Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL V. No. 40, March 3, 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

Sports News

Column: At the Movies

This week's featured article

HRH Prince Edward, The Earl of Wessex, and HRH The Countess of Wessex arrive in The Bahamas

Scenes of the arrival Wednesday, March 2, 2016 of HRH Prince Edward, The Earl of Wessex, and HRH The Countess of Wessex at LPIA for two full days of events surrounding the Governor General's Youth Awards Programme.

While in The Bahamas the Royal Couple will visit and have lunch with the Governor General at Government House, visit the Royal Bahamas Defence Force headquarters, tour a number of schools, and take a short trip to Abaco while in The Bahamas.

Click here to view more photos

Louis Bacon's Moore Bahamas Foundation grant helps BREEF bring marine education to life for more than 700 students

The Bahamas Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) has announced a $50,000 grant from Louis Bacon's Moore Bahamas Foundation to support the protection of the fragile coral reefs of The Bahamas and maintain ongoing marine education programs for more than 700 local students a year.

For the third year, funding from The Moore Bahamas Foundation will support BREEF's research and field studies coordinator, providing vital marine experiences and hands-on environmental knowledge to students. "BREEF exposes students to the wonders of marine life and we are proud to support their commitment to education and the environment," said Mr. Bacon, a conservation philanthropist whose contributions have supported environmental education and the preservation of marine environments around the world.

Click here to read more

Bahamas sales and marketing team wraps up successful road show in Florida

'Educational, Exciting and Fun' is the way scores of Travel Agents described the recent Bahamas Ministry of Tourism's Florida Road Show, "A Bahamas Affair." Three shows were held in Orlando, February 23; Tampa, February 24 and Hollywood, Florida, February 25th.

The Road Show featured: The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism's Director General, Ellison "Tommy" Thompson as a part of a live Talk Show, "The SCOOP" (Bahamas updates and travel trends provided by panel which also included Rick Chomenski of the Nassau/Paradise Island Promotion Board; Russell Miller, Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board; Kerry Fountain, Out Island Promotion Board and Jody Diamond of Diamond PR.)

Click here to read more

U.S. Embassy trains first group of internationally-certified addiction counselors in the Caribbean

The U.S. Embassy's International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Section and Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre marked the end of a joint 15-month, $500,000 project to provide train-the-trainer training for substance use treatment professionals on January 29 at the Public Hospital Authority. As part of the project, a cadre of 22 substance use treatment professionals from across government and civil society received train-the-trainer training in the comprehensive Universal Treatment Curriculum (UTC) for Substance Use Disorders.

The Colombo Plan's International Centre for the Certification and Education of Addiction Professionals (ICCE), a recognized global leader in substance use treatment education, provided the training with funding from the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI).

Click here to read more

U.S. Charg� tours Royal Bahamas Police Force Police College and K9 Unit

On February 24, U.S. Embassy Charg� d'Affaires a.i. Lisa A. Johnson toured the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) Police Training College and Canine Unit with Minister of National Security Dr. Bernard Nottage and Commissioner of Police Mr. Ellison Greenslade. The purpose of the visit was to see the results of several ongoing projects funded by the Embassy's International Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Section through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI).

In calendar year 2015, INL trained more than 420 law enforcement and justice sector officials through more than 50 different training and technical assistance programs and provided more than $2.17 million in technical assistance and equipment. One of the biggest beneficiaries of assistance was the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

Click here to read more

Government student loan recipients urged to repay

Minister of Education, Science and Technology the Hon. Jerome Fitzgerald on February 29 appealed to recipients of the Government's Education Loan Program (ELP) to repay their loans or face court action. Since passage of the Act in 2002, 3,938 Bahamians in New Providence; 669 in Grand Bahama; and 126 throughout the Family Islands have benefited from the program.

At a press conference at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture he announced that after three years of reviewing and reconciling records, the Education Loan Authority now has a formula to address and correct the deficiencies of the ELP.

Click here to read more

Bahamian top performers celebrated by CIBC group worldwide

CIBC FirstCaribbean Bahamas recently toasted three of its own for their outstanding performance in 2015. Three Bahamian staff members Inger Johnson, Cleopatra Deal, and Marlon Rolle were selected for a trip to Hawaii, where they were celebrated by senior executives of the CIBC Group alongside outstanding CIBC staff from throughout the globe.

The three Bahamian winners received their awards as part of the annual CIBC FirstCaribbean Employee Recognition Programme, known as "Player of the Series." Ms. Inger Johnson, District Manager for retail won the "Exemplary Leadership Award," Ms. Cleopatra Deal, Platinum Banking Manager won the "Relationship Management Award" and Mr. Marlon Rolle, Customer Service Officer, won the "Customer Service Award."

Click here to read more

Caden Smith receives Bahamas Red Nose Day proclamation from the Prime Minister

Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie presented the Bahamas Red Nose Day proclamation to Caden Smith of St. Anne's Anglican School, Fox Hill, at the school's special assembly on Thursday, February 25.

Caden initiated Red Nose Day in The Bahamas after she saw for herself someone trying to find food in a garbage disposal: the primary school student wanted to do something to help prevent hunger in her community, and subsequently launched Red Nose Day efforts that now assist with the government's national lunch programme that provides lunch for over 3,000 government school students.

(BIS Photo/Peter Ramsay)

Time to enter the BKC Dog Show - March 19-20

The Bahamas Kennel Club (BKC) will be holding their annual dog show Clifford Park March 19 & 20th. The show will feature breed competition as well as obedience and agility trials with special classes for neutered and spayed dogs and the Bahamian Potcake. There are also classes for Junior Handlers.

The BKC would like to encourage dog owners to enter their dogs in the show. "The Bahamas Kennel Club has been holding this special show which features International and Bahamian Dogs. Over the years the club has grown and added Obedience, Agility and Rally Classes to the annual show," said Elizabeth Williams, BKC President.

Click here to read more

Commonwealth Bank to invest $800,000 in new corporate learning centre

Commonwealth Bank recently signed a contract for a new corporate training centre at a cost of $800,000. In doing so, the Bank cited its emphasis on customer service and training as "the number one reason we are the leading bank in The Bahamas."

The signing took place at the bank's CB Plaza headquarters on Mackey Street where the training centre is currently located. As the bank has grown, CB Plaza has become increasingly crowded, making the move to property adjacent to its Prince Charles Branch a more suitable location, according to Director Earla J. Bethel, who heads the Premises Committee of the Board of Directors.

Click here to read more

NAD promotes environmental awareness through annual LPIA clean up

Last week, Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) launched its "LPIA Clean Up Week" campaign as a part of its commitment to corporate environmental responsibility. From Feb 22-26, NAD held a series of activities and events including presentations by the Bahamas National Trust and the Department of Agriculture, a tree-planting event, a parking lot cleaning drive and the airport's annual Foreign Object Debris (FOD) Walk to clean the airside.

NAD's Environmental Affairs Team also distributed brochures across the airport community about how NAD minimizes our airport's ecological footprint and how we can all help maintain our surroundings.

Click here to read more

Green Earth Festival by the numbers

21% of people making New Year's Resolutions claim they'll lose weight. 14% say they'll exercise. 7 percent want to eat healthier, while 5 percent want to manage stress better. Though 3% of people want to stop procrastinating, 1 in 3 people would have ditched their resolutions by the end of January.

What is the answer for the 73% that give up before meeting the same health and fitness goal they've given up on at least 4 times in the past? The Green Earth Festival, happening on April 23rd- 24th!

Click here to read more

Business Tech Expo and Hackathon expands business opportunities

The recent Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) Business and Technology Expo and Hackathon was planned and presented to underscore the company's "renewed sense of commitment to explore opportunities to advance and strengthen business partnerships in The Bahamas," said Senior Vice President of Business Solutions, Chris Mayer.

"The event was intended to expose new technology and encourage Bahamian innovation; and in that regard, it was a great success. The objective was to intersect two things important to BTC: to promote technology in The Bahamas, and to create a savvy way to bring young Bahamians into the community of technology, creativity, and innovation."

Click here to read more

Hawksbill Creek Agreement Review Committee chairman addresses concerns with business community

Chairman of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement Review Committee (HCARC) Dr Marcus Bethel suggested the government would make a determination on the Hawksbill Creek Agreement's expiring tax concessions within the next three months.

Dr Bethel made the claim while fielding questions from local business owners at the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce's (GBCC) monthly meeting on Wednesday, February 24 at the Pelican Bay Hotel in Freeport. "Indications I have are that this current extension of three months is going to be the final extension," Dr Bethel said.

Click here to read more

EARTHCARE Eco Kids focus on pollution

On February 27th, 2016, the EARTHCARE Eco Kids tackled the touchy subject of pollution. Gail Woon, Founder of EARTHCARE and a Director of Save The Bays met with the EARTHCARE Eco Kids and gave the students an overview of pollution and its ramifications for our country. At the Kevin Tomlinson Academy, Ms. Woon spoke about the differences between the 3 types of pollution: ground, air and water.

She explained that the city water on Grand Bahama is pulled from the ground. Our ground is very porous and pollutants will be readily absorbed. This is why it is very important not to pollute the ground.

Click here to read more

East Grand Bahama business owners consider 'strength in numbers' to improve opportunities

There is strength in numbers - this was the crux of the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce's (GBCC) message to business owners and prospective entrepreneurs in East Grand Bahama during a meeting in High Rock last Thursday.

GBCC leaders met with the eastern district's business community to discuss the advantages of having an amplified and unified voice to advocate on key issues affecting business on the island, an advantage the representatives cited among the main benefits of joining the GBCC. Boasting a membership of over 200 local businesses, the GBCC has started the year with an intense focus on broadening its membership in areas outside of Freeport.

Click here to read more

Get ready for the 31st annual HSGB Dog Show this Saturday

Let's celebrate dogs this Saturday, March 5!

Get your dogs ready to strut their stuff at the Humane Society of Grand Bahama, starting at 10am. Don't have a dog? No problem! Come and choose one of our beautiful shelter dogs to show off.

We also welcome back Guest Judge, Kim Aranha, President of the Bahamas Humane Society in Nassau.

The Flea Market tent will have some great bargains as always, and you can quench your thirst and get something tasty to eat at the grill or the bake sale table. Giggles, Inc. will be doing face painting for the kids from 11 - 3.

Click here to read more

Caribbean Export Development Agency meets in Grand Bahama

Delegates of the Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA) are meeting in Grand Bahama to discuss matters of export development, trade and investment affecting the region. Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville welcomed them at a reception at Dolphin Cove Clubhouse on Wednesday evening. Fifteen member states of the region that include representatives from the European Union (EU) and CARIFORUM are in attendance.

Minister Darville thanked the group for choosing Grand Bahama as the location for their Board Meeting, and CEDA Chairperson Donnalee Bowe was specially thanked for bringing local and regional stakeholders together in one setting.

Click here to read more

GB Chamber of Commerce meets with Canadian investors to discuss opportunities

Canadian investors visited Grand Bahama this week to meet with key stakeholders on the prospect of establishing a performing arts and entertainment academy on the island. During their visit, the investors paid a courtesy call on the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce (GBCC) where they proposed the development of "The Culture Tree Foundation", a funding organisation that would facilitate the establishment of such an academy.

The Culture Tree Group also talked about the advantages of having a local performing arts academy, particularly as it relates to enhancing Grand Bahama's tourism product.

Click here to read more

Fraternity men restore BNT trails at the Rand Nature Centre

Men of Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi and Phi Beta Sigma fraternity chapters on Grand Bahama came together recently to restore trails at the Rand Nature Centre, regional headquarters of the Bahamas National Trust.

The centre features a 2,000-foot heritage trail that winds through 100 acres of coppice and pine forest in the heart of Freeport.

Click here to read more

February Point re-development takes shape in Exuma

Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Perry Christie said Friday that he was delighted to see the progress that has been made at February Point Freestyle Exuma, in such a short period of time, and that it was just a over two years ago that developer John McGarvey spoke about his vision and what he would like to do.

"We are here to witness today a state-of-the-art newly constructed Welcome Centre, with all of its features," said Prime Minister Christie during the Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Welcome Centre, Restaurant and Spa at the property near Georgetown, Exuma.

Click here to read more

Businesses open, boats re-floated, hundreds back at work thanks to Rebuild Bahama

The famed Long Island fishing fleet is slowly returning to the sea, businesses are opening their doors and stocking their shelves, contracts are being let and hundreds of men and women are back at work as commerce begins its welcome recovery from the worst hurricane to hit the southern Bahamas in history.

The positive report detailing how far the work has come - and how far it still has to go -- was revealed at a Rebuild Bahamas press conference today at the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce. Rebuild Bahamas, a powerful partnership formed in the wake of Hurricane Joaquin between the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers' Confederation (BCCEC) and the Rotary Clubs of The Bahamas, was announced within days of the hurricane's devastation.

Click here to read more

Workshop held on ecosystem-based development for Andros

Andros is getting a lot of attention these days. It has become the focus of an ecosystem-based project that may be the model that is needed to move the island into an upward economic spiral for years to come with a focus on preservation and protection of the natural environment as an income generator for local residents and potential investors alike.

The project is being funded by the Inter-American Development Bank and is spearheaded by the Office of the Prime Minister. The final goal of the project is to develop a Master Plan for the island with input from and consultation with the local residents.

Click here to read more

San Salvador school principal hailed for 40-plus years as an educator

The community of San Salvador celebrated the exemplary service and dedication of Paul Turnquest, former principal of United Estates Primary School, for more than 40 years to the field of education Thursday, February 25.

Students and teachers of United Estates Primary School and San Salvador High School recognized Mr. Turnquest in tributes, songs, poetry and dance during a retirement ceremony at Fellowship in Christ Kingdom Ministries, Cockburn Town, San Salvador. His family, well-wishers, representatives of the clergy, senior Government and Local Government officials were also in attendance.

Click here to read more

Funeral held in Harbour Island for late 'Ma' Ruby Percentie

Funeral Services were held for well-known Harbour Island community activist, businesswoman and matriarch, the Late Nola Ruby Hanna Percentie, affectionately known as "Ma," on Saturday morning at St. John's Anglican Church, Harbour Island, officiated by Father Kirkland Russell.

Governor General Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling attended. Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie gave a tribute at the funeral, and so did Minister of Tourism the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe.

Click here to read more

'Tour de Grand Bahama' bike race weekend takes it from east to west

The 2nd Annual Grand Bahama Cycling Club 'Tour De Grand Bahama' was held on Saturday and Sunday in a three-stage event of Individual Time Trial, Criterion Road Race, and 75-Mile Road Race. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism was the event's major sponsor.

The primary purpose of the race is to raise funds for Operation Christmas Child, which provides shoebox gifts to children all over The Bahamas. The organization focuses on assisting children with not just toys, but school supplies as well. The race began in McLean's Town in East Grand Bahama and ended in West End where a special awards ceremony took place.

Click here to read more

Grand Bahama featured at Miami Heat game

Six lucky children from Grand Bahama, selected by Urban Renewal, traveled to Miami February 29 for an NBA game between Miami Heat and the Chicago Bulls. As it is 'Bahamas Night' at the game, the island of Grand Bahama will be featured.

The joint effort between Urban Renewal and the Ministry of Tourism enables the children and two Urban Renewal Officers to get an experience of a lifetime. Michelle Reckley said she is grateful for the opportunity for the youngsters and said the three boys and three girls were carefully chosen due to their interest in basketball at their school.

Click here to read more

Darville opens junior tennis tournament

Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville officially opened the Grand Bahama Tennis Association's Junior National Tournament at the YMCA on Friday morning. The tournament involves some 65 young people, mainly from Grand Bahama and New Providence, ages 8-18.

Minister Darville was pleased to see emphasis being placed on the development of Junior Tennis on Grand Bahama. He said that he noted with interest in recent times a sports clinic in both the Eight Mile Rock and West End communities that attracted more than 50 young boys and girls for a day.

Click here to read more

At the Movies: Deadpool

One of the many taglines for this movie: With Great Power Comes Great Irresponsibility. The origin story of a mercenary who was once a Special Forces operative and is now an anti-hero after being subjected to a rogue experiment. He is presently hunting downing the ones behind the experiment to force them to change him back so he can be with the woman he loves.

What is there to say about this hysterical comic book based action comedy that has not already been said? It is easily one of the most memorable films of 2016 and that is saying something since we are still in the second month of the year. It is right up there with Blade, The Crow, Road to Perdition, A History of Violence and Kick-Ass when it comes to great live action films for an adult audience with an origin in sequential art.

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.

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

March 5: Heart Association Run/Walk - 6am at Arawak Cay, $15. Call 327-0806 to pre-register.

March 5: Travis Tritt - Grammy Award-winning artist comes to Atlantis. Click HERE for more information.

March 5: "Conch Salad' - An exhibition by Dale Allen & Danielle Darville. 7pm-12am at 1ER CRU Bristol Wine and Spirits. Click HERE for the Facebook page.

March 6: Chickcharney Challenge - Unique obstacle course event. Click HERE to read all about it.

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 13: Bahamas Bridal Show - at the Melia Resort. Call 327-8896.

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

March 19-20: Bahamas Kennel Club Dog Show - at Clifford Park. 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.

April 23-24: Green Earth Festival - at the historic Fort Charlotte. Click HERE to read all about it.

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

March 3: The Thursday Club Presents Sensory Delights - at the GB Sailing Club, 7pm. Click HERE to visit the GBSC Facebook page for updates.

March 4: World Day of Prayer Annual Ecumenical Service - 7 p.m. Community at Heart Tabernacle-Church of God of Prophecy on Coral Road. Click HERE for more info.

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: 'Prosper on Purpose' - women's empowerment workshop - at Pelican Bay. Click HERE to read more.

March 7: Freeport Players Guild Meeting - at the Regency Theatre, 7pm. All with an interest in live theatre welcome.

March 8: BNT AGM - at the Rand Nature Centre, 6:30pm. Guest speaker: Dr. Jacqueline Miller of the Florida Museum of Natural History.

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 12: HSGB Trivia Night - at Garden of the Groves. Click HERE to view the poster.

March 12: Rotary Club of Freeport Walkathon - at Taino Beach. Contact club members for info.

March 16: Garden of the Groves' Membership Cocktail party - Call 374-7778 for details.

March 17: 18th annual Grand Bahama Business Outlook - at the Grand Lucayan. TCL events has all the info - http://tclevents.com

March 17: St Patrick's Day Party - at the GB Sailing Club with live DJ, green drinks and a Best Dressed Leprechaun Competition! Click HERE to visit the Club's FB page.

March 19: ZNS Fun Run/Walk - 5K event part of healthy lifestyles month. Click HERE to read more and find a downloadable entry form.

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

March 26: Grand Bahama Road Safety Committee Fun Run/Walk - Beginning at 6:30 a.m. from the National Insurance Building parking lot. For more information contact Tammi Mitchel at 352-6332 Ext. 239.

March 31: Public Service week Planning Committee Bake Sale - 8:30 a.m.-11 a.m. at the National Insurance Building. For more information please call 352-7529.

April 2: UsTOO Charity Golf Tournament - At Lucayan Reef Golf Club. For more information call 557-6948, 727-1262 or 727-0471.

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.

April 22: Games Night Challenge - and Information Forum at the GB Tennis & Squash Club. Call 727-0471 for more information.

May 14: Sloppy Sloop Regatta - Fun on the water at the GB Sailing Club in celebration of our 10th Year Anniversary. Click HERE to view the Club's FB page.

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.

July 22-24: Grand Bahama Regatta - at Taino Beach.

November 5: Conchman Triathlon #30 - A spectacular race and celebration of 30 years of the Bahamas' best triathlon! Iron Kids too at Taino Beach. Mark your calendars!

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 April 1: NHI community meetings - Click HERE for the schedule in the Family Islands.

March 3: Every Child Counts presents 'True Colours' - Show choir and drum circle perform at the Hope Town Harbour Lodge, ABACO. Click HERE to view the poster.

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 11: Every Child Counts presents 'True Colours' - Show choir and drum circle perform at Spinnakers, Treasure Cay, ABACO. Click HERE to view the poster.

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.

October 9: 2nd annual Run for Pompey - EXUMA. Run from 10-50K. Click HERE to visit the website.

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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Historic day in Parliament as Constitutional Bills pass in the Lower House

History was made in The Bahamas on Wednesday 2nd March, as Parliament passed four amendments to the country's 1973 independence constitution, effectively removing the remaining vestiges of discrimination against all Bahamians from the country's Supreme Law.

On hand for the vote were 37 of 38 parliamentarians as the Honourable member for Saint Anne's Hubert Chipman remains ill.

A short description of the bills and the results of the parliamentary vote are as follow:

Bill #1: This bill seeks the grant the legal right to a Bahamian woman to automatically pass on her Bahamian citizenship to her child born in a foreign country with her non Bahamian spouse just as a Bahamian male married to a non Bahamian woman currently has the legal right and privilege of doing under the current constitution. The results on the vote were 37 yes and 1 absent.

Bill #2: This bill seeks to enable a Bahamian woman who marries a non Bahamian man to secure for her foreign husband the same access to Bahamian citizenship that a Bahamian man married to a non Bahamian woman currently enjoys under the constitution. The results on the vote were 36 yes, 1 no and 1 absent. Marco City MP the Hon. Greg Moss voted no.

Bill #3: This bill seeks to grant to an unmarried Bahamian man the legal right to pass on his Bahamian citizenship to his child he fathered with a non Bahamian woman. Under the constitution, only an unwed Bahamian woman enjoys that legal right and privilege. The unwed male must provide proof of paternity by any method listed under the constitution. The results of the vote were 37 yes and 1 absent.

Bill #4: This bill seeks to eliminate gender discrimination by inserting the word "sex" into article 26 of the constitution to make it unconstitutional to discriminate against anyone on the basis of them being male or female. The results of the vote were 34 yes, 2 no, 1 abstain and 1 absent. Marco City MP Greg Moss and Bamboo Town MP Renward Wells both voted no while Central Grand Bahama MP Neko Grant abstained.

Click here to read more