bahamian cooperative efforts to increase efficiencies in the administration of justice in The Bahamas.

The two-day program was designed to enhance attendees' ability to communicate principled and sound decisions to litigants, lawyers, citizens, and other courts. The interactive, peer-to-peer workshop was facilitated by a team of five U.S. experts that included trial and appellate judges and a Senior NCSC Program Manager. The visiting NCSC team provided best practices in rendering clear, concise, and timely judgments based on critical thinking and framed in language that fosters public trust in and understanding of the judiciary.

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Complimentary wedding ceremony offered to Florida couple attending Bahamas Bridal Show

The Islands of The Bahamas has just made it easier for couples planning to have a complimentary exotic, scenic and unforgettable destination wedding ceremony in its 700 islands chain, thanks to a new "I Do Bahamas" game, being featured in its excusive Bahamas Bridal Shows being offered free, in Florida, January 21-24, 2016.

The Romance Circuit Signature Bridal Shows, which will feature certified wedding planners and professionals from The Bahamas will take place on January 21, from 6 pm to 9 pm at the Embassy Suites Orlando Downtown Hotel, 191 East Pine Street, in Orlando, Florida. On January 23, the show will he held from 12 noon to 3 pm at The Addison, 2 East Camino Real, in Boca Raton and on January 24, from 1 to 4 pm at the Jacaranda Country Club, 9200 W. Broward Boulevard, in Plantation, Florida.

Click here to read more

Luxury Bahamas real estate company HG Christie reveals top producing agents of 2015

A leader in The Bahamas' luxury real estate market since 1922, HG Christie Ltd announces their 2015 regional top producers. This year, former Top Producer Janet Watts, first time HG Christie Top Producer Anne Bethel, and 2014 Top Producer returners Ryan Knowles and Chiara Petrucci join perennial Top Producers Dwayne Wallas and John Christie in forming the 2015 HG Christie Top Producer lineup.

"We look forward to this opportunity to identify the highfliers within our team and to shine a spotlight on their extraordinary achievements," said John Christie, vice president and chief executive officer of HG Christie Ltd.

Click here to read more

First baby girl and baby boy of 2016 come early at Doctors Hospital

The holiday season tends to come with a lot of gifts, but what better than the gift of a precious life? On January 2, Doctors Hospital welcomed baby girl Korynn Olivia Sands to the world. Mommy Allison Cook Sands and daddy Damian Sands were over the moon to welcome their fourth child and first baby girl.

"Oh, this is my fourth time here and we love it. The nurses here are so great and they take really good care of us. I was the only one on the ward at the time, so it was nice and quiet," said Allison. The birth of their first daughter was already special, but the fact that she was honoured as the first baby of the year made it even more spectacular.

Click here to read more

Young entrepreneur goes 'whole hog' with swimming pigs venture

A young Bahamian entrepreneur is making waves with a new tour company, shuttling enthusiastic tourists from Nassau to Exuma's internationally-famed swimming pigs. Lee McCoy said the idea behind this rather different venture came about last year, after his wife asked him to search online for ideas for activities they could partake in during their forthcoming honeymoon in the UK.

As McCoy searched, he came across several companies which offer popular, high speed cruises up and down the Thames River on unique rubber boats - known as "RIBS". "My wife wasn't too pleased when I turned planning for our honeymoon into researching a new business opportunity, but as soon as I saw them I knew it had tons of potential for The Bahamas," said McCoy.

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Rotary Club of East Nassau active in the community

December 20th, 2015 - The Rotary and Rotaract Clubs of East Nassau took part in the annual 242 Colour Run in Nassau. The event saw approximately 150 people take part and raised over $1000 for the two clubs.

Christmas 2015 - Members of Rotary East Nassau volunteered at the annual Ebenezer Christmas Lunch and The Crisis Center Children's Christmas Party.

January 2016 - RCEN's InterAct program in Christian Heritage School submitted their Rotary District 7020 Song Contest Video, and is currently leading the votes. Their uniquely written and performed song about Rotary highlights their youthful dedication to the community and Rotary principles.

Click here to read more

Royal Bahamas Defence Force deploys jet skis

The Royal Bahamas Defence Force has deployed Jet Skis in its operations around New Providence. More recently, the Jet Skis are being used to conduct beach patrols in the wake of reports concerning criminal activities occurring on beaches on or near New Providence.

Last year the Defence Force introduced two Yamaha Waverunner Jet Skis to its Operation Secure Shore. Activated in December 2015, Operation Secure Shore is an expanded operation that really began in 2013. Personnel and vessels engaged in the operation are responsible for conducting continuous patrols along the coastline and waterways of New Providence.

Click here to read more

Prime Minister visits career fair in Grand Bahama

While in Grand Bahama last Friday, Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie toured the 3rd Annual Grand Bahama Technical, Industrial and Maritime Career Opportunities Fair. He was accompanied by the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe, Minister of Tourism; the Hon. Jerome Fitzgerald, Minister of Education, Science and Technology; and the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, Minister for Grand Bahama.

The one-day event was held at the Grand Lucayan resort, with represenation from the Grand Bahama Port Authority, PharmaChem, Grand Bahama Utility Company, Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute, Freeport Container Port, the Grand Bahama Airport Company, Grand Bahama Shipyard Limited, Bradford Marine Bahamas, BORCO, Cable Bahamas, Pineyard Steel, Fabrication and Construction Company, and LJM Maritime Academy.

Click here to read more

2016 legal year opens in the northern Bahamas with parade

The 2016 Legal Year officially got underway in the Northern Bahamas on Friday morning, January 15. Justices, Magistrates and Members of The Bahamas Bar Association paraded from the Garnet Levarity Justice Centre on the Mall to the Pro-Cathedral of Christ the King, where a special church service was held to mark the occasion.

Among those participating in the Parade and Service was Chief Justice of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas Sir Hartman G. Longley and the Attorney General of The Bahamas, Senator the Hon. Allyson Maynard-Gibson, QC. The Chief Justice is pictured taking the official salute while inspecting officers of the Royal Bahamas Police Force; directly behind him are Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Emrick Seymour and his Aide ASP Advardo Dames.

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Students watch the opening of the 2016 legal year ceremonies in Grand Bahama

Opening of the 2016 Legal Year for the Northern Region: Members of the Judiciary, along with staff, the public and students from a number of schools on Friday witnessed the opening of the 2016 Legal Year, Northern Region. The event started with a church service to mark the special occasion at the Pro-Cathedral of Christ the King.

Following the service, the Hon. Chief Justice of The Bahamas, Sir Hartman Longley, accompanied by the Attorney-General of The Bahamas, Senator the Hon. Allyson Maynard-Gibson, QC, Justices, Magistrates, members of The Bahamas Bar Association, members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, led by Assistant Commissioner of Police, Emrick Seymour and members of the public marched from the church to the Garnet Levarity Justice Centre.

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Ministry of Health conducts NHI workshop for private physicians in Grand Bahama

Minister for Grand Bahama the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville pointed out important pillars of the National Health Insurance programme to members of the medical profession at a Ministry of Health National Health Insurance (NHI) Workshop for private physicians in Grand Bahama on Thursday, January 14, at the Sir Charles Hayward Library.

Minister Darville said: "Colleagues, I am pleased to confirm that significant progress has been made and continues to be made to ensure the launch of National Health Insurance in 2016." Improving the health of Bahamians is a top priority for the government, said the Minister.

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Attention pet owners - how to prevent your pet from going missing and what to do if it happens

We at the Humane Society of Grand Bahama pick up a lot of animals who obviously had homes at one time, and may still have homes and people missing them. Unfortunately we reunite far too few lost pets with their families for various reasons:

1. Too few people do not report their lost pets to us! We're not sure why people don't automatically think of the one and only animal agency on the island when their pet goes missing but hopefully we can change that. Report it ASAP, not weeks or months after the fact.

2. Too few people have collars with ID tags on their pets, and too few people microchip their pets. We scan every animal brought into our shelter. Seldom do we find a microchip.

Click here to read more

Dr. Martin Luther King found peace in Bimini

The quiet and natural beauty of Bimini's backcountry mud flats were heaven on earth to a somewhat weary Dr. Martin Luther King in the spring of 1968. Guided by local boat builder Ansil Saunders, Dr. King wasn't interested in chasing bonefish, snapper or permit, but to just deeply inhale the surroundings and fill his lungs with nature and to decompress for the moment.

King relished these trips to the small Bahamian out island, watching a flock of birds flying low over the water, he quipped to Saunders "I believe now more than ever in the existence of God." That was 48 years ago and Bimini has never forgotten Dr. King.

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Butler-Turner birthday bash raises over $55,000 for hurricane relief

Member of Parliament for Long Island Loretta Butler-Turner continued her relief campaign for the southern islands of The Bahamas with a recent fundraiser yielding over $55,000. The money has been earmarked for Long Island, Crooked Island and Acklins, which are all still reeling from the devastating effects of Hurricane Joaquin.

Mrs. Butler-Turner, who celebrated her 55th birthday with a soiree at the John Watlings Distillery on Friday, used the occasion to raise the much-needed money to help the rebuilding effort, which continues nearly three months after the passing of Joaquin. "It was a wonderful celebration for the people of the south and I am grateful for the love and support," said Mrs. Butler-Turner, who was elated at the turn out of some 500 donors and supporters.

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Plans in progress for multi-purpose gymnasium for South Andros

A multi-purpose gymnasium is on the drawing board for South Andros. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Urban Development the Hon. Philip Davis outlined plans for the facility to be constructed at The Bluff at a cost of $500,000 during a stopover visit to the island recently.

In addition to hosting indoor games of tennis, volleyball and basketball, the gymnasium will also serve as a hurricane shelter. Construction is expected to begin within the next two weeks and is anticipated to take three to four months to complete.

Click here to read more

NEMA conducts an after-action review of Hurricane Joaquin's impact

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in collaboration with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) conducted an After-Action Review (AAR) of Hurricane Joaquin's impact on The Bahamas at NEMA's headquarters, Gladstone Road, January 15, 2016.

Hurricane Joaquin hit The Bahamas during the month of October 2015 affecting Crooked Island, Acklins, Long Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador. The After Action Review (AAR) was conducted with the purpose of improving preparedness and response following the impact of a hazard, by examining the actions taken before, during and after the impact.

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Transforming Spaces Art Tour changing it up for 2016

The Transforming Spaces Committee is pleased to announce plans for its 2016 Art Tour entitled 'SWELL - Community + Collaboration' which will take place Saturday and Sunday, March 12 and 13.

Now in its twelfth year, Transforming Spaces has been a significant component in the development of visual art in New Providence having catered to over 4,000 persons from The Bahamas and abroad. Every year Transforming Spaces has redefined its mission to promote local artists, reflect current trends in Bahamian art, and expose and educate patrons to the inner workings of the Bahamian art industry while challenging both artists and audiences to create and perceive art in new and innovative ways.

Click here to read more

At the Movies - Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip

One of the taglines for this movie: Boys On the Hood. Through a series of misunderstandings three foster children believe that their foster father is going to propose to his new girlfriend in another part of the country and dump them in the process. They have three days to travel across the country to stop the proposal and save themselves from losing him with the help of the girlfriend's teenage son, who they do not want as a stepbrother.

THEY MADE A FOURTH ONE! WWWHHHHYYYY?????!!!!!! I just had to get that out of my system. This is actually better than the third movie... I mean it is still not a movie I will be recommending you run out to see in the theaters, but it is an improvement.

Click here to read more

Second annual 'Tour de Grand Bahama' cycling event set for February 27-28

The 2nd Annual Tour de Grand Bahama was announced during a press conference at the Ministry of Tourism on Tuesday, January 19. According to Nuvolari Chotoosingh, manager of the Ministry of Tourism's Sports Department, the event will be held on Saturday, February 27 and Sunday, February 28, 2016.

He said, "cycling is for everyone" and they want to encourage everyone to participate. He added that if anyone wishes to host an event such as this, where they are inviting visitors to our shores, they should contact the Ministry of Tourism.

Click here to read more

Dog Days is back with local grassroots feel

Support for the second annual Dog Days event, which takes place April 9, 2016, has international support to help make it even bigger and better! This year's Dog Day's Half Marathon will be sponsored by Purina, one of the leading dog food manufacturers in the USA, helping runners, joggers, walkers and of course dogs to take to the roads of Grand Bahama.

Participants of all ages and even four-legged friends are encouraged to participate in this fun filled day. The second annual Dog Days will include a much asked for 10K and Health Expo after the races. All races will begin and end at Bahamas Adventures beach club, in the Freeport/Lucaya area.

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 2016 - Click HERE to view the official list.

Rugby Fans - Click HERE for the schedule up to June 4.

January 21: Bahamas Economic Outlook (BEO) - at Atlantis under the theme 'Inequality - Addressing the Global Imbalance.' Click HERE to read more.

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: Dri Tri - A first in The Bahamas! Unique kind of indoor triathlon, click HERE to read more.

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 5-6: Seahorse Institute's 4th Annual Rummage sale - St. Paul's Church Hall, Lyford Cay. Donations wanted, click HERE!

February 6: Historic Bahamas Fair - at Collins House. Click HERE for all the info.

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.

March 9-13: National Agricultural, Marine Resources & Agribusiness Expo - at the Expo site on Gladstone Road. Click HERE to read more.

March 12-13: Transforming Spaces Art Tour - 12th annual event with some new twists in 2016. Click HERE to read more.

April 16: Chris Brown Bahamas Invitational - is back! At the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium. Click HERE to read more.

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

July 2-3: Cycling - Road race and time trials. Check with Cycles Unlimited for info.

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 21: The "Thursday Club" - 7pm at the Sailing Club. Social for all with food, drink and Ozzie Hall and Friends with their very own brand of jazz/Latin fusion. $10 cover. GBSC Facebook page for info.

January 23: Jonathan Gouthro Golf Tournament - A Rotary Club of GB Sunrise scholarship fundraiser at the Reef Golf Course, 8:30am. Click HERE to view the poster for registration details.

January 23: Junior Junkanoo - POSTPONED due weather until February 20.

January 25: BAH-LLELUJAH: It's A Cultural Experience - Grand opening at Pelican Bay Hotel, Canal House, Delphine's Room, 7:30 pm. Contact Marlane Knowles, ASAPH Music Company Limited at 727-8102.

January 29: St. Paul's Women's Fellowship Pre-Valentine's Dinner - Under the Theme: It's All About Love. At St. Paul's Church in the fellowship hall, 7 p.m. Tickets: $30.

January 30: The Sound of Harmony 6 - 'Let All the People Praise Him" featuring the Bahama Brass Band with Special Guest Artists: The Cooling Water, The Orchestral School of Music and more. Under the patronage of The Right Hon. Perry Christie and Mrs. Christie at the Grand Lucayan Ballroom, 7pm. Tickets at D's Shoe Repair and Seventeen Shop.

January 30: Chamber of Commerce's Annual Installation of Officers Banquet - At the Grand Bahama Sailing Club, 7pm. Call 352-8329 for tickets.

February 6: Art Class with Angela Siska - at Garden of the Groves Saturdays for 4 weeks with an exhibition March 13. Click HERE to view the poster for details.

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 13: No Fleas Flea Market/Boot Sale - Bake Sale/Microchip clinic at the Humane Society of Grand Bahama on Coral Rd. Click HERE to view the poster.

February 15: 5th Annual George L. Cumberbatch Lecture - at the First Baptist Church. Guest Speaker is the Hon. Janet G. Bostwick, who will speak on the topic, "Women in Leadership." Call 350-7420 for info.

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 20: Junior Junkanoo - NEW DATE. Downtown Freeport, 5pm. FREE!

February 20: LIS International Food and Culture Festival - Lucaya International School 2-10 p.m.

February 20: St. Paul's School 50th Anniversary Banquet - At The Chateau on the Green, 7 p.m. Call 352-6225.

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.

March 3: Grand Bahama Business Outlook - TCL events has all the info - http://tclevents.com/

March 5: 31st Annual Dog Show - at the Humane Society of Grand Bahama grounds on Coral Rd. 10am-4pm. Click HERE to view the poster.

March 12: 'Coffee in the Garden' - Lucaya Presbyterian Church annual coffee & silent auction to aid the Church's outreach ministry. Tickets: $20 and can be purchased from committee members. Contact info@lucayachurch.com or 727.2568.

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

December 2: Festival Noel - Grand Bahama's #1 holiday season event! Save the date.

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 23: Pete's 22nd Annual 50th Birthday Party - at Pete's Pub, Little Harbour, ABACO.

January 23: 2016 BASRA event - at the Abaco Inn. Neil Diamond Tribute by well-known singer Conner Lorre from Atlanta. Cocktails at 6pm; Dinner at 7pm. Tickets: $150 (VAT not Included). 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, HERE to view the schedule.

February 20: Man-O-War Annual Flea Market - ABACO. Run by the Man-O-War Cay Primary School. Click HERE to view the poster.

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 17-19: Just for Laughs. Comedy Club - 3 nights of comedy at various ABACO locations. Click HERE to view the poster.

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. Registration now OPEN!

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

May 20-22: The Dunmore Cup - All Species Fishing Tournament benefiting the Dunmore School, Harbour Island, ELEUTHERA. Hosted by Romora Bay Resort & Marina. Phone 242-333-2325.

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.

July 23: Seagillian Cycling Fest - SPANISH WELLS.

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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Long Island schools receive facelift from holiday travellers

Hurricane ravaged schools in Long Island benefited from the community service of The Domestic Tourist and a group of island hoppers this Majority Rule Holiday, as the crew travelled to the island for a weekend of giving back.

The travellers donated their time to paint lunch benches at Mooresville Primary School in south Long Island and the exterior walls at Simms Primary School in the north, jobs which would have cost the cash strapped schools hundreds of dollars. Morrisville was the last school to open in Long Island after Hurricane Joaquin. Both schools suffered major water damage and lost electronics and other school supplies. The entire computer lab at Morrisville was wiped out.

"Harambee is an East African (Swahili) call to action; it is a rallying cry for the community to pull together. We use the call to action to rally the children of The Indaba Project, a community based organisation I am a part of," said Noelle Khalila, owner of The Domestic Tourist, an innovative publishing and marketing lifestyle company dedicated to promoting travel throughout the Islands of The Bahamas.

The company kicked off its 2016 season of travel by introducing the first in a series of all-inclusive thematic trips planned for this year. The Domestic Tourist Harambee Weekend combines community service with island adventure. In addition to working at the schools, the group explored Long Island, visiting Hamilton's Cave, Columbus Harbour and Turtle Creek and Dean's Blue Hole, bringing much needed economic activity to the island.

"I was inspired by the work we do at The Indaba Project and decided to launch the inaugural Domestic Tourist Harambee Weekend, which is all about pulling together and travelling with a purpose. Every year we invite seasoned and aspiring island hoppers to join us on the Majority Rule Holiday for a weekend of giving back," said Noelle Khalila.

Click here to read more