Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL V. No. 38, February 18, 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

Feedback: Letter to the Editor

This week's featured article

All handwritten Bahamas passports null and void February 19

The general public is advised that as of 19 February 2016 all handwritten Bahamas passports will be canceled and become null and void. All those in possession of those passports should immediately surrender them and obtain an electronic passport.

This public advisory is another reminder as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had issued public notices to this effect last year. Please be so advised.

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PM at Historic Bahamas Foundation Fair: 'We must remember and honour our rich history'

In an initial effort to link the past with the future, goods with goodwill, the first Historic Bahamas Foundation Fair drew hundreds to the grounds of Collins House February 6, raising nearly $15,000 with proceeds to various charities and restoration of stone steps at an historic site, The Hermitage in Cat Island.

"The Hermitage on Cat Island is one of the many manifestations of our rich history," said Prime Minister Perry Christie who officially opened the event. "It is critically important that the Government of The Bahamas and NGOs like the Historic Bahamas Foundation work closely together to share that history, to preserve and to ensure that our young people appreciate their heritage and honour it."

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Salvation Army presents NEMA with refrigerators and stoves for hurricane relief

The Salvation Army presented the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) with 19 refrigerators and 19 stoves for residents who lost household items during the passage of Category 4 Hurricane Joaquin through the Central and Southeast Bahamas in October 2015.

The handover was done on Monday, February 15, 2016 at CostRight Wholesale Club in the Town Centre Mall, where the appliances were purchased.

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More aggressive marketing assured for financial services sector

Practitioners in the Financial Services sector were reassured of the Government's commitment to the survival of the sector. During a luncheon hosted by the Bahamas Chapter of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), Minister of Financial Services the Hon. Hope Strachan gave 'An Overview of Current Events in the Financial Services Sector' at the British Colonial Hilton, February 15, 2016.

"I am aware of the many concerns that you have about the industry and the tremendous challenges that confront us on an ongoing basis due to external pressures," said Minister Strachan. "I am certain that what you would want today is reassurance: reassurance, that the Financial Services Industry will survive and that your investment in your education will translate into sustainable jobs and opportunities."

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WSC listening to their consumers, offering referral incentive for faithful customers

On the heels of their successful Win Back Campaign, the Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) has launched their Customer Referral Program after listening to the requests of their faithful customers. Customers participating in the referral program will receive $25 off their water bill when they get their friends and family to 'ditch the well' and switch to city water service.

"Here at WSC we have been working extremely hard to improve our services and quality for our clients," said Visna Armbrister, WSC Public Affairs Manager. "As a result, we are actively encouraging people to give us a try, and our referral program is just another method we are using to reach potential customers and to reward our loyal ones."

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High school students learn that Ivy League universities are not out of reach

Although not one Bahamian government school student has ever applied to enter Yale University, tenth and eleventh grade students of Doris Johnson Senior High School learned Wednesday that it is possible to attend the Ivy League institution located in Connecticut and other American universities.

Yale University graduate and American Diplomat John Ford joined students in the school's Guidance Department's Career Chat Room where he addressed them on college readiness. Mr. Ford and representatives of the US Embassy in The Bahamas are promoting the message to public school students that college is possible for them and so too is attending Yale University.

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Sign unveiled for Multi-Service Centre for Adults with Developmental Disabilities, Gladstone Road

Calling it "the awesome power of love in action," Minister of Social Services and Community Development the Hon. Melanie Griffin commended all who made possible the official unveiling on Saturday of a new sign on Gladstone Road that reads: "Coming Soon: Multi-Service Centre for Adults with Developmental Disabilities."

Accompanied by members of the disabled community, parents, supporters, service organizations, and government ministries, Minister Griffin unveiled the sign to much jubilee at the pre-Valentine's Day 'Youth Advocacy Grill Out and Social Outreach' celebration.

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COBUS donates to Hurricane Joaquin relief

Staff, faculty and members of the College of The Bahamas Union of Students (COBUS) teamed up to raise funds for those students who suffered during the passage of the Category 4 Hurricane Joaquin in the Central and Southeast Bahamas in October 2015.

About 149 COB students from Acklins, Crooked Island and Long Island were affected and several fund-raising events were held to assist them as they recovered from the devastation. A total of $1,363.95 was raised.

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Prime Minister Christie gives communication to Parliament on Hawksbill Creek Extension of Tax Exemption Period Amendment Bill 2016

"At the outset of my contribution to the debate on the Bill now before us to extend for three months the expiring concessions under the Hawksbill Creek Agreement I should point out that this extension will allow my Government the time needed to conclude a set of important arrangements to further strengthen and expand the economy of Grand Bahama.

When my administration took office less than four years ago, the economy of Grand Bahama was depressed with high unemployment and resultant economic hardships. From then until now we have put in place a series of initiatives and created the environment not only to turn the economy around but to secure future growth.

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EARTHCARE's Gail Woon talks about mangroves to Save The Bays Youth Environmental Ambassadors

On February 13th, 2016, Save The Bays invited Gail Woon, Founder of EARTHCARE and a Director of Save The Bays share her work with the Save The Bays Youth Environmental Ambassadors 2016. The students were listening with rapt attention at the YMCA, learning about science, the Bahamian environment and mangroves.

Ms. Woon spoke about the myriad of advantages that mangroves have for the planet, such as being a valuable marine nursery for marine creatures especially the commercially important finfish, lobster and conch; protection from storms, hurricanes and storm surge; mangroves building land; and most importantly that they serve as plants that stave off the effects of climate change by absorbing some of the excess carbon that man is spewing into the atmosphere among others. Ms. Woon led the YEA students in exciting experiments which illustrated various aspects of science.

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Bale�ria Caribbean adding new ship to the Fort Lauderdale-Freeport line

On Thursday, February 11, the ship Jaume I, owned by the company Bale�ria Caribbean, arrived at the Port of Freeport from Spain in order to be used for the connection between Fort Lauderdale and Freeport. Once the ship has passed all of the necessary technical inspections, it is expected to replace the ship Pinar del R�o so the company can offer more passenger capacity and comfort since the new ship has capacity for 600 passengers (150 more people) and better onboard features.

The fast ferry Jaume I is 78 meters length and 26 meters beam and can sail at a maximum speed of 32 knots. The shipping company carried more than 145,000 people last year which is an increase of 15% over the year before.

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Reconstruction to begin on Crooked Island, San Salvador, Long Island post Hurricane Joaquin

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the National Repairs and Reconstruction Unit (NRRU) issued contracts for the rebuilding of homes on Crooked Island, San Salvador and Long Island, the areas hardest hit by Category 4 Hurricane Joaquin in October 2015.

On Thursday and Friday, February 11 and 12, 2016, Captain Stephen Russell, Director of NEMA, and Melanie Roach, head of the NRRU, travelled to those islands to have local contractors sign contracts and to issue their mobilization cheques, materials distribution lists, building plans and building code manuals. The shipping of building materials begins the week of February 15 and it is estimated that once all supplies are in place, it would take eight to nine weeks to complete each home.

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NEMA awards two contracts for Acklins reconstruction

Two building contractors were awarded contracts to construct homes on Acklins, one of the islands severely impacted by the Category 4 Hurricane Joaquin in October 2015.

The contracts, valued at an estimated $41,000 for each single bedroom-home, were signed during a press conference at NEMA on Gladstone Road and NEMA's Way, Wednesday, February 10, 2016. The contractors awarded the jobs were Arthel B Gibson and Steven W Rose to rebuild the homes in Mason's Bay and Salina Point, respectively.

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Resorts World Bimini donates equipment to Bimini clinic

Bimini's primary health care facility will soon be better equipped to meet the needs of the island's residents and visitors thanks to a generous donation by Resorts World Bimini. The Resort is donating over $16,000 worth of equipment and supplies to the Bimini Community Clinic, a gift which medical professionals say will go a long way in enabling them to deliver quality health care services to the island.

"On behalf of the Public Health Care team here in Bimini, I am delighted to accept this gift of essential items for the clinic," said Dr. Keysha Smith. "These items will go a long way in providing services which we might not have been able to provide from our own resources. Naturally, we would like on behalf of the Department of Public Health and the Ministry of Health to thank Resorts World Bimini for this gesture."

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Films of Sir Sidney Poitier to be shown on ZNS

The Cabinet Office is pleased to announce that in honour of the March To Majority Rule, the films of Sir Sidney Poitier, the award winning Bahamian actor, will be shown on ZNS TV as follows:

- Guess Who's Coming To Dinner - Thursday, February 18th @ 9:00pm
- To Sir With Love - Friday, February 19th @ 9:00pm
- Buck And The Preacher - Saturday, February 20th @ 9:00pm

The films were chosen as a cross section of his works. The first film " NO Way Out" was the catalyst in 1950 for the formation of the Citizens Committee which came together to overturn the ban on the film being shown in The Bahamas because of its race theme.

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'A Familiar Walk' takes on cancer with corporate partners

Companies at the forefront of helping to fund cancer research and patient care have come together to share their stories of the battle against this deadly disease, in the latest episode of the renowned ZNS show 'A Familiar Walk'. Host Mario Newry takes a look at a health condition all too familiar to families globally, and recounts his mother's lost fight with the disease.

On the show, Mr. Newry is joined at the site of the annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure by Peter Capote and Eddy Cubas of United Parcel Service (UPS). UPS has been a sponsor of Sunshine Insurance's 'Race Weekend' from its inception, and according to Mr. Capote UPS and Bahamas Couriers Limited (BCL) have made a sincere commitment to improving the lives of Bahamians, through such partnerships.

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'Go Fly A Kite!' at College of The Bahamas

Beginning COB architecture students have created some innovative kites to hone their design, sketching and model-making skills while lending color and whimsy to the COB SMPT outdoor corridors come gallery in T Block. Visitors are welcome!

The students will fly their kites on an appropriately windy day in March, with first prize going to the kite that flies the highest, and in an effort to encourage kite-flying in The Bahamas.

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Kevin G. Tomlinson Afterschool Academy gears up for mid-term program

The ICAN Child of Destiny Mid-Term Program is geared toward the development of student's artistic abilities. Students will be introduced to character building skills, and personal empowerment. They will be exposed to four main areas of self-awareness: CURIOSITY, COURAGE, CONFIDENCE, and CREATIVITY. They will be able to be free and explore their creative sides during the preparation for daily performances.

The coordinators of this program will consist of all young people. These young adults are some of the most talented in Grand Bahama, who all share a deep love and appreciation for the arts. Their dedication and level of excitement are outstanding.

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At the Movies: How To Be Single

The tagline for this movie: Welcome To The Party. A group of unattached women and men navigate the ever-evolving dating scene in a bustling city. As each one tries to define their unique definition of love it becomes a lesson in how to survive on your own but not be lonely in or out of a relationship.

Alice is young woman who has broken up with her long time boyfriend to try and find herself, but soon finds the world of single life not the delectable piece of cake she thought it would be. Meg is Alice's sister who has focused on her job as a doctor of obstetrics after a bad break up and is now looking to have a baby on her terms finding that traditional dating may not work for her. Lucy is a serial dater who is using multiple online dating site profiles to find the right person to settle down with but in her search she may have to find love where she least expects.

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Grand Bahama American Women's Club 13th annual philanthropic golf classic THIS Saturday

The Grand Bahama American Women's Club is celebrating 50 years of service to the youth of this island and are on countdown to one of the most FUN golf tournaments - the 13th Annual Philanthropic Golf Classic. Registration is presently underway at the Reef Course until Thursday Feb.18 from 11:00am - 3:00pm and play commences with a shotgun start at noon on Saturday Feb.20, 2016.

Win a Ford Escape SE with all the "bells and whistles" for a hole-in-one on No.4 and "bonus prizes" on the other par 3 holes. All made possible through the generosity of Freeport Jetwash. Immediately following the tournament an awards dinner will be held at Ocean Blue Restaurant, located at the Ocean Reef Resort.

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Bimini Big Game Club announces 2016 series of fishing tournaments

The historic Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina is continuing its tradition of hosting memorable fishing tournaments by announcing an expanded series in 2016 starting with the Wahoo Weekend on March 3-6. The remainder of the sportfishing series will follow with the BBGC Billfish Tournament on April 14-17, the BBGC Tuna/Dolphinfish Tournament of May 26-29 and the BBGC Wahoo Smackdown VIII on November 10-13.

BBGC Tournament Series points for Wahoo, Tuna and Dolphinfish will be awarded at a rate of one point per pound over minimum scoring weight of 20 pounds. To kick off the scoring system, double points will be awarded to the first, second and third place finishers in the series' opening tournament March 3-6.

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ZNS Northern Service launches 2016 'Healthy Lifestyles' campaign

The Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas Northern Service launches its 20th annual Healthy Lifestyles campaign on February 22, 2016. Our aim is to educate and inform the community on the benefits of establishing more health-conscious lifestyles.

The campaign gets underway with a series of radio talk shows featuring Health professionals on a wide range of Health topics on ZNS-3 810 AM, February 22nd through March 17th - Monday to Thursday at 2:00 p.m. Our focus this year will be on Eating Right and Getting Fit. Health Topics will be featured during the 6:30 p.m. newscast on ZNS TV-13. Locally produced health shows can be viewed on ZNS TV on Wednesday and rebroadcast Fridays during the month of March.

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First Urban Renewal 2016 'Love Games' track and field meet opens

The First Annual Urban Renewal 2016 "Love Games" Track and Field Meet got underway on Saturday, February 13, at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, presented by the Urban Renewal Commission in conjunction with the Urban Renewal Foundation and BTC.

The opening of the Games featured performances by youngsters from communities of New Providence where Urban Renewal Centres are situated. The Urban Renewal Commission's Sporting League under the direction of Coordinator Wilton Russell, Jr., provided opportunity for hundreds of persons from the inner city to participate in a nationally-recognized sporting initiative.

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Top FIFA officials, BFA, Tourism and Sports ministries meeting as Bahamas prepares to host 2017 Beach Soccer World Cup

Top FIFA officials flew to The Bahamas this week for working meetings with a team of more than three dozen leaders from the Bahamas Football Association, Tourism and hospitality as The Bahamas prepares to host the 2017 Beach Soccer World Cup, an event expected to draw thousands and air on some 200 television stations around the world.

Sixteen teams from six confederations will face off for the two-week event set for April 2017. Among those expected to qualify are teams from Tahiti, Portugal and Brazil, each of which has hosted a beach soccer World Cup with significant economic impact.

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Muddasick! What's bugging you?

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

LETTER: CLICO and The Bahamas Insurance Association

Why has BIA been silent to the suffering of thousands of Bahamians who were directly affected by an arm of their own organization? Despite the many years since the CLICLO disaster where 13,000 Bahamians and their families where affected when policy holders lost their insurance overnight, the Bahamas Insurance Association which advertises itself as the legitimate representation of such companies has yet to speak one word to the dismal state in which CLICO has left these persons.

The Bahamas Insurance Association has been religiously pushing their agenda against the idea of Bahamians having access to affordable healthcare. With NHI the Government of The Bahamas created a revolutionary step towards upgrading the quality of living for over 200,000 Bahamian men and women. These are Bahamians who are uninsured and unprotected against sudden illnesses, accidents and emergencies. Without NHI it is incomprehensible to conceive the challenges they are likely to encounter would be address.

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NASSAU EVENTS

Bahamas National Holidays 2016 - Click HERE to view the official list.

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

February 19: 'Wear Your Rubber' - The Mega Mergers Team is putting on an event not to be missed. They are transforming old tires and other found materials into wearable fashion! Reception: 6:30pm, Show: 7:15pm at GrayCliff Heritage Artist Studios, West Hill Street.

February 20-21: Nassau Music Society presents Quartetto Gelato - Concert Saturday, 7:30pm at The College of The Bahamas Performing Arts Centre. Sunday 5:30pm at St. Paul's Church Hall, Lyford Cay. Click HERE for info.

February 26-27: Operation PotCat - Get your cat spay or neutered FREE. Click HERE to view the poster.

February 27: 8th Annual Empty Bowls Bahamas - 1pm-5pm at Queens College Auditorium, Village Road. Click HERE for Empty Bowls Facebook Page.

March 4-6: 'Gun Boys Rhapsody' - written and directed by Ian Strachan. Dundas Centre, 8pm. 393-3728.

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.

March 14-17: Bahamas Natural History Conference - "Reversing the Decline" held in conjunction with The College of The Bahamas. Click HERE for info.

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

April 30: BAARK! Carnival - All money raised goes towards Baark's spay/neuter work and our education programs all over the Bahamas. More info soon.

May 5-7: Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival II - at Da Cultural Village.

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.

November 20: Bahamas Half Marathon/10K - Start and finish at Arawak Cay. Click HERE to visit the website.

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

February 18: 'The Thursday Club' - at the Sailing Club with Methice Rigby and Friends playing rake 'n scrape, soca and calypso. Cruzin Caf� with food for sale. Click HERE to visit the FB event page.

February 18: 'Backyard Party' - at the Junkanoo Museum, Yellow Pine Street, 7:30pm. Come and experience all things Bahamian!

February 19: Post-Valentine's social - Curry, Spice & Everything Nice at the Regency Theatre, 7pm. Click HERE for info.

February 20: GB American Women's Club Golf Classic - at the Reef golf course. Celebrating 50 years of community service! Click HERE to read more.

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

February 21: Cat Island Development Association Meeting - At Sister Mary Patricia Russell Junior High School, 4 p.m. For more information contact R. Stubbs at 439-5034.

February 24: Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce Monthly Business Luncheon - Dr. Marcus Bethel will be disclosing the Hawksbill Creek Agreement Review Committee's recommendations to the government. 12:30pm, Delphine's Room at Pelican Bay Hotel. To register call 352-8329.

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 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 5: LIS International Food and Culture Festival - NEW DATE! Lucaya International School 2-10 p.m.

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.

March 17: Grand Bahama Business Outlook - TCL events has all the info - http://tclevents.com/

March 19: ZNS Fun Run/Walk - 5K event part of healthy lifestyles month. Click HERE to read more in the FP News.

March 25: Grand Bahama Regatta Fish Fry - On Independence Park from 12p.m. - 6p.m. For more information contact: 457-5656.

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 15-16: Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival II - at Taino Beach.

April 16: St. Paul's School 50th Anniversary Banquet - NEW DATE! At The Chateau on the Green, 7 p.m. Call 352-6225.

April 16: Hair Fashion & Talent Extravaganza -

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

May 28: 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.

June 20-24: Sir Jack Hayward Soccer Camp - Click HERE to read more and register ASAP.

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

thru February 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 25: Wills and Succession Law in the Bahamas - Alexiou, Knowles & Co. present, at the Green Turtle Club & Marina ABACO, 12:30pm. Call 367-2010 for info.

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 3-6: Bimini Big Game Club Wahoo Weekend - Click HERE to visit the resort's website for details.

March 4: Hope Town Heritage Day - ABACO. 9:45am-3pm at Hope Town Library Park. Click HERE for additional info.

March 15: Cay Topics Luncheons - For Ladies Who Listen, Lunch, & Learn at the ABACO Inn. 366-0133 to reserve a spot. Maureen Torgerson speaks on Porcelain: A China Trade Story. Doors open 10:15am.

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!

March 26: Art Show & Wine Tasting - at the ABACO Inn. 11am-4pm, call 366-0133 for info.

April 14-17: Bimini Big Game Club Billfish Tournament - Click HERE to visit the resort's website for details.

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 26-29: Bimini Big Game Club Tuna/Dolphin Tournament - Click HERE to visit the resort's website for details.

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.

November 10-13: Bimini Big Game Club Wahoo Smackdown VIII - Click HERE to visit the resort's website for details.

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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National Disabilities Commission logo designed by Eight Mile Rock High School student

To get a younger demographic thinking and talking about disabilities and related issues, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities launched a logo design competition in all secondary and high schools last October.

"The Commission wanted to have a logo that would come from the wider community, represent the creativity and talents of youths of all abilities, and reflect the values of inclusion, empowerment, and accessibility," said Mr. DeCosta Bethel, the Commission's Chairman.

Only a handful of schools submitted designs from their students, and this was understandable as The Bahamas was dealing with the devastating effects of category four Hurricane Joaquin. The entries were judged by a panel from the community of persons with disabilities.

The winning logo design concept that became the Commission's official emblem was submitted by Mr. Nicklaus Saunders, a tenth-grade student at the Eight Mile Rock High School, Grand Bahama. Second-place winner, Mr. Roland Elidor and third place winner Mr. Myles Martin are also students of the Eight Mile Rock High School.

Commission Vice-Chairman, Mr. Derrick Nottage, who resides in Grand Bahama and is a wheelchair user, presented the winners with their prizes at a ceremony at the Eight Mile Rock High School. In congratulating the winners, Nottage said, "Some of our young men are making headlines for the wrong reasons: but today we proudly celebrate three talented young men who have channeled their creativity and energy in the right direction. I applaud them for their efforts in transforming the words of the Commission's motto into a logo.

Click here to read more