Bahama Islands Info Newsletter

News :: Events :: Opportunities

VOL V. No. 41, March 10, 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

Column: At the Movies

Sports News

Feedback: Letter to the Editor

This week's featured article

Daylight Saving Time returns March 13

The Cabinet Office wishes to advise the general public that Daylight Saving Time will commence on Sunday, March 13, 2016 at 2:00 a.m. and will continue until 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 6, 2016.

*Remember to 'Spring Ahead' and set your clocks ahead one hour when you go to bed on Saturday night, March 12.

Prime Minister Christie presents Mid-Year Budget Statement

Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie said in the House of Assembly, on March 7, 2016, that this year's Budget is but one integral component of his Government's "overarching and targeted strategy and action plan" to bring better economic and social outcomes for all the nation's citizens.

"Since the very first day of our taking office in 2012, we have been steadfast in both our message and our resolve in respect of this plan," Prime Minister Christie said during his presentation of the 2015/16 Mid-Year Budget Statement. He noted that it was the fourth such Statement of his Administration, as mandated by the Financial Administration and Audit Act of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

Click here to read more

U.S. Embassy honors 2016 Woman of Courage Award recipient on International Women's Day

On Tuesday, March 8, U.S. Chargé d'Affaires a.i. Lisa Johnson hosted a breakfast reception at the U.S. Ambassador's Residence to honor Embassy Nassau's 2016 Woman of Courage and nominee for the Secretary's Award for International Women of Courage. This year's honoree is Ms. Marva P. Jervis, Director of the Bahamas HIV/AIDS Centre at the Ministry of Health. Among the invited guests on hand to celebrate the honor, Minister of Health, Dr. Perry Gomez, Mrs. Anne Marie Davis, wife of the Deputy Prime Minister Philip Davis and previous Embassy Nassau Woman of Courage honorees, Mrs. Sheila Culmer and Mrs. Andrea Archer.

U.S. Embassy Nassau nominated Ms. Jervis for the prestigious award International Woman of Courage Award in recognition of her dedication and more than 30 years of caring for people living with HIV/AIDS. Ms. Jervis is a nation builder who has been instrumental in reducing discrimination and the stigma attached to HIV/AIDS in The Bahamas.

Click here to read more

Attorney General gives Senate contribution on the Constitutional (Amendments) Bills

Madam President, I believe that ideas are part of our heritage -- that passionate beliefs can be passed from one generation to the next.

My grandmother, Georgiana Kathleen Symonette, was born in 1902, in a different time. But we share so much, including a belief that progress comes when you work for it, that, as the African proverb says, "when you pray, move your feet." She, Eugenia Lockhart, Mary Ingraham and Mabel Walker founded the Women's Suffrage Movement. They and their fellow Suffragettes did not wait around for change, they moved their feet - collecting signatures and organizing petitions across our islands, speaking up for what they knew to be true, which was that women deserved a right to vote. They understood that the right to vote was at the core of citizenship and indeed, of belonging.

Click here to read more

Local electric car importers cheer Bloomberg News prediction '2020s will be the decade of the electric car

Owners of a local car dealership who have invested in electric vehicles applauded a prediction by Bloomberg News that the 2020s will be the decade of the electric car and nearly half the new vehicles in the world would have a plug by the year 2040.

"The story and video, which got huge play on Bloomberg, confirmed what we have believed since we first started investigating electric cars as the vehicle of the future," said Pia Farmer. Along with husband John, Farmer has led the way in championing the e-vehicle, declaring it should succeed for all the right reasons. "Electric cars are better for the environment in two ways, first, what powers them is a battery instead of fossil fuels, and secondly, their impact on air quality," said Farmer.

Click here to read more

Top migratory bird expert featured at Bahamas Natural History Conference

Dr Peter Marra, one of the world's top experts on migratory birds, will be a featured speaker at the upcoming Bahamas Natural History Conference, organised by The Bahamas National Trust.

Marra heads the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Centre in Washington DC and has authored over 180 peer-reviewed papers published by leading scientific journals. His primary interest is in understanding the factors that control bird populations. He is also pursuing technological solutions to track animals (from dragonflies to bats) throughout their lifetimes. The conference takes place March 15-17 at the College of The Bahamas in Oakes Field.

Click here to read more

Louis Bacon's Moore Bahamas Foundation provides grant to help BNT protect Queen Conch populations

The Bahamas National Trust announced Monday that it has received a third $50,000 grant from The Moore Bahamas Foundation, the local affiliate of Louis Bacon's Moore Charitable Foundation, to support its work to protect the rapidly declining population of the iconic Queen Conch.

This is the third year that funding from The Moore Bahamas Foundation is supporting the partnership between Bahamas National Trust, the Government of The Bahamas, corporate Bahamas and the conservation community which has formed the Conchservation Campaign (pronounced Conch-servation). This year's donation brings the total of The Moore Bahamas Foundation grants to $150,000 in the campaign to protect the conch population from depletion.

Click here to read more

HRH Prince Edward and Countess of Wessex make the rounds in New Providence

Minister of the Environment and Housing, Hon. Kenred Dorsett, accompanied Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex on a tour of the Autism Unit at Garvin Tynes Primary School Thursday afternoon. Her Royal Highness spoke to the assembly of students, faculty and parents of school. She was also presented with handmade gifts by some of the students.

Pictured with the Countess are Lionel Sands, Director of Education; Hon. Kenred Dorsett, Minister of the Environment and Housing; Carolyn Wright-Mitchell, Principal of Garvin Tynes Primary School.

Click here to read more

Upcoming BTVI fair to encourage investment in healthy lifestyles

Taking responsibility for one's health choices is the aim of The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institution's upcoming health and wellness fair. To be held March 17th at BTVI, Old Trail Road, the Student Affairs department is rolling health and fitness into one as 40 exhibitors provide information, demonstrations and samples of their products and/or services.

BTVI's Dean of Student Affairs, Racquel Bethel, said the team's approach to wellness is a holistic one that first targets students, staff and faculty, but is also extended to the public.

Click here to read more

AKA Eta Psi Omega Chapter hosting 38th annual Honour's Day programme March 18-20

On March 18-20, 2016; fourty-five of the best and brightest graduating female students from throughout the Commonwealth of The Bahamas will convene in New Providence for the 38th Annual Honour's Day Programme weekend of activities culminating with an awards Ceremony at Government House.

The Honour's Day Programme remains an integral part of Eta Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. This year is especially significant to the organization as the international organization is celebrating one hundred and eight (108) years of service to mankind and the Honours Day Programme is celebrating thirty eight (38) years of positive influence in The Bahamas.

Click here to read more

Antique Auto Show 2016 raising funds to assist with heart surgery for 8-month old child

The Antique Auto Club of the Bahamas is very pleased to announce that proceeds from the 29th Annual Antique Auto Show and charity cook-out, to be held at the Arawak Cay Cultural Centre (Fish Fry!) on Saturday the 2nd, April, are to be donated to the Sir Victor Sassoon (Bahamas) Heart Foundation to help an 8 month old girl with urgently needed life-saving surgery.

Therefore, Bahamian residents and visitors are asked to offer their support and help little Amaris Smith in her fight for life. Come and see the wonderful antique vehicles for a very nominal $2 entry fee. Raffle tickets are also available for a chance to win useful prizes - including a 32" flat screen TV, but the winner will have to stay until the end of the show for a chance to win that!

Click here to read more

Historic apprenticeship contract signing ceremony at COB's Culinary and Hospitality Management Institute

Students from The College of The Bahamas Culinary and Hospitality Management Institute (CHMI) will not only be taught the ins and outs of the food and beverage industry at The College, but will also receive on-the-job training through the Apprenticeship Programme. First year students enrolled in the Associate of Applied Arts Degree Programme in Culinary Arts at CHMI participated in an Apprenticeship Contract Signing Ceremony held last week at Choices Restaurant on the Oakes Field campus.

"What is so significant about this signing," emphasized Dr. Sophia Rolle, Executive Director for the Institute, "is that we have not had such a signing ceremony in over fifteen years."

Click here to read more

The Paint Place brings stroke of colour to Bahamas National Feeding Network

For decades, The Paint Place has filled businesses, homes and lives of many Bahamians with bright hues and bold pigments. Recently they've added colour to the lives of many accustomed to seeing gray and gloom.

These persons, among thousands in the community, on a daily basis are filled with hunger and battle with the thought of where their next meal will come from. Through a donation to the Bahamas National Feeding Network, The Paint Place has joined corporate Bahamas in championing this fight.

Click here to read more

Concerned citizens of Hawksbill on Love 97FM's 'Voice of the Bays' talking about blasting by Bahama Rock

On March 3rd, 2016, the Concerned Citizens of Hawksbill appeared on Voice of the Bays, The Environment Speaks hosted by Joseph Darville assisted by Gail Woon. The topic of the show was the Blasting by Martin Marietta Bahama Rock (MMBR). Guests included Dave Barr, Jackie Frazier, Renardo Parker, John Frampton and Yvonne Grant, members of the Concerned Citizens of Hawksbill.

Gail Woon gave a synopsis of the history of the problems, "I used to live in the Queens Cove Subdivision. We were the first group to complain about the blasting by Martin Marietta Bahama Rock. In 2000 - 2003, what was happening was MMBR was blasting fairly closely to the Fishing Hole Road area and we would feel the blasts daily at 4 p.m."

Click here to read more

New remedial lab for Eight Mile Rock High School

The Eight Mile High School opened a new and exciting remedial lab on Wednesday, March 2, as a result of sponsorships from the Rotary Club of Freeport, the Freeport Container Port and the Grand Bahama Shipyard. Principal of EMR High, Ivan Butler said that he is pleased and proud to be launching this lab that will not only benefit the students of the school, but will also service the entire community of Eight Mile Rock.

Shown from left are: Martha Edgecombe, teacher; Sherlin Williams, Freeport Container Port; Elsie Knowles, community leader; Othyneil Pinder, president of Rotary Club of Freeport; Mr. Butler; and Don Forbes, Grand Bahama Shipyard.

(BIS Photo/Vandyke Hepburn)

Princess Cruise Lines Caribbean Princess calls at Freeport Harbour

Grand Bahama's tourism picture got a boost with the arrival of the Caribbean Princess, a 950-foot-long vessel owned and operated by Princess Cruise Lines. The ship, which operates seven-day cruises out of Houston, Texas, arrived at Freeport Harbour Wednesday with some 3,210 passengers, before heading on to New Providence.

It was the second visit to Grand Bahama over the past two months. On Wednesday morning, officials of Freeport Harbour Company, Ministry of Tourism and Princess Cruises commemorated the event with a plaque exchange.

Click here to read more

Grand Bahama's Urban Renewal children enjoy trip to Miami Heat game

While thousands of spectators enjoyed a special Bahamas Theme Night game between the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls at the American Airlines Arena earlier this week - no one enjoyed it more than six children from the Grand Bahama Urban Renewal Program, who were treated like royalties at the game.

The youngsters Diondrea Nixon, Hope Brown, Arjene Stubbs, Akeem Stuart, Traydico Bethel and Kendialo Stubbs, all share a common interest in the sport of basketball and were special guests of the Miami Heat Organization and the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism (BMOT).

Click here to read more

A beautiful day for the HSGB's 31st annual dog show

It was a beautiful day for a dog show! The HSGB's 31st Annual Dog Show went off without a hitch and was enjoyed by all participants, human and canine alike. We were happy to welcome back Guest Judge Kim Aranha, President of the Bahamas Humane Society in Nassau. She carried out the difficult task of judging so many unique and wonderful dogs with her usual aplomb, sensitivity and wit. We think it's safe to say while only some could go away with trophies and ribbons, every single participant were truly winners in every way.

The No Fleas Flea Market tent was wildly popular as always, as was the Sands tent. Our friends from the Rotary Club of Freeport kindly manned the grill station once again (and provided the grill) and did their usual great job. DJ Unkle Sammy provided great tunes as always. Nesbitt Rentals is always on time with their tents and tables and we appreciate their extra help and consideration as always.

Click here to read more

Bahamas receives worldwide exposure from historic Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover, photographed in Exuma

The Bahamas continues to receive international publicity thanks to Sports Illustrated (SI) recent unveiling of the historic, multiplatform launch of its 2016 swimsuit calendars, which features three covers, with three cover models, one of which was shot in The Bahamas, earlier this year.

One of the three covers features model Ronda Rousey, seated in stunning turquoise waters in the Exumas. Taken at the Grand Isle Resort by famed photographer Frederic Pinet, Rousey's perfectly body painted swimsuit, pays homage to The Bahamas' vibrant and colorful cultural phenomenon, Junkanoo, which is reflected entirely throughout the magazine.

Click here to read more

Harbour Island's Romora Bay builds Bahamian staff, experiences higher numbers and record guest satisfaction

Blame it on the freezing temperatures in parts of the U.S. and Canada, or credit the subtle changes in staff and property, but whatever the cause the result is indisputable - Romora Bay Resort & Marina on Harbour Island has never enjoyed higher occupancy rates or greater visitor satisfaction.

And if that sounds like just so much happy talk, the numbers prove it. Romora Bay Marina has hit 100% occupancy several times this year. There have been weekends when every seat at the restaurant was filled, guests were sharing tables and there was a waiting list for the limited hotel rooms. Beyond that, Romora Bay's general manager, Joe Dargavage, has spearheaded the creation of the Harbour island Hotel Association to help promote the island off the coast of North Eleuthera.

Click here to read more

Friends of Exuma build two homes for Long Island victims of Hurricane Joaquin

Receiving the keys to newly-built homes, mortgage free, was a great day for two residents of this settlement whose homes were destroyed by the catastrophic Hurricane Joaquin in October 2015. Lee Wallace, 89, and her granddaughter Melony McIntosh, a 40-year-old mother of two, were the recipients of homes built by Four Cs Adventures of Exuma and friends from the United States of America.

On Wednesday, March 2, 2016, a team comprising the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Local Government officials, the contractor, builders from Exuma and other guests assembled for the 'handover of keys,' deemed "It's a great day to serve the Lord."

Click here to read more

Government constructs seawalls in San Salvador

Residents in settlements impacted by erosion and sea surges will benefit from seawalls presently being constructed in San Salvador. During a recent visit to the island, the Hon. Philip Davis Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Urban Development inspected a seawall that was under construction in Halls Landing.

In addition to this seawall, one has been constructed in Bonefish Bay and another is expected to be built in Pigeon Creek. "This area was prone to sand and deep erosion into the road which was severely damaged and compromised by Hurricane Joaquin. So we decided to build a sturdy seawall to protect the road and to preserve this area from further deterioration," he said.

Click here to read more

Eleuthera All That Jazz tuning up for fourth annual festival

The Eleuthera All That Jazz Festival will soon be celebrating its fourth anniversary, bringing a host of renowned jazz artists to perform on the island of Eleuthera from 30th March to April 3rd 2016.

Recently listed in USA Today as one of the top ten Caribbean musical festivals to see in 2016, Eleuthera All That Jazz has been steadily growing its reputation since its first concert in 2012. Founder and Chairwoman of the festival, Patricia Leigh-Wood said "every year we aim to attract an exciting new mix of both local and international jazz artists and this year will be no exception."

Click here to read more

Popopstudios features 'Triple Double' exhibition for Transforming Spaces

Popopstudios International Center for The Visual Arts celebrates Transforming Spaces with a massive exhibition, Open Studios and a Junkanoo Rushout. Popopstudios is one of four galleries participating in this year's Transforming Spaces event along with the DíAguilar Art Foundation, the Central Bank Art Gallery and Hillside House. Centered at the Towne Hotel in downtown Nassau, Transforming Spaces runs from Wednesday, March 9 through Sunday, March 13.

Popop will be launching an exhibition called "Triple Double". The name is a play on the common sports terminology in which a player accumulates a double-digit number total in three of five statistical categories.

Click here to read more

Musical legend KB's latest Save The Bays release 'Das What Real Bahamians Do' tackles the silent tough one, the PSA

Kirkland 'KB' Bodie, the musical artist who delivers tough messages to catchy rhythm and rhyme, released his latest Youtube salvo yesterday, taking aim at the government for threatening to replace important land use legislation with a weaker act that he fears fails to protect land or life.

The song 'Das What Real Bahamians Do', written, performed and produced by 'KB', is the latest in a litany of the musician's lyrics for the environmental movement Save The Bays and like the others, it puts the conscience of a country on notice.

Click here to read more

Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival 2016 officially launched

Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival officially launched on Saturday, March 5, at Da Cultural Village, Western Esplanade, with Junkanoo Carnival Groups giving a preview of the colourful panorama that will take centre stage in April at Taino Beach, Grand Bahama, then in May at Da Cultural Village in Nassau.

It kicks off April 15 in Grand Bahama with the Music Masters semi-finals, as it did last year. When the festival moves to Nassau, it will rev up Thursday, May 5, and go into high gear through Saturday, May 7, the with the highlight Music Masters final competition on the mega stage.

Click here to read more

E.Clement Bethel National Arts Festival rounds out first week on Grand Bahama

Tabernacle Baptist Academy Folklore Choir receives high praise from Adjudicator, Elizabeth Thorton, after performing "Looking for Carmen" in the Bahamian Singing for 16-18 Years. during the E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival 2016 at Grand Lucayan in Freeport, Grand Bahama, Thursday, March 3, 2016.

Elizabeth Thorton, an educator of 43 years, adjudicated the Music component. Adjudications continue on Grand Bahama until March 11.

Click here to read more

JCNP and BTC award Junkanoo winners

The coveted trophies for the New Years 2016 and Boxing Day 2015 Junkanoo Parades went home to their excited new owners this past weekend. The Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence Ltd. (JCNP) and Junkanoo's presenting sponsor Bahamas Telecommunication Company (BTC) hosted a banquet to award the Parade Champions, The Valley Boys, and the winners of the various categories with their prizes.

JCNP also presented sponsor BTC with an award for their years of loyal support. BTC is now on the last year of a five-year contract with the JCNP, having pledged $850,000 in 2011 to the nation's most colourful native display, the annual Junkanoo Parades.

Click here to read more

Bahamian artist selected top ten emerging artist to watch

Popopstudios artist Tessa Whitehead was selected as a top ten emerging artist to watch at art fair Volta NY by industry publication, Art and Signature. This is the fourth year that Bahamian art studio and gallery Popopstudios has been selected to exhibit at the fair which took place from March 2-6 at Pier 90 in Hells Kitchen, New York City.

Whitehead, the first Bahamian woman to exhibit as a solo artist at a major art fair, was selected from more than 100 artists represented by galleries, not-for-profits, and artist-run spaces from 50 cities around the world.

Click here to read more

At the Movies: Zoolander 2

The tagline for this movie: Long Time No Z. A once beloved male model must team up with his rival-turned-partner to face a threat to their continued success. As they are lured to a foreign city, they must find new allies to combat an old enemy with a clandestine agenda. Derek Zoolander has faced the death of his wife after the collapse of the Derek Zoolander Center For Kids Who Can't Read Good and in an attempt to get back custody of his son he has taken a modeling job from a hot fashion house.

I was really looking forward to this movie because I have been a fan of the original since I first watched it in the cinema. The problem is that this movie is at least a decade too late and its age shows in how dated most of the jokes feel.

Click here to read more

PharmaChem issues a Corporate Challenge for the Dogs Day Half Marathon

Dog Days Half Marathon race organisers, Siobhan Antoni-Bates and Nikki Waugh, are excited to announce that PharmaChem Technologies have joined them as a Platinum Sponsor and have issued the corporate companies of Grand Bahama to a Dogs Day Half Marathon Challenge for 2016!

"The Dog Days Half Marathon is a unique opportunity to offer great team building and a charity challenge to get staff involved in the race, while encouraging a healthier lifestyle in the workplace," noted Antoni-Bates. "Upon registering, each participant can list the company's name that they are representing on their form. Each mile completed is equal to one point and points will be tallied at the end of the race."

Click here to read more

Bahamas invasion of Miami Heat game meets with great fanfare

The invasion of the Bahamas' multi-destination brand and cultural display at the recent Miami Heat game against the Chicago Bulls was met with great fanfare and success, further strengthening The Bahamas' five-year partnership with the Miami Heat Organization.

The game, dubbed a Bahamas Theme Night, saw the Miami Heat ravage the Chicago Bulls with a score of 129-111, and "was nothing short of amazing," says Greg Rolle, Sr. Director of Sales, Marketing and Sports for the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism (BMOT). Some 20,000 spectators, who attended the game, got a sneak taste of The Bahamas' beauty, people, music and diverse culture.

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.

Letter: #itstime for Equality W Thompson!

Dear W Thompson,

We were saddened to read your letter to the editor about "Why I won't vote" for the proposed gender referendum. There are several reasons why.

First, the fact that you would not participate because of the gambling referendum makes no sense? You like countless thousands are not happy with the Chrisite government, yes we get this, but you can change that on election day when you vote for the 2017 government. This year you can rise above the pettiness of "he did it first" and vote to give WOMEN, equality. Something that 130 out of 143 countries have already done.

Click here to read more

NASSAU EVENTS

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

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

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

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

March 10: 'Tourists Only' - Series of photographs. Antonius Roberts' Studio and Gallery at Hillside House, 6:30npm. Click HERE to visit the FB page.

March 12: RUGBY - Baillou v Buccaneers at Winton Rugby Centre, 3pm kick-off.

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 17: BTVI Health & Wellness Fair - 40 exhibitors. Click HERE to read more.

March 19-20: Bahamas Kennel Club Dog Show - at Clifford Park. Click HERE to read more.

March 19-20: Mind.Body.Spirit Festival 2016 - 12noon-7pm at Doongalik Studios, #20 Village Road. Click HERE to visit the event's Facebook page.

April 2: 29th Annual Antique Auto Show - and charity cook-out, to be held at the Arawak Cay Cultural Centre (Fish Fry). 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 16: Atlantic Medical Fun Walk - Register at Atlantic House, 2nd Terrace and Collins Ave. 326-8191.

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.
__________________________________________________

GRAND BAHAMA EVENTS

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: Flower Show - at Mary, Star of he Sea Auditorium 11am-3pm.

March 12: RUGBY - Freeport v Cuckoos (Nassau) at Freeport Rugby Club, 2:30pm. Freeport are the League Champions and go into the Play-off stages as top seed.

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, 8am. Contact club members for info.

March 14-18: Lucayan International School I.B. Visual Arts Exhibition - At the I.B. lounge at LIS from 8:30a.m.-3:30p.m. each day.

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 19: Garden of the Groves Easter Egg Hunt - From 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 374-7778.

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 26: Freeport Players Guild Karaoke Night - Visit the Facebook page for details.

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 9-10: 4th Annual West End Youth Sailing Festival - and Regatta in West End.

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

April 12: Garden of the Groves' Membership Cocktail Party - New date! Call 374-7778 for information.

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.

April 23: Atlantic Medical Fun Walk - Register at Suite 5, Jasmine Corporate Centre. 351-3960.

May 7: LIS Spring Fling - Lucaya International School event. At Bahamas Adventures beginning at 8 p.m. For more information contact Christine Russell at 727-7686. Click HERE to view the poster.

May 13-15: FRFC Jr Rugby Festival 2016 - Freeport Rugby Club Youth teams play Cayman, USA and Nassau. Click HERE to visit the Facebook page for details.

May 14: Cigar Nights - The popular Rotary Club of Grand Bahama Sunrise event returns! More information soon.

May 21: 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.

May 29: Freeport Player's Guild Operation Island Hunt - Island Wide Scavenger Hunt. Visit the group's Facebook page for information.

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

June 24: Freeport Player's Guild Majority Rule Trivia Night - Visit the group's Facebook page for information.

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

September 10: Freeport Player's Guild President's Cocktail Party - Visit the group's Facebook page for information.

October 21: Freeport Player's Guild Dance Central Social - Visit the group's Facebook page for information.

October 22: GB Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards - Venue TBD. Call 352-8329 for information.

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.
_________________________________________________________________

FAMILY ISLANDS & ABACO EVENTS

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

March 10-12: Bahamian Music & Heritage Festival - in George Town, EXUMA. Exuma Tourist Office: 336-2430.

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.

April 21-30: Abaco Anglers Fishing Tournament - For all ages! Click HERE to view the poster.

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.

__________________________________________________________________

HRH Prince Edward presents GGYA Gold Medal Awards

Governor General of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling along with visiting HRH Prince Edward, The Earl of Wessex, and his wife HRH The Countess of Wessex presented 34 young people the prestigious Gold Award of the Governor General's Youth Award (GGYA) programme on Thursday, March 3, 2016 for their outstanding achievements during a ceremony at Queen's College High School.

GGYA was re-established in 1987 through The Bahamas Duke of Edinburgh's Award Programme. Through GGYA participants between the ages of 14-25 develop important skills, contribute valuable service to the community, and participate in physical recreation activities among others in an effort to achieve a Bronze, Silver or Gold award.

Students of Queen's College and other well-wishers waved flags as the Royal Couple greeted them on their arrival. The school's band serenaded the audience prior to and during the event. Among the dignitaries in attendance were Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie; Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Dr. Daniel Johnson; former Governors General Sir Orville Turnquest, who is also Chairman of the GGYA Board of Trustees, and Sir Arthur Foulkes. Also present: Senator Dion Smith, GGYA Management Council Chairman Jack Thompson, members of the clergy, administration, staff and students of Queen's College, parents of the honorees and GGYA participants.

Prince Edward congratulated the recipients. He said it is so important that through events such as this, their achievements are recognized.

"What you do outside the classroom is just as important as your education and it should be recognized," he said.

Click here to read more