Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL V. No. 35, January 28, 2016

This week in Bahama Islands Info

National News

Nassau News

Grand Bahama News

Family Islands & Abaco News

Arts & Entertainment News

Column: At the Movies

Sports News

This week's featured article

U.S. Embassy announces winners of 10th Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. nationwide essay contest

The United States Embassy in Nassau is pleased to announce the winners 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.

The contest attracted participation from high school students throughout New Providence, Grand Bahama and the Family Islands. This year's theme came from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s famous speech entitled, I Have a Dream where Dr. King shared his dream of a world where all people lived in peace and harmony. Students nationwide were asked to write an essay about how peace and harmony could be achieved in The Bahamas.

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BJC/BGCSE award honourees praised for achieving 'optimum results'

Minister of Education, Science and Technology the Hon. Jerome Fitzgerald told award honourees at the 2015 BJC and BGCSE National Awards Presentation Ceremony that they have shown they were willing to make sacrifices and organise their activities to allow time for them to complete their studies with optimum results.

"Just know that this is only the beginning of a lifetime of hard work and dedication. A lifetime of success and luck awaits you if you continue to prepare and be diligent," Minister Fitzgerald said at the ceremony at the Church of God Convention Centre, Monday, January 25.

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Bahamas High Commissioner to Canada meets new Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau

The Bahamas High Commissioner to Canada His Excellency Dr. Calsey Johnson, second left, captured a moment in time with the photo taken recently during a dinner hosted by Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, pictured right, on Parliament Hill, Downtown Ottawa, Canada.

Prime Minister Trudeau is the son of famous former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, and the second youngest to assume office as prime minister of Canada, at the age of 43.

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First black female president of the American Bar Association calls on Deputy Prime Minister

Paulette Brown, first black female president of the American Bar Association (ABA), made a courtesy call on the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Urban Development the Hon. Philip Davis, on Thursday, January 21, 2016.

Ms. Brown was among other officials participating in the 4th Annual Arbitration and Investment Summit-Caribbean, Latin American and other Emerging Markets, which opens Friday, January 22 at the Harry C. Moore Library, College of The Bahamas (COB). Also present was the Hon. Arnold Forbes, Minister of State in the Ministry of Works and Urban Development and Dr. Peter Maynard, head of the Law Department at the College of The Bahamas.

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U.S. Embassy provides cyber crime training for the Royal Bahamas Police Force

In an effort to bolster The Bahamas' ability to prevent and respond to cyber-attacks, the U.S. Embassy's International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Section, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) collaborated to deliver cyber-crime training for 16 RBPF Officers January 19-21 in Nassau.

The cyber vulnerability assessment course, attended by RBPF cyber investigators and forensics specialists, was made possible through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) to combat transnational crime that threatens regional security.

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WSC shows their support to Sister Sister with corporate giving challenge

Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) once again showed their support for the Sister Sister breast cancer organisation by donating proceeds from their annual Bake for the Cure bake sale. The bake sale is hosted by WSC's Sporting and Social Club and is their way of giving back to those in need.

"It is our corporate responsibility based on our mission statement, 'Committed to Growth, Committed to Quality', to give of ourselves, to grow beyond ourselves and to improve the quality of life for women who are facing the challenges of cancer in our country," said Ingrid Strachan, President of WSC's Sporting and Social Club.

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Passengers fully using the services of Lignum Club at LPIA

Passengers traveling through the Domestic/International Terminal at Lynden Pindling International Airport are finding that the newly-opened Lignum Club is meeting all their expectations as they await flights to their respective destinations.

Staff members of the Ministry of Tourism on Thursday, January 14, 2016 got first-hand view and experience of the modern facility, experienced the hospitality of employees at the Club's lounge, and received feedback from passengers awaiting their flight. Members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force were also given a tour of the facilities.

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Caves Village Veterinary Hospital announces raffle winner

Dayne D'Aguilar was announced the grand prize winner of the Open House Raffle at the Caves Village Veterinary Hospital, the newest member of the Palmdale Veterinary Group. Dr. Valentino Grant, a partner in the Palmdale Vet Group, presented Mr. D'Aguilar, with his grand prize in a short presentation at the Caves Village location.

A pet-parent of five dogs and a horse named Encore, D'Aguilar received a $500 gift certificate redeemable for any veterinary services offered by the group including routine examinations, vaccinations, dentistry, ophthalmology, advanced diagnostics and radiology.

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Easy Eco Cars redefines the automobile with the Nissan Leaf 100% electric vehicle

It was more than the lush landscaping bringing green to Parliament Square this week - and it wasn't politics, either. It was the public square unveiling of the Nissan LEAF, a 100% electric vehicle, a snazzy, sporty car that defies the old image of the stodgy plug-in.

The LEAF, the world's top-selling electric car of all time, hits speeds of 60 in under 10 seconds, burns no fossil fuel and emits zero pollutants. And in front of the House of Assembly, it attracted the attention of officials like a star arriving on the red carpet. Among the admirers -- Supreme Court Justice Stephen Isaacs who slid into the passenger seat and Minister of the Environment and Housing Kenred Dorsett.

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GBPC 2016-2018 rate submission approved

The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) is pleased to announce the approval of The Grand Bahama Power Company's (GBPC) revised rate application. The new rate structure will take effect February 1, 2016 and result in clear savings for all of GBPC customers and a stabilization of costs to consumers.

After having the consultation period extended from 1 December, 2015 to 15 January, 2016 and receiving valuable input from stakeholders, GBPC revised their original rate application proposing additional changes resulting in all customers seeing a decrease in the amount of money they are paying for their total power bill. We required the GBPC to focus on low income residential customers, the deferral of future generation investment and the introduction of renewables to their energy mix.

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Entrepreneur Billie Bowe inspires debutantes to strive for excellence

As a teenage girl, Billie Bowe made her formal debut in society as a debutante, an experience she said has helped mold her into the business professional she is today. Recently, the entrepreneur had the opportunity to see her debutante journey go full circle, being invited to mentor this year's debutantes leading up to their formal presentation in May.

Mrs Bowe, president and CEO of Benchmark Consulting Services, recently spoke to debutantes and their escorts about career development and entrepreneurship. Through the presentation, she offered success principles to assist the teenagers with their transition from high school into college and the workforce.

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Sustainable fisheries the topic for EARTHCARE Eco Kids class

On January 23rd, 2016, the topic for the EARTHCARE Eco Kids was Sustainable Fisheries. David Rose, veteran commercial fisherman of 40+ years addressed the EARTHCARE Eco Kids at the Kevin Tomlinson Academy.

David spoke about Man's Effect on Nature by the unrestricted use of light and sound, overfishing the Little Bahama Bank, the use of National Parks and enforcement, the passing of laws on sharks and turtles when they should be passing laws on lobster fishing, limiting the season, protecting large lobster of 5 lbs+ as breeders."

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Outstanding Grand Bahama businessman Edgar J. Outten Jr laid to rest

One of the most successful black Bahamian businessmen and a key figure in the development of Grand Bahama Island, Edgar J. Outten Jr. was laid to rest this past Saturday. The celebration marking the life of the late Mr. Outten was held at the Community at Heart Tabernacle Church of God of Prophecy on Coral Road, Freeport.

Prime Minister the Right Hon. Perry Gladstone Christie headed a list of senior Government officials attending the service and paying his respects to the family. Mr. Outten was born January 20, 1936 at Little Caicos in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and passed away back on January 5th 2016.

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Save The Bays Youth Environment Ambassador leadership program enters third year at 100% oversubscribed

They lined up by the dozens - teenagers eager to sign on, ready to trade chilling out two Saturdays a month for the right to become leaders in environmental stewardship. They were the hopefuls trying to secure one of the sought-after spots in one of the most popular programs in The Bahamas - Youth Environmental Ambassadors (YEA).

Now entering its third year, the popular semi-monthly training that runs from mid-January to the end of May is sponsored by Save The Bays, the fast-growing environmental organization with nearly 20,000 Facebook friends. YEA also receives grant support from RBC for the training of facilitators through an international award-winning program.

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Hawksbill Creek Agreement Review Committee launches website

Appointed by the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister to review and make recommendations on the expiring exemptions under the Hawksbill Creek Agreement and economic revitalization of Freeport and Grand Bahama Island, as part of the initiative, the Hawksbill Creek Agreement Review Committee has launched a website and a Facebook Page.

Online visitors will be able to browse and review The Hawksbill Creek Agreement itself, the outline and mandate for the review and the process it entails. The website allows the experience of a vibrant and seamless process.

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Major infrastructure improvements begin on Moore's Island

The Government has begun comprehensive infrastructure upgrade on Moore's Island. The estimated $5-6 million developments are expected to transform the quaint and tranquil fishing community, replacing 30-year-old infrastructure, and preparing it for the 21st century.

Road works, expansion of the airport runway, repairs to the seawall, replacement of water mains, and a new airport terminal and sports facility are among the projects.

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Governor General visits Crooked Island and Acklins

Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling, Governor General, visited Acklins on Monday, January 25, 2016 as part of a review of islands impacted by Hurricane Joaquin last October. She visited Acklins and Crooked Island the same day, meeting with government officials and speaking with residents.

Photo: The Governor General, accompanied by V. Alfred Gray, Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, met with Willis McKinney, Retired Administrator and Present Elder of the Seventh Day Adventist Church whose home was damaged during the passage of Hurricane Joaquin in October 2015.

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Two Bahamian hospitality veterans join Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina

As the historic Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina completes its final phase of a $6 million-plus renovation, resort owners have announced the appointment of two Bahamian senior level managers.

Larry Williams from Nassau, a 20-year hotel industry veteran, joins the Big Game Club Resort & Marina as General Manager for the popular 51-room resort. Pedro Miller from Grand Bahama joins the Bimini Big Game Club as Director of Operations, overseeing resort and guest service operations and finances.

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BTC's FLOW TV reaches Inagua

After launching in Bimini last year November, the roll-out of Bahamas Telecommunications newest product, FLOW TV is progressing steadily, with Inagua being the second island to launch the product. Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) packages became available to customers in Inagua on December 15th with Cat Island, Long Island and parts of Andros testing for their own approaching launches.

Colette Godfrey, BTC's Senior Product Development Associate with responsibility for Broadband and FLOW TV has been overseeing the roll-out in the Family Islands and says that the response has been very positive, especially in Inagua.

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4th annual Patrick Davis Hope Town Songwriters Festival takes over Elbow Cay February 16-21

It's one of the most anticipated annual events on Elbow Cay, where people from around the world come to enjoy warm weather, sea breezes and performances by some of Nashville's best musical talents. The Fourth Annual Patrick Davis Hope Town Songwriters Festival will be held February 16 - 21, 2016, at locations on Elbow Cay and Lubber's Quarters Cay.

The festival will take place over six days at six one-of-a-kind venues with more than 15 talented Nashville-based singer/songwriters. Locations include Firefly Sunset Resort, Harbour's Edge Restaurant, Abaco Inn, Sea Spray Resort and Marina, Hope Town Inn and Marina, and Lubbers' Landing Resort. All of the week's events are free and open to the public.

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A Caribbean perspective on Junkanoo

Introduction by Gregory Christie:

Junkanoo has probably the most diverse following throughout the Caribbean and the perspective, and here in the Bahamas it is paramount to Sunday worship at the Church of your choice.

This past Christmas season my niece Kristie Smith came home with her fianc� who got a chance to experience first-hand, for the first time, Junkanoo. His perspective captured in the commentary that follows is an insight into how our premier cultural expose is viewed elsewhere in the Caribbean. Osbourne Chin is a Sustainable Tourism professional with the Ministry of Tourism in Jamaica.

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Bahamas Artisan Connection launches organization with seminar

Giving local artisans a leg up on international competition is the name of the game for The Bahamas' first privately coordinated co-op for local creatives. The Bahamas Artisan Connection (BAC), founded by Chevette Williamson, Chelsea Johnson and Dandria Miller, aims to educate and empower local artisans in all aspects of business as an intricate support system for its members.

And what better way to kick off its first year that with a membership drive and seminar. The one-day intensive set for January 30 at the British Colonial Hilton is geared toward creative entrepreneurs and aspiring artisans. Williamson, a 10-year veteran in the field, anticipates a good turnout and hopes that The Bahamas will embrace BAC for all it can do to help entrepreneurs.

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Transforming Spaces Art Tour reveals plans for TS2016 'SWELL - Community + Collaboration'

The Transforming Spaces Committee held a press conference on Friday, January 22, at the Towne Hotel to explain its mission and to introduce its new branding campaign whilst announcing plans for the new and exciting TS2016 Art Tour entitled "SWELL - Community + Collaboration" scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, March 12 and 13, 2016.

Recently incorporated as a non-profit organization headed by founding members: Jay Koment, President; John Cox, Vice President; Antonius Roberts, Treasurer; and Pam Burnside, Secretary, the organization's mission of educating the public about Bahamian art; exposing, promoting and supporting local artists; challenging artists to think and create in innovative ways; exposing current trends in Bahamian art as well as in the international arena; dialoguing and collaborating with art communities regionally and internationally; and raising funds to support these programmes was outlined.

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At the Movies - Ride Along 2

One of the taglines for this movie: Training Day Is Over. The former high school security guard and now police officer heads to another city with soon-to-be brother-in-law police detective to help on a case. While they are there they will find out more about each other and help the local law enforcement with a drug dealer getting ready to expand his operation on a global scale.

Ben Barber is a police officer fresh out of the academy who wants to prove to his future brother-in-law that he has the drive and intuition to be a great police detective. James Payton is an Atlanta police detective who is trying to uncover the drug dealer in Miami supplying illegal narcotics to the criminals in his city and uses this trip to test Ben's determination. Maya Cruz is a homicide detective in Miami who has a current investigation which may be connected to the case James & Ben have come to her city to investigate. A.J. is a computer hacker working for Antonio Pope to encrypt his information, but when he starts skimming money from his employer's illegal activities it is only a matter of time before he becomes a target.

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Bahamian track and field star shares winning tips with LPGA players

Bahamian National Champion and 400 meters National Record Holder, Steven Gardiner, took time out to share his track and field training techniques and winning tips to three of the female golfers competing in the $1.4 million dollar purse Pure Silk Bahamas Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Classic. The Golf Tournament is being held, January 28-31, 2016 at the Ocean Club Golf Course on Paradise Island and features 108 of the top female golfers in the world.

Twenty year-old Gardiner, who stands at 6 ft. 5 inches tall, will compete in the 400 meters and 4x100 relay for the Islands of The Bahamas at the Summer Olympics Track and Field competition being held August 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He plans to break his 400 meters National Record of 44.27 seconds.

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Group does running double take on marathon day

The 26.2 miles offered last Sunday by Marathon Bahamas was not enough for local running club the Nassau Hash House Harriers (NH3). After taking third place in the co-ed relay and other runners completing the half marathon, the group of 20 departed Arawak Cay for a four mile dash around the Fort Charlotte area. Sunday is the set day for the club's weekly run so the event had to go on despite sore legs from miles undertaken earlier that day.

The NH3 has been supporting Marathon Bahamas since its inception. They can be found beachside near the finish line relaxing under a tent with breakfast on the grill while they wait for their runners to come in. Each runner is decked out in their sponsor's gear, Sands Beer, and is handed a "hydration can" to carry across the finish line.

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Students interact with LPGA in golf clinic at Ocean Club

For young Bahamian budding golfers, learning the game from professional golfers on the world-famous Tom Weiskopf-designed Ocean Club Golf Course on Paradise Island was a double treat. On Tuesday, January 26, 2016, about 40 students from public, private and home-schooled institutions were coached in basic techniques by Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic participants Bahamian Georgette Rolle, Brittany Lincicome, Florida and Kris Tamulis, Florida.

Samantha Hepburn, a grade 6 student of Blairwood Academy was happy to learn such basic golfing techniques like golf grip, golf swing, golf follow-through and perfect putting.

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BNT Conchservation relay teams run Marathon Bahamas

The Bahamas National Trust's 'Conchservation' campaign fielded three relay teams in the Marathon Bahamas event this past weekend (January 16-17) in an effort to build public support for a sustainable conch fishery.

Marathon Bahamas, organised on New Providence by Sunshine Insurance for the past seven years, was recently named one of the best races in the world by top British magazine, Runner's World. Scores of runners from around the world competed in Nassau over two days in a 26-mile marathon, a 13-mile half-marathon, a 3-mile run/walk, and a 26-mile relay race.

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Government officials play golf with world's leading LPGA players

Government officials from The Bahamas and the People's Republic of China took time out to play golf with some of the world's leading ladies golf players as part of the fourth edition of the Pure Silk Bahamas Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Classic.

Among this year's participants were His Excellency, Yuan Guisen, Ambassador to the People's Republic of China, the Hon. Shane Gibson, Minister of Labour and National Insurance and the Hon. Dr. Daniel Johnson, Minister of Youth, Sports & Culture. They were part of a four-member team coached and led by golf professionals.

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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 2016 - Click HERE to view the official list.

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

January 28 - February 6: Stepping Stone Quilters 'Quilt Show' - 10am-4pm daily including Sunday, Trinity Methodist Church, Frederick Street. FREE!

January 30: Dri Tri - A first in The Bahamas! Unique kind of indoor triathlon at Bahamas Medical Centre, click HERE to read more.

January 30: Bahamas Artisan Connection - membership drive and seminar at the British Colonial Hilton. 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.

January 31: Dion Cunningham in Piano Recital - 5:30pm at St Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Lyford Cay. Click HERE to view the poster for complete details.

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

February 6: Teen Summit - Embracing the Potential Within - at the Myles Munroe Diplomatic Centre 9am-1pm. FREE for the first 100 students. Click HERE for registration info and topics.

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

February 6: Seminar - Raising Responsible and Resilient Teenagers - at the Myles Munroe Diplomatic Centre, 1-3pm. Click HERE to view the poster for info.

February 14: Potcakeman Super Sprint Triathlon - Team event. 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.

January 14-15, 2017: Marathon Bahamas - Full, half, relay and 5K weekend.
http://marathonbahamas.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

January 28: Grand Bahama Stroke Group Monthly Meeting - Mary Star Auditorium beginning at 7 p.m.

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

January 30: Jonathan Gouthro Golf Tournament - RESCHEDULED! 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 30: Lights & Sound Workshop - For those interested in the technical aspect, at the Regency Theatre from 2-4pm, FREE.

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: YARD Group Social - All theatre enthusiasts welcome. Click HERE to view the poster for complete details.

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: St. Jude's Anglican Church Outreach Ministries Fun Run/Walk - in the Name of Love. Leaving from Lucaya Shopping Plaza beginning at 6 a.m. Registration is $15.

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 10: 4th Annual To Have & To Hold Bridal Show - Grand Lucayan Ballroom 4-8 p.m. Contact Davina Rutherford at 727-5240.

April 16: Hair Fashion & Talent Extravaganza -

At Our Lucaya. @ 7 p.m. For more information contact 353-7101 or 646-2000.

May 30: Hugh W. Campbell Primary School P.T.A.'s 3rd Annual Fun Day & Fair - 3-10 p.m. Food, fun, and entertainment including live performances by various local artists.

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 28-29: Shere Khan Concert - Hope Town, ABACO. Acappela group from Princeton. 1pm Th, 6pm Fri at St. James Methodist Church, $10.

January 30: Pete's 22nd Annual 50th Birthday Party - RESCHEDULED! At Pete's Pub, Little Harbour, ABACO.

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

June 23: One ELEUTHERA Sports Games - 11 sports in the planning. Click HERE to read more.

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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Grand Bahama bird count unites local birders and visitors

For the past 15 years Grand Bahama Island has participated in what has become known as "Christmas Bird Count" a census that began 115 years ago in the United States and now includes Canada and the Bahamas.

Between December 15th and January 5th birds are counted within a circle of 15 miles from sunrise to sunset.

This year over 60,000 participants observed and recorded birds in their respective countries thereby contributing valuable information to the longest running database in ornithology.

The primary objective of the annual count is to monitor the status and distribution of bird populations across the Western Hemisphere. When results of the count are entered into the Audubon database we begin to gain a clearer picture how bird populations have changed over the years.

The information is also vital for conservation. For example, local trends in bird populations can indicate habitat fragmentation or signal an immediate environmental threat, such as groundwater contamination or poisoning from extensive use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers.

Click here to read more